De Pileo Quadrato (Epigr. XV)
The Defense of the Square Cap
The author defends the ecclesiastical square cap against critics, warning that those who despise the Church's vestments may eventually turn their hostility toward the Church herself.
The insults hurled by the Briton—that fearsome enemy of the surplice—were heard nearby by the square cap, striking it right at the top; not a single corner escaped the mark of such sharp words. But consider this: If you reflect on it, the square cap is far superior to the common hat for you and yours, serving to cool the heat of the brain that consumes your very marrow. But for those of you who treat the caps approved by the Church so poorly, it is to be feared that you will eventually attack her head as well.
Read the original Latin
Quae dicteria fuderat Britannus Superpellicei tremendus hostis, Isthaec pileus audiit propinquus, Et partem capitis petit supremam; Non sic effugit angulus vel unus Quo dictis minus acribus notetur. Verum heus! si reputes, tibi tuisque Longe pileus anteit galerum, Ut fervor cerebri refrigeretur, Qui vestras edit intime medullas. Sed qui tam male pileos habetis, Quos Ecclesia comprobat, verendum Ne tandem caput ejus impetatis.
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