...stone monuments of previous years have been converted to another use, many of which necessarily escaped my notice. I therefore wish to ask each and every person who happens upon our Annals, first that they show themselves to be fair judges to me, and consider that many things were poured out by me hurriedly rather than written original: "tumultuarie potius effusa, quam scripta"; a common modest disclaimer in Renaissance scholarship suggesting the work was produced in haste.: then, if they know anything that I missed, let them notify me, so that if ever our annals must be called back to the anvil original: "sub incudem"; a Latin idiom referring to the process of refining or revising a literary work, like a blacksmith reworking metal., they can return richer and more ornate. If I have praised anyone less elegantly or insufficiently than his virtue deserves, let them attribute it to the slenderness of my small talent, and to the fact that in this arena and material for decoration—though I profess Oratory—I either do not gladly engage or am little practiced. As a New Year’s gift original: "strena"; a traditional gift given on the Calends of January for good luck., therefore, and a small tribute—not indeed a royal one, but such as my own resources provide—accept these annals of mine as this new year begins, honest reader.

But if you receive these nightly labors original: "lucubrationes"; specifically refers to work performed by lamplight, implying late-night, diligent study. of ours with a grateful mind, and GOD grants me a longer life, I shall transition entirely to Poetry, and in the following year I will provide a Virgilian Lexicon, such as NizoliusMario Nizzoli (1498–1566), an Italian humanist famous for his "Thesaurus Ciceronianus," which indexed every word used by Cicero. Rotmar intends to create a similar comprehensive index for the poet Virgil. built from Cicero. I do not envy others as they luxuriate in other subject matter, provided that these works of ours are not neglected, especially by those eager for Poetry. We shall write, however, not for the learned—to whom it is most foolish to babble things already well known—but for novices and beginners. Farewell, friend Reader.

OF JOHANN ENGERD

DEDICATORY EPISTLE.

Truly nothing, Most Illustrious Prince ALEXANDER, among those innumerable things which have been established by men sharp in talent and prudence as a firm support of the Republic and an instrument of virtue through all...