The Starry Messenger

but rather they consecrated them through the protection of the Muses The nine Greek goddesses of inspiration in the arts and sciences. and the incorruptible monuments of literature. But why do I recount these things? As if, indeed, human ingenuity, content with these earthly regions, did not dare to progress further; yet, looking further ahead, since it understood perfectly that all human monuments eventually perish by force, storm, and old age, it devised more incorruptible Signs, over which devouring Time and envious Old Age original: "Tempus edax, atque inuidiosa Vetustas," a common poetic trope derived from Ovid. could claim no right for themselves. And so, migrating into the Heavens, it recorded the names of those who—on account of their excellent and nearly divine deeds—were deemed worthy to enjoy eternal age along with the stars, marking them upon those everlasting Orbs with the signs of the brightest Constellations. For this reason, the fame of Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Hercules, and the rest of the heroes whose names the Stars are called by, shall not be obscured sooner than the splendor of the Constellations themselves is extinguished.

However, this invention of human wisdom—singularly noble and marvelous—has grown obsolete over the interval of many centuries, as the ancient heroes occupied those shining seats and held them as if by their own right. Into their company, the piety of Augustus The first Roman Emperor, who attempted to deify his predecessor. tried in vain to fit Julius Caesar; for although he wished a star that had arisen in his own time (one of those which the Greeks call Comets original: "Cometas" and our people call "Long-haired Stars" original: "Crinitas") to be named the "Julian Star," it soon vanished and deluded the hope of such great desire.

But we can augur far truer and more fortunate things for your Highness, Most Serene Prince; for your immortal virtues have scarcely begun to shine on earth, when bright Stars offer themselves in the Heavens, which, like a tongue...