MOST SERENE AND MOST POWERFUL

PRINCE AND LORD

COSIMO III

GRAND DUKE OF ETRURIA

PATRON OF LETTERS.

Large ornamental woodcut initial 'E' featuring intricate foliate scrollwork and floral motifs.

I have deemed this the proper approach for Ammianus Marcellinus, that he might go forth as an interpreter of his mind and my own alike; and by publicly acknowledging and commemorating the benefits heaped upon both of us, I might convey to Your Princely Auditorium a just indication of that private reverence which I have hitherto cultivated with devotion. This is the sum of the vows I have gathered over many years; this is the hope I have long contemplated, which, although capable of great happiness, is nonetheless not so unreasonable, for having experienced and admired the infinite kindness of Your healing right hand in person, I do not believe, even now, that I shall be removed from adoring it in accordance with my piety. This is truly that man who, not only in the very action of life followed the examples of the citizens of the ancients of Your neighboring Rome, but also in this discourse, as far as he was able, closely adhering to the footsteps of the best men, left us a clear history of those affairs which, although most worthy of being known, yet a great part of them...