Meanwhile, if I have anything that you would like, I offer it with all my heart.
In conclusion, do not break your resolve of never revisiting Rome on account of the picture I am painting, for this would be too much." Aretino's real object was to wheedle some priceless sketch or drawing out of the great master.

This appears from a second letter written by him on the 20th of January 1538.

"Does not my devotion deserve that I should receive from you, the prince of sculpture and of painting, one of those cartoons which you fling into the fire, to the end that during life I may enjoy it, and in death carry it with me to the tomb ?" After all, we must give Aretino credit for genuine feelings of admiration toward illustrious artists like Titian, Sansovino, and Michelangelo.

Writing many years after the date of these letters, when he has seen an engraving of the Last Judgment, he uses terms, extravagant indeed, but apparently sincere, about its grandeur of design.

Then he repeats his request for a drawing.