Declamation of the Philosopher, Physician, and Orator

Discophorus. Praise of Paul.

...preeminent in military matters, nor is he to be scorned in civic life; for this reason, he is intimate with the king and is venerable and lovable to almost all the courtiers and purple-clad officials. Following these, the winds for Nicholas are also very favorable, nor is the breeze of the prince failing for this youth. Furthermore, just as they are favorable at court, so Christopher is with you in the bosom of the illustrious brother of the King, Sigismund; both are fostered, both are loved. Indeed, the singular prudence and keen intellect of Christopher have caused him to be peculiarly distinguished with the dignity of the discophorus dish-bearer/server of Krakow, which among you is a very honorable province. You, however, my Paul, because of your dexterity, erudition, and goodness, have deserved to be a secretary to the same prince; you are called an arch-scribe, the confidential attendant of the most illustrious prince; commonly they name you Chancellor. Because of these things, it comes about that the Sidlouitia family has grown in such authority and esteem among the Poles that those who desire to emerge and shine there flee to the Sidlouitian brothers, and use you as their primary intercessors. You came not so long ago to our academy to hear us, who sound the Latin tongue in the Roman fashion, so that if there were any harshness of speech, it might be smoothed out by the file of Latinity. This delights, detains, and feeds you so much that you not only attend public schools, but you also continuously hear something worthy of knowing from me in private. And now your home has become a workshop and meeting-place of more polished literature. From this daily commerce of teaching and learning, benevolence has grown richer between us, and, prompted by this, I have dedicated this little book to you by name, most illustrious Paul, so that it may be an eternal monument of my love for you, and that when you are absent in your fatherland, you may occasionally remember your Philippus. The subject matter is, I think, not unworthy of knowledge, nor tritely worn out, the variety of which can delight—and no less instruct—the reader, and especially you, to whom everything of mine is approved. But now, I pray you, read through the controversy of the three brothers, which is neither lacking in wit nor in learning; you will soon read the book on the best state. Farewell, pride of scholars, and love your teacher.