Satires of Juvenal and Persius

Preface.

I have struggled with myself for some time before applying my hand to the task and labor enjoined upon me. On one side, the itch to write original: "scribendi cacoëthes" stirred my bile, and on the other, the warmed-over cabbage original: "repetita crambe"; a classical idiom for tiresome repetition turned my stomach. For what, after the nocturnal studies original: "lucubrationes" of so many most learned men, could I do again? Should I perform a finished task, or should I invent something new, and as if avoiding the ground, reach for the clouds and empty things? In this way, I initially deterred myself from the work. But when I began to undertake the matter, then I felt and understood with what wise counsel those who commanded and urged the work were led. Everyone knows who they are, of what quality, and how great they are; the Duke of MONTAUSERIUS, and the Prelate BOSSUETIUS, formerly of Condom, now Bishop of Meaux; and also the most erudite Abbot HUETIUS, appointed by LOUIS THE GREAT to shape the character and direct the studies of the MOST SERENE DAUPHIN. Therefore, Reader, attribute it to such great men that an easy path is henceforth open to anyone to grasp the meaning and mind of poets otherwise obscure. For the interpretation is indeed open, and while it unravels the knots and intricacies of a strict style, it surely clears away all darkness