When he got home Michael Angelo carried out the embassy of the Magnificent; his father divining why he was called, with great persuasion from Granacci and others made ready to go: lamenting to himself that his son would be taken away.

Stating, moreover, that he would never suffer his son to be a stonemason, it was useless for Granacci to explain how great was the difference between a sculptor and a mason.

After all this long disputation he ultimately was ushered into the presence of the Magnificent, who asked him if he would deliver his son over to his care, for he would not neglect him; "_Even so,_" he replied, "_not only Michael Angelo, but all of us, with our lives and all our best faculties, are at the service of your Magnificence._" And when the Magnificent asked what he could do for himself, he replied: "_I have never practised any profession; but have always lived upon my small income and attended to the small property left to me by my ancestors; trying not only to keep it up properly, but also endeavouring to increase it as far as I may with my powers and by my diligence._" The Magnificent then replied: "_Very well, look about you, see if there is not something in Florence that will suit you; make use of me; I will do the best I can for you._" And so dismissing the old man, he gave Michael Angelo a good room in his own house with all that he needed,( 12) treating him like a son, with a seat at his table, which was frequented every day by noblemen and men of great affairs.

Now they had a custom that those who were present at the beginning of a meal should take their places next to the Magnificent according to their rank, and should not change them, no matter who came in afterwards; so that often Michael Angelo was seated even above the sons of Lorenzo and other persons of quality; for in that house noble persons abounded: by all of them Michael Angelo was caressed and incited to his honourable work; but above all by the Magnificent, who would often call for him many times in the day to show him engraved gems,( 13) cornelians, medals, and such like things of great price, seeing that he had genius and good judgment.
IX.

Michael Angelo was between fifteen and sixteen years of age when he entered the house of the Magnificent, and he stayed with him until his death, which was in ninety-two,( 14) a space of two years.