'Signore, knowing that the mind of your Excellency is occupied with affairs of greater moment, yet fearing that silence may be a cause of anger to my most gracious patron, I take freedom to remind your Excellency of my humble necessities, and of the needs of my art, now condemned to inactivity.... Two years have passed since I have received my salary....
'Some persons in your Grace's service can afford to wait, since they have other revenue, but I with my art, which, however, I would gladly abandon for one more lucrative....
'My life is at your Excellency's service; and I shall always be prompt in obedience.
'I speak not of the monument, for I know that the times....
'It irks me that owing to the necessity of earning my livelihood I must break off my work, and occupy myself with trivialities.
'I have had to provide for six persons during fifty-six months, with only fifty ducats....
'I know not to what I must dedicate my activity....
'Am I to study glory, or only my daily bread ...?'