On the German Gods

I am flooded with some measure of shame when I consider with myself my own audacity, by which I perhaps sin against the public interest and interrupt your distinguished cares for the Commonwealth, Liberty, and Public Safety with this dedication; but when, on the other hand, I look back upon your welcoming kindness, MAGNIFICENT MAN, A formal honorific for a high-ranking official or university rector. by which you have always been accustomed to admit the cultivators of a good mind original: "Bonæ Mentis Cultores," referring to scholars or those devoted to intellectual and moral improvement. of your own accord; I find the courage to approach your benevolence. I do not wish, according to the custom of those dedicating works, either to write a panegyric of your praises, or with far-fetched [follies] of a fawning itch— The text breaks off mid-word; "pru-" likely leads to "prurigo" (itch/longing) or "prurientis" (striving), suggesting the author's disdain for the "itch" of flatterers to use flowery, insincere language.