Abraham Ortelius — Epitome du theatre du monde (1601)

for the favor of the Spanish nation, Christopher Plantin, Architypographer to the same Royal Majesty, caused to be translated into Spanish, and dedicated that work to PHILIP his son, then Prince of Spain, now happily reigning. Soon also the Author, for the sake of those traveling (who cannot carry such large volumes around to libraries and chambers), caused this work to be published in the form of a Handbook Enchiridion a small manual or handbook, which could easily be carried on the way, and he increased it with several maps of Provinces, Regions, Islands, likewise with Globes, and an image of the Royal monastery at St. Lawrence in the Escorial, before he passed from this life, leaving behind a great longing for himself. But I, having obtained from his heirs all of Ortelius’s vigils and scholarly labors, in order that, practicing the same art, I might publish them for the public in my press; I send forth this little book under the auspices and patronage of Your Highnesses, so that it may be safe from the arrows and calumnies of the envious, and so that I may be able to publish the rest in good time for the great benefit of the Christian Republic: just as recently upon your arrival I wished that the Dukes of Brabant, illustrated with icons, should appear in your name. Truly, this is a specimen of my labor and industry,

at the monastery in the Escorial, before he departed from life, leaving behind great longing for himself. I, however, having obtained from the heirs all of Ortelius’s vigils and late-night studies, so that, practicing the same art, I might publish them to the public with my types; I issue this little book under the auspices and patronage of Your Highnesses, so that it may be safe from the darts and calumnies of the envious, and that I might publish the rest in due time for the great benefit of the Christian Republic: as I recently wished that the Dukes of Brabant, illustrated with images, should appear in your name upon your arrival. Truly, this is a specimen of this labor and industry,