tions to the university of Cambridge, for the reformation of study. The dialecties of Rodolphus Agricola, the favorite of Erasmus, and the logic of Aristotle, are prescribed to be taught; and the unedifying problems of Scotus and Burlæus abolished; as likewise the tedious commentaries on Peter Lombard's sentences. Moreover, classical lectures were established, and the books of Melancthon, with other esteemed writers among the reformers recommended. These improvements were especially promoted, as we shall see hereafter, by Cheke and Smith, who probably did more than any other two individuals to secure the establishment of ancient learning among us.

Henry VIII.

FROISSART.

SIR JOHN FROISSART was born at Valenciennes, about 1337, and subsequently became canon and treasurer of Chimay, in the diocese of Liege, in Hainault. But he is chiefly known to posterity by a general history of France and Spain, with other parts of Europe, and particularly of England, from the year 1326, to 1400. Though born a Frenchman, he spent the greater part of. his youth in the court of our Edward III. and many years after was familiarly conversant in that of Richard II. He wrote in French, his native language, in his time the court language of England.

His writings were much corrupted by transcription; and even the printed copies which were taken on the introduction of printing, were chargeable with equal and similar faults, which consisted chiefly in names and numbers.

His work was translated into English by sir John Bourchier, lord Berners, 'deputy of Calais, at the command of Henry VIII. and printed by Pinson, in 1523. In this English edition, many of the errors alluded to are corrected. Froissart died about 1402, having ended his life and his story almost at the same time.

The Author's Prologue.

Chap. 1.

To the intent that the honourable and noble aventures of feats of arms done and achieved by the wars of France and England, should notably be enregistered and put in perpetual memory, whereby the prewe and hardy may have ensample to encou rage them in their well doing, I, sir John Froissart, will treat and record a history of great louage and praise. But or I begin, I require the Saviour of all the World, who of nothing created all things, that he will give me such grace and understanding, that I may contrive and psever in such wise, that whoso this process readeth or heareth may take pastaunce", pleasure, and ensample. It is said of truth, that all

1louange, praise.

? persevere.

3 pastime