⚠The page has some foxing, stains, and bleed-through from the reverse side.

EPISTLE

The humble and devoted Francesco Albertini, a Florentine,

one of the chaplains of the Reverend Cardinal of the title of Saint

Sabina, to Julius II, Supreme Pontiff.

My habit toward friends, Most Blessed Father, and the love for the most happy and good memory of the deceased Cardinal Galeotto Galeotto Franciotti della Rovere (1471–1507) was a cardinal and a favorite nephew of Pope Julius II. He was a noted patron of the arts and a friend to Albertini., as well as his many services toward me, vehemently compel me to promise my zeal and all my labor to your Holiness. And I promise the same to his brother, Cardinal Sisto Sisto Gara della Rovere (c. 1473–1517), who succeeded his brother Galeotto in several ecclesiastical positions., your nephew. Whenever I see him, the commands Galeotto laid upon me, along with his image, always return to my mind.

But such times have fallen that I do not dare to promise my favor or authority, except with this reservation: as much as I am able and as much as I am capable. In all other matters, truly, let your Holiness make use of my work without any expectation of time, labor, or preoccupation. There is nothing I can promise besides myself.

For when the aforementioned Reverend Galeotto had seen the little work on the Stations Stationibus: Referring to the "Station Churches" of Rome, a series of churches designated for special liturgies during Lent and other seasons. and Relics of the City original: "Reliquiis Urbis" composed by me with divine help for the Emperor Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor., he said:

Francesco: You have performed a good work. Why do you not also correct the "Wonders of Rome" original: "mirabilia Romæ." This refers to a famous medieval genre of guidebooks for pilgrims that often mixed historical fact with legendary "fables." Albertini’s goal was to provide a more humanist, accurate account., which are currently imperfect and full of the trifles of fables? For a crown is not given to those who begin, but to those who persevere until the end. I pray that you might please me in this.

Assenting to his good intention, I promised to do so. With such diligence as I could manage, I have amended the little work on the wonders of ancient Rome; and