They, with the doubtful exception of Marcellus II., accepted him on trust as a thoroughly honest servant, and the only artist capable of conducting the great work to its conclusion.

In the last resort, when he was driven to bay, he offered to resign, and was invariably coaxed back by the final arbiter.

The disinterested spirit in which he fulfilled his duties, accepting no pay while he gave his time and energy to their performance, stood him in good stead.

Nothing speaks better for his perfect probity than that his enemies were unable to bring the slightest charge of peculation or of partiality against him.

Michelangelo's conduct of affairs at S.
Peter's reflects a splendid light upon the tenor of his life, and confutes those detractors who have accused him of avarice.
The duel between Michelangelo and the sect opened in 1547.