A decorative rectangular woodcut headpiece. In the center is a crowned shield containing three fleurs-de-lis, representing the French royal arms. The shield is flanked by two winged cherubs (putti) who are reclining and blowing long trumpets towards the outer edges. The surrounding space is filled with intricate floral and foliate scrollwork.

TO THE KING.

Sire,

Some time ago, when Your Ma-
jesty came to visit the provinces
most distant from your ordinary residence, you hon-
ored Guyenne A historical province in southwest France, centered around Bordeaux. with your Royal presence, to dissipate
the clouds of our recent unrest original: "mouuemens" — likely referring to local uprisings or political instability.. And wishing to go
further, to see the ancient patrimony of your ancestors in
Béarn; some spirit, perhaps more curious than
devout, gave Your Majesty the desire to see and consider, in
a place I have chosen for my final retreat, a
Chapel of Grottoes and Fountains, within a
mountain of Oysters A reference to fossilized oyster shells common in the geological strata of the region., overlooking the river
Garonne: built like the houses of Sparta, a
bit coarsely, and in the rustic style, by the hands of
Nature alone. Where Your Majesty recognized and admired her
diversions and small pleasures. SIRE, it is the Mount
*Parnassus In Greek mythology, the home of the Muses; the author is comparing his retreat to a place of poetic inspiration. of my Muses, where I have retired, to there