1I find both joy and consolation in literature, and nothing is so happy as to be happier than literature, nothing so sad that it is not less sad through it. 1So, troubled by my wife's ill health and the danger of my household, and indeed by the death of some, I have fled to my studies as the one relief for my grief, which make me understand my misfortunes better but bear them more patiently. 2It is my custom, however, to test what I am about to put into people's hands by the judgement of my friends first, and of you above all. 2So, if ever, give your attention now to the book which you will receive with this letter, since I fear that I myself, being sad, have given it too little attention.
2For I could command my grief so far as to write; 2so far as to write with a mind free and cheerful, I could not. 2Moreover, just as joy comes from studies, so studies come from cheerfulness. 2Farewell.