Here I escape from Rome To be at peace.

The tumult of the city Scarce reaches here.
MICHAEL ANGELO.
How beautiful it is, And quiet almost as a hermitage! JULIUS.
We live as hermits here; and from these heights O'erlook all Rome and see the yellow Tiber Cleaving in twain the city, like a sword, As far below there as St.Mary's bridge.
What think you of that bridge?
MICHAEL ANGELO.
I would advise Your Holiness not to cross it, or not often It is not safe.
JULIUS.
It was repaired of late.
MICHAEL ANGELO.
Some morning you will look for it in vain; It will be gone.

The current of the river Is undermining it.
JULIUS.
But you repaired it.
MICHAEL ANGELO.
I strengthened all its piers, and paved its road With travertine.

He who came after me Removed the stone, and sold it, and filled in The space with gravel.
JULIUS.
Cardinal Salviati And Cardinal Marcello, do you listen?
This is your famous Nanni Baccio Bigio.
MICHAEL ANGELO, aside.
There is some mystery here.

These Cardinals Stand lowering at me with unfriendly eyes.
JULIUS.
Now let us come to what concerns us more Than bridge or gardens.