Decorative woodcut headpiece featuring a central mask or face flanked by scrolling foliage and two reclining putti figures.

TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS,

AND MOST EXCELLENT

LORD

DON CARLO D'ARAGONA,

DUKE OF TERRANUOVA,

Woodcut decorative ornament depicting three putti gathered around a central vessel or shield.

Decorative drop cap 'C' containing a classical urn or vessel within a circular border, surrounded by floral motifs.

THAT the military (Most Illustrious & Excellent Prince) among the arts & disciplines that serve for the convenience & ornament of mortals, is the highest, the most worthy, & necessary of all, and with which all Princes & great Lords should with supreme affection procure to adorn themselves, is not only approved by the decree of wise men, & of the Patriarchs, & Holy Kings, who were in ancient times; who deservedly placed it before all others, using this alone, as a proper & most convenient means, to drive away enemies, repress tyrants, punish rebels, increase Republics, & finally to preserve in peace their Kingdoms & Dominions: But we know also, that for the punishment of Lucifer & his followers, the first militia was ordered by the supreme Architect in the empyrean Heaven, & put into execution by the Angelic hosts.

Apoc. 12.

There was a great battle in heaven, when Michael the Archangel and his Angels fought against the Dragon.

But what do I say of the Angels, & of men, when I see also the entire race of animals armed by providential mother Nature? Behold, one possesses the beak, & the claws;