He answered that the Pope had only done this to avoid rivalries.

The men possessed designs ready for that hall, and I ought to remember that the lower one was also a hall of the Pontiffs.

My reply was that I would have nothing to do with it; so that now they are laughing at me, and I am so worried that I am well-nigh mad." Later on he adds: "It has been my object, through you and your authority, to execute vengeance for myself and you too, letting malignant fellows know that there are other demigods alive beside Raffael da Urbino and his 'prentices." The vacillation of Leo in this business, and his desire to make things pleasant, are characteristic of the man, who acted just in the same way while negotiating with princes.
IX When Michelangelo complained that he was "rovinato per detta opera di San Lorenzo," he probably did not mean that he was ruined in purse, but in health and energy.

For some while after Leo gave him his liberty, he seems to have remained comparatively inactive.

During this period the sacristy at S.Lorenzo and the Medicean tombs were probably in contemplation.