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better to do good than to be seen doing it."[1] By a trait of exquisite delicacy, he thought above all of poor young girls, for whom he secretly sought to provide small dowries, in order to enable them to marry or to enter a convent.
"Try to find out a needy citizen who has a daughter to marry or to put in a convent," he wrote to his nephew. "I refer to those who, being in need, are ashamed to beg. Give him the money I send you, but secretly; and act in such a manner that you will not let yourself be deceived. …"[2]
And elsewhere he says:
"Inform me if you are acquainted with yet another noble citizen who is in very great need, and especially if he has girls at home. It would please me to do him a kind turn, for the salvation of my soul."[3]
- ↑ Condivi.
- ↑ Letter to Leonardo (August 1547).
- ↑ The same (December 20, 1550).
Elsewhere he makes inquiries about one of the Cerretani, who had a daughter to put in a convent (March 29, 1549). His niece Cecca interceded with him on behalf of a poor girl who was entering a convent, and, quite happy, he sent her the sum for which she asked (to Leonardo, May 31, 1556).
"To marry a poor young girl," he says somewhere, "is also a way of giving alms."
not to give through friendship, but for the love of God. … Do not say whence the money comes" (March 29, 1549).
"You are not to mention me in any way" (September 1547).
"It would please me better if you expended the money you spend in presents for me in alms for the love of God, for I believe there is much poverty in our midst" (1558).
"Old as I am, I should like to do a little good in almsgiving. For I cannot and know not how to do good in any other way" (July 18, 1561).
