The Oracles of Leo the Wise

...what benefit could be drawn from them; indeed, many remarkably learned men, after frequently applying themselves to the task of correcting and explaining these works, abandoned the business as one utterly devoid of hope. However, it has finally pleased Him who, in His immense kindness, always reveals hidden and secret things to mortals, to make clear to the entire world in our own time—perhaps for the sake of some most excellent original: "optimi" purpose—what shall occur until the end of the worldconsummationem seculi.

He has indeed granted me the opportunity, during your most auspicious ConsulshipConsulatu Though a Roman title, Barozzi uses "Consul" here to address Foscarini in his capacity as a high-ranking official of the Venetian Republic., to labor for nearly a year on restoring this most beautiful book. Truly, Illustrious Consul, when I reflect most frequently upon the progress of your actions and administration, I clearly perceive this one thing: that among the other infinite and great benefits you have bestowed upon the Venetian RepublicVenetorum Remp. The Republic of Venice. by governing with the highest authority and prudence in this most ample Kingdom of Jove A humanist metaphorical reference to the Venetian state or the specific territories governed by Foscarini., you have also provided an immortal aid to the whole human race. For henceforth, whoever reads through this scholarly laborlucubrationem of ours will be able to know the entire secret regarding the end of the world.

Accept, therefore, most noble Hero, this book of the propheciesvaticiniorum of the most wise Emperor Leo,