Some complaints are made Concerning the Three Chapels in St.Peter's; Certain supposed defects or imperfections, You doubtless can explain.
MICHAEL ANGELO.
This is no longer The golden age of art.

Men have become Iconoclasts and critics.

They delight not In what an artist does, but set themselves To censure what they do not comprehend.
You will not see them bearing a Madonna Of Cimabue to the church in triumph, But tearing down the statue of a Pope To cast it into cannon.

Who are they That bring complaints against me?
JULIUS.
Deputies Of the commissioners; and they complain Of insufficient light in the Three Chapels.
MICHAEL ANGELO.
Your Holiness, the insufficient light Is somewhere else, and not in the Three Chapels.
Who are the deputies that make complaint?
JULIUS.
The Cardinals Salviati and Marcello, Here present.
MICHAEL ANGELO, rising.
With permission, Monsignori, What is it ye complain of?
CARDINAL MARCELLO, We regret You have departed from Bramante's plan, And from San Gallo's.
MICHAEL ANGELO.
Since the ancient time No greater architect has lived on earth Than Lazzari Bramante.

His design, Without confusion, simple, clear, well-lighted.
Merits all praise, and to depart from it Would be departing from the truth.