Indeed, we shall see that some critics found reason to blame him for want of science in the construction of his outworks.

When, therefore, a difference arose between the controller-general of defences and the Gonfalonier upon this question of strengthening S.Miniato, it was natural that the War Office should have thought it prudent to send their chief officer to the greatest authority upon fortification then alive in Italy.

This was the Duke of Ferrara.

Busini must serve as our text in the first instance upon this point.

"Michelangelo says that, when neither Niccolo Capponi nor Baldassare Carducci would agree to the outworks at S.Miniato, he convinced all the leading men except Niccolo of their necessity, showing that Florence could not hold out a single day without them.