The following headings and paragraph are mirrored show-through from the recto side of the leaf and are not part of the intended reading order of this page.

TO THE MOST HOLY

AND MOST BLESSED FATHER

AND OUR LORD

POPE SIXTUS V

A mirrored woodcut emblem depicts the papal coat of arms of Pope Sixtus V, including a shield featuring a lion holding a branch and stars, surmounted by the papal tiara and the keys of Saint Peter.

Just as the waters of the sea, from which they departed, return to the sea, so having issued from the hands of Your Holiness are the magnificent works of architecture which, under the instruction of the present book, are described. It is a very convenient thing that they should return to the public as a due tribute to the perpetual memory of the greatness of your spirit with...? employed ...?

The paragraph concludes with a date in the mirrored show-through:

The following lines are right-reading on this side of the page (the verso).