THE
EDITOR'S PREFACE.
About five years since I had the pleasure of recommending this delightful piece of genuine biography to the attention of those who are gratified by authentic pictures of ancient manners and ancient virtues. The very limited impression then published was received in the most flattering manner, and copies have now for some time ranked among the number of scarce books. More than one literary journal of eminence gave its approving voice, and recommended the reproduction of this biographical gem in a form which would give it more extensive circulation. I have at length listened to the suggestion, and my good fortune has enabled me very much to amend the text by the collation of two manuscript copies. One of these, in the handwriting of Roper's age, has come into my possession since the former edition was printed; for the collation of the other I am indebted to the polite attention
