"I used to think, once, I should like to be a man-at-arms; but I have seen enough of it, and hope I never will draw my sword again, unless it be in conflict with some Moorish rover.

I have had many letters from my father, chiding me for mingling in frays in which I have no concern, and shall be able to gladden his heart, by writing to assure him that I have done with fighting." "It has done you no harm, Francisco, or rather it has done you much good.

It has given you the citizenship of Venice, in itself no slight advantage to you as a trader here.

It has given you three hundred ducats a year, which, as a mark of honour, is not to be despised.

It has won for you a name throughout the republic, and has given you a fame and popularity such as few, if any, citizens of Venice ever attained at your age.