This master's leave of absence was signed on
May 15, 1507. Just before the casting Michael Angelo wrote to Buonarroto:--
"_To_ BUONARROTO DI LODOVICO SIMONI, _in Florence, at the Shop of_
LORENZO STROZZI, _Wool Merchant, in Porta Rossa, Florence_.
"BUONARROTO,--I have received yours by the hand of Master Bernardo,
who has arrived; by it I hear all are well except Giovansimone,
who has not yet recovered. I am very sorry, and it grieves me not
to be able to help him. But soon I hope to be with you, and I will
do something that will please him, and you others, too. Therefore
comfort him and tell him to be of good cheer. Tell Lodovico also
that about the middle of next month I hope to cast my figure
without fail; therefore, if he will offer prayers, or anything
else for its good success, let him do so betimes, and say I beg
this of him. I have no time to write more. Things go well.
"The twenty-sixth day of May (1507).
"MICHAEL ANGELO, in Bologna."(95)
At last, on July 1, it is done, but done badly; and he writes:--
To the same.
"BUONARROTO,--We have cast my figure, and it has come out so badly
that I truly believe I shall have to do it all again. I cannot
write all the particulars, because I have other things to think
of. Enough that it has come badly. Thanks be to God all the same,
because I believe everything is for the best.
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