A decorative woodcut headpiece featuring a central winged cherub head flanked by floral blossoms and leafy branches.

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TO MY LORD

MY LORD DE

MESMES, Counselor

to the King in his Council

of State, & President

in his Court of Parle-

ment of Paris. The Parlement of Paris was the supreme court of justice under the French monarchy; its members were among the most powerful and educated men in the kingdom.

MY LORD,

Everyone admits that it
belongs only to the The text cuts off here, as this is the opening of the dedication which continues on the following page.