Disquisition on the Celebrated Poetic Book Theuerdanck (1714) - Page 10

⚠Significant ink show-through (ghosting) from the reverse side of the leaf is visible throughout the page.

WHO

ONCE ENTERED INTO THE WIDOWED MARRIAGE-BED

Marriage-bed original Latin: thorum. In this context, it refers to the act of marrying the author's widowed mother and becoming the head of the household.

OF MY MOST EXCELLENT MOTHER

IN SUCH A WAY

THAT WE FELT NO CHANGE

The author is praising his stepfather for being so supportive that the transition from a biological father to a stepfather was seamless and without the typical hardships of loss or "alternation" (vices).

ON ACCOUNT OF

HIS CLEARLY SINGULAR LOVE,

A TRULY FATHERLY AFFECTION,

AND HIS MANY KIND DEEDS;

THESE

FIRST-FRUITS

First-fruits original Latin: primitias. This is a classical metaphor comparing a student's first academic publication to the first harvest of a season offered as a gift.

OF ACADEMIC STUDIES AND EXERCISES,

UNDERTAKEN AMONG THE MOST ARDENT VOWS

original Latin: vota. These are formal prayers or wishes for the health and success of the patron.

FOR HIS PERPETUAL SAFETY

AND EVERY KIND OF WELL-BEING,

OUT OF A SENSE OF DEVOTION,

original Latin: pietatis ergo. Pietas was a vital Roman virtue describing the dutiful respect, love, and loyalty one owes to parents and family.

GIVES, DEVOTES, AND DEDICATES.

original Latin abbreviation: D. D. D. stands for Dat, Dicat, Dedicat. This was a standard, high-style Roman formula used in inscriptions and formal dedications to signify a total offering of the work to the recipient.

HIS MOST OBEDIENT SON,

THE AUTHOR.