Text.Penot.1594-01.L1r
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Source: Tractatus varii, de vera praeparatione et usu medicamentorum chymicorum, ed. Bernard Gilles Penot, Frankfurt am Main: Johann Feyerabend for Peter Fischer, 1594, sig. L1r–L2v = pag. 161–164 [BP.Penot.1594-01]
Summary: Penot expresses deep admiration for Karel, not just for his noble lineage, wealth, and dignity, but also for his intellectual pursuits, virtue, and diligence. Karel is praised for his scholarly achievements, including his knowledge of ancient languages, arts, sciences, and understanding of diverse cultures and political strategies. Penot highlights Karel's humanity, his dedication to virtue, and his role as a patron of the arts and sciences, which earn him widespread admiration and respect. The letter also acknowledges Karel's generosity and hospitality, with Penot sharing his personal gratitude for the kindness shown to him during a recent visit. As a token of his gratitude and in recognition of Karel's exceptional qualities, Penot dedicates a little book to him, hoping it will be received favorably. (generated by ChatGPT)
Text
Mvlta sunt generosissime D[omine] Baro quæ non minus me, quam alios in tui admirationem trahunt. Nam vt externa illa bonis malisq́ue communia præteream, quæ tamen talia sunt, vt ad genus inclytum, ad opes ad dignitatem nihil ferè possit accedere: quarum rerum cupiditate adducti magnarum artium in studijs plerique vigilarunt. Virtutis etiam amore captus assidua diligentia id effecisti, vt cum nobilissimus [p. 162] sis, etiam doctissimus habearis. Atque in eum potissimum finem Christianus tibi orbis peragratus, linguarum antiquarum quibus humana, societas alitur, cognitio parta, artium scientiarumq́ue circulus confectus: mores hominum, Regum, principum, Rerumpublicarum, formæ ingenia cognita, pacis belliq́ue rationes omnes. Hinc humanitas eximia & ad colendam virtutem animi propensio: ô Heroem sapientissimum, amplißimum familiæ decus, Morauiæ ornamentum, patriæ lumen, Reipub[licae] salutem, ad te omnes tanquam ad asylum, eximijs artibus celebrem vndique confugiunt, te vnicum musarum patronum summis laudibus non immerito ad sydera tollunt. Tu (dum alij ventri potius, & pecoribus alendis quam veræ gloriæ student) nullum temporis momentum quo non vtilem [p. 163] operam tum meditando, tum agendo Reipubl[icae] naues, præteruolare sinis. Quid multis? Tu nihil eorum quæ eo genere natum deceant omittis. Addo inter ornamenta cætera & liberalitatem qua hospites tuos amplecti soles. Expertus loquor: Memini enim, memini inquam, quam humaniter me nuper inuitaueris, quam lautè exceperis benigneque dimiseris. Quæ cum ita sint, statio ego hunc libellum grati animi non omnino quale velim sed quale possum monumentum dicare. Quod non plane ingratum tibi fore speto, si aliquando omissis grauissimis illis tuis occupationibus, in hos naturæ hortos animi caussa concedere placuerit. At studium saltem homiminis tibi deditissimi te non improbaturum confido, imo certo mihi polliceor. Vale heros magnamine, [p. 164] & Reipubli[ucae] Christianæ quam diutissime viue.
Tuæ Clementiæ Deditißimus
Bernhardus G. à Portu S. Mariæ Aquitanus V[triusque] M[edicinae] D[octor].Modern English Raw Translation
There are many aspects, most noble Lord Baron, that draw me, as well as others, to admire you no less. Forgoing those external things common to both good and bad fortune, which nonetheless are such that hardly anything could add to your illustrious lineage, wealth, and dignity: driven by a desire for these things, many have devoted themselves to the study of great arts with vigilance. Moreover, captured by the love of virtue, with constant diligence, you have achieved that, being most noble, you are also considered most learned. And for that ultimate purpose, you have traversed the Christian world, gained knowledge of ancient languages by which human society is nourished, completed the circle of arts and sciences; understood the customs of men, kings, princes, forms of republics, and the strategies of peace and war. Hence comes your exceptional humanity and a disposition of the soul inclined towards the cultivation of virtue: O wisest hero, the greatest glory of your family, the ornament of Moravia, the light of your country, the salvation of the Republic, to you as to a sanctuary, celebrated by extraordinary arts, all take refuge from everywhere, and you, the unique patron of the muses, are rightly lifted to the stars with the highest praises. You (while others devote themselves rather to bodily indulgence, and to feeding livestock than to true glory) let no moment of time pass in which you do not render useful service to the Republic, either by thinking or by acting. Why say more? You omit nothing that befits your noble birth. I add among other ornaments also the generosity with which you are accustomed to embrace your guests. I speak from experience: for I remember, yes, I remember how recently you invited me so kindly, received me so lavishly, and dismissed me so graciously. Therefore, under these circumstances, I deem it my duty to dedicate this little book as a token of my gratitude, not entirely as I would wish but as best as I can. I trust it will not be entirely unwelcome to you, if, sometime setting aside those most serious occupations of yours, it would please you to retreat into these gardens of nature for the sake of your mind. But at least the effort of a man most devoted to you, I trust, will not be disapproved by you, indeed, I confidently promise myself so. Farewell, magnanimous hero, and may you live as long as possible for the Christian Republic.
Most Devoted to Your Clemency,
Bernhardus G. of Porto S. Maria of Aquitaine, Doctor of Both Medicines.