EQUALLY IN NOBILITY AND VIRTUE

To the noble and illustrious Lord REINHARD

Count of Leiningen and Westerburg,

Decorative historiated drop cap 'Q' featuring a figure, possibly a child or a scholar, seated within the counter of the letter. Although no class of men is more worthy of a life that is not only healthy but also long than the students of letters—since they have prepared for themselves a rule for living well and prudently from the teachings of the best authors, and are able to pass it on, as if by hand, to others who will be future administrators of public affairs, and instill it into the minds of the young—nevertheless, I know not by what fate or error it happens that they are allotted a shorter life than others. Many who survive continue to live as invalids; even more, through the neglect of their own health, original: "ἀΐδι προΐάπλα" (sent to Hades) are sent prematurely to the grave. I would more easily allow this to be attributed to ourselves than for the blame to be cast back upon the Gods, saying for them along with Homer:

"Alas, how mortals now do blame the gods!
For they say that evils come from us, yet they themselves
suffer sorrows beyond their fate through their own reckless folly."
Homer, Odyssey, Book 1, lines 32-34. Leennius uses this Greek quote to argue that scholars' poor health is their own fault, not divine will.

I remember, noble Count, that you once told me this error could easily be remedied, and you first assigned me to this task then. Since you do not yet cease to urge me, and wish me to undertake this duty province: a metaphorical "sphere of duty" or assignment not only in your name but also in the name of all scholars, come then, it has pleased me to comply with this useful command. And because you strive for this by every means,