-this and the Holy Evangel and the 'Inferno' fashioned his
thoughts. He lived not long after that, for we were still in Rome when
they made for him that great funeral in Santa Croce of Florence, the
rumor of which is dear to artist hearts. He was great and lonely, and he
knew no joy; there hath been none like him."

"And the Tintoretto, at Santa Maria dell' Orto?"

"He, too, is a _furioso_, wonderful in form--and the Michelangelo had
not the coloring of our Jacopo. But the terror of the Tintoretto is very
terrible and very human. The Michelangelo fills a great gloom with
phantasms--they question--and one cannot escape."

"It hath been a morning of delights," Girolamo said with grave courtesy
when the talk had come to an end. "I thank the master for this honor."

"Nay," answered the knightly Veronese; "it is I who have received. And
more, yet more would I ask. I know not if in this chamber of treasures I
may leave the trifle which I came to bring for the bambino?" he added
with hesitation, as he placed upon the table his little inlaid box of
baubles and his bunch of spicy flowers. "Yet it was a promise."

And while Girolamo listened in astonishment he told abruptly the story
of his meeting with Marina and the little one, unconsciously weaving his
thoughts into such a picture as he talked, that Girolamo recognized the
inspiration and was already won to plead his cause.

"This," continued the artist, unfolding a letter, "is the order which
hath been sent me by Fra Paolo Sarpi, of the convent of the Servi, a man
most wise and of high repute in Venice. 'The face,' this learned friar
sayeth, 'must be full of consolation and one to awaken holy thoughts.
And I, being not an artist' (which, because he is greater than so many
of his craft, he hath the grace to acknowledge!), 'have no other word to
say, save that it shall be noble and most spiritual, as befitteth our
religion.' And such a face till now, Messer Girolamo Magagnati--so
beautiful and holy--I have not found. But now it is a vision sent to me
from heaven, quite other than any picture I have ever dreamed, and I
will paint no other for this Madonna of the Servi. I also, like the
Angelo, would give my holiest work for the good of my soul; for the days
of man are numbered, though his blood be warm in his veins like wine! It
would be a pious act for the maiden; and if she will most graciously
consent, the picture shall be an offering for the altar of the chapel of
Conso