This, though it scarcely merits an answer, yet, to satisfie those which in this point may be curious, let them but observe the orders of the Circles, as they now appear, and not passe from one to another confusedly (noting neverthelesse where they begin) and they’ll find the just number easie to be taken.
Now, though whether in order to the Place it self where this _Antiquity_ stands, or _Persons_, by whom _Stoneheng_ pretended to be built, enough laid, to wave the reports upon fancy, or common Fame, formerly delivered: to the state of _Time_ neverthelesse, wherein the _British_ Histories would have it erected, because nothing by me hath yet been spoken, I will therefore adde, ’tis not probable such a work as _Stoneheng_ could be then built. For, although our _Britans_, in ancient time possessed, together with the _Roman_ civility, all good _Arts_, it is evident during the reign of _A. Ambrosius_ (about the first coming in of the _Saxons_ here, and towards the later end of the fifth Century, as Historians and Chronologists compute it) in the last declining of the _Roman_ Empire, the _Arts_ of _Design_, of which _Architecture_ chief, were utterly lost even in _Rome_ it self, much more in _Britain_, being then but a Tempest-beaten _Province_, and utterly abandoned by the _Romans_. _Britain_, therefore, being over-run with enemies, and the knowledge of _Arts_ then lost amongst them: none, questionlesse, can reasonably apprehend so notable a work as _Stoneheng_ could in such times be built.
That, amongst the _Romans_ and _Britans_ both, _A. Ambrosius_ governing here, all Sciences were utterly perished, is evidently manifest. For, the _Goths_ had then invaded _Italy_; and that vast Empire drooping with extreme Age, by the fatall irruption of strange Nations, was not only torn in peeces, but _Barbarisme_ having trod learning under foot, and the sword bearing more sway then letters, or learned men, all Sciences were neglected; and particularly that of _Building_ fell into such decay, that till of late about the year one thousand five hundred and ten, it lay swallowed up, and (as I may so say) buried in oblivion. When one _Bramante_ of the Dutchy of _Urbin_, attaining admirable perfection in _Architecture_, restored to the world again, the true rules of building, according to those Orders, by the ancient _Romans_ in their most flourishing times observed. Furthermore, not onely liberall Sciences and _Architecture_, but _Art_ military also, about the time of _A. Ambrosius_, was so far lost amongst the _Romans_, that they were ignorant, yea, in the very rudiments of War. Insomuch, (as _Procopius_ in his second Book of the _Gothick_ Wars relate) _Barbarism_ had bereft them of the skill, even in what manner to sound a retreat.