zzo, where he was received
by Giorgio with more rejoicing than if he had been his own brother,
and recognized that he was so beloved by Vasari that he resolved that
he would spend the rest of his life with him.

They then went from Arezzo to Florence together, and Cristofano went
to kiss the hands of the Duke, who received him readily and was struck
with amazement, for the reason that, whereas he had thought to see
some great bravo, he saw the best little man in the world. Cristofano
was likewise made much of by Messer Sforza, who conceived a very great
affection for him; and he then set his hand to the above-mentioned
facade. In that work, Giorgio, because it was not yet possible to
work in the Palace, assisted him, at his own request, to execute some
designs for the scenes in the facade, also designing at times during
the progress of the work, on the plaster, some of the figures that are
there. But, although there are in it many things retouched by Vasari,
nevertheless the whole facade, with the greater part of the figures
and all the ornaments, festoons, and large ovals, is by the hand of
Cristofano, who in truth, as may be seen, was so able in handling
colours in fresco, that it may be said--and Vasari confesses it--that
he knew more about it than Giorgio himself. And if Cristofano, when he
was a lad, had exercised himself continuously in the studies of
art--for he never did a drawing save when he had afterwards to carry
it into execution--and had pursued the practice of art with spirit, he
would have had no equal, seeing that his facility, judgment and memory
enabled him to execute his works in such a way, without any further
study, that he used to surpass many who in fact knew more than he. Nor
could anyone believe with what facility and resolution he executed his
labours, for, when he set himself to work, no matter how long a time
it might take, he so delighted in it that he would never lift his eyes
off his painting; wherefore his friends might well expect the greatest
things from him. Besides this, he was so gracious in his conversation
and his jesting as he worked, that Vasari would at times stay working
in his company from morning till night, without ever growing weary.

Cristofano executed this facade in a few months, not to mention that
he sometimes stayed away some weeks without working there, going to
the Borgo to see and enjoy his home. Now I do not wish to grudge the
labour of describing the distributi