News from Parnassus: Second Century

...here, with modest skill in times past, to censure the corruptions of the present age; and in the same subject to exert that great strength of Hercules the mythical hero known for his incredible labors, that ultimate vigor of the human intellect, which acquires for a man the true crown of praise by mixing the useful with the sweet original: "l'utile, col dolce," a reference to Horace's poetic ideal that art should both instruct and delight. And although to circumspect men who are zealous for their own reputation, no other resolution brings greater fear than coming to the tremendous act of publishing their own labors to the world, and subjecting them to the universal judgment of men, who are as varied in their whims as they are greatly severe in their censures; I nonetheless, with a frank mind and with certain hope of bringing an honorable cry to my name, not persuaded by friends or commanded by masters, as many have said on similar occasions, but voluntarily and of my own accord original: "di mio moto proprio" I send these my writings to the light of the world, so that they may be read by the most curious intellects. Nor does this confidence that I have in myself and in my things arise because I trust in my own intellect (which I recognize as less than mediocre) more than is becoming for a modest man; but because Your Illustrious Lordship V. S. Illustrissima, a formal honorific for the patron having approved these my night-labors original: "vigilie," referring to works produced by staying up late at night as useful and curious, I render myself certain that no man will be found who would not consider it an act of supreme temerity to dare...