On the Immortality of the Soul

...[in whom no] place of the mind is left; who, among the common crowd of philosophers, admire themselves as if they were Narcissuses, and who in this one respect alone might be considered wise: if, emulating Stesichorus, they were to sing a παλινωδίαν [palinode]. Therefore, my Niccolò, receive this little gift with a grateful heart; for although it may seem slight, you will nonetheless judge it more precious than gold and silver, as it comes forth into public from the bosom of one by whom nothing is offered to the studious and the learned except what is perfected by genius and elaborated with industry. Although I know this same digression is eventually to be published with the remaining commentaries, I have nonetheless judged—with the author himself not refusing (since the public benefit is always his greatest concern)—that it both ought and can come forth into the light first by itself, in the manner of a proper volume. Farewell. At Mirandola, the seventh day before the Ides of June, 1523.