The Images of Philostratus

to fight for victory. You are consumed thereafter in all aspects of ancient and modern history, down to the smallest details and moments owed to the careful research of the most curious, who have leisure as they wish. The beautiful things you have so successfully brought to light provide enough evidence of this. All of this is accompanied by a preud'hommie uprightness and integrity, without which all these other good qualities would be more harmful and pernicious than profitable and convenient. It is also accompanied by a memory that not only takes the place of some very ample Library, but can also be compared, not improperly, to an Ocean or to fire. The first is never overfilled or overflowing, no matter the excessive abundance of waters that descend and recede into it. The other is just as little filled or satisfied by all the pasture one might put into it, but rather shows a desire for always more.

To SUCH A PERSON, then, who is so rich and ample a storehouse of doctrine, I come to present this, my weak and common commodity. And for what purpose, one might ask? As if you did not understand the Greek language langue Grecque from which all of this originated as exquisitely as any other, and as if you did not have full knowledge of everything I have been able to gather in this work. In truth, it would be too great a wrong to your serious occupations and labors if I intended to distract you from them to waste even a little time here, time which is destined for better things. It would be an even greater wrong to the public regarding what you owe them in your duties, both in the matter of ordinary justice iustice ordinaire and in the Royal Council of State Affairs conseil Royal des affaires d'Estat, which allow you no respite. Could it perhaps be to recommend this author, when he is seen assisted by such a title as your very learned name, known and admired in all parts of Europe? Certainly, Philostratus