through the means of certain Franciscan friars, to come and construct a bridge from Constantinople to Pera, and to execute other great works.  When the Gonfalonier got wind of this intention he sent for Michelangelo and used these arguments to dissuade him:  ’It were better to choose death with the Pope than to keep in life by going to the Turk.  Nevertheless, there is no fear of such an ending; for the Pope is well disposed, and sends for you because he loves you, not to do you harm.  If you are afraid, the Signory will send you with the title of ambassador; forasmuch as public personages are never treated with violence, since this would be done to those who send them.’”

We only possess one brief from Julius to the Signory of Florence.  It is dated Rome, July 8, 1506, and contains this passage:  “Michelangelo the sculptor, who left us without reason, and in mere caprice, is afraid, as we are informed, of returning, though we for our part are not angry with him, knowing the humours of such men of genius.  In order, then, that he may lay aside all anxiety, we rely on your loyalty to convince him in our name, that if he returns to us, he shall be uninjured and unhurt, retaining our apostolic favour in the same measure as he formerly enjoyed it.”  The date, July 8, is important in this episode of Michelangelo’s life.  Soderini sent back an answer to the Pope’s brief within a few days, affirming that “Michelangelo the sculptor is so terrified that, notwithstanding the promise of his Holiness, it will be necessary for the Cardinal of Pavia to write a letter signed by his own hand to us, guaranteeing his safety and immunity.  We have done, and are doing, all we can to make him go back; assuring your Lordship that, unless he is gently handled, he will quit Florence, as he has already twice wanted to do.”  This letter is followed by another addressed to the Cardinal of Volterra under date July 28.  Soderini repeats that Michelangelo will not budge, because he has as yet received no definite safe-conduct.  It appears that in the course of August the negotiations had advanced to a point at which Michelangelo was willing to return.  On the last day of the month the Signory drafted a letter to the Cardinal of Pavia in which they say that “Michelangelo Buonarroti, sculptor, citizen of Florence, and greatly loved by us, will exhibit these letters present, having at last been persuaded to repose confidence in his Holiness.”  They add that he is coming in good spirits and with good-will.  Something may have happened to renew his terror, for this despatch was not delivered, and nothing more is heard of the transaction till toward the close of November.  It is probable, however, that Soderini suddenly discovered how little Michelangelo was likely to be wanted; Julius, on the 27th of August, having started on what appeared to be his mad campaign against Perugia and Bologna.  On the 21st of November following the Cardinal of Pavia sent an autograph letter