me:--

"BUONARROTO,--I marvel you write to me so seldom. I am sure you
have much more time to write to me than I to write to you, so let
me hear often how things go. I understand by your last how, with
good reason, you wish me to return soon. It made me anxious for
several days; therefore, when you write to me, write strongly and
clearly what the matter is so that I may understand it--and enough.
Know that I desire to return soon even more than you desire it,
for I pass my life here in the greatest discomfort and with the
hardest labour, doing nothing but work day and night, and I have
endured so much fatigue and hardship that if I should have to go
through it again, I do not believe my life would hold out, for it
has been an enormous undertaking, and if it had been in any one
else's hands it would have come out very badly. But I believe the
prayers of some one have sustained me and kept me in health, for
all Bologna was of opinion that I should never finish it after it
was cast, and before also, when no one would believe that I should
ever cast it. Enough that I have brought it to a good end, but I
shall not quite have finished it by the end of this month, as I
hoped; but next month, at any rate, it will be done, and I will
return. So be all of good cheer, for I will do as I promised
whatever happens. Comfort Lodovico and Giovansimone for me and
write to me how Giovansimone does. Mind and learn to keep shop, so
that you will know how to do it when you need, which will be soon.

"The tenth day of November.

"MICHAEL ANGELO, in Bologna."(101)

He worked on until February, and wrote to the same:--

"BUONARROTO,--It is now a fortnight since I expected to be with
you, for I thought that directly my figure was finished they would
place it. And now these people are dawdling and doing nothing; and
I have orders from the Pope not to leave until it is placed, so
that it seems to me I shall be prevented. I shall stay and look
after it all this week too; if there are no further orders I will
come away at all costs, without observing the command. With this
will be a letter to go to the Cardinal of Pavia, in which I reply
to him about it all, so that he cannot complain. So put it in a
cover and direct it to Giuliano da San Gallo on my part, and
desi