Familiar Letters

Large red initial L at the beginning of the text.

LEONARD TO COLUCCIO SALUTATI. Even if I know what you recently wrote to the Pope about me, though in spirit I know they are not true, nevertheless, I will confess with the ingenuity of my own desire: those things were most pleasing and most acceptable to me. For I hold your judgment in such high regard that, by the testimony of even one letter, I could easily trust that I am strengthened against the attacks of all detractors, whom I could not avoid by any deed of mine, wherever I may be. For you have embraced all things in my praise in such a way that no place is now left for the malicious to criticize me, unless they clearly wish to contradict your judgment.

Although I do not know, my most pleasant Coluccio, whether I have been praised by your most ample and ornate words, or whether more praise has come to you from that letter of yours than to me. For men have believed my praises from your testimony, but they have seen yours, if I may say so, with their own eyes. For your letter was read to the Pope while many most honorable men of both orders were present, and not a few cardinals of the Roman Church. When they had heard the whole thing most attentively and with the utmost silence, they were all finally turned with one mouth to praising and extolling you. They declared you most learned, most eloquent, and the best of men. Their seriousness and...