Theater of Fate (1712) - Page 7

Let anyone propose the image of their own life to themselves as if on a tablet; they will find a concatenated series of events which they could neither know nor even lightly conjecture. Yet, in those wondrous meanders there is a wonderful order, by which it is established that this world is not carried along without a Ruler, nor does that merely fortuitous chance govern it.

* Manilius, Book 4, Astronomica

Truly there is something else that compels and asks of us,

Greater, and leads mortal things into its own laws. *

What this is, and how it comes to be, what Fate is, what necessity is, what chance is, how much should be attributed to Divine Providence, how much to nature, and how much to us—this supplies the philosophers with an ample and serious subject for discussion. I have chosen this, above all, to speak to you about, because nothing is worthy of you except that which is ample and serious. But while I extend my hands to this truth, and TO YOUR SPLENDOR