Peter's. A memorial of grievances(165) was drawn up by the
Superintendent and set before the Pope, stating that Michael Angelo was
"carrying on with a high hand, and letting them know nothing of the work,
so that they do not like his ways, especially in what he keeps pulling
down. The demolition has been, and to-day is, so great that all who
witness it are moved to pity." Michael Angelo evidently satisfied the
Pope, for he was confirmed in his office with even greater powers than
before.
Another plot ripened in 1557, and is excellently described by Vasari:--
"It was some little while before the beginning of 1551, when
Vasari, on his return from Florence to Rome, found the sect of
Sangallo plotting against Michael Angelo. They induced the Pope to
hold a meeting in Saint Peter's, where all the overseers and
workmen connected with the building should attend, and his
Holiness should be persuaded by false insinuations that Michael
Angelo had spoiled the fabric. He had already walled in the apse
of the King where the three chapels are, and carried out the three
upper windows. But it was not known what he meant to do with the
vault. They then, misled by their shallow judgment, made Cardinal
Salviati, the elder, and Marcello Cervini, who was afterwards
Pope, believe that Saint Peter's would be badly lighted. When all
were assembled the Pope told Michael Angelo that the deputies were
of opinion the apse would have but little light.
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