CHAPTER IX
1504-1505
Castiglione's correspondence with his mother—His private affairs—
Need of money—Prospects of his brother Jeronimo—Marriage
proposals—Visit to Ferrara — The Este Princes and their
court—Warlike designs of Pope Julius—Castiglione accom-
panies the Duke to Rome—Marriage of Francesco Maria and
Leonora Gonzaga—Felice della Rovere's wedding.
AwiD the manifold distractions of his new life, Baldas-
sare did not forget his home at Mantua. His letters
to his mother show the same deep interest and affec-
tionate solicitude for every member of the family
which he had left behind. He begs to be informed
of the smallest events at home, and repeatedly pro-
fesses his anxiety to gratify his young brother Jero-
nimo's wishes and to be guided by Madonna Luigia
in every particular of business. He sends kind mes-
sages to his married sisters and their families, does
not forget to inquire after the health of his brother-in-
law, Messer Jacopo Boschetto, and never fails to send
his love and greetings to each one of them, and ' most
of all to Suor Laura,' the sister Anna for whom he
cherished so deep and enduring an affection. Com-
munications between Mantua and Urbino were fre-
quent, owing to the close relationship of the Gonzagas
and Montefeltros, and the intimate friendship between
the Marchesana and the Duchess. Castiglione availed
himself of the messengers, who were constantly
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