A rectangular typographic ornament composed of floral/clover-like border elements surrounding a central geometric pattern of stars and horizontal bars.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND MOST ESTEEMED

NOBLES,

An ornamental drop cap 'Q' featuring foliate patterns and scrolls.

Since History holds a preeminent place among the liberal arts, as the most faithful preserver of the memory of things past, providing a view—as if in a mirror—of the affairs of peace and war, of which human life consists; of the deeds of Emperors and of those to whom the Supreme Divinity has entrusted His authority in this world; of their virtues and vices; and furthermore, of the rise and fall of kingdoms and republics; and since it has been called by the master of Roman eloquence "a witness to the times, the light of truth, the life of memory, the mistress of life, and the messenger of antiquity." The most outstanding minds of all peoples who did not live in a savage state have sought to cultivate this with the greatest industry; most especially, indeed, the minds of the Greeks and Romans. Among these, Pompeius Trogus original: "Pompejus Trogus" must justly and deservedly be counted—a most rigorous author praised by Pliny (and what a man he was!). He, having approached History with a noble spirit, and with most beautiful order and a concise and elegant style, recounted in forty-four volumes the fates of the world, brought about by God within the span of almost six centuries, and such...