TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS

AND MOST EXCELLENT

LORD,

LORD DON FERRANDO

GONZAGA,

PRINCE OF MALFETTA,

LORD OF GUASTALLA, ETC.

A large historiated woodcut initial 'Q' features a central winged figure amidst scrolling foliage and vines.

THIS rare product of the marvelous wit of M. Torquato Tasso, being desired without end by all those who take delight in the beauty of poetry, no less than they do all his other works—indeed, perhaps even more, as it is a work that emerged from his hands in his best years, more matured—ought not to remain hidden with me, not without grave injury to the glory of its author, and with no slight offense to those who, with...