Euclid's Elements

We can truly affirm that we have spared no expense, labor, or health so that students might have this pillar and ornament of geometry not only purged of errors and elegantly adorned with figures, but also translated with the greatest fidelity and illustrated with ancient scholia marginal annotations and certain commentaries of our own. Therefore, this testimony of my industry, whatever it may be, I now give and dedicate to you, magnanimous Prince, to whom I owe much and for whom I desire all things, so that by the services I can offer, I may declare my loyalty and perpetual respect toward you, not only to the people of our age, but also leave it testified to posterity through these monuments of literature. And, as I have always most vehemently attempted, I may truly persuade them that no one has had in you one who has striven more to propagate your excellent virtue and outstanding learning in eternal memory among all, and who has always venerated you. Farewell, and protect and aid us and the liberal disciplines, as you do.

Federicus Commandinus.