To the Most Noble, Magnificent, Most Distinguished, Most Expert, and most Prudent,

L O R D S

B U R G O M A S T E R S,

SYNDICS, CHAMBERLAINS, AND SENATORS,

LÜBECK,

HAMBURG,

BREMEN,

ROSTOCK,

LÜNEBURG,

STRALSUND,

STETTIN,

WISMAR, and

GÜSTROW

Cities, whether Imperial and Hanseatic,
or ennobled by the Courts of Princes,
Most Grave and Excellent,

Leaders of the Muses term: "Musagetis" (Greek: Μουσαγέτης) | A title of Apollo meaning "Leader of the Muses." Here, the author uses it as a metaphor for the city leaders who act as patrons of the arts and sciences., that is, those who nourish Studies and those who pursue them with the brilliance and warmth of their beneficence, just as the Sun nourishes the lower world, and [who are] their most honorable Patrons