A Very Pleasaunt & Fruitful Diologe Called the Epicure

A thoughtful conversation unfolds between the celebrated humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam and the young Prince Edward, urging the future ruler to turn his mind toward true learning and virtue. The dialogue weaves biblical counsel with classical allusions, reminding the prince that wealth, titles, and worldly pomp cannot bring lasting happiness. Instead, it celebrates the enrichment that comes from wisdom, moral discipline, and the study of sacred and ancient texts.

Rendered in the lively, early‑modern English of its time, the piece offers listeners a glimpse of Renaissance ideals that championed the power of the mind over material gain. As Erasmus praises the example of ancient scholars and foreign kings who mastered languages and philosophy, he gently challenges the prince—and by extension the audience—to seek a “holsome and pleasant food of the mind.” The work remains a compelling portrait of an era when education was seen as the highest treasure a ruler could possess.