EPISTLE

he approaches quickly. Therefore, I command that this bringer of every virtue and prosperity—which I have engraved in copper original: "sculptam ęre"; this refers to the copperplate engravings (emblems) that illustrate the book., painted in verse, illuminated in prose, and distributed across only a very few pages—be dedicated and consecrated to your Most Serene Highness, as to a most watchful hunter of Good Opportunities, both now and in the future original: "Occasionum aucupi." The term "aucupi" literally means a "fowler" or bird-catcher, suggesting the patron has the skill to catch "fleeting" opportunities like birds.. This is indeed a very slight gift when I consider your dignity; yet it is nonetheless acceptable when I consider your kindness, which is singular and admirable in you—certainly, even according to the mind of Ovid The author likely alludes to Ovid's famous sentiment that in gift-giving, the spirit and intention of the giver are more important than the value of the object itself..