A PETITION TO THE KING.  
FOR AUTHORITY AND ALLOWANCE to expound the Apocalypse in Hebrew and Greek, To show jews and Gentiles: that Rome in Cęsars' and Pope, is therein still damned.  
And for translator to set over all into other large-used tongues.  
1611.   

TO THE KING'S MAJESTY.  
SInce the time that the Jesuits, my liege L. are busy with our K. I held it my duty to show readiness to combat with them. And because the Apocalypse revealeth perpetual wrath of God upon Rome for killing of Christ as was told by Balaam, Numb. 24. I made two English Commentaries upon that book: one brief, to show the harmony of the visions: the other large: showing how God in one word lappeth the whole tenor of Rome's badness. Because it is not fit for me to steal a victory: I would make two Commentaries more: in tongues which the Pope is bound to understand: one in Hebrew upon an Hebrew translation: an other in Greek upon john's own style. The Hebrew would yield this commodity. The Apocalypse in two sorts draweth all the law to it. It showeth Christ from all the law and prophets: and the curse of Rome from all the old cursed since the serpent deceived Eve. This cannot be so well done in any tongue as in Hebrew: as john translateth Hebrew most strictly: and this would win millions of jews, which groan to be taught. Sir john Fortescue of honourable memory, receiving the Hebrew books which I printed upon mine own charges, told the messenger confidently, that he would obtain of the K. a very great stipend to go forward. But the very aged honourable gentleman was prevented by death: that the K. might show himself willing of himself: in his enemy's cause: that the Pope may be known of all jews that he is the tail of the old Dragon. So both jews and Papists shallbe together here benefited. Yea and Turks too. Of which argument I may here lay down part of a letter of the Lieger at Constantinople, written to M. Richard Stapers merchant. These be his words.  
There is a jew taking himself learned, and hearing of the good fame of M. H. Broughton, hath invited him to make proof of his learning, by the due answer expected by the jew from the said Broughton. And therefore I require your worship; though as I hear, he be not in London, yet to cause the same to be sent unto him, and to procure answer: and if it were possible to cause him to come hither: being, as I hear, little esteemed there. I assure your worship it might turn to the benefit of Christendom.  
Yours Barton.  
I was at Basil when the jews letter, and the Ambassadors came to my hand: and I printed the jews letter: and others in Hebrew to Archb. Whitgift, and in Greek to the rest of the Bishops. And when they despised the cause: they and the like sped never the better: and upon mine own charges I printed, and scattered books. I wish your majesties charges to clear all the Bible so. And this much for Hebrew handling of the Apocalypse. Now for Greek. The Caesar's wickedness should be told briefly: whereby they are so hateful to God: from Greeks, best in their own tongue: and the Pope's continual treachery to overthrow the East Empire, ever since great Constantine left hated Rome: and I would expound in Greek all the Apocalypse for Graecia: and chose out of their Commentaries all that is good. A Greek Bishop told me they have 30. which he will help me too, by the Patriarch. We have but two printed. I request your majesties authority and allowance for this pains: even to hire also others to turn all to other tongues. This summer might at Basil, where plenty is of Hebrew Printers, serve me for to expound in Hebrew, the Apocalypse: and the next, for the Greek: and the rest of my life should open the consent of all the Bible showing Christ, in Adam's tongue: which work would force Academiques to better agreement: as that little which I have done in Hebrew, is welcome to all sorts. This I dare promise your M. by God's help, that you shall never repent of liberality this way: and I most humbly request your royal wisdom to regard aright this most weighty cause.  
Your majesties humble subject, H. BROUGHTON.