DEDICATORY EPISTLE

admiration of your learning and most keen judgment. Indeed, it is quite impossible that everyone who has dedicated themselves to the study of wisdom and the more refined humanities—those of an honest mind, at least—should not be captivated by it. Furthermore, it happens that this edition is being produced again, and certainly not without your patronage; an edition which you "passionately" original: "ἐμπαθῶς" (empathōs). This Greek term suggests a deep, emotional, or intense longing. desire, as you have written to me. Thus, by the best of rights, it is owed to you.

Indeed, I am very handsomely looking out for my own interests (to hide nothing) while I publish this as a kind of testimony original: "indigitamentum." In ancient Roman religion, the Indigitamenta were lists of deities and the specific formulas used to invoke them. Selden uses this technical term as a scholarly pun to describe his dedication of a book about gods. of H E I N S I A N friendship, and of such affection and favor. For according to the faith placed in this friendship—especially among those observers who, being poorly equipped with their own judgment as is often the case, are accustomed to borrowing the judgment of another—it is necessary that both authority and esteem be won for this little work. For no one will find a judge more acute or more learned than you, whether in more pleasant literature This refers to the "studia humanitatis" or the "belles-lettres," such as poetry and rhetoric. or in any of the more serious disciplines. In both, certainly, you are recognized as the director and truly the leader. To you, even from foreign lands, I profess myself most devotedly. Farewell, most distinguished man, and continue to regard me with affection.

London, the Calends of September September 1st. 1628.