For matter of that, even of what I have ascer- tained I have omitted much, deeming it sufficient to record only what is outstanding. There was the reader also to be considered, who might be wearied by the accumulated mass of material. But I do ask those who are intending to read to give credence to what is said and not think that I have written anything not duly ascer- tained and tested. Rather than utter falsehoods, I would have chosen to say nothing at al