DEDICATORY EPISTLE

...a model of the worldly Republic, and may learn to administer and distribute their own Republic accordingly. Why should I mention those most famous throughout almost the entire world—Pythagoras, Empedocles, Apollonius of Tyana, and Plato—who burned with such a desire for this [art] that they traveled across the globe to learn it, undertaking what were more like exiles than mere voyages? Having returned, they preached it and held it among their secret mysteries. Why mention the Magi Kings The Three Wise Men or Magi of the Nativity coming to adore Christ, and many others renowned in this art, with whose names the monuments of the ancients are filled? But who will justly weigh my labors, vigils, and expenses, which I have spent in adorning this daughter of mine A metaphor for the book itself, so that she might one day seem worthy of you; lest, in the emulation of noble works, she should waste away from envy of her sister? The sum of it is, since she is not inferior to her sister, she disdains to marry an inferior man. For you, born of the same blood, adorned with the same gifts of Nature and Fortune, and of the same character of mind and excellence of speech. If in one there is the magnificence of Alexander Alexander the Great, in the other is that of Caesar. If in one is the strength of the Fabii, in the other is that of the Scipiones Famous families of Roman generals and statesmen: one is not so much wise as the other is prudent, and finally, to put it in a word, your integrity of character, incredible humanity, and your other virtues so strive among themselves: that while one strives to surpass the other, in this noble contest of distinguished virtues, each one surpassing itself crowns you with all their pomp and triumph. I myself, who am compelled to confess these things, and since nothing is more desired in my prayers, I obey not unwillingly. I send her to you. But in such great love, do not forget me. Farewell, and give greetings in my name to your brothers, Marino and Michael.