oblivion; for though
they lack all that can foster luxury (so naturally barren is the
soil), yet they make up for their neediness by their wit, by keeping
continually every observance of soberness, and devoting every instant
of their lives to perfecting our knowledge of the deeds of foreigners.
Indeed, they account it a delight to learn and to consign to remembrance
the history of all nations, deeming it as great a glory to set forth the
excellences of others as to display their own. Their stores, which are
stocked with attestations of historical events, I have examined somewhat
closely, and have woven together no small portion of the present work by
following their narrative, not despising the judgment of men whom I know
to be so well versed in the knowledge of antiquity. And I have taken
equal care to follow the statements of Absalon, and with obedient mind
and pen to include both his own doings and other men's doings of which
he learnt; treasuring the witness of his August narrative as though it
were some teaching from the skies.

Wherefore, Waldemar, (1) healthful Prince and Father of us all, shining
light of thy land, whose lineage, most glorious from times of old, I am
to relate, I beseech thee let thy grace attend the faltering course of
this work; for I am fettered under the weight of my purpose, and dread
that I may rather expose my unskillfulness and the feebleness of my
parts, than portray thy descent as I duly should. For, not to speak of
thy rich inheritance from thy fathers, thou hast nobly increased thy
realm by conquering thy neighbours, and in the toil of spreading thy
sovereignty hast encompassed the ebbing and flowing waves of Elbe, thus
adding to thy crowded roll of honours no mean portion of fame. And after
outstripping the renown and repute of thy forerunners by the greatness
of thy deeds, thou didst not forbear to make armed, assault even upon
part of the Roman empire. And though thou art deemed to be well endowed
with courage and generosity, thou hast left it in doubt whether thou
dost more terrify to thy foes in warfare or melt thy people by thy
mildness. Also thy most illustrious grandsire, who was sanctioned with
the honours of public worship, and earned the glory of immortality by
an unmerited death, now dazzles by the refulgence of his holiness those
whom living he annexed in his conquests. And from his most holy wounds
more virtue than blood hath flowed.

Moreover I, bound by an old and i