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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