Significant bleed-through/ghosting from the reverse side of the leaf.

To the Most August Prince

FREDERICK

THE THIRD

An ornate square woodcut initial 'U' featuring a circular frame containing dense foliate scrollwork and floral motifs.

The virtue of the Romans raised the mistress of the city and all things from obscure beginnings to the highest peak, providing an outstanding example for posterity, for whom there was a concern for honor and what is right. For indeed, they snatched away the entire strength of talent from Greece, and the glory of courage from other nations; not content with the borders of Italy, they dared to extend their power original: "fasces" - referring to the Roman magisterial symbol as far as the furthest Thule. But indeed, as the most solemn poet foresaw:

The ages then lost were harmful to the City, after
Ambition, and luxury, and the feared power of wealth
Carried the doubtful mind along a transverse torrent.

Truly, as the empire waned, an entrance lay open to the remotest and wildest peoples: by which neither the temples of the gods shining with gold, nor theaters threatening the sky, nor insane foundations, nor even the innocent papers dedicated to immortality, were spared by military license. By sword