[Preface of the Usage of Nouns and Verbs in Theatrum Lyricum]

The reliance on imitation rather than creativity is characteristic of writing instruction in the 18th century. This preface precedes an introduction to common Latin nouns and verbs for adolescents interested in writing lyrics. In the preface, the editor explains the specific style and form for various subjects and urges readers to study and imitate that style to improve their writing.