The Complete Works of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, Volume 2

...nature it is to make the minds of the Faithful of one will, showing You to us as a Pontiff original: "Pontificem" to be admired in an altogether wonderful manner, whom He Himself had chosen; and this so unexpectedly, that we ourselves can scarcely believe that such a singular harmony could have arisen in such brief moments from the Papal Conclave original: "Pontificiis Comitiis", which had been burning with great heat through the interval of six months. The conclave of 1740 lasted six months and was one of the longest and most contentious in modern history before electing Prospero Lambertini (Benedict XIV). Receiving therefore an omen of this kind, why should this book not hope that some part of that immense applause will fall to it, with which the entire Roman People celebrates the beginnings of YOUR PONTIFICATE, having followed that first progress of Yours to the Basilica of Saint Peter from the place of the Conclave with such festive and perpetual acclamations, that (as was almost boasted in the old formula regarding the Secular Games) no one has heard the like, nor is anyone ever likely to hear it?

This very omen, MOST BLESSED FATHER, will be the reason that those two volumes, which are still desired for the completion of the Vatican Edition of Saint Ephrem—namely, the third of the Greek [volumes], and likewise the third of the Syriac [volumes]—may be brought forth into public view with less slow labor than those which preceded them. To which end, I shall diligently labor, according to the requirements of my office, so that those who "adorn this Sparta" original: "Spartam hanc adornant." A classical proverb meaning to do one's duty and improve the station one has been given. may contribute all their efforts. The illustrious examples of YOUR HOLINESS, which neither the most weighty duties of the Roman Curia The administrative apparatus of the Holy See. nor the administrations of the Churches have at any time separated from literary labors—because the most wise Volumes of great weight...