EPISTLE

of those evil inclinations that tend toward vanity. The fire of Ambition is henceforth buried beneath the cold ashes with which age begins to cover me. This ensures me that more utility will be drawn from these Discourses than I hope to receive in glory. Furthermore, I no longer seek so much the day nor the light. It is enough for me to testify to everyone that I aspire henceforth to nothing more than to exit the bustle of this mortal life as light and unburdened of all weight as I am able. I strive only to nail down the wheel of my fortune The "Wheel of Fortune" was a common medieval and Renaissance metaphor for the unpredictable nature of fate; the author wishes to stop the wheel while he is at a stable point. for the few years remaining to me. And finding myself at a high enough point for the fulfillment of my greatest wishes—which I have already moderated—I seek only to take from Fortune the means to decline. Any further elevation would perhaps be more burdensome and harmful to me in the future than a moderate and gentle descent would be now. I wish for no other good, therefore, but that my labors be agreeable to Your Majesty original: "V. M." (Vostre Majesté) and to remain quietly upon my Parnassus A reference to Mount Parnassus, the home of the Muses; here it signifies the author's library or place of study. to finish the rest of my days there and employ them in this same occupation; for it would be difficult for me to find any better or more useful pursuit. Always drawing my line toward this point, until the Almighty—who, like a beautiful Sun, makes your Crown shine through the excellence and piety of your character, pouring upon you a world of blessings—inspires Your Majesty and places ardently in your affection the will to banish and entirely exterminate from your Court and from this August and holy Kingdom all Magicians, Sorcerers, Diviners, Casters of Horoscopes, Jews, Apostates, Atheists, and all