Theology of Aristotle

And as Alexander wrote to Aristotle himself, I would rather prefer to distinguish myself before a Prince with books—so long desired and never before opened to the Latins—than with arms; I rejoice that they have emerged in your time, just as Philip the Great did for his author. I would not, however, that any envious person dare to belittle or set aside these fourteen golden books if he finds that the ninth is mutilated and lacking only in the first chapter. For Strabo wrote thus concerning the books of Aristotle and Theophrastus: "When Neleus, having obtained the library of both philosophers, had taken them away, his descendants, out of fear of the kings of Italy, buried them in the earth, and the moths damaged them. Then they were filled with errors by Apellicon, who wished to amend the corrosion; and although some have tried to correct them, especially while Sulla, returning victorious from Athens, had brought them to Rome, it can nevertheless not be determined whether they were restored to their former integrity or rather were further violated." That this was the case with the number of these works, this book of ours will be able to be a witness, which is mutilated and lacking in the head of the ninth book, from the translation previously made from the Greek into the Arabic language by the Saracen Abenama—a very ancient [copy] in my possession, [available] for all to inspect. Therefore, may this principal work, deservedly dedicated to the divinity of your Majesty, most holy Pontiff, be admitted into your Palatine and most worthy library. As for me, Roseus, your humble servant, already long since given to your Holiness from the heart, I beseech you not to disdain to impart your grace and to write me among your flock. Farewell and live happily, most blessed Father, most shining star of the whole Christian Republic. Ravenna, the Kalends of January, 1519.