Jakob Wimpfeling of Sélestat, to all lovers of good literature, greetings.

A small, decorative red initial R marks the beginning of this text block.

Rabanus the German original: "Rabanus theutonicus" composed a marvelous and most skillful work in praise of the holy Cross, woven with the most laborious verse. In this work, he demonstrates that many mysteries of the Christian faith, many mystical numbers, the natures and dignity of angels, virtues, gifts, beatitudes, elements, times, regions of the world, months, winds, the books of Moses, the name of Adam, and other noble things can agree with and be adapted to the holy Cross. He joins verse to verse so that the figures have their own small verses which represent various images. Yet, the legitimate order of the principal poem is not broken or interrupted in its course or tone. Thus, the letters themselves often fit into a double order. After each poem, a prose discourse follows, clearly explaining the wonderful depth of the verses. O distinguished work, worthy of all veneration, by which Germany (which gave birth to such a man) is rendered illustrious and glorious. Therefore, I beseech you, honest reader, whoever is a true Christian, to make this special book your own. See its novelty, praise its genius, wonder at its excellent vein of talent, and be kindled to the love of the Cross and the Crucified. Begin to be devoted to Him who suffered for you. Delight yourself in this sweet tree on which the salvation of the world hung. In this is all our hope, our refuge, our medicine, through which we are saved and liberated. You shall undoubtedly attain the immortal fruit of your soul from the gift of God. Farewell, dearest reader in Christ. From the hermitage of Saint William in the suburbs of Strasbourg, on the fifth day before the Ides the 13th day of August, in the year of our salvation 1501.

Johannes Reuchlin of Pforzheim, Doctor of Laws.

To Thomas Anshelm, Printer

In Praise of Rabanus regarding the Holy Cross.

A Panegyric original: "EPAENOS", a speech or poem of high praise

I consider you blessed, Thomas, and you, Pforzheim,

through whom the work of Rabanus on the Cross shines forth.

The seeds of writing, once scattered through the world, return,

an art which our fathers hid from those to come.

Let the mind that knows no shame draw near:

here, within the beautiful, a more beautiful heaven lies hidden in the sky.

It is not the cross constellation of Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus, or the Caniana of the Dog Star

of the Spring that will be seen in this book.

But rather the one to whom the creator of men and gods was fixed,

pure and innocent, paying for our crimes.

This Cross of Rabanus shines more than the one shown to Constantine,

that vision once painted with signs of stars.

The bronze figure of the serpent fixed to a cross could heal:

you will be safer still by ours.

A dappled series of letters spreads beautiful marks

in various parts, so that the order marks out a cross.

In this, Rabanus easily defeated Apelles of Cos a famous ancient Greek painter;

Parrhasius and Zeuxis other famous Greek painters will be nothing to you.

Whether you read the book, you will see all things skillfully wrought.

Or if you wish to hear, a harmony keeps singing.

Therefore, both of you, move toward high titles of honor

by this single book of Rabanus, which makes you more splendid.

Thomas Anshelm, you who print these pages with art,

and you at the same time, Pforzheim, my source and origin.

City: honor of craftsmen, builder of geniuses.

O glory, O fertile parent, live on for Rabanus.