M. Vitruvii Pollonis de architectura libri decem ad Caesarem Augustum omnibus omnium editionibus longe emendatiores collatis veteribus exemplis

Most illustrious Maecenas, it seemed right to dedicate anew to you these annotations on Vitruvius Pollio. I had written them while you were legate at Rome to King Francis, that champion and vindicator of good letters. During that embassy, you proved your diligence, integrity, and faith to the Prince in such a way that all could admire you, few could imitate you, and no one could reproach you. I dedicate them to you for several reasons. First, so that they would not lack a patron after the death of that most powerful and learned Prince, whose grace and authority had previously shielded them from criticism. Second, because you can rightfully claim a portion of these notes, for you contributed much to the understanding of the text while we read the author together. Finally, because I see no one to whom I owe or wish to owe more than to you. For twenty years, I have been treated with the utmost liberality and indulgence by you, and I have been raised from an obscure and humble position into some measure of light and dignity. I, who had decided to take care in every way so that not even the smallest stain of ἀχρειας uselessness/worthlessness could be cast upon me, meditated on one thing: how I might produce at least some sign of my feelings toward you, if not an outstanding one. Therefore, I considered it my duty to decorate this edition with the mention of your name and to dedicate it to you, the patron of my life and fortunes. You have always behaved and proven yourself toward me in such a way that I could never repay the merit and debt I owe. I have revised almost the entire work: I have changed many things, added many, and made all of them somewhat more concise. For as the saying goes, further labor in studies would be superfluous if it were not allowed to find something better than what came before. Furthermore, I do not think I should ask you to remember me in my absence. I have only wished to persuade you that among those by whom you believe you are honored, I desire to occupy the first place. Farewell. Lyon, in the house of the printer Jean de Tournes, on the Kalends of January, in the year 1552.

Printer's mark of Jean de Tournes, depicting a serpent entwined around a cross, with the initials I. T.