This regard,
in my judgment, brings Michael Angelo more honour than all his employment
under the other Popes. It is, however, true, that in the paintings and
architecture that his Holiness is continually having done, he almost
always seeks Michael Angelo's advice and judgment, frequently sending the
artists to seek him at his house. It grieves me, and it grieves also his
Holiness, that by reason of a certain natural timidity, or let us say
respect and reverence, which some call pride, Michael Angelo does not
profit by the goodwill, kindness, and liberality of so great a Pontiff and
so much his friend. As I first heard from the most Reverend Monsignor di
Forli, his chamberlain, the Pope has often said that (if it were possible)
he would willingly take from his own years and his own blood to add to the
life of Michael Angelo, that the world might not so soon be deprived of
such a man. I also, having access to his Holiness, heard it from his lips
with my own ears, and more also, that if he survives him, as in the
natural course of life is probable, he will have Michael Angelo's body
embalmed and keep it near him, so that it should be as lasting as his
works. He said this at the beginning of his Pontificate to Michael Angelo
himself in the presence of many. I do not know what could be more
honourable to Michael Angelo than these words, or a greater proof of the
esteem in which the Pope holds him.
LIX. Again the Pope showed his esteem plainly when Pope Paul died and he
was created Pontiff, in a consistory, all the Cardinals then in Rome being
present.
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