DEDICATION.

original: DEDICATIO

judgment—not that of learned men, nor of courtiers, but Your own. For the common people rarely judge well; learned men judge according to their own ease and habit; and courtiers judge according to the temperament of Princes. But as for You, Most High Prince, fame has long since broadcast throughout the entire world that You are endowed with a judgment that is solid, blameless, and—a thing most rare in a Prince—supported and refined by extensive learning and a wisdom strengthened by the constant study of literature.

Therefore, this judgment of Yours, Most Learned Prince, discouraged me while I was hesitating; for it is right that nothing be presented to You unless it has been carefully considered, polished, and refined. But because, by the kindness of Your Most Serene Father, the Elector The "Elector" refers to Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg (1620–1688), known as the Great Elector. He was one of the powerful princes of the Holy Roman Empire who had the right to elect the Emperor., for one about to embark on an Italian journey original: iter Italicum; a common reference to the "Grand Tour" or a scholarly expedition to Italy to study antiquities and manuscripts., to [Your] High-