TO THE MOST DISTINGUISHED HIERONYMUS

BERNARDUS, PETRUS

RHOSITHINUS, GREETINGS.

¶ That my singular devotion toward you, most esteemed Hieronymus, is great, the cause is both those exceptional virtues by which I admire you among the most distinguished patricians, and that family which I understand to be most honest among the foremost. Yet, just as I desire nothing more intently than to merit your favor through some service, so no gift seems to me sufficient to express this will toward you. Therefore, I was truly distressed at present, since nothing new—that is, worthy of you—was being published from our press that I could dedicate to your name and send as a gift. Truly, just as among all actions for which a man is born—on account of the excellence of his spirit—I have considered none at all more excellent than when we strive zealously so that provision is made for the men of our age and for posterity; thus, we have removed every blemish from this little book of emblems by Alciato, as they say, with a double-edged axe, which has recently come to light from the true archetype; and indeed, had it not been for this, it would have compelled me to act as if "weaving a rope from sand."

But, to return to where I turned aside: accept this gift of ours with that countenance which always clearly declares how great your kindness is; but know for certain that it satisfies not my desire, but the time. You will be delighted by...