An ornamental woodcut headpiece with a central mask-like face, symmetrical foliate scrolls, and two figures at the outer edges.

TO THE MOST SERENE AND MIGHTY

PRINCE

JAMES,

OF THE EMPEROR

OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH,

THE THRICE-GREATEST, AND OF HIS OWN

INCOMPREHENSIBLE CREATOR, IN THE KINGDOMS

OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND IRELAND

THE IMMEDIATE MINISTER AND GOVERNOR, AND DEFENDER OF THE FAITH:

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A large decorative woodcut initial 'C' embellished with floral and leafy patterns within a square border.

To whomsoever it is denied to understand the sacred secrets and mysteries of naked and uncovered Nature, offered to us by God, the best and greatest; to him, O most powerful King and most fortified in knowledge, it will be impossible to know himself, and to aspire to the true enjoyment of the Spirit of most holy understanding. Therefore, let the storehouse of nature be diligently uncovered, with contemplation leading the way, so that we may at last arrive at the sanctuary of GOD and His wisdom. I speak now of great things—let it be said with the kind permission of Your Majesty—and things which cannot be acquired or obtained by the royal power of the whole world, by violence, majesty, or any human art, but are drawn only from the spring of the good and sincere will of GOD, poured down from the holy heavens, and granted to the worthy according to the divine pleasure. May you be, O MOST SERENE KING, original: "Serenissime Rex" illuminated by a ray of divine light, purified from human mists and filth, adorned in mind with heavenly gifts, a despiser of earthly things, a contemplator of heavenly and divine things, free from Diabolical arrogance, endowed with Christian humility, and full of most holy justice. May there be for you, O MOST MERCIFUL KING JAMES, a true knowledge of Nature, the only ladder of the Patriarch Jacob A reference to the biblical Jacob's Ladder (Genesis 28), used here as a metaphor for the stages of ascent from the material world to the divine. directing the journey to heaven: for without this medium, there is no passage from earth to heaven. Blessed be GOD, and may He bless you and your Empire, whereby we, His creatures and your subjects, may live happily under Him with justice, not feigned but sincere.

**R. FLUDD.**