Letter #650
Jan van FEVIJN to Ioannes DANTISCUSBruges, 1531-07-14
English register:
Mark Laurijn was able to persuade Fevijn to put his hesitation aside and write to Dantiscus. He gave in to Laurijn’s argument that Dantiscus is not only a true friend even to those he has met only recently, but also spontaneously attracts affection.
Fevijn has a good reputation and is a devoted friend. For a long time he had yearned to meet Dantiscus, but even after this he cannot withhold himself from expressing his devotion to Dantiscus in a letter. He is a staunch herald of Dantiscus, and, although not very learned himself, he is a great admirer of distinguished literati.
Countless people have inquired about Dantiscus since he departed from Bruges. Even when he was staying in Bologna, Dantiscus' talents were highly praised by De Schepper, and in Fevijn’s view he surpasses anyone. Fevijn asks to be included in Dantiscus’ circle of friends, but does not aspire to a prominent place. That he sends Dantiscus this verbose and insignificant letter is due to the insistence of Laurijn.
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Text & apparatus & commentaryPlain textText & commentaryText & apparatus
Reverendissimo Domino, domino
Salutem dico plurimam.
Nescio quonam pacto, Clarissime Vir et multis nominibus ornatissime, mihi temperare vix potuerim, quin aliquando unas ad te darem litteras, admonitus enim superioribus diebus ab decano
Certe (quod ad me attinet) in me nihil tale recidit, quale fortassis ille tibi de me praedicavit. Fateor me quorundam iudicio aliquo usque progressum. Observo et colo amicos fidelissime. In te porro cum omnia summa ac divina sint, fateor me iamdiu flagrasse tui visendi desiderio, id vero cum benignitate tua assecutus sum. Non potui mea etiam sponte praeterire, quin per litteras hoc testarer tibi me esse tui observantissimum et laudum tuarum pro virili nostra strenuum buccinatorem, parum quidem eruditum, litteratorum tamen et insignium virorum candidum admiratorem et praedicatorem integrum. A discessu enim
Habes epistolam utcumque verbosam, re inanem, sed id amico
Bene vale, Reverende Domine, et nos amare perge, qui numquam animo nostro excidis.
Tui observantissimus