Copernicus to Bishop Dantiscus - translation
Frombork, 8 June 1536
To his lordship, Most Reverend Father in Christ, Johannes [Dantiscus], bishop of Chełmno, his most gracious lordship
Your lordship, Most Reverend Father in Christ, your most gracious lordship:
I have received your Most Reverend Lordship's letter, which is full of kindness and love. In it you remind me of the friendship and pleasant relationship which I formed with your Most Reverend Lordship when I was still young, and which I perceive still continues in a flourishing state on your part. And so, numbering me among your friends, you have seen fit to invite me to the wedding of your kinswoman.
Surely, Most Reverend Lordship, I should have heeded your Most Reverend Lordship and presented myself at some time to so eminent a superior and benefactor of myself. At present, however, being occupied in a task imposed on me by his Most Reverend Lordship, [the bishop] of Varmia, I cannot leave. Therefore deign to excuse my personal absence and preserve your old attitude toward me, even though I shall not be present. For, a meeting of the minds usually counts for even more than a meeting of the bodies.
For your Most Reverend Lordship, to whom I pledge my services, I wish constant good health amid every happiness.
Frombork, 8 June 1536
Nicholas Copernicus
