“The idea of hiding was revolting to me.
“‘But, my poor fellow,’ said the cardinal, ‘do you not know, that as things are, my nephew is obliged to have you assassinated?’
“This expression seemed to me rather amusing, and I replied that I would oblige Marco to fight me.
“‘But you can’t kill my nephew,’ said he, patting me gayly on the head. ‘Even supposing you were skilful enough, you would not make such a return as that for the fatherly kindness that I have shown you?’
“This observation silenced me. I returned to my lodging and made ready to depart. I ought to have been more cautious about it, but I could not bring myself to seem to be running away secretly. All at once, as I stepped out of my room to look for a small box that was in the vestibule of the house, where I lived by myself, two villains fell upon me and undertook to overpower and tie me. In the struggle that ensued, I pushed them down stairs; but, just as I was about to escape, the door was shut in my face, and I heard a harsh voice proceeding from the vestibule exclaim:
“‘Courage! tie him! I want to beat him to death on the spot!’
“My rage, at hearing this, gave me superhuman strength, and I fought my two assailants with so much fury, that they were both overpowered in a few seconds. Then, without further notice of them, I sprang at Marco, who, seeing that his attempt had failed, tried to flee. I, however, forced him against the door, and snatched away his sword, which he would have drawn to defend himself.
“‘Scoundrel!’ I said, ‘I will not kill you, but you shall fight me, and at once.’
“Marcus was slender, and inferior to me in strength. I made him go up stairs before me, and pushed him into my room, when I double-locked the door, took my sword, and giving him his, said:
“‘There, defend yourself; you see that you may sometimes be obliged to fight with a plebeian!’