Thesium de vita aeterna et eius haeredibus decades X

Pondering, Father Gualther, many evils upon
the earth, I saw that all mortal labors
disturb grave things, cares, and death and fear,
that we always seek, and little constancy is seen.
Soon I felt that neither gain, nor wealth, nor supreme
delights could protect those who are to die:
but that the holy mysteries of God, and a blessed life
are a good, than which there is nothing more constant.
Therefore I made the comforts of the present life
as nothing, but began to seek the heavenly alone.
And behold, a prudent man, skilled in Divine matters,
whom the goddess, gray-eyed Minerva, girded and adorned,
JACOB GRYNAEUS, who urges nothing more
than true doctrine, although the huge
forest barks, has offered wished-for ears to my prayers.
For he wrote an abundant treasure concerning the happy life,
giving both life and the measure of enjoying it.
Therefore come, my Father Gualther (for I know you as a father
to attend to our counsels and studies)
If, as I hope, these please, give approval to our efforts.

Most observant of your dignity, JOHANN JAKOB
Bauman, of Zurich.