Proseuticum for Frederick III for the Apollonian Laurel

The decorative drop cap 'O' contains a woodcut illustration of a figure in royal robes and a crown, holding a globe or orb, seated on a throne.

Caesar, glory in the world, the pride of learned bards,
You who give worthy rewards to the three tribes for their merits,
Bind your temples with a green crown, if it be your fortune,
May the holy laurel touch your hair.
Here I, bound to you forever for such a gift,
Will sing your praises as long as life remains to me.
As long as life remains, I will raise your descendants above the stars,
Singing the glorious deeds of Caesar in the ether.

Caesar, renowned for magnificent praises,
King of kings, greatest master of princes,
If anyone should wish to compare ancient times
Or kingdoms prior to your own ages,
Whether those begun under the rude Phoenicians,
Or those which learned Greece brought forth with the soldier,
Or those gained by the Roman citizens,
Do not believe they can conquer you in glory.
Even if some Arab is noble for his Tyrian fleece,
And rich in various perfumes,
Gathering balsams from the Sabaean stem,
He will not be able to conquer the brave Caesar.
He who plucks the stones of the golden river,
The Spaniard, covered by warm suns,