grow, Piero had his father as his master in
letters, but of himself, without any master, giving his attention to
drawing and to making various little puppets in clay, he showed that
the divine inclination of his nature recognized by the astrologer and
the chiromancer was already awakening and beginning to work in him. By
reason of which Bartolommeo judged that his prayer had been heard by
God; and, believing that his brother had been restored to him in his
son, he began to think of removing Piero from Vinci and taking him to
Florence. Having then done this without delay, he placed Piero, who
was now twelve years of age, with Bandinelli in Florence, flattering
himself that Baccio, having been once the friend of Leonardo, would
take notice of the boy and teach him with diligence; besides which, it
seemed to him that Piero delighted more in sculpture than in painting.
But afterwards, coming very often to Florence, he recognized that
Bandinelli was not answering with deeds to his expectations, and was
not taking pains with the boy or showing interest in him, although he
saw him to be willing to learn. For which reason Bartolommeo took him
away from Bandinelli, and entrusted him to Tribolo, who appeared to
him to make more effort to help those who were seeking to learn,
besides giving more attention to the studies of art and bearing even
greater affection to the memory of Leonardo.

Tribolo was executing some fountains at Castello, the villa of his
Excellency; and thereupon Piero, beginning once more his customary
drawing, through having there the competition of the other young men
whom Tribolo kept about him, set himself with great ardour of spirit
to study day and night, being spurred by his nature, which was
desirous of excellence and honour, and being even more kindled by the
example of the others like himself whom he saw constantly around him.
Wherefore in a few months he made such progress, that it was a marvel
to everyone; and, having begun to gain some experience with the
chisels, he sought to see whether his hand and his tools would obey in
practice the thoughts within him and the designs formed in his brain.
Tribolo, perceiving his readiness, and having had a water-basin of
stone made at that very time for Cristofano Rinieri, gave to Piero a
small piece of marble, from which he was to make for that water-basin
a boy that should spurt forth water from the private part. Piero,
taking the marble with great gladness,