The Author’s Epistle unto divers Noble men and Gentlemen

Among all the Prayers, wherein through the whole course of my life, I have asked any great thing at Gods hands, I have always most earnestly beseeched, that (although at this present I am verse poore and of base Fortune) he would notwithstanding give me grace to be thankefull, and mindfull of the good turnes which I have received. For among all the disgraces which a man may incurre in this world, there is none in mine opinion which causeth him to become more odious, or a more enimic to mortall men (yea, unto God himselfe) than ingratitude.

Wherefore being in Treuiso, by your honours courteously intreated, and of all honourably used, although I practised litle or nought at all to teach you how to handle weapons, for the which purpose I was hyred with an honourable stipend, yet to shewe my selfe in some sort thankefull, I have determined to bestowe the way how to handle all sortes of weapons with the advantage and safetie.

The which my worke, because it shall finde your noble hearts full of valure, will bring foorth such fruite, being but once attentively read over, as that in your said honors will be seene in actes and deedes, which in other men scarsely is comprehended by imagination. And I, who have beene and am most fervently affected to serve your Ls. for asmuch as it is not graunted unto me, (in respect of your divers affaires) to applie the same, and take some paines in teaching as I alwaies desired, have yet by this other waie, left all that imprinted in your noble mindes, which in this honourable exercise may bring a valiant man unto perfection.

Therefore I humbly beseech your honours, that with the same liberall mindes, with the which you accepted of mee, your Ls will also receive these my indevours, & vouchsafe so to protect them, as I have alwaies, and wil defend your honours most pure and undefiled. Wherein, if I perceive this my first childbirth (as I have only published it to thentent to help & teach others) to be to the generall satisfaction of all I will so straine my endevours in an other worke which shortly shall shew the way both how to handle all those weapons on horse-backe which here are taught on foote, as also all other weapons whatsoever.

Your honours most affectionate servant

Giacomo di Grassi of Medena

Giacomo di Grassi portrait

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