D E D I C A T I O N.

OF VLAARDINGEN AND VLAARDINGERAMBACHT, HIGH LAND-OWNER OF DELFLAND, HIGH OFFICIAL OF THE SCHIELAND WATER BOARD, ETC. ETC. ETC.

Now, illustrious Citizen-Lord, lay aside
The cares of the city, the land, and the state;
Let the titles of glory, the steps of honor,
The bundle-axes original: "bundelbylen," referring to the Roman fasces, symbols of magisterial power consisting of a bundle of rods and an axe, the Heemraadships positions on the regional Water Boards, which were vital for managing the dikes and drainage of the Netherlands,
The tribunal original: "vierschaar," a traditional Dutch court of law where justice was administered where the law is pleaded,
The executioner's sword of Justice,
And whatever occupies your spirit with worry,
Rest for a moment in the olive-shade,
Where the Garden-Maiden, unconfined,
Still breathes the free air:
Unbend the bow, O VANDER HEIM,
So that, with your benevolent eyes,
You may look upon my Muse of Biblical Poetry;
Who wishes to offer you honor and tribute,