On the Magistrates and Republic of Venice

I consider this to be the most certain proof that our ancestors were not fond of ambition and windy fame, but looked only to the good of the fatherland and the common utility. Therefore, with this incredible virtue of spirit, our ancestors established this republic, such as I perceive more clearly than the noonday light—if anyone compares this one of ours with the most famous ones of the ancients—that none has existed since the memory of man; for I would dare to assert that not even in the monuments of the illustrious philosophers, who fashioned forms of republics according to their heart's desire, is any contained so rightly formed and fashioned. Therefore, I thought that I would not be doing a thing at all ungrateful to foreigners if I committed to writing the institution of so glorious a republic, especially when I see no one in these times, out of very many most learned men, who are strong in talent, erudition of all things, and eloquence, who has illustrated this matter in writing. To which, although no light from our speech