But let it be as it must: I am willing to acknowledge that I have always brought shame and loss on you, and on this supposition I beg your pardon.

Reckon that you are pardoning a son who has lived a bad life and done you all the harm which it is possible to do.

And so I once again implore you to pardon me, scoundrel that I am, and not bring on me the reproach of having turned you out of doors; for that matters more than you imagine to me.

After all, I am your son." From Florence Michelangelo proceeded again to Carrara for the quarrying of marble.

This was on the last day of December.