Epitome of the Complete Works of Galen

the preceding text ends with the phrase: "help them reach the highest summit of their dignity."

they have achieved: more than those by whose industry they were first invented and brought into the use of men. Therefore, all studies of good literature ascribe the greatest happiness to themselves, because in these turbulent and calamitous times, while nearly all of Italy seethes with various dissensions and is caught up in the constant din of arms: while all the best institutions stumble on weak feet: while virtue and modesty are entirely exiled: they have found a most clement and serene Prince, who, having expelled these evils from everywhere, receives them into his own bosom and, having received them, protects them against all injuries. It is not without reason, therefore, that the most illustrious and reverend Lord, Lord Francisco de Bobadilla y Mendoza original: "Franciſcus à Bouadilla & Mendozza", a most vigilant Senator of the Holy Roman Church and my only Patron, and also the most illustrious and wise Lord, Lord Juan Hurtado de Mendoza original: "Ioannes Furtadus à Mendozza", Imperial Orator among the Venetians, both most devoted to Your Highness, never cease to praise those heroic gifts of your mind with magnificent encomiums; and they call your Florence, that most flourishing city, overly fortunate because a Prince most just, most clement, and most perfect in both wisdom and piety has fallen to its lot. Therefore, if you, most illustrious Hero, will deign to favor these our vigils with your patronage, I indeed shall appear not to have wasted my labor; and Galen, in turn, will think that nothing at all is lacking for his return to the original dignity he once held while he was in the highest authority among the ancient Emperors: nay rather, clinging to Your Highness, he will consider his own blessedness to be increased in many ways.