The Secret Chancellery of Anhalt

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Whatever you do in secret, you do well: though you swear
The opposite of your words, so long as you bear witness: no one sees.
The evil conspiracy of the nobles against just kings,
If it is done at least in secret, it is done well: no one sees.
For the King’s destruction, to summon foreign war original: "Martem" (Mars), the Roman god of war
Is permitted under a hidden cloak: no one sees.
It is pleasing to incite the King’s cities and his generals,
And to overturn the world and the laws: no one sees.
"No one sees": though the conquered one sees all, once it is gained
After the victory original: "palmam," referring to the palm branch given to victors in antiquity. But now, tell me: "No one reads."

[A large, elaborate woodcut ornament centered below the text, featuring symmetrical interlaced strap-work or knot-work with scrolling botanical tendrils and floral elements.]