Foreword /

The proposed account / of the grounds / beginning,

Magdeburg

was led toward, advanced, / and fully brought to its wretched destruction.

A necessary and unavoidable defense of honor,

eventual counter-accusation original: "retorsion"; a legal term for returning an accusation back upon the accuser, regarding the alleged / treason / as well as a petition and legal submission original: "oblation Schrifft".

Four treatises published in print without the names of the authors, place, or location of the / printer / against the beneficial laws and Imperial Constitutions.

Johann Alentanus, Patrician original: "Patricij"; a member of the high-ranking urban ruling class, and former Councilman in Magdeburg, and currently an appointed Commissioner original: "Commissarij"; an official representative or administrator with the Imperial Army in Hildesheim.

Psalm 119, v. 41 & 42.
Lord, let Your mercy come to me, Your help according to Your word,
That I may answer my slanderers, for I trust in
Your word.