of
the bankers, goldsmiths, and jewellers; and in the centre was to be
built a most beautiful temple dedicated to S. Matthew, in which the
people of quality might be able to hear the divine offices in the
morning. With regard to this temple, however, some persons declare that
Fra Giocondo changed his mind, and wished to build two under the loggie,
so as not to obstruct the piazza. And, in addition, this superb
structure was to have so many other conveniences, embellishments, and
adornments, all in their proper places, that whoever sees at the present
day the beautiful design that Fra Giocondo made for the whole, declares
that nothing more lovely, more magnificent, or planned with better
order, could be imagined or conceived by the most excellent of
craftsmen, be his genius never so happy.

It was proposed, also, with the advice of the same master, and as a
completion to this work, to build the Bridge of the Rialto of stone,
covered with shops, which would have been a marvellous thing. But this
enterprise was not carried into effect, for two reasons: first, because
the Republic, on account of the extraordinary expenses incurred in the
last war, happened to be drained dry of money; and, secondly, because a
gentleman of great position and much authority at that time (of the
family, so it is said, of Valereso), being a man of little judgment in
such matters, and perchance influenced by some private interest, chose
to favour one Maestro Zanfragnino,[3] who, so I am informed, is still
alive, and who had worked for him on buildings of his own. This
Zanfragnino--a fit and proper name for a master of his calibre--made the
design for that medley of marble which was afterwards carried into
execution, and which is still to be seen; and many who are still alive,
and remember the circumstances very well, are even yet not done with
lamenting that foolish choice.

Fra Giocondo, having seen that shapeless design preferred to his
beautiful one, and having perceived how much more virtue there often is
in favour than in merit with nobles and great persons, felt such disdain
that he departed from Venice, nor would he ever return, although he was
much entreated to do it. And the design, with others by the same monk,
remained in the house of the Bragadini, opposite to S. Marina, in the
possession of Frate Angelo, a member of that family and a friar of S.
Dominic, who, by reason of his many merits, afterwards became Bishop of
Vicenza.

Fr