P R E F A C E.

To glory in the nobility of birth, just as in any other honorable thing, is not indecorous. But I know only one virtue; all other things are attributed to fortune. And it can happen that he who is made from the wicked becomes good, and the most noble of all kings; but he who is born from the good becomes wicked and more base than himself and more ignoble than the most humble. Wherefore, boast of the praise of the soul, not also of nobility that has died among the more ignoble descendants. He who is begotten from virtue, he is made noble. And rightly Euripides in Dictys,

Εἰς δ’ εὐγένειαν, ὀλίγ’ ἔχω φράσαι καλά: / ὁμῶς γὰρ ἐσλὸς εὐγενὴς ἐμοί γ’ ἀνήρ. / ὁ δ’ ἀὖ δίκαιος, κἂν ἀμείνων πατρὸς / ζῶω: πεφύκῃ, δ’ εὐγενὴς εἶναι δοκεῖ, &c. Regarding nobility, I have few good things to say: for in my view, the noble man is the one who is excellent. But he who is just, even if he lives better than his father: he is naturally born, and seems to be noble, etc.

Many other excellent things were once felt by philosophers concerning the true nobility of virtue, which we lead to consist in that highest virtue which is called Piety and Religion; from which the true and perfect wisdom of man also takes its beginnings. We therefore hold those to be happy in whom both the virtue of ancestors and their own religion are added to the dignity and breadth of their lineage.

Next, those also who have given themselves entirely to religion and virtue, and have entered the path of true piety and wisdom, they also give effort to this, that they may both have and make as many as possible similar to themselves, and those especially whom either nature or fortune has handed over under their hand and dominion. Hence, fathers are bound to procure for their children such a treasure which never perishes: and this is placed in faith and religion. Hence, kings and princes ought to lead their subjects to the kingdom of God. This happens, indeed, when they assist, increase, and preserve the purer religion and the true manner of worshipping God with their wealth as much as possible, and not only they themselves are observers of God. Kings and prophets and holy fathers once held this path of eternal glory: to whom nothing was more important than to learn the true worship of God, and to leave the same as if by hereditary right to their sons and descendants intact and holy. And that idolatry and superstition might not stand against this most pious effort of theirs, they left nothing untried in eradicating this same thing: which is evident from the studies of David, Josiah, Jehoshaphat, and other kings and Roman Emperors. We observe the highest ornaments of each virtue in you, both an incredible love of religion and piety, and also a distinguished study of doctrine, faith, and literary matters: by which you finally attain this, that you do not only secure a truly noble name for yourselves and yours, but also provide assistance to your subjects and your men, who are bound to you by divine obedience, for true religion, faith, and the kingdom of heaven. From which it will finally be given to you to enjoy the crown of eternal glory. And, which is the last of all, since the sect of the Jesuits now diffuses its poison all around your peoples, and attempts to withdraw the best people from the true faith and seduce them into fraud, these