The letter to Spina runs as follows: "There is no reason for sending a power of attorney about the tomb of Pope Julius, because I do not want to plead.

They cannot bring a suit if I admit that I am in the wrong; so I assume that I have sued and lost, and have to pay; and this I am disposed to do, if I am able.

Therefore, if the Pope will help me in the matter--and this would be the greatest satisfaction to me, seeing I am too old and ill to finish the work--he might, as intermediary, express his pleasure that I should repay what I have received for its performance, so as to release me from this burden, and to enable the relatives of Pope Julius to carry out the undertaking by any master whom they may choose to employ.

In this way his Holiness could be of very great assistance to me.

Of course I desire to reimburse as little as possible, always consistently with justice.