A decorative headpiece shows two small winged figures flanking a central bouquet of flowers.

TO THE FINE WITS WHO

WILL FIX THEIR EYES

A decorative initial 'L' features a small figure among architectural ruins.

Fine wits have always had a rightful inclination to search for subjects that suit them. Thus, all those who love beautiful inventions value the places where they are found. This is why the curious hold this book in great esteem, believing that Poliphilus is a work worthy of being kept among the rarest jewels in valuable cabinets. This is because, besides what it appears to contain in its many perceptible features and remarkable beauty, it covers under the shadows of its artistry the best of what is most exquisite in Philosophy. The author of this book, having tasted what was good in the occult folds of steganography secret or hidden writing, wished to propose this tableau to demonstrate that he had found his way into the most remote corners where nature hides her treasures. Having had such happiness, he did not wish to be alone in this paradise of comforts, but also desired to share his contentment, putting on view this portrait of his beautiful adventures, and exposing these significant diversities to those who will have the same concern that spurred him to such designs, so that they might have the means to be enlightened by the light of another. Furthermore, this author follows the manner of the ancients who veiled every kind of philosophical truth with certain agreeable figures that attracted hearts. They did this either to keep people at the surface of what was offered, or to make them strive to open what hid the interior beauty in order to enjoy it, thus contenting the common people and satisfying those who desire perfection. And because perfect love is the good, just, and vehement desire one has toward what is excellent, Poliphilus took as his subject the difficulties of love. For there is nothing that raises the spirit more than amorous thoughts for an object of merit. Thus, by figuring the exquisite miracles of nature under the features of a desirable Lucrece referring to Lucrezia Trevisan, whom he serves under the name of Polia, and by tracing the shadows and bindings of the completed work with the progress of the passions that lovers feel, he tempts everyone to desire the fruition of their affections. It is true that he had proposed this beautiful design in a more austere way, for he writes in a style that can only be familiar to the learned, filling his discourse with phrases from...