A rectangular woodcut headpiece features intricate floral and foliate patterns with clusters of fruit or berries.

TO THE SERENE PRINCE

SILVESTRO VALERIO

DUKE OF VENICE, &c.

TO THE SERENE VENETIAN DOMINION.

A decorative drop-cap letter 'R' contains a small figure, possibly a cherub or an angel, amidst floral motifs.

REligion and Liberty are the most solid foundations of your Republic, from which auspices are drawn for the perpetuity of the dominion, the sanctity of the laws, and public happiness. This is proclaimed not only by the most famous of your authors, but is confessed by the common voice of the world; indeed, even envy itself, despite raging minds and gnashing teeth, has not denied it. Relying upon these two bases as if upon the strongest columns, the Republic does not fear for itself. It is a Republic that, for so many centuries now, in the same state in which it was destined, born, educated, grown, advanced, and without the decay of old age, conducts a duration prolonged to continue with the World itself, and which, through zeal for both prerogatives, more than for another, is fed by such great gifts with which it is opulently enriched.