Optics

...to act more bravely, to fight most stoutly, so that you might be held prompt and ready, yielding in nothing to the most vigorous. And since, by your virtue, that city and its citizens were especially defended and preserved, most illustrious Prince, this author, whom I dedicate to your Highness, seems to owe you no less than any citizen of that city. For indeed, when the enemy army was already invading Austria, having been left among the rest of the library furnishings, he would have been defended no differently than any other citizen by you; otherwise, had the city been captured and plundered, he would have perished, truly having suffered the utmost extremity. Therefore, in place of the civic crown, which the author (preserved by you and rescued from destruction) owes you along with me, and now released into the public by my efforts, he freely sets forth with me a confession of a grateful mind by the gift of this dedication. Furthermore, the author’s family name is Vitellio, who, a Pole from the Thuringians, lived, as I conjecture, about six hundred years ago, more or less. And he wrote this complete work πϵρὶ ὀπτικῆς (on Optics) with the highest discernment and equal diligence, and treated everything in such exact order that, as far as the apprehension and perfect knowledge of this most noble art are concerned, nothing can be found wanting in it. I dedicate him by name to your Highness as he now for the first time comes forth into the light, and at the same time I earnestly ask that you look upon the spirit and affection of the giver rather than the gift offered itself, and that you do not disdain to continue to favor Tanstetter, whom you have hitherto supported, with equal kindness. Farewell happily, most illustrious Prince.

TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE

and Lord, Lord Philip, Count Palatine of the Rhine,

and Duke of both Bavarias, etc. Ursinus Velius.

Long since proven in great perils of soul,
Philip, the foremost glory of the Palatine house:
You who were the greatest cause of Vienna’s preservation,
When the city was encircled by countless enemies.
This author, then also besieged, now dedicates himself to you;
Receive these rewards from a citizen saved.
Because he was not destroyed by enemy fire,
He longs to be called, and to be, yours forever.
Tanstetter, by whose auspices this work comes forth,
Confesses that he owes you a similar honor.
The name of Vitellio goes forth, and now throughout the whole world,
Through the learned mouths of the people, it spreads your own name.