painted monster stood out in brilliant contrast, and
looked as if its twisted curling limbs were full of life.

A knock sounded at the door, and Ser Piero's
voice was heard outside asking if the shield was
finished.

`Come in,' cried Leonardo, and Ser Piero
entered.

He cast one look at the monster hanging there
and then uttered a cry and turned to flee, but
Leonardo caught hold of his cloak and laughingly
told him to look closer.

`If I have really succeeded in frightening thee,'
he said, `I have indeed done all I could desire.'

His father could scarcely believe that it was
nothing but a painting, and he was so proud of the
work that he would not part with it, but gave the
peasant of Vinci another shield instead.

Leonardo then began a drawing for a curtain
which was to be woven in silk and gold and given
as a present from the Florentines to the King of
Portugal, and he also began a large picture of the
Adoration of the Shepherds which was never
finished.