...and are useful for various human purposes in many ways. And concerning the utility of flowers, this is enough.

DEDICATORY EPISTLE #

NOW I turn to you, most distinguished and honorable Hopper Joachim Hopperus (1523–1576) was a prominent Frisian jurist and a trusted counselor to King Philip II of Spain; he was also a relative of the author, Rembert Dodoens, and I offer and dedicate this history of ours regarding flowers and certain fragrant coronary herbs coronariis: plants used specifically for weaving into wreaths, garlands, or "coronals" to you. This shall serve not only as a kind of pledge to you of our long-standing friendship, or a memorial original Greek: "μνημόσυνον" — a souvenir or token of remembrance of an absent kinsman and friend, but chiefly and most especially for the sake of offering my congratulations.

For since the Lord Philip, Catholic King of Spain, etc. Philip II of Spain, who ruled the Netherlands during this period, has bound and obliged you to himself with great offices and rewards, and has increased your standing with no small honors—and other leaders and magnates follow you with the highest favors—I thought it altogether necessary to congratulate you on these things through the dedication of this History of ours. I have done this on account of that friendship which has flourished between us since our early youth, lest I should seem to have failed in the duty of a friend and kinsman.

For friends are accustomed not only to rejoice and exult in the prosperous and happy affairs of their friends, but also to express and show that joy in words and deeds. Therefore, this History...