Harford, John Scandrett: The life of Michael Angelo Buonarroti: with translations of many of his poems and letters : also memoirs of Savonarola, Raphael,, and Vittoria Colonna (Vol. 1) (London: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, & Roberts, 1858)

302 LIFE OF MICHAEL ANGELO.

CHAPTER XIV.
DEATH OF JULIUS II., AND SUCCESSION OF LEO X. TO THE
POPEDOM. -HIS CHARACTER. -EMPLOYS MICHAEL ANGELO,
AS AN ARCHITECT, TO DESIGN A FACADE FOR THE CHURCH
OF SAN LORENZO, WHICH HE APPROVES, AND INTRUSTS ITS
EXECUTION TO HIM.-THIS COMMISSION PROVED ONE OF THE
GREAT MISFORTUNES OF HIS LIFE.-AFTER SEVEN YEARS OF
PREPARATION THE POPE ABANDONS THE SCHEME. — GRIEF
AND DISAPPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL ANGELO_FAILURE OF A
SCHEME, IN WHICH 'HE TOOK PECULIAR INTEREST, FOR ERECT-
ING A TOMB TO THE MEMORY OF DANTE. -BRILLIANT CAREER
OF RAPHAEL DURING THIS UNFORTUNATE PERIOD OF THE LIFE
OF BUONARROTI. -DEATH OF LEO X. -IS SUCCEEDED BY
ADRIAN VI.
1512-21.
During the two closing years of the life of Julius
nothing could be more friendly and pacific than his
relations with Michael Angelo. He had long ere
this learnt duly to appreciate his moral courage
and honesty of purpose, no less than his great and
various talents ; and he, oblivious of all past differ-
ences, honoured and loved the aged pope for his
frank and friendly qualities, and also as his early
patron and employer. In spite of all the trials and
vexations attendant on the abortive tomb, he had
reason indeed to feel grateful to the man whose