hen the work is
finished. As soon as the said Michael Angelo begins to work on the said
figure, which he promises to place in the Minerva in whatever position the
before-mentioned shall approve; and at his own expense to make a niche
where the said figure is to be placed; and every other adornment that
should be needful, it is understood that the before-mentioned Messer
Bernardo and Messer Mario shall supply at their own expense. This figure
the said Michael Angelo promises to do by the end of the next four years,
more or less as appears to him good, engaging, however, that he will not
exceed four years."

[Image #32]

ONE OF THE ANCESTORS OF CHRIST, OVER THE WINDOW INSCRIBED "JESSE"

SISTINE CHAPEL, ROME
(_By permission of the Fratelli Alinari, Florence_)

Then follow their affirmations in due form. Metello Vari dei Porcari, a
Roman of an old family, appears to have been the real patron to whom
Michael Angelo was responsible. The first block of marble was found to be
faulty, so another one had to be carved. The work was not completed until
1521. It is now in the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva at Rome.

In 1515 Michael Angelo was still at work on the Tomb, but apprehensive of
interruption from Pope Leo.

_To_ BUONARROTO DI LODOVICO SIMONI, _in Florence_.

"BUONARROTO,--I have written the letter to Filipo Strozzi; see if
you like it and give it to him. If it is not well, I know he will
hold me excused, for it is not my profession; enough if it serves
its purpose. I wish you to go to the Spedalingo(120) of Santa
Maria Nuova, and tell him to pay to me here one thousand and four
hundred ducats of what he has of mine, because I must make a great
effort this summer to finish my work quickly, because I expect
soon to have to enter the Pope's service. And for this I have
bought perhaps twenty thousands of bronze for casting certain
figures. I must have money; so when you see this arrange with the
Spedalingo to have it paid over to me; and if you are able to
arrange with Pier Francesco Borgerini, who is there, that he
should have it paid to me by his people here, I should be glad,
for Pier Francesco is my friend and will serve me well; and do not
talk about it for I wish it to be paid to me here secretly; and
for what remains at Santa Maria Nuova, accept security from the