Quote:For you, Sigismund, most exalted prince, ever venerable King of the Romans, I beseech almighty God and the word of the Father, the creator of all, that He may support you in the faith, in long-lasting health and in His love, that you may fight against our enemies and that you may obtain victory over them, receive the imperial crown of the entire world, and, on the day of achievement, be led to eternal life, amen.

To your sacred majesty I always recommend Ser Marianus Jacobi, secretary of the Domus Sapientiae in Siena, who composed this little book and drew my picture. May you be pleased to accept him as one of your family and court, and by the authority of your power to make him master of machines for waterworks. It is his intention to dwell in your Hungarian regions and there to finish his days; to attend to all the devices for waterworks; in books to describe all things done and achieved by you, kings of Hungary, and your antecedents, according to his ability to compile [what is known of] every place; and in said books in margins of the pages to design and illustrate stories.

ST. DOROTHY