In
Honor of the Author, his most Clement
Lord, to the Reader:

PALLAS, JUNO, VENUS, the GRACES, Gods, and Goddesses
        once came together before the throne of JOVE, complain-
ing that seldom could CYLLENIUS safely take his way,
        unhampered by the wiles of MARS.  MARS,
from the other side,  threw back the blame on those, and
        showed that to his own great harm this art he’d learned.
Then JUPITER, seeing that in doubtful scales the case was weighed,  
        bade that SILENUS should the strife decide.   
Who soon the art of hidden writing found, whereby one free from  
        harm could write, but solve could not at all.   
The world beheld and, wondering at these riddles dark,  
        from scholars vainly sought to find relief.   
and when in all the world no soul stood forth,  
        wise to unlock the secret art, behold:   
SELENUS then this succor brought,  
        showing the form whereby to write, whereby to solve.   
Now, reader, use his genius, proclaim SELENUS’ genius,  
        and make with me this pious prayer to GOD:   
May SELENUS thrive and flourish, and may he live to years  
        Historian, and the sceptre wield in MARS and ART.  
 

Offered, as a mark of most Humble Devotion,

In Joy and Dutifulness, by

Otto von Ompteda, Lord, by right of inheritance, at

Banesen and Nottorff, an intimate Friend of the Author.