I could enlarge my self much on this Head, without coming within the suspicion of Flattery, a sordid Vice in all Men, more especially in those who profess Arms. Nor shall I carry my Presumption to so extravagant a pitch, as to desire your Royal Highness to cast your Princely Eye on any thing contain'd in this Treatise You have given the World too publick demonstrations, how great a Master you are in the Art of War, to go to those Schools again, especially to learn from such as I am: And now in this happy calm under his Majesties most merciful Government, You are giving signal proofs of your great desire of Peace, notwithstanding your abilities and skill in War. Wherefore I shall not be guilty of so high a presumption, as to beg from your Royal Highness the Patrociny of this Work of mine in which, I have not the Vanity to doubt but that there may be many more Errors than I can well help.
The greatest Monarch that ever liv'd could not protect Books from Censure: and, I think, it were against reason they should▪ for except in matters of Faith and State▪ (and not in them neither, where the Almighty and his Vicegerents have set no limits,) no restraint should be laid on Men, to hinder their embracing and enjoying their own Opinions, and arguing against those of others.
THE Dedication of Books hath been so old, and still is so universal a custome, that to disallow it, would be perhaps look'd upon as affecting Singularity a little too much yet I could never learn any convincing reason for that Practice.
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