Freiburger historische Bestände - digital

— 116

On these grounds we feel the more inclined to recommend to your
Royal Excellency this illustrious family in all things which may profit
them and their relation Martin. Moreover we do not doubt that Your
Highness is aware how said D. Martin Behaim, the father, during many
years, rendered services to the Kingdom, both in Portugal and abroad,
and died there.

And as it is his wish to serve your Excellency, when an opportunity
shall offer, we most obediently pray your Majesty to deign to consider
our prayer and what we say of their illustrious lineage. He fully understands
how much our letter and his father's services may be of
advantage to him.

On our part we shall be permitted to merit your clemency by offering
our most willing services.

Nuremberg, May 12, 1520.1

1 This is the date given by Murr, Ghillany, and on a copy in the Archive of the
Behaim Family. L. Cordeiro's copy was dated Saturday (Sabbato) after the Invention
of the Cross, viz., May 5th.

XIII.

Albrecht Durer an Michael
Behaim.2

Lieber Herr Michael Behaim,
Ich schickt ench dafz wappen wieder
bit lafs alfo beleiben es wiirdt euchs
fo keiner verbefsern dann Ich habs
mit fleifs kiinstlich gemacht darumb
dies fehen und her ftend die werden
euch wol befchaid fagen, foil man
die leneble (?) aufd dem helm tiber
fich werffen fo verderben fie die
pinday.

.E. unterthan,

Albrecht Dubeb.

XIII.

Albrecht Duree to Michael
Behaim.2

Dear Mr. Michael Behaim,—I
return the coat of arms. Pray let
it be as it is, for no one would
improve it, as I have made it on
purpose artistically, as those who
see and understand it will no doubt
inform you. If the ... on the
helmet were thrown over it would
spoil the painting.

Yours obediently,
Albrecht Duber

4 See p. 55.