P. MARTINI

MORENTINUS OF NAVARRE

PREFACE TO THE MISOPOGON

of the Emperor Julian,

wherein the life of the author is discussed

from various sources, especially the

passages of [Ammianus] Marcellinus.

Decorative drop cap 'I' featuring ornate scrollwork and floral patterns within a square frame.

That the Emperor Julian possessed singular talent and eloquence is declared by his own surviving works. Furthermore, no small praise for other virtues worthy of a prince is attributed to him in history, so much so that if the things recorded of him are true, I would not hesitate to compare him in those respects with the greatest of rulers. But a single stain of impiety and apostasy original: "ἀποστασίας" (apostasias). Julian (r. 361–363 AD) was the last polytheistic emperor of Rome and was dubbed "the Apostate" by the Church for his rejection of Christianity. has forever erased and extinguished all those praises.

This is a great example and one especially to be considered, so that both princes and private citizens might dread the danger of such a great and wretched ruin. They should consider that the best and greatest God is to be worshiped sincerely, and they should embrace true piety truly and seriously, rather than thinking it to be some childish game or joke. Above all, they should reflect upon that most certain oracle of Christ: Many are called, but few are chosen original: "πολλοί εἰσιν κλητοὶ, ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοὶ" (polloi eisin klētoi, oligoi de eklektoi). A quotation from the Gospel of Matthew 22:14..

Therefore, so that this whole matter might be more easily understood, and the argument of the proposed speech be explained from its causes, the life of Julian must first be examined from his nature and educa—