by certaine order, nũber, forme, figure, and _Symmetrie_ mentall:” all naturall & sensible stuffe set a part. Now, then, it is euident, (Gentle reader) how aptely and worthely, I haue preferred _Architecture_, to be bred and fostered vp in the Dominion of the pereles _Princesse_, _Mathematica_: and to be a naturall Subiect of hers. And the name of _Architecture_, is of the principalitie, which this Science hath, aboue all other Artes. And _Plato_ affirmeth, the _Architect_ to be _Master_ ouer all, that make any worke. Wherupon, he is neither Smith, nor Builder: nor, separately, any Artificer: but the Hed, the Prouost, the Directer, and Iudge of all Artificiall workes, and all Artificers. For, the true _Architect_, is hable to teach, Demonstrate, distribute, describe, and Iudge all workes wrought. And he, onely, searcheth out the causes and reasons of all Artificiall thynges. Thus excellent, is _Architecture_: though few (in our dayes) atteyne thereto: yet may not the Arte, be otherwise thought on, then in very dede it is worthy. Nor we may not, of auncient Artes, make new and imperfect Definitions in our dayes: for scarsitie of Artificers: No more, than we may pynche in, the Definitions of _Wisedome_, or _Honestie_, or of _Frendeshyp_ or of _Iustice_. No more will I consent, to Diminish any whit, of the perfection and dignitie, (by iust cause) allowed to absolute _Architecture_. Vnder the Direction of this Arte, are thre principall, necessary _Mechanicall Artes_. Namely, _Howsing_, _Fortification_, and _Naupegie_. _Howsing_, I vnderstand, both for Diuine Seruice, and Mans common vsage: publike, and priuate. Of _Fortification_ and _Naupegie_, straunge matter might be told you: But perchaunce, some will be tyred, with this Bederoll, all ready rehearsed: and other some, will nycely nip my grosse and homely discoursing with you: made in post hast: for feare you should wante this true and frendly warnyng, and tast giuyng, of the _Power Mathematicall_. Lyfe is short, and vncertaine: Tymes are perilouse: &c. And still the Printer awayting, for my pen staying: All these thinges, with farder matter of Ingratefulnes, giue me occasion to passe away, to the other Artes remainyng, with all spede possible.