This Preface is addressed to Domnio (a Roman presbyter. See Letters L., and XLVII.3, Paulinus, Ep.3) and Rogatianus, of whom nothing is known. It was written a.d.394. It is a repetition of his constant ground of self-defence, and contains a noble expression of his determination to carry the work through. "The serpent may hiss, and

"Victorious Sinon hurl his brand of fire,'

but never shall my mouth be closed. Cut off my tongue; it will still stammer out something.