The Fortifications

...security of the States and of the Empire of Italy, which thing Your Most Serene Highnesses will happily achieve with the Art of building these Fortresses, and then in defending them, especially with that ease that will be shown in the sixth and last Book. And much more safely will such defense occur if, alongside the Art of fortifying, you maintain together that concord and union of minds that I now see among all you Most Serene Princes, for which Italy rejoices, and like the Garden of the World, it will produce all those most delicate and precious fruits that it is accustomed to produce. These first of all will be not only the preservation, but the growth of the Most Holy Christian Religion, with all those other most sublime virtues that can bring benefit to the union and fellowship of humanity, which it will please Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Lord to make us worthy of, and to grant to Your Most Serene Highnesses all those greatnesses and perpetual happinesses that you desire.

Venice, the 25th of February, 1602.

Of Your Most Serene Highnesses

Buonaiuto Lorini