Copernicus to the Varmia Chapter - translation
Melsac, 22 October 1518
To the Venerable and Worshipful Officers, Canons, and Chapter of the Church of Varmia, most honorable masters
Venerable and worshipful gentlemen, honorable masters:
I learned from his Most Reverend Lordship [the bishop of Varmia] yesterday what your Reverences write about preparing the reception. The arrangements are virtually complete for either [contingency], whether it happens to be a fish day or a meat day.
P[hilip] Greusing's letter impelled me to leave Olsztyn sooner [than I had intended]. At my invitation the burgrave 1eft with me. In Lidzbark he received more complete information, as a result of which Greusing will be unable to complain that he has been denied justice.
His Most Reverend Lordship also commissioned me to advise your Reverences concerning the reply to be given to the Grand Master [of the Teutonic Knights]. If the letter has not been sent, in the copy transmitted [to you] by his Lordship the following clause is to be added: "that holy justice may not be blocked," the better to forestall their perverse and quibbling interpretation.
His Lordship has also received the news that [the Grand Duke ot] Moscow has signed with the king [of Poland] a permanent peace treaty, the provisions of which his Lordship expects to learn at any moment. Thus the complete confidence of our neighbors has accordingly now collapsed.
I commend myself to your Reverences.
Melsac, 22 October 1518
I shall leave from here too as soon as I can.
N. Coppernic
