A decorative woodcut headpiece featuring intricate floral and scrollwork designs.

TO THE NOBLE LORD,

LORD MARCUS FUGGER, BARON

OF KIRCHBERG AND WEISSENHORN,

HENRI ESTIENNE SENDS HEALTH AND GREETING. original: "S. D." for "Salutem Dicit," a standard Latin epistolary greeting

A large decorative drop-cap 'O' featuring stylized foliage and ornate geometric patterns.

It was my duty, for many reasons, to take care that you did not move your step from Heidelberg without a farewell from me; but either your speed (for I thought you would be a guest of the most illustrious Prince Elector Palatine for a longer time) or my own slowness caused me to fail in my duty in this regard. Far be it from anyone to think this happened because of forgetfulness of the favors which your family, and especially Ulrich Fugger 1526–1584; a renowned bibliophile and patron of Henri Estienne, whose massive library became part of the Palatine collection (no small ornament to your name), has bestowed upon me. Even if I were to grant to someone the possibility that forgetfulness of these things could creep over me for a time: I would by no means grant that such a thing could happen to me at Heidelberg, where he left behind a treasure This refers to the immense collection of manuscripts Ulrich Fugger donated to the Palatine Library in Heidelberg than which nothing can be more precious to those devoted to literature. For by that treasure, he not only preserves his memory among all people, but renders it most pleasing and most honored. How much more then should that treasure work upon me while I dwell in this city, and indeed as soon as I set foot within it?

Behold, therefore, Isocrates, published by me and dedicated to you, who—by the power of his own eloquence—shall excuse to you that intention original: "ἐνδύμημα" (enthymēma); here used to mean a private thought, perhaps a mental reservation or the "oversight" Estienne is apologizing for of mine (for I do not wish to accuse myself further). And he will, as I hope, easily obtain pardon from a man who is not difficult to please.

Furthermore, when I send Isocrates to you in his current form, I send him to a citizen of Augsburg—or at least to a man who has been gifted with that citizenship in a certain way. For Isocrates learned to speak Latin at Augsburg from Hieronymus Wolf The translator mentioned on the title page, who lived and worked in Augsburg, who teaches the youth of Augsburg; and after he attained a knowledge of this language, he enjoyed great intimacy with certain patricians and senators of Augsburg; just as now...

A small floral ornament (fleuron) preceding the signature mark.