Familiar Letters

In this, I rejoiced that an opportunity was presented to me, to come into a comparison with him as I was hoping. I wrote back what had been commanded of both of us; and two days later, at the appointed time, my letter and his were recited to the Pope and the fathers. Once they were read, how much difference it made, I do not know. I only know this: that even his supporters, who so arrogantly preferred him to me, now openly confess that they had erred, led by a false opinion. The Pope himself certainly congratulated me immediately and, having rejected him, received me into the office and dignity. I have hastened to write this back to you, so that if you have perhaps taken any distress from my previous letters, you may finally put it aside now that the whole matter is known. Farewell.

A friend is to be saved by a treasure as much as possible, if it can be done through the self.

A simple blue decorative initial 'I' marking the start of the letter's body.
After a humble recommendation and the kissing of feet, most blessed in Christ, father and lord, true successor of Peter and the only vicar of Jesus Christ, I do not know whom I should congratulate more: Your Holiness, or your beloved son Leonard Aretino, whom you have recently taken as your secretary. I rejoice indeed and exult that such a servant has come to you as your holiness needed. Not that you did not have good and industrious men, but because however many good men may happen to you, or to other lords in whose hands the globe of the earth is, you always need more. I rejoice indeed and exult that such a servant has happened to your beatitude: young in age,