Dialexis de novae et prius incognitae stellae inusitatae magnitudinis & splendidissimi luminis apparitione, & de eiusdem stellae vero loco constituendo ...

Rectangular ornamental headpiece featuring scrolling acanthus leaves and floral motifs.

TO THE BEST EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN II, most powerful Caesar, forever Augustus, his most clement lord, he wishes health and perpetual happiness, with his due respects.

Decorative drop cap "M" enclosed in a square frame with floral and foliate scrollwork.
ALL who, most clement Caesar, are occupied by more serious business, are accustomed either to give themselves to rest or to refresh their spirit with pleasures, whenever either the gravity of business or the annoyance of labor has exhausted them. For man is not so created that he seeks only games or jokes: but the structure of his entire body is such that, even if unwilling, he is forced to confess that he was made for seriousness and most grave business. Although, however, we are all by nature drawn to rest and recreation, when serious matters have been sufficiently satisfied by us, yet in their selection, not everyone has the same custom, or the same will, or the same judgment: for some [seek] pleasant walks, others certain delightful spectacles, others the game of cards and dice, others drinking, and others finally other things, as the impulse of nature leads each one to these or those, to relax their spirits and give themselves to pleasure.