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 foi 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 
