Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 4.djvu/428

420 his services in the many important conjunctures then arising, by reason of the war raging at that time through all Italy; Pope Clement, I say, attached Michele to his service by a very liberal stipend, and gave him as an associate to Antonio San Gallo, with intent that together these two should proceed to inspect all the most important positions of the Ecclesiastical States. They were jointly commanded, moreover, to direct the construction of fortifications wherever such should be found necessary, but more especially at Parma and Piacenza; those two cities being very distant from Rome, and lying near the frontier, were consequently much exposed to the perils of war.

The office thus committed to them was performed by the two masters with zealous care, and much to the satisfaction of the Pontiff; but after so many years of absence from his native place, San Michele conceived the wish to revisit the same, and once more to behold his kindred and friends. He returned to Verona accordingly, but when he had been there a few days, having a great desire to examine the fortresses of the Venetian territory, San Michele repaired to Treviso; and when he had sufficiently considered the works of that place, he next proceeded to Padua, with like intent. But the Signoria of Venice, being warned of his purpose, and suspecting that San Michele might turn these observations of their fortresses to their injury, gave command that he should be arrested, when he was seized accordingly in Padua, and being thrown into prison, was subjected to a long examination. The Signori became convinced, nevertheless, that he was a man of probity, and not only set him instantly at liberty, but even invited him to enter their service, with the promise of a handsome stipend. These offers he excused himself from accepting at that time, since he was then engaged in the service of his Holiness, but gave them the fairest promises, and was finally permitted to depart from their city.

No long time had elapsed, nevertheless, before the measures taken by the Signoria of Venice to secure San Michele to themselves, compelled him to abandon Rome, which he nevertheless would not do until he had received the full permission of the Pontiff, whose wishes he first fulfilled in every particular, and that done, he departed to enter the service of the above-