Series atque ordo consulum reipub. Tigurinae a Rodolpho Brunone usque ad tempora nostra

TO THE MOST DISTINGUISHED MAN D.
WOLFGANG HALLER, PREVOST
OF THE ZÜRICH COLLEGE,
most worthy, Ioannes Rodolphus
Bygelius of Zürich
sends greetings.

Decorative drop cap 'S'
INTENDING TO WRITE about the Consuls of the Republic of Zürich, most distinguished man and father, most to be observed, I have primarily imitated Ausonius A Latin poet of the 4th century, who, starting from Julius Caesar, led the series of Roman Caesars down to his own times in the same manner. Yet I would not dare to affirm that I have included all the Consuls in that order and number in which they succeeded one another from B R U N O N E in the administration of the Republic down to our own times. For it is remarkable how much authors differ and disagree among themselves when listing their names. It is likely that the memory of some has been completely extinguished by the injury of time, who, to use the words of Horace Horace, Odes 4.9.26–28: "They are all unwept and unknown, pressed by the long night, because they lack a sacred poet", are unwept and unknown, pressed by the long night, because they lack a sacred poet, etc. A clear example of this matter can be brought forward: P A N T H A L E O N A B Y N K E N B E R G, who was recently found through your work and industry in an ancient codex of the Zürich College, has emerged into the light again; otherwise, his name would have perished together with his family. Let the same judgment be for others, who perhaps still hide in the deep darkness of ignorance.