Compendium of Cosmographical Disciplines

or in this Syriac or Arabic [language], I would not refuse, and I would most willingly teach, even by begging for my food, not to mention having stipends collected for this matter. But in truth, I know nothing in either language: yet, as that man referring to Horace, Ars Poetica used to say,

I act the part of a whetstone, which can make iron sharp, though it is itself unable to cut.

Whatever I am or can do, however, I desire and will that it be dedicated and consecrated to the entire Christian Commonwealth, but especially to you alone for the sake of your virtue, and to your Royal Majesty as the primary minister of the Kingdom of Christ, for the amplification of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ himself. Farewell, Prince, most obligated to God in all things: and continue to execute your certain calling diligently, beginning with the most auspicious occasion of my administration. For callings do not truly consist in the name, but in the work,