TO THE

MOST SERENE

PRINCES OF ITALY.

LORDS AND MASTERS

A decorative woodcut initial 'E' contains an architectural scene with classical buildings, an archway, and small human figures in a courtyard.

It is true, Most Serene and Most Glorious Princes, that man has been formed by Nature, or rather by God, with the obligation that the more he can and knows, the more he should aid his fellow man, so that in this way, one man depending on the other, although they are countless in number, they might nonetheless be one in love; but with this obligation as well, that with every most vivid affection and every most ardent zeal, they should all unanimously obey and serve their Princes. This is because they are made by God not only Princes, but Shepherds and common Fathers of the people, since they can do more than the others and do so, and are also wiser and more prudent than the others, and fit to rule and govern well. And therefore they merit the office and the title of God's viceregents. My knowledge of both these debts, and in particular of this last one, has made me labor continuously with all my power in the study of Mathematics, by means of which I seem to have arrived at that practice which is necessary to fortify Cities and other places, and to have found that easier and safer mode which all Princes can desire for the defense of their States. I have therefore judged that it is fitting that I should also share it with all the Princes of Italy, because I am obligated to all of them, since Nature itself has gathered in Italy all that it has made beautiful and good in the whole world. These, Most Serene Princes, are the labors of forty continuous years, partly spent by me in the service of Lords skilled in such a profession, both in France and in Flanders: The remainder of the time I then spent in the service of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, where I have continuously had Fortresses built. And even if I know myself to be among the least of those who treat of Fortifications, I hope nonetheless to write of them with such order that this book of mine will not be read without fruit. In years past, only one part of the present Work was issued, dedicated to all you Most Serene Princes of Italy, and you showed yourselves so satisfied with it that I could desire no more; now it comes out in its entirety, dedicated to you again. And although I was born in Florence, and beyond the Most Serene Grand Duke of Tuscany, of whom I am a vassal and servant by both nature and will, I serve the Most Serene Signoria of Venice, which has for so long been pleased by my service: I must also desire and procure every greatness and happiness for all Your Most Serene Highnesses. I hope, furthermore, to effect this with some common satisfaction, especially because I serve this Most Serene Republic, which in its Fortifications attends to no other thing than the defense, not only of itself, but of all of Italy, against its most powerful enemies. So that from whatever side, as far as my weak powers extend, I go about trying to show the universal security of the Fortresses, from which depends the...