The glorious exploits, the deeds of arms, conquests and feats of courage performed by the valiant, mighty, noble men of ancient and former times are an inspiration. Recalling and recounting them rouses the hearts of their counterparts in the present day who yearn to scale the heights of prowess and fame; it inspires them to achieve ever greater experience, honour and perfection. The hearts of young knights and squires, especially, are sure to be stirred and filled with thoughts of glory and prowess when they hear such deeds recalled, and be ever fixed upon winning high renown.

And so it is that I, unworthy of such fame (poor and ignorant as I am), have undertaken, at the request – or more precisely the command! – of that most august, noble and mighty lord Sir John of Burgundy, count of Étampes and lord of Dourdan, to set down in writing in our mother tongue the glorious deeds of arms, conquests and exploits of the noble King Alexander of Macedon.

I found the material in a book written all in verse. I don't know the name of the author, only that its title is the History of Alexander, so if – God forbid! – I've strayed at all from the true story of that illustrious and mighty prince, or if any fault be found in my treatment of the subject, may it be judiciously, kindly and sympathetically corrected and amended.