Large decorative header consisting of four horizontal rows of repeating woodcut ornaments, including stylized floral, scrollwork, and fleur-de-lis motifs.

TO THE MAJESTY OF THE EMPEROR

FERDINAND III.

Concerning the Egyptian Oedipus of Father Athanasius Kircher.

CANZONE

BY THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND EXCELLENT

LORD

POMPEO COLONNA

PRINCE OF GALLICANO.

Large historiated decorative initial 'S' featuring a figure amidst dense floral and vine-like scrollwork.LORD, you who honor your heavy diadem
With merit more than it honors you with the throne,
You, in whose breast dwell
Honest, virtuous, and holy desires;
You, who are a knower of true good
Amidst so many cares by which you govern a world,
Of sharp wit and profound knowledge,
Are a follower of doctrine and virtue;

Wherefore it happens then that with your frequent example
You precede the high laws; and being good and just,
With feelings of piety from your Imperial original: "Augusto" station,
Before ruling others, you rule yourself;
You who well know that he who governs on earth
Ought to feed, and not oppress, the flock,
And that he who greedily turns to another style
Strays and wanders from the straight path;
You, who finally are devoted to every good study,
And understand the art of every mastery mastery: "Magisteria," referring here to the authoritative expert knowledge of the various sciences and arts.,
Look upon Athanasius's volume part by part,
And you will see therein every branch of knowledge gathered.
Oedipus it is, who for the common good
Reveals the most hidden riddles of every Oedipus The "Oedipus" here refers to Kircher himself or his book, functioning as the metaphorical "riddle-solver" of Egyptian mysteries, just as the mythical Oedipus solved the riddle of the Sphinx.,
And offers and unveils to every understanding
The secrets reserved for the wisest.