By J. DE LUNA, Castilian and Interpreter of the Spanish Language
Dedicated to the Most Illustrious
Princess
HENRIETTE DE ROHAN
In PARIS
In the House of ROLET BOUTONNE, in the Palace, in the Gallery of the Prisoners; Near the Chancery
M. DC. XX.
By Grant of the King
LETTER OF DEDICATION TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCESS HENRIETTE DE ROHAN
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND EXCELLENT PRINCESS.
It is common among all writers to dedicate their works to someone who may shelter those works with their authority and defend them with their power. Having decided to bring to light the Second Part of the life of the great Lazaro of Tormes, a mirror and standard of Spanish sobriety, I have dedicated and do dedicate it to Your Excellency, whose authority and power may shelter this poor work (poor, since it treats of Lazaro) and to prevent its being torn apart and abused by biting, gossiping tongues which with their infernal wrath attempt to wound and stain the most sincere and simple wills. I confess my boldness in dedicating such a small work to such a great princess; but its sparseness brings its own excuse—which is the necessity for greater and more effective shelter—and the kindness of Your Excellency, the pardon. So I humbly beseech Your Excellency to take this small service, putting your eyes on the desire of him who offers it, which is and will be to use my life and strength in your service.
Of whom I am a very humble servant,