limme)
; neyther have we greatly broken promise with them, though they have
not kept touch with us. Goodly, and many golden mountains they promised
us ; who have but scantily performed hitherto but as leaden mole-hills.
Still, howsoever, the bargaine stands between them and us ; we are
neither disposed to excuse them, nor excuse ourselves. We agreed upon
wages, and we weare their Liveries; their Cognisance,—such as it is,—we
beare where we are not ashamed to shew it : divers, and sundry other
affayres have they employed us about; in the which we have faithfully,
painfully, and chargeably applied ourselves, and attained, by their
instructions, many their hidden secrets, as well in Hearbs, and Spices,
as in Mettals, and Mineralls. The latter part of which we have now
diligently collected together, and (for the non-payment meantime of our
board wages at their hands) we are forced to set them, with the residue
of our skill, to sale ; with offer unto thee (Good Readers) of
preferment to the best things we have : yet at a farre easier price
than they have cost us, being no lesse than our ' Summa Summarum ;' oast up ; and the final balance of our account set down ! "
Adopting this timely argument, let us briefly add that, having done our best during a decade of past years to discuss Herbal Simples, Animal Simples, and Dietetics; we here with Precious Stones, and Certain Metals, bring
our life's labours to a termination as regards seeking the suffrages of
the public further in print. Like the Dwarf, in " The Show-man's
Story," told so humorously, but yet so pathetically, by Charles
Dickens, (extra Xmas Number, 1858)—" The Little Man, having walked
three times round the cairawan, will now retire behind the curtain."
