l Angelo began to think of accepting the oft-repeated
invitations of the Duke of Tuscany, who had long pressed him to come and
reside again in Florence, and dignify his native city with his presence
during his remaining years; but Marcellus died after a reign of only a few
weeks, and Pius IV., the next Pope, persuaded Michael Angelo not to
forsake his work at Saint Peter's. In a letter to Vasari, intended for the
ears of the Duke, Michael Angelo states his mind.(166)

"_To_ MESSER GIORGIO, _Excellent Painter, in Florence._

"I was set to work upon Saint Peter's by force, and I have served
now about eight years, not only for nothing, but with the utmost
injury and discomfort to myself. Now that the work is getting
forward, and there is money to spend, and I am about to turn the
vault of the cupola, if I left Rome it would be the ruin of the
edifice, and for me a great disgrace throughout all Christendom,
and to my soul a grievous sin. Therefore, Messer Giorgio, my
friend, I pray you that on my part you will thank the Duke for his
most gracious offer, and that you will ask his Lordship to give me
leave to continue here until such time as I can depart with fame
and honour and without sin.

"The eleventh day of May, 1555.

"Your MICHAEL ANGELO BUONARROTI, in Rome."

Early in the year 1557 serious illness seized Michael Angelo, and his good
friends the Cardinal of Carpi, Donato Giannotti, Tomaso Cavalieri,
Francesco Bandini, and Lottino ultimately succeeded in persuading him to
make a model of his cupola, that the work might not be impeded or altered
in the event of his death. He mentions this in a letter to his nephew,
Lionardo.(167) "I prayed his Lordship that he would concede me so much
time that I could leave the works at St. Peter's at such a point that my
plans could not be changed. As yet this point has not been reached; and
more, I am now obliged to construct a large wooden model for the cupola
and lantern, to secure its being finished as it was meant to be. All Rome,
and especially the Cardinal of Carpi, prayed me to do this, so that I
believe that I shall have to remain here not less than a year; and so much
time I beg the Duke to allow me for the love of Christ and Saint Peter, so
that I may come home to Florence without such a grief, but with a mind
free from the necessity of returning to Rome." This model was constructed
by a