TO THE REVEREND AND ILLUSTRIOUS DOCTOR

GARCIA DE LOAISA GIRON, ETC.

SENDS MANY GREETINGS.

A decorative woodcut initial 'T' depicts two seated figures, perhaps satyrs or cherubs. They rest on an architectural base decorated with a central floral design and surrounded by scrolling leaf patterns. I wished once again to send and dedicate this Geographical Treasury to your Excellence. My father-in-law, Christophe Plantin Original: "Christophoro Plantino (cui Deus bene faciat)." The parenthetical Latin phrase is a blessing for the deceased: "may God bless him" or "may God be good to him.", had previously sent and dedicated it to you. However, it is now presented as extensively and industriously enlarged and corrected by the author. Why should I list or review the reasons for my action? They are the same reasons that moved my father-in-law. He was a truly Royal Chief Printer Architypographvm Regivm: A prestigious title granted by the Spanish crown, designating the official lead printer for the monarch's territories in the Netherlands. (let there be no envy in this, just as there is no flattery). He deserved the best from all of literature and posterity. He was worthy of a much longer life, if it had so pleased God. For these same reasons, which are just and good among good and just men, we consecrate this Treasury to your Excellence.

We do so with prayers and a serious request. Once, you deigned to look upon the most steadfast labors of Plantin. We ask that you do not now turn your eyes away from the efforts of his son-in-law Original: "Generi." Jan Moretus married Plantin's daughter, Martina, and inherited the printing business.. I follow in my father-in-law’s footsteps as actively and diligently as I am able. For although those storms and disasters of war This refers to the Eighty Years' War and the Siege of Antwerp, which caused significant economic and social disruption to the printing industry. have raged against our work and our printing house, they have not completely worn us down. Many good and praised books have been published, and more will continue to come forth, if the same God who has breathed life into us until now continues to do so.

Would that those men who are placed in high rank might also support us! I confess and gratefully acknowledge that certain honest and learned men have already done so. Among them is Abraham Ortelius himself, the Royal Geographer. He is a man worthy of a better praiser than me. Since the death of my father-in-law, he has kindly given this very Treasury to me. He has even generously assisted in editing and printing it.

I declare these things to you candidly, Illustrious Lord. I trust that your benevolence toward the Plantin family and your support of this most useful art will not fail. Nurture and strengthen us, his descendants, and this tree, watered by you, will grow to provide more abundant fruit for the Church and the Republic. My spirit is devoted to your Excellence. I pray God that He preserve you for the public good and for the good of our Great Prince This likely refers to King Philip II of Spain, the sovereign ruler of the territory at the time..

Antwerp, at the Plantin Office, January 1, 1596.