The two which I have mentioned first belong to the summer of 1533; the third seems to be the earliest.

It was clearly written on some occasion when both men were in Rome together, and at the very beginning of their friendship.

I will translate them in their order.

The first undated letter was sent to Michelangelo in Rome, in answer to some writing of the illustrious sculptor which we do not possess:-- "I have received from you a letter, which is the more acceptable because it was so wholly unexpected.

I say unexpected, because I hold myself unworthy of such condescension in a man of your eminence.