“After so many disappointments, Donatello at length lost all patience. With Signor Dimetri he still kept up an appearance of civility and friendship; but towards every one else his temper and behaviour became quite intolerable, as if, being miserable himself, he was resolved that all the world should be so in order to bear him company. Thus it came to pass, that he, who had been universally admired and sought after in Naples, was now shunned and hated even by his most intimate friends; so that two or three young men, whom he had provoked by his scornful manners, and also crossed in some favourite scheme, resolved to waylay him in the night, and if not to commit murder, yet at least to wound and beat him in such manner, that he would be forced to conduct himself differently for the future. Accordingly he fell one evening into the snare that was laid for him; for, as he could not refrain from walking always after dark near the house of his beloved Madonna Portia, it was easy for them to find means of putting their plans into execution. Notwithstanding that he made a brave defence, yet, having been taken unawares, he was unable to stand against the number of his assailants, and soon received two severe wounds. “Meanwhile the old warrior heard the clashing of arms and loud voices on the street; and being determined not to lose such an opportunity of playing the part of an Orlando before his beautiful lady, he girded on his belt, and brandishing his great battle-sword, rushed out of the house. Perhaps, being thus prepared and resolute, he proved a powerful assailant, or perhaps mere terror at such a frightful figure got the better of Donatello’s youthful adversaries. Suffice it to say, they fled immediately, and he was set at liberty. Thereupon the triumphant victor forgot all at once his former doubts and fears. He directly brought in his rescued friend as a trophy into the presence of Signora Portia, insisting, moreover, that a room should be provided for him, and that she should herself undertake the cure of his wounds. As Donatello was far too prudent, in Signor Dimetri’s presence, to speak on any other subject but the wonderful prowess and courage of his deliverer, describing how he had by his single arm put to flight a whole troop of banditti, all suspicions were lulled to sleep. Moreover, he continued to talk with such eloquence of the old hero’s former exploits, and numberless adventures by sea and land, that, after his recovery, he lived still as an intimate and chosen friend in Dimetri’s palace. The latter found him oftentimes alone with his wife; but then he was always speaking or reading of the same heroic achievements, to which the lady now seemed to listen with the greatest attention.