"To the Illustrious and most Reverend Signor, Monsignor, Cardinal Guise.
Having brought together certain madrigals by Orlando di Lassus, and
desiring that such a sweet concept be made known to the world by bringing
them to light, I thought it would be proper to dedicate them to you, most
Illustrious and Reverend Signor, for two reasons. First, I believe that all
beautiful and virtuous works should be dedicated to you, because you
encourage and support virtuous artists. Second, because by bringing them
out under the name of such a kind, courteous, and generous Signor, they
will be seen, read, and sung by virtuous persons with so much more
pleasure. Therefore most Illustrious Signor, deign to accept my very humble
gift as a token of the faithful service and devotion that I bring you, and
retain me for the most humble and devoted servant that I am, and in
kissing your honorable hand, I pray that God may grant you all the
happiness you desire. Rome, 15 January 1560 [recte 1561]. Most humble
and devoted servant, Francesco Tracetti"
Note: the "Cardinal Guise" referenced here is Louis I de Guise, a patron of the arts living in Rome.