was left after making that old tent, as I want clothing
for my horses. When I was at Ferrara I asked you
for some black cloth for making a pair of hose, but
you did not reply. I wish to have it now, but prefer
white to black, and should like it to be very fine and
sufficient to make me a pair, and would rather have
too much stuff than too little. I do not like to write
about my own affairs, as I see you are so fearful that
you hardly dare speak of them. But I am anxious
to know what is happening; if things have settled
down, and if kinder words, or at least less unkind
ones, are spoken of me. Directly after Easter I think
the Lord Prefect will come to Mantua. Most of
the Duke's servants will accompany him; but I shall
not come, either then or later, until I can be quite
sure of a better reception than I should have at
present. Here, by the grace of God, we are all well
and happy. The Lady Duchess is going to Rome, at
any rate before Lent is over. I have no other news,
but my servant, 11 Rosso, will be able to tell you
more by word of mouth. I hope that you will send
me some of your good salt meats, for here they are
much appreciated, especially by His Excellency our
Lord, and I should be very glad for him to taste
some of our own. In order to escape paying toll,
you might get a pass for them in the name of the
Marquis or Madonna, so that they should appear
to be sent to the Duke -- if, indeed, I am held worthy
of so great a favour! Do not forget the money
that I owe M. Timoteo. When our Monsignor of
Mantua is here with us, I mean to thank him for his
kind intention to take my brother into his household
if it had been possible, and beg to be allowed to find
him another patron, with a thousand fine words!
Then when I go to Rome, as I must do before my
journey to England, I am sure to be able to find a
new patron. I will also contrive to see you, only you
must on no account mention my expedition.

'URBINO, March 5, 1506.

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