Mathematical Collections (Commandino 1588)

But he immediately felt that it is not permitted for any mortal to declare with certainty what he will or will not do, and that our plans are often thwarted by death. For, having been struck by a grave and deadly illness, he was taken from us to the great grief and sorrow of all, and Pappus himself, whom all mathematicians had vehemently desired, lay hidden for a long time in a sort of mourning. This was not only because he had lost Commandino, his most faithful interpreter and patron, but because it seemed that he might never reach the hands of learned men who were so desirous of him. For the two daughters of Commandino, to whom the entire inheritance of their father had come, disagreed not lightly among themselves for several years. Therefore, Pappus was, so to speak, constrained, and would have been constrained for much longer, had not you, Most Clement Prince, because you could not bear for such an outstanding work to perish, and because you wished to benefit the most excellent minds who were held by a wondrous desire for this composition of our Commandino—and especially to consult the name of the author, to whom immortal praises are owed—taken care for it to be printed most accurately and at great expense in your city of Pesaro. Therefore, under your guidance, Most Serene Duke, Pappus is brought into the light. Through you, he travels most joyfully through all of Italy, and indeed the whole world, with Commandino, and through you, having been rendered into Latin, he flourishes in the applauding assembly of literary men. But at what time does Pappus arise? Indeed, at a time when I would have thought it more a matter of wishing than hoping. From this, it is easily recognized how much you value letters; but do you value them? To whom is it not evident that you have embraced all the liberal arts in such a way that, by the opinion and judgment of men, you do not seem to value wealth—of which you have plenty—nor cities, nor this principality left to you by your ancestors, nor whatever is thought to have a certain appearance of dignity and glory, as highly as these. We, your people, are witnesses, who see you daily immersed in letters, nor do you ever abandon the administration of your principality. Because you despise all comforts and pleasures in the great occupation of your studies; you preserve purity in your mind, prudence in your actions, abstinence in your diet, vigilance in the worship of God, and finally, a singular moderation and temperance in all of your life. Who is there who does not admire your virtues and honor you? Who (I say) does not revere you as a most brilliant light, and ornament?