The last page of Ursus's De astronomicis hypothesibus is headed: "Epigram on the new and true Ursine hypotheses." There follows an abusive couplet:As for the jealous little Dane, than whose nose nothing in the world is more revolting, may his guts burst with envy.
Invidia invidulo rumpantur ut ilia Dano: Sordidius naso cuius in orbe nihil. 1After this comes an adulatory poem, introduced by a formal salutation: "To the most illustrious man, Master Nicolaus Reimarus Ursus of Dithmarschen, peerless mathematician, greetings." Reimarus, as your divine mathesis recommends you far and wide to the most eminent and distinguished men, so I, reverencer and devotee offamous men, and of you among them, ardently admire you. Because you have today condescended to visit me and we happened to shake hands, I thank you from my thankful heart with as many thanks as the silent night-sky has stars -stars which no one knows better than you, not Atlas, nor anyone who has followed him in this art.? Neither Ptolemy, nor even Copernicus himself, bold teacher of so much skill, was more learned. Indeed, whatever they taught with opposite reasons, it was granted to you first to reconcile. You are the first to show the middle way between the two, and you prove your assertions in a quite brilliant manner. So we all tum admiring eyes on you; and everyone wishes to be your eulogist. In return for such merits, Urania herself now wreathes laurel garlands for your head. Farewell! Flourish! Refreshing yourself among the sacred stars, nay one among the chorus of the gods.'
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