| Authorship Notes |
Dugué declares that his work is a translation of a recent German essay on princely travel - the original has not been identified. However, as is common with early modern translations the text is heavily adapted, in this case to a French context. Dugué ponders whether it is necessary to travel abroad from such a well-developed nation as France, which has excellent libraries and universities, as foreign travel presents the danger of bringing home vice. However, he also argues that contact with other nations is necessary for those who intend to govern, or serve the prince.
The work uses the notion of 'prudentia', which was the cornerstone of early apodemic theories such as those of Justus Lipsius. Fundamentally, it is to obtain this 'prudentia' that princes should travel, and if they develop this quality through first hand experience of the world, Dugué argues that they will be more inclined towards the common good. They should travel with small entourages, under false names, and avoid bad company. Extensive advice is provided as to what is to be observed and learnt: Dugué repeats the apodemic cliché that a lack of method is the main danger for travellers. |
