METAPHYSICS

a.ij.

The preface of the most illustrious and wisest prince, Lord Bessarion, Bishop of Tusculum and most worthy Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, regarding the new translation of Aristotle’s Metaphysics, addressed to Alfonso, the most serene King of Aragon and most invincible prince of both Sicilies.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'M' featuring intricate floral and vine patterns within a square border. History records, O renowned and most invincible prince, that the great Alexander of Macedon took it ill when the edition of Aristotle’s Metaphysics—in which he had been excellently instructed—was published. He easily expressed the reason for this in the letters he sent to his teacher Aristotle: namely, that he desired to surpass others in learning and wisdom rather than in arms and strength. And rightly so; for the latter belongs to the animal, while the former belongs to man; the latter is a virtue of the body, the former of the mind. You, O wisest King, have imitated him. Not content only with arms and so many great victories through which you have acquired immortal glory for yourself, you also devote yourself—now to divine letters, now to secular—which lead both to wisdom and eloquence. You do so not only in peace but even in the midst of the heat of wars. And you so apply yourself that, while you are supreme in arms and hold the highest place in military affairs, it is a matter of doubt to those studying such things in which way you excel more: in arms or in knowledge, in power or in wisdom.

An argument for this is that you urgently requested me to make Aristotle’s book of Metaphysics available to you in Latin. You requested it so urgently that I, overcome by the noble desire of such a great prince, forgot my own limitations and undertook so great a task. As for what the ancient Latins Referring to medieval translators like William of Moerbeke, whose "Old Translation" was often criticized by Renaissance humanists for its literalism and poor Latinity. achieved when they attempted this, or in what manner they turned it into Latin, let that be the judgment of others. Certainly, they translated it in such a way that there was a need for the most holy and merciful Lord Nicholas V Pope Nicholas V (reigned 1447–1455), a great patron of humanism who founded the Vatican Library., the Supreme Pontiff—who, being most learned in all science and all divine and human wisdom, ascended to the Apostolic See, and who holds the primacy in philosophy, theology, and every kind of the best sciences just as he does in rank and dignity—to choose men skilled in both languages original: "vtriufq; linguæ peritos" – referring to fluency in both Greek and Latin. to translate nearly all of Aristotle's books anew into the Latin tongue. Your Majesty also asked this of us before his assumption to the Apostolic throne: that we should make this book of which we speak into Latin. Having finished it some time ago, I have dedicated it to your Sacred Majesty, O renowned King. When your Serenity receives this, such as it is, with a cheerful countenance, I do not doubt it will be acceptable and pleasing to others as well, on account of your authority and dignity. Farewell happily, most invincible King.

The first book of Aristotle’s Metaphysics, addressed to Cosimo de' Medici, translated by Johannes Argyropoulos of Byzantium.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'O' featuring interlaced knotwork and foliage within a square border. ALL men by nature desire to know. A sign of this is the love of the senses; for even apart from their utility, they are loved for themselves, and most of all the sense of sight. For not only so that we may act, but even if we are about to do nothing, we prefer seeing (so to speak) above all the other senses...

The first book of Aristotle’s Metaphysics, addressed to King Alfonso, translated by Bessarion.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'O' featuring a central floral motif and symmetrical foliage within a square border. ALL men by nature desire to know. The sign of this, moreover, is the delight taken in the senses. For even without their use, they are loved for themselves. But above the others is that which occurs through the eyes. For not only so that we may act, but truly even when intending to do nothing, we choose seeing above all else (if I may say so)...