TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS JUNIO

BOBALI, SON OF ANDREW,

OF RAGUSA

GIAMBATTISTA DELLA PORTA OF NAPLES

SENDS FONDEST GREETINGS.

At the top of the page, there is a decorative horizontal border composed of three rows of repeating geometric and floral motifs. The main text body begins with a large square decorative woodcut initial 'A' featuring foliate scrollwork.

As for the other daughter who remained at home, Illustrious Junio, I could scarcely restrain her once she was stirred up and rushing toward you. The immense praises which her sister The "sister" refers to the earlier, shorter version of this work; the "other daughter" is this expanded edition. brought back concerning her husband filled her soul with such noble envy that, having broken every bond of restraint and modesty, she cannot control herself. She cries out that she desires no other man but you; if she were denied to you, she would rather grow old in her own home than risk the danger of belonging to others. Indeed, if they are compared to one another, she does not seem less worthy than her sister. If the former searches out causes, this one produces the effects; if the former contemplates, this one—being active enough—proposes that those things which fell under contemplation should come into the light of men. And if the former is proud of her discovery, this one is no less ambitious for her portentous operations. In these, not only is the mind nourished by understanding, but all the senses of the body are also enticed and refreshed by the results. This Magic, therefore, excels all other sciences (I except divine Philosophy, however) so that the other arts and faculties seem to serve her as if she were a queen. Cicero writes: No one among the Persians was accustomed to obtain the kingdom who had not first mastered Magic. original: "Neminem apud Persas regno potire solitum, qui prius Magiam non percepisset." And Plato in the Alcibiades says: The sons of Persian Kings are imbued with it, so that...