Text.Penot.1594-01.L1r/Translation
To the Illustrious and Most Noble Lord, Karel, Baron of Žerotín, of Náměšť nad Oslavou, Rosice, Strážnice, and Brandýs nad Orlicí, etc.
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.
