rnate, nevertheless, since the new
Lady was to halt there, met by all the clergy, as she did, it was
thought well to embellish it with all possible pomp and show of
religion, and with lights, festoons, shields, and a vast and very well
distributed quantity of banners. At the principal door, in particular,
there was made in the Ionic Order of composition a marvellous and most
graceful ornament, in which, in addition to the rest, which was in truth
excellently well conceived, rich and rare beyond all else appeared ten
little stories of the actions of the glorious Mother of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, executed in low-relief, which, since they were judged by all who
saw them to be of admirable artistry, it is hoped that some day they may
be seen in bronze in competition with the marvellous and stupendous
gates of the Temple of S. Giovanni, and even, as in a more favoured age,
more pleasing and more beautiful; but at that time, although of clay,
they were seen all overlaid with gold, and were let in a graceful
pattern of compartments into the wooden door, which likewise had the
appearance of gold. Above which, besides an immense escutcheon of the
Medici with the Papal Keys and Crown, supported by Operation and Grace,
were seen painted in a very beautiful canvas all the tutelary Saints of
the city, who, turned towards a Madonna and the Child that she was
holding in her arms, appeared to be praying to her for the welfare and
felicity of Florence; even as over all, as the principal device, and
with most lovely invention, was seen a little ship which, with the aid
of a favourable wind, appeared to be speeding with full sail towards a
most tranquil port, signifying that Christian actions are in need of
the divine grace, but that it is also necessary on our part to add to
them, as not being passive, good disposition and activity. Which was
likewise made clearly manifest by the motto, which said, [Greek: Syn
Theo]; and even more by the very short inscription that was seen
beneath, saying:

CONFIRMA HOC DEUS QUOD OPERATUS ES IN NOBIS.

OF THE HORSE.

On the Piazza di S. Pulinari, not in connection with the tribunal that
was near there, but to the end that the great space between the Duomo
and the next arch might not remain empty, although the street is very
beautiful, there was made with marvellous artistry and subtle invention
the figure of an immense, very excellent, very fiery and well-executed
horse, more than nine braccia