PREFACE

...I serve, with approval. Often it also came to mind that I was doing wrong by remaining in a place where I had neither those whom I might teach, nor from whom I might learn—I am speaking of this specific scholarly brand of learning that I possess. While I was in this state of distress and hesitation, and as the end of my five-year term approached (for I had bound my word to the commonwealth for that many years), I was asked—as were the other teachers—to remain in charge of the St. Anna School The Schola Annea (St. Anna Gymnasium) in Augsburg, where Wolf served as rector and librarian. for another eight years. I was encouraged by the hope that, from then on, a greater value would be placed on literary matters both publicly and privately. Therefore, I was moved more by a kind of religious scruple not to oppose the will of my masters, rather than by a lack of honorable retreats.

For indeed, the most illustrious Albert, Duke of Prussia, Albert (1490–1568), the last Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights and the first Duke of Prussia, who founded the University of Königsberg (Regiomontum). a most praised prince, at Königsberg; and the most distinguished senates of Strasbourg and Bern, offered me honorable and generous conditions—the former in his own city, the latter at Lausanne. Yet, I suspected that I was being held in this city of Augsburg by a certain fate. Indeed, when I was returning from Paris, original: "Lutetia" I never imagined I would stay here for as many days as the years I have now spent in it. I had been called to this scholarly duty when it had never even entered my mind; I was retained longer than I ever hoped or expected. I came to believe that these things, managed by the authority of most prudent men and a most venerable senate, were happening by divine providence. Had I not obeyed—and had I betaken myself elsewhere, whether out of weariness with my present circumstances or hope for greater success in my studies—I feared Nemesis, The Greek goddess of retribution; Wolf views his professional appointment as a sacred duty he cannot abandon without divine punishment. the avenger of a divinely assigned task.

When I once opened up about this "superstition" (for that is what some wise men call anything said about divine providence) in a familiar conversation—since my nature is too simple and open, and I am accustomed neither to feign nor to hide anything—that man replied quite sharply and wittily, and perhaps not entirely falsely. He said that "those who love fashion dreams for themselves" original: "eos qui amarent, somnia sibi fingere"—implying, perhaps, that this city would easily do without Wolf, The author, Hieronymus Wolf, referring to himself in the third person. which is entirely true, and that I was being kept here against my will by "golden shackles" A common Renaissance metaphor for a high salary or comfortable position that prevents a scholar from pursuing their true passions. rather than by thoughts of duty or hope for improvement.

For I am indeed content with the salary that is given; and having been taught by so many adverse experiences, I shrink from any change. After that time, I have remained stuck in almost the same mud perpetually. By moving much, I have moved forward very little, so that it clearly seems these expenses are bestowed upon me in vain. Others, with less learning and talent (though I acknowledge how meager both are in me) and for a smaller wage, could perform all those same duties. When I saw this, and was distressed that I was frustrated in my hopes, I came around to the opinion of that prudent and sharp man I just mentioned; I understood that those "noble thoughts" of mine had been nothing but the dreams of lovers. But what was I to do? I had given my word; it was necessary to remain, whatever the outcome.

Furthermore, four years ago, when the Lords of the Strasbourg school The scholarchae or school inspectors of Strasbourg (Argentinensis). (whom I name for the sake of honor and gratitude) were transforming their then-famous school into an Academy The University of Strasbourg, which evolved from the gymnasium founded by Johannes Sturm. under favorable omens...