The petty spites I speak of have prevented me from doing what I want to do these many months; one cannot work at one thing with the hands, another with the brain, especially in marble.

'Tis said here that these annoyances are meant to spur me on; but I maintain that those are scurvy spurs which make a good steed jib.

I have not touched my pension during the past year, and struggle with poverty.

I am left in solitude to bear my troubles, and have so many that they occupy me more than does my art; I cannot keep a man to manage my house through lack of means." Michelangelo's dejection caused serious anxiety to his friends.

Jacopo Salviati, writing on the 30th October from Rome, endeavoured to restore his courage.