History of All Cloven-Hoofed Quadrupeds

Your past life promises that you are in no way inferior to those most noble men whom this See has always possessed. (†) The dagger symbol likely refers to a missing citation or a specific point of emphasis in the original typesetting. Indeed, Most Distinguished Prelate Prelate: a high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop, I gaze with pleasure upon your most illustriously performed deeds. First, I see you as a Canon of that Metropolitan See, then as Provost, and soon—as your honor increased immensely—as Grand Chamberlain and President of the Chamber (as they call it), admitted to the more secret council of your princely predecessors. From there, you performed embassies to the Pope, the Emperor, and the Duke of Bavaria, sent with mandates concerning clearly difficult matters. All of these tasks, though not easily accomplished, were successfully completed by your supreme wisdom and singular dexterity. This was the reason why that most noble and wise body of Canons The Cathedral Chapter responsible for electing the Archbishop distinguished you, who had performed such great duties, with the honor of the Archbishopric.

Enriched by such a number of dignities, Most August Prince, do not disdain me, a humble client of your Highness, for consecrating some small gift of my service to the eternal Temple of your merits and virtue, with Aldrovandi Ulysses Aldrovandi (1522–1605), the famous naturalist whose work the author is likely editing or promoting acting as the mediator. If I obtain this favor, as I humbly ask, I shall consider myself to have received the greatest reward for my labor. Farewell, great pillar of the Church, and farewell, most happy for a long time to come. At Bologna, on the Calends of April April 1st, 1621.

Your Highness's

Girolamo Tamburini. original: "Hieronymus Tamburinus"