TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE

JAMES

DUKE OF ORMONDE, &c.

Of the University of Oxford

CHANCELLOR

MOST WORTHY.

Since you preside over such a great choir of the most learned men by your authority and counsel, even if I am as yet scarcely known to you by face, there is no reason left for me to doubt that your countenance will be pleasing and favorable toward letters and literate men. For since you are the head of the Oxford Muses The "Muses" here refers to the scholars and students of the University of Oxford, and after our Most Serene Lord the King, their most kind patron, for that very name you are to be held in the highest veneration among all the Muses dwelling here. Your most ancient lineage, your most wealthy resources, the sincerity of your mind, the splendor of your actions, and above all your most upright loyalty toward the Father of the Country original: "Patrem Patriæ"; a reference to King Charles II (to whom you have always adhered like a faithful Achates A reference to the loyal companion of Aeneas in Virgil's Aeneid, signifying a devoted friend abroad and at home) praise you sufficiently: why then should the Oxford Muses not praise you as so worthy a Maecenas A Roman patron of the arts; used here as a title for a generous supporter of scholarship; especially since under your