TO THE LORD, MY LORD THE

A large ornamental drop-cap 'M' set within a rectangular frame. The letter is decorated with Renaissance-style strapwork and foliage motifs.
My Lord, although I know your lordship is continually occupied with the great affairs in which it pleases the King's Majesty to employ you, so much so that there remains for you little or no time to devote to matters of pleasure, I shall not fear to dedicate to you this Poliphilo. This work was composed in Italy in the year one thousand four hundred and sixty-seven by a learned gentleman of an illustrious house, and was recently translated into French by another virtuous gentleman of good knowledge. His translation was given to me by a friend of mine so that I might revise it and lend a hand in bringing it to light—a task which I believe I have performed as faithfully as I would wish someone to do for me, should I happen to leave any of my own undertakings unfinished.

The reasons (My Lord) that move me to dedicate it to you are, in the first place, that in many of its passages it treats so naturally original: "nayvement". In this context, it means with lifelike accuracy or vividness. of architecture or the art of building well, that it is hardly possible to do better. Therefore, I am of the opinion that it is due to you, considering that you take as much pleasure in it as a lord of your quality could, as you have effectively shown in your beautiful building at Nanteuil. You yourself designed the arrangements original: "ordonnances". Martin is referring to the architectural plans and the classical "Orders" (columns and proportions). for it, which are so convenient and so well-conceived that there is no architect in this Kingdom today who would not consider it a masterpiece if such or similar inventions had come from his own mind.

The second cause is that this book is so abundant in singular and diverse things that we have no author in our language who can currently be compared to it; and you take marvelous delight in hearing such readings when your convenience allows it. Then the third and principal reason is so that this Poliphilo does not go wandering through the world like an orphan original: "pupille". This term refers to a minor under the care of a guardian; Martin is seeking a patron to protect the book from critics. destitute of a protector, but rather that, under your endorsement and safeguard, he may be received into the houses of great lords and gentlemen who bear you friendship, with as welcoming a face as one is accustomed to receive things that come from friends.

Be then favorable to him, My Lord, and take him (if you please) as humanely from me who presents him to you, as this gift is made to you with very humble and entire affection. With which I pray the Creator to give you, My Lord, in perfect health, a very long and very happy life. From Paris, this 14th day of August, 1546.