First.

...to undertake this enterprise, you would do us a grateful favor: for I believe there is not one of us who would not take pleasure in it, and would not feel obligated to you for it. CLAV. It truly is so: and I in particular desire it greatly: because from these things I will learn the path that the MusicianIn this context, a "Musician" refers to a music theorist or one who understands the mathematical principles of sound, rather than just a performer. takes in demonstrating his conclusions. I shall see the difference between the demonstrationsA formal logical or mathematical proof. that the Musician makes—which I have never seen—and those made by the Arithmetician and the Geometer, having many times seen these last two put into practice. GIOS. Sir, one must not have haste in these matters; it is necessary to go slowly. And I promise you, it would take more time than you imagine if I were to take on the task of discussing, as one ought, the matters of Music. For it would first be necessary to explain certain things to those who have not seen or read the elements that concur in a Demonstration. Regarding this matter, I would wish to speak to you with the Demonstration in hand. Beyond this, it would be necessary to define what a Demonstration is, what it is composed of, and many other things that would consume much time. You would have to imagine having more than one conversation, since in Music one thing is linked to the other, like links joined together in a chain. ADRI. You increase my desire by telling me these things; therefore I pray you to willingly take up this task, for it will be a great relief from my illness. And I swear to you, that if I were younger than I am, I would want to become a disciple again. I would apply myself to understanding the reason for musical matters in such a way that I would not want anyone to ask me anything that I could not satisfy. FRAN. This would truly be pleasing to me beyond measure as well, so that while I stay in Venice, I might acquire something to take back with me to Ferrara. Therefore, I exhort Master Gioseffo to take up this burden. But I tell you now, Sir: you ought to be content with being the first of our times in the matters of practiceThe composition and performance of music., which you possess not without some knowledge of Theory, having always delighted in conversing with learned men in this profession. And if you are not entirely "colored" in it, at least you are very well "tinted."A metaphor suggesting that while Willaert may not be a professional theorist ("colored"), he is deeply steeped in its principles ("tinted"). You should rejoice in this, for these are gifts not given to everyone; thank the Divine goodness for them. ADRI. Truly, I thank Him continually, but this does not extinguish the thirst I have for knowledge. For it is a natural thing Aristotle, Metaphysics, Book 1, Chapter 1. for everyone; indeed, from day to day it keeps growing in me. Nor do I grieve at being near the years of decrepitudeOld age., but I do grieve that I must die just when I am beginning to learn. Yet, may the Lord's will always be done. Now, the desire I hold to know makes me pray you again, Master Gioseffo, to do what I have proposed. DESID. I have no less thirst for such a thing than our Master Adriano has; for although I have seen and read many things demonstrated by certain authors, I have nonetheless not remained fully satisfied. GIOS. It would take one of the greatest rivers—I will not say in Italy, but the greatest in the world—and not a small stream like mine, to extinguish such burning thirsts. However, I want to say this: if so many who have written and treated these things before me have not been able to quench this thirst of yours, what can I hope for? But because I am very much bound to Master Adriano, and I have an obligation to him as if he were my father, and since a certain sense of decency does not allow me to refuse this burden, I do not want to fail to try with all my strength to satisfy you. Even if you do not receive from me everything you desire, you will at least see that my will is ready to serve you. I pray to God that this time I may be both Musician and Physician together. It would give me great content to have performed two operations in a single stroke: that is, to give the appropriate food to the intellect of those who listen to me, and to remove the illness from those who have need of health. In the name of the Lord, then, I will take up this burden willingly. It is quite true that I do not want to obligate myself to demonstrate and resolve every difficulty that can occur in Music; for if one wanted to demonstrate everything, besides the difficulty and the length of time, it would be—if not impossible—at least difficult to gather them all together one by one and demonstrate them in order. ADRI. We do not wish to subject you to such a law, as we know all too well that this is impossible. DESI. Give us a beginning from whatever point you please; for when any doubt arises, we will propose it to you; and