IOAN. IACOBVS BVMANNVS OF ZURICH.

Whence the order of my promised poem should arise,
I do not know, nor does Apollo know the certain way.
For such a heap, such an abundance of things,
Makes me uncertain of my own grasp.
And if by chance your lineage and memorable birth
Should occur to me, do you then think it can be fashioned into song?
What if one were to speak of your family or your noble parents,
Tell me, when would that come to an end?
If I should attempt your own praises, Andreas,
Who would rescue my Muse from these waves?
The beginning is easy and flattering, but the end surpasses
All the strength and genius I possess.
If one attempts to tell of your endeavors,
One is compelled to continue with your outcomes.
For I think that in your case, successes precede
The attempts: your attempts are your very deeds.
And often the thought has drawn me into doubt: which of the gods
Guided your yoke with such swift art?
I do not know in what chariot you hastened to such great arts,
Nor do I know which swift horses you acquired.
The ship of Aeneas was not so prosperous, and Orion
Is not said to have such happy feet.
For you said farewell to your father's house while still a little child
(For I remember you had then scarcely turned nine).
You began to run to the sacred altars of Apollo,
As if following the provident camp of the Muses.
As you left your homeland, the Curia referring to the governing assembly of the Grisons received you,
Which has always been the great glory of our people.
Here you began the first elements through your own labor,
That was the hope of your great genius.
From there you hasten to Zurich, where the pious care of Rodolphus
Collinus caused you to attend our schools.
You came to Lutetia Paris from Zurich, that famous seat of the Gauls,
So that you might also learn to speak with their voice.
Those who know you and your deeds bear witness
To the progress and the honors you achieved there.