This title is set within the charming title-page border of the Colines copies of the Hours of 1524-1525. On the verso of the title-page: 'Il est permis,' etc., as in the preceding volume. On the second leaf the text begins with a beautiful decorated letter (A) after the style of the L of the volume last described. This page also is set in a portico-shaped border, with arabesques; but the latter are different from those in the 'Sacre.'
We find, too, three other and different borders in the balance of the work, which gives us in all six pages with borders in addition to that of the title-page and that of the last page, which is identical with that of the last page of 'Champ fleury'; some floriated letters also have been borrowed from this last-named work. Though none of these are signed, they are surely Tory's, so far as the designs are concerned, at least.
The text of this book, as of the preceding, is by Guillaume Bochetel, who signed it. Following his text, Tory inserted a charming cut, representing the gift presented by the city of Paris to the Queen—a magnificent candelabrum. At the top are the words: 'Deseing du present faict a la Royne en deux chandeliers.'[260] The license granted to Tory for printing this book is identical with that of the preceding, except that it is dated at Anet, April 26, 1531. We learn from the last page that the printing was finished on Tuesday, May 9, 1531.
Geofroy Tory was not simply the printer of this little volume; he was also the publisher, and he added to the text three poems in Latin, of his own composition. Here they are:—
Geofroy Tory of Bourges to Queen Leonora.[261]
We are about to celebrate this triumph of yours, Leonora, which your Parisians have conferred upon you. You are a queen so loving-kind to us that we all can say that you are a real goddess. We can certainly say that you are a benign goddess, since you at last bless us with grateful peace. With peace you bless all who inhabit the French kingdom, so kind have been the fates in establishing you in power. As one upright, aye, holy, gentle, and a true bestower of blessings, you have brought our lilies back to their country. By your leave, I will speak in few words, and I will proclaim the truth: in you resides full national salvation for us all.
The same to the same.
May the gods long continue your happy lot, Leonora. You are our Joy, our Peace, and our grateful Repose.
The same Tory to the French People.