perhaps not less
lovely, in so far as the narrowness of the street permitted, a similar
spectacle arranged in due proportion. For on that side, which we will
call the back, there was formed, as it were, another structure similar
to that already described, save that on account of the narrowness of the
street, whereas the first was seen composed of four arches, the other
was of three only; one of which being joined with friezes and cornices
to that upon which, as has been told, was placed the statue of the
second Maximilian, now Emperor, and thus making it double, and another
likewise attached to the above-described prospect-scene which concealed
the tower, brought it about that the third, leaving also behind it a
little quadrangular piazza, remained as the last for one coming with the
procession, and appeared as the first for one approaching, on the
contrary, from the street of the Tornabuoni; and upon that last, which
was in the same form as those described, even as upon them were the
Emperors, so upon it were seen towering, but standing on their feet, the
two Kings Philip, one the father and the other the son of the great
Charles V, the first Philip, namely, and also the second, so filled with
liberality and justice, whom at the present day we honour as the great
and puissant King of so many most noble realms. Between him and the
statue of his grandfather there was seen painted in the circumambient
frieze that same Philip II seated in majesty, and standing before him a
tall woman in armour, recognized by the white cross that she had on the
breast as being Malta, delivered by him through the valour of the most
illustrious Lord Don Garzia di Toledo, who was portrayed there, from the
siege of the Turks; and she appeared to be seeking, as one grateful for
that great service, to offer to him the obsidional crown of dog's grass,
which was made manifest by the inscription written beneath, which said:

MELITA, EREPTA E FAUCIBUS IMMANISSIMORUM HOSTIUM STUDIO ET
AUXILIIS PIISSIMI REGIS PHILIPPI, CONSERVATOREM SUUM CORONA
GRAMINEA DONAT.

And to the end that the part turned towards the Strada della Vigna might
have likewise some adornment, it was thought a fitting thing to declare
the conception of the whole vast structure by a great inscription
between the final cornice, where the statues stood, and the arch, which
was a large space, saying:

IMPERIO LATE FULGENTES ASPICE REGES;
AUSTRIACA HOS OMNES EDID