TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE

AND MOST DISTINGUISHED CARDINAL

OF THE HOLY ROMAN CHURCH,

ALOISIO D'ESTE.

CESARE CAPRILI

AS OFTEN AS I revolve in my mind the abundance of your merits toward me, most illustrious Prelate, I began to think with myself how I might provide you with some outstanding and remarkable thing, by which I could, as far as it might be possible, respond to the greatness of such services. But in truth, I perceived that this would be not only difficult, but most difficult. For it has not slipped from my memory how much kindness and benevolence you showed me when your most dear sister, the most illustrious Eleonora—and my most loving patron—was alive. I am not unmindful of your most munificent spirit when you wished to decorate me with the singular dignity of a canonry. Finally, I have not forgotten the words, so full of love and charity, that you spoke to me after her passing. Would that my elderly condition had lasted, so that I could have lived and died under your patronage; I would never, indeed, have refused such a divine gift, nor would I have departed from your side, for I was observing you as you deserved.