FR. AMBROSIUS

IN DIOGENES LAERTIUS’

work, a letter to Cosimo de' Medici.

As I was setting out to clear up certain Greek volumes, the extensive work of Diogenes Laertius on the philosophers came into my hands. Although I discerned from the reading itself that the author had had more zeal in collecting than diligence in writing, because it was nevertheless a varied history and seemed to contain many things necessary to know, I decided to render it into Latin, especially since my friends were praying for this to be done. For although I have for a long time dedicated my whole study and time to translating sacred texts—and that is more in agreement with the rule of religion—I nevertheless did not think it at all reprehensible to deviate a little from this path, as it were, to comply with the wishes of those who study; indeed, the most truthful reasoning persuaded me that by this very labor of mine the dignity of Christian piety and grace would be more revealed, and through that, faith in God would arise more prompt and ardent. For when there is such a contention of opinions among those who were the princes of secular wisdom regarding God, and both divine and human matters, that they destroy one another and you can find nowhere to stand, the mind embraces the grace of divine dignity with surely greater eagerness, and, running to the fountain of truth, pities the squalor of ancient error. For although one may find scattered among them certain things that are probable and consonant with the truth, the mind, however, fatigued by such a variety of opinions, withdraws itself more willingly and gratefully into the inner chambers of truth, and yearns with greater desire from then on to imbibe divine books and letters; and yet, the very things that were disputed subtly and truthfully among the more noble philosophers concerning God, concerning heaven, and concerning [bodies]