Simonides Redivivus, or the Art of Memory and Oblivion

PREFACE.

That good consists by the benefit of nature; yet it is increased and cultivated by art. Thus far he.

Therefore, those to whom nature has granted such a memory as they desired, they must surely give and have the greatest thanks to God for such a significant gift; and they can do without art, just as those endowed with excellent health can do without medicines. Conversely, those who possess infirm health seek various aids and remedies from various sources by which they can sustain and foster it. Thus, therefore, those who have an imbecilic memory, but are nevertheless willing to aspire to honors, should do the same and not cast down their spirit; but they should insist upon the footsteps of boys who, although they may be of small stature, by supplementing the defect with art, climb upon any hills and stools they find in their way. But if they think it disgraceful to imitate boys, let them imitate the elderly, who when now (as Maro Virgil sings)

The icy blood slows with lingering age,
And the strength in the body grows dull and cold,

by using a staff they make their steps firm, bringing aid to their prostrate nature in this manner. It not infrequently happens that those who are weak by native constitution are restored to such health through consular medicines that they become more lively and more prompt to seek and find greater dignity, praise, and glory than bodies that are robust and vigorous by nature.