Meanwhile the Signory of Florence issued a decree of outlawry against thirteen citizens who had quitted the territory without leave.  It was promulgated on the 30th of September, and threatened them with extreme penalties if they failed to appear before the 8th of October.  On the 7th of October a second decree was published, confiscating the property of numerous exiles.  But this document does not contain the name of Michelangelo; and by a third decree, dated November 16, it appears that the Government were satisfied with depriving him of his office and stopping his pay.  We gather indeed, from what Condivi and Varchi relate, that they displayed great eagerness to get him back, and corresponded to this intent with their envoy at Ferrara.  Michelangelo’s flight from Florence seemed a matter of sufficient importance to be included in the despatches of the French ambassador resident at Venice.  Lazare de Baif, knowing his master’s desire to engage the services of the great sculptor, and being probably informed of Buonarroti’s own wish to retire to France, wrote several letters in the month of October, telling Francis that Michelangelo might be easily persuaded to join his court.  We do not know, however, whether the King acted on this hint.

His friends at home took the precaution of securing his effects, fearing that a decree for their confiscation might be issued.  We possess a schedule of wine, wheat, and furniture found in his house, and handed over by the servant Caterina to his old friend Francesco Granacci for safe keeping.  They also did their best to persuade Michelangelo that he ought to take measures for returning under a safe-conduct.  Galeotto Giugni wrote upon this subject to the War Office, under date October 13, from Ferrara.  He says that Michelangelo has begged him to intercede in his favour, and that he is willing to return and lay himself at the feet of their lordships.  In answer to this despatch, news was sent to Giugni on the 20th that the Signory had signed a safe-conduct for Buonarroti.  On the 22nd Granacci paid Sebastiano di Francesco, a stone-cutter, to whom Michelangelo was much attached, money for his journey to Venice.  It appears that this man set out upon the 23rd, carrying letters from Giovan Battista della Palla, who had now renounced all intention of retiring to France, and was enthusiastically engaged in, the defence of Florence.  On the return of the Medici, Palla was imprisoned in the castle of Pisa, and paid the penalty of his patriotism by death.  A second letter which he wrote to Michelangelo on this occasion deserves to be translated, since it proves the high spirit with which the citizens of Florence were now awaiting the approach of the Prince of Orange and his veteran army.  “Yesterday I sent you a letter, together with ten from other friends, and the safe-conduct granted by the Signory for the whole month of November and though I feel sure that it will reach you safely, I take the precaution of enclosing a copy under this