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The writers of the lives of the ancient philosophers used to, in the first place, to speake of their lineage; and they tell us that in processe of time severall great families accounted it their glory to be branched from such or such a Sapiens.

Why now should that method be omitted in this Historiola of our Malmesbury philosopher? Who though but of plebeian descent, his renowne haz and will give brightnesse to his name and familie, which hereafter may arise glorious and flourish in riches and may justly take it an honour to be of kin to this worthy person, so famous, for his learning, both at home and abroad.