it a Chalice with the Host, which is the true and evangelic
Sacrifice; about which were seen some figures kneeling, and over it a
Holy Spirit in the midst of many little Angels, who were holding in
their hands a scroll in which was written, IN SPIRITU ET VERITATE; so
that it appeared that they were repeating those words in song, Spiritus
meaning all that concerns the sacrifice natural and corporeal, and
Veritas all that appertains to the legal; which was all by way of image
and figure. Beneath the whole scene was a most beautiful inscription,
which, supported by two other Angels, rested on the cornice of the
central arch, saying:

VERAE RELIGIONI, QUAE VIRTUTUM OMNIUM FUNDAMENTUM, PUBLICARUM RERUM
FIRMAMENTUM, PRIVATARUM ORNAMENTUM, ET HUMANAE TOTIUS VITAE LUMEN
CONTINET, ETRURIA SEMPER DUX ET MAGISTRA ILLIUS HABITA, ET EADEM
NUNC ANTIQUA ET SUA PROPRIA LAUDE MAXIME FLORENS, LIBENTISSIME
CONSECRAVIT.

But coming to the lower part, and returning to the niche which came on
the right hand, between the two columns and beneath the armed Religion,
and which, although in painting, by reason of the chiaroscuro appeared
as if in relief; there, I say, was seen the statue of our present most
pious Duke in the habit of a Knight of S. Stephen, with the cross in his
hand, and with the following inscription, which had the appearance of
real carving, over his head and above the niche, saying:

COSMUS MEDIC. FLOREN. ET SENAR. DUX II, SACRAM D. STEPHANI
MILITIAM CHRISTIANAE PIETATIS ET BELLICAE VIRTUTIS DOMICILIUM
FUNDAVIT, ANNO MDLXI.

Even as on the base of the same niche, between the two pedestals of the
columns, which were fashioned in the Corinthian proportions, there was
seen painted the Taking of Damiata, achieved by the prowess of the
valiant knights of Florence; as it were auguring for those his new
knights similar glory and valour. And in the lunette or semi-circle
which came above the two columns, there was seen his private and
particular escutcheon of balls, which, by the red cross that was added
to it with beautiful grace, made it clearly manifest that it was that of
the Grand Master and Chief of the Order.

Now, for the public and universal satisfaction, and in order to revive
the memory of those who, born in that city or that province, became
illustrious for integrity of character and for sanctity of life, and
founders of some revered Order, and also to kindle the minds of all