PREFACE

Summary

1 Kings 7.21.

Ex bundello Petitionum Parliamenti Anno 23 Hen. 6. num. 12.

2 Rom. 12.10.

Although the foundation of this University was far ancienter, yet became what before this time is reported of it, is both little and doubtful, and already inserted into the body of our ecclesiastical history, it is early enough to begin the certain history thereof. Far be it from me to make odious comparisons between Jachin and Boaz the two pillars in Solomon's temple, by preferring either of them for beauty and strength, when both of them are equally admirable. Nor shall I make difference betwixt the sisters (coheirs of learning and religion), which should be the eldest. In the days of King Henry the sixth such was the quality of desert betwixt Humphrey Stafford Duke of Buckingham, and Henry Beauchamp, Duke of Warwick, that to prevent exceptions about priority, it was ordered by the Parliament, that they should take precedency by turns, one one year, and the other the next year; and so by course were to chequer or exchange their going or setting all the years of their life. Sure I am there needeth no such pains to be took, or provision to be made, about the preeminence of our English Universities, to regulate their places, they having better learned humility from the precept of the Apostle, In honour preferring one another. Wherefore I presume my aunt Oxford will not be justly offended, if in this book I give my own mother the upper hand, and first begin with her history.