uries, have given the name
of virtue, but of that which won so much honour for the ancient Fabius
Maximus, and which, awaiting opportune moments with prudence and mature
reflection, and void of all rash vehemence, executes every action with
reason and advantage. In the three pictures, then, into which, as was
said, the frieze was divided, and which were separated by medallions and
pilasters that sprang in a line with the columns and extended with
supreme beauty as far as the great cornice; in that in the centre, which
came above the portal of the arch and beneath the Sovereign Prudence,
was seen painted the generous Duke with prudent and loving counsel
handing over to the worthy Prince the whole government of his spacious
States, which was expressed by a sceptre upon a stork, which he was
shown offering to his son, and it was being accepted with great
reverence by the obedient Prince; with a motto that said: REGET PATRIIS
VIRTUTIBUS. Even as in that on the right hand was seen the same most
valiant Duke with courageous resolution sending forth his people, and
the first fort of Siena occupied by them--no slight cause, probably, of
their victory in that war. And in that on the left hand, in like manner,
was painted his joyful entry into that most noble city after the winning
of the victory. But behind the great statue of Sovereign Prudence--and
in this alone was that front part dissimilar to the Arch of
Religion--was seen raised on high a base beautifully twined with
cartouches and square, although at the foot, not without infinite grace,
it was something wider than at the top; upon which, reviving the ancient
use, was seen a most beautiful triumphal chariot drawn by four
marvellous coursers, not inferior, perchance, to any of the ancient in
beauty and grandeur. In that chariot was seen held suspended in the air
by two lovely little Angels the principal crown of the arch, composed of
civic oak, and, in the likeness of that of the first Augustus, attached
to two tails of Capricorns; with the same motto that was once used with
it by him, saying: OB CIVES SERVATOS. And in the spaces that remained
between the pictures, statues, columns, and niches, all was filled up
with richness and grace by an infinite wealth of Victories, Anchors,
Tortoises with the Sail, Diamonds, Capricorns, and other suchlike
devices of those magnanimous Lords.

Now, passing to the part at the back, facing towards the Piazza, which
we must describe as be