To the Learned Petrus, with Thanks for Defending the Poor

Nothing can stop the praiseworthy purpose of those who value what is right. The proof of this is the grief your magnificence showed at the news you recently received, and your refusal to overlook the attack that right has suffered. You have put away your distress at the right moment, and justly stopped the mouth of the enemy of the truth. As soon as we heard of this, and found true philosophy joined with skill in speaking, we felt still more warmly toward your excellence. Now we beg you all the more earnestly to counter this fine fellow’s lies, and to make secure the relief given to the unhappy poor. [a]