Ocellus Lucanus: On the Nature of the Universe

While the Pontiff—greatest in genius, best in life, most holy in purpose—looked anxiously toward the abundant fulfillment of his office, you always appeared ready for all those things which Ecclesiastical liberty or ancient honor might demand. Certainly, it does not escape me that there will be no lack of those to whom I may seem unable to be easily acquitted of temerity; In præfat. hiſt. nat. for who (as Pliny said of Vespasian) could intrepidly evaluate these things, being about to undergo the judgment of your genius, especially when provoked by name in a work dedicated to you? Let these men know, however, that it is my desire rather to avoid the wicked name of an ungrateful man with this small gift, than to hunt for the glory of a learned one; and (to reply with the same Pliny) that those who have no incense make sacrifice to the Gods with salted meal, nor was it ever a fault for anyone to worship the Gods in whatever way he was able. Therefore, I shall not fear to offer this to you, most kind Prince, praying this one thing as a suppliant: that you may receive this slight shadow of a grateful mind with a cheerful countenance, and believe that he who has dedicated to you the first, and therefore more pleasing, offspring of his nobler part—namely, his mind—will forever perform all services with inviolable faith. Farewell.