252 ANDREW JACKSON HOWE. 



simple expedient saved the tower from the damaging 

 effects of cannon shots ; and compelled the enemy to 

 engage in a slow siege while treaties and treacheries 

 were plied by those who can accomplish more to over- 

 throw a city by diplomacy than through breaching 

 assaults on fortifications. Emissaries from the Pope 

 and traitors within the ranks of the besieged led to 

 the city's capitulation. Michael Angelo escaped to 

 Venice, and there engaged in artistic pursuits, for the 

 time abandoning hope for the liberty and tranquillity 

 of his country. 



As has been stated, Michael Angelo was called to 

 the Vatican by Julius II. in 1503 ; and he was taken 

 into consultation with other artists as to the grandest 

 thing to be done for the glory of the pontificate as 

 well as the reputation of the ruling papal See. Julius II. 

 was in favor of constructing a Mausoleum ; and Michael 

 Angelo set about a plan in comport with his master's 

 conception he designed a parallelogram to embrace 

 the tombs, and a superstructure ornamented with forty 

 colossal statues with an abundance of smaller figures, 

 and all united in one stupenduous whole. The design 

 met with the approbation of the Pope, but where was 

 the structure to be erected? After many devices had 

 been discussed, and their feasibility questioned, it was 

 determined in council to rebuild St. Peter's on an en- 

 larged scale, and the work was entered upon with zeal, 

 though no one living ever expected to see the plan 

 executed. The estimated cost of the structure was so 

 astounding that at first even the ardor of Julius II. 

 could not compass the methods which should raise the 

 money. At length it was determined by him to sell 

 " indulgences " to replenish a depleted treasury ; and 

 the abuse of the scheme incited a monk of Saxony to 



