pedestal resumes the quadrangular form, the ornament consists of masks, 

 which are very well executed. On the summit of this pedestal is a 

 smaller tazza, from the edge of which four heads of capricorns are 

 suspended by their horns ; these throw water from their mouths into the 

 larger tazza to form the rain which falls, as we have said, into the first 

 basin or that with the eight sides. Still higher and rising over all is 

 another shaft decorated with various ornaments, among which are boys 

 in mezzo relievo ; they bend forwards to such an extent as to present a 

 space sufficient for the base of a group representing Hercules strangling 

 Antaeus, executed after the design of Tribolo by Bartolommeo 

 Ammanati. 



" This principal fountain of Castello was constructed entirely of marble, 

 and was indeed completed to such perfection that nothing better could 

 be wished for in a work of that character ; insomuch that I believe it may 

 with truth be declared the most admirably proportioned, most pleasing, 

 richest, and most beautiful fountain that has ever been constructed, 

 seeing that throughout the whole work, in the vases, basins, figures, and 

 other decorations, the most extraordinary ability, care, and patience are 

 everywhere apparent. 



" Nor will I omit to mention what had been the purpose of Tribolo 

 with respect to the ornament of statues which were to be placed in the 

 great garden of the labyrinth, there to occupy the niches which are 

 regularly distributed around the same. He proposed then, and in so 

 doing had judiciously taken counsel with Messer Benedetto Varchi, a 

 most excellent poet, orator, and philosopher of our times, that at the 

 upper and lower ends of the garden should be placed representations of 

 the four seasons of the year. At the entrance, and on the right hand 

 commencing from the statue of Winter, six figures were to be erected 

 along the wall which descends to the lower part of the garden, all to 

 denote and set forth the greatness and excellence of the house of Medici ; 

 signifying, moreover, that all the virtues are to be found assembled in the 

 person of the Duke Cosimo. These were Justice, Mercy, Valour, 

 Generosity, Wisdom, and Liberality, which have ever dwelt in the house 

 of Medici, and are now all to be found in the most excellent Signer 

 Duke, seeing that he is of a truth most just and merciful, brave and 



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