OF THE NOBLE

MAN HENRICUS CORNELIUS

Agrippa, of the armored militia, Golden Knight, and Doctor of both laws, counselor to the Caesarean Majesty, and Archive Examiner: Apology against the calumnies brought against him by some Louvain theologians on account of his declamation on the Vanity of the Sciences and the excellence of the Word of God.

Do not judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

A woodcut drop cap 'E' depicts a seated cherub figure resting amidst scrolling foliage within a square decorative frame.

I, HENRICUS CORNELIUS AGRIPPA, published a certain declamation last year, which I titled On the Uncertainty and Vanity of the Sciences, and the Excellence of the Word of God. I was truly prescient of the types of monsters I was about to fight against on its account, for since it did not come out toothless, it was going to offend very many. But above all others, it offended certain theologians and monks, a supercilious race of men. From there, the first to emerge were those from the Louvain academy, who denounced me for heresy, impiety, and scandal, having gathered several articles.