TO THE MEN

Illustrious, Magnificent, Active, Most Noble, Most Distinguished,

It is a bold undertaking indeed that I dare to disturb Your watchful cares for the Well-being of this incomparable Commonwealth original: "Reipublicæ." While "Republic" is the literal translation, in this context it refers to the self-governing Imperial Free City of Frankfurt., and that I strive to consecrate this modest monument of my devoted min-

mind to Your Most Splendid Names. For indeed, since there are almost infinite ways in which you have long ago made me your eternal debtor, ever since you most kindly received me as I migrated here from Alsace original: "ex Treboccis." The Tribocci were an ancient Germanic tribe located in the Alsace region; Faust is using the classical Latin name for his homeland., enrolling me among the number of your Citizens Becoming a "Citizen" (civis) of Frankfurt was a formal legal status that granted specific economic and political rights within the city-state., and did not disdain to bestow those proofs of Your most auspicious Favor upon me—favors which you have been accustomed to grant from time to time to men of more honorable station, with that singular and characteristic kindness of yours: then that The sentence continues onto the next page.