NO. 2 THE BADIANUS MANUSCRIPT EMMART 3 



the completion of the translation, it is certain that he was not aware 

 of the well-deserved tribute which reads as follows: 



For the most eminent Don Francisco de Mendoza, most excellent son of 

 Don Antonio de Mendoza, first viceroy of this India, his unworthy slave, Martin 

 de la Cruz, prays for the greatest health and prosperity." 



Since in you the graces and adornments of every excellence, and the accom- 

 plishments of the good, which are desired by everyone, shine fortii O most 

 magnificent Master, I do not know, indeed, what quality of yours to praise 

 especially. Indeed, I do not see by what praises I may extol your remarkable 

 love, by what words I may express gratitude for your unsurpassable kindness. 

 For I cannot express in words how your father, a man at once most christian 

 and most devoted, has been above all others my benefactor, for whatever I am, 

 whatever I possess, and whatever renown I have, I owe to him. I can find 

 nothing equal to, nothing worthy of his benefits. I can give great thanks, 

 indeed, to my Maecenas, but little repayment. On that account, I offer, dedicate, 

 and consecrate myself, whatever I am, to be your property. Not in truth to him 

 alone, but also to you my most eminent master, as a most supplicant token and 

 testimony of my singular devotion. 



The herbal was written at the request of Don Francisco de Mendoza 

 and was intended as a gift to " His Holy Caesarian Royal Catholic 

 Majesty " — Charles V. It is evident that Don Francisco, who fol- 

 lowed in his famous father's footsteps in fostering the protection and 

 education of the Indians, wished to commend the work of the Indians 

 and to enlist His Majesty's support of the College of Santa Cruz. 



The latter part of the dedication reads as follows : 



Indeed I suspect that you demand this little book of herbs and medicaments 

 so strongly for no other reason than to commend us Indians, even though un- 

 worthy, to his Holy Caesarian Catholic Royal Majesty. Would that we Indians 

 could make a book worthy of the king's sight, for this certainly is most un- 

 worthy to come before the sight of so much majesty. But you will recollect 

 that we poor unhappy Indians are inferior to all mortals, and for that reason 

 our poverty and weakness implanted in us by nature merit your indulgence. Now 

 accordingly, I beg that you will take this book, which by every right I ought 

 to inscribe with your name, most magnificent Master, in the spirit in which it 

 is offered, or, what would not surprise me, that you cast it out whither it 

 deserves. Farewell. Tlatilulci. In the year of our Lord Saviour 1552. 



Your Excellency's most humble servant. 



' In the space between this item and the following appears " Exlibris didaci 

 Cortavila." The handwriting is entirely different from that of the manuscript, 

 so we can surmise that the book was once in the possession of someone by the 

 name of Cortavila. 



