To the Most Illustrious & Reverend Lord, my most esteemed Patron

MONSIGNOR TIBERIO CENCI

BISHOP OF IESI

A woodcut decorative drop-cap initial letter 'I' set within a square frame, featuring scrolling foliage and a small figure.

The publishing of this small labor, the present volume of machines, should not have been done by me under any other protection than that of Your Illustrious Lordship, with respect to the machine of obligations that I have toward you: for beyond the dominion that you have over my work & person, regarding the burden of Governor of this holy place, you have deigned even to construct on every occasion new machines of grace & favors toward the most observant & obligated service that I owe you. May the kindness of Your Illustrious Lordship be therefore supplicated to accept benignly this weak, but most reverent demonstration of my debt, & to continue to me with your usual liberality your favors; of which I will strive to render myself worthy to the extent that you provide me with help & spirit through your grace, and gratitude, before which I humbly bow. From Loreto, the 25th of March 1628.