TO THE MOST SERENE

DAUPHIN OF FRANCE

ROBERT RIGUEZ

Velleius Paterculus desires to go forth in your name, MOST SERENE DAUPHIN; since we have adorned him for your use. I do not fear that he will be received kindly by you, nor does his brevity deter me from dedicating his history to you. For you will observe, I think, not how great his size is, but what fruits for your morals and life you can gather from it. You will certainly gather many, not only becoming to a Prince, but also very useful. From the vicissitude of human affairs and fortune that is read therein, and from the downfall of empires and states, you will become accustomed to valuing these things lightly and to keeping a balanced mind in either guarding or pursuing them. From the dangers, accidents, and examples of others, in which he abounds, you will learn what should be held onto and what should be avoided in the management of your own affairs and those of the Kingdom. What precepts of civic prudence, finally, can one not expect from a man who wrote no history, except toward the end of a life spent in the court of two Emperors through all ranks of urban and military dignities?