ITALIAN GARDENS OF THE RENAISSANCE 



bring me back to find comfort there. When I think 

 of it, anger and grief flee away. I possess nothing 

 that is really my own but this Certosa, and if I had 

 money I would make it the most famous place in 

 Italy ; but if I live four more years, and fortune is 

 not too contrary, I still hope that I may be able to 

 make it beautiful." 



For this purpose, he is constantly sending large 

 sums of money, and however hard pressed he finds 

 himself, repeats his injunctions that the monastery 

 is on no account to suffer. 



" Think not," he writes again, " that because the 

 work is costly I shall like it less, for all other substance 

 that I possess will pass to my successors. Who they 

 may be I care not, but this monastery with all its 

 adornings will be mine for all time, and will keep 

 my memory green and everlasting in Florence. And 

 if, as Monsignor the Chancellor (his kinsman, the 

 Bishop Angelo Acciaiuoli) has it, the soul is immortal, 

 my soul will rejoice over this Certosa, wherever she is 

 ordered to go. Therefore, I pray of you to seek the 

 perfection of the whole as much as lies in your power, 

 and I will on my part do all I can to supply you with 

 the necessary means." 



Nothing is to be neglected ; Niccolo provides in 

 turn for the fortification of the convent, a very neces- 

 sary thing in those stormy days, for the adorning of its 

 altars with pearls and precious stones, for the building 



of hospital, forestiera, and halls in which the monks 



216 



