him, even as he had already done
in his other periods of exile, always sharing one and the same fortune
with him; and he retired with his family to Cesena. There he painted for
the high-altar of S. Agostino an altar-piece in oils, at the top of
which is an Annunciation, and below that a God the Father, and still
lower down a Madonna with the Child in her arms, between the four
Doctors of the Church--a work truly beautiful and worthy to be esteemed.
He then painted in fresco a chapel on the right hand in S. Francesco at
Forli, containing the Assumption of the Madonna, with many Angels and
other figures--Prophets, namely, and Apostles--around; in this, also, it
is evident how admirable was his genius, and the work was judged to be
very beautiful. He also painted there the story of the Holy Spirit,
which he finished in the year 1512, for Messer Francesco Lombardi, a
physician; and other works throughout Romagna, for all which he gained
honour and rewards.

The Duke having then returned to his state, Girolamo also returned,
and was retained by him and employed as architect in restoring an old
palace on the Monte dell'Imperiale, above Pesaro, and adding to it
another tower. That palace was adorned with scenes in painting from
the actions of the Duke, after the directions and designs of Girolamo,
by Francesco da Forli and Raffaello dal Borgo, painters of good
repute, and by Camillo Mantovano, a very rare master in painting
landscapes and verdure; and the young Florentine Bronzino also worked
there, among others, as has been related in the Life of Pontormo.
Thither, likewise, were summoned the Dossi of Ferrara, and a room was
assigned to them to paint; but since, when they had finished that
room, it did not please the Duke, he had it thrown down and repainted
by the masters mentioned above. Girolamo then erected the tower there,
one hundred and twenty feet in height, with thirteen flights of wooden
steps whereby to ascend to the top, so well fitted and concealed in
the walls, that they can be withdrawn with ease from story to story,
which renders that tower very strong and marvellous. A desire
afterwards came to the Duke to fortify Pesaro, and he caused Pier
Francesco da Viterbo, a most excellent architect, to be sent for; and
Girolamo always taking part in the discussions that arose about the
fortifications, his discourse and his opinions were held to be good
and full of judgment. Wherefore, if I may be allowed to say it, th