It tumbled into the river, and was smashed to pieces.

Michelangelo attributed the accident solely to the bad quality of iron which a rascally fellow had put into the lewis-ring by means of which the block was being raised.

On this occasion he again ran considerable risk of injury, and suffered great annoyance.

The following letter of condolence, written by Jacopo Salviati, proves how much he was grieved, and also shows that he lived on excellent terms with the Pope's right-hand man and counsellor: "Keep up your spirits and proceed gallantly with your great enterprise, for your honour requires this, seeing you have commenced the work.

Confide in me; nothing will be amiss with you, and our Lord is certain to compensate you for far greater losses than this.