TO THE MOST BLESSED FATHER,

AND SUPREME PRINCE

OF THE CHRISTIAN

RELIGION

Small decorative printer's ornament featuring a stylized fleur-de-lis or leaf motif.

TO PAUL III.

AGOSTINO STEUCO,

Ornamental drop cap 'V' depicting a scene with figures and classical architecture. IT HAS ALWAYS seemed to me a true opinion in philosophy that Wisdom and Piety, springing from the same fountains and looking toward a single end, also share all other principles by which they are sustained. Philosophy itself proves this most clearly: for while it promises Wisdom as the supreme fruit and reward of labors, Plato and Aristotle—easily the princes of philosophers—propose that we understand this as nothing other than the Knowledge and Worship of God. In their own language, this is called original: "Θεωρεῖν, καὶ θεραπεύειν τὸν θεόν" to contemplate and to serve God. This is the summit of all things; here, finally, all the speculations, studies, and cares of the Philosophers come to rest. Therefore, having gathered many flowers, as if from the most pleasant fields, from all of Philosophy—flowers redolent of this divinity—and having fashioned from them a sweet-smelling crown, I have rightfully dedicated them to you, who hold the sovereignty of both Wisdom and Religion. I offer honors fitting to your majesty, which presides over the protection of Sacred things and the propagation and illumination of Wisdom. You have long held and guided this Wisdom with both authority and knowledge, and you have shown the greatness of your soul in amplifying it: by summoning men from everywhere, conspicuous for their wisdom and character, to the governance of religion, you have formed from them a most wise senate. Furthermore, you adorn the City and the temples of the Gods with the most beautiful buildings, and you augment the libraries with excellent Greek and Latin writers. I pass over the fact that you were the author of peace—by which religion is established—having undertaken most difficult journeys. Certainly, it is fitting to inscribe books concerning philosophy and the highest mysteries of wisdom to you, as if they were triumphal arches, by which your memory might be celebrated for posterity as much as lies within our power...