I SIR, PRESUME to lay before Your Majefty the History of a Period, which, if the abilities of the Writer were equal to the dignity of the Subject, would not be unworthy the attention of a Monarch, who is no lefs a Judge than a Patron of Literary Merit. HISTORY claims it as her prerogative to offer inftruction to KINGS, as well as to their people. What reflections the Reign of the Emperor CHARLES A 3 CHARLES V. may fuggeft to Your Majefty, it becomes not me to conjecture. But your Subjects cannot obferve the various calamities, which that Monarch's ambition to be distinguished as a Conqueror, brought upon his dominions, without recollecting the felicity of their own times, and looking up with gratitude to their Sovereign, who, during the fervour of youth, and amidst the career of victory, poffeffed fuch felf-command, and maturity of judgment, as to fet bounds to his own triumphs, and prefer the bleffings of peace to the fplendour of military glory. POSTERITY Will not only celebrate the Wifdom of Your Majefty's choice, but will enumerate the many Virtues, which render Your Reign confpicuous for a facred regard to all the duties incumbent 3 incumbent on the Sovereign of a Free People. It is our happiness to feel the influence of thefe Virtues; and to live under the dominion of a Prince, who delights more in promoting the Publick Welfare, than in receiving the just Praise of his royal beneficence. I am, SIR, YOUR MAJESTY'S Most faithful Subject, And most dutiful Servant, WILLIAM ROBERTSON. A 4 |