_Of the Motives which Decided the Author to Write the Book of Counsels_
Light of my hopes, gift bestowed on me by the omnipotent and glorious
God! God be praised, thou art of a noble family; thy ancestors have all
distinguished themselves in science. Although their worth is not
sufficiently esteemed, learned men all occupy an elevated position. But
of what use is the worth of thy father and of thy ancestors, if thou
dost not raise thyself by thy talent? Thy origin is pure, O creature of
God! He who is well born ought not to fall! All that nature has given me
of worth is found complete in thyself. Thou hast many noble and good
qualities which nothing, by the grace of God, can mar. Thy good nature
sheds afar its perfume, thou dost manifest the traces of innate
morality. The grace of God will come to thy aid, and thy natural
capacities will easily surmount all difficulties. God protect thee and
prosper thee! mayst thou long sojourn in this transitory world!
But in order that paternal advice may make a profound impression upon
children, and that you may cherish it as a precious jewel and make it
the subject of your meditations, after having practised my mind and
grasped the pen of art, and having brought forth from my heart’s mine
pearls worthy to wreathe a poetic garland, I wrote in verse a book of
morals which may perhaps charm the intelligent. I have adorned it with
the ornaments of poetry, and I have entitled it “The Good Book.”
Reverently press it to thy heart, and look upon it as a guardian amulet.
Each day, O soul of thy father, hearken to the words of this jewel.
Engrave them with care on thy mind, and never separate from it a single
instant. Let, until the day of the resurrection, its salutary influence
be exerted on thee and on all others. As long as this table shall be
prepared, may young people come to seat themselves here as thy guests.
And thou, as much as thou shalt relish the joy of these riches, bless
the name of thy father and of thy mother. Rejoice me by the expression
of thy gratitude; then remember me in thy prayers.