An ornate horizontal woodcut headpiece with elaborate scrolling acanthus leaves, vines, and floral patterns. Within the foliage are two small human figures at the ends and a central decorative element.

TO THE LOVERS

of these sciences,

An ornamental square initial letter 'Q' containing a seated figure holding a branch. The letters 'ue' follow the initial to form the word 'Que' (What/That).What does it serve, while alive,
To wither under envy,
Which, by eroding our hearts
And straining our nature,
Constrains us with great care
To seek honor here below?
Whether by some act of valor,
Some labor, or science;
Or by following destiny,
Which keeps us company
Until the appointed hour
Witnesses our end with us?
If the pitiless tooth
Of the unbending reaper of years The "reaper of years" is a personification of Time (Chronos), often depicted with a scythe to represent the inevitable passing of life.
Makes us feel his might,
And soon harvests our days,
Without sparing the learned—
Putting even them to death,
Betraying their hope,
Which gave them the patience
To suffer many troubles,
Longing to see one hour
Change for the better
A hundred and a hundred weary nights—
Is it not to induce the future race
To follow in their footsteps,
And to acquire knowledge sçauoir: broader than modern "knowledge," implying wisdom and practical skill,
Not for a vain glory
To eternalize their memory
And show themselves off to people?

For vanity, most vain,
Is that which wanders
Through human understanding,
And which, driven by its flame,
Wants to make its soul live
On earth eternally.
Or perhaps with their industry industrie: in the Renaissance, this referred to human ingenuity, skill, and diligent work
They seek to do good for their country,
As our author did,
Who, toiling with every breath,
Never spared his effort
As long as there was vigor in his bones.
Therefore, with a favorable eye,
Please heartily welcome
This divine Theater:
And let everyone profit from it,
Or let each be stirred within
To try their hand at doing even better.
As for me, I wish to continue,
(If God grants me life)
To one day show how
He stirs my courage
To finish my days
In imitating him alone.
In doing so, I desire
That those who come to read me
Will be so envious of me,
That in view of my work
They will be even more inspired
And strive to do better.