entered the chapel, not considering who it might be, and drove him
forth in a fury. It is enough for us to know that in the one way or
the other he fell out with the Pope and then became afraid, so that he
had to fly from his presence.

Now, having arrived in Bologna, he had scarcely drawn off his
riding-boots when he was conducted by the Pope's servants to his
Holiness, who was in the Palazzo de' Sedici; and he was accompanied by
a Bishop sent by Cardinal Soderini, because the Cardinal, being ill,
was not able to go himself. Having come into the presence of the Pope,
Michelagnolo knelt down, but his Holiness looked askance at him, as if
in anger, and said to him, "Instead of coming yourself to meet us, you
have waited for us to come to meet you!" meaning to infer that Bologna
is nearer to Florence than Rome. Michelagnolo, with a courtly gesture
of the hands, but in a firm voice, humbly begged for pardon, saying in
excuse that he had acted as he had done in anger, not being able to
endure to be driven away so abruptly, but that, if he had erred, his
Holiness should once more forgive him. The Bishop who had presented
Michelagnolo to his Holiness, making excuse for him, said to the Pope
that such men were ignorant creatures, that they were worth nothing
save in their own art, and that he should freely pardon him. The Pope,
seized with anger, belaboured the Bishop with a staff that he had in
his hand, saying to him, "It is you that are ignorant, who level
insults at him that we ourselves do not think of uttering;" and then
the Bishop was driven out by the groom with fisticuffs. When he had
gone, the Pope, having discharged his anger upon him, gave
Michelagnolo his benediction; and the master was detained in Bologna
with gifts and promises, until finally his Holiness commanded him that
he should make a statue of bronze in the likeness of Pope Julius, five
braccia in height. In this work he showed most beautiful art in the
attitude, which had an effect of much majesty and grandeur, and
displayed richness and magnificence in the draperies, and in the
countenance, spirit, force, resolution, and stern dignity; and it was
placed in a niche over the door of S. Petronio. It is said that while
Michelagnolo was working at it, he received a visit from Francia, a
most excellent goldsmith and painter, who wished to see it, having
heard so much praise and fame of him and of his works, and not having
seen any of them, so that agents had