On l’avait attaché sur le pavé en dalles de pierre au-dessous du plancher de la chambre de bois ; mais lorsqu’il sentit passer les rats tout près de lui il fit des efforts si extraordinaires qu’il parvint à retirer la tête de son collier ; alors advint cette bataille admirable et dont le tapage réveilla Fabrice lancé dans les rêveries des moins tristes.
He had been tied to the stone pavement beneath the planks of the wooden room; but when he heard the rats pass close by him, he made an effort so extraordinary that he succeeded in pulling his head out of his collar. Then came this splendid battle the din of which aroused Fabrizio, plunged in the least melancholy of dreams.