It proves that the _Gerusalemme_, here called _Gottifredo_, was nearly finished; for Tasso wished the last six cantos and portions of the first two to be published.

He also gave directions for collection and publication of his lovesonnets and madrigals, but requested Rondinelli to bury 'the others, whether of love or other matters which were written in the service of some friend,' in his grave.

This last commission demands comment.

That Tasso should have written verses to oblige a friend, was not only natural but consistent with custom.

Light wares like sonnets could be easily produced by a practiced man of letters, and the friend might find them valuable in bringing a fair foe to terms.