Discover the different practices and forms of Machiavellian otium across a selection of letters taken from Niccolò Machiavelli’s correspondence between 1512 and 1527.
This letter is a response to M.’s previous letters, in which he had asked for Francesco Guicciardini’s advice on how to negotiate with the friars of Carpi and requested, in a playful way, the dispatch of further couriers from the Governor in order to increase the ex-secretary’s reputation at Carpi.
Nerli writes about the circulation of M.’s latest writings, which he had not been able to read at that time. In particular, he requests a copy of M.’s De re militari, i. e. the Libro dell’arte della Guerra (Art of War), which Giulio de’ Medici has shown some interest in. Moreover, he passes on an additional request from Lucrezia Salviati for a comment on a contemporary text about the life of Alexander the Great.
The letter briefly informs F. Vettori of M.’s release from prison and then stages the first of M.’s numerous and persistent requests for help to return to public service under the rule of the Medici. M. thus expresses his wish to resume his political activity as soon as possible. This subject will inform most of the correspondence between M. and F. Vettori.
M.’s description of the collapse of the Soderini government and the return of the Medici after the atrocities committed by the Spanish army during the sack of Prato.
The letter indulges in the description of leisure in moments of unoccupied time when M. distracts himself by writing letters or poems.
