Prato had been taken by assault upon the 30th of August, and was now prostrate after those hideous days of torment, massacre, and outrage indescribable which followed.

In these circumstances Michelangelo advises his family to "escape into a place of safety, abandoning their household gear and property; for life is far more worth than money." If they are in need of cash, they may draw upon his credit with the Spedalingo of S.Maria Novella.

The constitutional liability to panic which must be recognised in Michelangelo emerges at the close of the letter.

"As to public events, do not meddle with them either by deed or word.

Act as though the plague were raging.