If you want me to let you go free you must promise to do some work for me with your own hands, whatever suits you best, let it be what you will, sculpture or painting._" Michael Angelo agreed, and returned to Florence.

Although much occupied in arming the country, yet he began a large easel picture, representing Leda and the Swan, and near by the egg from which Castor and Pollux were born, as is fabled by ancient writers.
When the Duke heard that the Medici had entered Florence, fearing to lose so great a treasure in the tumult, he immediately sent one of his own people.

His man, when he came to the house of Michael Angelo and saw the picture, said: "_Why! this is but a small matter._" Michael Angelo asked him what his business was?
Realising that every one thinks they know other people's business best, he replied simpering, "_I am a merchant_;" perhaps disgusted by such a question, and not being taken for a gentleman, while at the same time despising the industry of the Florentine citizens, who for the most part are merchants, as if he had said: "_You ask what is my business, would you ever believe that I am a merchant ?_" Michael Angelo heard what he said, and replied: "_You have done bad business for your lord; leave my sight._" So having dismissed the Ducal messenger, he gave the picture shortly afterwards to one of his assistants, who had two sisters to marry off.

It was sent into France, where it still is,( 53) and was bought by King Francis.
XLVIII.

Now to return, Michael Angelo having been called to Rome by Pope Clement, thereupon began the affair with the Duke of Urbino's agents concerning the Tomb of Julius.