Illustrations and Descriptions of Plants (1678) - Page 8

⚠The text on this page consists entirely of bleed-through (show-through) from the recto side of the leaf. Consequently, the primary text and the decorative woodcut ornament appear mirrored. The transcription below has been rectified for readability into the intended logical order.

And your Highness, MOST SERENE PRINCE, will not disdain these things, which so many Great Dukes of Tuscany and Commanders—to whom these same Medicean Stars The "Medicean Stars" refers to the four largest moons of Jupiter, discovered by Galileo and named in honor of the Medici family. belong—would never have hesitated to accept. Far be it from us to suggest that this conjunction of the stars—just as in former times the virtue? of Timoleon Timoleon was a Greek general known for his success and supposed divine favor; his "virtue" or "fortune" was a common classical trope. sprinkled, from which? the most famous of virtues and? our endeavor, our Cosimo,? from which? by many efforts? victory, which? brings forth? illustrious fame ...? monument ...?
...?
... Royal Florence ...?
...? under the leadership and auspices of the MOST SERENE PRINCE, it shall come forth into the light.

To YOUR SERENE HIGHNESS

Most Devotedly,

Domenico Cassini

In the Archigymnasium of Bologna

The Archigymnasium was the main building of the University of Bologna.

Professor of Astronomy.

The page concludes with a large, ornate decorative woodcut tailpiece featuring symmetrical baroque scrolls and floral elements.