A large, complex allegorical engraving acts as a frontispiece. The upper half depicts the heavens opening, where the Holy Trinity (Christ with the cross and God the Father with a papal tiara and globe) is surrounded by numerous angels and saints in the clouds. Below, in an architectural setting, a female saint (Saint Birgitta) stands at a desk equipped with a crucifix, skull, and rosary, looking upward in prayer. An angel stands beside her, gesturing toward the heavenly vision and holding an open book. To the right, a figure climbs a ladder from the building into the clouds. At the bottom, three circular medallions show (from left to right): a group of religious and secular leaders; souls in the flames of purgatory; and a radiant sun or divine light rising. The engraving is signed "Gessch: f." on the bottom left and "L. B. f." on the bottom right.

Text within the illustration:

Birgittine
Revelations.
etc.

A horizontal row of decorative crown shaped fleurons sits at the top of the page.

To the Most Illustrious /

Most Powerful Prince and Lord / Lord

LEOPOLD

Elected Roman Empe-

ror / at all times Increaser of the Empire / in Germany / to Hun- gary / Bohemia / Dalmatia / Croatia and Slavonia / etc.

King / Archduke of Austria / Duke of Burgundy / Styria / Carinthia / Carniola / and Wurttemberg / Count of Tyrol / etc. My Most Gracious Lord.

An ornamental drop cap 'A' features floral patterns and scrollwork.

Most Illustrious / Most Powerful / Most Gracious
Lord. It has been approximately ten years since /
in the name of the Roman Imperial Majesty /
FERDINAND III / of most glorious memo-
ry / through his librarian / the task was proposed to me / unworthy as I am / in writing from Vienna / to translate the Revelations of Saint Birgitta into German; because many God-loving souls in all of Germany heartily longed for them. This most gracious invitation and exhortation moved me / as was proper / that I immediately and most obediently set myself to it / to make an attempt / whether such high / subtle / and difficult matters could be clearly interpreted; and at that very time I drafted the two
first