A Jew passing as Catholic is Galileo's lifelong friend and takes it upon himself to protect the scientist from rival colleagues, enemies in the clergy, and the gutter rats of urban Italy who are hired by the former two to discredit and even harm Galileo. Fishbeingnola risks danger and denouement as a Jew to keep Galileo whole, all the while concealing his efforts from his friend, so that the great man won't be distracted. The conflicts range from tavern debates to physical confrontations as various competitors and religious zealots take their turns at harming both Galileo and Fishbeingnola. The outcome is known. This tale tells how it came about.