Preface /

Regarding the intended execution; from what basis, beginning,

middle, and end the good city of

Magdeburg

was led, prompted, and completely

brought to its wretched destruction.

Including

A compelled and unavoidable defense of<-

honor / eventual retorsion original: "eventual retorsion"; a legal term for a counter-accusation or returning a like injury, regarding the accused

treachery; also a petition and oblation original: "oblation"; here referring to a formal legal presentation or offering of evidence document.

Against

four treatises published without names of the authors, place, or location of

the printer; against the wholesome laws and Imperial Constitutions original: "Constitutionen"; the fundamental legal decrees of the Holy Roman Empire.

Johann Alentans / Patrician original: "Patricij"; a member of the urban ruling elite, and former member of the City Council in

Magdeburg / and at the present time with the Imperial Army in Hildesheim /

appointed Commissioner original: "Commissarij"; an official agent acting under delegated authority.

Psalm 119, verses 41 & 42.

Lord, let your mercy come also unto me, even your salvation, according to your word.
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. The author uses this biblical passage to frame his defense as a spiritual and moral necessity against his accusers.

Printed at Hildesheim / by Joachim Gössel /

In the year 1633.