A rectangular woodcut headpiece featuring a central grotesque mask flanked by symmetrical acanthus leaf scrolls and two reclining winged putti.

To the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord

PARIS VON LODRON

C O U N T

ARCHBISHOP;

Decorative drop cap 'A' set within a square frame embellished with floral and scrollwork designs.

Accept these gifts of praise, owed to you by Bologna original: "Felsineae," an ancient Etruscan name for Bologna,
For you are the splendor and honor of the Bolognese home.
Our Muses, once devoted to your wisdom original: "Minervae," referring to the goddess of wisdom,
Desired to offer such things to your merits.
Ulysses referring to Ulisse Aldrovandi, the famous naturalist, renowned for learning, granted these wishes,
Having measured both worlds with his genius:
It is he who wandered without error through the wide Ocean,
Saw the lands, and the path of the Heavens.
Yet you are that one, the foster-son in whom we exult;
Whom the sacred tiara makes distinguished in worship.
This book displays every kind of four-footed wild beast;
Which the cloven hoof marks as becoming gentle.
From this, may you know how to lead the sheep, for whom you provide the best pastures,
To also bear this mark within the human mind.
Hence we shall sing to you the vows we have conceived:
May God soon grant prosperous words for the future.
As he has expressed every kind of sheep in this book;
So may you rule as the supreme Pastor in the world.