Philippi Melanthonis Epigrammatvm Libri Tres

BOOK

The Father Himself will moderate the entire course of life,
Nor can cruel fortune harm you.

ON GENESIS.
Human nature did not emerge from ancient chaos
Without any plan, by blind chance.
Nor was it reborn thereafter from the mass of stones,
Which the man referring to Deucalion cast, followed by the warning of his wife referring to Pyrrha.
It is a great work, for which the eternal mind created us,
So that He might be better known through our study.
And He poured into us the mind drawn from His own breast,
And ordered us to have the image of Himself.
Ah, why does forgetfulness of the author overcome us,
From whence comes the origin of such great evil for man?
But God Himself drives away the shadows with His light,
And teaches what norm of life should be followed.
The first Church heard this brought down from heaven,
And God commands us to always approach these fountains.

ON THE HISTORIES
OF KINGS.

May you consider this history, which is handed down in these books,
A mirror of life and a teacher of morals.
It shows the rewards of the just, and the punishments of the wicked,
And that the divinity of God is present to kingdoms.
And that the doubtful lot of life, and the uncertain dangers,
Are not governed merely by human cleverness.

But