His nature being eager and impatient of delay, he decided to have the roof uncovered, although Michelangelo had not given the last touches, and had only completed the first half--that is, from the door to the middle of the vault." Michelangelo's letters show that the first part of his work was executed in October.

He writes thus to his brother Buonarroto: "I am remaining here as usual, and shall have finished my painting by the end of the week after next--that is, the portion of it which I began; and when it is uncovered, I expect to be paid, and shall also try to get a month's leave to visit Florence." V The uncovering took place upon November 1, 1509.

All Rome flocked to the chapel, feeling that something stupendous was to be expected after the long months of solitude and seclusion during which the silent master had been working.

Nor were they disappointed.

The effect produced by only half of the enormous scheme was overwhelming.