The constant affection felt for these not very worthy relatives by Michelangelo is one of the finest traits in his character.  They were continually writing begging letters, grumbling and complaining.  He supplied them with funds, stinting himself in order to maintain them decently and to satisfy their wishes.  But the more he gave, the more they demanded; and on one or two occasions, as we shall see in the course of this biography, their rapacity and ingratitude roused his bitterest indignation.  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.  Michelangelo gave advice, and promised to send all the money he could bring together.  “Although, as I have told you, I am out of pocket myself, I will do my best to get money, in order that you may not have to borrow from the Monte, as Buonarroto says is possible.  Do not wonder if I have sometimes written irritable letters; for I often suffer great distress of mind and temper, owing to matters which must happen to one who is away from home....  In spite of all this, I will send you what you ask for, even should I have to sell myself into slavery.”  Buonarroto must have paid a second visit to Rome; for we possess a letter from Lodovico to Michelangelo, under date December 19, 1500, which throws important light upon the latter’s habits and designs.  The old man begins by saying how happy he is to observe the love which Michelangelo bears his brothers.  Then he speaks about the cloth-business which Michelangelo intends to purchase for them.  Afterwards, he proceeds as follows:  “Buonarroto tells me that you live at Rome with great economy, or rather penuriousness.  Now economy is good, but penuriousness is evil, seeing that it is a vice displeasing to God and men, and moreover injurious both to soul and body.  So long as you are young, you will be able for a time to endure these hardships; but when the vigour of youth fails, then diseases and infirmities make their appearance; for these are caused by personal discomforts, mean living, and penurious habits.  As I said, economy is good; but, above all things, shun stinginess.