Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 5.djvu/278

266 and where, by the force of art, the vaulting, which in fact does here spring forward, is compelled, by the bending attitude of that figure, to assume the appearance of being driven backwards and standing upright? such is the knowledge of design here displayed. Oh, truly fortunate age, and thrice happy artists! Well may I call you so, since in your day you have been permitted to dispel the darkness of your eyes by the light of so illustrious a luminary, and behold all that was difficult rendered clear to you by so wonderful and admirable a master! The renown of his labours renders you also known, and increases your honour, the rather, as his hand has removed that bandage which you had before the eyes of your minds, previously full of darkness, and has delivered the truth from that falsehood which was over-shadowing your intellect. Be thankful to Heaven therefore, and strive to imitate Michelagnolo in all things.

When this work was completed, all the world hastened from every part to behold it, and having done so, they remained astonished and speechless. The Pope rewarded Michelagnolo with rich gifts, and was encouraged by the success of this undertaking to project still greater works; wherefore, the artist would sometimes remark, in respect to the extraordinary favours conferred on him, that he saw well the Pope did esteem his abilities, and if he should now and then inflict some rudeness by a peculiar way of proving his amicable feeling towards him, yet he always cured the wound by gifts and distinguished favours. On one occasion, for example, when Michelagnolo requested leave from his Holiness to pass the festival of San Giovanni in Florence, and begged also to have some money for that purpose. Pope Julius said, “Well! but when will this chapel be finished T ‘‘ When I can. Holy Father,” replied our artist, and the Pope, who had a staff in his hand, struck Michelagnolo therewith, exclaiming, “When I can—when I can! Til make thee finish it, and quickly, as thou shalt see.” But the master had scarcely returned to his house to prepare for his journey to Florence, before the Pontiff sent Cursio, his