One Hundred Liberal and Ingenious Games

There are the various verse compositions that I have tailored to each Book in the manner of Ballads original: "Ballate"; a form of lyrical poetry often set to music or used in social courtly games.; these, if they do not lack your grace, could make the Games—accompanied by my sincere affection—no less noteworthy than they are dear to your invincible Majesty. I pray that they may be yours, and possess such power that Your Highness might preserve a living memory of me on every occasion and at all times, so that I need not fear the oblivion that can arise from the passage and turning of the years. Instead, let my soul rest, trusting in your goodness, from which I could obtain no greater favor. If this should happen, it might give me (if I live) the boldness to dedicate another work to you, perhaps no less desired than this one, which would provide the solution to all the questions Referring to the "doubts" or intellectual puzzles mentioned on the previous page that were left unanswered for the reader to debate. posed in order.

I know well that women, seeing themselves under the protection of such a divine Lady—in whom Heaven has gathered all perfections and all its fortunes—will feel no less indebted to me for having provided them with such a defense than for having written night and day with such study in their praise. May Lord Luigi Alamanni A celebrated Florentine poet and diplomat (1495–1556) who lived in exile at the French court and was a close associate of the Medici family., one of the most brilliant minds living today—from whom the beautiful Court of Your Serenity shines no less than he shines because of it—freely praise or blame our efforts. Let him provide them nourishment, correct them, and with double authority defend them from bites A recurring metaphor in the dedication for the "stings" or "bites" of harsh critics and detractors.; let him add what is necessary and remove what is excessive, for I shall always consider it a point of glory to follow his guidance.