M. Vitruvius per Iocundum solito castigatior factus cum figuris et tabula ut iam legi et intelligi possit

I have nevertheless done enough, and indeed enough for another's work, as yet not sufficiently recognized by anyone of our age (so far as I know). But while it is praiseworthy to have sweated over the same, I think it is more commendable, most blessed Father, to produce one's own works than to scrutinize those of others. I, too, have not been wanting to myself in this regard, although I have always been under the control of others, not my own, and without the leisure that is most necessary. I have, however, written many things about architecture and about the use and treatment of mathematical disciplines, but they are not yet elaborated nor sufficiently polished, so that in abundance, and rarity, and variety of works, and doctrine, I would yield to no one who has written on the use of these things, if only I had that leisure which is usually most occupied for the studious, with which you alone, most blessed Father, can endow me. FAREWELL.