TO THE MOST REVEREND IN

CHRIST FATHER, AND PRINCE,

the most illustrious Hermann of the Counts of Wied Hermann von Wied (1477–1552) was a high-ranking German nobleman and the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne. He was later known for his leanings toward the Protestant Reformation., by the grace of God Archbishop of the holy Church of Cologne, Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, and Archchancellor throughout Italy, Duke of Westphalia and Angria etc., born Legate of the Holy Roman Church, and Vicar General in matters pontifical, Henry Cornelius Agrippa of Nettesheim sends his most humble greetings.

An ornamental woodcut initial letter 'E' featuring a bird (likely a peacock or similar long-tailed bird) perched on scrolling foliage within a square decorative border.

SUCH IS the celebrity of your illustrious fame, most reverend and illustrious Prince, such is the greatness of your virtues and the splendor of your learning, your frequent exercise in the finest literature, your weighty speech joined with solid prudence, your elegant readiness of speaking, your knowledge of many things, your constant religion, and your most praiseworthy character—with which you are endowed far above the common custom of others. I am silent regarding the ancient lineages of your eminent nobility, and the treasures of wealth both ancient and new, the vastness of your domain, and the miters The miter is a tall, pointed headdress worn by bishops; here it symbolizes his high ecclesiastical offices. of your sacred dignities, in the excellence of which you stand out even in the comely form and strength of your body. Though all these things are very great, I nevertheless deem you far greater than all these because of those heroic and super-illustrious virtues of yours. By these, you have indeed brought it about that the more learned and the more a lover of virtue a person is, the more they desire to win your favor. From this, I also decided that I must seek that honor for myself—but in the manner of the Parthians, which is to say, not without a gift original: "Parthorum more... non sine munere." Referring to an ancient custom mentioned by writers like Seneca, suggesting it was disrespectful to approach a ruler without bringing a tribute.. Truly, we see this custom of greeting a Prince, derived from ancient centuries even into our own times, observed until this very day. And when I saw every other man of extraordinary learning adorning you with the beautiful and great gifts of their scholarship, I feared lest I alone—as if a deserter of your devotion and veneration—should dare to approach your greatness with empty hands. Therefore, being thoughtful and looking around my library, considering what gift I might bestow upon so distinguished a Prince,