[020]
Again, I doubt not there will be such as will say that some of
the stories are too long. To whom, once more, I answer, that
whoso has aught else to do would be foolish to read them, albeit
they were short. And though, now that I approach the end of my
labours, 'tis long since I began to write, I am not, therefore, oblivious
that 'twas to none but leisured ladies that I made proffer of my
pains; nor can aught be long to him that reads but to pass the time,
so only he thereby accomplish his purpose. [021]Succinctness were
rather to be desired by students, who are at pains not merely to pass,
but usefully to employ, their time, than by you, who have as much
time at your disposal as you spend not in amorous delights. Besides
which, as none of you goes either to Athens, or to Bologna, or to
Paris to study, 'tis meet that what is meant for you should be more
diffuse than what is to be read by those whose minds have been
refined by scholarly pursuits.
