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Rh better to do good than to be seen doing it." 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. &hellip;"

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."