Latin Works of Giordano Bruno

...in a narrower field, thundering poorly, they entangle the dogs, scatter the wild beasts, and confound and defraud the more eager hunters. Nor are there lacking those more fortunate individuals who do not suffer from such a weakness of intellect that they are unaware that—beyond the mere titles of judgment and invention In Renaissance logic, "invention" refers to the discovery of arguments, and "judgment" to the assessment of their validity.—arts of this kind contain absolutely no 5 true invention and no judgment. Furthermore, because of the author’s Referring to Aristotle. obscurity and the fact that the meanings of his commentators are impassable to them, they cannot fruitfully take up the journey through the Aristotelian paths. Relying instead on the strength of their own intellect, they seem to say with the 10 tragic Oedipus: I shall go this way, stripped of every guide. Alone, I will better find the path I seek. original: "huc omni duce spoliatus ibo. Melius inveniam viam, quam quaero, solus." A quote from Seneca's play Oedipus. Pitying the deserted and unhappy condition of these men, I thought I would be doing something worthwhile if I labored in the ordering, exposition, cultivation, completion, and elucidation of this art, so that I might be a supporter to the best of my ability for those 15 whom heaven has destined to participate in these fruits.

As to what and how much I have achieved here, let it be the judgment of you and others (to whom it will be given to understand this). I preferred to dedicate these things to you and to offer, submit, and commend them to your examination, 20 judgment, and patronage—as one who, seeing with your own eyes, is not forced to commit things to be judged by the blind or the bleary-eyed. I mean those who, because they are ignorant, either pluck at things more fervently with feigned contempt, or—so that they might seem to know somewhat more—press their 25 lips together a little and almost wrinkle their noses, commending the same things rather coldly. Farewell, and receive as friends the Muses, who have decorated you with no common distinctions.

6 author G References to variations in the original manuscripts/editions marked P, A, and G. 11 after seek omits the comma G 12 worthwhile P 14 heaven P: heaven AG 19 commend P and 25 commend PA 22 after ignorant removes the comma G 26 distinctions PA: distinctions emended G