The First Book

...admiration of the present time, nor in the history or tradition of the ages to come, but also in some solid work, fixed memorial, and immortal monument, bearing a character or signature of both the power of a king and the distinct excellence original: "difference" and perfection of such a king.

Therefore, I concluded within myself that I could not make to your Majesty a better offering original: "oblation" than some treatise tending toward that goal. The substance of this work will consist of these two parts: The first concerning the excellence of learning and knowledge, and the excellence of the merit and true glory found in its increase original: "Augmentation" and spread original: "Propagation". The second part covers what the particular acts and works are which have been embraced and undertaken for the advancement of learning, and furthermore, what defects and shortcomings original: "undervalues" I find in such particular acts. My goal is that, even though I cannot positively or directly original: "affirmatively" advise your Majesty or propose specific finished plans original: "framed particulars", I may still stimulate your princely thoughts to visit the excellent treasure of your own mind, and from there to extract details for this purpose that are suitable to your greatness of spirit original: "magnanimity" and wisdom.

At the beginning of the first of these parts, in order to clear the way and, as it were, create silence so that the true testimonies concerning the dignity of learning might be better heard without the interruption of silent original: "tacit" objections, I think it good to deliver it from...