The Transportation of the Vatican Obelisk

Libro Primo.
6

They cast bronze medals in memory of the event, among which there were specifically two travertine boxes containing twelve medals each. These had the image of Our Lord sculpted on one side, and on the reverse sides, many varieties: some featured a man sleeping in the countryside under a tree, with the motto around it saying: PERFECTA SECVRITAS Perfect Security. Others had three mountains, and above on the right side a Cornucopia, on the left side a laurel branch, and at the summit, a sword with its point turned toward the Heavens, which serves as the pivot for a pair of scales with the motto: FECIT IN MONTE CONVIVIVM PINGVIVM He made a feast of fat things on the mountain. Others had a Saint Francis on his knees before the Crucifix with the Church falling into ruin, and the motto: VADE FRANCISCE, ET REPARA Go, Francis, and repair. Others had the effigy of Pope Pius V on one side, and on the reverse, some had Religion and others Justice. This is included here for the satisfaction of those who desire to know the entire outcome.

And because, while these things were being done in Rome, it was necessary to form a "Castle" a complex wooden scaffold or derrick used for lifting heavy loads that would serve to raise such a great weight—as I will describe in its proper place—a very large quantity of very thick and very long beams and various extraordinary iron tools were needed, which were not to be found anywhere in the city. To facilitate the business and for the most rapid expedition for Our Lord, it pleased him to give me ample authority, with a privilege throughout the Ecclesiastical State, to be able to buy, sell, and do other things pertaining to the enterprise, as appears below.

COPY OF THE SUBSTANCE OF THE PRIVILEGE.

An ornamental woodcut drop cap 'N' containing a landscape scene.

WE SIXTUS V grant faculty and ample authority to Domenico Fontana, Architect of the Sacred Apostolic Palace (so that he may more easily and quickly transport the Vatican Spire Guglia Obelisk onto the square of Saint Peter’s), to be able to make use, for the duration of this transportation, of any workers and laborers whatsoever and their tools, be they of whatever quality they may be, and to force them, if necessary, to lend or sell them to him, compensating them, however, with the due wage.

That he may make use of all the planks, beams, and timber of any sort whatsoever that are in the places most convenient for this service, be they whose they may, paying however the due price to the owners of said timber according to what shall be judged by two Arbiters to be chosen by the parties, and that he may cut or have cut all those timbers that in any way belong to the Church of Saint Peter, its Chapter, and Canons, and particularly in the estate called Campomorto, or to the Hospital of Santo Spirito in Sassia, or to the Apostolic Chamber without any payment at all, and may lead them through any place whatsoever, and cause the animals that will serve this work to graze there without incurring any penalty, compensating however for the damage done according to what shall be estimated by skilled men to be chosen for this effect.

That he may buy and take away the aforementioned things, and any others necessary for this, from any person whatsoever without paying duty or taxes of any sort.

That he may, without license or permit, take in Rome and in other nearby cities and places every sort of provision for his own use, and that of his ministers and animals.

That he may take and take away, wherever they shall be found, winches, ropes, and pulleys,