Well, what matters it, Since now that greater light, that was my sun, Is set, and all is darkness, all is darkness! Death's lightnings strike to right and left of me, And, like a ruined wall, the world around me Crumbles away, and I am left alone.
I have no friends, and want none.

My own thoughts Are now my sole companions,--thoughts of her, That like a benediction from the skies Come to me in my solitude and soothe me.
When men are old, the incessant thought of Death Follows them like their shadow; sits with them At every meal; sleeps with them when they sleep; And when they wake already is awake, And standing by their bedside.

Then, what folly It is in us to make an enemy Of this importunate follower, not a friend! To me a friend, and not an enemy, Has he become since all my friends are dead.
II VIGNA DI PAPA GIULIO POPE JULIUS III.

seated by the Fountain of Acqua Vergine, surrounded by Cardinals.
JULIUS.
Tell me, why is it ye are discontent, You, Cardinals Salviati and Marcello, With Michael Angelo?
What has he done, Or left undone, that ye are set against him?
When one Pope dies, another is soon made; And I can make a dozen Cardinals, But cannot make one Michael Angelo.
CARDINAL SALVIATI.
Your Holiness, we are not set against him; We but deplore his incapacity.
He is too old.
JULIUS.
You, Cardinal Salviati, Are an old man.

Are you incapable?
'T is the old ox that draws the straightest furrow.
CARDINAL MARCELLO.
Your Holiness remembers he was charged With the repairs upon St.Mary's bridge; Made cofferdams, and heaped up load on load Of timber and travertine; and yet for years The bridge remained unfinished, till we gave it To Baccio Bigio.
JULIUS.
Always Baccio Bigio! Is there no other architect on earth?
Was it not he that sometime had in charge The harbor of Ancona.
CARDINAL MARCELLO.
Ay, the same.
JULIUS.
Then let me tell you that your Baccio Bigio Did greater damage in a single day To that fair harbor than the sea had done Or would do in ten years.