ook Girolamo to Rome, to the end that he might
serve him not only in the buildings, but also in the truly regal
ornaments of woodwork in that garden. In this he acquitted himself so
well, that everyone was struck with astonishment; and, indeed, I know
not what other man could have done better than he did in executing in
woodwork--which has since been covered with most beautiful
verdure--works so fine and so pleasingly designed in various forms and
in different kinds of temples, in which there may now be seen arranged
the richest and most beautiful ancient statues that there are in Rome,
some whole and some restored by Valerio Cioli, a Florentine sculptor,
and by others.

By these works Girolamo came into very great credit in Rome, and in the
year 1550 he was introduced by the above-named Cardinal, his lord, who
loved him dearly, into the service of Pope Julius III, who made him
architect over the works of the Belvedere, giving him rooms in that
place and a good salary. But, since that Pontiff could never be
satisfied in such matters, and, to make it worse, was hindered by
understanding very little of design, and would not have in the evening a
thing that had pleased him in the morning, and also because Girolamo had
to be always contending with certain old architects, to whom it seemed
strange to see a new man of little reputation preferred to themselves,
he resolved, having perceived their envy and possible malignity, and
also being rather cold by nature than otherwise, to retire. And so he
chose, as the better course, to return to the service of the Cardinal at
Monte Cavallo; for which action Girolamo was much commended, for it is
too wretched a life to have to be always contending all day long and on
every least detail with one person or another, and, as he used to say,
it is at times better to enjoy peace of mind on bread and water than to
sweat and strive amid grandeur and honours. Wherefore, after Girolamo
had executed for his lord the Cardinal a very beautiful picture, which,
when I saw it, pleased me very much, being now weary, he returned with
him to Ferrara, to enjoy the peace of his home with his wife and
children, leaving the hopes and rewards of fortune in the possession of
his adversaries, who received from that Pope the same as he had done,
neither more nor less.

While he was living thus at Ferrara, a part of the Castle was burned, I
know not by what mischance, and Duke Ercole gave the charge of restorin