Francisci Porti Cretensis... In omnes Sophoclis tragoedias prolegomena, ut vulgo vocantur

...with her sister, and handed over to the tutor, and thus preserved, returns to Argos twenty years later to avenge his father’s death. Nothing can be desired here, for this briefest prologue contains the sum of the entire play and simultaneously makes the spectators attentive and aroused in spirit so that they may learn how Orestes is to avenge his father’s death—that is, so they may distinctly know those things which are proposed here summarily and indiscriminately. The prologue conciliates the minds of the spectators by declaring the notable affection and piety of the son toward his parent. It signifies that as long as he was in exile, even at an age that follows appetite and is not touched by serious matters and cares of that sort, he nevertheless always thought about avenging his father’s death and always desired to return to Argos to avenge the parricides and adulterers. For we favor virtue, and we hold dear those who are studious of affection and who cultivate virtue.

A symmetrical, floral-patterned printer's ornament centered on the page.