Text.Penot.1595-01.A5v/Translation

Author's Preface.

After many years spent in the investigation of the secrets of nature, with numerous night-time studies, a willing spirit, and tireless labor, I found myself exhausted. Finally, considering all such investigations, paths, tracks, as well as the deviations and winding paths that are not only full but also occupied by reeds, sketches, tropes, enigmas, and various aphorisms (not to mention disguises): For all philosophers are so full of meaning, yet not content with a single difficulty, they wrap things in such convolutions that I believe no one could reach the desired end through them. Therefore, whether to wrestle with disguises (as it pleases Pliny, to struggle with the dead) and to rather contend in the arena with nature, especially since the philosophers say: Nature will teach, which indeed, after being prodded and inquired in many and various ways (with God's permission), finally revealed itself to me: upon first encountering it, adorned and arrayed in such varieties, I was quite astonished. For all the languages of men would not suffice to elucidate their traces: But it, wishing to console me, spoke to me in a very sweet and soothing voice. Do not fear, my son (it said), for I am Nature, whom you have sought with such effort, sent to you by God's command. Rejoice, then, be glad, and rejoice, for I will make you happy in two ways. First, in that you see how much God's mercy has deigned to do for you, the most unworthy sinner, that you might see me with the eyes of your body, though you are unlearned and very poorly qualified in the sciences. Secondly, you will find consolation in that I will respond to you, who doubt in all things. Ask, therefore, as you please, and I will reveal what has been granted to you. To which I replied, Oh good Lady, spare me, I beg you, for my stammering does not allow me to offer you worthy thanks. For as you have said, I am poorly qualified in letters, so I will proceed and give thanks to my God who, in His immense generosity, has assigned you to me. But returning to the doubts in which I am immersed, I will question you: And she said, Go ahead, my son, and do not hesitate to give back what you know: I, in the meantime, will await the end of your speech.