Poema sacrum, in diem purificationis, augustissimae Dei genitricis Mariae

the Mother of God, the Virgin, and since this Epic—not entirely unworthy, I hope—which I wrote recently, seemed to some of my patrons worthy of publication, I wanted it dedicated to you. I did this so that even with this modest gift, I might declare and testify to everyone the spirit I hold toward you, who are so deeply attached to great expectations, paternal virtue, and the finest things. It will be for you to show that this small fruit of my talent, this first attempt of mine—which I do not doubt was most pleasing to GOD and the most holy VIRGIN—has also been most welcome to you. If you do this, you will bind me to you once again with a new favor. Farewell, MOST SELECT YOUNG MEN, and commend me and my studies to your father, that excellent and most humane man. AT FRIBOURG, SWITZERLAND, February 1st, YEAR 1597.

POEM