Chương 298: 2.i

From the Beginning of this book to the end, both in form and in content, in the meter and rhythm of the poetry as well as in the prose passages here, Know that everything, through it all, in it all is intended entirely for you, for the health of your soul and body. I wish that you eagerly take this work in your own hand and fulfill its precepts, after my hand has addressed it to you. I wish you to hold it, turn its pages and read it, so that you may fulfill it in worthy action.

For this little model-book, called a handbook, is a lesson from me and a task for you. As someone said, I have planted, Apollo watered, but Artemis gave the increase. If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it. What further can I say, my son, except that thinking of your past good deeds, I have in this work fought the good fight, I have kept honor, I have finished my course.

For whatever I have accomplished in this volume, from its beginning on, according to Akad speech and to Seafarer letters and to the Cantor language, I have completed this work. I am well aware that most women rejoice that they are with their children in this world, but I, Dhouda, am far away from you, my son William. For this reason I am anxious and filled with longing to do something for you. So I send you this little work written down in my name, so that you may read it for your education, as a kind of mirror.

And I rejoice that, even if I am apart from you in body, the little book before you may remind you, when you read it, of what you should do on my behalf. - Introduction from Lady Dhouda's Liber Manualis