D E D I C A T I O N

Indeed, upon entering your palace, we hardly believe we have left the church; so piously and modestly is everything customarily managed there. There, before our eyes, dwells the image of Theodosius the Younger, of whom our Socrates Socrates Scholasticus (c. 380 – after 439 AD), a Greek Church historian whose work continued the history begun by Eusebius. reports that, amidst the most abundant affluence of all things, he possessed a continent and temperate mind, having driven far away anger, grief, pleasure, and any depraved affections. He honored all the priests of God, but especially those whom he knew to excel in holiness of life; and while he showed himself kind and affable to everyone, he practiced philosophy more through deeds than words; and finally, he surpassed all mortals in a certain unique philanthropy original: φιλανθρωπίᾳ (philanthrōpia) — love of humanity or benevolence..

Stepping outside from there, how shall we record you as a citizen and a pillar of public affairs? These you have aided with counsel, resources, faith, and prudence, beyond what can be expressed in words. The wages of war—while war was raging—a difficult task entangled in countless knots, you paid out so accurately and promptly that your country both returns and will continue to hold immortal thanks to you on that account This refers to the Duke's role as Paymaster General of the Forces during the War of the Spanish Succession, a position from which he acquired his vast wealth.. As for the Muses, those nurslings of peace, you have not only cultivated them at home in your most well-equipped library so they might dwell with you, but you have also brought it about at incredible expense that they might flourish everywhere throughout our nation. A greatness of soul equal to your immense riches embraces and protects all the arts that deserve to be fostered and nourished; it lifts up the learned who are trampled and lying low under unjust fortune; it restores with singular mercy the souls of the afflicted and dying, destitute of all hope and near to death, and snatches them from the grave. To conclude in a word, your mind watches over a thousand human benefits at once, a small part of which would more than enough occupy and distract another man’s spirit.

Behold the virtues which make a true Leader of Christians, a truly noble man! Thus, at last, the peak of Gospel goodness is reached. For that heavenly Master commanded that the leaders among His own should outshine others in piety and purity of character. He commanded that some things in the inner chamber, and others openly