EPISTLE

advance the first: and to dedicate it in all humility to your Highness, as to a true nursling of Mars and of the fierce Bellona Bellona was the ancient Roman goddess of war, often associated with Mars: who is not content merely to enjoy the fruit of the learned Minerva Minerva was the goddess of wisdom and the arts; the author suggests the patron is both a warrior and a scholar, but also knows how to subdue his enemy, and prudently make use of the peaceful olive branch when it seems good to him. This little treatise (therefore) will see the light of day under the protection of your Highness, which will serve as an Asylum for our labor against the venomous tooth of the slanderers, and of those who study more to criticize than to do better themselves. If your Highness looks upon this treatise with a favorable eye, and as your natural goodness receives with a gracious countenance that which may be useful: it will stimulate us in the future to do better, and to remain yours.