For if he did so, and I know it, I shall suffer
less." All through his life Michael Angelo is most punctilious
about the observances of the Church.
Lionardo was now the only hope of continuing the family, so his
uncle reminds him that if he does not soon marry and get children,
his property will all go to the Hospital of San Martino.(177) Old
bachelor as he is, he gives his nephew advice, in another letter,
as to the choice of a wife: "You ought not to look for a dower,
but only to consider whether the girl is well brought up, healthy,
of good character, and noble blood. You are not yourself of such
parts and person as to be worthy of the first beauty of Florence.
Let me tell you not to run after money, but only look for virtue
and good name."
Lionardo married Cassandra Ridolfi in the year 1553, and the first child
born of this marriage was a boy, by Michael Angelo's wish he was named
Buonarroto. "I shall be very pleased if the name of Buonarroto does not
die out of our family, it having lasted three hundred years with us."(178)
Vasari wrote to Michael Angelo describing the festivities at the
christening. Giorgio held the child at the font in the Baptistry, "Mio bel
Giovanni," as Michael Angelo always called it.
The letters to Vasari are full of a courtly friendship and regard; they
are very pleasant reading. One of them is the most beautiful and touching
letter by his hand, referring to the death of his servant Francesco,
called Urbino.
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