Page:The forme of cury (1780).djvu/52
[xxxvi]
not altogether, for the use of great tables, as appears from the sturgeon, and the great quantity of venison therein prescribed for.
As this MS is so often referred to in the annotations, glossary, and even in this preface, and is a compilation of the same date, on the same subject, and in the same language, it has been thought adviseable to print it, and subjoin it to the Roll; and the rather, because it really furnishes a considerable enlargement on the subject, and exhibits many forms unnoticed in the Roll.
To conclude this tedious preliminary detail, though unquestionably a most necessary part of his duty, the Editor can scarcely forbear laughing at himself, when he reflects on his past labours, and recollects those lines of the poet Martial;
Et stultus labor est ineptiarum. II. 86.
and that possibly mesdames Carter and Raffald, with twenty others, might have far better acquitted themselves in the administration of this procince, than he has done. He has this comfort and satisfaction, however, that he has done his best; and that some considerable names amongst the learned, Humelbergius, Torinus, Barthius, our countryman Dr. Lister, Almeloveen, and others, have bestowed no less pains in illustrating an author on the same subject, and scarcely of more importance, the Pseudo-Apicius.
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