Excellent Lord: -Knowing your Excellency's love for painting and your passion for protecting it as shown in the patronage of Ginlio Eomano; -being further desirous of pleasing your Excellency, -I have taken the opportunity of Messer Pietro Aretino's arrival [in Venice] to paint his likeness, and as he comes - a second St. Paul -to preach the virtues of your Excellency, and I likewise know that you are fond of so faithful a servant because of his many virtues, I make you herewith a present of his portrait. But I also bear in remembrance the Signor Girolamo Adorno who adored the Marquis of Mantua, and as he was a qualified gentleman, I send your Excellency a present of him also. These may not be gifts worthy of so great a person as your Excellency.... Most devoted servant, Titiano Vecellio.