Anna Maria's Promise

Anna Maria van Schurman (1607-1678) was a highly gifted linguist, theologian, poet and artist. From her father she received lessons in Latin and Greek, geography, mathematics and theology. At the age of 14, Anna came to Franeker with her family. Her brother came here to study at the university. Anna's father fell ill and shortly after her fifteenth birthday he died. At his deathbed, Anna had to promise that she would never marry. Only in this way would her enormous talent not be lost.

Anna kept this promise. She devoted her life to art, faith and science. She was famous throughout Europe and corresponded with all the important scholars of her time.

Frederik van Schurman is lying ill in bed at the Martenahuis. It is 5 November 1623 and in ten days he will die. Last summer Frederik moved to Franeker with his family from Utrecht. One of his sons is studying at the university here. He himself wanted to attend lectures too. But before the academic year began, he fell ill.

Then there is a knock on the door and a girl enters. 'You wanted to speak to me, father?' Frederik sits up carefully. He just hopes that Anna Maria doesn't notice the pain and fatigue in his face too much. His daughter is having her birthday today. She has turned 15 and Frederik wants to discuss something important with her:

'My dear child..' he begins with a weak voice. 'I am so glad that I get to witness your birthday. Every day I feel myself growing weaker. It won't be long now.. I am so sorry that I will not see you grow up further. You are the shining star in my life. You are the apple of my eye...'

'As a three-year-old you could already read! Do you remember how you did your lessons in my study? Later I taught you Latin and Greek. Those were the happiest hours of my life. How I enjoyed it when we studied history together, or geography, mathematics or theology..'

'But soon I will no longer be here.. And what will become of you? People will say that you must marry. Then you will have children and you will no longer have time to study. Your bright mind will be lost!'

'Promise me therefore that you will never marry! Promise me that you will continue to study! Promise me that you will never stop asking questions. Dedicate your life to knowledge, art and science! Do you promise me?'

Anna Maria has sat down on the edge of the bed and is holding the hand of her sick father: 'Of course I promise you that, dear father.. I promise you sincerely, with all my heart and soul...'