Letter XI. To St. Charles Borromeo, Milan

He speaks of an affair concerning Signar Mezzabarba,

Most illustrious and reverend Monsignore, my MOST HONOURED LoRD, — Signor Cesare Mezzabarba, although a gentleman living in the fear of God, has not yet reached such perfection, that anything may be simply ordered him. Having, therefore, friends and relatives who can advise him and for whom he is to have consideration and respect in all his actions, and being careful of this . . . neither Signor Fabrizio his brother, knowing very well what has to be done under the circumstances, and . . . not an opportunity will be missed to help him continually, and perhaps time will bring to a head things that now appear hard and immature, this gentleman relying on the word of the father-in-law given to Cardinal Alciati of blessed memory, started from Rome to go to Milan and ask for the wife promised him, without obtaining her, as the Captain Giovan Paolo who accompanied him, can bear witness. So affairs are often upset, that might have been concluded, had the man been ready to follow and seize the opportunity. Signor Cesare recommends himself to your prayers, being edified by your charity, and I ask for your holy blessing. May God grant you the spirit and virtue required by the heavy burden of your pastoral cares. — Of your most illustrious and reverend lordship the devoted servant, Philip Neri

Rome, March 4, 1581.

Francesco Alciati, b. 1 5 12, a friend of St Charles, cr. Cardinal bj Pius IV. 1565, d. 1580.