De peste themata sacra tria

can be defended by no one as being more pestilential than any plague, and you know that it must be confronted before it invades, so that a savage contagion (for that is what it can be named) may not spread further into our borders, or if it has already invaded somewhat. Take it in good part, as is your custom according to the humanity of yourself and your family, that I have dared to adorn my efforts with the celebrity of your name. I pray that God may keep you safe and useful to our Republic for a long time. Burgdorf. Year 1584. First of May.