TO THE RIGHT REVE-

REND FATHER AND LORD

IN CHRIST

LORD JEAN DU JONCQUOY,

A decorative woodcut initial 'V' featuring ornate floral and vine patterns within a square frame.A votive gift at last, and an ἀνάθημα [offering] of due veneration is brought to you, Right Reverend and most vigilant Prelate, to be suspended in the lofty vault of Marchiennes for the eternal memory of posterity. For indeed, whether I consult myself or interpret the mind and will of the most holy Dionysius, it was not permitted to look upon any other for the dedication of this work than you alone, to whom it should owe the most, and from whom it might expect light and ornament. For, to say nothing of myself, and to pass over in silence the communion of lineage and συγγένειαν [kinship] that exists between us; to omit your singular benevolence toward me, declared by the clearest proofs, and that kindness of soul, the forgetfulness of which shall not seize me sooner than that of my very self: where would Dionysius himself, the guardian of the Gallic realm and teacher of religion, rest more gladly and more honorably than in the house of Marchiennes, in that σεμνεῖον [sanctuary] of virtue and shrine of piety? Where does he see those things which he illustrated with words and most divine commentaries expressed in life and character? Where are there as many breathing images of blessed minds as there are men? Where are those truly ἐνάρετοι [virtuous], who, having despised the mockeries of all vanities, have placed their mind and all their thought in God? Indeed, the most choice virgin Rictrudis, consecrated to the religious rites of the Saints, under whose protection is the domain of Marchiennes, from 그 foundation—