Diatribe de Prodigiosis Crucibus

more happily, it exhibits the cultivation of all virtues more incorruptly to the whole world. To Your throne, therefore, this brief DIATRIBE—long since sought by the prayers of many—is brought by me; it explains those crosses customarily impressed upon the garments of men, whether as a presage of vengeance due for crimes, or as a prodigy of playful Nature. One thing alone weighs upon my anxiety: that I present so slight a work to so great a Prince. I had encouragers for this temerity of mine, and [I had] the confidence of Your benevolence, and the debt of my observance toward the best of patrons; since I cannot be a benefactor, I strive, with so small a gift, to be well-wishing. Your humanity consoles me, by which You are accustomed to measure the duty of Your subjects toward You, not by how much [is given], but from how much [it is given]; not by the dignity of Your rank, but by the officious will to please, weighing more what they can do than what they ought to do. And since I, among