Section 486
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4 PREFACE. he trusts, into any error of importance. He is con scious, at least, of no wilful misrepresentation of facts, nor of any intentional departure from the truth of history. In some instances, the writer has given the descrip tions of the authors, from whom he has derived his materials, with more minuteness of detail than may seem consistent with the narrow limits to which he has Jeen restricted. But he thought that these par ticulars might be useful as presenting a picture of the manners and character of the times to which they re late. He has also given at length some narratives which have no immediate reference to his main design, because he considered them as interesting or instructive. In the translations annexed, he has sought to give a faithful version of the originals, without, however, obscuring the meaning by aiming at too great a de gree of mere verbal exactness. In other words, he has endeavored not to sacrifice the sense and spirit of his authors by too strict an adherence to the letter. How far he has succeeded in this attempt is respectfully submitted to the decision of those who are best quali fied to judge.