Nevertheless, he did not swerve from the path of filial and brotherly kindness which his generous nature and steady will had traced.

He remained the guardian of their interests, the custodian of their honour, and the builder of their fortunes to the end of his long life.

The correspondence with his father and these brothers and a nephew, Lionardo, was published in full for the first time in 1875.

It enables us to comprehend the true nature of the man better than any biographical notice; and I mean to draw largely upon this source, so as gradually, by successive stipplings, as it were, to present a miniature portrait of one who was both admirable in private life and incomparable as an artist.
This correspondence opens in the year 1497.

From a letter addressed to Lodovico under the date August 19, we learn that Buonarroto had just arrived in Rome, and informed his brother of certain pecuniary difficulties under which the family was labouring.