In the meanwhile he did not lack troubles; for, having finished the picture of the Deluge, the work began to grow mouldy,( 43) so much so that the figures could hardly be distinguished.

Michael Angelo, thinking that this excuse would suffice to enable him to shake off his burden, went to the Pope and said to him: "_I have already told your Holiness that this is not my art; all that I have done is spoiled; if you do not believe it send and see._" The Pope sent Il San Gallo, who, when he examined the fresco, saw that the plaster had been applied too wet, and the dampness running down caused this effect; and informing Michael Angelo of this he made him proceed, and the excuse was unavailing.
XXXVII.

Whilst he was painting Pope Julius went to see the work many times, ascending the scaffolding by a ladder, Michael Angelo giving him his hand to assist him on to the highest platform.

And, like one who was of a vehement nature, and impatient of delay, when but one half of the work was done, the part from the door to the middle of the vault,( 44) he insisted upon having it uncovered, although it was still incomplete and had not received the finishing touches.

Michael Angelo's fame, and the expectation they had of him, drew the whole of Rome to the chapel, where the Pope also rushed, even before the dust raised by the taking down the scaffolding had settled.
XXXVIII.