deeds of the Emperor. In
order to enhance this splendour, also, and to complete the pediment
above that arch on each side, there were two figures in relief, each
four braccia and a half in height, representing Rome, with two Emperors
of the House of Austria on either side, those on the front part being
Albrecht and Maximilian, and those on the other side Frederick and
Rudolph. And upon the corners, likewise, were four prisoners, two on
each side, with a great number of trophies, also in relief, and the arms
of His Holiness and of His Majesty; which were all executed under the
direction of Antonio by excellent sculptors and by the best painters
that there were in Rome at that time. And not only this arch was
executed under the direction of Antonio, but also all the preparations
for the festival that was held for the reception of so great and so
invincible an Emperor.

The same Antonio then set to work on the Fortress of Nepi for the
aforesaid Duke of Castro, and on the fortification of the whole city,
which is both beautiful and impregnable. He laid out many streets in the
same city, and made for its citizens the designs of many houses and
palaces. His Holiness then causing the bastions of Rome to be
constructed, which are very strong, and the Porta di S. Spirito being
included among those works, the latter was built with the direction and
design of Antonio, with rustic decorations of travertine, in a very
solid and beautiful manner, and so magnificent, that it equals the works
of the ancients. After the death of Antonio, there were some who sought,
moved more by envy than by any reasonable motive, and employing
extraordinary means, to have this structure pulled down; but this was
not allowed by those in power.

Under the direction of the same architect was refounded almost the whole
of the Apostolic Palace, which was in danger of ruin in many other parts
besides those that have been mentioned; in particular, on one side, the
Sistine Chapel, in which are the works of Michelagnolo, and likewise the
facade, which he did in such a way that not the slightest crack
appeared--a work richer in danger than in honour. He enlarged the Great
Hall of that same Sistine Chapel, making in two lunettes at the head of
it those immense windows with their marvellous lights, and with
compartments pushed up into the vaulting and wrought in stucco; all
executed at great cost, and so well, that this hall may be considered
the richest and the