Compendium of Witches (Compendium Maleficarum)

...to live piously and holily. And although this work may not suit the taste of the overly critical original: "nasutorum" - literally "those with big noses," referring to people who are quick to find fault or mock (for what is more difficult than satisfying everyone's palate?), it nevertheless seems to contribute significantly toward avoiding the destruction wrought? by sorcerers original: "sortilegorum" - those who practice divination or harmful magic. Since I have decided to commit this very? work to the press, I began to search for a patron under whose auspices it might emerge more safely into the light.

Indeed, you, Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Protector—whom a genius second to none in its skill, the gifts of mind and body, and the innumerable honors of life have raised to this height—you alone, uniquely among many, occurred to me as one who is proclaimed by public praise to have joined excellent virtue with equal erudition. You do not merely look upon neglected letters, but follow them with the greatest favor and rouse them with no common kindness.

Therefore, observing these things, and perceiving that you act as an excellent Maecenas A Roman patron of the arts; here used as a title for a generous protector of scholars in every respect toward those who dedicate themselves and their modest fortunes to better learning—among whom I sit in the very last rows—I considered it right that the torch of your most celebrated name should shine before this budding little work. I decided to consecrate this offspring of my labor to you, even though you deserve much greater things.

If you receive this work with that innate and truly noble sincerity with which you are endowed (as I hope you will), then the wrinkled censors—whom nothing pleases unless it is perfected by genius and industry—will close their eyes to these little midnight labors original: "vigiliolas" - referring to works produced by staying up late at night. Farewell. And enroll Guaccius The author, Francesco Maria Guazzo among those who are devoted to you with their whole heart. At Milan original: "Mediolani", May 1608.