ABSTRACT
Since the various misfortunes, the adverse excesses, and the fickle exaltations of Fortune buffet the restless human spirit about with incessant turmoil and with diverse desires, so it happens that some take delight in hearing of bloody battles, others of triumphal victories, others of wise peace treaties, and still others of amorous adventures. Many listen to the breathtaking exploits of Cyrus, of Perseus, of Croesus, 1 and the like, and realizing thus that they are neither the only ones nor the first to feel anguish, they assuage it and overcome it. Others are more ambitious in their intentions and more fortunate in earthly goods; and as they learn how they might fall from a higher station through continual reading of the inestimable undertakings of Xerxes, of the riches of Darius, the generosity of Alexander, and the prosperous adventures of Julius Caesar, 2 they scorn humble matters and strive to climb to loftier undertakings. And there are those who are wounded by the biformed son of Cytherea, 3 so in seeking the love stories of the ancients (some for consolation and others for pleasure), they kidnap Helen of Troy a second time with lustful spirit, or inflame Dido once again, or weep with Hypsipyle, and with ready zeal dupe Medea. 4 But since compassionate weeping does not raise the fallen, and one cannot give them time by delaying, and memories of past happiness do not sustain those who were once blessed by Fortune, but indeed in reading of past loves new ones are kindled with greater delight, in order to serve Cupid alone with the attention properly due him, I have gathered my scattered efforts all together; and no one who reads with a discerning mind will not find in their intent anything to criticize in what I praise.
