IleftCorfuintheevening，andhavingagoodbreezeinmyfavour，I
reachedOtrantobyday—breakthefollowingmorning，withouttheoarsmenhavinghadtorowastroke。ThedistancefromCorfutoOtrantoisonlyaboutfifteenleagues。
Ihadnoideaoflanding，owingtothequarantinewhichisalwaysenforcedforanyshiporboatcomingtoItalyfromtheeast。Ionlywenttotheparlourofthelazaretto，where，placedbehindagrating，youcanspeaktoanypersonwhocalls，andwhomuststandbehindanothergratingplacedopposite，atadistanceofsixfeet。
AssoonasIannouncedthatIhadcomeforthepurposeofengagingatroupeofactorstoperforminCorfu，themanagersofthetwocompaniestheninOtrantocametotheparlourtospeaktome。ItoldthematoncethatIwishedtoseealltheperformers，onecompanyatatime。
Thetworivalmanagersgavemethenaverycomicscene，eachmanagerwantingtheothertobringhistroupefirst。Theharbour—mastertoldmethattheonlywaytosettlethematterwastosaymyselfwhichofthetwocompaniesIwouldseefirst:onewasfromNaples，theotherfromSicily。NotknowingeitherIgavethepreferencetothefirst。
DonFastidio，themanager，wasveryvexed，whileBattipaglia，thedirectorofthesecond，wasdelightedbecausehehopedthat，afterseeingtheNeapolitantroupe，Iwouldengagehisown。
Anhourafterwards，Fastidioreturnedwithallhisperformers，andmysurprisemaybeimaginedwhenamongstthemIrecognizedPetronioandhissisterMarina，who，themomentshesawme，screamedforjoy，jumpedoverthegrating，andthrewherselfinmyarms。Aterriblehubbubfollowed，andhighwordspassedbetweenFastidioandtheharbour—master。MarinabeingintheserviceofFastidio，thecaptaincompelledhimtoconfinehertothelazaretto，whereshewouldhavetoperformquarantineathisexpense。Thepoorgirlcriedbitterly，butIcouldnotremedyherimprudence。
IputastoptothequarrelbytellingFastidiotoshewmeallhispeople，oneaftertheother。Petroniobelongedtohiscompany，andperformedthelovers。HetoldmethathehadaletterformefromTherese。IwasalsogladtoseeaVenetianofmyacquaintancewhoplayedthepantalooninthepantomime，threetolerablyprettyactresses，apulcinella，andascaramouch。Altogether，thetroupewasadecentone。
ItoldFastidiotonamethelowestsalaryhewantedforallhiscompany，assuringhimthatIwouldgivethepreferencetohisrival，ifheshouldaskmetoomuch。
"Sir，"heanswered，"wearetwenty，andshallrequiresixroomswithtenbeds，onesitting—roomforallofus，andthirtyNeapolitanducatsaday，alltravellingexpensespaid。Hereismystockofplays，andwewillperformthosethatyoumaychoose。"
ThinkingofpoorMarinawhowouldhavetoremaininthelazarettobeforeshecouldreappearonthestageatOtranto，ItoldFastidiotogetthecontractready，asIwantedtogoawayimmediately。
Ihadscarcelypronouncedthesewordsthanwarbrokeoutagainbetweenthemanager—electandhisunfortunatecompetitor。
Battipaglia，inhisrage，calledMarinaaharlot，andsaidthatshehadarrangedbeforehandwithFastidiotoviolatetherulesofthelazarettoinordertocompelmetochoosetheirtroupe。Petronio，takinghissister’spart，joinedFastidio，andtheunluckyBattipagliawasdraggedoutsideandtreatedtoagenerousdoseofblowsandfisticuffs，whichwasnotexactlythethingtoconsolehimforalostengagement。
Soonafterwards，PetroniobroughtmeTherese’sletter。Shewasruiningtheduke，gettingrichaccordingly，andwaitingformeinNaples。
Everythingbeingreadytowardsevening，IleftOtrantowithtwentyactors，andsixlargetrunkscontainingtheircompletewardrobes。A
lightbreezewhichwasblowingfromthesouthmighthavecarriedustoCorfuintenhours，butwhenwehadsailedaboutonehourmycayabouchiriinformedmethathecouldseebythemoonlightashipwhichmightprovetobeacorsair，andgetholdofus。Iwasunwillingtoriskanything，soIorderedthemtolowerthesailsandreturntoOtranto。Atday—breakwesailedagainwithagoodwesterlywind，whichwouldalsohavetakenustoCorfu；butafterwehadgonetwoorthreehours，thecaptainpointedouttomeabrigantine，evidentlyapirate，forshewasshapinghercoursesoastogettowindwardofus。Itoldhimtochangethecourse，andtogobystarboard，toseeifthebrigantinewouldfollowus，butsheimmediatelyimitatedourmanoeuvre。IcouldnotgobacktoOtranto，andIhadnowishtogotoAfrica，soIorderedthementoshapeourcourse，soastolandonthecoastofCalabria，byhardrowingandatthenearestpoint。Thesailors，whowerefrightenedtodeath，communicatedtheirfearstomycomedians，andsoonIheardnothingbutweepingandsobbing。Everyoneofthemwascallingearnestlyuponsomesaint，butnotonesingleprayertoGoddidIhear。Thebewailingsofscaramouch，thedullandspiritlessdespairofFastidio，offeredapicturewhichwouldhavemademelaughheartilyifthedangerhadbeenimaginaryandnotreal。Marinaalonewascheerfulandhappy，becauseshedidnotrealizethedangerwewererunning，andshelaughedattheterrorofthecrewandofhercompanions。
Astrongbreezespranguptowardsevening，soIorderedthemtoclaponallsailandscudbeforethewind，evenifitshouldgetstronger。
Inordertoescapethepirate，Ihadmadeupmymindtocrossthegulf。Wetookthewindthroughthenight，andinthemorningwewereeightymilesfromCorfu，whichIdeterminedtoreachbyrowing。Wewereinthemiddleofthegulf，andthesailorswerewornoutwithfatigue，butIhadnolongeranyfear。Agalebegantoblowfromthenorth，andinlessthananhouritwasblowingsohardthatwewerecompelledtosailclosetothewindinafearfulmanner。Thefeluccalookedeverymomentasifitmustcapsize。Everyonelookedterrifiedbutkeptcompletesilence，forIhadenjoineditonpenaltyofdeath。Inspiteofourdangerousposition，IcouldnothelplaughingwhenIheardthesobsofthecowardlyscaramouch。Thehelmsmanwasamanofgreatnerve，andthegalebeingsteadyIfeltwewouldreachCorfuwithoutmishap。Atday—breakwesightedthetown，andatnineinthemorningwelandedatMandrachia。Everybodywassurprisedtoseeusarrivethatway。
Assoonasmycompanywaslanded，theyoungofficersnaturallycametoinspecttheactresses，buttheydidnotfindthemverydesirable，withtheexceptionofMarina，whoreceiveduncomplaininglythenewsthatIcouldnotrenewmyacquaintancewithher。Ifeltcertainthatshewouldnotlackadmirers。Butmyactresses，whohadappeareduglyatthelanding，producedaverydifferenteffectonthestage，andparticularlythepantaloon’swife。M。Duodo，commanderofaman—of—
war，calleduponher，and，findingmasterpantaloonintolerantonthesubjectofhisbetter—half，gavehimafewblowswithhiscane。
Fastidioinformedmethenextdaythatthepantaloonandhiswiferefusedtoperformanymore，butImadethemaltertheirmindbygivingthemabenefitnight。
Thepantaloon’swifewasmuchapplauded，butshefeltinsultedbecause，inthemidstoftheapplause，thepitcalledout，"Bravo，Duodo！"Shepresentedherselftothegeneralinhisownbox，inwhichIwasgenerally，andcomplainedofthemannerinwhichshewastreated。Thegeneralpromisedher，inmyname，anotherbenefitnightforthecloseofthecarnival，andIwasofcoursecompelledtoratifyhispromise。Thefactis，that，tosatisfythegreedyactors，Iabandonedtomycomedians，onebyone，theseventeennightsIhadreservedformyself。ThebenefitIgavetoMarinawasatthespecialrequestofMadameF————，whohadtakenherintogreatfavoursinceshehadhadthehonourofbreakfastingalonewithM。D————R————inavillaoutsideofthecity。
Mygenerositycostmefourhundredsequins，butthefarobankbroughtmeathousandandmore，althoughIneverheldthecards，mymanagementofthetheatretakingupallmytime。Mymannerwiththeactressesgainedmegreatkindness；itwasclearlyseenthatI
carriedonnointriguewithanyofthem，althoughIhadeveryfacilityfordoingso。MadameF————complimentedme，sayingthatshehadnotentertainedsuchagoodopinionofmydiscretion。Iwastoobusythroughthecarnivaltothinkoflove，evenofthepassionwhichfilledmyheart。ItwasonlyatthebeginningofLent，andafterthedepartureofthecomedians，thatIcouldgivereintomyfeelings。
OnemorningMadameF————sent，amessengerwho，summonedmetoherpresence。Itwaseleveno’clock；Iimmediatelywenttoher，andenquiredwhatIcoulddoforherservice。
"Iwantedtoseeyou，"shesaid，"toreturnthetwohundredsequinswhichyoulentmesonobly。Heretheyare；begoodenoughtogivemebackmynoteofhand。"
"Yournoteofhand，madam，isnolongerinmypossession。Ihavedepositeditinasealedenvelopewiththenotarywho，accordingtothisreceiptofhis，canreturnitonlytoyou。"
"Whydidyounotkeepityourself？"
"BecauseIwasafraidoflosingit，orofhavingitstolen。AndintheeventofmydeathIdidnotwantsuchadocumenttofallintoanyotherhandsbutyours。"
"Agreatproofofyourextremedelicacy，certainly，butIthinkyououghttohavereservedtherightoftakingitoutofthenotary’scustodyyourself。"
"Ididnotforseethepossibilityofcallingforitmyself。"
"Yetitwasaverylikelything。ThenIcansendwordtothenotarytotransmitittome？"
"Certainly，madam；youalonecanclaimit。"
Shesenttothenotary，whobroughtthehimself。
Shetoretheenvelopeopen，andfoundonlyapieceofpaperbesmearedwithink，quiteillegible，exceptherownname，whichhadnotbeentouched。
"Youhaveacted，"shesaid，"mostnobly；butyoumustagreewithmethatIcannotbecertainthatthispieceofpaperisreallymynoteofhand，althoughIseemynameonit。"
"True，madam；andifyouarenotcertainofit，Iconfessmyselfinthewrong。"
"Imustbecertainofit，andIamso；butyoumustgrantthatI
couldnotsweartoit。"
"Granted，madam。"
Duringthefollowingdaysitstruckmethathermannertowardsmewassingularlyaltered。Sheneverreceivedmeinherdishabille，andI
hadtowaitwithgreatpatienceuntilhermaidhadentirelydressedherbeforebeingadmittedintoherpresence。
IfIrelatedanystory，anyadventure，shepretenednottounderstand，andaffectednottoseethepointofananecdoteorajest；veryoftenshewouldpurposelynotlookatme，andthenIwassuretorelatebadly。IfM。D————R—————laughedatsomethingIhadjustsaid，shewouldaskwhathewaslaughingfor，andwhenhehadtoldher，shewouldsayitwasinsipidordull。Ifoneofherbraceletsbecameunfastened，Iofferedtofastenitagain，buteithershewouldnotgivemesomuchtrouble，orIdidnotunderstandthefastening，andthemaidwascalledtodoit。Icouldnothelpshewingmyvexation，butshedidnotseemtotaketheslightestnoticeofit。IfM。D————R—————excitedmetosaysomethingamusingorwitty，andIdidnotspeakimmediately，shewouldsaythatmybudgetwasempty，laughing，andaddingthatthewitofpoorM。Casanovawaswornout。Fullofrage，Iwouldpleadguiltybymysilencetohertauntingaccusation，butIwasthoroughlymiserable，forIdidnotseeanycauseforthatextraordinarychangeinherfeelings，beingconsciousthatIhadnotgivenheranymotiveforit。
Iwantedtoshewheropenlymyindifferenceandcontempt，butwheneveranopportunityoffered，mycouragewouldforsakeme，andI
wouldletitescape。
OneeveningM。D————R—————askingmewhetherIhadoftenbeeninlove，Ianswered，"Threetimes，mylord。"
"Andalwayshappily，ofcourse。"
"Alwaysunhappily。Thefirsttime，perhaps，because，beinganecclesiastic，Idurstnotspeakopenlyofmylove。Thesecond，becauseacruel，unexpectedeventcompelledmetoleavethewomanI
lovedattheverymomentinwhichmyhappinesswouldhavebeencomplete。Thethirdtime，becausethefeelingofpity，withwhichI
inspiredthebelovedobject，inducedhertocuremeofmypassion，insteadofcrowningmyfelicity。"
"Butwhatspecificremediesdidsheusetoeffectyourcure？"
"Shehasceasedtobekind。"
"Iunderstandshehastreatedyoucruelly，andyoucallthatpity，doyou？Youaremistaken。"
"Certainly，"saidMadameF————，"awomanmaypitythemansheloves，butshewouldnotthinkofill—treatinghimtocurehimofhispassion。Thatwomanhasneverfeltanyloveforyou。"
"Icannot，Iwillnotbelieveit，madam。"
"Butareyoucured？"
"Oh！thoroughly；forwhenIhappentothinkofher，Ifeelnothingbutindifferenceandcoldness。Butmyrecoverywaslong。"
"Yourconvalescencelasted，Isuppose，untilyoufellinlovewithanother。"
"Withanother，madam？IthoughtIhadjusttoldyouthatthethirdtimeIlovedwasthelast。"
Afewdaysafterthatconversation，M。D————R—————toldmethatMadameF————wasnotwell，thathecouldnotkeephercompany，andthatIoughttogotoher，ashewassureshewouldbegladtoseeme。Iobeyed，andtoldMadameF————whatM。D————R—————hadsaid。
Shewaslyingonasofa。Withoutlookingatme，shetoldmeshewasfeverish，andwouldnotaskmetoremainwithher，becauseIwouldfeelweary。
"Icouldnotexperienceanywearinessinyoursociety，madam；atallevents，Icanleaveyouonlybyyourexpresscommand，and，inthatcase，Imustspendthenextfourhoursinyourante—room，forM。D———
R—————hastoldmetowaitforhimhere。"
"Ifso，youmaytakeaseat。"
Hercoldanddistantmannerrepelledme，butIlovedher，andIhadneverseenhersobeautiful，aslightfeveranimatinghercomplexionwhichwasthentrulydazzlinginitsbeauty。IkeptwhereIwas，dumbandasmotionlessasastatue，foraquarterofanhour。Thensherangforhermaid，andaskedmetoleaveheraloneforamoment。
Iwascalledbacksoonafter，andshesaidtome，"Whathasbecomeofyourcheerfulness？"
"Ifithasdisappeared，madam，itcanonlybebyyourwill。Callitback，andyouwillseeitreturninfullforce。"
"WhatmustIdotoobtainthatresult？"
"OnlybetowardsmeasyouwerewhenIreturnedfromCasopo。Ihavebeendisagreeabletoyouforthelastfourmonths，andasIdonotknowwhy，Ifeeldeeplygrieved。"
"Iamalwaysthesame:inwhatdoyoufindmechanged？"
"Goodheavens！Ineverything，exceptinbeauty。ButIhavetakenmydecision。"
"Andwhatisit？"
"Tosufferinsilence，withoutallowinganycircumstancetoalterthefeelingswithwhichyouhaveinspiredme；towishardentlytoconvinceyouofmyperfectobediencetoyourcommands；tobeeverreadytogiveyoufreshproofsofmydevotion。"
"Ithankyou，butIcannotimaginewhatyoucanhavetosufferinsilenceonmyaccount。Itakeaninterestinyou，andIalwayslistenwithpleasuretoyouradventures。Asaproofofit，Iamextremelycurioustohearthehistoryofyourthreeloves。"
Iinventedonthespotthreepurelyimaginarystories，makingagreatdisplayoftendersentimentsandofardentlove，butwithoutalludingtoamorousenjoyment，particularlywhensheseemedtoexpectmetodoso。Sometimesdelicacy，sometimesrespectorduty，interferedtopreventthecrowningpleasure，andItookcaretoobserve，atsuchmomentsofdisappointment，thatatrueloverdoesnotrequirethatallimportantitemtofeelperfectlyhappy。Icouldeasilyseethatherimaginationwastravellingfartherthanmynarrative，andthatmyreservewasagreeabletoher。IbelievedIknewhernaturewellenoughtobecertainthatIwastakingthebestroadtoinducehertofollowmewhereIwishedtoleadher。Sheexpressedasentimentwhichmovedmedeeply，butIwascarefulnottoshewit。Weweretalkingofmythirdlove，ofthewomanwho，outofpity，hadundertakentocureme，andsheremarked，"Ifshetrulylovedyou，shemayhavewishednottocureyou，buttocureherself。"
Onthedayfollowingthispartialreconciliation，M。F————，herhusband，beggedmycommandingofficer，D————R—————，toletmegowithhimtoButintroforanexcursionofthreedays，hisownadjutantbeingseriouslyill。
ButintroissevenmilesfromCorfu，almostoppositetothatcity；itisthenearestpointtotheislandfromthemainland。Itisnotafortress，butonlyasmallvillageofEpirus，orAlbania，asitisnowcalled，andbelongingtotheVenetians。Actingonthepoliticalaxiomthat"neglectedrightislostright，"theRepublicsendseveryyearfourgalleystoButintrowithagangofgalleyslavestofelltrees，cutthem，andloadthemonthegalleys，whilethemilitarykeepasharplook—outtopreventthemfromescapingtoTurkeyandbecomingMussulmans。OneofthefourgalleyswascommandedbyM。
F————who，wantinganadjutantfortheoccasion，choseme。
Iwentwithhim，andonthefourthdaywecamebacktoCorfuwithalargeprovisionofwood。IfoundM。D————R————aloneontheterraceofhispalace。ItwasGoodFriday。Heseemedthoughtful，and，afterasilenceofafewminutes，hespokethefollowingwords，whichIcanneverforget:
"M。F—————，whoseadjutantdiedyesterday，hasjustbeenentreatingmetogiveyoutohimuntilhecanfindanotherofficer。IhavetoldhimthatIhadnorighttodisposeofyourperson，andthathe，oughttoapplytoyou，assuringhimthat，ifyouaskedmeleavetogowithhim，Iwouldnotraiseanyobjection，althoughIrequiretwoadjutants。Hashenotmentionedthemattertoyou？"
"No，monsignor，hehasonlytenderedmehisthanksforhavingaccompaniedhimtoButintro，nothingelse。"
"Heissuretospeaktoyouaboutit。Whatdoyouintendtosay？"
"SimplythatIwillneverleavetheserviceofyourexcellencywithoutyourexpresscommandtodoso。"
"Ineverwillgiveyousuchanorder。"
AsM。D————R————wassayingthelastword，M。andMadameF————camein。Knowingthattheconversationwouldmostlikelyturnuponthesubjectwhichhadjustbeenbroached，Ihurriedoutoftheroom。InlessthanaquarterofanhourIwassentfor，andM。F————saidtome，confidentially，"Well，M。Casanova，wouldyounotbewillingtolivewithmeasmyadjutant？"
"Doeshisexcellencydismissmefromhisservice？"
"Notatall，"observedM。D————R————，"butIleaveyouthechoice。"
"Mylord，Icouldnotbeguiltyofingratitude。"
AndIremainedtherestanding，uneasy，keepingmyeyesontheground，notevenstrivingtoconcealmymortification，whichwas，afterall，verynaturalinsuchaposition。IdreadedlookingatMadameF————，forIknewthatshecouldeasilyguessallmyfeelings。Aninstantafter，herfoolishhusbandcoldlyremarkedthatIshouldcertainlyhaveamorefatiguingservicewithhimthanwithM。D————R————，andthat，ofcourse，itwasmorehonourabletoservethegeneralgovernorofthegaleazzethanasimplesopra—committo。Iwasonthepointofanswering，whenMadameF————said，inagracefulandeasymanner，"M。Casanovaisright，"andshechangedthesubject。Ilefttheroom，revolvinginmymindallthathadjusttakenplace。
MyconclusionwasthatM。F————hadaskedM。D————R————toletmegowithhimatthesuggestionofhiswife，or，atleastwithherconsent，anditwashighlyflatteringtomyloveandtomyvanity。
ButIwasboundinhonournottoacceptthepost，unlessIhadaperfectassurancethatitwouldnotbedisagreeabletomypresentpatron。"Iwillaccept，"Isaidtomyself，"ifM。D————R—————tellsmepositivelythatIshallpleasehimbydoingso。ItisforM。Ftomakehimsayit。"
OnthesamenightIhadthehonourofofferingmyarmtoMadameF———
duringtheprocessionwhichtakesplaceincommemorationofthedeathofourLordandSaviour，whichwasthenattendedonfootbyallthenobility。Iexpectedshewouldmentionthematter，butshedidnot。
Mylovewasindespair，andthroughthenightIcouldnotclosemyeyes。Ifearedshehadbeenoffendedbymyrefusal，andwasoverwhelmedwithgrief。Ipassedthewholeofthenextdaywithoutbreakingmyfast，anddidnotutterasinglewordduringtheeveningreception。Ifeltveryunwell，andIhadanattackoffeverwhichkeptmeinbedonEasterSunday。IwasveryweakontheMonday，andintendedtoremaininmyroom，whenamessengerfromMadameF————
cametoinformmethatshewishedtoseeme。Itoldthemessengernottosaythathehadfoundmeinbed，anddressingmyselfrapidlyI
hurriedtoherhouse。Ienteredherroom，pale，lookingveryill:
yetshedidnotenquireaftermyhealth，andkeptsilentaminuteortwo，asifshehadbeentryingtorecollectwhatshehadtosaytome。
"Ah！yes，youareawarethatouradjutantisdead，andthatwewanttoreplacehim。Myhusband，whohasagreatesteemforyou，andfeelsthatM。D————R—————leavesyouperfectlyfreetomakeyourchoice，hastakenthesingularfancythatyouwillcome，ifIaskyoumyselftodousthatpleasure。Ishemistaken？Ifyouwouldcometous，youwouldhavethatroom。"
Shewaspointingtoaroomadjoiningthechamberinwhichsheslept，andsosituatedthat，toseeherineverypartofherroom，Ishouldnotevenrequiretoplacemyselfatthewindow。
"M。D————R—————，"shecontinued，"willnotloveyouless，andashewillseeyouhereevery，day，hewillnotbelikelytoforgethisinterestinyourwelfare。Now，tellme，willyoucomeornot？"
"IwishIcould，madam，butindeedIcannot。"
"Youcannot？Thatissingular。Takeaseat，andtellmewhatthereistopreventyou，when，inacceptingmyoffer，youaresuretopleaseM。D————R—————aswellasus。"
"IfIwerecertainofit，Iwouldacceptimmediately；butallIhaveheardfromhislipswasthatheleftmefreetomakeachoice。"
"Thenyouareafraidtogrievehim，ifyoucometous？"
"Itmightbe，andfornothingonearth……"
"Iamcertainofthecontrary。"
"Willyoubesogoodastoobtainthathesayssotomehimself？"
"Andthenyouwillcome？"
"Oh，madam！thatveryminute！"
Butthewarmthofmyexclamationmightmeanagreatdeal，andI
turnedmyheadroundsoasnottoembarrassher。Sheaskedmetogiveherhermantletogotochurch，andwewentout。Asweweregoingdownthestairs，sheplacedherunglovedhanduponmine。Itwasthefirsttimethatshehadgrantedmesuchafavour，anditseemedtomeagoodomen。Shetookoffherhand，askingmewhetherI
wasfeverish。"Yourhand，"shesaid，"isburning。"
Whenweleftthechurch，M。D————R—————’scarriagehappenedtopass，andIassistedhertogetin，andassoonasshehadgone，hurriedtomyroominordertobreathefreelyandtoenjoyallthefelicitywhichfilledmysoul；forInolongerdoubtedherloveforme，andI
knewthat，inthiscase，M。D————R—————wasnotlikelytorefuseheranything。
Whatislove？Ihavereadplentyofancientverbiageonthatsubject，Ihavereadlikewisemostofwhathasbeensaidbymodernwriters，butneitherallthathasbeensaid，norwhatIhavethoughtaboutit，whenIwasyoungandnowthatIamnolongerso，nothing，infact，canmakemeagreethatloveisatriflingvanity。Itisasortofmadness，Igrantthat，butamadnessoverwhichphilosophyisentirelypowerless；itisadiseasetowhichmanisexposedatalltimes，nomatteratwhatage，andwhichcannotbecured，ifheisattackedbyitinhisoldage。Lovebeingsentimentwhichcannotbeexplained！Godofallnature！——bitterandsweetfeeling！Love！——
charmingmonsterwhichcannotbefathomed！Godwho，inthemidstofallthethornswithwhichthouplaguestus，strewestsomanyrosesonourpaththat，withoutthee，existenceanddeathwouldbeunitedandblendedtogether！
Twodaysafterwards，M。D————R—————，toldmetogoandtakeordersfromM。F————onboardhisgalley，whichwasreadyforafiveorsixdays’voyage。Iquicklypackedafewthings，andcalledformynewpatronwhoreceivedmewithgreatjoy。Wetookourdeparturewithoutseeingmadam，whowasnotyetvisible。Wereturnedonthesixthday，andIwenttoestablishmyselfinmynewhome，for，asIwaspreparingtogotoM。D————R—————，totakehisorders，afterourlanding，hecamehimself，andafteraskingM。F————andmewhetherwewerepleasedwitheachother，hesaidtome，"Casanova，asyousuiteachothersowell，youmaybecertainthatyouwillgreatlypleasemebyremainingintheserviceofM。F。"
Iobeyedrespectfully，andinlessthanonehourIhadtakenpossessionofmynewquarters。MadameF————toldmehowdelightedshewastoseethatgreataffairendedaccordingtoherwishes，andI
answeredwithadeepreverence。
Ifoundmyselflikethesalamander，intheveryheartofthefireforwhichIhadbeenlongingsoardently。
AlmostconstantlyinthepresenceofMadameF————，diningoftenalonewithher，accompanyingherinherwalks，evenwhenM。D————R—————
wasnotwithus，seeingherfrommyroom，orconversingwithherinherchamber，alwaysreservedandattentivewithoutpretension，thefirstnightpassedbywithoutanychangebeingbroughtaboutbythatconstantintercourse。YetIwasfullofhope，andtokeepupmycourageIimaginedthatlovewasnotyetpowerfulenoughtoconquerherpride。Iexpectedeverythingfromsomeluckychance，whichI
promisedmyselftoimproveassoonasitshouldpresentitself，forI
waspersuadedthataloverislostifhedoesnotcatchfortunebytheforelock。
Buttherewasonecircumstancewhichannoyedme。Inpublic，sheseizedeveryopportunityoftreatingmewithdistinction，while，whenwewerealone，itwasexactlythereverse。IntheeyesoftheworldIhadalltheappearanceofahappylover，butIwouldratherhavehadlessoftheappearanceofhappinessandmoreofthereality。Myloveforherwasdisinterested；vanityhadnoshareinmyfeelings。
Oneday，beingalonewithme，shesaid，"Youhaveenemies，butIsilencedthemlastnight。"
"Theyareenvious，madam，andtheywouldpitymeiftheycouldreadthesecretpagesofmyheart。Youcouldeasilydelivermefromthoseenemies。"
"Howcanyoubeanobjectofpityforthem，andhowcouldIdeliveryoufromthem？"
"Theybelievemehappy，andIammiserable；youwoulddelivermefromthembyill—treatingmeintheirpresence。"
"Thenyouwouldfeelmybadtreatmentlessthantheenvyofthewicked？"
"Yes，madam，providedyourbadtreatmentinpublicwerecompensatedbyyourkindnesswhenwearealone，forthereisnovanityinthehappinessIfeelinbelongingtoyou。Letotherspityme，Iwillbehappyonconditionthatothersaremistaken。"
"That’sapartthatIcanneverplay。"
Iwouldoftenbeindiscreetenoughtoremainbehindthecurtainofthewindowinmyroom，lookingatherwhenshethoughtherselfperfectlycertainthatnobodysawher；butthelibertyIwasthusguiltyofneverprovedofgreatadvantagetome。Whetheritwasbecauseshedoubtedmydiscretionorfromhabitualreserve，shewassoparticularthat，evenwhenIsawherinbed，mylongingeyesnevercouldobtainasightofanythingbutherhead。
Oneday，beingpresentinherroomwhilehermaidwascuttingoffthepointsofherlongandbeautifulhair，Iamusedmyselfinpickingupallthoseprettybits，andputthemall，oneaftertheother，onhertoilettable，withtheexceptionofonesmalllockwhichIslippedintomypocket，thinkingthatshehadnottakenanynoticeofmykeepingit；butthemomentwewerealoneshetoldmequietly，butrathertooseriously，totakeoutofmypocketthehairIhadpickedupfromthefloor。Thinkingshewasgoingtoofar，andsuchrigourappearingtomeascruelasitwasunjustandabsurd，Iobeyed，butthrewthehaironthetoilet—tablewithanairofsupremecontempt。
"Sir，youforgetyourself。"
"No，madam，Idonot，foryoumighthavefeignednottohaveobservedsuchaninnocenttheft。"
"Feigningistiresome。"
"Wassuchpettylarcenyaverygreatcrime？"
"Nocrime，butitwasanindicationoffeelingswhichyouhavenorighttoentertainforme。"
"Feelingswhichyouareatlibertynottoreturn，madam，butwhichhatredorpridecanaloneforbidmyhearttoexperience。Ifyouhadaheartyouwouldnotbethevictimofeitherofthosetwofearfulpassions，butyouhaveonlyhead，anditmustbeaverywickedhead，judgingbythecareittakestoheaphumiliationuponme。Youhavesurprisedmysecret，madam，youmayuseitasyouthinkproper，butinthemeantimeIhavelearnedtoknowyouthoroughly。Thatknowledgewillprovemoreusefulthanyourdiscovery，forperhapsitwillhelpmetobecomewiser。"
AfterthisviolenttiradeIlefther，andasshedidnotcallmebackretiredtomyroom。Inthehopethatsleepwouldbringcalm，I
undressedandwenttobed。Insuchmomentsaloverhatestheobjectofhislove，andhisheartdistilsonlycontemptandhatred。Icouldnotgotosleep，andwhenIwassentforatsupper—timeIansweredthatIwasill。Thenightpassedoffwithoutmyeyesbeingvisitedbysleep，andfeelingweakandlowIthoughtIwouldwaittoseewhatailedme，andrefusedtohavemydinner，sendingwordthatIwasstillveryunwell。TowardseveningIfeltmyheartleapforjoywhenIheardmybeautifullady—loveentermyroom。Anxiety，wantoffoodandsleep，gavemetrulytheappearanceofbeingill，andIwasdelightedthatitshouldbeso。Isentherawayverysoon，bytellingherwithperfectindifferencethatitwasnothingbutabadheadache，towhichIwassubject，andthatreposeanddietwouldeffectaspeedycure。
Butateleveno’clockshecamebackwithherfriend，M。D————R—————，andcomingtomybedshesaid，affectionately，"Whatailsyou，mypoorCasanova？"
"Averybadheadache，madam，whichwillbecuredto—morrow。"
"Whyshouldyouwaituntilto—morrow？Youmustgetbetteratonce。
Ihaveorderedabasinofbrothandtwonew—laideggsforyou。"
"Nothing，madam；completeabstinencecanalonecureme。"
"Heisright，"saidM。D————R—————，"Iknowthoseattacks。"
Ishookmyheadslightly。M。D————R—————havingjustthenturnedroundtoexamineanengraving，shetookmyhand，sayingthatshewouldlikemetodrinksomebroth，andIfeltthatshewasgivingmeasmallparcel。ShewenttolookattheengravingwithM。D————
R—————。
Iopenedtheparcel，butfeelingthatitcontainedhair，Ihurriedlyconcealeditunderthebed—clothes:atthesamemomentthebloodrushedtomyheadwithsuchviolencethatitactuallyfrightenedme。
Ibeggedforsomewater，shecametome，withM。D————R—————，andthenwerebothfrightenedtoseemesored，whentheyhadseenmepaleandweakonlyoneminutebefore。
MadameF————gavemeaglassofwaterinwhichsheputsomeEaudescarmeswhichinstantlyactedasaviolentemetic。TwoorthreeminutesafterIfeltbetter，andaskedforsomethingtoeat。MadameF————smiled。Theservantcameinwiththebrothandtheeggs，andwhileIwaseatingItoldthehistoryofPandolfin。M。D————R—————
thoughtitwasallamiracle，andIcouldread，onthecountenanceofthecharmingwoman，love，affection，andrepentance。IfM。D————
R—————hadnotbeenpresent，itwouldhavebeenthemomentofmyhappiness，butIfeltcertainthatIshouldnothavelongtowait。
M。D————R—————toldMadameF————that，ifhehadnotseenmesosick，hewouldhavebelievedmyillnesstobeallsham，forhedidnotthinkitpossibleforanyonetorallysorapidly。
"ItisallowingtomyEaudescarmes，"saidMadameF—————，lookingatme，"andIwillleaveyoumybottle。"
"No，madam，bekindenoughtotakeitwithyou，forthewaterwouldhavenovirtuewithoutyourpresence。"
"Iamsureofthat，"saidM。D————R—————，"soIwillleaveyouherewithyourpatient。"
"No，no，hemustgotosleepnow。"
Isleptallnight，butinmyhappydreamsIwaswithher，andtherealityitselfwouldhardlyhaveprocuredmegreaterenjoymentthanI
hadduringmyhappyslumbers。IsawIhadtakenaverylongstrideforward，fortwenty—fourhoursofabstinencegavemetherighttospeaktoheropenlyofmylove，andthegiftofherhairwasanirrefutableconfessionofherownfeelings。
Onthefollowingday，afterpresentingmyselfbeforeM。F————，Iwenttohavealittlechatwiththemaid，towaituntilhermistresswasvisible，whichwasnotlong，andIhadthepleasureofhearingherlaughwhenthemaidtoldherIwasthere。AssoonasIwentin，withoutgivingmetimetosayasingleword，shetoldmehowdelightedshewastoseemelookingsowell，andadvisedmetocalluponM。D————R—————。
Itisnotonlyintheeyesofalover，butalsointhoseofeverymanoftaste，thatawomanisathousandtimesmorelovelyatthemomentshecomesoutofthearmsofMorpheusthanwhenshehascompletedhertoilet。AroundMadameF————morebrilliantbeamswereblazingthanaroundthesunwhenheleavestheembraceofAurora。Yetthemostbeautifulwomanthinksasmuchofhertoiletastheonewhocannotdowithoutit——，verylikelybecausemorehumancreaturespossessthemoretheywant。
IntheordergiventomebyMadameF————tocallonM。D————R—————，Isawanotherreasontobecertainofapproachinghappiness，forI
thoughtthat，bydismissingmesoquickly，shehadonlytriedtopostponetheconsummationwhichImighthavepresseduponher，andwhichshecouldnothaverefused。
Richinthepossessionofherhair，IheldaconsultationwithmylovetodecidewhatIoughttodowithit，forMadameF————，verylikelyinherwishtoatoneforthemiserlysentimentwhichhadrefusedmeasmallbit，hadgivenmeasplendidlock，fullayardandahalflong。Havingthoughtitover，IcalleduponaJewishconfectionerwhosedaughterwasaskilfulembroiderer，andImadeherembroiderbeforeme，onabraceletofgreensatin，thefourinitiallettersofournames，andmakeaverythinchainwiththeremainder。
Ihadapieceofblackribbonaddedtooneendofthechain，intheshapeofaslidingnoose，withwhichIcouldeasilystranglemyselfifeverloveshouldreducemetodespair，andIpasseditroundmyneck。AsIdidnotwanttoloseeventhesmallestparticleofsopreciousatreasure，Icutwithapairofscissorsallthesmallbitswhichwereleft，anddevoutlygatheredthemtogether。ThenIreducedthemintoafinepowder，andorderedtheJewishconfectionertomixthepowderinmypresencewithapastemadeofamber，sugar，vanilla，angelica，alkermesandstorax，andIwaiteduntilthecomfitspreparedwiththatmixturewereready。Ihadsomemoremadewiththesamecomposition，butwithoutanyhair；Iputthefirstinabeautifulsweetmeatboxoffinecrystal，andthesecondinatortoise—shellbox。
>Fromthedaywhen，bygivingmeherhair，MadameF————hadbetrayedthesecretfeelingsofherheart，Inolongerlostmytimeinrelatingstoriesoradventures。；Ionlyspoketoherofmycove，ofmyardentdesires；Itoldherthatshemusteitherbanishmefromherpresence，orcrownmyhappiness，butthecruel，charmingwomanwouldnotacceptthatalternative。Sheansweredthathappinesscouldnotbeobtainedbyoffendingeverymorallaw，andbyswervingfromourduties。IfIthrewmyselfatherfeettoobtainbyanticipationherforgivenessforthelovingviolenceIintendedtouseagainsther，shewouldrepulsememorepowerfullythanifshehadhadthestrengthofafemaleHercules，forshewouldsay，inavoicefullofsweetnessandaffection，"Myfriend，Idonotentreatyoutorespectmyweakness，butbegenerousenoughtosparemeforthesakeofalltheloveIfeelforyou。"
"What！youloveme，andyourefusetomakemehappy！Itisimpossible！itisunnatural。Youcompelmetobelievethatyoudonotloveme。Onlyallowmetopressmylipsonemomentuponyourlips，andIasknomore。"
"No，dearest，no；itwouldonlyexcitetheardourofyourdesires，shakemyresolution，andweshouldthenfindourselvesmoremiserablethanwearenow。"
Thusdidsheeverydayplungemeindespair，andyetshecomplainedthatmywitwasnolongerbrilliantinsociety，thatIhadlostthatelasticityofspiritswhichhadpleasedhersomuchaftermyarrivalfromConstantinople。M。D————R—————，whooftenjestinglywagedwaragainstme，usedtosaythatIwasgettingthinnerandthinnereveryday。MadameF————toldmeonedaythatmysicklylookswereverydisagreeabletoher，becausewickedtongueswouldnotfailtosaythatshetreatedmewithcruelty。Strange，almostunnaturalthought！
OnitIcomposedanidyllwhichIcannotread，evennow，withoutfeelingtearsinmyeyes。
"What！"Ianswered，"youacknowledgeyourcrueltytowardsme？Youareafraidoftheworldguessingallyourheartlessrigour，andyetyoucontinuetoenjoyit！YoucondemnmeunmercifullytothetormentsofTantalus！Youwouldbedelightedtoseemegay，cheerful，happy，evenattheexpenseofajudgmentbywhichtheworldwouldfindyouguiltyofasupposedbutfalsekindnesstowardsme，andyetyourefusemeeventheslightestfavours！"
"Idonotmindpeoplebelievinganything，provideditisnottrue。"
"Whatacontrast！Woulditbepossibleformenottoloveyou，foryoutofeelnothingforme？Suchcontradictionsstrikemeasunnatural。Butyouaregrowingthinneryourself，andIamdying。Itmustbeso；weshallbothdiebeforelong，youofconsumption，Iofexhaustingdecline；forIamnowreducedtoenjoyingyourshadowduringtheday，duringthenight，always，everywhere，exceptwhenI
aminyourpresence。"
Atthatpassionatedeclaration，deliveredwithalltheardourofanexcitedlover，shewassurprised，deeplymoved，andIthoughtthatthehappyhourhadstruck。Ifoldedherinmyarms，andwasalreadytastingthefirstfruitsofenjoyment……Thesentinelknockedtwice！……Oh！fatalmischance！Irecoveredmycomposureandstoodinfrontofher……M。D————R—————madehisappearance，andthistimehefoundmeinsocheerfulamoodthatheremainedwithusuntiloneo’clockinthemorning。
Mycomfitswerebeginningtobethetalkofoursociety。M。D————
R—————，MadameF————，andIweretheonlyoneswhohadaboxfullofthem。Iwasstingywiththem，andnoonedurstbeganyfromme，becauseIhadsaidthattheywereveryexpensive，andthatinallCorfutherewasnoconfectionerwhocouldmakeorphysicianwhocouldanalysethem。Inevergaveoneoutofmycrystalbox，andMadameF。
remarkedit。Icertainlydidnotbelievethemtobeamorousphiltre，andIwasveryfarfromsupposingthattheadditionofthehairmadethemtastemoredelicious；butasuperstition，theoffspringofmylove，causedmetocherishthem，anditmademehappytothinkthatasmallportionofthewomanIworshippedwasthusbecomingapartofmybeing。
Influencedperhapsbysomesecretsympathy，MadameF。wasexceedinglyfondofthecomfits。Sheassertedbeforeallherfriendsthattheyweretheuniversalpanacea，andknowingherselfperfectmistressoftheinventor，shedidnotenquireafterthesecretofthecomposition。ButhavingobservedthatIgaveawayonlythecomfitswhichIkeptinmytortoise—shellbox，andthatInevereatanybutthosefromthecrystalbox，sheonedayaskedmewhatreasonIhadforthat。Withouttakingtimetothink，ItoldherthatinthoseI
keptformyselftherewasacertainingredientwhichmadethepartakerloveher。
"Idonotbelieveit，"sheanswered；"butaretheydifferentfromthoseIeatmyself？"
"Theyareexactlythesame，withtheexceptionoftheingredientI
havejustmentioned，whichhasbeenputonlyinmine。"
"Tellmewhattheingredientis。"
"ItisasecretwhichIcannotrevealtoyou。"
"ThenIwillnevereatanyofyourcomfits。"
Sayingwhich，sherose，emptiedherbox，andfilleditagainwithchocolatedrops；andforthenextfewdaysshewasangrywithme，andavoidedmycompany。Ifeltgrieved，Ibecamelow—spirited，butI
couldnotmakeupmymindtotellherthatIwaseatingherhair！
SheenquiredwhyIlookedsosad。
"Becauseyourefusetotakemycomfits。"
"Youaremasterofyoursecret，andIammistressofmydiet。"
"Thatismyrewardforhavingtakenyouintomyconfidence。"
AndIopenedmybox，emptieditscontentsinmyhand，andswallowedthewholeofthem，saying，"Twomoredoseslikethis，andIshalldiemadwithloveforyou。Thenyouwillberevengedformyreserve。
Farewell，madam。"
Shecalledmeback，mademetakeaseatnearher，andtoldmenottocommitfollieswhichwouldmakeherunhappy；thatIknewhowmuchshelovedme，andthatitwasnotowingtotheeffectofanydrug。"Toprovetoyou，"sheadded，"thatyoudonotrequireanythingofthesorttobeloved，hereisatokenofmyaffection。"Andsheofferedmeherlovelylips，anduponthemmineremainedpresseduntilIwascompelledtodrawabreath。Ithrewmyselfatherfeet，withtearsofloveandgratitudeblindingmyeyes，andtoldherthatIwouldconfessmycrime，ifshewouldpromisetoforgiveme。
"Yourcrime！Youfrightenme。Yes，Iforgiveyou，butspeakquickly，andtellmeall。"
"Yes，everything。Mycomfitscontainyourhairreducedtoapowder。
Hereonmyarm，seethisbraceletonwhichournamesarewrittenwithyourhair，androundmyneckthischainofthesamematerial，whichwillhelpmetodestroymyownlifewhenyourlovefailsme。Suchismycrime，butIwouldnothavebeenguiltyofit，ifIhadnotlovedyou。"
Shesmiled，and，biddingmerisefrommykneelingposition，shetoldmethatIwasindeedthemostcriminalofmen，andshewipedawaymytears，assuringmethatIshouldneverhaveanyreasontostranglemyselfwiththechain。
Afterthatconversation，inwhichIhadenjoyedthesweetnectarofmydivinity’sfirstkiss，Ihadthecouragetobehaveinaverydifferentmanner。Shecouldseetheardourwhichconsumedme；
perhapsthesamefireburnedinherveins，butIabstainedfromanyattack。
"Whatgivesyou，"shesaidoneday，"thestrengthtocontrolyourself？"
"Afterthekisswhichyougrantedtomeofyourownaccord，IfeltthatIoughtnottowishanyfavourunlessyourheartgaveitasfreely。Youcannotimaginethehappinessthatkisshasgivenme。"
"Inotimagineit，youungratefulman！Whichofushasgiventhathappiness？"
"NeitheryounorI，angelofmysoul！Thatkisssotender，sosweet，wasthechildoflove！"
"Yes，dearest，oflove，thetreasuresofwhichareinexhaustible。"
Thewordswerescarcelyspoken，whenourlipswereengagedinhappyconcert。SheheldmesotightagainstherbosomthatIcouldnotusemyhandstosecureotherpleasures，butIfeltmyselfperfectlyhappy。Afterthatdelightfulskirmish，Iaskedherwhetherwewerenevertogoanyfurther。
"Never，dearestfriend，never。Loveisachildwhichmustbeamusedwithtrifles；toosubstantialfoodwouldkillit。"
"Iknowlovebetterthanyou；itrequiresthatsubstantialfood，andunlessitcanobtainit，lovediesofexhaustion。Donotrefusemetheconsolationofhope。"
"Hopeasmuchasyouplease，ifitmakesyouhappy。"
"WhatshouldIdo，ifIhadnohope？Ihope，becauseIknowyouhaveaheart。"
"Ah！yes。Doyourecollecttheday，when，inyouranger，youtoldmethatIhadonlyahead，butnoheart，thinkingyouwereinsultingmegrossly！"
"Oh！yes，Irecollectit。"
"HowheartilyIlaughed，whenIhadtimetothink！Yes，dearest，I
haveaheart，orIshouldnotfeelashappyasIfeelnow。Letuskeepourhappiness，andbesatisfiedwithit，asitis，withoutwishingforanythingmore。"
Obedienttoherwishes，buteverydaymoredeeplyenamoured，Iwasinhopethatnatureatlastwouldprovestrongerthanprejudice，andwouldcauseafortunatecrisis。But，besidesnature，fortunewasmyfriend，andIowedmyhappinesstoanaccident。
MadameF。waswalkingonedayinthegarden，leaningonM。D————
R—————’sarm，andwascaughtbyalargerose—bush，andthepricklythornsleftadeepcutonherleg。M。D————R—————bandagedthewoundwithhishandkerchief，soastostopthebloodwhichwasflowingabundantly，andshehadtobecarriedhomeinapalanquin。
InCorfu，woundsonthelegsaredangerouswhentheyarenotwellattendedto，andveryoftenthewoundedarecompelledtoleavethecitytobecured。
MadameF—————wasconfinedtoherbed，andmyluckypositioninthehousecondemnedmetoremainconstantlyatherorders。Isawhereveryminute；but，duringthefirstthreedays，visitorssucceededeachotherwithoutintermission，andIneverwasalonewithher。Intheevening，aftereverybodyhadgone，andherhusbandhadretiredtohisownapartment，M。D————R—————remainedanotherhour，andforthesakeofproprietyIhadtotakemyleaveatthesametimethathedid。Ihadmuchmorelibertybeforetheaccident，andItoldhersohalfseriously，halfjestingly。Thenextday，tomakeupformydisappointment，shecontrivedamomentofhappinessforme。
Anelderlysurgeoncameeverymorningtodressherwound，duringwhichoperationhermaidonlywaspresent，butIusedtogo，inmymorningdishabille，tothegirl’sroom，andtowaitthere，soastobethefirsttohearhowmydearonewas。
Thatmorning，thegirlcametotellmetogoinasthesurgeonwasdressingthewound。
"See，whethermylegislessinflamed。"
"Togiveanopinion，madam，Ioughttohaveseenityesterday。"
"True。Ifeelgreatpain，andIamafraidoferysipelas。"
"Donotbeafraid，madam，"saidthesurgeon，"keepyourbed，andI
answerforyourcompleterecovery。"
Thesurgeonbeingbusypreparingapoulticeattheotherendoftheroom，andthemaidout，Ienquiredwhethershefeltanyhardnessinthecalfoftheleg，andwhethertheinflammationwentupthelimb；
andnaturally，myeyesandmyhandskeptpacewithmyquestions……
Isawnoinflammation，Ifeltnohardness，but……andthelovelypatienthurriedlyletthecurtainfall，smiling，andallowingmetotakeasweetkiss，theperfumeofwhichIhadnotenjoyedformanydays。Itwasasweetmoment；adeliciousecstacy。Fromhermouthmylipsdescendedtoherwound，andsatisfiedinthatmomentthatmykisseswerethebestofmedicines，Iwouldhavekeptmylipsthere，ifthenoisemadebythemaidcomingbackhadnotcompelledmetogiveupmydelightfuloccupation。
Whenwewereleftalone，burningwithintensedesires，Ientreatedhertogranthappinessatleasttomyeyes。
"Ifeelhumiliated，"Isaidtoher，"bythethoughtthatthefelicityIhavejustenjoyedwasonlyatheft。"
"Butsupposingyouweremistaken？"
ThenextdayIwasagainpresentatthedressingofthewound，andassoonasthesurgeonhadleft，sheaskedmetoarrangeherpillows，whichIdidatonce。Asiftomakethatpleasantofficeeasier，sheraisedthebedclothestosupportherself，andshethusgavemeasightofbeautieswhichintoxicatedmyeyes，andIprotractedtheeasyoperationwithouthercomplainingofmybeingtooslow。
WhenIhaddoneIwasinafearfulstate，andIthrewmyselfinanarm—chairoppositeherbed，halfdead，inasortoftrance。Iwaslookingatthatlovelybeingwho，almostartless，wascontinuallygrantingmegreaterandstillgreaterfavours，andyetneverallowedmetoreachthegoalforwhichIwassoardentlylonging。
"Whatareyouthinkingof？"shesaid。
"OfthesupremefelicityIhavejustbeenenjoying。"
"Youareacruelman。"
"No，Iamnotcruel，for，ifyouloveme，youmustnotblushforyourindulgence。Youmustknow，too，that，lovingyoupassionately，I
mustnotsupposethatitistobeasurprisethatIamindebtedformyhappinessintheenjoymentofthemostravishingsights，forifI
oweditonlytomerechanceIshouldbecompelledtobelievethatanyothermaninmypositionmighthavehadthesamehappiness，andsuchanideawouldbemiserytome。LetmebeindebtedtoyouforhavingprovedtomethismorninghowmuchenjoymentIcanderivefromoneofmysenses。Canyoubeangrywithmyeyes？"
"Yes。"
"Theybelongtoyou；tearthemout。"
Thenextday，themomentthedoctorhadgone，shesenthermaidouttomakesomepurchases。
"Ah！"shesaidafewminutesafter，"mymaidhasforgottentochangemychemise。"
"Allowmetotakeherplace。"
"Verywell，butrecollectthatIgivepermissiononlytoyoureyestotakeashareintheproceedings。"
"Agreed！"
Sheunlacedherself，tookoffherstaysandherchemise，andtoldmetobequickandputonthecleanone，butIwasnotspeedyenough，beingtoomuchengagedbyallIcouldsee。
"Givememychemise，"sheexclaimed；"itisthereonthatsmalltable。"
"Where？"
"There，nearthebed。Well，Iwilltakeitmyself。"
Sheleanedovertowardsthetable，andexposedalmosteverythingI
waslongingfor，and，turningslowlyround，shehandedmethechemisewhichIcouldhardlyhold，tremblingalloverwithfearfulexcitement。Shetookpityonme，myhandssharedthehappinessofmyeyes；Ifellinherarms，ourlipsfastenedtogether，and，inavoluptuous，ardentpressure，weenjoyedanamorousexhaustionnotsufficienttoallayourdesires，butdelightfulenoughtodeceivethemforthemoment。
Withgreatercontroloverherselfthanwomenhavegenerallyundersimilarcircumstances，shetookcaretoletmereachonlytheporchofthetemple，withoutgrantingmeyetafreeentrancetothesanctuary。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
VENETIANYEARS，Volume1d——RETURNTOVENICE
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
RETURNTOVENICE
CHAPTERXVI
AFearfulMisfortuneBefallsMe——LoveCoolsDown——LeaveCorfuandReturntoVenice——GiveUptheArmyandBecomeaFiddlerThewoundwasrapidlyhealingup，andIsawnearathandthemomentwhenMadameF————wouldleaveherbed，andresumeherusualavocations。
ThegovernorofthegaleasseshavingissuedordersforageneralreviewatGouyn，M。F————，leftforthatplaceinhisgalley，tellingmetojoinhimthereearlyonthefollowingdaywiththefelucca。I
tooksupperalonewithMadameF————，andItoldherhowunhappyitmademetoremainonedayawayfromher。
"Letusmakeupto—nightforto—morrow’sdisappointment，"shesaid，"andletusspendittogetherinconversation。Herearethekeys；
whenyouknowthatmymaidhasleftme，cometomethroughmyhusband’sroom。"
Ididnotfailtofollowherinstructionstotheletter，andwefoundourselvesalonewithfivehoursbeforeus。ItwasthemonthofJune，andtheheatwasintense。Shehadgonetobed；Ifoldedherinmyarms，shepressedmetoherbosom，but，condemningherselftothemostcrueltorture，shethoughtIhadnorighttocomplain，ifIwassubjectedtothesameprivationwhichsheimposeduponherself。Myremonstrances，myprayers，myentreatieswereofnoavail。
"Love，"shesaid，"mustbekeptincheckwithatighthand，andwecanlaughathim，since，inspiteofthetyrannywhichweforcehimtoobey，wesucceedallthesameingratifyingourdesires。"
Afterthefirstecstacy，oureyesandlipsunclosedtogether，andalittleapartfromeachotherwetakedelightinseeingthemutualsatisfactionbeamingonourfeatures。
Ourdesiresrevive；shecastsalookuponmystateofinnocenceentirelyexposedtohersight。Sheseemsvexedatmywantofexcitement，and，throwingoffeverythingwhichmakestheheatunpleasantandinterfereswithourpleasure，sheboundsuponme。Itismorethanamorousfury，itisdesperatelust。Ishareherfrenzy，Ihugherwithasortofdelirium，Ienjoyafelicitywhichisonthepointofcarryingmetotheregionsofbliss……but，attheverymomentofcompletingtheoffering，shefailsme，movesoff，slipsaway，andcomesbacktoworkoffmyexcitementwithahandwhichstrikesmeascoldasice。
"Ah，thoucruel，belovedwoman！Thouartburningwiththefireoflove，andthoudeprivestthyselfoftheonlyremedywhichcouldbringcalmtothysenses！Thylovelyhandismorehumanethanthouart，butthouhasnotenjoyedthefelicitythatthyhandhasgivenme。Myhandmustowenothingtothine。Come，darlinglightofmyheart，come！LovedoublesmyexistenceinthehopethatIwilldieagain，butonlyinthatcharmingretreatfromwhichyouhaveejectedmeintheverymomentofmygreatestenjoyment。"
WhileIwasspeakingthus，herverysoulwasbreathingforththemosttendersighsofhappiness，andasshepressedmetightlyinherarmsIfeltthatshewaswelteringinanoceanofbliss。
Silencelastedratheralongtime，butthatunnaturalfelicitywasimperfect，andincreasedmyexcitement。
"Howcanstthoucomplain，"shesaidtenderly，"whenitistothatveryimperfectionofourenjoymentthatweareindebtedforitscontinuance？Ilovedtheeafewminutessince，nowIlovetheeathousandtimesmore，andperhapsIshouldlovetheelessifthouhadstcarriedmyenjoymenttoitshighestlimit。"
"Oh！howmuchartthoumistaken，lovelyone！Howgreatisthyerror！
Thouartfeedinguponsophisms，andthouleavestrealityaside；I
meannaturewhichalonecangiverealfelicity。Desiresconstantlyrenewedandneverfullysatisfiedaremoreterriblethanthetormentsofhell。"
"Butarenotthesedesireshappinesswhentheyarealwaysaccompaniedbyhope？"
"No，ifthathopeisalwaysdisappointed。Itbecomeshellitself，becausethereisnohope，andhopemustdiewhenitiskilledbyconstantdeception。"
"Dearest，ifhopedoesnotexistinhell，desirescannotbefoundthereeither；fortoimaginedesireswithouthopeswouldbemorethanmadness。"
"Well，answerme。Ifyoudesiretobemineentirely，andifyoufeelthehopeofit，which，accordingtoyourwayofreasoning，isanaturalconsequence，whydoyoualwaysraiseanimpedimenttoyourownhope？Cease，dearest，ceasetodeceiveyourselfbyabsurdsophisms。Letusbeashappyasitisinnaturetobe，andbequitecertainthattherealityofhappinesswillincreaseourlove，andthatlovewillfindanewlifeinourveryenjoyment。"
"WhatIseeprovesthecontrary；youarealivewithexcitementnow，butifyourdesireshadbeenentirelysatisfied，youwouldbedead，benumbed，motionless。Iknowitbyexperience:ifyouhadbreathedthefullecstacyofenjoyment，asyoudesired，youwouldhavefoundaweakardouronlyatlongintervals。"
"Ah！charmingcreature，yourexperienceisbutverysmall；donottrusttoit。Iseethatyouhaveneverknownlove。Thatwhichyoucalllove’sgraveisthesanctuaryinwhichitreceiveslife，theabodewhichmakesitimmortal。Givewaytomyprayers，mylovelyfriend，andthenyoushallknowthedifferencebetweenLoveandHymen。Youshallseethat，ifHymenlikestodieinordertogetridoflife，Loveonthecontraryexpiresonlytospringupagainintoexistence，andhastenstorevive，soastosavournewenjoyment。Letmeundeceiveyou，andbelievemewhenIsaythatthefullgratificationofdesirescanonlyincreaseahundredfoldthemutualardouroftwobeingswhoadoreeachother。"
"Well，Imustbelieveyou；butletuswait。Inthemeantimeletusenjoyallthetrifles，allthesweetpreliminariesoflove。Devourthymistress，dearest，butabandontomeallthybeing。Ifthisnightistooshortwemustconsoleourselvesto—morrowbymakingarrangementsforanotherone。"
"Andifourintercourseshouldbediscovered？"
"Dowemakeamysteryofit？Everybodycanseethatweloveeachother，andthosewhothinkthatwedonotenjoythehappinessofloversarepreciselytheonlypersonswehavetofear。Wemustonlybecarefultoguardagainstbeingsurprisedintheveryactofprovingourlove。Heavenandnaturemustprotectouraffection，forthereisnocrimewhentwoheartsareblendedintruelove。SinceI
havebeenconsciousofmyownexistence，Lovehasalwaysseemedtomethegodofmybeing，foreverytimeIsawamanIwasdelighted；I
thoughtthatIwaslookinguponone—halfofmyself，becauseIfeltI
wasmadeforhimandheforme。Ilongedtobemarried。Itwasthatuncertainlongingoftheheartwhichoccupiesexclusivelyayounggirloffifteen。Ihadnoconceptionoflove，butIfanciedthatitnaturallyaccompaniedmarriage。Youcanthereforeimaginemysurprisewhenmyhusband，intheveryactofmakingawomanofme，gavemeagreatdealofpainwithoutgivingmetheslightestideaofpleasure！MyimaginationintheconventwasmuchbetterthantherealityIhadbeencondemnedtobymyhusband！Theresulthasnaturallybeenthatwehavebecomeverygoodfriends，butaveryindifferenthusbandandwife，withoutanydesiresforeachother。Hehaseveryreasontobepleasedwithme，forIalwaysshewmyselfdociletohiswishes，butenjoymentnotbeinginthosecasesseasonedbylove，hemustfinditwithoutflavour，andheseldomcomestomeforit。
"WhenIfoundoutthatyouwereinlovewithme，Ifeltdelighted，andgaveyoueveryopportunityofbecomingeverydaymoredeeplyenamouredofme，thinkingmyselfcertainofneverlovingyoumyself。
AssoonasIfeltthatlovehadlikewiseattackedmyheart，Iill—
treatedyoutopunishyouforhavingmademyheartsensible。Yourpatienceandconstancyhaveastonishedme，andhavecausedmetobeguilty，forafterthefirstkissIgaveyouIhadnolongeranycontrolovermyself。IwasindeedastoundedwhenIsawthehavocmadebyonesinglekiss，andIfeltthatmyhappinesswaswrappedupinyours。Thatdiscoveryflatteredanddelightedme，andIhavefoundout，particularlyto—night，thatIcannotbehappyunlessyouaresoyourself。"
"Thatis，mybeloved，themostrefinedofallsentimentsexperiencedbylove，butitisimpossibleforyoutorendermecompletelyhappywithoutfollowingineverythingthelawsandthewishesofnature。"
Thenightwasspentintenderdiscussionsandinexquisitevoluptuousness，anditwasnotwithoutsomegriefthatatday—breakI
toremyselffromherarmstogotoGouyn。SheweptforjoywhenshesawthatIleftherwithouthavinglostaparticleofmyvigour，forshedidnotimaginesuchathingpossible。
Afterthatnight，sorichindelights，tenortwelvedayspassedwithoutgivingusanyopportunityofquenchingevenasmallparticleoftheamorousthirstwhichdevouredus，anditwasthenthatafearfulmisfortunebefellme。