Then the Most Reverend Cardinal of Mantua, who was
present, seeing the Moses, of which we have already written, and of which
we will write more copiously by-and-bye, said: "_This statue alone is
enough to do honour to the Tomb of Pope Julius._" When Pope Paul had seen
everything he again asked Michael Angelo, in the presence of the
Cardinals, including the before-mentioned Most Reverend and Illustrious of
Mantua, to come and work for him, but finding Michael Angelo obdurate, he
said: "_I will arrange that the Duke of Urbino shall be satisfied with
these statues by your hand, and that the three remaining ones shall be
given to others to do._" He obtained a new contract from the agents,
confirmed by his Excellency the Duke, who did not wish to displease the
Pope. Although Michael Angelo might have avoided paying for these three
statues, this contract freeing him from the obligation, nevertheless he
wished to bear the expense himself, and he deposited for these and the
remaining works of the Tomb one thousand five hundred and eighty ducats.
Thus the agents of the Duke allowed it, and the Tragedy of the Tomb and
the Tomb itself had an end at last. To-day it may be seen in the Church of
San Pietro ad Vincula, not according to the first design with four sides,
but with one side, and that one of the lesser, not detached all round and
isolated, but built up against a wall on account of the hindrances
mentioned above. It is yet true that, although it is botched and patched
up, it is the most worthy monument to be found in Rome, or, perhaps,
anywhere else; if for nothing else, at least, for the three statues that
are by the hand of the master: among them that most marvellous Moses,
leader and captain of the Hebrews, who is seated in an attitude of thought
and wisdom, holding under his right arm the tables of the law, and
supporting his chin with his left hand, like one tired and full of cares.
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