lace on either side of it four half-columns set two on one side and two
on the other, which, coming to the same height, and furnished with the
same cornice and architrave, should form a quarter-round which the other
frontispiece, pointed but rectilinear, might embrace, with its
projections and with all its appurtenances set in the proper places. And
above this was formed a very beautiful base, where there was seen the
above-described statue of Security, set in position, as has been told,
with most beautiful grace. But to return to the four half-columns below;
for the sake of greater magnificence, beauty, and proportion, I say,
there had been left so much space at either side, between column and
column, that there was ample room for a large and beautiful picture
painted there in place of a niche. In one of these, that which was
placed nearest to the divine statue of the gentle David, were seen in
the forms of three women, who were shown full of joy advancing to meet
their desired Lady, Nature, with her towers on her head, as is
customary, and with her many breasts, signifying the happy multitude of
her inhabitants, and Concord with the Caduceus in her hand, even as in
the third was seen figured Minerva, the inventress and mistress of the
liberal arts and of civil and refined customs. In the other, which faced
towards the proud statue of Hercules, was seen Amaltheia, with the usual
horn of plenty, overflowing with fruits and flowers, in her arms, and at
her feet the corn-measure brimming and adorned with ears of corn,
signifying the abundance and fertility of the earth; there, also, was
Peace crowned with flowered and fruitful olive, with a branch of the
same in the hand, and finally there was seen, with an aspect grave and
venerable, Majesty or Reputation; demonstrating ingeniously with all
these things how in well-ordered cities, abundant in men, copious in
riches, adorned by arts, filled with sciences, and illustrious in
majesty and reputation, one lives happily and in peace, quietness, and
contentment. Then in line with the four half-columns already described,
above the cornice and frieze of each, was seen fixed in a manner no less
beautiful a socle with a pedestal in proportion, upon which rested some
statues; and since the two in the centre embraced also the width of the
two terminals described, upon each of these were placed two statues
embracing one another--Virtue, namely, who was shown holding Fortune in
a strait