Cleomedis Meteora Graece et Latine (Balfour 1605)

TO THE MOST BRILLIANT AND MOST LEARNED

MAN, ROBERT BALFOUR, A SCOT,

A MOST ACCURATE INTERPRETER OF THE DEEPEST

PHILOSOPHY AND MATHEMATICS,

Ornamental drop cap 'E' featuring floral motifs and a small bird-like figure within the design.

What new brilliance shines forth for our regions,
Bringing glittering, fiery rays?
And what things for long ages hidden before
Does it send into the light for the benefit of the daily sun's breeze?
It is worthy of Northern lands to place it,
Born as it is, shining brightly in BALFOURIAN style,
Bringing heaven out of darkness: let these things be inconsistent,
Not credible to me, unless the most shining work
Declares the whole truth, and manifests it clearly.
I err in my intellectual judgment, if there is no reverence for the stars,
Greatly purifying the constant Scottish climate with their light,
And bringing forth near many great-minded men.
Such as you, BALFOUR, are a great light, and the glory of men
Of the Scots, equal in strength to all others
Who flourish in their fatherland, and at the distant
Boundaries of our Celts, a noble leader;
Exceeding those of mathematical training, and of Wisdom,
Surpassing the schools with such great renown,
Just as the bird of Zeus surpasses the birds.
Therefore, the excellent Ruler of the Rulers of CANDALE,
Strong and greatest in the size of virtue of the house of FOIX,
And the most inspired of the inspired High Priests,
A renowned High Priest having fixed his name in heaven,
In mathematical studies another sun,
Having perceived you to be far better than many,
Loved you for such similar pursuits,
Loved by the Muses as you are, BALFOUR, so much so,
That he, a perfected man, thought it glorious to choose you,
Who are a perfect man, and for you to be given a place
Presently facing the seat of CANDALE.