Gilberti Cognati Nozereni aliquot epistolae

GILBERTUS COGNATUS to Simon Columbus, greetings.

I would that the sykophantās sycophants/slanderers were peaceful: but in such a way that one should not trust those whom I have found to be such. Warned, I shall be more cautious in the future. For I see that everything is full of wicked men to whom nothing is lacking for a crime except opportunity. Yet although one has guarded against everything, often the guard is caught. That Kōmōdos comedian/actor has stirred up many tragedies for us, not only dissolute in heart but also in purse; who, although he dissembles greatly, is nevertheless entirely engaged in sycophantic business: and rivers turn their course in a different direction sooner than he changes his nature. Such is the power of nature. As far as I am concerned privately, I see nothing left except that I defend myself against their conspiracies with the shield of the Gospel, and through my patience possess my soul. It does not escape me what the herds of hypocrites are plotting: surely, to persuade others that Erasmus has been reborn in me, that my books should be examined from this direction, and that I should be stoned in public. For they persuade themselves that the business of good letters has long since been buried. Regarding me, may the Lord see to it, in whose hand are all things.