Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 4.djvu/210

202 coloured marble, and whence, by means of a tube, a copious jet of water is cast high into the air; the returning water being conveyed away by a second tube, both tubes ascending from the foot of the oak, and being covered in such a manner by the ivy that they cannot be perceived, From this fountain of the oak the water may be taken or restored at pleasure, by the turning of certain keys prepared for that purpose, but it would take us too far to describe the various ways in which this water of the oak may be cast about by means of copper instruments, which allow the streams to be thrown on whomsoever it may be desired to sprinkle therewith, while various sounds as of whistlings, &c. can also be produced with the same. Finally, all these waters, after having supplied so many fountains, and served so many purposes, ebing ultimately brought all together, proceed to the two small lakes before the palace, and at the commencement of the avenue, whence they are distributed to the various uses of the villa.

Nor will I omit to mention what had been the purpose of Tribolo with respect to the ornament of statues which were to be placed in the great garden of the labyrinth, there to occupy the niches which are regularly distributed around the same.

He proposed then, and in doing so had judiciously taken counsel with Messer Benedetto Yarchi, a most excellent poet, orator, and philosopher of our times, that at the upper and lower ends of the garden there should be placed the four Seasons of the year, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter; and that each should occupy that point where the effects of its force are the most felt. At the entrance, and on the right hand, commencing from the statue of Winter, six figures were to be placed along the wall which descends to the lower part of the garden; all to denote and set forth the greatness and excellence of the house of Medici; signifying moreover, that all the virtues are to be found assembled in the person of the Duke Cosimo. These were Justice, Mercy, Yalour, Generosity, Wisdom, and Liberality, which have ever dwelt in the house of Medici, and are now all to be found in the most excellent Signor Duke; seeing that he is of a truth most just and merciful, brave and generous, wise and liberal.

And because these qualities have made and do make Florence to be rich in the possession of laws, peace, arms.