M. Vitruvii, viri suae professionis peritissimi, De architectura libri decem, ad Augustum Caesarem accuratiss. conscripti: & nunc primum in Germania qua potuit diligentia excusi, atque hinc inde schema tibus non iniucundis exornati

But we should remember that he did not leave this work so that we might learn eloquence from it. He himself also excuses in many places the fact that he has a less cultivated style, and requests that he be granted the indulgence that it is fair to concede to an architect. And perhaps the subject he treats is of that kind which, as Manilius says, does not sustain being adorned with a more elegant style. And his diction is simple rather than impure or corrupt: so that you may easily notice it was done more through neglect than through lack of skill, that you might desire more polish in it. He intersperses Greek terms from time to time, either because he did not have Latin ones with which to express everything he wished, or because the Greek ones were already well known and widely used, even among Romans. For just as both the more exquisite structure of buildings and machines made with more subtle art, and other things of that kind, as well as music and whatever arts pertain to a more cultivated life, came from Greece into Italy, so they also brought their names with them, by which they could refer to their origins. Now we struggle greatly in understanding these terms, which then, because of the knowledge of the subjects, were common even to the vulgar. But this obscurity can be overcome by diligence and study, which deters some from daring to test how arduous or troublesome the labor will be for them. Therefore, this matter should not have diminished Vitruvius’ favor among men who are not lazy, but rather stimulated their industry, so that they might approach his reading with more attentive effort. Furthermore, there are reasons which bring him no small commendation: that he alone stands out for us in this kind of subject, and he has executed that very thing so diligently and accurately that one could hardly require anything more absolute, as far as faith and truth are concerned. You will perhaps ask, why is it profitable for you to learn ancient architecture? First, if I answer for the honest pleasure that is derived from it, which should not be held for nothing, many, I think, would concede that to me. For there are not a few who look to this fruit for the most part in letters. But if this is the only end, you will say, it will be permitted to despise it without great loss; I confess, if the matter were so. But not pleasure alone, but a manifest and not regrettable utility can be derived from it, and that is manifold. For how much