On the Art of the Kabbalah

and the Catholic King original: "Regemque Catholicum," likely referring to Ferdinand II of Aragon, who held this title., and several Cardinal Fathers of the Christian aristocracy, having most kindly written in my commendation. Moved by this extraordinary and almost incredible kindness, I began to urge my begun nightly labors original: "uigilias," referring to the scholarly "vigils" or late-night study sessions required to produce the book. not only more pressingly but more ardently, so that they might hasten to a conclusion; but I also decided to consecrate whatever they might become to your majesty, so that they might come forth into the light more auspiciously and, having shaken off the darkness of errors, might reveal the light of Truth much more confidently. For it was not fitting that a Work ON THE SECRETS OF CATHOLIC TRUTH, to be completed for the benefit of the Christian Commonwealth original: "Reipublicæ," referring to the collective body of the Christian world rather than a specific political republic., be dedicated to any other than to the best preserver, defender, and enlarger of both Catholic Truth itself and the entire Christian Commonwealth. Which dedication of mine, if it shall by no means equal the highness of Your Majesty: because you will nevertheless be able to understand that it proceeded from a most devoted mind, you will deign to interpret it favorably and receive it with a calm countenance (as you are always accustomed).