TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND MOST SERENE,

Sacred Queen of Poland, Lady Bona Sforza of Aragon,

Grace and Ornament of the World, Nicolaus Massa

sends his greatest greetings and wishes her a

Nestor-like life and happiness.

original: "nestoreamq́; vitam." A reference to Nestor, the legendary Greek hero of the Iliad known for his great wisdom and for living through three generations of men; thus, Massa is wishing the Queen an exceptionally long life.

The following paragraph begins with a decorative woodcut initial 'C' depicting a scholar at a desk with a globe.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS QUEEN, our ancestors were accustomed—as they handed their work down to posterity—to greatly commend it to the patronage of some prince of their own times. This practice (which in my opinion is worthy of nothing but praise) has continued down to our own age. They did this especially for the reason that they believed their labors and sleepless nights, if fortified by some favor, would live for an everlasting (so to speak) time, and bring utility and benefit.

For this reason, since I have decided—on account of the excessive pleas of certain scholars—to bring to light several letters which I had written at various times to absent friends, regarding medicine as well as philosophy and logic dialecticathe art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions, it seemed right to me to commend them to you, most illustrious Queen, so that they might not lack a patron and protector.

For when I enumerate the greatest and most sacred kings of our times, I truly find no one to whom I might more safely entrust the defense of this work of mine than to you. Indeed, you far excel all others, both in blood and lineage, as well as in the gifts of mind and body.

For who does not know the Sforza family? Who does not know your father, Gian Galeazzo Maria Sforza original: "Ioannem Mariam Sfortiam"? Who is ignorant of your ancestors Galeazzo and that Francesco, the "pupil of Mars" Francesco Sforza (1401–1466) was a famous mercenary commander and the first Sforza Duke of Milan; "pupil of Mars" refers to his military brilliance. and the glory of all Italy? They achieved almost every kind of virtue. I omit their vigorous deeds, which were nearly innumerable, for this is not the place for such speech.

I have also deliberately set aside the long and well-known lineage original: "analogiam" of the illustrious kings and dukes of Aragon, and by what forces of arms, virtue, and talent they overcame so many powerful peoples. Furthermore, I have omitted by what right and order they ruled in the Kingdom of Naples and in the Duchy of Milan, and almost throughout all Italy. For many have written of this, and histories everywhere are full of it. But why do I [speak] of your [ancestors' deeds...]