405/L.D. 26 S. ADVERTISEMENT. THE merit and high reputation of the Abbe Millot as an historian, with the very favourable reception which has been given to the following work by the learned in every nation of Europe, make any encomium on its author unnecessary, at the same time, that they sufficiently apologize for its being offered to the public in an English dress, THOUGH no subject has been more frequently treated than Ancient History, he has found the secret of making it in a great measure new, by the elegant perspicuity and spirit of his narrative, as well as the solidity, justice, and impartiality of his reflections; in a word, by a happy union of the philosopher with the historian.—But he has given his readers so full an account, in his preface, of what they are to expect from the work, that it is needless to enlarge upon it here. It will be sufficient to observe in his own words, that "though this performance be intended "for youth who are already acquainted with the first ele"ments of literature, and men of business who are desirous "either of acquiring an idea of the principal historical e vents, or of refreshing their memories without engaging "in too tedious a course of study, yet he has not totally neglected readers even of the tenderest age." To this we may add, that the small compass in which he has comprised so extensive a subject, is no little merit; especially as the only tolerable performances of this kind that have appeared in our language, are too expensive, as well as too voluminous, to meet with a general perusal, THE translator is fully sensible how difficult a task it is to do entire justice to his author, the rapidity of whose narration is often irreconcileable with that flowing style VOL. I. 59484 A those majestic and harmonious periods which are the preper ornaments of particular histories, and which have lent such captivating graces to the works of our late great ans thors; his principal aim therefore has been, perspicuity and fidelity to his original; yet he has taken as much care as possible to avoid giving offence to the ear of his reader, and endeavoured to make his diction correct, though he does not aspire to the praise of elegance. In a word, whatever defects may be found in the translation, he flatters himself, that to the candid Public it will be no unac ceptable present. PREFACE. THE princes of Parma, who are descended from the most illustrious family in Europe, ever since their accession to that duchy, have formed a number of establishments for the improvement of those branches of knowledge that have an immediate tendency to promote the happiness of society. From a conviction that history is one of the best schools for informing the minds of the people, and making them truly virtuous, they have neglected nothing which could facilitate that study, and direct it in such a manner as promised the greatest benefit to the public; particularly by making it part of the education of the young nobility. I HAVE had the honour of being employed on this im portant subject, and the plan which was published in 1768, by order of His Royal Highness the Infant Don Ferdinand, Duke of Parma, will give a sufficient idea of the method I pursued, to which I shall only add a few observations upon the contents of the first volumes. SOME celebrated moderns have too violently cried down Ancient History, and were we to hearken to them, it ought not only to be banished from the schools, but excluded from the closets of people of fashion, as being equally fabulous and useless, and engrossing too much of that time which ought to be dedicated to more important studies. Ir must be acknowledged that we should not give it the preference to subjects in which we are more deeply inte |