The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through
Wales
by Geraldus Cambrensis
Second Preface
to the same prelate
Since those things, which are known to have been done
through a laudable devotion, are not unworthily extolled
with due praises; and since the mind, when relaxed, loses
its energy, and the torpor of sloth enervates the
understanding, as iron acquires rust for want of use, and
stagnant waters become foul; lest my pen should be injured
by the rust of idleness, I have thought good to commit to
writing the devout visitation which Baldwin, archbishop of
Canterbury, made throughout Wales; and to hand down, as it
were in a mirror, through you, O illustrious Stephen, to
posterity, the difficult places through which we passed, the
names of springs and torrents, the witty sayings, the toils
and incidents of the journey, the memorable events of
ancient and modern times, and the natural history and
description of the country; lest my study should perish
through idleness, or the praise of these things be lost by
silence.
The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through
Wales
by Geraldus Cambrensis
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