lost no time, after he was elected Pope, in setting Michael Angelo to work, but again it was against the inclination of the artist, who passionately desired to complete the Tomb of Julius, partly for the love of his memory and partly to free himself from the importunity of the executors, who threatened him with a lawsuit.

Michael Angelo replied to the agent of Clement, Francesco Fattucci, who requested plans for the Laurentian Library: "I understand from your last that his Holiness our Lord wishes that the design for the Library should be by my hand.

I have heard nothing and do not know where he wishes it to be built.

True, Stefano talked to me about it, but I did not give my mind to it.

When he returns from Carrara I will inform myself about it from him, and will do all I can, although it is not my profession." Clement, who really seems to have had a regard for the artist, and wished to bind him to his interests, desired to provide for him for life.