For which she deserves praise, not only over the most
excellent ladies, but also among the most learned men; for of the three
styles of oration described by Cicero, she has chosen the simple one,
similar to that of Terence in Latin, which to every one seems very easy
to imitate, though it is anything but that to him who tries it.
It is true that such a present will not be new to you, and that you will
only recognise in it the maternal inheritance. However, I feel assured
that you will receive it favourably, at seeing it, in this second
impression, restored to its original state, for according to what I have
heard the first displeased you. Not that he who put his hand to it was
not a learned man, or did not take trouble; indeed it is easy to
believe that he was not minded to disguise it thus, without some reason;
nevertheless his work has proved unpleasing.
I present it to you then, Madam, not that I pretend to any share in
it, but only as having unmasked it to restore it to you in its natural
state. It is for Your Royal Greatness to favour it since it proceeds
from your illustrious House, whereof it bears the mark upon the front,
which will serve it as a safe-conduct throughout the world and render it
welcome among good company.
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