This study examines a long passage on painters' excuses in Bronzino's poem, Il secondo delle scuse. The poem, a burlesque capitolo, offers considerable insight into Bronzino's views on art, its theory and practice. After explicating the poem, I discuss how Bronzino's own artistic practice reflects his beliefs and how his views on art compare to those evinced by Vasari in the Vite. Particular attention is paid to Vasari's Life of Bronzino. The study includes a transcription and English translation of the section on painter's excuses in Il secondo delle scuse.