“This is not enough. Go and bring me two notaries to draw up the contract.” Then, addressing the girl and her mother in French:
“While the notaries and witnesses are coming, I will give you a word of advice. The first of you that I know to utter a word about my affairs, I will kill you—all three. So remember.”
I afterward said in Italian to Paolo:
“If you offer the slightest opposition to the least thing I choose to propose, I will cut you up into mince-meat with this good sword.”
“It is enough,” he interrupted in alarm, “that you will not kill me. I will do whatever you wish.”
So this singular contract was duly drawn out and signed. My rage and fever were gone. I paid the notaries, and went home.—The Biography.
CRITICISM OF A STATUE OF HERCULES
Bandinello was incensed to such a degree that he was ready to burst with fury, and turning to me said, “What faults have you to find with my statues?”
I answered, “I will soon tell them, if you have but the patience to hear me.”
He replied, “Tell them, then.”