APOLOGY.

• Vanini, in the Preface to the Amphitheatre.
  † Ibid.

he set out to original: "enucleare" explain the mysteries of divine Providence (to which we and all our things are subject), not from those obsolete (as he calls them) Tullian Ciceronian declamations, nor from those popular and almost senile Platonic delusions, nor even from the putrid rubbish of the Scholastics, but drawn from the most hidden fountains of Philosophy, so that they might easily satisfy a curious thirst. But the things he wrote, the further they were removed from the common people, the closer they were to calumny.

‡ Patin, in his Manuscript Adversaria.

Meanwhile, VANINI was making his way toward Paris original: "Lutetiam", hoping that, weary from cares, he might find rest and a harbor of safety. At last, the Prince of Bassompierre appointed him his Almoner with a salary of two hundred thalers. Since this was not sufficient for his ambition, which I rightly point out, he indulged in leisure and gave himself entirely to Philosophy, placing his effort in investigating its secrets. For he believed that, with his family estate weakened, he could perceive no greater pleasure than if, following the example of Cicero after the loss of the Republic, he should apply himself diligently to Philosophy. Thus, to assist his failing memory, he cast his thoughts onto paper, without any hope that they would ever see the light of day.