Three Books of Lyrics. The frontispiece

This is Matthias Casimirus Sarbievius’ first selection of lyrics, namely “Three Books of Lyrics” (Lyricorum libri tres). The book contains 59 odes, most dedicated to Pope Urban VIII and Cardinal Francesco Barberini. The verses praise the pope and the entire Barberini family and express an unshakable conviction that the pontificate of Urban VIII will bring peace, prosperity, and tranquillity. This selection of poetry brought the poet great popularity and fame.

Text compiled by M. Grubliauskas, A. Rinkūnaitė, I. Saudargienė.

Photograph by Mindaugas Česlikauskas (2025).