Complete Poetic Works, Volume 7

of those rolling themselves forward without delay, so that they might sip the first kiss of Spring. Truly your character is outstanding and rare. Many people wish for many things at great length. You, however, heap up those desired things and provide them more abundantly, for you run ahead of their very vows. This current age supports itself with good hope. You receive this title in such a way that you remove fear from Hope and leave behind only its sweetness. I do not know whether first and nourishing Mother Nature, or Virtue, which knows not how to stop at second place, or the third of the Graces In Greek mythology, the three Graces represent charm, beauty, and creativity. Balde suggests Sigismund possesses the gifts of all three. suggested this unique and pleasant craftsmanship.

What shall I say of your Genius? How prominent and vivid it is! Yet, within its fiery force and sublime radiance, it is tempered by a soothing serenity. Moreover, the embrace of your memory holds the secret of more than one science in its innermost recesses. This harmony pleases me. You were born for both public and private Wisdom. With industry striving, you seem to have been made more by force of character than by time. You master the more severe disciplines with a layer of Eloquence. In this, whether speaking or writing, you are a follower of Tully original: "Tullianus," referring to Marcus Tullius Cicero, the Roman orator whose style was the gold standard for Latin prose..

You cannot yet fill a spear in your hand or a helmet on your head; and yet you have already filled the Court with the eloquence of your speech. This occurred when, in a most ample assembly and a numerous multitude in Krakow, I will not say eloquently, but most eloquently, you delivered your speech. But your Fatherland already knows these things, as they were performed on native soil. Yet the public has not yet read that Oration which, at my persuasion, you wrote concerning the Praises of the Most August Virgin MARY. It was written elegantly, ornately, and copiously. The stars do not smile more elegantly. The irises adorn the meadows with similar variety. Nor does the Nile overflow more abundantly.

Good luck, Most Illustrious Count SIGISMUND, you who are worthy to be called by a Royal Name The name Sigismund was shared by several Kings of Poland, including Sigismund III Vasa who reigned until 1632.. Continue to advance with the same step you began, toward the glory of your most Illustrious and most Courageous Father. He carries a Name and Honor not only in your Poland, but also in the Roman Empire. He is wise in counsel, fortunate in peace and war, and immortal in fame. I add no more. For I have entrusted the rest to my Hendecasyllables original: "Hendecasyllabis," a poetic meter of eleven syllables, often used for personal or light-hearted verse addressed to friends.. When they hasten from Munich to Ingolstadt to pray for your welfare, receive them with the cheerful countenance with which you honor the Muses. Farewell.

At Munich. May 30, 1638. original: "Tertio cal. Jun. Anno Chr. CIƆ. IƆC. XXXVIII." The Roman dating system counts backward from the first of the month; the year uses archaic Roman numeral forms.