A horizontal decorative woodcut band featuring repeating circular and foliate scrollwork motifs.

PREFACE.

An ornate square woodcut drop cap 'S' featuring dense foliage and stylized vine patterns.

If any question has ever been debated among philosophers lovers of wisdom, it is the one concerning Fate destiny, which no one—even though they have applied the utmost care and diligence to it—has been able to explain completely. Everyone who is gifted with talent proposes a view on Divine Providence, Fortune, and Fate for themselves to follow. Yet, it is usually full of so many doubts and entangled with so many knots that even the wisest person can scarcely solve them.

Whether something customary or unusual happens, they say it has occurred by Fate. But if they progress further than this word, and dare to unlock the decrees of eternal Providence, their discourse becomes no less obscure than that of Heraclitus an ancient Greek philosopher known for his enigmatic and dark style concerning