258 ANDREW JACKSON HOWE. 



When Michael Angelo was 72 years of age, he 

 was appointed chief architect of St. Peter's ; and he 

 accepted the dignified position on condition that he 

 receive no salary, and that he be empowered to dis- 

 charge many persons who were so much lumber about 

 the great edifice. Besides, he was to have the privi- 

 lege of making such alterations in the stupendous 

 fabric, w T ith the Pope's approbation, as his own model 

 might suggest. 



From this time forward the grand Basilica made 

 active progress, notwithstanding its architect had un- 

 der construction the Farnese Palace, and was engaged 

 in building a senatorial mansion on the Capitoline 

 hill. But such was the industry and capacity of 

 Michael Angelo that he could accomplish more in a 

 day than most worthy men would in a week. The 

 great architect did not have all things his own way, 

 for he would hardly get his plans in the course of ex- 

 ecution before the Pope would die, and another of dif- 

 ferent tastes and peculiar whims would be elected to 

 the papal throne. A change of rulers would always 

 be attended with the fault findings of those who were 

 ambitious to displace the architect in chief. At one 

 of these grievance presentations the Pope asked 

 Michael Angelo to exhibit his plans to those who 

 were criticizing his work. The chief knew that the 

 submission of his designs would be to expose them 

 to attack, so he replied with warmth to the cardinal : 

 " I am not, neither will I be ever obliged to tell your 

 eminence, or any one else, what I ought or am dis- 

 posed to do ; it is your office to see that money be pro- 

 vided to take care of the thieves, and that you leave 

 the building of St. Peters to me." 



Michael Angelo was at this time invited by 



