(for I would not call them flatteries) use as little as possible in writing. For besides the fact that such a practice harms the dignity of the writer, there are many who would attribute that kind of writing more to the affections of the mind than to true judgment. Do not think this is said lightly: for I very often hear what is being circulated about the others, and yet I leave the free examination of these matters to you, whom I judge to see even more. I send you greetings in the words of our friend Pictorius; you, in turn, will commend me to the magnificent Lorenzo and Pico. Farewell. Ferrara, the 16th day before the Kalends of January, 1490.

THE SECOND BOOK OF THE LETTERS OF ANGELO POLIZIANO.

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Our friend Pico della Mirandola, truly the undimmed flower of intellects, recently read to me your letter to him, in the final clause of which you made such honorable mention of us that, in a sort of assembly of men of letters, you assigned to me the steps nearest to him. This opinion of yours, therefore (if indeed it may be called such), although I could not hear it without a blush, being aware of my own ignorance, nevertheless, because it proceeded from a certain remarkable goodwill, I received it so gratefully that I would scarcely have had as much pleasure if I had persuaded myself that those things you declared about me were true. For although my conscience fights against the testimony, I nevertheless rejoice that I can appear to someone such as your proclamation fashions me—that is, as a most learned man. Therefore, Beroaldo, I immediately dictated this letter to you, to show how much this service of praise from you charms me, and at the same time to pledge that I shall fail no opportunity whatsoever, and shall examine every point of affairs and times hereafter, until I may finally, in some way, return thanks to you for such zeal and spirit toward me. Farewell. Florence, the 17th day before the Kalends of February, 1489.

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I read with exceeding pleasure those letters which you very recently sent to me, both because they are yours and because they are learned. Your Miscellanea testify that you are most learned; your letters, that you are most kind. It is shameful to be surpassed in erudition, but in kindness, it is most shameful. Hence it happens that not just a tiny speck is sprinkled upon me, but a very great stain, and indeed an indelible one, is fixed upon me, since I am surpassed by you in both. Already at the first, our learning was rising in deference to your most polished literature, and not dissemblingly; now indeed even that kindness, which in me is otherwise not usually disapproved, yields to your kindness, so much so that, compared to you, I might deservedly be judged unkind. In another’s letter, I had added a greeting to you in passing; you (such is your readiness) immediately greeted me in return through a letter which, by its very polish, clearly shows Politiano the craftsman, and is entirely filled with duty and goodwill. To respond to this briefly: there is no need, my Poliziano, for you to give me thanks for either my testimony or my judgment concerning your singular virtue. For if I do not wish to seem a liar and a fraud, it is necessary that I do what I am doing. Furthermore, be most fully persuaded that I carry my soul upon my forehead, nor does my heart disagree with my lips: writing accords in me with the mind, the tongue with the heart, and from our storehouse sincere things are brought forth—