(for the sake of the play upon his name probably,) by St. Jerom, of writing in waking slumbers; because at a time so awful as the present, when every day teems with great events, and the fate of empires, he has employed his thoughts on Dreams; for, in truth, the fearful importance of the scenes which now interest the attention of mankind, as they only harass and afflict the mind, affording it no prospect of speedy relief, lead him to have recourse to speculative inquiries, with a view of receding from gloomy reflections, promising himself, as did Livy, when he projected his History, "the consolation of with drawing from the sight of evils which prevail." That the subject may afford some little entertainment, and even instruction to the reader, is the Author's earnest hope with this view he has collected, with much industry, whatever might throw light upon it, even to the admission of more accounts than have any strict claim to regard, that he may not appear to have neglected any dreams to which importance has been attached; and he has endeavoured to enliven the remarks which he has produced by the most apposite instances which could illustrate the theme, and often by poetical quotations, wishing to erect an altar, like that mentioned by Pausanias, on which sacred rites were performed, at the same time, to the Muses and to Sleep. ERRATA. VOL. I. Page 12, line 2, for by read for 5, for here read there 1 and 2 from bottom, for farther continued read experienced 3, after occasion add bidding him to express his anger to the senate 18, dele that 2 from bottom, for and read who for Dinasbrune read Dinasbrane 8, for Sfertia read Sfortia |