MICHAEL ANGELO. 261 



When the talents of Michael Angelo are consid- 

 ered, the question arises whether he was greatest as 

 painter, sculptor, or architect. Bat why measure the 

 man in this way ? Or why not take other eminent 

 qualities into the estimate of personal characteristics ? 

 Michael Angelo was a patriot and a moralist ; and his 

 religious nature was deep and abiding. He so utterly 

 detested shams and peculations in public affairs, that he 

 labored an ordinary lifetime in molding St. Peter's into 

 magnificent proportions, and would not accept pecuni- 

 ary recompense. He always claimed that he \vorked 

 for the glory of God and the elevation of mankind. 

 His charities were bountiful, yet dispensed with dis- 

 cretion. He loved liberty and despised tyranny, as he 

 honored truth and hated hypocrisy. His moral char- 

 acter was never assailed, yet it would have been, con- 

 sidering the wiles and jealousies of his time, if he had 

 not lived an upright life. The precepts of Savonarola 

 seemed indelibly stamped upon his heart. Taking 

 Michael Angelo all in all, few distinguished in what 

 constitutes individual greatness preceded him, and as 

 few of equal greatness have succeeded him. A study 

 of his character and talents ought to exert a beneficial 

 influence upon the impressible. 



