He fancied a resemblance in it to Donatello himself; and it put him in mind of one of the purposes with which he had come to Monte Beni.
"My dear Count," said he, "I have a proposal to make.

You must let me employ a little of my leisure in modelling your bust.

You remember what a striking resemblance we all of us--Hilda, Miriam, and I--found between your features and those of the Faun of Praxiteles.

Then, it seemed an identity; but now that I know your face better, the likeness is far less apparent.

Your head in marble would be a treasure to me.