55r

{The Globe, a Poem by Goro Dati}

HERE BEGINS
BRUNETTO LATINI
GREETING

To the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
let there be glory and honor through all ages,
and let His name be blessed by all Creation
according to ability.^{*Pliny the Elder, also Acts et al.}
Let it be praised and thanked in every song
with pure mind and devout heart
and let His goodness,
pity, mercy, and charity be proclaimed.

Invocation

Sweet Lord, open my lips,
illuminate my heart with your light,
let my mouth be full of praise
to declare your ways; and always be my guide.
Come to me and be my aid
with your grace that drives the world.
Let my words be solace and bear fruit
for all those who understand such discourse.

Prologue

To every gentle heart and pure mind
who wishes to understand the rules
by which Nature is governed—
from a beginning which is the first cause
and from which every creature has its being,
quality, and condition—
I say that they should read the following verses,
calling upon God with attentive souls.