Philippi Melanthonis Epigrammatvm Libri Tres

REVOLVING these things already said with a mindful heart,
Especially the great gifts to my fatherland.
I did not wish to be considered ungrateful toward the praises of the fatherland,
And toward my Lords for their piety.
Therefore, with pious labor, I collected these learned Epigrams of Philipp,
Poems written with a Clarian A reference to Apollo, god of poetry and prophecy. style.
They are short, but they smell of the pleasant juice of Hybla Famous for its honey; a metaphor for sweetness.,
Which contain the seeds of sincere piety.
I send these Epigrams to you, pious Counts,
Driven by the love of my sweet fatherland.
And I ask, through the holy Muses with a humbled heart,
That you may receive this present work placidly.
Accept the little book with your virtue,
O you who are good in piety and grave in counsel.
And if you do this, as is the great hope, in turn,
The Pierides will sing your names in song.
Whence the praises of deserved laud will quickly arise,
And all posterity will carry you on their lips.
For although the decorations of metal may perish,
Yet virtue itself alone remains posthumously.
Which the tender Muses celebrate with an enduring song,
And produce famous names for grateful men.
They produce names to be remembered for the perpetual age,
The Pierides, and they celebrate the benefactions of Leaders:
Therefore, relieve the despised Camænas with study,
And consider my zeal as good.
Thus famous names of fame will flourish for you,
And the greatest care will be of future praise,

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