Architettura con il suo commento et figure Vetruvio in volgar lingua raportato

Treating most exquisitely the places that were not well understood and explained, and adding many other figures for greater clarity of intelligence; and finally, a table most easy in every way to find whatever one wishes. But now that I am prepared to give light to the first body, and on this page, for my greater satisfaction, it occurs to me that it is a due office to have to do—just as one reads that the ancients did, who presented every first thing of theirs to the Gods—that I, to your Lordship, as a sign of sincere love and observance, entitle and give this labor of mine, as it is, to you. It is as to one who would deserve a way more precious and greater gift than this, who in his early youthful years took on illustrious customs and condition under the great and invincible Captain, the Zito lo Perugino; and afterwards, near the most Illustrious Lord Malatesta Baglioni, Captain General of the Infantry of the Illustrious Lordship of Venice, gained light of the greatest authority, and greater, in the command of all his lances, and for this, day by day, to be among the first in his City, clear and respected. And so much the more do I owe it to do this, since he does not only supremely delight in reading of this science, but of every other beautiful virtue, and as a most prudent and courteous Count, he takes pleasure in learned men, both of his fatherland and strangers, and equally embraces them to exalt and honor them. For which reason, among his other immortal virtues, he does not appear otherwise than as a rich gem set in polished gold: such that from all parts to his ancient ancestors, who in the fatherland are always seen deservedly honored and of rank, he shows himself superior, not just conformable. But so as not to prolix myself in what is clear to everyone by its own light, Your Lordship will be content to receive the gift gracefully, which, however it may be, for the noble inventions and mature industries of the ancients necessary to human life, having been taken sometimes for quiet from many occupations, I hope it will give you sweet contentment and not a little pleasure. Furthermore, I ask of you no defense against the blame of others, because I believe that the unlearned men will look much more to the utility and the benefit that comes from it than to the errors, which perhaps there can be many of, just as in one who is born a man like the others. And the learned (who could more reasonably do so) will be able to easily have recourse to Vitruvius himself, whole and without any defect, in their needs, and a most happy life of his reminders. In Perugia, the first of November, M.D.XXXII.

A rectangular architectural frame or cartouche, empty in the center, typical of Renaissance title pages or dedicatory leaves.

The text below the image is a mirror-image reflection of the text above, likely caused by ink transfer from the facing page in the original binding.