Enter the Chronicler of Mare Caelorum

These lines be written in gratitude to the Lord of Mare Caelorum, the just and wise benefactor of this Isle, who in mercy and charity has given this your humble servant the title, office and privileges of Chronicler of this most excellent Library of Mare Caelorum, the wonder and the jewel of the Castle of the same name, in which a Thousand Books be kept safe from the ravages of time, the sea and wind, and the perils of a forgetful age.

My lord put the keys to the Library in my hand, with great solemnity. "Chronicler," said he, "Thy duties are thus. The Thousand Books, and all they contain, fall under thy sole charge. You shall take them into thy close keeping, and preserve them, and read them every one, and faithfully report all knowledge of wisdom or folly that thine eyes shall behold within each and all. Take quill and scroll and inkhorn into your hand, and do not cease until the Chronicle of a Thousand Books be written, or the Castle fall, or death release you."

He bade me open the heavy door, which I did, and enter. A vast chamber I beheld, with mighty columns of stone, and the sun which fell upon the Castle atop our great Rock of Mare Caelorum did blaze upon the gilded spines of a multitude of books, more than ever I dreamed the world could hold. Be resolute, did I say inwardly, and take up thy task, and do not falter.

And this I shall do. The Chronicles of a Thousand Books of wisdom and folly shall be etched by my hand. If any fault or error they should contain, let the blame fall upon my head. And should they be worthy of praise or reward, may these fall to the Lord of Mare Caelorum, as is his due. But let the labors of his servant the Chronicler not be forgotten.