Pope Paul then made him Chief Architect of Saint Peter's. Michelangelo
knew the difficulties to be encountered--the bickerings, jealousies and
criticisms that were inseparable from the work--and was only moved to
accept the place on Pope Paul's declaration that no one else could do as
well, and that it was the will of God. Michelangelo looked upon the
performance as a duty and accepted the task, refusing to take any
recompense for his services. He continued to discharge the duties of the
office under the direction of Popes Paul, Pius the Fourth and Pius the
Fifth. In all he worked under the pontificates of seven different popes.

The dome of Saint Peter's, soaring to the skies, is his finest monument.
The self-sustaining, airy quality in this stupendous structure hushes the
beholder into silence; and yet that same quality of poise, strength and
sufficiency marks all of the work of this colossus, whether it be
painting, architecture or sculpture. America has paid tribute to
Michelangelo's genius by reproducing the dome of Saint Peter's over the
Capitol at Washington.

Michelangelo died at Rome, aged eighty-nine, working and planning to the
last. His sturdy frame showed health in every part, and he ceased to
breathe just as a clock runs down. His remains were secretly taken to
Florence and buried in the church of Santa Croce. A fine bust marks the
spot, but the visitor can not help feeling a regret that the dust of this
marvelous man does not rest beneath the zenith of the dome of Saint
Peter's at Rome.

* * * * *

Sitting calmly in this quiet corner, and with closed eyes, viewing
Michelangelo's life as a whole, the impression is one of heroic strength,