original: "A p m" / "6 - 25 - 29" A p m? 6 - 25 - 29

TO THE MINISTER SECRETARY OF STATE

OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

KNIGHT DON NICOLA SANTANGELO

Nicola Santangelo (1754–1851) was a powerful figure in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, serving as Minister of the Interior for over two decades. He was a noted collector of antiquities and a patron of Neapolitan culture.

WHO NEVER CEASED FROM THE HOLY LOVE

OF COUNTRY

WITH MAGNIFICENT MONUMENTS

WISHED HER DECORATED

This refers to Santangelo's efforts to beautify Naples and preserve its historical heritage through architectural projects and the arts.

AND ENCOURAGING NEAPOLITAN MINDS

TOWARD GOOD DEEDS

ADDED TO HER IMPERISHABLE GLORY

AS TO ONE WHO FROM ALL

HAD DESERVED WELL

DON LUIGI TOSTI

Luigi Tosti (1811–1897) was a celebrated Benedictine monk and historian. At the time of this writing, he was a young scholar at Monte Cassino.

MONK OF THE ABBEY OF MONTE CASSINO

original: "Badia Cassinese"

A SMALL TOKEN

original: "argomento" — literally "argument" or "subject," but here used in the sense of a "proof" or "token" of esteem.

OF THE GREATEST RESPECT AND GRATITUDE

IN THIS BOOK

OFFERED

Dedication of the first edition of Naples, 1836.