The three kinds of _dictamen_ are: (1) prose, i.e., free composition
(_sermo communis_, or _solutus_); (2) metrical; (3) rhythmical (_genus
rithmicum_), which observes syllabic equality and rime.[26] “Since we
have nothing, however, to do with the two others, ... let us now proceed
to the prose _dictamen_, the _dictamen_ of letters; for that is demanded
of all and recognized as of great utility. It increases eloquence,
promotes favor, enlarges honors, and often enriches the needy.” The
typical parts of a letter—there may be more, or fewer—are _salutatio_,
_exordium_, _petitio_, _conclusio_. This whole book is devoted to
prescriptions for the first. The _salutatio_ must always be in the third
person. Its order is determined by the relation of the rank or dignity
of the sender to that of the recipient, though this in certain cases is
waived. It is careful of titles and of their appropriate modifiers.
The use of _Dei gratia_ with a title is determined
specifically. “The main consideration, however, in any
_salutatio_ is who is writing to whom; for there must always
be made an adjustment of the one to the other (_collatio
personarum_). The Pope thus salutes the Emperor: ‘_dilecto
filio F. romanorum imperatori et semper augusto_’.... The
Emperor calls the Pope ‘_sanctissimum in Christo patrem_.’” So
on down the list of dignities and occupations[27] the author
specifies what is correct, or suggests what is appropriate, in
noun and modifier, and answers certain questions of syntax.
The book closes with a protest. Merely to consult a formulary is a poor
substitute for studying the art of _salutatio_. It is like swimming with
corks. “The ideal (_forma_) of _salutatio_ which we have here worked out,
well grasped and held, will save writers both from borrowed plumage and
from deficiency.”