Meanwhile, although he has deposited 1400 crowns, "which would have kept him working for seven years, and would have enabled him to finish two tombs," the Duke's ratification does not come.

"It is easy enough to see what that means without writing it in words! Enough; for the loyalty of thirty-six years, and for having given myself of my own free will to others, I deserve no better.
Painting and sculpture, labour and good faith, have been my ruin, and I go continually from bad to worse.

Better would it have been for me if I had set myself to making matches in my youth! I should not be in such distress of mind....

I will not remain under this burden, nor be vilified every day for a swindler by those who have robbed my life and honour.

Only death or the Pope can extricate me." It appears that at this time the Duke of Urbino's agents were accusing him of having lent out moneys which he had received on account for the execution of the monument.