deigned to justify himself—he refused all discussion. "I am not obliged," he said to Cardinal Cervini, "to communicate either to you or to any one that which I ought or wish to do. Your business is to look after the expenses. The remainder is my affair."[1] Never would his intractable pride allow him to communicate his plans to any one. To his workmen who complained he replied: "Your business is to build, to hew, to do joiner's work, and to carry out my orders. As to knowing what is in my mind, that you will never learn, for it would be against my dignity to tell you."[2]
Against this hatred, aroused by such proceedings, he could not have resisted for a moment without the favour of the Popes.[3] Consequently, when Julius III. died[4] and Cardinal Cervini became Pope, Michael Angelo was on the point of leaving Rome. But Marcellus remained only a few days on the throne and was succeeded by Paul IV. Again assured of the papal protection, Michael Angelo continued to struggle. He would have considered himself dishonoured and would have feared for his salvation had he abandoned his work.
- ↑ Vasari.
- ↑ Bottari.
- ↑ At the end of the inquiry of 1551, Michael Angelo, turning towards Julius III. who was presiding, said: "Holy Father, you see what profit I have; for if these labours do not benefit my soul, I am losing my time and trouble." The Pope, who loved him, laid his hands on his shoulders, and said: "Do not doubt that you will gain both in soul and body. Be without fear!" (Vasari).
- ↑ Paul III. died on November 10, 1549, and Julius III., who, like him, was fond of Michael Angelo, reigned from February 8, 1550, to March 23, 1555. Cardinal Cervini was elected Pope on April 9, 1555, under the name of Marcellus II. But he reigned only a few days and was succeeded, on May 23, 1555, by Caraffa, Paul IV.
