delectable Stories, hath in it all the strains of Poesie, comprehendeth
the whole art of speaking, and to them who can discern and will
observe, affordeth notable Rules of Demeanour, both private and
publick; and though some men, sharp-witted only in speaking evil, have
depraved the Book, as the occasion that many precious hours are spent
no better, they consider not that the ready way to make the minds of
Youth grow awry, is to lace them too hard, by denying them just and due
liberty. Surely (saith one) the Soul deprived of lawful delights, will,
in way of revenge, (to enlarge its self out of prison) invade and
attempt unlawful pleasures. Let such be condemned always to eat their
meat with no other sawce, but their own appetite, who deprive
themselves and others of those sallies into lawful Recreations, whereof
no less plenty than variety is afforded in this _Arcadia_.

One writes, that Sir _Philip Sidney_ in the extream agony of his
wounds, so terrible the sence of death is, requested the dearest friend
he had, to burn his _Arcadia_; what promise his friend returned herein
is uncertain; but if he brake his word to be faithful to the publick
good, posterity herein hath less cause to censure him for being guilty
of such a meritorious offence, wherewith he hath obliged so many ages.
Hereupon thus writeth the _British_ Epigramatist.

_Ipse tuam morient sede conjuge teste jubebas,
Arcadium sævis ignibus esse cibum;
Si meruit mortem, quia flammam accendit amoris
Mergi, non uri debuit iste liber.
In Librum quæcunque cadat sententia nulla,
Debuit ingenium morte perire tuum._

In serious thoughts of Death 'twas thy desire