The Anatomy of Melancholy

Democritus Junior to His Book.

Go, book, such as you are; I dare not call you fortunate, Unless a kindly day makes you so. Yet go wherever you please, through any lands, And be sure to reflect your master’s spirit.

Go among the gracious Graces, and greet Any initiate of the Muses who will read you. Whether you dwell in country or town, or enter kings’ palaces, Behave humbly and gently, without biting.

If some nobleman or great person happens to inspect you, Be accommodating; let him read as far as he likes. There is something nobility, something a great person may want; Perhaps this page may win favour and give pleasure.

If some sour Cato, some stern senator, Should happen to wish to see this book too, Or some magistrate, then behave respectfully. But none will: eagles do not catch flies. They have no time to spend their fleeting hours on trifles, Nor do I want such readers; mine will be someone like me.

If a dignified matron happens to turn this way, If a distinguished lady or countess reads you, There is something to displease them, perhaps something to please. Only do not thrust yourself upon them; still, open your pages.

But if a noble maiden deigns to touch Your pages, or lingers over your sheets, Be obliging, and remember that there are some leaves More suitable for her eyes.

If a well-born attendant or a lovely girl Wishes to see your games, consent; open gladly. Say, “If only my master himself—for he likes such women— Were here in person now, for you to see.”

If someone of the gowned profession, known to me or unknown, Whether he works in schools or occupies a pulpit, Or in a college, turns over these trifles, And notices some faults as he examines them, Say, “Forgive the author; he would wish many things Erased, which he knows have already displeased.”

If a melancholy person or an affectionate lover, A courtier or citizen, or a well-dressed gentleman, Calls here, come, entrust yourself safely to his reading. Perhaps he will find much here that is not badly conceived. What to flee, what to beware of, what to embrace: This page may perhaps disclose many such things.

But if a physician comes before you, be friendly, Act carefully and conduct yourself without fault; For in my writings too he will find many things That may be of no small assistance to him.

If some lawyer blunders into these pages: “I have nothing to do with you; goodbye, you wretched crowd!” Unless he is a good man, honestly skilled in law; Then let him read, and perhaps he will leave better informed.

If some sensible, easygoing and kindly reader Turns his eyes here, let him read what he likes. A fair man will forgive: fear nothing, open willingly; He will not be offended by your faults,

And will praise some things. If a foolish rhetorician comes, Looking for language polished, refined and thoroughly cooked, Quickly close the book: here are only iron words, Which, ill suited to his taste, will upset his stomach.

But if an undistinguished poet of the common crowd arrives, Welcome him: he will read many fictions here. I am one of that number; no Apollo breathes into me. Not everyone can be a lofty-speaking bard.