The Life of Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc

[more] extensive deeds than those we are about to recount. They must realize that not everyone can be a Scipio or a Maximus referring to Scipio Africanus and Quintus Fabius Maximus, famous Roman generals who led wars and celebrated triumphs, so as to be able to recall wars and triumphs. Those men deserve abundant praise whom fortune has not raised to the highest wealth and dignities; yet they possess greater spirits, are of more noble virtue, and attempt things far grander than one might expect given their social status. Such a man indeed was Peiresc. We shall present him only as a man of Senatorial rank and status Peiresc was a councillor in the Parlement of Provence. In the Latin tradition of the time, French high magistrates were often equated with the Roman Senatorial class.; and yet he conducted himself in such a way that he made himself superior to any praise or formal eulogy.

Specifically, I intend to follow two themes throughout this narrative for which he was highly commended. The first is his vast and universal learning, joined with an unquenchable passion for knowledge. The second is his tireless care in advancing the noble arts, along with a truly royal generosity toward all men of letters.

Regarding these points, there is certainly no danger that I might seem to exaggerate. I shall speak in the very presence of the learned men among whom he was famous. They are so far from accusing me of being excessive that I fear instead they will complain I have been too sparing in my account. But lest I seem to linger here, allow me, most excellent Prince Gassendi addresses his patron, likely Louis de Valois, Count of Alais, to whom the work is dedicated., to begin the narration of what you desire to know. I shall start with his ancestors, so that it may be clear from the very beginning why authors have so consistently called him "Most Noble" original: "Nobilissimum".