the nobility when time hung heavy.

Once there came a heavy snowstorm, and snow being an unusual thing in
Florence, Piero called a lot of his friends together in the gardens, and
summoning Michelangelo, ordered him to make a snow image for the
amusement of the guests, just as Piero at other times had a dog jump
through a hoop.

"What shall it be?" asked Michelangelo.

"Oh, anything you please," replied Piero; "only don't keep us waiting
here in the cold all day!"

Young Angelo cast one proud look of contempt toward the group and set to
work making a statue. In ten minutes he had formed a satyr that bore such
a close resemblance to Piero that the guests roared with laughter. "That
will do," called Piero; "like Deity, you make things in your own image."
Some of the company tossed silver coin at the young man, but he let the
money lie where it fell.

Michel at this time was applying himself to the study of anatomy, and
giving his attention to literature under the tutorship of the famous poet
and scholar, Poliziano, who resided at the court.

So filled was the young man's mind with his work that he was blind to the
discontent arising in the State. To the young, governments and
institutions are imperishable. Piero by his selfish whims had been
digging the grave of the Medici. From sovereignty they were flung into
exile. The palace was sacked, the beautiful gardens destroyed, and
Michelangelo, being regarded as one of the family, was obliged to flee