The very hour Alessandro was being blessed upon the steps of the Duomo, Leonardo woke from his state of unconsciousness. The Duke’s physician instructed the maestro to remain in his care until satisfied there was no danger of a relapse. An inability to take orders had always been a failing of Leonardo’s, and refusing to heed his advice, he insisted on returning home. Yet, when he stood to his feet, the room spun and his knees crumbled. The good physician guided him back to his bed.
‘Now will you listen to me? You are weak, and it will be several days before you are well enough to return home.’ The physician ordered some weak broth from the castello’s kitchen and water for his patient, who reluctantly agreed to remain in his care.
Hearing that Leonardo had woken from his fretful condition
