Giuliano was then seized with a wish to return to Florence, which he had not seen for a long time; he set out on his way therefore, taking with him the master-builders who had been working under his directions at Savona. Now, the King of France had at that time restored the freedom of its government to the City of Pisa, and the war between the Florentines and the Pisans was still raging; but Giuliano desired to pass across the territory of Pisa, wherefore he caused a safe conduct to be prepared for him at Lucca, having no small suspicion of the Pisan soldiers. Notwithstanding that precaution, however, as they were passing near Altopascio, the whole company were made prisoners by the Pisans, who cared nothing at all for their safe conduct, or any other causes of exemption that could be alleged. For six months, therefore, was Giuliano compelled to remain in Pisa, his ransom being set at three hundred ducats; nor was he permitted to return to Florence until that sum was paid.
, Antonio, who was then in Rome, having heard of these things, and feeling anxious to see his brother and his native city once again, obtained permission of the Pope to leave Rome; in his way he designed the fortress of Montefiascone[1] for the Duke Valentino, and in the year 1503, he at length returned to Florence, where the brothers were re-united, to the great joy of their friends as well as of themselves.
At this time occurred the death of Pope Alexander VI. and the accession of Pius III., but the latter lived only a short time, and the cardinal of San Pietro in Vincoli was then elected to the pontifical throne, taking the name of Julius 11. This event caused the utmost gladness to Giuliano, he having been so long in his service, and he resolved on proceeding to Rome, there to kiss the feet of his Holiness. Having arrived there accordingly, he was received very gladly, and with many kind words by the Pope, who immediately appointed him superintendent of the first buildings undertaken by that Pontiff before the arrival of Bramante.
Antonio meanwhile remained in Florence, where Pier Sodarini was at that time Gonfaloniere, and, Giuliano being absent, the construction of the buildings at Poggio Imperiale was continued, under his directions; all the Pisan
- ↑ This fortress, with the exception of some few portions of the walls, is now (1759) entirely demolished. —Bottari.
