PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

[...He]siod, Pythagoras, Archytas, Plato, Parmenides, Charondas, Zamolxis, Lycurgus, and whoever finally followed those who philosophized so excellently or gave laws, took what they handed down from him. We have deemed these men worthy of admission—insofar as we can make all things agree as is right—only to the extent that they appear in accord with the harmony we have determined to construct. Wherever they are out of tune, however, they must be rejected like useless strings. Following in the footsteps of those ancient fathers, we shall try to render other names of things—but especially those of the Craftsman original: opificis, referring to God as the creator-architect—into our Latin, just as they handed them down, or at least as close as possible. We do this to express more clearly their profound meanings and the sacred mysteries hidden within the symbols they wrote. Origen Origen even thought that these things, when translated into another language, lose their inherent power. Therefore, I should not be seen as a fickle or curious seeker of novelty if I use the original words themselves or those very close to them. Nor should you judge it superfluous or useless if we seem to repeat certain things often; for the same things must be repeated as many times as they are fitted to different contexts. Indeed, different things must be composed with different things, and the same things with many others, so that all parts may be shown to be in tune with one another, and the sweetest consensus of all the Lord’s works may be drawn from every side. This stands (we pray) by the Divine Spirit and the Architect of all things. We have judged that this all-encompassing concert can be contained within three diapasonic diapasonic: relating to the "diapason," the musical interval of an octave, signifying completeness or a "full-sounding" harmony Canticles. Thus, each Canticle will be completed by eight Tones Referring to the eight notes of an octave scale, namely a perfect octave. In the first Canticle, we shall sound the resonance of both worlds likely the celestial/divine world and the material/human world with each other, and both with the Archetype Archetype: the original divine pattern or "blueprint" in the mind of God. In the second, we deal with the agreement of all things with the Messiah as the head, and that concert which was restored through Christ himself to all things that were broken and out of tune because of sin. In the third, we treat the human being as the most harmonious bond of all things, who must be recalled to harmony with all that is bound within him, and with the Craftsman with whom it is innate for him to agree—indeed, to be unified. In these books (unless I am mistaken), the entire business of both worlds and the sum of many disciplines are contained.

Truly, Holy Father, even if according to the common proverb "all things new are pleasing," nevertheless new things often excite envy. They offend squinting eyes not accustomed to new light; thus, turning to hatred, people often begin to attack what they have not yet well perceived. Hence, I am not unaware that I am exposed to many sharp-nosed critics and easy detractors, both because of this new way of proceeding and because of certain sparks that have long been hidden under the ashes or newly struck from the flint. Therefore, Most Blessed Father, we have decided to submit this work (whatever it may be) and all other new things we attempt with God’s help—and everything that is within me—to your judgment and to that of your most sacred college of fathers, and of all those who, having left behind the dim light, have directed their vision toward the supreme and most splendid light (as far as is permitted). Nor would I consider this work of ours truly harmonious, Most Holy and Clement Clement The author is punning on the name of Pope Clement VII, unless by your virtue and authority it is rendered pleasant to all members of the ecclesiastical body, and a harmless food for those who partake of it. To you, therefore, I have dedicated it, you who act in the place of Christ (in whom are all things and through whom all things exist) in this Catholic body. Just as all things receive life and beauty from Christ, the Word of God, so may this work, which treats all things, live more happily through you, be beautiful, and be a safe and joyful banquet for all. FAREWELL. Holy Father, for a long time.