TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS

Prince, My Lord the Duke of

CALABRIA, LORRAINE,

BAR, GUELDERS &c.

A decorative woodcut initial 'M' features stylized scrolling vines and leaves, set within a square frame.

My Lord, it has been a long time since I first had the honor of being received into the service of your Highness. I hoped to employ the small talent that led me into your service, but as time has permitted me to remain until now unused, I have not been able to remain so idle that I did not wish to take up and continue the path of my first labor, in order to render myself more worthy, with better expectation, of the position it has pleased you to grant me. And although what may come of this does not merit such a great name, because it is prepared for the profit and convenience of the public, I dare to present it to your Highness as the guardian of the welfare of your people. I trust that, received with your accustomed gentleness and kindness, it will be much more agreeable, and will encourage me to pursue the other designs that have remained imperfect. I pray to God that the fruit of this may be such as I wish, and that He may grant your Highness,

My Lord, a very happy and long life, and an increase in your greatness. From your city of Bar-le-Duc, this 2nd of March, 1584.