How does Cosimo get shot and what does he do during his recovery?

Cosimo is finally caught by the jealous suitor of one of his maidens on his way up to be with her, and the suitor fills Cosimo's leg with grapeshot. During his convalescence, Cosimo writes "Project for the Constitution of an Ideal State in the Trees", addressing it to Diderot himself and describing the felicity in which humanity can exist if it follows his example and exists in the trees.