If they desire it, then they must come to some definite arrangement, either intrusting the whole to me on contract, and leaving me a free hand, or adopting some other plan which may occur to them, and about which I can form no idea." He proceeds at some length to inform Buoninsegni of various transactions regarding the purchase of marble, and the difficulties he encounters in procuring perfect blocks.

His estimate for the costs of the whole facade is 35,000 golden ducats, and he offers to carry the work through for that sum in six years.

Meanwhile he peremptorily demands an immediate settlement of the business, stating that he is anxious to leave Carrara.

The vigorous tone of this document is unmistakable.

It seems to have impressed his correspondents; for Buoninsegni replies upon the 8th of May that the Cardinal expressed the highest satisfaction at "the great heart he had for conducting the work of the facade." At the same time the Pope was anxious to inspect the model.
Leo, I fancy, was always more than half-hearted about the facade.