The Books on the Family

Leon Battista Alberti - The Books on the Family
Page 13

...even me. And I see well that you would wish all the others to have similar charity Original: carità. In this context, it refers to the theological virtue of love and disinterested concern for the welfare of others within the family unit. toward everyone in the house, and such diligence and care for all the good and honor of our family as you have always had. Then it seems to me you judge as one should regarding the faith and integrity of Ricciardo, who is your brother in blood and truly in every piety, humanity, and custom. No one is more gentle than he, no one more composed, and no one is as continent Original: continente. A reference to the Aristotelian virtue of self-control and moderation, highly prized in Renaissance civic humanism. as he.

But do not doubt that the rest of us, as much as might be possible for us, are each of this same mind: in whatever pertains to the utility Original: utile. For the Alberti family, "utility" was a moral imperative involving the practical management and preservation of the family's wealth and status. and honor of the least member of this house—let alone your sons, who are held most dear by us, not among the least—we would wish that every man should know us to be your good and most faithful kinsmen. And if friendship has more power than kinship, we would do the same as true and right friends. The things dear to you, the affairs of Lorenzo Adovardo refers to Lorenzo’s legacy and responsibilities., which each of us loves as much as himself, will be as dear and commended to us as you would wish, and as much as is possible for us.

And for any of us, if it were necessary, we would act willingly in every respect, and with much more prompt action because it would be a light and delightful thing for us to lead toward praise and honor these youths who already have from you an excellent beginning and example for acquiring fame and virtue. And we see that they are not inept in intellect or nature to make themselves worthy, from which also a portion of gratitude and contentment will result for whoever cares for them. But may God return you to us healthy and happy, Lorenzo. Do not be so led in spirit that you estimate this and every other similar excellent thing not to be as permissible to you as it has been until now. It seems to me I see you cheered, and I hope you yourself may be able to have care of your own and the others no less than you have always been used to having.

LORENZO: How? Rather, I would be to blame, Adovardo, if I did not hold you in high esteem, and you too, Lionardo, as I ought to do for dear kinsmen and true friends. Toward those who are joined to me by blood and whom I have always strived in life to join to myself with benevolence and love, in what way could I honorably believe my affairs would be little recommend— The text breaks here due to the page ending on a catchword: racoman-, likely continuing as racomandate (recommended/consigned to care).