Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 5.djvu/573

Rh designs and models that I have made, I omit all mention thereof, as well as of the maskings which I have prepared; wherefore, having said enough and more than enough of myself, I will add nothing further, unless it be the remark that, however great and important have been the works which I have executed for Duke Cosimo, I have never been able to attain, much less surpass, the greatness and boldness of his genius: of this there is proof in the purpose he has conceived of erecting a third Sacristy beside San Lorenzo, very large, and similar in manner to that formerly constructed there by Michelagnolo, but all of different marbles, and mosaic. Here he proposes to have deposited the remains of his departed children, of his father and mother, of the illustrious Duchess Leonora his consort, and of himself; all in tombs worthy of his power and greatness. Of this I have already prepared him a model after his own taste, and as he has himself ordered me to make it; when completed, then, this will be a new Mausoleum of truly regal magnificence.

And now it shall suffice me to have spoken thus much of myself, who have thus arrived, amidst many labours, to the age of fifty-five; but I am prepared to live so long as it shall please God, to his honour and for the service of my friends; and, so far as in me lies, will be ever ready to promote and work for the progress of these most noble arts.