The Life of Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc

you lamented that his companionship had been snatched from you by the great envy of the fates. You very eagerly questioned me about his studies and his character, as you knew I had been most intimately acquainted with him. You even wished to know his features from a portrait and to visit the places where his footprints remained. You surveyed where he used to live, where he used to sit, and where he was accustomed to detain every outstanding man with the charm of his conversation, as if by certain original: "Sireni bus." In Greek mythology, Sirens were creatures whose songs were irresistible. Gassendi uses this to describe Peiresc’s captivating intellectual company. Sirens.

Finally, you were carried away by such admiration for his virtues that you became the primary advocate for writing the history of his lifeoriginal: "vita." A common genre of the period focusing on the character and deeds of a great individual.. For this reason, you allowed me to be away from your company, not unwillingly, so that in this retreat of mine the original: "coronis." In ancient manuscripts, the 'coronis' was a flourish or symbol marking the end of a book or section. Here, Gassendi means he is putting the final touches on the work. finishing strokes might be applied more quickly.

I could have indeed offered a genuine excuse based on the weakness of my own powers. However, I decided I should not delay, as I attended to a manifold duty. For first, regarding you, I would be plainly stubborn if I did not obey. Although I was expecting nothing of the sort and deserved no such thing, I was called to greet you in such a way that, from that time on, your kindness toward me could not have been more free, more pleasant, or more inclined toward every courtesy and ease.

I have certainly learned by experience how rightly the whole province looks up to you, loves you, and considers you its greatest delight. It is a province happy, clearly, in a Governororiginal: "Prorege." This title refers to Louis de Valois's role as the King's representative and governor of Provence. in whom philosophyoriginal: "philosophia." In the 17th century, this included all branches of learning, science, and ethics. and poweroriginal: "imperium." This refers to his legal and military authority. are balanced with equal weight. Furthermore, you so unite the studies of peaceoriginal: "pacis studia." This refers to the humanities, arts, and civil governance. with the arts of waroriginal: "artes belli." This refers to military leadership and strategy....