The feeling emerges frequently in his letters between 1540 and 1550.

I will give a specimen: "As to the purchase of a house, I repeat that you ought to buy one of honourable condition, at 1500 or 2000 crowns; and it ought to be in our quarter (Santa Croce), if possible.

I say this, because an honourable mansion in the city does a family great credit.

It makes more impression than farms in the country; and we are truly burghers, who claim a very noble ancestry.

I always strove my utmost to resuscitate our house, but I had not brothers able to assist me.