DEDICATION.

...the norm and exemplar, confirming the dictates of both his Ethical and Political doctrine: Hence, through this referring to the "Art" or "Science" mentioned below Kings reign, the Rights and Laws of Empires are established, peoples are strengthened by Religion, and the health of the World is stabilized. This very Art, the investigator of all Sciences, was begun under the Empire of YOUR most wise Father, FERDINAND III, while he moved among the living; now at last completed in all its parts, I lay it before the August Throne of YOUR Sacred Majesty. That which he had perceived only by reputation, YOU, MOST GLORIOUS CAESAR, as the genuine Heir to your Father's GLORY, have made entirely YOUR OWN RIGHT, as is due to the capacity of YOUR Great Mind. Nor is this without merit; for you have so fulfilled the sum of extraordinary virtues—as much as the youthful and vivid joy of YOUR nature was able—that in the foundations of those great Thoughts which you press deep within your breast for the good of the World, you seem to have made giant strides thus far. While you rise into strengths mature for the highest affairs, with such celebrity and clarity of fame, it seems the Roman Empire The Holy Roman Empire expects something greater from YOUR fortune than what it has already given YOU; with such prudence and fortitude, that having acquired it...