Genealogies of Roman Clans and Families

from the aspect of the secret so that we may have all the institutions of the Roman people both known and understood: regarding the assemblies, laws, magistrates, courts, appeals, auspices, ceremonies, and the organization of military affairs, but especially regarding the families and clans, of which I see a certain wondrous rationale held from the very first origin of the city, and not without great cause. Therefore, when I had applied my mind to understanding each of those most illustrious matters for nearly these last twenty months, and had begun to comment on the magistrates, courts, and several other things, I applied no greater diligence to any part than in observing and describing the families. This is certainly an obscure and unknown matter, which, although it had been committed to writing and explained in ancient times by T. Pomponius Atticus a friend of Cicero known for his historical research, has never (as far as I know) come into the hands of men. Therefore, when I had completed this little book in the previous months, and had included in it not so much the families and ages of illustrious men as their magistrates, honors, and deeds, many most learned men with whom I shared my studies strongly urged me to publish it for the benefit of scholars and to bring it out from the shadows into the light. I did this, indeed not unwillingly, so that I might benefit as many as possible. I wished, however, to offer this book to you, Prince Charles, and to your most illustrious name, following the opinion of my dearest and best parent and friends; especially since I have understood from the speech of many that you are accustomed to taking wondrous pleasure in this knowledge. Thus, if a patron must be found for this illustrious study, you occur to me easily, as one who seems able to take up these fading studies, raise up those that are afflicted, and restore those that are lost. You will receive, therefore, most illustrious Prince, a gift that is indeed small and not at all worthy to be offered by me to the magnitude of your name, but yet one that will be a hostage and pledge of my faith and observance toward your greatness forever. Farewell. 16th day before the Kalends of September, 1558. At Strasbourg.