 Section 17 of Autobiography of Ben Venuto Salini, Part 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Autobiography of Ben Venuto Salini, Part 2, Section 17, Chapters 84-88. Chapter 84. The Duke was now aware that all my previous speeches had been, as it were, for a start of me. So he rejoined, If you have confidence in me, you need not stand in fear of anything whatever. I recommend, alas, my lord, what can prevent this coming to the ears of the Duchess? The Duke lifted his hand in sign of troth pledge and exclaimed, Be assured that what you say will be buried in a diamond casket. To this engagement upon honor, I replied by telling the truth according to my judgment, Namely, that the pearls were not worth above two thousand crowns. The Duchess, thinking we had stopped talking, For we now were speaking in as low a voice as possible, Came forward and began as follows, My lord, do me the favor to purchase this necklace, Because I have set my heart on them, And your Benvenuto here has said he never saw a finer row of pearls. The Duke replied, I do not choose to buy them. Why, my lord, will not your Excellency gratify me by buying them? Because I do not care to throw my money out of the window, The Duchess recommended. What do you mean by throwing your money away, When Benvenuto, in whom you play such well-merited confidence, Has told me that they would be cheap at over three thousand crowns? Then the Duke said, My lady, my Benvenuto here has told me that, If I purchase this necklace, I shall be throwing my money away, Inasmuch as the pearls are neither round nor well matched, And some of them are quite faded. To prove that this is so, look here, look there. Consider this one, and then that. The necklace is not the sort of thing for me. At these words, the Duchess cast a glance of bitter spite at me, And retired with a threatening nodder for head in my direction. I felt tempted to pack off at once and bid farewell to Italy. Yet my Perseus being all but finished, I did not like to leave without exposing it to public view. But I ask everyone to consider, In what a grievous plight I found myself. The Duke had given orders to his porters in my presence, That if I appeared at the palace, They should always admit me through his apartments, To the place where he might happen to be. The Duchess commanded the same men, Whenever I showed my face at that palace, To drive me from its gates. Accordingly, no sooner did I present myself, Than these fellows left their doors and bade me be gone. At the same time, They took good care lest the Duke should perceive what they were after, For if he caught sight of me before those wretches, He either called me or beckoned me to advance. At this juncture, the Duchess sent for Benadoni, The broker of whom she had so often complained to me, Abusing his good for nothingness and utter worthlessness. She now confided in him as she had previously done in me. He replied, My Princess, leave the matter in my hands. Then the rascal presented himself before the Duke, With that necklace in his hands. No sooner did the Duke set eyes on him, Than he bade him be gone. But the rogue lifted his big ugly voice, Which sounded like the braying of an ass Through his huge nose, And spoke to this effect, Ah, my dear Lord, For heaven's sake buy this necklace for the poor Duchess, Who is dying to have it, And cannot indeed live without it. The fellow poured forth so much of this stupid nonsensical stuff, That the Duke's patience was exhausted and he cried, Oh, get away with you, Or blow your chaps out till I smack them. The knave knew very well what he was after, For if by blowing out his cheeks, Or singing la bella franciscina, He could bring the Duke to make that purchase, Then he gained the good grace of the Duchess, And to boot his own commission, Which rose to some hundreds of crowns. Consequently he did blow out his chaps, The Duke smacked them with several hearty boxes, And in order to get rid of him, Struck rather harder than his want was. The sound blows upon his cheeks, Not only reddened them above their natural purple, But also brought tears into his eyes. All the same while smarting he began to cry, Oh, my Lord, A fateful servant of his prince, Who tries to act rightly, And is willing to put up with any sort of bad treatment, Provided only that poor lady have her heart's desire. The Duke tired of the rivaled fellow, Either to recompense the cuffs which he had dealt him, Or for the Duchess's sake, Whom he was ever most inclined to gratify, cried out, Get away with you, With God's curse on you, Go, make the bargain, I am willing to do what my lady Duchess wishes. From this incident, We may learn to know how evil fortune Exerts her rage against a poor, right-minded man, And how this trumpet luck can help a miserable rascal. I lost the good graces of the Duchess once and forever, And thereby went close to having the Duke's protection taken from me. He acquired that thumping fee for his commission, And to boot their favor. Thus it will not serve us in this world To be merely men of honesty and talent. CHAPTER 85 About this time, The War of Siena broke out, And the Duke, wishing to fortify Florence, Distributed the gates among his architects and sculptors. I received the Praetor Gate and the Little One of Arno, Which is on the way to the mills. The Cavaliere Bandinello got the Gate of San Friano, Pascalino D'Ancona, the Gate at San Pier Gattolini, Giuliani Bacchio D'Agnolo, the Woodcarver, Had the Gate of San Giorgio, Particino, the Woodcarver, had the Gate of Santo Nicolo, Francesco da Sangallo, the sculptor, called Irm al Gola, Got the Gate of Santo Crochet, And Giovanni Battista, sir named Il Tosso, the Gate Pinti. Other bastions and gates were assigned to diverse engineers, Whose names I do not recollect, nor indeed am I concerned with them. The Duke, who certainly was at all times a man of great ability, Went round the city himself upon a tour of inspection, And when he had made his mind up, He sent for Lantanzio Gurini one of his paymasters. Now, this man was to some extent an amateur of military architecture, So his excellency commissioned him to make designs for the fortifications of the gates, And sent each of us his own gate drawn according to the plan. After examining the plan for mine, And perceiving that it was very incorrect in many details, I took it and went immediately to the Duke. When I tried to point out these defects, The Duke interrupted me and exclaimed with fury, Benvenuto, I will give way to you upon the point of statuary, But in this art of fortification, I choose that you should see to me, So carry out the design which I have given you. To these brave words I answered as gently as I could and said, My lord, your most illustrious excellency has taught me something even in my own fine art of statuary. Inasmuch as we have always exchanged ideas upon that subject, I beg you then to deign to listen to me upon this matter of your fortifications, Which is far more important than making statues. If I am permitted to discuss it also with your excellency, You will be better able to teach me how I have to serve you. This courteous speech of mine induced him to discuss the plans with me, And when I had clearly demonstrated that they were not conceived on a right method, he said, Go then and make a design yourself, And I will see if it satisfies me. Accordingly, I made two designs according to the right principles for fortifying those two gates, And took them to him, And when he distinguished the true from the false system, He exclaimed good-humidly, Go and do it in your own way, For I am content to have it so. I set to work then with the greatest diligence. Chapter 86 There was on God at the gate of Preto a certain Lombard captain. He was a troculant and stalwart fellow of incredibly coarse speech, Whose presumption matched his utter ignorance. This man began at once to ask me what I was about there. I politely exhibited my drawings, And took infinite pains to make him understand my purpose. The rude brute kept rolling his head, And turning first to one side and then to the other, Shifting himself upon his legs and twirling his enormous mustachos. Then he drew his cap down over his eyes and roared out, Zounds! Jews, take it! I can make nothing of this rigmarole. But last the animal became so tiresome that I said, Leave it then to me who do understand it, And turned my shoulders to go about my business. At this he began to threaten me with his head, And, setting his left hand on the palm of his sword, Tilted the point up and exclaimed, Hello, my master! You want perhaps to make me cross blades with you? I faced round in great fury, For the man had stirred my blood and cried out, It would be less trouble to run you through the body Than to build the bastion of this gate. In an instant we both set hands to our swords without quite drawing, For a number of honest folk, citizens of Florence, And others of them courtiers came running up. The greater part of them rated the captain, Telling him that he was in the wrong, That I was a man to give him back as good as I got, And that if this came to the Duke's ears, It would be the worst for him. Accordingly, he went off on his own business, And I began with my bastion. After setting things in order there, I proceeded to the other little gate of Arno, Where I found a captain from Cicina, The most polite, well-mannered man I ever knew in that procession. He had the air of a gentle young lady, But at need he could prove himself one of the boldest And bloodiest fighters in the world. Disagreeable gentleman observed me so attentively That he made me bashful and self-conscious, And seeing that he wanted to understand what I was doing, I courtesely explained my plans. Suffice it to say that we vied with each other in civilities, Which made me do far better with this bastion than with the other. I had nearly finished the two bastions, When an in-road of Piero Strozzi's people Struck such terror into the country folk of Preto, That they began to leave it in a body, And all their carts laid in with the household goods of each family Came crowding into the city. The number of them was so enormous, Cart, jostling with cart, And the confusion was so great That I told the guards to look out Lest the same misadventure should happen at this gate As had occurred at the gate of Turin. For if we had once caused to lower the port colors, It would not be able to perform its functions, But must inevitably stick suspended upon one of the wagons. When that big brute of a captain heard these words, He replied with insults, And I retorted in the same tone. We were on the point of coming to our far worst quarrel than before. However, the folk kept us asunder, And when I'd finished my bastions, I touched some score of crowns, Which I had not expected, And which were uncommonly welcome, So I returned with a blithe heart To finish my Perseus. CHAPTER 87 During those days, Some antiquities had been discovered in the country round a reso. Among them was the Chimera, That bronze lion which is to be seen in the room adjacent to the great hall of the palace. Together with the Chimera, A number of little statuettes, likewise in bronze, Had been brought to light. They were covered with earth and rust, And each of them lacked either head or hands or feet. The duke amused his leisure hours By cleaning up these statuettes himself, With certain little chisels used by goldsmiths. It happened on one occasion That I had to speak on business to his excellency. And while we were talking, He reached me a little hammer, With which I struck the chisels the duke held, And so the figures were disengaged from their earth and rust. In this way we passed several evenings, And then the duke commissioned me to restore the statuettes. He took so much pleasure in these trifles That he made me work by day also, And if I delayed coming, he used to send for me. I very often submitted to his excellency That if I left my Perseus in the daytime, Several bad consequences would ensue. The first of these, which caused me the greatest anxiety, Was that, seeing me spend so long a time upon my statue, The duke himself might get disgusted, Which indeed did afterwards happen. The other was that I had several journeymen Who in my absence were up to two kinds of mischief. First they spoiled my peace, And then they did as little work as possible. These arguments made his excellency consent That I should only go to the palace after twenty-four o'clock. I had now conciliated the affection of his excellency To such an extent that every evening when I came to him He treated me with greater kindness. About this time the new apartments were built toward the lions. The duke then wishing to be able to retire Into a less public part of the palace, Fitted up for himself a little chamber in these new lodgings And ordered me approach to it by a private passage. I had to pass through his wardrobe, And across the stage of the great hall, And afterwards through certain little dark galleries and cabinets. The duchess however, after a few days, Deprived me of this means of access By having all the doors upon the path I had to traverse locked up. The consequence was that every evening when I arrived at the palace I had to wait a long while Because the duchess occupied the cabinets for her personal necessities. Her habit of body was unhealthy And so I never came without in commoding her. This and other causes made her hate the very sight of me. However, notwithstanding greatest comforts and daily annoyances, I persevered in going. The duke's orders, meanwhile, were so precise That no sooner did I knock at those doors Than they were immediately opened And I was allowed to pass freely where I chose. The consequence was that occasionally While walking noiselessly and unexpectedly Through the private rooms, I came upon the duchess at a highly inconvenient moment. Bursting then into such a furious storm of rage That I was frightened, she cried out, When will you ever finish mending up those statuettes? Upon my word, this perpetual going and coming of yours Has grown to be too great a nuisance. I replied as gently as I could. My lady and soul mistress, I have no other desire than to serve you loyally And with the strictest obedience. This work to which the duke has put me Will last several months. So tell me, most illustrious excellency, Whether you wish me not to come here any more. In that case I will not come whoever calls me. Nay, should the duke's himself send for me, I shall reply that I am ill And by no means will I intrude again. To this speech she made answer, I do not bid you not to come, Nor do I bid you to disobey the duke, But I repeat that your work seems to me As though it would never be finished. Whether the duke heard something of this encounter Or whatever the cause was, He began again as usual. Toward twenty-four o'clock he sent for me, And his messenger always spoke to this effect, Take good care and do not fail to come For the duke is waiting for you. In this way I continued always with the same inconveniences To put in an appearance on several successive evenings. Upon one occasion among others, Arriving in my customary way, The duke who had probably been talking with the duchess About private matters, Turned upon me in a furious anger. I was terrified and wanted to retire, But he called out, Come in, friend Benvenuto, go to your affairs. I will rejoin you in a few moments. While I was passing onward, Don Garzia, then quite a little fellow, Plucked me by the cape, And played with me as prettily as such a child could do. The duke looked up delighted and exclaimed, What pleasant and friendly terms my boys are on with you. CHAPTER 88 While I was working at these baggattels, The Prince, and Don Giovanni, And Don Arnando, and Don Garzia, Kept always hovering around me, Teasing me whenever the duke's eyes were turned. I begged them for mercy's sake to hold their peace, They answered, That we cannot do. I told them, What one cannot is required of no one, So have your will, along with you. At this, both duke and duchess burst out laughing. Another evening, After I had finished the small bronze figures Which are wrought into the pedestal of Perseus, That is to say the Jupiter, Mercury, Minerva, and Danae, With the little Perseus seated at his mother's feet, I had them carried into the room where I was want to work, And arranged them in a row, Raised somewhat above the line of vision, So that they produced a magnificent effect. The duke heard of this, And made his entrance sooner than usual. It seems that the person who informed his excellency Praised them above their merit, Using terms like far superior to the ancients and so forth. Wherefore, the duke came talking pleasantly with the duchess about my doings. I rose at once and went to meet them, With his fine and truly princely manner he received me, Lifting his right hand, In which he held as superb a paragraph, As could possibly be seen. Take it, my Benvenuto, he exclaimed, Plant this pear in your garden. To these words I replied with a delighted gesture, O my lord, does your most illustrious excellency Really mean that I should plant it in the garden of my house? Yes, he said, in the garden of the house which belongs to you. Have you understood me? I thanked his excellency and the duchess in like manner With the best politeness I could use. After this, they both took seats in front of the statues, And for more than two hours went on talking about nothing but the beauties of the work. The duchess was wrought up to such an enthusiasm that she cried out, I do not like to let those exquisite figures be wasted on the pedestal down there in the piazza, Where they will run the risk of being injured. I would much rather have you fix them in one of my apartments, Where they will be preserved with the respect due to their singular artistic qualities. I opposed this plan with many forcible arguments, But when I saw that she was determined I should not place them on the pedestal where they are now stand, I waited till next day and went to the palace about twenty-two o'clock. As attaining that the duke and duchess were out riding, And having already prepared the pedestal, I had the statues carried down and soldered them with lead into their proper niches. Oh, when the duchess knew of this, how angry she was. Had it not been for the duke who manfully defended me, I should have paid dearly for my daring. Her indignation about the pearls, and now again about this matter of the statues, Made us so contrived that the duke abandoned his amusements in our workshop. Consequently I went there no more, And was met again with the same obstructions as formerly whenever I wanted to gain access to the palace. End of Section 17. Section 18 of Autobiography of Benvenuto Salini Part 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Autobiography of Benvenuto Salini Part 2. Section 18. Chapters 89 through 95. Chapter 89. I returned to the Lodgia, whether my Perseus had already been brought, And went on putting the last touches to my work. Under the old difficulties always, that is to say lack of money, And a hundred untoward accidents, The half of which would have cowed a man armed with adamant. However, I pursued my course as usual. And one morning, after I had heard mass at San Piero Charagio, That brute Bernadoni, broker, worthless goldsmith, And by the duke's grace, purveyor to the mint, Passed by me. No sooner had he got outside the church than the dirty pig Let fly four cracks which might have been heard from San Miniatto. I cried, Ya pig, paultron donkey, Is that the noise your filthy talents make? And ran off for a cudgel. He took refuge on the instant in the mint. Well, I stationed myself inside my house door, Which I left the jar, setting a boy at watch upon the street To warn me when the pig should leave the mint. After waiting some time, I grew tired, and my heat cooled. Reflecting then that blows are not dealt by contract, And that some disaster might ensue, I resolved to wreak my vengeance by another method. The incident took place about the feast of our San Giovanni One or two days before. So I composed four verses, And stuck them up in an angle of the church, Where people go to ease themselves. The verses ran as follows. Here lieth Bernadoni, ass and pig, Spy, broker, thief, in whom Pandora planted, All her worst evils, and from thence transplanted, Into that brute Boachios carcass big. Both the incident and the verses went the round of the palace, Giving the Duke and Duchess much amusement. But before the man himself knew what I had been up to, Crowds of people stopped to read the lines, And laughed immoderately at them. Since they were looking towards the mint And fixing their eyes on Bernadoni, His son Maestro Boachio, Taking notice of their gestures, Tore the paper down with fury. The elder bit his thumb, Shrieking threats out with that hideous voice of his, Which comes forth through his nose. Indeed, he made a brave defiance. CHAPTER 90 When the Duke was informed That the whole of my work for the Perseus Could be exhibited as finished, He came one day to look at it. His manner showed clearly That it gave him great satisfaction. But afterwards he turned to some gentleman Attending him and said, Although this touch who seems in our eyes A very fine piece, Still it has yet to win the favor of the people. Therefore, my Benvenuto, Before you put the very last touches on, I should like you for my sake To remove a part of the scaffolding On the side of the piazza, Someday toward noon, In order that we may learn what folk think of it. There is no doubt that when it is thrown open To space and light, It will look very differently From what it does in this enclosure. I replied with all humility to his Excellency, You must know, my lord, That it will make more than twice as good a show. Oh, how is it that your most illustrious Excellency Has forgotten seeing it in the garden of my house? There, in that large extent of space, It showed so bravely That Bandinello, Coming through the garden of the innocence To look at it, Was compelled, in spite of his evil and malignant nature, To praise it, He who never praised ought, Or anyone in all his life. I perceive that your Excellency Lends too ready an ear to that fellow. When I had done speaking, He smiled ironically and a little angrily, Yet he replied with great kindness, Do what I ask, my Benvenuto, Just to please me. When the duke had left, I gave orders to have the screen removed. Yet some trifles of gold, Varnish, And various other little finishings Were still wanting. Wherefore, I began to murmur and complain indignantly, Cursing the unhappy day which brought me to Florence. Too well I knew already The great and irreparable sacrifice I made when I left France, Nor could I discover any reasonable ground For hope that I might prosper in the future With my prince and patron. From the commencement to the middle and the ending, Everything that I had done had been performed To my great disadvantage. Therefore, it was with deep ill-humour That I disclosed my statue on the following day. Now, it pleased God that, On the instant of its exposure to view, A shout of boundless enthusiasm Went up in commendation of my work, Which consoled me not a little. The folk kept on attaching sonnets To the posts of the door, Which was protected with a curtain, While I gave the last touches to the statue. I believed that on the same day When I opened it a few hours to the public, More than twenty were nailed up, All of them overflowing with the highest panageurics. Afterwards, when I once more shot it off from view, Every day brought sonnets with Latin and Greek verses, For the University of Pisa was then in vacation, And all the doctors and scholars Kept vying with each other who could praise it best. But what gratified me most, And inspired me with most hope of the Duke's support, Was that the artists, sculptors and painters alike Entered into the same generous competition. I set the highest value on the eulogies Of that excellent painter, Jacopo Pantormo, And still more on those of his able pupil, Bronzino, Who was not satisfied with merely publishing his verses, But sent them by his lad, Sandrino's hand, To my own house. They spoke so generously of my performance, In that fine style of his which is most exquisite, That this alone repaid me somewhat For the pain of my long troubles. So then I closed the screen, And once more set myself to finishing my statue. Chapter 91 The great compliments, which this short inspection Of my Perseus had elicited from the noble school of Florence, Though they were well known to the Duke, Did not prevent him from saying, I am delighted that Benvenuto has had this trifling satisfaction, Which will spur him on to the desired conclusion With more speed and diligence. Do not, however, let him imagine that, When his Perseus shall be finally exposed to view from all sides, Folk in general will be so lavish of their praises. On the contrary, I am afraid that all its defects Will then be brought home to him, And more will be detected than the statue really has. So let him arm himself with patience. These were precisely the words which Bandinello Had whispered in the Duke's ears, Citing the works of Andrea del Verrocchio, Who made that fine bronze of Christ And St. Thomas on the front of Orsa Michel. At the same time, he referred to many other statues, And dared even to attack the marvellous David Of divine Michel Agniola Bonarotti, Accusing it of only looking well if seen in front. Finally, he touched upon the multitude of sarcastic sonnets Which were called forth by his own Hercules and Cacus, And wound up with abusing the people of Florence. Now the Duke, who was too much inclined to credit his assertions, Encouraged the fellow to speak thus, And thought in his own heart that things would go As he had prophesied, Because that envious creature Bandinello Never ceased insinuating malice. On one occasion, it happened that the gallows' bird, Bernardoni, the broker, was present at these conversations, And in support of Bandinello's calamities, He said to the Duke, You must remember, Prince, That statues on a large scale Are quite a different dish of soup from little figures. I do not refuse him the credit of being excellent At statuettes and miniature, But you will soon see that he cannot succeed In that other sphere of art. To these vile suggestions he added many others Of all sorts, Plying his spy's office, And piling up a mountain of lies to boot. CHAPTER 92 Now it pleased my glorious Lord and immortal God, That at last I brought the whole work to completion, And on a certain Thursday morning I exposed it to the public gaze. Immediately before the sun was fully in the heavens, There assembled such a multitude of people That no words could describe them. All with one voice contended Which should praise it most. The Duke was stationed at a window low Upon the first floor of the palace, Just above the entrance. There, half hidden, He heard everything the folk was saying of my statue. After listening through several hours, He rose so proud and happy in his heart That he turned to his attendant, Mesas Forza, and exclaimed, Sforza, go and seek out Benvenuto. Tell him from me that he has delighted me far more Than I expected. Say, too, that I shall reward him in a way Which will astonish him. So bid him be of good courage. In due course, Mesas Forza discharged this glorious embassy Which consoled me greatly. I passed a happy day, Partly because of the Duke's message, And also because the folk Kept pointing me out as something marvelous and strange. Among the many who did so Were two gentlemen, Deputed by the viceroy of Sicily To our Duke on public business. Now, these two agreeable persons Met me upon the piazza. I had been shown them in passing, And now they made monstrous haste to catch me up. Then, with caps in hand, They uttered a narration so ceremonious That it would have been excessive for a pope. I bowed with every protestation of humility. They, meanwhile, continued loading me with compliments, Until at last I prayed them for kindness' sake To leave the piazza in my company Because the folk was stopping and staring at me More than at my Perseus. In the midst of all these ceremonies, They went so far as to propose That I should come to Sicily And offer to make terms which should content me. They told me how Fr. Giovanni Agnolo de Cervi Had constructed a fountain for them, Complete in all parts, And decorated with a multitude of figures. But it was not in the same good style They recognized in Perseus, And yet they had heaped riches on the man. I would not suffer them To finish all their speeches, but answered, You give me much cause for wonder, Seeking as you do to make me quit The service of a prince Who is the greatest patron of the arts That ever lived. And I too hear in my own birthplace Famous as the school of every art and science. Oh, if my soul's desire had been set on Lucre, I could have stayed in France With that great monarch Francis, Who gave me a thousand golden crowns a year for board, And paid me in addition the price of all my labor. In his service, I gained more than four thousand golden crowns the year. With these and such like words, I caught their ceremonies short, thanking them for the high praises They had bestowed upon me, Which were indeed the best reward That artists could receive for their labors. I told them they had greatly stimulated my zeal So that I hoped After a few years were passed To exhibit another masterpiece Which I dared believe Would yield far truer satisfaction To our noble school of Florence. The two gentlemen were eager to resume The thread of their complementary proposals, Whereupon I, lifting my cap And making a profound bow, Bade them a polite farewell. CHAPTER 93 When two more days had passed And the chorus of praise was ever on the increase, I resolved to go and present myself to the Duke Who said with great good humour, My Benvenuto, You have satisfied and delighted me, But I promise that I will reward you In such wise as will make you wonder, And I tell you that I do not mean to delay Beyond tomorrow. On hearing this most welcome assurance, I turned all the forces of my soul In body to God, Fervently offering up thanks to him. At the same moment I approached the Duke, And almost weeping for gladness, Kissed his robe. Then I added, O my glorious prince, True and most generous lover of the arts And of those who exercise them, I entreat your most illustrious excellency To allow me eight days first To go and return thanks to God, For I alone know what travail I have endured And that my earnest faith has moved him to assist me. In gratitude for this and all other marvellous mercies, I should like to travel eight days on pilgrimage, Continually thanking my immortal God, Who never fails to help those Who call upon him with sincerity. The Duke then asked me where I wish to go, I answered, Tomorrow I shall set out for Valembrosa, Thence to Kamaldoli and the Irmo. Perhaps I shall proceed to the Banyi di Santa Maria, And perhaps so far as Sestile, Because I hear of fine antiquities to be seen there. Then I shall retrace my steps By San Francesco della Verna, And still with thanks to God, Return light-hearted to your service. The Duke replied at once with cheerful kindness, Go and come back again, For of a truth you please me, But do not forget to send a couple of lines By way of memorandum, And leave the rest to me. I wrote four lines that very day, In which I thanked His Excellency for expected favours, And gave these to Mesasforza, Who placed them in the Duke's hands. The latter took them, And then handed them to Mesasforza remarking, See that you put these lines each day Where I can see them, For if Benvenuto comes back And finds I have not dispatched his business, I think that he will murder me. Thus laughing, His Excellency asked to be reminded, Mesasforza reported these precise words to me on the same evening, Laughing too, And expressing wonder at the great favour Shown me by the Duke. He pleasantly added, Go, Benvenuto, And come again quickly, For indeed I am jealous of you. Chapter 94 In God's name then I left Florence, Continually singing psalms and prayers In his honour upon all that journey. I enjoyed it extremely, For the season was fine in early summer, And the country through which I travelled, Which I had never seen before, Struck me as marvelously beautiful. Now I had taken with me to serve as guide, A young workman in my employ, Who came from Bagno, And was called Cesare. Thanks to him then, I received the kindness hospitality From his father and all his family, Among whom was an old man of more than seventy, Extremely pleasant in his conversation, He was Cesare's uncle, A surgeon by profession, And a dabbler in alchemy. This excellent person made me observe That Bagno contained mines of gold and silver, And showed me many interesting objects in the neighbourhood, So that I enjoyed myself as much as I have ever done. One day, when we had become intimate, And he could trust me, He spoke as follows, I must not omit to tell you a thought of mine, To which his excellency might with advantage pay attention. It is that not far from Camaldoli, There lies a mountain pass so ill defended, That Piero Strozzi could not only cross it without risk, But might also seize on poppy, unmolested. Not satisfied with this description, He also took a sheet of paper from his pouch, Upon which the good old man had drawn the whole country, So that the seriousness of the danger Could be manifest upon inspection of the map. I took the design and left Bagno at once, Travelling homeward as fast as I could By Preto Magno and San Francesco de la Vernier. On reaching Florence, I only stopped to draw off my riding boots And hurried to the palace. Just opposite the Badia, I met the Duke, Who was coming by the palace of the Podesta. When he saw me, He gave me a very gracious reception, And showing some surprised exclaimed, Why have you come back so quickly? I did not expect you for eight days at least. I answered, The service of your most illustrious excellency brings me back, Else I should very willingly have stayed some few days Longer on my journey through that lovely country. Well, and what good news have you, said he. I answered, Prince, I must talk to you about things of the greatest importance Which I have to disclose. So I followed him to the palace, And when we were there, He took me privately into a chamber Where we stayed a while alone together. I then unfolded the whole matter And showed him the little map With which he seemed to be much gratified. When I told his excellency That one ought to take measures at once, He reflected for a little while and then said, I may inform you That we have agreed with the Duke of Albino That he should guard the pass, But do not speak about it. Then he dismissed me with great demonstrations Of good will, And I went home. Chapter 95 Next day, I presented myself and, After a few words of conversation, The Duke addressed me cheerfully, Tomorrow without fail, I mean to dispatch your business, Such your mind at rest then. I, who felt sure that he meant what he said, Waited with great impatience for the moral, When the longed for day arrived, I betook me to the palace, And as it always happens That evil tidings travel faster than good news, Messer Jacopo Guidi, Secretary to his Excellency, Called me with his raw mouth and haughty voice, Drawing himself up as stiff as a poker, He began to speak to this effect. The Duke says he wants you to tell him How much you ask for your Perseus, I remain dumbfounded and astonished, Yet I quickly reply that it was not my custom To put prices on my work, And that this was not what his Excellency Had promised me two days ago. The man raised his voice, And ordered me expressly in the Duke's name, Under the penalty of his severe displeasure, To say how much I wanted. Now I had hoped not only to gain Some handsome reward, Trusting to the mighty signs of kindness Showed me by the Duke, But I had still more expected To secure their entire good graces of his Excellency, Seeing I never asked for anything, But only for his favour. Accordingly, This wholly unexpected way of dealing with me Put me in a fury, And I was especially enraged by the manner Which that venomous toad Assumed in discharging his commission. I exclaimed That if the Duke gave me ten thousand crowns I should not be paid enough, And that if I had ever thought Things would come to this haggling, I should not have settled in his service. Thereupon the surly fellow began to abuse me, And I gave it him back again. Upon the following day, When I paid my respects to the Duke, He beckoned to me. I approached, and he exclaimed in anger, Cities and great palaces are built With ten thousands of ducats. I rejoined. Your Excellency can find multitudes of men Who are able to build you cities and palaces, But you will not, perhaps, Find one man in the world Who can make a second perseus. Then I took my leave Without saying or doing anything farther. A few days afterwards, The Duchess sent for me, And advised me to put my difference With the Duke into her hands. Since she thought she could conduct the business To my satisfaction, On hearing these kindly words, I replied that I had never asked Any other recompense for my labours Than the good graces of the Duke, In that his most illustrious Excellency Had assured me of this. It was not needful that I should place In their Excellency's hands What I had always frankly left to them From the first days When I undertook their service. I further added That if his most illustrious Excellency Gave me but a cratia, Which is worth five farthings, For my work, I should consider myself contented, Provided only that his Excellency Did not deprive me of his favour. At these words, The Duchess smiled a little and said, Ben Venuto, You would do well to act as I advise you. Then she turned her back and left me. I thought it was my best policy To speak with the humility I have above described, Yet it turned out That I had done the worst for myself. Because, albeit, She had hobbored some angry feelings toward me. She had in her a certain way of dealing, Which was generous. End of Section 18. Section 19 of Autobiography Of Ben Venuto Salini Part 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, Please visit LibriVox.org. Autobiography of Ben Venuto Salini Part 2. Section 19. Chapters 96 through 99. Chapter 96. About that time, I was very intimate with Girolamo Dele Albizzi, Commissary of the Duke's militia. One day, this friend said to me, Oh Ben Venuto, It would not be a bad thing To put your little difference of opinion With the Duke to rights. And I'll show you that If you repose confidence in me, I feel myself the man to settle matters. I know what I'm saying. The Duke is getting really angry, And you will come badly out of the affair. Let this suffice. I am not at liberty to say all I know. Now, subsequently to that conversation With the Duchess, I had been told by someone, Possibly a rogue, That he had heard how the Duke said Upon some occasion which offered itself. For less than two farthings, I will throw pursuits to the dogs, And so our differences will be ended. This then made me anxious, And induced me to entrust Girolamo Dele Albizzi with the negotiations, Telling him anything would satisfy me, Provided I retained a good graces of the Duke. That honest fellow was excellent In all his dealings with soldiers, Especially with the militia, Who are for the most part rustics, But he had no taste for statuary, And therefore could not understand its conditions. Consequently, when he spoke to the Duke, He began thus, Prince, Benvenuto has placed himself in my hands, And has begged me to recommend him to your excellency. The Duke replied, I too am willing to refer myself to you, And shall be satisfied with your decision. Thereupon, Girolamo composed a letter, With much skill and greatly to my honour, Fixing the sum which the Duke would have to pay me, A thirty-five hundred golden crowns in gold, And this should not be taken as my proper recompense For such a masterpiece, But only as a kind of gratuity, Enough to say that I was satisfied, With many other phrases of like tenor, All of which implied the price which I have mentioned. The Duke signed this agreement As gladly as I took it sadly. When the Duchess heard, she said, It would have been better for that poor man If he had placed himself in my hands. I could have got him five thousand crowns in gold. One day, when I went to the palace, She repeated these same words to me In the presence of Messer Alamano Salviati, And laughed at me a little, Saying that I deserved my bad luck. The Duke gave orders that I should be paid A hundred golden crowns in gold per month Until the sum was discharged, And thus it ran for some months. Afterwards, Messer Antonio de Nobili, Who had to transact the business, Began to give me fifty, And sometimes later on he gave me twenty-five, And sometimes nothing. Accordingly, when I saw that the settlement Was being thus deferred, I spoke good-humoredly to Messer Antonio, And begged him to explain Why he did not complete my payments. He answered in a light tone of politeness, Yet had struck me that he exposed his own mind too much. Let the reader judge. He began by saying that the sole reason Why he could not go forward regularly with these payments Was the scarcity of money at the palace. But he promised, when cash came in, To discharge arrears. Then he added, O heavens, If I did not pay you, I should be an utter rogue. I was somewhat surprised to hear him speak in that way, Yet I resolved to hope that he would pay me When he had the power to do so. But when I observed that things went quite the contrary way, And saw that I was being pillaged, I lost temper with the man, And recalled to his memory hotly and in anger What he had declared he would be If he did not pay me. However, he died, And five hundred crowns are still owing to me at the present date, Which is nigh upon the end of 1566. There was also a balance due upon my salary, Which I thought would be forgotten, Since three years had elapsed without payment. But it so happened that a duke fell ill of a serious malady, Remaining forty-eight hours without passing water. Finding that the remedies of his physicians availed nothing, It is probable that he betook himself to God, And therefore decreed the discharge of all debts to his servants. I too was paid on this occasion, Yet I never obtained what still stood out upon my Perseus. CHAPTER 97 I had almost determined to say nothing more about that unlucky Perseus, But a most remarkable incident, Which I do not like to omit, Oblages me to do so. Wherefore I must now turn back a bit, To gather up the thread of my narration. I thought I was acting for the best when I told the duchess, That I could not compromise affairs which were no longer in my hands, Seeing I had informed the duke that I should gladly accept whatever he chose to give me. I said this in the hope of gaining favour, And with this manifestation of submissiveness, I employed every likely means of pacifying his resentment, For I ought to add that a few days before he came to terms with Albitzi, The duke had shown he was excessively displeased with me. The reason was as follows, I complained of some abominable acts of injustice done to me by Messer Alfonso Questelli, Messer Giacoppo Polverino of the ex-Chacur, And more than all by Serge Yvonne Battista Brandini of Volterra. When, therefore, I set forth my cause with some vehemence, The duke flew into the greatest rage conceivable, Being thus in anger, he exclaimed, This is just the same as with your Perseus when you ask those ten thousand crowns. You let yourself be blinded by mere cupidity, Therefore I shall have the statue valued, And shall give you what the experts think it worth. To these words are replied with too much daring and a touch of indignation, Which is always out of place in dealing with great princes. How is it possible that my work should be valued at its proper worth When there is not a man in Florence capable of performing it? That increased his irritation. He uttered many furious phrases, And among them said, There is in Florence at this day a man well able to make such a statue, And who is therefore highly capable of judging it. He meant Bandinello, Cavaliere of San Giacopo. Then I rejoined. My lord, your most illustrious excellency gave me the means of producing An important and very difficult masterpiece In the midst of this, the noblest school of the world. And my work has been received with warmer praises Than any other here to fore exposed before the gaze of our incomparable masters. My chief pride is the commendation of those able men Who both understand and practice the arts of design, As in particular Bronzino, the painter. This man set himself to work And composed four sonnets couched in the choices style And full of honor to myself. Perhaps it was his example which moved the whole city To such a tumult of enthusiasm. I freely admit that if sculpture were his business instead of painting, Then Bronzino might have been equal to a task like mine. Michele Agnolo Bonarotti, again whom I am proud to call my master, He, I admit, could have achieved the same success when he was young, But not with less fatigue and trouble than I endured. But now that he is far advanced in years, He would most certainly be found unequal to the strain. Therefore I think I am justified in saying That no man known upon this earth could have produced my Perseus. For the rest, my work has received the greatest reward I could have wished for in this world, Chiefly and especially, Because your most illustrious excellency not only expressed yourself satisfied, But praised it far more highly than anyone beside. What greater and more honorable prize could be desired by me? I affirm most emphatically That your excellency could not pay me with more glorious coin, Nor add from any treasury a wealth surpassing this. Therefore I hold myself overpaid already And return thanks to your most illustrious excellency with all my heart. The duke made answer, Probably you think I have not the money to pay you. For my part, I promise you that I shall pay you more for the statue than it is worth. Then I retorted, I did not picture to my fancy any better recompense from your excellency. Yet I account myself amply remunerated for that first reward Which the School of Florence gave me. With this to console me, I shall take my departure on the instant Without returning to the house you gave me And shall never seek to set foot in this town again. We were just at San Felicita And his excellency was proceeding to the palace. When he heard these choleric words, He turned upon me in stern anger and exclaimed, You shall not go. Take heed, you do not go. Half terrified, I then followed him to the palace. On arriving there, His excellency sent for the Archbishop of Pisa, Named De Bartolini And Mesa Pandolfo de la Stufa Requesting them to order Basso Bandinelli in his name To examine well my Perseus and value it Since he wished to pay its exact price. These excellent men went forthwith and performed their embassy. In reply, Bandinelli said That he had examined the statue minutely And knew well enough what it was worth. But having been on bad terms otherwise with me for some time past, He did not care to be entangled anyhow in my affairs. Then they began to put a gentle pressure on him, saying, The Duke ordered us to tell you on the pain of his displeasure That you are to value the statue And you may have two or three days to consider your estimate. When you have done so, Tell us at what price it ought to be paid. He answered that his judgment was already formed That he could not disobey the Duke And that my work was rich and beautiful And excellent in execution. Therefore he thought Sixteen thousand crowns or more would not be an excessive price for it. Those good and courteous gentlemen reported this to the Duke Who was mightily enraged. They also told the same to me. I replied that nothing in the world would induce me to take praise from Bandinello Seeing that this bad man speaks ill of everybody. My words were carried to the Duke And that was the reason why the Duchess wanted me to place the matter in her hands. All that I have written is the pure truth. I will only add that I ought to have trusted to her intervention For then I should have been quickly paid And should have received so much more into the bargain. Chapter 98 The Duke sent me word by Messer Leilio Torrello, his master of the roles That he wanted me to execute some bar reliefs and bronze For the choir of San Maria del Fiore. Now the choir was by Bandinello And I did not choose to enrich his bad work with my labours. He had not indeed designed it For he understood nothing whatever about architecture. The design was given by Giuliano The son of that Barso D'Agnolo, the woodcarver, who spoiled the cupola. Suffice it to say that it shows no talent. For both reasons I was determined not to undertake the task. Although I told the Duke politely That I would do whatever his most illustrious excellency ordered. Accordingly, he put the matter into the hands of the Board of Works For San Maria del Fiore, telling them to come to an agreement with me. He would continue my allowance of two hundred crowns a year While they were to supply the rest out of their funds. In due course I came before the Board And they told me what the Duke had arranged. Feeling that I could explain my views more frankly to these gentlemen I began by demonstrating that so many histories in bronze Would cost a vast amount of money Which would be totally thrown away Giving all my reasons which they fully appreciated. In the first place, I said that the construction of the choir Was altogether incorrect without proportion, art, convenience, grace or good design. In the next place, the bar reliefs would have to stand too low Beneath the proper line of vision They would become a place for dogs to piss at and be always full of order. Consequently, I declined positively to execute them. However, since I did not wish to throw away the best years of my life And was eager to serve his most illustrious excellency Whom I had the sincerest desire to gratify and obey I made the following proposal Let the Duke, if he wants to employ my talents Give me the middle door of the cathedral to perform in bronze This would be well seen and would confer far more glory on his most illustrious excellency I would bind myself by contract to receive no remuneration Unless I produced something better than the finest of the baptistry doors But if I completed it according to my promise Then I was willing to have it valued And to be paid one thousand crowns less than the estimate made by experts The members of the board were well pleased with this suggestion And went at once to report the matter to the Duke Among them being Piero Salviati They expected him to be extremely gratified with their communication But it turned out just the contrary He replied that I was always wanting to do the exact opposite of what he bade me And so Piero left him without coming to any conclusion On hearing this, I went off to the Duke at once Who displayed some irritation when he saw me However, I begged him to condescend to hear me And he replied that he was willing I then began from the beginning and used such convincing arguments That he saw at last how the matter really stood Since I made it evident that he would only be throwing a large sum of money away Then I softened his temper by suggesting that if his most illustrious excellency Did not care to have the door begun Two pulpits had anyhow to be made for the choir And that these would both of them be considerable works Which would confer glory on his reign For my part, I was ready to execute a great number of bronze bath reliefs With appropriate decorations In this way I brought him round And he gave me orders to construct the models Accordingly, I set at work on several models And bestowed immense pains on them Among these, there was one with eight panels Carried out with far more science than the rest And which seemed to me more fitted for the purpose Having taken them several times to the place His excellency sent word by Messer Cesare, the keeper of his wardrobe That I should leave them there After the duke had inspected them I perceived that he had selected the least beautiful One day he sent for me Enduring our conversation about the models I gave many reasons why the octagonal pulpit Would be far more convenient for its destined uses And would produce a much finer effect He answered that he wished me to make it square Because he liked that form better And thus he went on conversing for some time very pleasantly I meanwhile lost no opportunity of saying everything I could in the interests of art Now whether the duke knew that I had spoken the truth Or whether he wanted to have his own way A long time passed before I heard anything more about it Chapter 99 About this time the great block of marble arrived Which was intended for the Neptune It had been brought up the Arno And then by the Grieve To the road at Poggio Acaiano In order to be carried to Florence by that level way And there I went to see it Now I knew very well that the Duchess by her special influence Had managed to have it given to Bandinello No envy prompted me to dispute his claims But rather pity for that poor unfortunate piece of marble Observe by the way that everything whatever it may be Which is subject to an evil destiny Although one tries to save it from some manifest evil Falls at once into far worst plight As happened to this marble When it came into the hands of Bertolomeo Amanato Of whom I shall speak the truth in its proper place After inspecting this most splendid block I measured it in every direction And on returning to Florence Made several little models suited to its proportions Then I went to Poggio Acaiano Where the Duke and Duchess were staying with their son the Prince I found them all at table The Duke and Duchess dining in a private apartment So I entered into conversation with the Prince We had been speaking for a long while When the Duke who was in a room adjacent Heard my voice And condescended very graciously to Sanfaby When I presented myself before their excellencies The Duchess addressed me in a very pleasant tone And having thus opened the conversation I gradually introduced the subject of that noble block of marble I'd seen I then proceeded to remark That their ancestors had brought the magnificent School of Florence To such a pitch of excellence Only by stimulating competition among artists in their several branches It was thus that the wonderful cupola And the lovely doors of San Giovanni had been produced Together with those multitudes of handsome edifices and statues Which made a crown of artistic glory for their city Above anything the world had seen Since the days of the Ancients Upon this the Duchess with some anger Observed that she very well knew what I meant And bade me never mention that block of marble in her presence Since she did not like it I replied, So then, you do not like me to act as the attorney of your excellencies And to do my utmost to ensure your being better served Reflect upon it, my lady If your most illustrious excellencies Think fit to open the model for an apt tune to competition Although you are resolved to give it to Bandinello This will urge Bandinello for his own credit To display greater art and science Than if he knew he had no rivals In this way, my princess You will be far better served And will not discourage our School of Artists You will be able to perceive Which of us is eager to excel in the grand style of our noble calling And will show yourselves princes Who enjoy and understand the fine arts The Duchess in a great rage Told me that I tired her patience out She wanted the marble for Bandinello, adding Ask the Duke, For his excellency also means Bandinello to have it When the Duchess had spoken The Duke, who had kept silence up to this time, said Twenty years ago, I had that fine block queried Especially for Bandinello And so I mean that Bandinello shall have it To do what he likes with it I turned to the Duke and spoke as follows My lord, I entreat your most illustrious excellency To lend a patient hearing While I speak four words in your service He told me to say all I wanted And that he would listen Then I began You will remember, my lord, That the marble which Bandinello used for his Hercules in Cacus Was queried for our incomparable Michele Agnolo Bonarotti He had made the model for a Samson with four figures Which would have been the finest masterpiece in the whole world But your Bandinello got out of it only two figures Both ill-executed and bungled in the worst manner Wherefore, our school still exclaims against a great wrong Which was done to that magnificent block I believe that more than a thousand sonnets Were put up in abuse of that detestable performance And I know that your most illustrious excellency Remembers the fact very well Therefore, my powerful prince Seeing how the men to whose care that work was entrusted In their want of taste and wisdom Took Michele Agnolo's marble away from him And gave it to Bandinello Who spoiled it in the way the world knows Or will you suffer this far more splendid block Although it belongs to Bandinello To remain in the hands of that man Who cannot help mangling it Instead of giving it to some artist of talent Capable of doing it full justice Arrange, my lord, That everyone who likes shall make a model And have them all exhibited to the school You will then hear what the school thinks Your own good judgment will enable you to select the best In this way, finally, You will not throw away your money Nor discourage a band of artists The like of whom is not to be found at present in the world And who form the glory of your most illustrious excellency The duke listened with the utmost graciousness Then he rose from the table and turning to me said Go, my Benvenuto, make a model And earn that fine marble for yourself For what you say is the truth, and I acknowledge it The duchess tossed her head defiantly And muttered, I know not what angry sentences I made them a respectful bow and returned to Florence Burning with eagerness to set hands upon my model End of Section 19 Section 20 of Autobiography of Benvenuto Salini, Part 2 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Autobiography of Benvenuto Salini, Part 2, Section 20 Chapters 100 through 103 Chapter 100 When the duke came to Florence, he sought me at my house without giving me previous notice. I showed him two little models of different design. Though he praised them both, he said that one of them pleased him better than the other and I was to finish the one he liked with care and this would be to my advantage. Now his excellency had already seen Bandonello's designs and those of other sculptors, but as I was informed by many of his courtiers who had heard him, he commended mine far above the rest. Among other matters worthy of record and of great weight upon this point, I will mention the following. The Cardinal of Santa Fiora was on a visit to Florence and the duke took him to Porgio Accayano. Upon the road, noticing the marble as he passed, the cardinal praised it highly, inquiring of his excellency for what sculptor he intended it. The duke replied at once, for my friend Benvenuto who has made a splendid model with a view to it. This was reported to me by men whom I could trust. Hearing what the duke had said, I went to the Duchess and took her some small bits of Goldsmith's work which greatly pleased her excellency. Then she asked what I was doing and I replied, my lady, I have taken in hand for my pleasure one of the most laborious pieces which have ever been produced. It is a Christ of the whitest marble set upon a cross of the blackest, exactly of the same size as a tall man. She immediately inquired what I meant to do with it. I answered, you must know, my lady, that I would not sell it for two thousand golden dockets. It is of such difficult execution that I think no man ever attempted the light before, nor would I have undertaken it at the commission of any prints whatever, for fear I might prove inadequate to the task. I bought the marbles with my own money and have kept a young man some two years as my assistant in the work. What with the stone, the iron frame to hold it up and the wages, it has cost me above three hundred crowns. Consequently, I would not sell it for two thousand. But if your Excellency deans to grant me a favor which is wholly blameless, I shall be delighted to make you a present of it. All I ask is that your Excellency will not use your influence either against or for the models which the duke has ordered to be made of the Neptune for that great block of marble. She replied with mighty indignation, so then, you value neither my help nor my opposition? On the contrary, I value them highly, Princess, or why am I offering to give you what I value at two thousand ducats? But I have such confidence in my laborious and well-trained studies that I hope to win the palm even against the great Miquel Agnolo Bonarotti from whom and from no one else I have learned all that I know. Indeed, I should be much better pleased to enter into competition with him who knows so much than with those who know but little of their art. Contending with my sublime master, I could gain laurels and plenty, whereas there are but few to be reaped in a contest with these men. After I had spoken, she rose in a half-angry mood, and I returned to work with all the strength I had upon my model. When it was finished, the duke came to see it, bringing with him two ambassadors, one from the Duke of Ferrara and the other from the Signori of Lucca. They were delighted, and the duke said to those two gentlemen, upon my word, Benvenuto deserves to have the marble. Then they both paid me the highest compliments, especially the envoy from Lucca, who was a person of accomplishments and learning. I had retired to some distance in order that they might exchange opinions freely. But when I heard that I was being complimented, I came up, turned to the duke and said, my lord, your most illustrious excellency ought now to employ another admirable device. Decree that everyone who likes shall make a model and clay exactly of the same size as the marble has to be. In this way, you will be able to judge far better who deserves the commission. And I may observe that if your excellency does not give it to the sculptor who deserves it, this will not wrong the man so much, but will reflect great discredit upon yourself since the loss and shame will fall on you. On the other hand, if you awarded to the one who has deserved it, you will acquire great glory in the first place and will employ your treasure well, while artists will believe that you appreciate and understand their business. No sooner had I finished speaking than the duke shrugged his shoulders and began to move away. While they were taking leave, the ambassador of Luca said to the duke, Prince, this benvenuto of yours is a terrible man. The duke responded, he is much more terrible than you imagine and well were it for him if he were a little less terrible. Then he would possess at the present moment many things which he has not got. These precise words were reported to me by the envoy by way of shiding and advising me to change my conduct. I told him that I had the greatest wish to oblige my lord as his affectionate and faithful servant, but that I did not understand the arts of flattery. Several months after this date, Bandinello died and it was thought that in addition to his intemperate habits of life, the mortification of having probably to lose the marble contributed to his decline. Chapter 101 Bandinello had received information of the crucifix which as I have said above, I was now engaged upon. Accordingly, he laid his hands at once upon a block of marble and produced a pietà which may be seen in the Church of the Annunziata. Now I had offered my crucifix to Santa Maria Novella and had already fixed up the iron clamps whereby I meant to fasten it against the wall. I only asked for permission to construct a little sarcophagus upon the ground beneath the feet of Christ into which I might creep when I was dead. The friars told me that they could not grant this without the consent of their building committee. I replied, good brethren, why did you not consult your committee before you allowed me to place my crucifix? Without their leave, you suffered me to fix my clamps and other necessary fittings. On this account, I refused to give those fruits of my enormous labours to the Church of Santa Maria Novella even though the overseers of the fabric came and begged me for the crucifix. I turned at once to the Church of the Annunziata and when I explained the terms on which I had sought to make a present of it to Santa Maria Novella those virtuous friars of the Annunziata unanimously told me to place it in their Church and let me make my grave according to my will and pleasure. When Bandinello became aware of this, he set to work with great diligence at the completion of his Pieta and prayed the Duchess to get for him the Chapel of the Pazzi for his monument. This we obtained with some difficulty and on receiving the permission, he erected his Pieta with great haste. It was not altogether completed when he died. The Duchess then said that even as she had protected him in life so would she protect him in the grave and that albeit he was dead, I need never try to get that block of marble apropos of which the broken Bernadon, meeting me one day in the country, said that the Duchess had assigned the marble. I replied, unhappy piece of stone and the hands of Bandinello it would certainly have come to grief but in those of Amanato its fate is a hundred times worse. Now I had received orders from the Duke to make a clay model of the same size as the marble would allow. He also provided me with wood and clay, set up a sort of screen in the loggia where my Persia stands and paid me one workman. I went about my business with all diligence and constructed the wooden framework according to my excellent system. Then I brought the model successfully to a conclusion without caring whether I should have to execute it in marble. Since I knew the Duchess was resolved I should not get the commission. Consequently I paid no heed to that. Only I felt very glad to undergo this labor hoping to make the Duchess who was after all a person of intelligence as indeed I had the means of observing at a later period repent of having done so great a wrong both to the marble and herself. Giovanni de Flemming also made a model in the cloister of Santa Croce Vincencio Dante of Perugia another in the house of Messer Ottaviano de Medici the son of Moschino began a third at Pisa and Bartolomeo Amanato a fourth in the loggia which we divided between us. When I had blocked the whole of mine out well and wanted to begin upon the details of the head which I had already just sketched out in outline the Duke came down from the palace and your jet of the painter took him into Amanato's worksheet. This man had been engaged there with his own hands several days in company with Amanato and all his work people while then the Duke was inspecting Amanato's model I received intelligence that he seemed but little pleased with it. In spite of Giorgetto's trying to dose him with his fluent nonsense the Duke shook his head and turning to Messer Gian Stefano exclaimed Go and ask Benvenuto if his colossal statue is far enough forward for him to gratify us with a glance at it. Messer Gian Stefano discharged his embassy with great tact and in the most courteous terms he added that if I did not think my work quite ready to be seen yet I might say so frankly since the Duke knew well that I had enjoyed but little assistance for so large an undertaking. I replied that I entreated him to do me the favor of coming for though my model was not far advanced yet the intelligence of his excellency would enable him to comprehend perfectly how it was likely to look when finished. This kindly gentleman took back my message to the Duke who came with pleasure. No sooner had he entered the enclosure and cast his eyes upon my work than he gave signs of being greatly satisfied. Then he walked all around it stopping at each of the four points of view exactly as the ripest expert would have done. Afterwards he showed by nods and gestures of approval that it pleased him but he said no more than this Benvenuto you have only to give a little surface to your statue. Then he turned to his attendants praising my performance and saying the small model which I saw in his house pleased me greatly but this has far exceeded it in merit. Chapter 102 it pleased God who rules all things for our good I mean for those who acknowledge and believe in him such men never fail to gain his protection that about this time a certain rascal from Vecchio called Pierre Maria di Anterigoli and sir named Los Berta introduced himself to me. He is a sheep grazier and being closely related to Mesa Guido Guidi the physician who is now provost of Pecia I lent ear to his proposals. The man offered to sell me a farm of his for the term of my natural life. I did not care to go and see it since I wanted to complete the model of my colossal Neptune. There was also no reason why I should visit the property because Spiata only sold it to me for the income. This he had noted down at so many bushels of grain so much of wine oil standing corn chestnuts and other produce. I reckoned that as the market then ran these together were worth something considerably over a hundred golden crowns in gold and I paid him 650 crowns which included duties to the state. Consequently when he left a memorandum written in his own hand to the effect that he would always keep up these products of the farm in the same values during my lifetime I did not think it necessary to inspect it. Only I made inquiries to the best of my ability as to whether Spiata and his brother Sir Filippo were well off enough to give me good security. Many persons of diverse sorts who knew them assured me that my security was excellent. We agreed to call in Sir Pierre Francesco Bertoldi notary at American Tanzia and at the very first I handed him Spiata's memorandum expecting that this would be recited in the deed. But the notary who drew it up was so occupied with detailing 22 boundaries described by Spiata that so far as I can judge he neglected to include in the contract what the vendor had proposed to furnish. While he was writing I went on working and since it took him several hours I finished a good piece of my Neptune's head. After the contract was signed and sealed Spiata began to pay me the most marked attentions which I returned in like measure. He made me presents of kids cheese, capons fresh curds and many sorts of fruits until I began to be almost ashamed of so much kindness. In exchange for these courtesies I always took him from the inn to lodge with me when he came into Florence often inviting a relative or two who happened to attend him. On one of these occasions he told me with a touch of pleasantry that it was really shameful for me to have bought a farm and after the lapse of so many weeks not yet to have left my business for three days in the hands of my work people so as to have come to look at it. His weeding words and ways induced me to set off in a bad hour for my welfare on a visit to him. Spiata received me in his own house with such attentions and such honors as a dupe might covet. His wife caressed me even more than he did and these excellent relations continued between us until the plans which he and his brother Sir Filippo had in mind were fully matured. Chapter 103 Meanwhile I did not suspend my labors on the Neptune which was now quite blocked out upon an excellent system undiscovered and unknown before I used it. Consequently although I knew I should not get the marble for the reasons above narrated I hope to have it soon completed and to display it on the piazza simply for my satisfaction. It was a warm and pleasant season and this together with the attentions of those two rascals disposed me to set out one Wednesday which happened to be a double holiday for my country house at Tres Piano. Having spent some time over an excellent lunch it was past 20 o'clock when I reached Viqueo there at the town gate I met Sir Filippo who appeared to know already whether I was bound. He loaded me with attentions and took me to Sbieta's house where I found that fellow's trumpet of a wife who also overwhelmed me with caresses. I gave the woman a straw hat with a very finest texture the like of which she told me she had never seen. Still up to this time Sbieta had not put in his appearance. Toward the end of the afternoon we all sat down to supper in excellent spirits. Later on they gave me a well-appointed bedroom where I went to rest in a bed of the most perfect cleanliness. Both of my servants, according to their rank were equally well treated. On the morrow when I rose the same attentions were paid me I went to see my farm which pleased me much and then I had some quantities of grain and other produce handed over. But when I returned to Viqueo the priest Sir Filippo said to me Benvenuto, do not be uneasy. Although you have not found here quite everything you had the right to look for yet put your mind to rest. It will be amply made up in the future for you have to deal with honest folk. You ought by the way to know that we have sent that laborer away because he was a scoundrel. The laborer in question bore the name of Mariano Rosselli and this man now kept frequently repeating in my ear look well after yourself in the end you will discover which of us here is the greatest villain. The country fellow when he spoke those words smiled with an evil kind of sneer and jerked his head as though to say only go up there and you will find out for yourself. I was to some extent unfavorably influenced by these hints yet far from forming a conception of what actually happened to me. So when I returned from the farm which is two miles distant from Vicchio toward the LP I met the priest who was waiting for me with his customary politeness. We then sat down together to breakfast. It was not so much a dinner as an excellent collation. Afterwards I took a walk through Vicchio the market had just opened and noticed how all the inhabitants fixed their eyes upon me as on something strange. This struck me particularly in the case of a worthy old man who has been living for many years at Vicchio and whose wife bakes bread for sale. He owns some good property at the distance of about a mile. However, he prefers this mode of life and occupies a house which belongs to me in the town of Vicchio. This had been consigned to me together with the farm above mentioned which bears the name of Delafonte the worthy old man's focus follows. I'm living in your house and when it falls due I shall pay you your rent but if you want it earlier I will act according to your wishes. You may reckon on never having any disputes with me. While we were thus talking I noticed that he looked me hard in the face which compelled me to address him thus. Priti tell me friend Giovanni why have you more than once stared at me in that way? He replied I am quite willing to tell you if being the man of worth I take you for you were promised not to say what I've told you. I gave the promise and he proceeded. You must know then that that worthless priest Sir Filippo not many days since went about boasting of his brother Spiata's cleverness and telling how he had sold his farm to an old man for his lifetime and that the purchaser could hardly live the year out. You have got mixed up with a set of rogues. Therefore take heed to living as long as you are able and keep your eyes open for you have need of it. I do not choose to say more. End of section 20 section 21 of autobiography of Benvenuto Celini part 2 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Autobiography by Benvenuto Celini Part 2 Section 21 Chapters 104 through 110 Chapter 104 During my promenade through the market I met John Battista Santini and he and I were taken back to supper by the priest. As I have related above we subbed at the early hour of twenty because I made it known that I meant to return to Triespiano. Accordingly they made already the five of Sabietta when bustling about in the company of one Cicino, Bouty their name of all work. After the salads had been mixed and we were preparing to sit down to table that evil priest with a certain nasty sort of grin exclaimed I must beg you to excuse me for I cannot sub with you. The reason is that some business of importance has occurred which I must transact for my brother Sabietta. In his absence I am obliged to act for him. We all begged him to stay but could not alter his determination so he departed and we began our supper. After we had eaten the salads on some common platters and they were preparing to serve the boiled meat each guest received a poringer for himself. Santini, who was seated opposite me at table exclaimed Do you notice that the crockery they give you is different from the rest? Did you ever see anything huntsomer? I answered that I had not noticed it. He also prayed me to invite Sabietta's wife to sit down with us for she and that Cicino Bouty kept running hither and thither in the most extraordinary foots and hurry. At last I induced the woman to join us. When she began to remonstrate you do not like my vic chose since you eat so little I answered by praising the supper over and over again and saying that I had never eaten better or was heartier appetite. Finally I told her that I had eaten quite enough. I could not imagine why she urged me so persistently to eat. After supper was over and it was past the hour of twenty-one I became anxious to return to Tres Piano in order that I might recommend my work next morning in the loggia. Accordingly I bade for a while to the company and having sank our hostess took a mile leave. I had not gone three miles before I felt as though my stomach was on fire and suffered such pain that it seemed a thousand years till I arrived at Tres Piano. However it pleased God that I reached it after nightfall with great toil and immediately proceeded to my farm where I went to bed. During the night I got no sleep and was constantly disturbed by motions of my bowls. When day broke, feeling an intense heat in the rectum I looked eagerly to see what this might mean and found the clothes covered with blood. Then in a moment I conceived that I had eaten something poisonous and racked my brains to think what it could have possibly been. It came back to my memory how Sbieta's wife had said before me plates and porringers and saucers different from the others and how that evil priest, Sbieta's brother, after giving himself such pains to do me honour had yet refused to sub with us. Furthermore I remembered what the priest had said about Sbieta's doing such a fine stroke of business by the sale of his farm to an old man for life who could not be expected to survive a year. Giovanni Sardella had reported these words to me. All things considered I made my mind up that they must have administered a dose of sublimit in the sauce which was very well made and pleasant to the taste. Inasmuch as sublimit produces all the symptoms I was suffering from. Now it is my custom to take but little sauce or seasoning with my meat, accepting salt, and yet I had eaten two moderate mouthfuls of that sauce because it was so tasteful. On further thinking I recollected how often that wife of Sbieta had teased me in a hundred ways to partake more freely of the sauce. On these accounts I felt absolutely certain that they had given me sublimit in that very dish. CHAPTER 105 Albeit I was suffering so severely I forced myself to work upon my colossus in the loggia. But after a few days I succumbed to the melody and took to my bed. No sooner did the Duchess hear that I was ill than she caused the execution of that unlucky marble to be assigned to Bartolomeo Amannato. He sent word to me through Messer Living Street that I might now do what I liked with my model since he had won the marble. This Messer was one of the lowers of Bartolomeo Amannato's wife and being the most favoured on account of his gentle manners and discretion, Amannato made things easy for him. There would be much to say upon this topic, however. I do not care to imitate his master Bandanello who always wondered from the subject in his talk. Suffice it to say that I told Amannato's messenger I had always imagined it would turn out thus, let the man strain himself to the utmost in proof of gratitude to fortune for so great a favour so then deservedly conferred on him by her. All this while I stayed with sorry cheer in bed and was attended by that most excellent man and physician, Maestro Francesco Domen Tevarchi. Together with him Maestro Raffaello de Pili undertook the surgical part of my case. For as much as the sublimate had so corroded the intestines that I was unable to retain my motions. When Maestro Francesco saw that the poison had exerted all its strength, being indeed insufficient in quantity to overcome my vigorous constitutions, he said one day, Benvenuto, return thanks to God, for you have won the battle. Have no anxiety since I mean to cure you in spite of the rogues who sought to work your ruin. Maestro Raffaello then put in, this will be one of the finest and most difficult cures which was ever heard of, for I can tell you Benvenuto, that you swallowed a good mouthful of sublimate. Thereupon Maestro Francesco took him up and said, it may possibly have been some venomous caterpillar. I replied, I know for certain what sort of poison it was and who gave it to me, upon which we all were silent. They attended me more than six full months and I remained more than a whole year before I could enjoy my life and vigor. When the Duke came to Florence, he sought me at my house without giving me previous notice. CHAPTER 106 At this time the Duke went to make his triumphal entry into Siena and Amonato had gone there some months earlier to construct the arches. A bastard of his, who stayed behind in the loggia, removed the clothes with which I kept my model of Neptune covered until it should be finished. As soon as I knew this, I complained to Signor Don Francesco, the Duke's son, who was kindly disposed towards me and told him how they had disclosed my still imperfect statue. Had it been finished, I should not have given the fact a thought. The Prince replied with a threatening toss of his head, Menonuto, do not mind your statue having been uncovered because these men are only working against themselves. Yet if you want me to have it covered up, I will do so at once. He added many other words in my honour before a crowd of gentlemen who were there. I then begged his Excellency to give me the necessary means for finishing it, saying that I meant to make a present of it together with the little model to his highness. He replied that he gladly accepted both gifts and that he would have all the conveniences I asked for put at my disposal. Thus then I fed upon this trifling mark of favour, which in fact proved the salvation of my life. For having been overwhelmed by so many evils and such great annoyances, all at one fell swoop. I felt my forces failing. But this little gleam of encouragement inspired me with some hope of living. CHAPTER 107 A year had now passed since I bought the farm of Bella Fonte from Sbietta. In addition to their attempt upon my life by poisoning and their numerous robberies, I noticed that the property yielded less than half what had been promised. Now in addition to the deeds of contract, I had a declaration written by Sbietta's own hand, in which he bound himself before witnesses to pay me over the yearly income I have mentioned. Armed with these documents I had recourse to the Lord's councillors. At that time Messer Alfonso Quistello was still alive and councillor of the Exchequer. He set upon the board which included Averado Cerre Stori and Federico de Ricci. I cannot remember the names of all of them, but I know that one of the Alessandri was a member. Suffice it to say the councillors of that session were men of weight and worth. When I had explained my cause to the magistracy, they all with one voice ruled that Sbietta should give me back my money, except Federico de Ricci, who was then employing the fellow himself. The others unanimously expressed sorrow to me that Federico de Ricci prevented them from dispatching the affair. Averado Cerre Stori and Alessandri in particular made a tremendous stir about it, but Federico managed to protect matters until the magistracy went out of office. Whereupon Cerre Stori, meeting me one morning after they had come out upon the Piazza del Annunziata, cried aloud, without the least regard to consequences. Federico de Ricci has been so much stronger than all of us put together that you have been massacred against our will. I do not intend to say more upon this topic, since it would be too offensive to the supreme authorities of state. Enough that I was cruelly wronged at the will of a rich citizen, only because he made use of that shepherd fellow. CHAPTER 108 The Duke was staying at Livorno, where I went to visit him in order merely to obtain release from his service. Now that I felt my vigor returning and saw that I was used for nothing, it pained me to lose time which ought to have been spent upon my art. I made my mind up, therefore, went to Livorno and found my friends, who received me with exceeding graciousness. Now I stayed there several days and went out riding daily with his Excellency. Consequently I had excellent opportunities for saying all I wanted, since it was the Duke's custom to ride four miles out of Livorno along the sea coast to the point where he was erecting a little fort. Not caring to be troubled with the crowd of people, he liked me to converse with him. So then, on one of these occasions, having observed him, pay me some remarkable attentions, I entered into the affair of Spietta and spoke as fellows. My lord, I should like to narrate to your most illustrious Excellency a very singular incident, which will explain why I was prevented from finishing that clay model of Neptune on which I was working in the Logia. Your Excellency must know that I bought a farm for my life from Spietta. To cut the matter short, I related the whole story in detail, without contaminating truth with falsehood. Now when I came to the poison, I remarked, that if I had ever proved an acceptable servant in the sight of his most illustrious Excellency, he ought not to punish Spietta or those who administered the poison, but rather to confer upon them some great benefit, inasmuch as the poison was not enough to kill me, but had exactly sufficed to cleanse me of a mortal viscosity from which I suffered in my stomach and intestines. The poison close I, worked so well, that various before I took it, I had perhaps but three or four years to live. I very believe now, that it has helped me to more than twenty years by bettering my constitution. For this mercy I return thanks to God, with greater heartiness than ever, and this proves, that a proverb I have sometimes heard spoken is true, which runs as follows. God send us evil, that may work us good. The duke listened to my story, through more than two miles of travel, keeping his attention fixed, and only uttering, oh, the villains. I said in conclusion, that I felt obliged to them, and opened other and more cheerful subjects of conversation. I kept upon the lookout for a convenient day, and when I found him well disposed for what I wanted, I entreated his most illustrious excellency, to dismiss me in a friendly spirit, so that I might not have to waste the few years in which I should be fit to do anything. As for the balance due upon my Perseus, he might give this to me, when he judged the opportune. Such was the pith of my discourse, but I expanded it with lengthy compliments, expressing my gratitude toward his most illustrious excellency. To all this he made absolutely no answer, but rather seemed to have taken my communication ill. On the following day, Messer Bartolomeo Concino, one of the duke's secretaries, and among the chiefest, came to me, and said, with somewhat of a bullying air, the duke bids me tell you, that if you want your dismissal, he will grant it. But if you choose work, he will give you plenty. God grant you may have the power to execute all the orders. I replied that I desired nothing more than work to do, and would rather take it from the duke than from any man whatever in the world. Whether they were popes, emperors, or kings, I should prefer to serve his most illustrious excellency for health-penny than any of the rest of them for a duke. He then remarked, if that is your mind, you and he have struck a bargain without the need of further speech. Those then go back to Florence and be unconcerned, rely on the duke's goodwill towards you. Accordingly I made my way again to Florence. CHAPTER 109 Immediately after my arrival there came to visit me a certain Rafa-Leone Sheikia, whose trade was set of a cloth of gold-weaver. He begins us. My benvenuto. I should like to reconcile you with Pirmarius Bietta. I replied that nobody could settle the affairs between us except the Lord's counsellors. In the present courts Bietta would not have a Federico de Riches to support him, a man willing for the bribe of a couple of fatted kids without respect of God or of his owner to back so infamous a cause and do so while of wrong to sacred justice. When I had uttered these words and many others to the like effect, Rafaello kept on, blindly urging, that it was far better to eat a thrush in peace than to bring a fat capon to one's table, even though one were quite sure to get it, after a hot fight. He further reminded me that lawsuits had a certain way of dragging on, and that I could employ the time far better, upon some masterpiece of art, which would bring me to not only greater honour, but greater profit to boot. I knew that he was speaking the mere truth, and began to lend ear to his arguments. Before long, therefore, we arranged the matter of this way. Sbietta was to rent the farm, from me at seventy golden crowns in gold, the year during the whole term of my natural life. But when we came to the contract, which was drawn up by Sir Giovanni, son of Sir Matteo de Falganu, Sbietta objected that the terms we had agreed on would involve our paying the largest duties to the revenue. He was not going to break his word, therefore we had better draw the lease for five years, to be renewed on the expiry of the term. He undertook to abide by his promise to renew, without raising further litigation, that rascals the priest, his brother, entered into similar engagements, and so the lease was drawn for five years. CHAPTER 110 Though I want to enter upon other topics, and to leave all this rascality alone awhile, I am forced to narrate what happened and the termination of this five years contract. Instead of abiding by their promised word, these two rogues declared they meant to give me up my farm, and would not keep it any longer upon lease. I not unnaturally complained, but they retorted by ostentatiously unfolding the deed, and I found myself without any defence against their chicanery. When it came to this, I told them that Duke and Prince of Florence would not suffer folk to be so infamously massacred in their cities. That man has worked so forcibly upon their minds, that they once more dispatched Rafaello Shagia, the same man who negotiated the former arrangement. I must add that they professed their unwillingness to pay the same rent of seventy crowns as during the five-year's past, while I replied that I would not take a farthing less. So then Rafaello came to look me up, and spoke to this effect. My benvenuto, you know that I am acting in your interest. Now these men have placed themselves entirely in my hands. And he showed me a writing to this effect signed by them. Not being aware that he was their close relative, I thought he would be an excellent arbitrator, and therefore placed myself also absolutely in his hands. This man of delicate honour then came one evening about an half hour after sunset, in the month of August, and induced me with the strongest pressure to draw up the contract then and there. He did so because he knew that if he waited till the morning, the deceit he wished to practice on me must have failed. Accordingly the deed was executed to the effect that they were to pay me a rent of sixty-five crowns in two half-yearly installments during the term of my natural life. Notwithstanding I rebelled against it, and refused to sit down quietly under the injustice, all was to no purpose. Rafaello exhibited my signature, and everyone took part against me. At the same time he went on on protesting that he acted altogether in my interest and as my supporter. Neither the notary nor any others who heard of the affair knew that he was a relative of those two rogues, so they told me I was in the wrong. Accordingly I was forced to yield with the best grace I could, and what I have now to do is to live as long as I can manage. Close after these events, that is to say, in the December of 1566, following, I made another blender. I bought half of the firm Del Poggio from them, or rather from Sbietta, for two hundred crowns. It marches with my property of La Fonte. Our terms were that the estate should revert at the term of three years, and I gave them a lease of it. I did this for the best, but I should have to delay too long upon the topic where I to enter into all the rascalities they practiced on me. Therefore I refer my cause entirely to God, knowing that he has ever defended me from those who sought to do me mischief.