I am alone in my troubles, and have many of them, which keep me more busy than my art, for I cannot keep a servant for lack of means." There is a kind letter from Michael Angelo to Sebastiano del Piombo that belongs to this period, May 1525.( 135) It refers to a picture by Sebastiano, probably the portrait of Anton Francesco degli Albizzi, referred to in letter cccxcvi.:-- "MY MOST DEAR SEBASTIANO,--Last evening our friend the Capitano Cuio( 136) and certain other gentlemen were so good as to invite me to sup with them, which gave me very great pleasure, since it took me a little out of my melancholy, or rather folly.

Not only did I enjoy the supper, which was very good, but I had far more pleasure in the conversation, and more than all it increased my pleasure to hear your name mentioned by the said Capitano Cuio; nor was this all, for it further rejoiced me exceedingly to hear from the Capitano that, in art, you are peerless in the world, and that so you were esteemed in Rome.

If I could have rejoiced more I would have done so.

So you see my judgment is not false, therefore do not any more deny that you are peerless, when I tell it you, for I have too many witnesses.

And behold there is a picture of yours here, God be thanked, which wins credence for me with every one who can see daylight." From the Ricordi we learn that Michael Angelo was busy with the Library of San Lorenzo.