you will naturally imagine,
to see the Tomb to the sainted memory of Pope Julius, my uncle,
brought to a good conclusion by you, and we know well that it
belongs to our duty to have good care of it, and see it ultimately
finished, being held to it as you so well know by that sainted
spirit: nevertheless, having heard by letters from our ambassador
at Rome the great desire of our Lord, we must comfort ourselves
with all patience whilst this said work is passed over by you. As
long as His Holiness holds you busy in finishing the picture in
the said chapel of Sisto; not being able or willing, but by our
duty and our natural inclination in this as in all things to
otherwise than comply with his wishes, we are contented to agree
with a good grace, on reflection and by the reverence we bear to
His Holiness. You may, therefore, fairly go on with the painting
until the work is finished; but with a firm hope and belief that
when it is done you will give yourself up entirely to finishing
the said Tomb, redoubling your diligence and care to make up for
the loss of time, as His Holiness has also promised you shall,
kindly offering himself to urge you to do it; and to this end we
have written you this letter. So long a time has passed since this
said Tomb was begun that we cannot persuade ourselves but that you
are equally desirous with us to see it finished; and esteeming you
an honourable man, as we certainly believe you are--you cannot be
otherwise with your singular virtue--we judge it superfluous to
give you any admonition except that you keep yourself in good
health, in order that you may honour those sainted bones that
living honoured you and the other gifted men of that age, by all
that we have so often heard. We beg you will make use of us if
there is any other matter in which we can do you pleasure, for we
shall do it with that good will which your most rare gifts
deserve. And keep well."

[Image #44]

THE JUDGE. FROM "THE DAY OF JUDGMENT"

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

Shortly before the fresco was finished, Vasari informs us that Michael
Angelo had a bad fall from the scaffolding, and injured his leg. He
returned home, shut himself up in his house, and would not all