TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MEN,

most excellent in virtue and wisdom, the consuls and senate of the

Nuremberg republic, his masters to be honored,

Hieronymus Wolf sends many greetings. original: "S. D." for "Salutem Dicit," a standard Latin greeting.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'S' begins the text, featuring ornate scrollwork and floral patterns within a square frame.

O distinguished gentlemen, I have often desired to show a grateful spirit toward your republic—in which I lived pleasantly for many years, where I was first educated in letters, and where I was honored both publicly and privately with many great benefits. Yet, until now, I have always lacked the ability, the occasion, or rather the audacity to do so. For although I have exercised myself with great persistence and diligence in the studies of humanity original: "studiis humanitatis." This refers to the Renaissance 'Humanities'—grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy. from my earliest years, and have written many things that my learned friends did not entirely disapprove of, it never occurred to me that any of my nightly labors original: "lucubrationum." This refers to works produced by the light of a lamp, signifying scholarly dedication. ought to be published. This was not so much out of fear of slander, which deters many from honorable efforts, as it was because I thought it the mark of a modest mind to measure myself by my own foot and standard. I preferred to leave the province of writing to men famous for their talent, learning, and eloquence—of whom our age has produced not a few. For a long time, no amount of encouragement could lead me away from these thoughts, whether they were born of modesty or fear. I proceeded, therefore, to adorn my Sparta original: "Spartam... exornare." A proverbial expression meaning to fulfill the duties of the position one has been given, however humble. which I had obtained. With good zeal but—as the outcome proved—with little prudent judgment, and not as suited to my nature as I had thought, I dedicated myself entirely to the instruction of boys. I spent my time reading and writing not what was pleasant or glorious for me, but what would be useful for the students whom I was instructing, sometimes privately and sometimes publicly. Whether I should regret this, having served my duty, I truly do not know; certainly, I could have spent my time better and looked more properly after my own reputation (which I now see, perhaps too late, should not be entirely neglected) or the needs of others.

But now, after calamity has granted me a leisure original: "otium." In this context, Wolf likely refers to his dismissal or a forced break from teaching that allowed him time for scholarship. that I never sought in this manner, I have applied my mind to translating Greek authors. I do this according to the strength of my talent and learning, at the urging of those men whose authority I must obey. Even though this is a province full of labor and annoyance, full of danger, and exposed to the envy and mockery of slanderers, I have nevertheless undertaken it with a great spirit and good hope. For since Greece has held the palm of eloquence and learning throughout all the learned ages, with no one contradicting it, and since the Romans fashioned almost all their garlands from the flowers of the Athenians, it is entirely to be hoped that the studies of the youth will be all the more distinguished and fruitful the more diligently they apply themselves to Greek literature.

Translations of this kind serve not only those whose age for learning a foreign language has already passed, but also young men eager for Greek letters. Few are blessed with teachers in both languages; few are granted a proper amount of time for learning in the Academies; finally, no one will acquire excellent learning in any genre without private study. These domestic meditations and exercises can have nothing more beneficial for the knowledge of things than learned commentaries, and nothing more helpful for the study of languages than faithful translation. I, who enjoyed the help of teachers for only a very short time, can best confirm this by my own testimony and example. For I would never have attained this (however small the amount of what I have learned) without the aid of learned translators. Even if they did not always satisfy my desires or the requirements of the author upon whom they worked, they nevertheless assisted my industry in many places. Therefore, I hope that through great labor and sleepless nights, I have achieved enough that I might bring forth something of use to students of Greek literature—which, following nature's lead, I love above all else, and in which I have consumed the greatest part of my life. I have done this cheerfully and faithfully with my living voice as long as it was my duty; now, after it has seemed fit to Fortune to thrust me into obscure leisure as if into a prison, I seek business in this very leisure, not so much for myself...