decorate the cathedral walls. So when the story
was known the people became prouder than ever of
their great painter, and the round O of Giotto has
become a proverb to this day in Tuscany.

`Round as the O of Giotto, d' ye see;
Which means as well done as a thing can be.'


Later on, when Giotto was at Naples, he was
painting in the palace chapel one very hot day, when the
king came in to watch him at his work. It really
was almost too hot to move, and yet Giotto painted
away busily.

`Giotto,' said the king, `if I were in thy place I
would give up painting for a while and take my
rest, now that it is so hot.'

`And, indeed, so I would most certainly do,'
answered Giotto, `if I were in your place, your
Majesty.'

It was these quick answers and his merry smile
that charmed every one, and made the painter a
favourite with rich and poor alike.

There are a great many stories told of him, and they
all show what a sunny-tempered, kindly man he was.