A decorative horizontal row of ornate fleurons or printer's ornaments at the top of the page.

To his friend the Author, on this his

Translation.

What, not a Sibyl Prophetesses in ancient Greece and Rome who were believed to possess divine knowledge of the future. or Cassandra A figure in Greek mythology cursed to utter true prophecies that were never believed. left?
Apollo The Greek and Roman god of prophecy, music, and healing. ceas'd? Has sharp-fang'd Time bereft
Us of the Oracles? Is Dodan's grove The grove of Dodona, the oldest oracle in ancient Greece, where priests interpreted the rustling of oak leaves to understand the will of Zeus.
Cut down? Does ne'er a word proceed from Jove Another name for Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods.
Into the ears of mortals that inherit
Tiresias A famous blind prophet of Thebes in Greek mythology. soul, or the great Calcha's Calchas, the powerful seer for the Greek fleet during the Trojan War. spirit?
What is become o' th' Augurs Ancient Roman religious officials who interpreted the will of the gods by observing the flight of birds. that foretold
Nature's intents? Are th' Magi Originally Zoroastrian priests from ancient Persia, later associated with wisdom and astrological knowledge. dead, that could
Tell what was done in every Sphere? Shall we
Not know what's done in the remot'st Country
Without great travel? Can't we belowe descry
The minde o' th' gods above? All's done by thee,
Agrippa; Henry Cornelius Agrippa (1486–1535), the original author of the work being translated. all their Arts lie couch'd in thee.
Th' Art that before in divers heads did lie,
Is now collect int' one Monopoly.
But all's in vain, we lack'd an Oedipus The Greek hero who solved the riddle of the Sphinx; the poet uses him as a metaphor for a brilliant interpreter who can solve difficult mysteries.,
Who should interpret's meaning unto us:
This thou effect'st with such dexterity,
Adding perhaps what th' Author ne'er did see;
That we may say, Thou dost the Art renew:
To thee the greater half of th' praise is due.