EPISTLE

of the new City original: "nouæ Urbis." Albertini is referring to his work on the modern developments of Rome, which he added to the traditional accounts of ancient ruins. I have brought forth another work; which indeed I had intended to dedicate to the Reverend Galeotto, Vice-Chancellor and Cardinal Priest of the Holy Roman Church of the title of Saint Peter in Chains original: "S. P. ad uin." (Sancti Petri ad Vincula). Galeotto Franciotti della Rovere held this title before his death in 1507.. But wicked and bitter death, O Supreme Pontiff, in the midst of such great expectations for his success and my labor, envied us in the middle of our journey’s course. Nevertheless, as it pleased the Lord, so it was done: blessed be the name of the Lord; and may his soul rest in the peace of Christ with all the holy ones.

I humbly pray your Holiness: that for the sake of your love for him, you would deign to accept this small gift in the place of your nephew—a man endowed with virtue—from your little servant Francesco de Albertini, the Florentine, along with his right intention and sincere faith. Indeed, this little work has long since been dedicated to your Holiness as if to a deity; whom I love, respect, venerate, and cherish: I wish for your perpetual and sound health. If I obtain this favor, there is nothing I should fear.

Therefore, let your Holiness rejoice and always be glad for the happiness and victory of the recovered city of Bologna original: "Bonon." Julius II personally led the military campaign to reclaim Bologna for the Papal States in 1506. and of the other cities occupied by the Venetians—namely, Faenza, Rimini, Cervia, and ancient Ravenna—all of which have returned to the former liberty of the Church during the time of your Holiness.

What now remains but to pursue those infidel and perfidious Mohammedans original: "maumethanos." A common Renaissance term for Muslims; Albertini is referencing the contemporary ideal of a new Crusade., so that they may be converted to the true faith? Let your Beatitude rejoice, I say, in whose time the Portugal King of Portugal Manuel I of Portugal (reigned 1495–1521), whose reign saw the expansion of the Portuguese Empire into India and Brazil. has converted new islands and barbarian nations to the faith of Christ. Most recently, indeed, the King of the Spains Ferdinand II of Aragon, who oversaw the conquest of North African ports like Oran in 1509. with the Cardinal of Toledo Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros (1436–1517), who personally funded and participated in the North African campaigns. [captured] cities and ports...