hich salt is distributed to the people, there was
dedicated well and fittingly to that same Civil Virtue or Prudence an
arch marvellous and grand beyond all the others, similar and conforming
in every part, although more lofty and more magnificent, to that of
Religion already described, which was placed on the Canto alla Paglia.
In that arch, above four vast Corinthian columns, in the midst of which
space was left for the procession to pass, and above the usual
architrave, cornice, and frieze of projections--as was said of the
other--divided into three compartments, and upon a second great cornice
that crowned the whole work, there was seen in grave and heroic majesty,
seated in the semblance of a Queen with a sceptre in the right hand and
resting the left on a great globe, an immense woman adorned with a
royal crown, who could be recognized with ease as being that Civil
Virtue. There remained below, between one column and another, as much
space as accommodated without difficulty a deep and spacious niche, in
each of which was demonstrated very aptly of what other virtues that
Civil Virtue is composed; and, rightly giving the first place to the
military virtues, there was seen in the niche on the right hand, with
heroic and most beautiful composition, the statue of Fortitude, the
first principle of all magnanimous and generous actions, even as on the
left hand in like manner was seen placed that of Constancy, who best
guides and executes them. And since between the frontispieces of the two
niches and the cornice that went right round there was left some space,
to the end that the whole might be adorned, there were counterfeited
there two rounds in the colour of bronze, in one of which was depicted
with a fine fleet of galleys and other ships the diligence and
solicitude of our most shrewd Duke in maritime affairs, and in the
other, as is often found in ancient medals, was seen the same Duke going
around on horseback to visit his fortunate States and to provide for
their wants. Next, over the crowning cornice, where, as has been told,
the masterly statue of Civil Prudence was seated, continuing to show of
what parts she is composed, and exactly in a line with the Fortitude
already described, and separated from her by some magnificent vases, was
seen Vigilance, so necessary in every human action; even as above
Constancy was seen in like manner Patience, and I do not speak of that
patience to which meek minds, tolerating inj