⚠Faint text at the top and bleed-through from the reverse page are visible.

original: "EPISTOLA DEDICATORIA"

An elaborate engraved headpiece features the coat of arms of Pope Clement XII—from the noble Corsini family—crowned by the papal tiara and the crossed keys of Saint Peter. The shield is surrounded by decorative scrollwork and a cherub's head. On the left, Saint Peter sits upon clouds holding the keys and a book; on the right, Saint Paul sits holding a sword and a book. Above the entire scene, a dove representing the Holy Spirit descends within a radiant glow of light.

TO OUR MOST HOLY LORD

CLEMENT XII, POPE.

ANGELO MARIA QUERINI, CARDINAL PRIEST

OF THE TITLE OF SAINT MARK

Bishop of Brescia, and Librarian of the Apostolic See.

That exceptional kindness with which YOUR HOLINESS original: "SANCTITAS VESTRA" deigned to receive the first volume of the new edition of the Works of Saint Ephrem Saint Ephrem (c. 306–373 AD) was a prolific Syriac deacon, hymnwriter, and theologian, known as the "Harp of the Spirit."—which issued from the academy of the Vatican Library original: "è Vaticanâ Bibliothecâ Lyceo"; the use of "Lyceo" (Lyceum or Academy) refers to the scholarly environment and printing house associated with the Vatican. and was offered by my hands some time ago—has persuaded me that this [next] vol-

original: "mum"; the first syllable of "tomum" (volume) appearing on the next page.