De acquirenda, retinenda, et amittenda possessione enunciationes C

TO THE MOST NOBLE, MOST ILLUSTRIOUS, AND MOST LEARNED MAN, D. MARTINUS AMELIUS, Doctor of both laws original: "I. V. Doctori" refers to Iuris Utriusque Doctor, doctor of both canon and civil law: Lord of Niefernburg: Chancellor of the Margraviate in Durlach: My most revered Lord.

IOHANNES GVOT OF THE ROT VALLEY.

A decorative square initial V with floral/geometric pattern.

Since it has been introduced by ancient usage and custom, worthy of all praise, among the most learned men and in the majority of Academies where studies of the liberal arts and excellent sciences flourish, that the statements and chapters of a future disputation, publicly proposed for inquiry, should be published under the guardianship and name of illustrious and outstanding men—so that they may appear of greater weight and authority, and be safer from the bites and calumnies of the malevolent: for this reason, desiring to choose a patron for these statements of mine, under whose shield they might go forth more securely, you came to my mind, Most Illustrious Sir, since I thought I could obtain all these things from nowhere better than from the splendor of your name. This is because, besides the excellent and plainly divine gifts and virtues of your mind, you are placed in such a high degree of dignity and adorned with such great sublimity of honor that you have left little room for your own virtue to climb higher. Added to this is the fact that moved me more: that my father has been affected by your great kindnesses, and you do not cease to cherish him with singular benevolence: so that it seems that a certain bond of this natural law, and the obligation of these benefits, which almost concern me personally, might partially pass to me. Wherefore, if there is any talent in me, or any fruit of my studies—which I know to be meager—I confess by the highest and best right that they are owed to you. For these reasons, therefore, Most Illustrious and Learned Sir, I offer these brief propositions to you, not as some distinguished gift, but only to testify to some sign of a grateful mind: asking that you receive them with a benevolent and grateful spirit, and that you do not disdain to aid, protect, and defend me under your patronage, just as you did my parent. Farewell. Given at Basel, the 13th day before the Calends of July, in the year 1579.

Your most devoted,
IOHANNES GVOT OF THE ROT VALLEY.