Philippi Melanthonis Epigrammatvm Libri Tres

I would have preferred, however, that my trifles were not published, because I know that poetry is an excellent gift and work of God, and I am not so foolish that I would number myself among those whom God has adorned with such a great gift. But since I am compelled to advise adolescents often regarding their studies, I command everyone to learn the laws of poems and to attempt to connect verses of any kind, so that they may learn grammar better and advance in that study, if they are helped by nature. They should also read poems more willingly, those who are not entirely crude in this exercise. Therefore, sometimes, whether in pain or on journeys, I have written something to encourage the younger ones. But I give thanks to GOD, because He has also given Germany some outstanding poets, whom even learned antiquity would have approved: Eobanus, Sabinus, Stigelius, Micyllus, Georgius Fabricius, Adam Siber, and others. It is useful for the young to read the writings of these among the old poems, so that they may consider examples which show how the praises of the true God can be celebrated in songs.