M. Vitruvii Pollionis ... De architectura libri. X. ad Augustum Caesarem accuratissime conscripti, & locis quamplurimis hac editione emendati

And perhaps the subject he treats is of that kind which, as Manilius says, is content to be taught and does not endure to be adorned with a more elegant style. Although his diction is simple rather than impure or corrupt: so that you can easily perceive that it was by neglect rather than lack of skill that you might desire greater brilliance in him. He inserts Greek words from time to time: either because he did not have Latin ones with which he could express everything he wished, or because they were already sufficiently well known in Greek and widely used, even among Roman men. For just as both the more exquisite structure of buildings and machines made with more subtle craft, and other things of that kind, and also music and whatever arts pertain to a more cultured life, came from Greece into Italy: so they also brought their names with them, by which they might refer to their origin. Now we labor greatly in understanding these words, which then, because of the knowledge of the things themselves, were even commonly in use. 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 by no means have diminished Vitruvius’s favor among men who are not lazy: but rather should have excited their industry, so that they might approach his reading with a more attentive effort. Furthermore, there are causes which bring no small recommendation to him: that he alone stands before us in this kind of subject: and that he has executed that very thing so diligently and accurately that hardly anyone can ask for anything more complete, as far as faith and truth are concerned. You will perhaps ask, why is it useful for you to learn ancient architecture? First, if I were to answer that the honest pleasure which is received from it should not be considered for nothing: many would concede this to me. For there are not a few who consider this fruit to a great extent in literature. But if this is the only goal, you will say, it will be permissible to ignore it without great loss, I confess, if that were the case. But not only pleasure, but a manifest and not regrettable utility can be derived from it: and that is manifold. For how great a disgrace is it that those who wish to have not only a place among the learned, but also some rank, cannot distinguish the parts of their own homes by their own names? But if someone has not been sluggishly occupied with Vitruvius, he will restore its proper name to each part. Then it cannot be, but that you will hesitate again and again in reading ancient authors: unless you have been helped by the support of this one. This is the second fruit, which it is not appropriate to ignore. Lazarus Baius has no small praise.