Instruction on the Fortification of Cities

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To the most illustrious, most powerful prince and lord, Lord Ferdinand, King of Hungary and Bohemia, Infante of Spain, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy and Brabant, Count of Habsburg, Flanders, and Tyrol, Governor of the Holy Roman Empire for his Roman Imperial Majesty Referring to Charles V, the reigning Emperor our most gracious lord, my most gracious lord.

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Most illustrious, most powerful King, most gracious lord. Because of the grace and kindness shown to me by the late, most illustrious and powerful Emperor Maximilian original: "Maximilian hochlöblicher gedechtniß"; Maximilian I (1459–1519) was Dürer's greatest patron of highly praised memory, your Majesty's lord and grandfather, I recognize myself as indebted to serve your Majesty no less than the aforementioned Imperial Majesty according to my humble ability. Since it has now come to pass that Your Majesty has ordered several cities and market towns market towns: "Flecken" refers to smaller settlements that had market rights but were often less defended than major cities to be fortified, I am prompted to present my modest understanding of the matter, should it please Your Majesty to take something from it. For I believe that even if my undertaking is not accepted in all places, some benefit may nevertheless spring from it, not only for Your Majesty but also for other princes, lords, and cities who wish to protect themselves from violence and unjust oppression. I therefore most humbly pray that Your Majesty will graciously accept this demonstration of my service from me and remain my most gracious lord.

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Your Royal Majesty's

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Albrecht Dürer.