History of All Cloven-Hoofed Quadrupeds

TO THE SAME

By Giovanni Francesco Morosini, Venetian Patrician. Of the College of Nobles.

Decorative drop cap 'N' with floral scrollwork design.
The assembly of nobles, whom BOLOGNA nurtures with wisdom,
Rejoices to have held you as a boy in her bosom:
Here, your virtue, illustrious Prince, drew in that milk
Which now flourishes, firm with mature strength;
If perchance you refuse this praise, though worthy of your merits,
The prostrate Beast shall bear witness to your virtue.

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TO THE SAME

By Count Borso di San Bonifacio of Padua. Of the College of Nobles.

Decorative drop cap 'I' with floral scrollwork design.
The Italian land sends to you an illustrious offspring,
Which longs, O Prince, to approach your breast.
The scent of snowy milk, which your clemency pours forth,
Draws the progeny even into your distant bosom.
It is a rare praise; that your own people hasten, and foreign
Talents hang, O wealthy Shepherd, from your breasts.

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TO THE SAME

By Count Francesco dal Pozzo of Turin. Of the College of Nobles.

Decorative drop cap 'D' with floral scrollwork design.
ALDROVANDI had conceived a learned offspring; but to him,
And to this work, the fates dealt a harsh death.
THOMAS raises the dead, most distinguished Prelate,
That both may live for long days under your care.
Therefore cherish and preserve it: do not despise the learned gift:
To create a thing, and to retain what is created, is an equal honor.

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TO THE SAME

By Count Francesco Pepoli of Bologna. Of the College of Nobles.

Decorative drop cap 'D' with floral scrollwork design.
Wild beasts have a diverse nature, unrefined in the book;
Yet with an equal devotion they honor You.
Their mouths resound—do you hear?—discordant with various song:
Yet for all of them, there is but one voice in your praise.
Live long, O Prince; your fame increases throughout the World:
What should men do, if even the Wild Beasts have shown such honor?