Medical Letters, Volume One

...the virtues and deeds of your ancestors: are you not alone sufficient for me? For even if no memory or famous recollection of their own virtue and highest dignity existed—though indeed innumerable examples do exist—certainly in you alone they could all most happily rise again. You are a Queen. You are the wife of a King. You are also the mother of a King. For you have brought forth a son from King Sigismund Jagiello Sigismund I the Old (1467–1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania., a son who is incomparable whether in his most holy character, his wisdom, or his vigorous pursuit of arms; like a shining Sun, he outshines other illustrious princes (and let this be said without offense to them) in both glory and splendor.

Truly, in your greatness of soul and sincerity—than which nothing is better—you far surpass all others. Why should I mention your almost divine intellect? For you are exceptionally well-educated in both the humanitiesthe study of classical literature, rhetoric, history, and moral philosophy and in heavenly and Christian philosophy. You truly live in such a way that you seem to understand the precepts of Christ perfectly, and you show these things most clearly through your good works. For faith, charity, and divine hope itself flourish abundantly in you and shine most brightly. What shall I say of your most holy character? What of your supreme prudence and your vigilance in difficult matters? I pass over your generosity, which makes princes like God. I pass over your justice and mercy, seen in all things but especially in the pronouncing of civil and—as they say—criminal judgments.

Good gods! original: "Dii boni" How many things I pass over in my desire for brevity, though they are proclaimed by everyone—especially by the Reverend Lord Francesco Lismanino Francesco Lismanino (c. 1500–1566) was an Italian-born Franciscan and diplomat who became a leading figure in the Polish Reformation., Master of Sacred Theology and Minister of the Order of Friars Minor The Franciscans. for all of Poland, whom I wished to name here for the sake of honor. Now, what more should I mention? For if I wished to follow every detail point by point, this speech would be prolonged too far.

Therefore, all these things have led me, most illustrious Queen, to appoint you as both the patroness and the protectress of this work of mine. I do not doubt that, on account of your supreme kindness and great benevolence toward all those dedicated to learning, you will defend it. If you do this, I hope it will be most pleasing to everyone. Farewell, most splendid Queen, and as is your custom, look with favor upon those who cultivate good literature.