TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND

MOST EXCELLENT

FRANCESCO MARIA II, PRINCE OF URBINO.

A large historiated decorative initial 'C' begins the text. Within the body of the letter, a figure is depicted sitting in a pastoral landscape with a single tree and hills in the background.

When it comes to my mind, most Illustrious Prince, how great was the celebration and dignity of the mathematical faculty among those men of the ancients, of a certainly happier age and genius, I cannot help but grieve vehemently at the condition of our times. The cultivation and splendor of this noble discipline are rotting away in immense squalor and darkness, while everyone, out of a detestable greed for gold, insolently rejects and rashly disdains anything that does not immediately offer a certain opportunity for profit. This noble and most beautiful study of mathematics, than which nothing was once held more pleasant and familiar by all, now lives in exile and has been almost completely excluded from public gymnasia. Truly, there is no reason why in these times you should fear being forced to gaze upon porticoes depicted with triangles, squares, or circles, or to hear people speaking of such matters. This kind of discipline lies completely neglected; and what was once considered a delight is now rejected everywhere as crude and obscure, so much has avarice and the blind lust for wealth increased among the men of our age. Yet my grief diminishes day by day: partly because I know that these arts, lovingly encouraged by great men of learning abroad, are being promoted most diligently; and partly because I see some who flourish in power and dignity now kindly embracing these studies and liberally fostering them. Indeed, it is a truth that men have experienced in every age: the interests of the subordinates will be the same as those who preside over the highest affairs. For this reason, I do not despair that these studies will soon arrive, if not at their former pinnacle of dignity, at least at a more honorable standing. This is especially true because I see with joy, most Illustrious Prince, that you—adorned with excellent probity of mind and singular prudence—have long since directed all the noble efforts of your soul toward compensating for the disadvantages of letters. And this is not without good reason. For, to omit the illustrious examples of your family, never to be forgotten in memory, you have a father, a Duke of incomparable justice, magnanimity, and prudence, who fosters the liberal arts with kindness, defends them with authority, and adorns them with rewards. It is necessary that you prove yourself similar and equal to him. Come now, consider how much it contributes to confirming and increasing day by day this excellent will, that not only...