TO THE MOST AUGUST PRINCE

WILLIAM,

KING of Great Britain, France, and

Ireland.

Had the demands of a grateful soul and a sense of duty not almost compelled me, I would not have dared to inscribe the sacred name of so great a Prince upon these studies of mine, whatever they may be. For to you, to whom we owe everything—our entire fortunes, our liberty, our life itself, and even that which is dearer than life, our Religion This refers to the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688, where William III took the throne to protect Protestantism and English liberties—it is too little to offer these small gifts of a slender wit or of literary leisure. Nor can we be equal to the task of celebrating your praises, we who are already unequal to the task of returning sufficient thanks.

Look! A comparison, not bad, or rather excellent, between two rulers dynarchs; powerful lords of the same age! Namely, both in the flower of their youth, both Arcadians original: "Arcadas ambo"; a literary reference from Virgil's Eclogues meaning peers or equals in character, both consumed by the same ambition—But you, conquered province, lament! original: "At tu victria provincia ploras!"; a reference to the irony of a province "winning" a legal case but being financially ruined by it

Most Illustrious Prince, two virtues especially constitute a great-souled man: Fortitude courage and strength of mind and Clemency mercy or leniency. Not [only do we call] you Brave...