Page:The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia (IA b30323241).pdf/13

HE disfigured face, gentle Reader, wherewith this worke not long ſince appeared to the common view, moued that noble Lady, to whoſe Honour conſecrated, to whoſe protection it was committed, to take in hand the wiping away thoſe ſpots wherewith the beauties thereof were vnworthely blemiſhed. But as often in repairing a ruinous houſe, the mending of ſome olde part occaſioneth the making of ſome new: ſo here her honorable labour begun in correcting the faults, ended in ſupplying the defects; by the view of what was ill done, guided to the conſideration of what was not done. Which part with what aduiſe entred into, with what ſucceſſe it hath been paſſed through, most by her doing, all by her directing, if they may be entreated not to define, which are vnfurniſht of meanes to diſcerne, the rest (it is hoped) will fauourably cenſure. But this they ſhall, for their better ſatisfaction, vnderstand, that though they finde not here what might be expected, they may finde neuertheleſſe as much as was intended, the concluſion, not the perfection of Arcadia: and that no further then the Authors own writings, or knowne determinations could direct. Whereof who ſees not the reaſon, must conſider there may be reaſon which he ſees not. Albeit I dare affirme he either ſees, or from wiſer iudgements then his owne may heare, that Sir Philip Sidneies writings can no more be perfected without Sir Philip Sidney, then Apelles