The Marriage of Philology and Mercury

...while we were traveling through your country in the company of the most noble and distinguished Ambassadors of the Netherlands, Justin of Nassau Justin of Nassau (1559–1631) was the natural son of William the Silent and a Dutch admiral. and Johan van Oldenbarnevelt A pivotal Dutch statesman who played a key role in the struggle for Dutch independence., I observed in you both a talent beyond your years and an erudition beyond belief.

For this reason, I have not only regarded you with that honor which I usually accord to all Princes, but I have also, from that time on, followed you with that singular affection which is owed to literature and to men of letters. And although you were always present in my mind, your portrait—which you see sketched in this little book—has nevertheless refreshed my pleasant memory of you. This image was made available to me by the most learned man JOSEPH TEXERA José Teixeira (1543–1604) was a Portuguese Dominican friar and political advisor., a most faithful observer and praiser of your virtues; the Confessor and Counselor, I say, to both you and your most Illustrious mother.