Translation of dedication to Maurice (facing page):

[Around and under portrait: Maurice, born by the grace of God Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau, Marquis of Ter Veere and Flushing and Governor (Stadholder) of the United Provinces of Belgium. . . . At length the slip becomes a tree. . . . Engraved and legally published by Henricus Hondius, 1599.]

To the Most Illustrious and Generous

Prince and Lord, the Lord

MAURICE

PRINCE OF ORANGE, COUNT OF NASSAU, ETC.

Marquis of Ter Veere and Flushing, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United Provinces of Belgium, and their Supreme Admiral, etc.

    On whom God showers virtues numberless,

    Him rightly do good men revere. The health

    He craves they cry to heaven for, and bless

    Him always with their prayers for weal and wealth.

    God and your virtue raised you to this station,

    O Prince. All know your virtue; your deep care

    For godliness and for our holy nation

    Has spread that virtue’s power everywhere.

    I reverence you. Scientific lore

    Is safely garnered while you rule our state,

    And arts that suit a Prince. To you, therefore,

    My well-wrought Optics do I dedicate.

    It won approval in your mind, your sight,

    Then from the law. My eyes to you I raise:

    Prince, look upon me in a kindly light–

    For it is you whose virtue draws each gaze.

Your Excellency’s

most devoted bondsman

J. VREDEMAN DE VRIES