A decorative woodcut headpiece featuring symmetrical floral scrolls, foliage, and central fruit motifs.

TO THE MOST EMINENT

CARDINAL OF THE HOLY ROMAN CHURCH

LOUIS ALPHONSE

DE RICHELIEU PLESSIS,

ARCHBISHOP OF LYONS,

PRIMATE OF THE GAULS,

GREAT ALMONER OF FRANCE,

I offer this specimen to you, MOST EMINENT CARDINAL, as a sign of my respect. I hope you consider it a fulfillment of what you required of me. Specifically, you used your authority over the Royal College to arrange for the Most Christian King to appoint me to the Chair of Mathematics. For a long time, I refused and hesitated. However, your insistence and my deep veneration for you finally won me over. I accepted the duty you commanded. I began with a brief introduction to the principles of Astronomy, as you and others desired. Later, a bookseller discovered that a transcript of these lectures was being circulated. He requested my permission to print them. I agreed, but only on the condition that your illustrious Name should appear on the front. I wanted everyone to understand that it was you who provided the opportunity for this work.

This book is the proof of my obedience to you. I provide it now while I rest due to a long standing illness. For some time, a chest ailment has grown worse. I must moderate my diet and remain quiet to soothe the irritation. I cannot help but remember your great kindness during this time. You showed concern for my health while you were in the city and when you were departing. When I thought of returning to my home region for a change of air, you wanted to take me with you, if I had been able to endure the travel. Furthermore, you gave another proof of your goodness upon your departure. I had only accepted the Professorship on the condition that I could resign whenever I wished without losing your favor. You would not even listen to me when I spoke of resigning. You anticipated that my return to Provence might cause a long absence. You noted that while you usually do not grant exemptions from residency or duties, you wished to make an exception for me.

These are not new testimonies of your benevolence. Your virtue shone brightly even when you lived in that holy Hermitage. You have always shown me singular affection. In the ancient manner, you were called from that retreat to lead the Metropolitan See of our Province. At that time, you kindly called me to join you when I was hesitant. You proved your kindness toward me on every occasion. Later, you were moved to other offices and joined the College of Cardinals. Despite these many honors, you remained the same toward me. You never allowed our former, easy familiarity to diminish. You often signaled that even when I was absent, I remained in your heart and mind. I mention these things gladly to express my gratitude. It is not for nothing that I have long fixed you The text ends here with the catchword "fixi," meaning "fixed." The next page likely completes the thought, "fixed you in my heart."