Theatre of the World (Theatrum Orbis Terrarum)

On the left side, you see a human head defiled by recent slaughter.
original: "fœdatum cæde recenti Humanum caput." This refers to the figure of America, often depicted in this era with symbols of cannibalism to signify a "savage" state.
Behold the bow and swift arrows.
With these, when he bends the bow by drawing back the string,
he is accustomed to inflict certain wounds and certain death upon men.
Later, wishing to give his tired limbs to sleep after the hunt,
he climbs into a bed woven thin like a net.
original: "lectum contextum rariùs instar Reticuli." The poet is describing a hammock, a device unfamiliar to most Europeans of the sixteenth century.
He fastens this from a pole on both sides
and rests his head and limbs upon the fabric.

MAGELLANICA.

Not far from here, the last Nymph thrusts out her shining head.
She bears the face and expression of a maiden and a lovely breast.
However, her hands and feet are truncated, and she is known to very few.
The poet refers to the hypothetical southern continent, Terra Australis. It was often drawn as an unfinished landmass on maps because its full extent was unknown.
They say that Magellan, the Spaniard, recently burned with love for her
while he committed himself to the strait in the South.
He called her MAGELLANA after his own name.
By chance, he once caught sight of her unawares
amidst flickering flames on every side
while she prepared her solemn feasts.
original: "micantibus undique flammis." This refers to Tierra del Fuego, the Land of Fire. Magellan gave it this name because of the many fires lit by the indigenous inhabitants along the coast.
Then the Maiden, overcome with a deep blush,
immediately hid her head. She wrapped herself
in dark smoke and shadows of black mist.
But, so she might not accidentally show herself again,
Magellan fixed this mindful flame deep within his heart.

You have heard, Viewer, what the first page shows you on the outside.
Do not stop your eyes here; look further.
Measure the vast world in these small tablets.
original: "tabellis." The poet refers to the copperplate engravings or maps that make up the atlas.
In this way, you will be able to travel safely through all regions,
among unknown peoples and through distant towns.
You will see rivers, mountains, valleys, and all the surrounding seas.
You can travel through whatever the path of the wandering world contains.

A decorative symmetrical tailpiece features stylized floral and foliate scrolls. These are centered around a blossoming flower motif.