An ornamental woodcut headpiece features two stags facing inward toward a central circular medallion. The medallion depicts an eagle with spread wings standing atop a tortoise, representing the union of swiftness (the eagle) and stability (the tortoise). Below this, a large decorated initial 'P' shows a seated scholar in a gown and cap, gesturing toward an object on a table, likely symbolizing the academic setting of the discussion.

First Dialogue

Interlo- cutors

Smitho.
Theophilo the Philosopher.
Prudentio the Pedant.
Frulla.

Parlauan The historiated initial 'P' begins the word "Parlauan," meaning "Did they speak." they speak Latin well?

THEOPHILO: Yes.

SMITHO: Were they gentlemen?

THEOPHILO: Yes.

SMITHO: Of good reputation?

THEOPHILO: Yes.

SMITHO: Learned?

THEOPHILO: Competent enough.

SMITHO: Well-bred, courteous, and civil?

THEOPHILO: All too mediocrely.

SMITHO: Doctors Dottori: refers to the high academic rank at a university, specifically Oxford in this case.?

THEOPHILO: Yes sir, yes Father, yes My Lady, yes indeed original: "Messer si, Padre si, Madonna si, Madesi." Theophilo is mocking the repetitive and overly formal way the Oxford scholars addressed one another.; I believe from Oxford.

SMITHO: Qualified men?

THEOPHILO: How could they not be? Select men, of the long robe Academic dress or professional attire denoting status., dressed in velvet; one of whom had two chains of shining gold around his neck: and the other (by God!) with that precious hand—which displayed twelve rings across two fingers—seemed like a very wealthy jeweler, who would draw out your eyes and your heart while he gazed fondly at it.

SMITHO: Did they show any knowledge of Greek?

THEOPHILO: And of beer likewise original: "etiamdio.".

PRUDENTIO: Do away with that "likewise," for it is an obsolete...