The Life of Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc

they will strive. For what remains, I will describe his life, which should be regarded for the simplicity of the narration and not for any sought after rhetorical colors. Others, if it seems fit, may polish this with a more elegant pen and grant the form of history to these records, which I have merely arranged as commentaries, like a pile of rough stones, or as annals in a chronological sequence.

Indeed, it is my intention merely to play the part of Damis Damis was the dedicated disciple and biographer of the ancient philosopher Apollonius of Tyana. He was known for recording every detail of his master's life, no matter how small.; and if some perhaps object that I have shown no selectivity by observing every tiny detail, I will say what he said: even the crumbs that fall from the tables of the Gods are worthy of being gathered. Perhaps the matter will not be unwelcome to those who, like you, study to know great men thoroughly. This knowledge should come not only from their illustrious and publicly displayed actions, but also from their obscure actions, even those they themselves would not have wished to be made public.

For things done in the sight of everyone and with brilliance have something of a mask about them. Because of this, it is very difficult to distinguish what lies within and beneath the skin original: "sub cute." This is a classical idiom used by Roman satirists like Persius to describe a person's true character as opposed to their public reputation.. But those things which happen far from witnesses and without seeking fame, and therefore without pretense and with the mask removed, finally show the man. Discerning this is worth the effort. Surely this adds courage to imitate noble deeds. When we detect signs of our own human weakness even in heroes, we do not despair of attaining their virtues as much as we do when only their great deeds are narrated. But if some require more illustrious things, and more...

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