safety of his person, to leave Florence and repair to Venice, without making himself known to any one by the way.[1] He departed secretly, therefore, by the road of Monte Miniato, no one being informed of his purpose, and having with him only his disciple Antonio Mini, and the goldsmith Piloto, his faithful friend. They all bore a sum of money, each having fastened his portion into his doublet; and having reached Ferrara, the master halted to refresh himself.
Here the suspicions usual in time of war, and the league of the Emperor and Pope against Florence, caused the Duke Alfonso of Ferrara to keep strict watch, and he required to be secretly informed every day by the hosts of all the strangers whom they lodged; a list of all foreigners, with the countries to which they belonged, being carried to him daily. It thus happened, that although Michelagnolo desired to remain unknown, yet the Duke, made aware of his arrival by this means, greatly rejoiced thereat, because he had become his friend. That prince was a man of a high mind, and delighted in works of genius all his life long. He instantly despatched some of the principal persons of his Court to invite Michelagnolo, in the name of his Excellency, to the Palace, where the Duke then was; these Signori being ordered to conduct him thither with his horses and all his baggage, and to give him commodious apartments in the Palace. Michelagnolo, thus finding that he was no longer master of his movements, put a good face on the matter, and accompanied the Ferrarese nobles to the presence of their lord, but without removing his baggage from the hostelry. The Duke received him graciously, but complained of his reserve and secrecy; subsequently making him rich gifts, he did his utmost to prevail on him to settle in Ferrara; but to this Michelagnolo could not agree, when the Duke requested that he would at least not depart while the war continued, and again offered to serve him to the utmost of his power.
Unwilling to be outdone in courtesy, our artist thanked the Duke with the utmost gratitude, and turning to his two
- ↑ Varchi tells us that Michael Angelo had discovered treasonable intentions on the part of Malatesta Baglione, Captain-general of the Florentines (who was in treaty with the Pope for the betrayal of the city), and had made this circumstance known to the Gonfaloniere Carduccio; but not finding the attention he expected, then resolved to secure his own safety by flight. For numerous details respecting this event, see also Gaye, Carteggio, vols. ii. and iii.
