Michael Angelo accepted the apology and went away to
Florence. So that it seems as if Julius cared more than for anything else
to keep this man for himself; nor was he contented with his services
during his life only, but required them after his death; wherefore coming
to die he commanded that the Tomb which Michael Angelo had formerly begun
should be finished for him, giving this charge to the old Cardinal Santi
Quattro and the Cardinal Aginense, his nephew: they, however, had new
designs prepared, the first appearing to them too large. So Michael Angelo
again became involved in the Tragedy of the Tomb, which had no better
success than at first; on the contrary much worse, it brought him infinite
vexations, troubles, and labours; and, what is worse, by the malice of
certain men, shame, from which he was hardly able to clear himself for
many years. Michael Angelo then began all over again and set to work. He
brought many masters from Florence, and Bernardo Bini, who was trustee,
provided the money as he needed it. But it had not got on very far when he
was interrupted, much to his disgust, for it came into the head of the
Pope Leo, who had succeeded Julius, to ornament the facade of San Lorenzo,
in Florence, with sculpture and marble work. This was the church built by
the great Cosimo de' Medici; and, except for the facade mentioned above,
was all completely finished. This part, then, Pope Leo resolved to supply.
He thought of employing Michael Angelo, and sending for him he made him
prepare a design, and finally on that account wished him to go to Florence
and take upon himself all this charge.
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