se I have received
benefits from his Holiness, and hoped for even more. God's will be done.
We must have patience. His death was beautiful, fully conscious to the
last word. God have mercy on his soul." His successor, Julius III., was
also friendly to Michael Angelo, who spoke of him in a letter to his old
friend, Giovan Francesco Fattucci, at Florence.(164)

"_To_ MESSER GIOVAN FRANCESCO FATTUCCI, _priest of Santa Maria del
Fiore, My most dear friend at Florence._

"MESSER GIOVAN FRANCESCO,--Dear friend, although for many months we
have not written to each other, yet I have not forgotten our long
and faithful friendship, and wish you well, as I have always done,
and love you with all my heart and more, for the endless
kindnesses I have received. As regards old age, which is upon us
both alike, I should much like to know how yours treats you, for
mine does not content me greatly, so I beg you will write
something to me. You know how that we have a new Pope, and who he
is. All Rome rejoices, thanks be to God, and expects nothing but
the greatest benefit to all, especially to the poor, on account of
his liberality...."

Efforts were made to dislodge Michael Angelo from his post of architect to
St. Peter's. A memorial of grievances(165) was drawn up by the
Superintendent and set before the Pope, stating that Michael Angelo was
"carrying on with a high hand, and letting them know nothing of the work,
so that they do not like his ways, especially in what he keeps pulling
down. The demolition has been, and to-day is, so great that all who
witness it are moved to pity." Michael Angelo evidently satisfied the
Pope, for he was confirmed in his office with even greater powers than
before.

Another plot ripened in 1557, and is excellently described by Vasari:--

"It was some little while before the beginning of 1551, when
Vasari, on his return from Florence to Rome, found the sect of
Sangallo plotting against Michael Angelo. They induced the Pope to
hold a meeting in Saint Peter's, where all the overseers and
workmen connected with the building should attend, and his
Holiness should be persuaded by false insinuations that Michael
Angelo had spoiled the fabric. He had already walled in the apse
of the King where the three chapels are, and carried out the three
upper windows. But it was not known what he meant to do with the
v