_To_ BUONARROTO DI LODOVICO DI BUONARROTA, _in Florence_.
_From_ ROME, _the 17th of October, 1509._
"BUONARROTO,--I got the bread: it is good, but it is not good
enough to make a trade of, for there would be little gain. I gave
the knave five carlini, and he would hardly hand it over. I learn
by your last how Lorenzo(112) will pass this way, and how I am to
give him a good reception. It appears you do not know how I am
situated here, all the same I excuse you. What I can do, I will.
About Gismondo and how he intends to come here to advance his
business, tell him from me not to have any designs on me, not
because I do not love him as a brother, but because I am unable to
help him in anything. I am obliged to love myself more than
others, and I have not enough for my own needs. I live here in
great distress and with the greatest fatigue of body, and have not
a friend of any sort, and do not want one, and have not even
enough time to eat necessary food; therefore, do not annoy me any
more, for I cannot bear another ounce.
For the shop I encourage you to be careful. It pleases me to hear
that Giovanni Simone begins to do well. Endeavour to advance a
little, or, at least, maintain what you have got, so that you will
know how to manage larger affairs afterwards; for I have a hope,
when I return to you, that you will be men enough to manage for
yourselves.
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