the kindness of the Divine Power (Divini Numinis benignitas) shall permit me to take part in the affairs of mortals. Farewell: and permit this man to continue to be among the number of your friends. Given in haste at Hamburg, the 12th day before the Kalends, 1621.

THE PREFACE OF CORNELIUS DREBBEL

TO HIS TREATISE

ON THE ELEMENTS

(DE ELEMENTIS)

When this discourse (discursus) reaches your hands, Friend Reader, be persuaded that it was written not for my sake, but for your grace and honor alone. For I am not unaware how vain and empty a thing is the Glory of mortals (Gloria mortalium). Do we not all owe our origin to the one GOD the creator (creator), an origin humble and without any pride? Which humility (humilitate)—I speak of that—after we lost it through our own neglect and wickedness, it is no wonder if you to me, and I to you, seem to be different [to one another] [...]