On the Magistrates and Republic of Venice

man was removed—to the great grief of good men, that I may not say indignation—having chanced upon this offspring of such a well-born talent, as if orphaned by its parent and therefore dedicated to no one, having seized this ready opportunity to gratify you, I was unwilling to send it forth into the public eye deprived of all patronage. Instead, I have judged it to be dedicated to you according to the now prevalent custom, claiming no other title for myself except that, so far as I was able, I applied my efforts so that it might receive no detriment through the printing process. Otherwise, Contarini was, by his own virtue or dignity, safe enough from the genuine Momuses; yet, among our own people, through whom it is made public law, it will be somewhat more favorable being approved by the judgment of Viglius—a man not only deservedly esteemed throughout all Germany, but who can also form an estimation of Italian affairs, as one who formerly, in the most celebrated university of the Venetian domain, teaching the interpretation of law, proved his own industry to the great applause of his auditors. Therefore, I hope that your name, most learned man, joined with the name of the equally learned Contarini,