Complete Works XVIII: Against Celsus I-IV (Lommatzsch)

It was brought to me shortly thereafter, and he told me he wished to promise any reward to the man who would turn this into Latin. And indeed, I myself would have undertaken the task willingly, had another weighty translation not occupied me at that time. Therefore, that book remains untouched in the Pontiff’s library, and, I suspect, kept for you, so that you may translate it into Latin with that dignity which it possesses in the Greek, or at least something very close to it. I hope that, given your singular skill in both languages, you will earn no less praise in translating this than the author himself earned in writing it. But you will say that the rewards which you recount Pope Nicholas offered are not now available, nor are there such Princes today who would follow in his footsteps. Why then should I expend so much labor? I do not deny this myself. Why not? Since I have learned by experience, I dare to confirm that there are neither such Princes now as there were in the past, nor are there such rewards for labors and virtues. But who is so ungenerous, or so ungrateful a Prince, who, when you present him with this translated book as a gift, would not pursue you with rewards worthy of a Prince and with great honors? Undertake this work, therefore, and apply yourself continuously so that you may complete it with the dignity it deserves. Act as a Roman, and with a great spirit overcome all difficulties. It is, I admit, difficult to interpret, but you will achieve all the more praise for appearing to have tackled a difficult task. Farewell!

Led by these incentives, Christophorus Persona was induced to translate the eight books Against Celsus into Latin and to dedicate them to the Supreme Pontiff Sixtus IV with a letter which would certainly deserve a place here, were it not too long. It begins: "To the Supreme Pontiff Sixtus IV, Christophorus Persona, Prior of Santa Balbina. I have often observed, most blessed Father, that those men of old, and men of outstanding talent, etc."