Text.Reusner.1578-01.A1v/Translation

To the most excellent Doctor Daniel Scepsius, a discourse on the work of gratitude.

As the bitter aloe provides welcome shade to the weary, when Sirius rages with its scorching fire: so also, while the Church sways in turbulent waves, Christ stretches out the small sails of a boat: lest the cerulean waves shatter the towered ships, nor the rain-bearing south wind disturb the trembling waters. Thus, He provides teachers: upon these pillars it stands sustained, even if the house is sewn together with slender reeds. Those who consecrate their names to perpetual fame, who offer nectar and ambrosia to the weary. For whom it is fitting for us to utter praises to Christ the author, and to touch the lyre's strings of Thrace: but to scatter crocus flowers of amaranth for all these lights, and to heap up small goods. And you, most illustrious doctor of the Machaonian assembly, Scepsius, you give monuments to your teaching. For you enhance the tender plants with Heliconian Tempe, and to these you add fences, and four-part stakes. Therefore, Apollo grants the auspicious use of healing to you, and the Muse gives you the Ascræan lyre. Be happy, and embrace Reusner as a student, and with a calm brow, accept these modest modes. Indeed, these rewards do not equal the deserved palm, but the paper dutifully comes to the learned.