BOOK.

...destined place, without some favor and gift of your courtesy: I imagine, therefore, that you would all strive to give him an Emblem original: "Impresa"; a symbolic device or personal badge combining a picture and a motto, used to express a person's character or aspirations., a Device original: "Divisa"; similar to an emblem, often referring to the specific colors or patterns of a livery., and a Motto original: "Motto"; a short, witty phrase paired with an emblem., according to the lot and your own station. But since devices and emblems are infinite—being as numerous as the variety of human wits and desires—it shall suffice for me to remind you, as a loyal servant, that on every such occasion, you (out of your graciousness) should give him, according to the inclination that moves you, gear fitting for a man of his standing and worthy of yourselves. For you are modern Ladies, nearly all most discerning, both by Nature and by having read much, being not a little wise and perhaps not too far inferior to those few famous and ancient women who were most commended by the writers of old.

And to make the Game original: "Giuoco"; the structured social entertainment being described. more beautiful, and to show that you are not among those who speak at random, but are in truth well-spoken and knowledgeable, with all that greater grace seen in you, I desire that when requested, you should make your Intent clear, always interpreting and adorning it as is befitting, revealing to others how well you understand the power of emblems, mottos, and the true meanings of colors. By doing so, I live secure in the knowledge that when you play with whomever pleases you most, the Game on your side will never remain cold, graceless, or languid.

But perhaps some among you—shrewd and yet discreet—might desire that I (to make her a complete mistress of this entertainment) should provide an example, or as they say, a "portrait" of how it is done; and I have thought by all means that she should be served. Let us suppose then, for example, that the Livery, the Word, and the Crest original: "Cimiero"; the heraldic ornament fixed to the top of a helmet. given to this our courageous Knight original: "Caualliere"; a man of noble birth and military rank. were a harness and a decoration all of Silver, with the Unicorn original: "Vnicorno"; a mythical creature symbolizing purity. upon the Helmet for a Crest, and a Motto that said: Pure and inviolable faith.

Should not the discerning noblewoman who gave it, when asked why she adorned him with such things, know how to render the reason for it wherever she may be? She should say that she accompanied the Unicorn—an animal most pure and untamable, which allows itself to be captured and tamed only by a chaste and faithful Virgin through a certain similarity and occult virtue of Nature—with the covering of Silver. This was done because silver not only retains the purity of whiteness but also the brilliance and splendor of Silver, which signifies faith; all this to demonstrate that the one was always to the other (as the motto resounds) pure of heart...