He was very courageous, and delighted from his boyhood in contending with those who were greater than himself, affirming that he who struggles with the great may become greater, but he who disputes with the little must become less.

He esteemed honour above all else in the world, and was so upright a man of his word, that no temptation could induce him to break it, of which he gave frequent proof to his lords, who, for that as well as other qualities, considered him rather as a father or brother than as their agent or steward, honouring in him an excellence that was no pretence, but his true nature." Sansovino died in 1570, and he was buried at San Gimignano, in a church that he himself had built.

In 1807, this church being demolished, his remains were transferred to the Seminario della Salute in Venice, where they now are.
Adjoining the Old Library is the Mint, now S.Mark's Library, which may be both seen and used by strangers.

It is not exactly a British Museum Reading-room, for there are but twelve tables with six seats at each, but judging by its usually empty state, it more than suffices for the scholarly needs of Venice.

Upstairs you are shown various treasures brought together by Cardinal Bessarione: MSS., autographs, illuminated books, and incunabula.