PREFACE

BY THE EDITOR.

The letter 'S' is presented as an ornate, large drop cap, framed by woodcut scrolls and floral designs.

I had decided, Reader, to delay YOU with a long preface, so that I might comply with the common custom of editors. But there are various things that have led me away from this plan. Most especially the fact that I believe a preface should be written to be read; and I know well that verbose introductions of this kind are read by few.

Nor is there a need to discuss with YOU many things that concern the memory of my author. His most excellent biography, which L. HOLSTENIUS Lucas Holstenius, a 17th-century scholar provided, gives us leisure in this matter. One must speak a word about the editions of the booklet which we present to YOU: No one, which you might wonder at, has treated that matter accurately.

The first of all and the primary edition is the Roman one, published in the most excellent type in the Medicean Gymnasium The Medici library and printing house in Rome in the year of our Lord 1518.