View source for Dedication, 1601-06-15, Heinrich Nollius to Maurice, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel

{{InfoboxParatext
| Author=Heinrich Nollius
| Recipient=Maurice, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel
| Type=Dedication
| Date=1601-06-15
| Place=Marburg
| Pages=2
| Language=lat
| Editor=Julian Paulus
| SourceTitle=Themata ex philosophia deprompta pro ingenii sui modulo
| SourceAuthor=Rudolph Goclenius
| SourceDefendent=Heinrich Nollius
| SourcePlace=Marburg: Paul Egenolff
| SourceDate=1601
| SourceBP=BP.Nollius.1601-01
| SourceSig=A2r-A2v
| Translation=1
| AbstractGPT=Nollius expresses his admiration for the flourishing state of various disciplines in Germany during their era. He emphasizes his dedication to scholarly pursuits, undeterred by those who dismiss sciences as mere curiosity. Nollius argues that while philosophical studies might not directly contribute to practical inventions like milling machines, they play a crucial role in eradicating ignorance and sharpening the intellect. He draws a parallel between the pursuit of knowledge and the divine, suggesting that those devoted to learning are in alignment with the creator's intent. Nollius also reflects on the historical commitment of their forefathers to education and governance, highlighting the importance of passing down a legacy of learning and virtue. He acknowledges the personal challenges he faces, including worldly misfortunes that threaten his studies, but remains resilient in his academic endeavors. In a gesture of respect and hope for support, Nollius dedicates his intellectual work to Prince Maurice, seeking his patronage.
}}

{{Pagemark|sig|A2r}} {{MarkupUppercase|Illustrissimo et generosissimo Principi, Dn. Mau}}{{MarkupSmallcaps|ritio, Landgrauio in Hassia, Co}}miti in Catineliboco, Diez, & Nidda, suo Domino clementissimo.

<i>{{MarkupInitial|Quoties|Lang=lat}} mecum perpendo, Illustrissime Princeps, Omnes disciplinas in Germania hoc nostro tempore plenè florere, toties ad studiorum honestorum, qu&aelig; maximè amplector, amorem incitor: Non me abstrahit ab iis secta eorum, qui sanctitatem in ore habent, otio, supinitate, aut flagitiosa licentia marcentes, scientias contemnunt titulo curiositatis, sed potiùs ab ista secta ad studia adigor: Etsi enim studiorum phiolosophicorum indagatio ad machinas farinarias conficiendas non est utilis, exuit tamen animum insciti&aelig; rubigine, acuit{{EditAbbr|´que}} ad alia. Eo denique splendore afficit, ut pr&aelig;luceat sibi ad nanciscendum primi opificis similitudinem. Qui ut omnia plenè ac perfectè est, ac pr&aelig;ter & supra omnia: ita eos, qui scientiarum studiosi sunt, suops esse voluit, ipsum{{EditAbbr|´que}} intellectum rerum dominum constituit. Hinc patres nostri in literis tot annos, tot secula sudarunt, ex his illud, quò alios perfectè erudire quiverint, hauserunt, modum administrandi remp[ublicam] docuerunt. Qua ratione paterfamiliâs suam familiam benè gubernare posset, tradiderunt, & in hoc tandem incubuerunt, ut eruditionis, & sedul&aelig; in literas inquisitionis exemplum posteris relinquerent, quo posteri ipsos inspicientes similem laudem in virtute & doctrina reportare laborarent. Quid igitur à studiis philosophi&aelig; & aliarum facultatum me avocet? Qu&aelig; mala studiis meis impedeimentum afferant? Nihil, inquam, a literis me abripere poterit, nisi infelicitas mundana, qu&aelig; me nocte die{{EditAbbr|´que}} premit, qu&aelig; mihi semper peri- {{Pagemark|sig|A2v}} culum studiorum meorum minatur: ast ego, quamvis magnam molestia{{EditAbbr|m}} ipsa mihi intulerit, tame{{EditAbbr|n}} s&aelig;pè me sustuli, & adhuc ex eâ me explicare molior, sed me&aelig; vires labefacta{{EditAbbr|n}}tur, & minuu{{EditAbbr|n}}tur, fortuna à me abit, me fugit, sic mea studia tandem tota labentur, & ita Mus&aelig; me&aelig; deprimentur, nihil{{EditAbbr|´que}} salutis sibi sperandum esse putabunt, nisi Mec&oelig;natem, tutorem{{EditAbbr|´que}} sibi inveniant. Eum spero fore Tuam augustissimum Celsitudinem. Itaque ei hos ingenii mei primos f&oelig;tus offero, & dedico, rogans submissè, ut illos, quamvis exiles, animo benigno suspiciat, & mea studia clementer sibi commendata esse patiatur. Cursim Marpurgi è Museo 15. Junii, Anno 1601.</i>

Tu&aelig; Celsitudini subjectissimus

{{MarkupSmallcaps|Heinricus Nolli}}us studiosus Philosophi&aelig;.

{{InfoboxTranslation|Date=2023-12-30|Model=4}}

To the Most Illustrious and Most Generous Prince, Lord Maurice, Landgrave of Hesse, Count of Catzenelnbogen, Diez, and Nidda, his most merciful Lord.

Whenever I consider, Most Illustrious Prince, that all disciplines are fully flourishing in Germany in our time, I am repeatedly inspired towards a love of honorable studies, which I embrace most ardently. I am not drawn away from these by the sect of those who, while having sanctity on their lips, languish in idleness, sloth, or scandalous license, and scorn sciences under the pretext of curiosity. Rather, it is from this sect that I am driven to studies: For although the pursuit of philosophical studies may not be useful for constructing milling machines, it nevertheless strips the mind of the rust of ignorance and sharpens it for other things. It ultimately bestows such brilliance that it shines forth in itself to attain the likeness of the first creator. As he is all-encompassing and perfect, beyond and above everything: so he wanted those who are students of sciences to be his own, and he established the intellect as the master of things. Hence, our forefathers toiled in letters for so many years, so many centuries, drawing from them that which enabled them to educate others perfectly, taught the method of administering the state. They conveyed how a head of a family could well govern his household, and finally, they endeavored to leave an example of erudition and diligent inquiry into letters for posterity, so that their descendants, looking upon them, might strive to attain similar praise in virtue and learning. What, then, could divert me from the studies of philosophy and other faculties? What evils could impede my studies? Nothing, I say, can tear me away from letters, except worldly misfortune, which presses upon me night and day, and always threatens the peril of my studies: but I, although it has brought me great trouble, have often lifted myself up, and still strive to extricate myself from it, but my strength is weakened and diminished, fortune departs from me, flees me, thus my studies will eventually completely collapse, and so my Muses will be depressed, and they will think that there is no hope of salvation for themselves, unless they find a patron and protector. I hope that will be Your most august Highness. Therefore, I offer and dedicate these first fruits of my intellect to you, humbly asking that you regard them, although modest, with a kind mind, and allow my studies to be commendably entrusted to you. Hastily from Marburg in my study, June 15, 1601.

Most submissive to Your Highness,

Heinrich Nollius, student of Philosophy.