The Book of Mechanics

And at the same time, the ambiguity—if not to say the weakness—of others might be relieved. Or at least, their minds might be captivated by the most grave authority of those authors themselves, in obedience to those who feel and understand better and more correctly. For nothing is accustomed to be so remote from custom or from opinion that it cannot be proven by authority alone. But lest such a task should be dragged out further than was fitting in reviewing the many testimonies to confirm the proposed truth, I determined to choose from many only one, and he the one easily the prince of all the rest in this regard: who would both defend my cause and, if possible, satisfy them; and so that, presenting himself before them, he might be understood as being sent also in my name, I wished him to come forth not indeed unadorned, but associated with certain notes of mine. Moreover, this most grave author is that Syracusan, Archimedes, discoursing most learnedly on the elements of mechanics. To whose dignity and authority, that all might understand that I have provided well, I decreed that just as he holds the primacy among other men of that order, so he should first of all at this time offer his own obedience to none other than your Highness, most Serene Duke, in this our age, without controversy the supreme Prince in learning and in the knowledge of all things. I confess that this has happened with incredible joy of my soul; not only so that I might again produce some testimony of my singular observance and veneration toward your Highness, long since owed for so many and such great reasons; but also so that it might bring help to that little gift of mine—perhaps too boldly offered before to so great a Prince—lest it be entirely despised on account of its own insignificance, although not even that was to be suspected, given the eminent magnitude of so noble a spirit. Therefore, through this most celebrated author, I approach you, best and most excellent Prince, full of joy. For he seems to me, just as I seem to him, to have opened a path to you; and just as I trust that he will be far most welcome to you, so I pray and beseech you, as a suppliant, that you treat me, most loving and observant of you, with that same kindness to which you are accustomed. Farewell, sweet protection and the splendid glory of our age; and be forever happy.