The eldest son bore his father's name, and was born on the 13th of January, 1525. This boy suffered very much in his earlier years, so that his father entertained very little hope of raising him. But notwithstanding all this, he lived to the great age of eighty years. He did not possess the talents which so greatly distinguished his father. When very old, he wrote in an album: "I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ. Philippus Melanchthon, August 9th, 1603." GEORGE SABINUS was born at Brandenburg, April 23d, 1508. In his 15th year he had come to Wittenberg to pursue his studies. Melanchthon became acquainted with him, and loved him on account of his extraordinary talents. He was particularly distinguished for his poetical talents. When Anna,[25] Melanchthon's favorite, was 16 years old, she was married to this Sabinus, with the consent of her parents. This occurred in the year 1536. In the year 1538, the Elector Joachim of Brandenburg called Sabinus to Frankfort on the Oder, as professor of polite literature. Being an exceedingly vain and ambitious man, he looked upon this situation as too humble, and longed for one more honorable. Such an one seemed to be opened to him, when the Duke of Prussia established a University at Koenigsberg. Melanchthon wrote to Camerarius in the Spring of 1544: "Sabinus intends to leave the academy (at Frankfort) because he finds it very difficult to satisfy the demands of so many learned judges. He is looking for hiding-places where he will be able to rule, and from whence he may be introduced to courtly life. This, you must know, is the substance of his plans. Perhaps we may add to this, that he is desirous of removing my daughter farther away from my observation; but I endeavor to be calm." We may easily conceive that the modest, gentle Anna, could not live happily in such a union. She complained to her parents, for Sabinus was also a spendthrift in addition to all this. By the recommendation of Camerarius, Sabinus was appointed the first Rector of the University of Koenigsberg, on the 17th of August, 1544. Before removing to this place, Anna and her children remained for some time in the house of her parents at Wittenberg. Melanchthon's love towards his daughter and her children was now renewed and increased, especially as he saw the prospects that awaited them. He wrote to Camerarius: "This journey of my daughter fills me with constant sorrow. But I pray that the Lord may regard our tears. Could you but see how amiably my daughter has deported herself while at home; she is quiet, modest, gentle, very conciliatory, and of a prudent mind."