"In that case, Benvenuto, go on and fashion a Christ for our chapel," said François I., with his usual good humor.
"Sire, if your Majesty will so far indulge me, I pray you to order something different, and allow me to postpone the execution of that work."
"Why so?"
"Because I promised God to undertake it for no other sovereign than Him."
"À la bonne heure! Be it so! Benvenuto, I need twelve candlesticks for my table."
"Ah! that is a different matter; and therein, Sire, you shall be obeyed."
"It is my wish that they should take the form' of twelve silver statues."
"The effect will be magnificent, Sire."
"They must represent six gods and six goddesses, and be of my own height."
"Why, your order is for a whole epic poem," said the Duchesse d'Etampes; "for a work of marvellous, surprising splendor, is it not, Monsieur Benvenuto?"