Commentary Inf XXII 98

As Michelangelo Picone (Pico.2003.1), p. 82n., points out, following the earlier indication of Fredi Chiappelli (Chia.1952.1), pp. 97f., spaürito does not mean, as have most commentators (and your translators) believed, "frightened" but the opposite, "grown bold," as is clear from the context, in which the terrified Ciampolo gradually gains control over himself and, indeed, of the situation.