THE INTERPRETER to its Author.

SONNET.

A decorative woodcut depicts the ornamental initial 'D' surrounded by floral scrollwork designs.

DÖGEN, after having with solidity,
Written, sown with flowers, and adorned with eloquence,
The cruel apparatus of the horrible Science,
Which has nothing in common with humanity.

Some sad Censor whose severity,
Will not be able to deny your rare sufficiency,
To exercise a little his black disparagement,
Will take it upon himself to doubt its utility.

But the goal of the author and that of the work,
Tends only to preserve the Innocent from outrage,
And to punish the pride of Unjust warriors:

This book is consecrated to legitimate Princes;
Above all, to this HERO, whose Just Laurels,
And wise Counsels preserve these Provinces.

TO THE CITY OF AMSTERDAM.

AMSTERDAM, PEARL OF CITIES,
Embrace in your prosperities
This Noble spirit that you possess:
SYRACUSE, will tell you of the aid,
That it had in its adversities,
From the labors of its ARCHIMEDES.

POIRIER.