The Game of the Chesse (Caxton, facsimile)

This chapter of the first treatise shows who first invented the game of chess. Chapter 2

A woodcut illustration depicts a philosopher seated at a desk, engaged with a chessboard. He wears a tall, soft cap and long, draped robes. The chessboard is tilted toward the viewer, showing a grid of squares and several pieces. More chess pieces are illustrated on the table surface to either side of the board. The room features a checkered floor and architectural arches with lattice-patterned windows in the background.

This game was invented by a philosopher of the East original: "thoryent" who was named Xerxes original: "Exerses" in Chaldean, or Philometor in Greek. This name means in English: "he who loves justice and moderation" original: "mesure". This philosopher was greatly renowned among the Greeks and the people of Athens, who were excellent scholars original: "clerkys" and philosophers, also famous for their knowledge original: "connyng".

This philosopher was so just and true that he would rather die than live a long life as a false flatterer to the said king. For when he observed the foul and sinful life of the king, and saw that no man dared to rebuke original: "blame" him...