nt in
these professions, as, by order of the Magnificent Lorenzo, Giotto,
already so long dead, received a statue in the principal church, and
Fra Filippo a most beautiful tomb of marble at his expense, while many
others obtained the greatest benefits and honours on various
occasions; moved, I say, by all these reasons, I have taken it upon
myself to recommend to your most illustrious Excellency the petition
of this Academy, that they may be able to do honour to the genius of
Michelagnolo, the particular nursling and pupil of the school of the
Magnificent Lorenzo, which will be an extraordinary pleasure to them,
a vast satisfaction to men in general, no small incitement to the
professors of these arts, and to all Italy a proof of the lofty mind
and overflowing goodness of your most illustrious Excellency, whom may
God long preserve in happiness for the benefit of your people and the
support of every talent."

To which letter the above-named Lord Duke answered thus:

"REVEREND AND WELL-BELOVED FRIEND,

"The zeal that this Academy has displayed, and continues to display,
to honour the memory of Michelagnolo Buonarroti, who has passed from
this to a better life, has given us much consolation for the loss of a
man so extraordinary; and we wish not only to satisfy them in all
that they have demanded in their memorial, but also to have his
remains brought to Florence, which, according as we are informed, was
his own desire. All this we are writing to the aforesaid Academy, to
encourage them to celebrate by every possible means the genius of that
great man. May God content you in your desire."

Of the letter, or rather, memorial, of which mention has been made
above, addressed by the Academy to the Lord Duke, the tenor was as
follows:

"MOST ILLUSTRIOUS, ETC.

"The Academy and the Men of the Company of Design, created by the
grace and favour of your most illustrious Excellency, knowing with
what solicitude and affection you caused the body of Michelagnolo
Buonarroti to be brought to Florence by means of your representative
in Rome, have assembled together and have unanimously determined that
they shall celebrate his obsequies in the best manner in their power
and knowledge. Wherefore they, knowing that your most illustrious
Excellency was revered by him as much as you yourself loved him,
beseech you that you should deign in your infinite goodness and
liberality to grant to them, first, that they may be allowed to
cele