1Just as it is better to do one thing outstandingly than many things moderately, so it is better to do a great many things moderately, if you cannot do one thing outstandingly. 1With this in view I try my hand at various kinds of literature, having enough confidence in none. 2So when you read this piece or that, you will pardon each one on the grounds that it does not stand alone. 2Or is number an excuse in the other arts, while for literature, in which achievement is harder, the law is stricter? 2But why do I talk of pardon, as if I were ungrateful? 2For if you receive my latest pieces with the same kindness as the earlier ones, praise is rather to be hoped for than pardon begged.
2For me, however, pardon is enough. 2Farewell.