The Arithmetic of Boethius

you, being most expert in both languages, can prescribe—to those who are experienced in Greek discourse—how much they ought to judge of me, by your pronunciation alone. And not being beholden to the dictates of another, I do not constrain myself by the strictest law of translation, but having wandered a little more freely, I follow another’s path, not his footprints. For I have collected with moderate brevity those things which were discussed more diffusely about numbers by Nicomachus a Greek mathematician and music theorist, and I have unlocked those things which, having been run through too quickly, presented a narrower entrance to understanding, with moderate addition: so that at times, for the evidence of things, we might also use our own formulas and descriptions. What vigilance and sweat this has cost us, the sober reader will easily recognize. Since, therefore, I was prescribing from the four disciplines of Mathesis mathematics, concerning Arithmetic, which is the first, you alone seemed worthy of that gift, and I understood there was all the more need for it to be unerring. For even if there were room for easy pardon with you, suspicious security sometimes feared that very ease. For I thought that nothing should be offered to such reverence that did not seem elaborated by talent, perfected by study, and finally worthy of such great leisure. I do not doubt, therefore, that due to your goodwill toward me, you will prune what is superfluous, supply what is missing, correct errors, and receive what is said aptly with wonderful alacrity of spirit. This matter has pushed away the sluggish delay of my counsel. For the fruits that will please will restore too much to me. I know indeed with how much more zeal we cherish our own goods than those of others. Rightly, therefore, as if they were golden stalks for Ceres and mature vine-shoots for Bacchus, I have transmitted the rudiments of a new work to you. You alone, with paternal grace, promote our gift. Thus, you will consecrate the first fruits of my labor with your most learned judgment, and the author will be valued by no greater merit than the approver.