Oneeveningaftersupper，M。D————R—————havingretired，M。F————
　　usednoceremony，and，althoughIwaspresent，toldhiswifethatheintendedtopayheravisitafterwritingtwoletterswhichhehadtodispatchearlythenextmorning。Themomenthehadlefttheroomwelookedateachother，andwithoneaccordfellintoeachother’sarms。Atorrentofdelightsrushedthroughoursoulswithoutrestraint，withoutreserve，butwhenthefirstardourhadbeenappeased，withoutgivingmetimetothinkortoenjoythemostcomplete，themostdeliciousvictory，shedrewback，repulsedme，andthrewherself，panting，distracted，uponachairnearherbed。
　　Rootedtothespot，astonished，almostmad，Itremblinglylookedather，tryingtounderstandwhathadcausedsuchanextraordinaryaction。Sheturnedroundtowardsmeandsaid，hereyesflashingwiththefireoflove，"Mydarling，wewereonthebrinkoftheprecipice。"
　　"Theprecipice！Ah！cruelwoman，youhavekilledme，Ifeelmyselfdying，andperhapsyouwillneverseemeagain。"
　　Ileftherinastateoffrenzy，andrushedout，towardstheesplanade，tocoolmyself，forIwaschoking。AnymanwhohasnotexperiencedthecrueltyofanactionlikethatofMadameF————，andespeciallyinthesituationIfoundmyselfinatthatmoment，mentallyandbodily，canhardlyrealizewhatIsuffered，and，althoughIhavefeltthatsuffering，Icouldnotgiveanideaofit。
　　Iwasinthatfearfulstate，whenIheardmynamecalledfromawindow，andunfortunatelyIcondescendedtoanswer。Iwentnearthewindow，andIsaw，thankstothemoonlight，thefamousMelullastandingonherbalcony。
　　"Whatareyoudoingthereatthistimeofnight？"Ienquired。
　　"Iamenjoyingthecooleveningbreeze。Comeupforalittlewhile。"
　　ThisMelulla，offatalmemory，wasacourtezanfromZamte，ofrarebeauty，whoforthelastfourmonthshadbeenthedelightandtherageofalltheyoungmeninCorfu。Thosewhohadknownheragreedinextollinghercharms:shewasthetalkofallthecity。Ihadseenheroften，but，althoughshewasverybeautiful，IwasveryfarfromthinkingheraslovelyasMadameF————，puttingmyaffectionforthelatterononeside。IrecollectseeinginDresden，intheyear1790，averyhandsomewomanwhowastheimageofMelulla。
　　Iwentupstairsmechanically，andshetookmetoavoluptuousboudoir；shecomplainedofmybeingtheonlyonewhohadneverpaidheravisit，whenIwasthemanshewouldhavepreferredtoallothers，andIhadtheinfamytogiveway……Ibecamethemostcriminalofmen。
　　Itwasneitherdesire，norimagination，northemeritofthewomanwhichcausedmetoyield，forMelullawasinnowayworthyofme；no，itwasweakness，indolence，andthestateofbodilyandmentalirritationinwhichIthenfoundmyself:itwasasortofspite，becausetheangelwhomIadoredhaddispleasedmebyacaprice，which，hadInotbeenunworthyofher，wouldonlyhavecausedmetobestillmoreattachedtoher。
　　Melulla，highlypleasedwithhersuccess，refusedthegoldIwantedtogiveher，andallowedmetogoafterIhadspenttwohourswithher。
　　WhenIrecoveredmycomposure，Ihadbutonefeeling—hatredformyselfandforthecontemptiblecreaturewhohadalluredmetobeguiltyofsovileaninsulttotheloveliestofhersex。Iwenthomethepreytofearfulremorse，andwenttobed，butsleepneverclosedmyeyesthroughoutthatcruelnight。
　　Inthemorning，wornoutwithfatigueandsorrow，Igotup，andassoonasIwasdressedIwenttoM。F————，whohadsentformetogivemesomeorders。AfterIhadreturned，andhadgivenhimanaccountofmymission，IcalleduponMadameF————，andfindingherathertoiletIwishedhergoodmorning，observingthatherlovelyfacewasbreathingthecheerfulnessandthecalmofhappiness；but，suddenly，hereyesmeetingmine，Isawhercountenancechange，andanexpressionofsadnessreplaceherlooksofsatisfaction。Shecasthereyesdownasifshewasdeepinthought，raisedthemagainasiftoreadmyverysoul，andbreakingourpainfulsilence，assoonasshehaddismissedhermaid，shesaidtome，withanaccentfulloftendernessandofsolemnity，"Dearone，lettherebenoconcealmenteitheronmypartoronyours。
　　IfeltdeeplygrievedwhenIsawyouleavemelastnight，andalittleconsiderationmademeunderstandalltheevilwhichmightaccruetoyouinconsequenceofwhatIhaddone。Withanaturelikeyours，suchscenesmightcauseverydangerousdisorders，andIhaveresolvednottodoagainanythingbyhalves。Ithoughtthatyouwentouttobreathethefreshair，andIhopeditwoulddoyougood。I
　　placedmyselfatmywindow，whereIremainedmorethananhourwithoutseeingalightinyourroom。SorryforwhatIhaddone，lovingyoumorethanever，Iwascompelled，whenmyhusbandcametomyroom，togotobedwiththesadconvictionthatyouhadnotcomehome。Thismorning，M。F。sentanofficertotellyouthathewantedtoseeyou，andIheardthemessengerinformhimthatyouwerenotyetup，andthatyouhadcomehomeverylate。Ifeltmyheartswellwithsorrow。Iamnotjealous，dearest，forIknowthatyoucannotloveanyonebutme；Ionlyfeltafraidofsomemisfortune。Atlast，thismorning，whenIheardyoucoming，Iwashappy，becauseIwasreadytoskewmyrepentance，butIlookedatyou，andyouseemedadifferentman。Now，Iamstilllookingatyou，and，inspiteofmyself，mysoulreadsuponyourcountenancethatyouareguilty，thatyouhaveoutragedmylove。Tellmeatonce，dearest，ifIammistaken；ifyouhavedeceivedme，saysoopenly。Donotbeunfaithfultoloveandtotruth。KnowingthatIwasthecauseofit，Ishouldneverforgivemyself，butthereisanexcuseforyouinmyheart，inmywholebeing。"
　　Morethanonce，inthecourseofmylife，IhavefoundmyselfunderthepainfulnecessityoftellingfalsehoodstothewomanIloved；butinthiscase，aftersotrue，sotouchinganappeal，howcouldIbeotherwisethansincere？Ifeltmyselfsufficientlydebasedbymycrime，andIcouldnotdegrademyselfstillmorebyfalsehood。IwassofarfrombeingdisposedtosuchalineofconductthatIcouldnotspeak，andIburstoutcrying。
　　"What，mydarling！youareweeping！Yourtearsmakememiserable。
　　Yououghtnottohaveshedanywithmebuttearsofhappinessandlove。Quick，mybeloved，tellmewhetheryouhavemademewretched。
　　Tellmewhatfearfulrevengeyouhavetakenonme，whowouldratherdiethanoffendyou。IfIhavecausedyouanysorrow，ithasbeenintheinnocenceofalovinganddevotedheart。"
　　"Myowndarlingangel，Ineverthoughtofrevenge，formyheart，whichcanneverceasetoadoreyou，couldneverconceivesuchadreadfulidea。Itisagainstmyownheartthatmycowardlyweaknesshasalluredmetothecommissionofacrimewhich，fortheremainderofmylife，makesmeunworthyofyou。"
　　"Haveyou，then，givenyourselftosomewretchedwoman？"
　　"Yes，Ihavespenttwohoursinthevilestdebauchery，andmysoulwaspresentonlytobethewitnessofmysadness，ofmyremorse，ofmyunworthiness。"
　　"Sadnessandremorse！Oh，mypoorfriend！Ibelieveit。Butitismyfault；Ialoneoughttosuffer；itisIwhomustbegyoutoforgiveme。"
　　Hertearsmademineflowagain。
　　"Divinesoul，"Isaid，"thereproachesyouareaddressingtoyourselfincreasetwofoldthegravityofmycrime。YouwouldneverhavebeenguiltyofanywrongagainstmeifIhadbeenreallyworthyofyourlove。"
　　Ifeltdeeplythetruthofmywords。
　　Wespenttheremainderofthedayapparentlyquietandcomposed，concealingoursadnessinthedepthsofourhearts。Shewascurioustoknowallthecircumstancesofmymiserableadventure，and，acceptingitasanexpiation，Irelatedthemtoher。Fullofkindness，sheassuredmethatwewereboundtoascribethataccidenttofate，andthatthesamethingmighthavehappenedtothebestofmen。SheaddedthatIwasmoretobepitiedthancondemned，andthatshedidnotlovemeless。Webothwerecertainthatwewouldseizethefirstfavourableopportunity，sheofobtainingherpardon，Iofatoningformycrime，bygivingeachothernewandcompleteproofsofourmutualardour。ButHeaveninitsjusticehadordereddifferently，andIwascruellypunishedformydisgustingdebauchery。
　　Onthethirdday，asIgotupinthemorning，anawfulprickingannouncedthehorridstateintowhichthewretchedMelullahadthrownme。Iwasthunderstruck！AndwhenIcametothinkofthemiserywhichImighthavecausedif，duringthelastthreedays，Ihadobtainedsomenewfavourfrommylovelymistress，Iwasonthepointofgoingmad。WhatwouldhavebeenherfeelingsifIhadmadeherunhappyfortheremainderofherlife！Wouldanyone，then，knowingthewholecase，havecondemnedmeifIhaddestroyedmyownlifeinordertodelivermyselffromeverlastingremorse？No，forthemanwhokillshimselffromsheerdespair，thusperforminguponhimselftheexecutionofthesentencehewouldhavedeservedatthehandsofjusticecannotbeblamedeitherbyavirtuousphilosopherorbyatolerantChristian。ButofonethingIamquitecertain:ifsuchamisfortunehadhappened，Ishouldhavecommittedsuicide。
　　OverwhelmedwithgriefbythediscoveryIhadjustmade，butthinkingthatIshouldgetridoftheinconvenienceasIhaddonethreetimesbefore，Ipreparedmyselfforastrictdiet，whichwouldrestoremyhealthinsixweekswithoutanyonehavinganysuspicionofmyillness，butIsoonfoundoutthatIhadnotseentheendofmytroubles；Melullahadcommunicatedtomysystemallthepoisonswhichcorruptthesourceoflife。Iwasacquaintedwithanelderlydoctorofgreatexperienceinthosematters；Iconsultedhim，andhepromisedtosetmetorightsintwomonths；heprovedasgoodashisword。AtthebeginningofSeptemberIfoundmyselfingoodhealth，anditwasaboutthattimethatIreturnedtoVenice。
　　ThefirstthingIresolvedon，assoonasIdiscoveredthestateI
　　wasin，wastoconfesseverythingtoMadameF————。Ididnotwishtowaitforthetimewhenacompulsoryconfessionwouldhavemadeherblushforherweakness，andgivenhercausetothinkofthefearfulconsequenceswhichmighthavebeentheresultofherpassionforme。
　　Heraffectionwastoodeartometoruntheriskoflosingitthroughawantofconfidenceinher。Knowingherheart，hercandour，andthegenerositywhichhadpromptedhertosaythatIwasmoretobepitiedthanblamed，IthoughtmyselfboundtoprovebymysinceritythatI
　　deservedheresteem。
　　ItoldhercandidlymypositionandthestateIhadbeenthrownin，whenIthoughtofthedreadfulconsequencesitmighthavehadforher。Isawhershudderandtremble，andsheturnedpalewithfearwhenIaddedthatIwouldhaveavengedherbykillingmyself。
　　"Villainous，infamousMelulla！"sheexclaimed。
　　AndIrepeatedthosewords，butturningthemagainstmyselfwhenI
　　realizedallIhadsacrificedthroughthemostdisgustingweakness。
　　EveryoneinCorfuknewofmyvisittothewretchedMelulla，andeveryoneseemedsurprisedtoseetheappearanceofhealthonmycountenance；formanywerethevictimsthatshehadtreatedlikeme。
　　Myillnesswasnotmyonlysorrow；Ihadotherswhich，althoughofadifferentnature，werenotlessserious。ItwaswritteninthebookoffatethatIshouldreturntoVeniceasimpleensignaswhenI
　　left:thegeneraldidnotkeephisword，andthebastardsonofanoblemanwaspromotedtothelieutenancyinsteadofmyself。Fromthatmomentthemilitaryprofession，theonemostsubjecttoarbitrarydespotism，inspiredmewithdisgust，andIdeterminedtogiveitup。ButIhadanotherstillmoreimportantmotiveforsorrowintheficklenessoffortunewhichhadcompletelyturnedagainstme。
　　Iremarkedthat，fromthetimeofmydegradationwithMelulla，everykindofmisfortunebefellme。Thegreatestofall——thatwhichIfeltmost，butwhichIhadthegoodsensetotryandconsiderafavour——
　　wasthataweekbeforethedepartureofthearmyM。D————R—————tookmeagainforhisadjutant，andM。F————hadtoengageanotherinmyplace。OntheoccasionofthatchangeMadameFtoldme，withanappearanceofregret，thatinVenicewecouldnot，formanyreasons，continueourintimacy。Ibeggedhertosparemethereasons，asI
　　foresawthattheywouldonlythrowhumiliationuponme。IbegantodiscoverthatthegoddessIhadworshippedwas，afterall，apoorhumanbeinglikeallotherwomen，andtothinkthatIshouldhavebeenveryfoolishtogiveupmylifeforher。Iprobedinonedaytherealworthofherheart，forshetoldme，Icannotrecollectinreferencetowhat，thatIexcitedherpity。Isawclearlythatshenolongerlovedme；pityisadebasingfeelingwhichcannotfindahomeinaheartfulloflove，forthatdrearysentimentistooneararelativeofcontempt。SincethattimeIneverfoundmyselfalonewithMadameF————。Ilovedherstill；Icouldeasilyhavemadeherblush，butIdidnotdoit。
　　AssoonaswereachedVeniceshebecameattachedtoM。F————R—————，whomsheloveduntildeathtookhimfromher。Shewasunhappyenoughtolosehersighttwentyyearsafter。Ibelievesheisstillalive。
　　DuringthelasttwomonthsofmystayinCorfu，Ilearnedthemostbitterandimportantlessons。InafteryearsIoftenderivedusefulhintsfromtheexperienceIacquiredatthattime。
　　BeforemyadventurewiththeworthlessMelulla，Ienjoyedgoodhealth，Iwasrich，luckyatplay，likedbyeverybody，belovedbythemostlovelywomanofCorfu。WhenIspoke，everybodywouldlistenandadmiremywit；mywordsweretakenfororacles，andeveryonecoincidedwithmeineverything。AftermyfatalmeetingwiththecourtezanIrapidlylostmyhealth，mymoney，mycredit；
　　cheerfulness，consideration，wit，everything，eventhefacultyofeloquencevanishedwithfortune。Iwouldtalk，butpeopleknewthatIwasunfortunate，andInolongerinterestedorconvincedmyhearers。TheinfluenceIhadoverMadameF————fadedawaylittlebylittle，and，almostwithoutherknowingit，thelovelywomanbecamecompletelyindifferenttome。
　　IleftCorfuwithoutmoney，althoughIhadsoldorpledgedeverythingIhadofanyvalue。TwiceIhadreachedCorfurichandhappy，twiceIleftitpoorandmiserable。ButthistimeIhadcontracteddebtswhichIhaveneverpaid，notthroughwantofwillbutthroughcarelessness。
　　Richandingoodhealth，everyonereceivedmewithopenarms；poorandlookingsick，nooneshewedmeanyconsideration。Withafullpurseandthetoneofaconqueror，Iwasthoughtwitty，amusing；withanemptypurseandamodestair，allIsaidappeareddullandinsipid。IfIhadbecomerichagain，howsoonIwouldhavebeenagainaccountedtheeighthwonderoftheworld！Oh，men！oh，fortune！Everyoneavoidedmeasiftheillluckwhichcrushedmedownwasinfectious。
　　WeleftCorfutowardstheendofSeptember，withfivegalleys，twogaleasses，andseveralsmallervessels，underthecommandofM。
　　Renier。WesailedalongtheshoresoftheAdriatic，towardsthenorthofthegulf，wherethereareagreatmanyharbours，andweputinoneofthemeverynight。IsawMadameF————everyevening；shealwayscamewithherhusbandtotakesupperonboardourgaleass。Wehadafortunatevoyage，andcastanchorintheharbourofVeniceonthe14thofOctober，1745，andafterhavingperformedquarantineonboardourships，welandedonthe25thofNovember。Twomonthsafterwards，thegaleassesweresetasidealtogether。Theuseofthesevesselscouldbetracedveryfarbackinancienttimes；theirmaintenancewasveryexpensive，andtheywereuseless。Agaleasshadtheframeofafrigatewiththerowingapparatusofthegalley，andwhentherewasnowind，fivehundredslaveshadtorow。
　　Beforesimplegoodsensemanagedtoprevailandtoenforcethesuppressionoftheseuselesscarcasses，therewerelongdiscussionsinthesenate，andthosewhoopposedthemeasuretooktheirprincipalgroundofoppositioninthenecessityofrespectingandconservingalltheinstitutionsofoldentimes。Thatisthediseaseofpersonswhocanneveridentifythemselveswiththesuccessiveimprovementsbornofreasonandexperience；worthypersonswhooughttobesenttoChina，ortothedominionsoftheGrandLama，wheretheywouldcertainlybemoreathomethaninEurope。
　　Thatgroundofoppositiontoallimprovements，howeverabsurditmaybe，isaverypowerfuloneinarepublic，whichmusttrembleatthemereideaofnoveltyeitherinimportantorintriflingthings。
　　Superstitionhaslikewiseagreatparttoplayintheseconservativeviews。
　　ThereisonethingthattheRepublicofVenicewillneveralter:I
　　meanthegalleys，becausetheVenetianstrulyrequiresuchvesselstoply，inallweathersandinspiteofthefrequentcalms，inanarrowsea，andbecausetheywouldnotknowwhattodowiththemensentencedtohardlabour。
　　IhaveobservedasingularthinginCorfu，wherethereareoftenasmanyasthreethousandgalleyslaves；itisthatthemenwhorowonthegalleys，inconsequenceofasentencepasseduponthemforsomecrime，areheldinakindofopprobrium，whilstthosewhoaretherevoluntarilyare，tosomeextent，respected。Ihavealwaysthoughtitoughttobethereverse，becausemisfortune，whateveritmaybe，oughttoinspiresomesortofrespect；butthevilefellowwhocondemnshimselfvoluntarilyandasatradetothepositionofaslaveseemstomecontemptibleinthehighestdegree。TheconvictsoftheRepublic，however，enjoymanyprivileges，andare，ineveryway，bettertreatedthanthesoldiers。Itveryoftenoccursthatsoldiersdesertandgivethemselvesuptoa’sopracomito’tobecomegalleyslaves。Inthosecases，thecaptainwholosesasoldierhasnothingtodobuttosubmitpatiently，forhewouldclaimthemaninvain。ThereasonofitisthattheRepublichasalwaysbelievedgalleyslavesmorenecessarythansoldiers。TheVenetiansmayperhapsnow（Iamwritingtheselinesintheyear1797）begintorealizetheirmistake。
　　Agalleyslave，forinstance，hastheprivilegeofstealingwithimpunity。Itisconsideredthatstealingistheleastcrimetheycanbeguiltyof，andthattheyoughttobeforgivenforit。
　　"Keeponyourguard，"saysthemasterofthegalleyslave；"andifyoucatchhimintheactofstealing，thrashhim，butbecarefulnottocripplehim；otherwiseyoumustpaymetheonehundredducatsthemanhascostme。"
　　Acourtofjusticecouldnothaveagalleyslavetakenfromagalley，withoutpayingthemastertheamounthehasdisbursedfortheman。
　　AssoonasIhadlandedinVenice，IcalleduponMadameOrio，butI
　　foundthehouseempty。AneighbourtoldmethatshehadmarriedtheProcuratorRosa，andhadremovedtohishouse。IwentimmediatelytoM。Rosaandwaswellreceived。MadameOrioinformedmethatNanettehadbecomeCountessR。，andwaslivinginGuastallawithherhusband。
　　Twenty—fouryearsafterwards，Imethereldestson，thenadistinguishedofficerintheserviceoftheInfanteofParma。
　　AsforMarton，thegraceofHeavenhadtouchedher，andshehadbecomeanunintheconventatMuran。Twoyearsafterwards，I
　　receivedfromheraletterfullofunction，inwhichsheadjuredme，inthenameofOurSaviourandoftheHolyVirgin，nevertopresentmyselfbeforehereyes。SheaddedthatshewasboundbyChristiancharitytoforgivemeforthecrimeIhadcommittedinseducingher，andshefeltcertainoftherewardoftheelect，andsheassuredmethatshewouldeverprayearnestlyformyconversion。
　　Ineversawheragain，butshesawmein1754，asIwillmentionwhenwereachthatyear。
　　IfoundMadameManzonistillthesame。ShehadpredictedthatI
　　wouldnotremaininthemilitaryprofession，andwhenItoldherthatIhadmadeupmymindtogiveitup，becauseIcouldnotbereconciledtotheinjusticeIhadexperienced，sheburstoutlaughing。SheenquiredabouttheprofessionIintendedtofollowaftergivingupthearmy，andIansweredthatIwishedtobecomeanadvocate。Shelaughedagain，sayingthatitwastoolate。YetIwasonlytwentyyearsold。
　　WhenIcalleduponM。GrimaniIhadafriendlywelcomefromhim，but，havingenquiredaftermybrotherFrancois，hetoldmethathehadhadhimconfinedinFortSaintAndre，thesametowhichIhadbeensentbeforethearrivaloftheBishopofMartorano。
　　"Heworksforthemajorthere，"hesaid；"hecopiesSimonetti’sbattle—pieces，andthemajorpayshimforthem；inthatmannerheearnshisliving，andisbecomingagoodpainter。"
　　"Butheisnotaprisoner？"
　　"Well，verymuchlikeit，forhecannotleavethefort。Themajor，whosenameisSpiridion，isafriendofRazetta，whocouldnotrefusehimthepleasureoftakingcareofyourbrother。"
　　IfeltitadreadfulcursethatthefatalRazettashouldbethetormentorofallmyfamily，butIconcealedmyanger。
　　"Ismysister，"Ienquired，"stillwithhim？"
　　"No，shehasgonetoyourmotherinDresden。"
　　Thiswasgoodnews。
　　ItookacordialleaveoftheAbbeGrimani，andIproceededtoFortSaintAndre。Ifoundmybrotherhardatwork，neitherpleasednordispleasedwithhisposition，andenjoyinggoodhealth。Afterembracinghimaffectionately，Ienquiredwhatcrimehehadcommittedtobethusaprisoner。
　　"Askthemajor，"hesaid，"forIhavenotthefaintestidea。"
　　Themajorcameinjustthen，soIgavehimthemilitarysalute，andaskedbywhatauthorityhekeptmybrotherunderarrest。
　　"Iamnotaccountabletoyouformyactions。"
　　"Thatremainstobeseen。"
　　Ithentoldmybrothertotakehishat，andtocomeanddinewithme。
　　Themajorlaughed，andsaidthathehadnoobjectionprovidedthesentinelallowedhimtopass。
　　IsawthatIshouldonlywastemytimeindiscussion，andIleftthefortfullybentonobtainingjustice。
　　ThenextdayIwenttothewaroffice，whereIhadthepleasureofmeetingmydearMajorPelodoro，whowasthencommanderoftheFortressofChiozza。IinformedhimofthecomplaintIwantedtopreferbeforethesecretaryofwarrespectingmybrother’sarrest，andoftheresolutionIhadtakentoleavethearmy。Hepromisedmethat，assoonastheconsentofthesecretaryforwarcouldbeobtained，hewouldfindapurchaserformycommissionatthesamepriceIhadpaidforit。
　　Ihadnotlongtowait。Thewarsecretarycametotheoffice，andeverythingwassettledinhalfanhour。Hepromisedhisconsenttothesaleofmycommissionassoonasheascertainedtheabilitiesofthepurchaser，andMajorSpiridionhappeningtomakehisappearanceintheofficewhileIwasstillthere，thesecretaryorderedhimratherangrily，tosetmybrotheratlibertyimmediately，andcautionedhimnottobeguiltyagainofsuchreprehensibleandarbitraryacts。
　　Iwentatonceformybrother，andwelivedtogetherinfurnishedlodgings。
　　Afewdaysafterwards，havingreceivedmydischargeandonehundredsequins，Ithrewoffmyuniform，andfoundmyselfoncemoremyownmaster。
　　Ihadtoearnmylivinginonewayoranother，andIdecidedfortheprofessionofgamester。ButDameFortunewasnotofthesameopinion，forsherefusedtosmileuponmefromtheveryfirststepI
　　tookinthecareer，andinlessthanaweekIdidnotpossessagroat。Whatwastobecomeofme？Onemustlive，andIturnedfiddler。DoctorGozzihadtaughtmewellenoughtoenablemetoscrapeontheviolinintheorchestraofatheatre，andhavingmentionedmywishestoM。GrimaniheprocuredmeanengagementathisowntheatreofSaintSamuel，whereIearnedacrownaday，andsupportedmyselfwhileIawaitedbetterthings。
　　Fullyawareofmyrealposition，InevershewedmyselfinthefashionablecircleswhichIusedtofrequentbeforemyfortunehadsunksolow。IknewthatIwasconsideredasaworthlessfellow，butIdidnotcare。Peopledespisedme，asamatterofcourse；butI
　　foundcomfortintheconsciousnessthatIwasworthyofcontempt。
　　IfelthumiliatedbythepositiontowhichIwasreducedafterhavingplayedsobrilliantapartinsociety；butasIkeptthesecrettomyselfIwasnotdegraded，evenifIfeltsomeshame。IhadnotexchangedmylastwordwithDameFortune，andwasstillinhopeofreckoningwithhersomeday，becauseIwasyoung，andyouthisdeartoFortune。
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　ITurnOutAWorthlessFellow——MyGoodFortune——IBecomeARichNoblemanWithaneducationwhichoughttohaveensuredmeanhonourablestandingintheworld，withsomeintelligence，wit，goodliteraryandscientificknowledge，andendowedwiththoseaccidentalphysicalqualitieswhicharesuchagoodpassportintosociety，Ifoundmyself，attheageoftwenty，themeanfollowerofasublimeart，inwhich，ifgreattalentisrightlyadmired，mediocrityisasrightlydespised。Iwascompelledbypovertytobecomeamemberofamusicalband，inwhichIcouldexpectneitheresteemnorconsideration，andI
　　waswellawarethatIshouldbethelaughing—stockofthepersonswhohadknownmeasadoctorindivinity，asanecclesiastic，andasanofficerinthearmy，andhadwelcomedmeinthehighestsociety。
　　Iknewallthat，forIwasnotblindtomyposition；butcontempt，theonlythingtowhichIcouldnothaveremainedindifferent，neversheweditselfanywhereunderaformtangibleenoughformetohavenodoubtofmybeingdespised，andIsetitatdefiance，becauseIwassatisfiedthatcontemptisdueonlytocowardly，meanactions，andI
　　wasconsciousthatIhadneverbeenguiltyofany。Astopublicesteem，whichIhadeverbeenanxioustosecure，myambitionwasslumbering，andsatisfiedwithbeingmyownmasterIenjoyedmyindependencewithoutpuzzlingmyheadaboutthefuture。Ifeltthatinmyfirstprofession，asIwasnotblessedwiththevocationnecessarytoit，Ishouldhavesucceededonlybydintofhypocrisy，andIshouldhavebeendespicableinmyownestimation，evenifIhadseenthepurplemantleonmyshoulders，forthegreatestdignitiescannotsilenceaman’sownconscience。If，ontheotherhand，Ihadcontinuedtoseekfortuneinamilitarycareer，whichissurroundedbyahaloofglory，butisotherwisetheworstofprofessionsfortheconstantself—abnegation，forthecompletesurrenderofone’swillwhichpassiveobediencedemands，IshouldhaverequiredapatiencetowhichIcouldnotlayanyclaim，aseverykindofinjusticewasrevoltingtome，andasIcouldnotbeartofeelmyselfdependent。
　　Besides，Iwasofopinionthataman’sprofession，whateveritmightbe，oughttosupplyhimwithenoughmoneytosatisfyallhiswants；
　　andtheverypoorpayofanofficerwouldneverhavebeensufficienttocovermyexpenses，becausemyeducationhadgivenmegreaterwantsthanthoseofofficersingeneral。ByscrapingmyviolinIearnedenoughtokeepmyselfwithoutrequiringanybody’sassistance，andI
　　havealwaysthoughtthatthemanwhocansupporthimselfishappy。I
　　grantthatmyprofessionwasnotabrilliantone，butIdidnotmindit，and，callingprejudicesallthefeelingswhichroseinmybreastagainstmyself，Iwasnotlonginsharingallthehabitsofmydegradedcomrades。Whentheplaywasover，Iwentwiththemtothedrinking—booth，whichweoftenleftintoxicatedtospendthenightinhousesofill—fame。Whenwehappenedtofindthoseplacesalreadytenantedbyothermen，weforcedthembyviolencetoquitthepremises，anddefraudedthemiserablevictimsofprostitutionofthemeansalarythelawallowsthem，aftercompellingthemtoyieldtoourbrutality。Ourscandalousproceedingsoftenexposedustothegreatestdanger。
　　Wewouldveryoftenspendthewholenightramblingaboutthecity，inventingandcarryingintoexecutionthemostimpertinent，practicaljokes。Oneofourfavouritepleasureswastounmoorthepatricians’
　　gondolas，andtoletthemfloatatrandomalongthecanals，enjoyingbyanticipationallthecursesthatgondolierswouldnotfailtoindulgein。Wewouldrouseuphurriedly，inthemiddleofthenight，anhonestmidwife，tellinghertohastentoMadameSo—and—so，who，notbeingevenpregnant，wassuretotellhershewasafoolwhenshecalledatthehouse。Wedidthesamewithphysicians，whomweoftensenthalfdressedtosomenoblemanwhowasenjoyingexcellenthealth。
　　Thepriestsfarednobetter；wewouldsendthemtocarrythelastsacramentstomarriedmenwhowerepeacefullyslumberingneartheirwives，andnotthinkingofextremeunction。
　　Wewereinthehabitofcuttingthewiresofthebellsineveryhouse，andifwechancedtofindagateopenwewouldgoupthestairsinthedark，andfrightenthesleepinginmatesbytellingthemveryloudlythatthehousedoorwasnotclosed，afterwhichwewouldgodown，makingasmuchnoiseaswecould，andleavethehousewiththegatewideopen。
　　DuringaverydarknightweformedaplottooverturnthelargemarbletableofSt。Angelo’sSquare，onwhichitwassaidthatinthedaysoftheLeagueofCambraythecommissariesoftheRepublicwereinthehabitofpayingthebountytotherecruitswhoengagedtofightunderthestandardofSt。Mark——acircumstancewhichsecuredforthetableasortofpublicveneration。
　　Wheneverwecouldcontrivetogetintoachurchtowerwethoughtitgreatfuntofrightenalltheparishbyringingthealarmbell，asifsomefirehadbrokenout；butthatwasnotall，wealwayscutthebellropes，sothatinthemorningthechurchwardenshadnomeansofsummoningthefaithfultoearlymass。Sometimeswewouldcrossthecanal，eachofusinadifferentgondola，andtaketoourheelswithoutpayingassoonaswelandedontheoppositeside，inordertomakethegondoliersrunafterus。
　　Thecitywasalivewithcomplaints，andwelaughedattheuselesssearchmadebythepolicetofindoutthosewhodisturbedthepeaceoftheinhabitants。Wetookgoodcaretobecareful，forifwehadbeendiscoveredwestoodaveryfairchanceofbeingsenttopracticerowingattheexpenseoftheCouncilofTen。
　　Wewereseven，andsometimeseight，because，beingmuchattachedtomybrotherFrancois，Igavehimasharenowandtheninournocturnalorgies。Butatlastfearputastoptoourcriminaljokes，whichinthosedaysIusedtocallonlythefrolicsofyoungmen。Thisistheamusingadventurewhichclosedourexploits。
　　Ineveryoneoftheseventy—twoparishesofthecityofVenice，thereisalargepublic—housecalled’magazzino’。Itremainsopenallnight，andwineisretailedthereatacheaperpricethaninalltheotherdrinkinghouses。Peoplecanlikewiseeatinthe’magazzino’，buttheymustobtainwhattheywantfromtheporkbutchernearby，whohastheexclusivesaleofeatables，andlikewisekeepshisshopopenthroughoutthenight。Theporkbutcherisusuallyaverypoorcook，butasheischeap，poorpeoplearewillinglysatisfiedwithhim，andtheseresortsareconsideredveryusefultothelowerclass。
　　Thenobility，themerchants，evenworkmeningoodcircumstances，areneverseeninthe’magazzino’，forcleanlinessisnotexactlyworshippedinsuchplaces。Yetthereareafewprivateroomswhichcontainatablesurroundedwithbenches，inwhicharespectablefamilyorafewfriendscanenjoythemselvesinadecentway。
　　ItwasduringtheCarnivalof1745，aftermidnight；wewere，alltheeightofus，ramblingabouttogetherwithourmaskson，inquestofsomenewsortofmischieftoamuseus，andwewentintothemagazzinooftheparishoftheHolyCrosstogetsomethingtodrink。Wefoundthepublicroomempty，butinoneoftheprivatechamberswediscoveredthreemenquietlyconversingwithayoungandprettywoman，andenjoyingtheirwine。
　　Ourchief，anobleVenetianbelongingtotheBalbifamily，saidtous，"Itwouldbeagoodjoketocarryoffthosethreeblockheads，andtokeeptheprettywomaninourpossession。"Heimmediatelyexplainedhisplan，andundercoverofourmasksweenteredtheirroom，Balbiattheheadofus。Oursuddenappearancerathersurprisedthegoodpeople，butyoumayfancytheirastonishmentwhentheyheardBalbisaytothem:"Underpenaltyofdeath，andbyorderoftheCouncilofTen，Icommandyoutofollowusimmediately，withoutmakingtheslightestnoise；astoyou，mygoodwoman，youneednotbefrightened，youwillbeescortedtoyourhouse。"Whenhehadfinishedhisspeech，twoofusgotholdofthewomantotakeherwhereourchiefhadarrangedbeforehand，andtheothersseizedthethreepoorfellows，whoweretremblingallover，andhadnottheslightestideaofopposinganyresistance。
　　Thewaiterofthemagazzinocametobepaid，andourchiefgavehimwhatwasdue，enjoiningsilenceunderpenaltyofdeath。Wetookourthreeprisonerstoalargeboat。Balbiwenttothestern，orderedtheboatmantostandatthebow，andtoldhimthatheneednotenquirewhereweweregoing，thathewouldsteerhimselfwhicheverwayhethoughtfit。NotoneofusknewwhereBalbiwantedtotakethethreepoordevils。
　　Hesailsallalongthecanal，getsoutofit，takesseveralturnings，andinaquarterofanhour，wereachSaintGeorgewhereBalbilandsourprisoners，whoaredelightedtofindthemselvesatliberty。
　　Afterthis，theboatmanisorderedtotakeustoSaintGenevieve，whereweland，afterpayingfortheboat。
　　WeproceedatoncetoPalomboSquare，wheremybrotherandanotherofourbandwerewaitingforuswithourlovelyprisoner，whowascrying。
　　"Donotweep，mybeauty，"saysBalbitoher，"wewillnothurtyou。
　　WeintendonlytotakesomerefreshmentattheRialto，andthenwewilltakeyouhomeinsafety。"
　　"Whereismyhusband？"
　　"Neverfear；youshallseehimagainto—morrow。"
　　Comfortedbythatpromise，andasgentleasalamb，shefollowsustothe"TwoSwords。"Weorderedagoodfireinaprivateroom，and，everythingwewantedtoeatandtodrinkhavingbeenbroughtin，wesendthewaiteraway，andremainalone。Wetakeoffourmasks，andthesightofeightyoung，healthyfacesseemstopleasethebeautywehadsounceremoniouslycarriedoff。Wesoonmanagetoreconcilehertoherfatebythegallantryofourproceedings；encouragedbyagoodsupperandbythestimulusofwine，preparedbyourcomplimentsandbyafewkisses，sherealizeswhatisinstoreforher，anddoesnotseemtohaveanyunconquerableobjection。Ourchief，asamatterofright，claimstheprivilegeofopeningtheball；andbydintofsweetwordsheovercomestheverynaturalrepugnanceshefeelsatconsummatingthesacrificeinsonumerouscompany。She，doubtless，thinkstheofferingagreeable，for，whenIpresentmyselfasthepriestappointedtosacrificeasecondtimetothegodoflove，shereceivesmealmostwithgratitude，andshecannotconcealherjoywhenshefindsoutthatsheisdestinedtomakeusallhappy。MybrotherFrancoisaloneexemptedhimselffrompayingthetribute，sayingthathewasill，theonlyexcusewhichcouldrenderhisrefusalvalid，forwehadestablishedasalawthateverymemberofoursocietywasboundtodowhateverwasdonebytheothers。
　　Afterthatfineexploit，weputonourmasks，and，thebillbeingpaid，escortedthehappyvictimtoSaintJob，whereshelived，anddidnotleavehertillwehadseenhersafeinherhouse，andthestreetdoorclosed。
　　Myreadersmayimaginewhetherwefeltinclinedtolaughwhenthecharmingcreaturebadeusgoodnight，thankingusallwithperfectgoodfaith！
　　Twodaysafterwards，ournocturnalorgybegantobetalkedof。Theyoungwoman’shusbandwasaweaverbytrade，andsowerehistwofriends。TheyjoinedtogethertoaddressacomplainttotheCouncilofTen。Thecomplaintwascandidlywrittenandcontainednothingbutthetruth，butthecriminalportionofthetruthwasveiledbyacircumstancewhichmusthavebroughtasmileonthegravecountenancesofthejudges，andhighlyamusedthepublicatlarge:
　　thecomplaintsettingforththattheeightmaskedmenhadnotrenderedthemselvesguiltyofanyactdisagreeabletothewife。Itwentontosaythatthetwomenwhohadcarriedheroffhadtakenhertosuchaplace，wheretheyhad，anhourlater，beenmetbytheothersix，andthattheyhadallrepairedtothe"TwoSwords，"wheretheyhadspentanhourindrinking。Thesaidladyhavingbeenhandsomelyentertainedbytheeightmaskedmen，hadbeenescortedtoherhouse，whereshehadbeenpolitelyrequestedtoexcusethejokeperpetrateduponherhusband。ThethreeplaintiffshadnotbeenabletoleavetheislandofSaintGeorgeuntilday—break，andthehusband，onreachinghishouse，hadfoundhiswifequietlyasleepinherbed。
　　Shehadinformedhimofallthathadhappened；shecomplainedofnothingbutofthegreatfrightshehadexperiencedonaccountofherhusband，andonthatcountsheentreatedjusticeandthepunishmentoftheguiltyparties。
　　Thatcomplaintwascomicthroughout，forthethreeroguesshewedthemselvesverybraveinwriting，statingthattheywouldcertainlynothavegivenwaysoeasilyifthedreadauthorityofthecouncilhadnotbeenputforthbytheleaderoftheband。Thedocumentproducedthreedifferentresults；inthefirstplace，itamusedthetown；inthesecond，alltheidlersofVenicewenttoSaintJobtoheartheaccountoftheadventurefromthelipsoftheheroineherself，andshegotmanypresentsfromhernumerousvisitors；inthethirdplace，theCouncilofTenofferedarewardoffivehundredducatstoanypersongivingsuchinformationaswouldleadtothearrestoftheperpetratorsofthepracticaljoke，eveniftheinformerbelongedtotheband，providedhewasnottheleader。
　　Theofferofthatrewardwouldhavemadeustrembleifourleader，preciselytheonewhoalonehadnointerestinturninginformer，hadnotbeenapatrician。TherankofBalbiquietedmyanxietyatonce，becauseIknewthat，evensupposingoneofuswerevileenoughtobetrayoursecretforthesakeofthereward，thetribunalwouldhavedonenothinginordernottoimplicateapatrician。Therewasnocowardlytraitoramongstus，althoughwewereallpoor；butfearhaditseffect，andournocturnalprankswerenotrenewed。
　　ThreeorfourmonthsafterwardsthechevalierNicolasIron，thenoneoftheinquisitors，astonishedmegreatlybytellingmethewholestory，givingthenamesofalltheactors。Hedidnottellmewhetheranyoneofthebandhadbetrayedthesecret，andIdidnotcaretoknow；butIcouldclearlyseethecharacteristicspiritofthearistocracy，forwhichthe’solomihi’isthesupremelaw。
　　TowardsthemiddleofApriloftheyear1746M。GirolamoCornaro，theeldestsonofthefamilyCornarodelaReine，marriedadaughterofthehouseofSoranzodeSt。Pol，andIhadthehonourofbeingpresentatthewedding——asafiddler。IplayedtheviolininoneofthenumerousbandsengagedfortheballswhichweregivenforthreeconsecutivedaysintheSoranzoPalace。
　　Onthethirdday，towardstheendofthedancing，anhourbeforeday—
　　break，feelingtired，Ilefttheorchestraabruptly；andasIwasgoingdownthestairsIobservedasenator，wearinghisredrobes，onthepointofgettingintoagondola。Intakinghishandkerchiefoutofhispocketheletaletterdropontheground。Ipickeditup，andcominguptohimjustashewasgoingdownthestepsIhandedittohim。Hereceiveditwithmanythanks，andenquiredwhereIlived。
　　Itoldhim，andheinsisteduponmycomingwithhiminthegondolasayingthathewouldleavemeatmyhouse。Iacceptedgratefully，andsatdownnearhim。Afewminutesafterwardsheaskedmetorubhisleftarm，which，hesaid，wassobenumbedthathecouldnotfeelit。Irubbeditwithallmystrength，buthetoldmeinasortofindistinctwhisperthatthenumbnesswasspreadingallalongtheleftside，andthathewasdying。
　　Iwasgreatlyfrightened；Iopenedthecurtain，tookthelantern，andfoundhimalmostinsensible，andthemouthdrawnononeside。I
　　understoodthathewasseizedwithanapoplecticstroke，andcalledouttothegondolierstolandmeatonce，inordertoprocureasurgeontobleedthepatient。
　　Ijumpedoutofthegondola，andfoundmyselfontheveryspotwherethreeyearsbeforeIhadtaughtRazettasuchaforciblelesson；I
　　enquiredforasurgeonatthefirstcoffee—house，andrantothehousethatwaspointedouttome。IknockedashardasIcould；thedoorwasatlastopened，andImadethesurgeonfollowmeinhisdressing—gownasfarasthegondola，whichwaswaiting；hebledthesenatorwhileIwastearingmyshirttomakethecompressandthebandage。
　　Theoperationbeingperformed，Iorderedthegondolierstorowasfastaspossible，andwesoonreachedSt。Marina；theservantswererousedup，andtakingthesickmanoutofthegondolawecarriedhimtohisbedalmostdead。
　　Takingeverythinguponmyself，Iorderedaservanttohurryoutforaphysician，whocameinashorttime，andorderedthepatienttobebledagain，thusapprovingthefirstbleedingprescribedbyme。
　　ThinkingIhadarighttowatchthesickman，Isettledmyselfnearhisbedtogivehimeverycareherequired。
　　Anhourlater，twonoblemen，friendsofthesenator，camein，oneafewminutesaftertheother。Theywereindespair；theyhadenquiredabouttheaccidentfromthegondoliers，andhavingbeentoldthatI
　　knewmorethantheydid，theyloadedmewithquestionswhichI
　　answered。TheydidnotknowwhoIwas，anddidnotliketoaskme；
　　whilstIthoughtitbettertopreserveamodestsilence。
　　Thepatientdidnotmove；hisbreathingaloneshewedthathewasstillalive；fomentationswereconstantlyapplied，andthepriestwhohadbeensentfor，andwasofverylittleuseundersuchcircumstances，seemedtobethereonlytoseehimdie。Allvisitorsweresentawaybymyadvice，andthetwonoblemenandmyselfweretheonlypersonsinthesickman’sroom。Atnoonwepartooksilentlyofsomedinnerwhichwasservedinthesickroom。
　　IntheeveningoneofthetwofriendstoldmethatifIhadanybusinesstoattendtoIcouldgo，becausetheywouldbothpassthenightonamattressnearthepatient。
　　"AndI，sir，"Isaid，"willremainnearhisbedinthisarm—chair，forifIwentawaythepatientwoulddie，andhewillliveaslongasIamnearhim。"
　　Thissententiousanswerstruckthemwithastonishment，asIexpecteditwould，andtheylookedateachotheringreatsurprise。
　　Wehadsupper，andinthelittleconversationwehadIgatheredtheinformationthatthesenator，theirfriend，wasM。deBragadin，theonlybrotheroftheprocuratorofthatname。HewascelebratedinVenicenotonlyforhiseloquenceandhisgreattalentsasastatesman，butalsoforthegallantriesofhisyouth。Hehadbeenveryextravagantwithwomen，andmorethanoneofthemhadcommittedmanyfolliesforhim。Hehadgambledandlostagreatdeal，andhisbrotherwashismostbitterenemy，becausehewasinfatuatedwiththeideathathehadtriedtopoisonhim。HehadaccusedhimofthatcrimebeforetheCouncilofTen，which，afteraninvestigationofeightmonths，hadbroughtinaverdictofnotguilty:butthatjustsentence，althoughgivenunanimouslybythathightribunal，hadnothadtheeffectofdestroyinghisbrother’sprejudicesagainsthim。
　　M。deBragadin，whowasperfectlyinnocentofsuchacrimeandoppressedbyanunjustbrotherwhodeprivedhimofhalfofhisincome，spenthisdayslikeanamiablephilosopher，surroundedbyhisfriends，amongstwhomwerethetwonoblemenwhowerethenwatchinghim；onebelongedtotheDandolofamily，theotherwasaBarbaro，andbothwereexcellentmen。M。deBragadinwashandsome，learned，cheerful，andmostkindlydisposed；hewasthenaboutfiftyyearsold。
　　ThephysicianwhoattendedhimwasnamedTerro；hethought，bysomepeculiartrainofreasoning，thathecouldcurehimbyapplyingamercurialointmenttothechest，towhichnooneraisedanyobjection。Therapideffectoftheremedydelightedthetwofriends，butitfrightenedme，forinlessthantwenty—fourhoursthepatientwaslabouringundergreatexcitementofthebrain。Thephysiciansaidthathehadexpectedthateffect，butthatonthefollowingdaytheremedywouldactlessonthebrain，anddiffuseitsbeneficialactionthroughthewholeofthesystem，whichrequiredtobeinvigoratedbyaproperequilibriuminthecirculationofthefluids。
　　Atmidnightthepatientwasinastateofhighfever，andinafearfulstateofirritation。Iexaminedhimclosely，andfoundhimhardlyabletobreathe。Irouseduphistwofriends；anddeclaredthatinmyopinionthepatientwouldsoondieunlessthefatalointmentwasatonceremoved。Andwithoutwaitingfortheiranswer，Ibaredhischest，tookofftheplaster，washedtheskincarefullywithlukewarmwater，andinlessthanthreeminuteshebreathedfreelyandfellintoaquietsleep。Delightedwithsuchafortunateresult，welaydownagain。
　　Thephysiciancameveryearlyinthemorning，andwasmuchpleasedtoseehispatientsomuchbetter，butwhenM。Dandoloinformedhimofwhathadbeendone，hewasangry，saiditwasenoughtokillhispatient，andaskedwhohadbeensoaudaciousastodestroytheeffectofhisprescription。M。deBragadin，speakingforthefirsttime，saidtohim——
　　"Doctor，thepersonwhohasdeliveredmefromyourmercury，whichwaskillingme，isamoreskilfulphysicianthanyou；"and，sayingthesewords，hepointedtome。
　　Itwouldbehardtosaywhowasthemoreastonished:thedoctor，whenhesawanunknownyoungman，whomhemusthavetakenforanimpostor，declaredmorelearnedthanhimself；orI，whenIsawmyselftransformedintoaphysician，atamoment’snotice。Ikeptsilent，lookingverymodest，buthardlyabletocontrolmymirth，whilstthedoctorwasstaringatmewithamixtureofastonishmentandofspite，evidentlythinkingmesomeboldquackwhohadtriedtosupplanthim。
　　Atlast，turningtowardsM。deBragadin，hetoldhimcoldlythathewouldleavehiminmyhands；hewastakenathisword，hewentaway，andbehold！IhadbecomethephysicianofoneofthemostillustriousmembersoftheVenetianSenate！ImustconfessthatI
　　wasverygladofit，andItoldmypatientthataproperdietwasallheneeded，andthatnature，assistedbytheapproachingfineseason，woulddotherest。
　　Thedismissedphysicianrelatedtheaffairthroughthetown，and，asM。deBragadinwasrapidlyimproving，oneofhisrelations，whocametoseehim，toldhimthateverybodywasastonishedathishavingchosenforhisphysicianafiddlerfromthetheatre；butthesenatorputastoptohisremarksbyansweringthatafiddlercouldknowmorethanallthedoctorsinVenice，andthatheowedhislifetome。
　　Theworthynoblemanconsideredmeashisoracle，andhistwofriendslistenedtomewiththedeepestattention。Theirinfatuationencouragingme，Ispokelikealearnedphysician，Idogmatized，I
　　quotedauthorswhomIhadneverread。
　　M。deBragadin，whohadtheweaknesstobelieveintheoccultsciences，toldmeonedaythat，forayoungmanofmyage，hethoughtmylearningtooextensive，andthathewascertainIwasthepossessorofsomesupernaturalendowment。Heentreatedmetotellhimthetruth。
　　Whatextraordinarythingswillsometimesoccurfrommerechance，orfromtheforceofcircumstances！Unwillingtohurthisvanitybytellinghimthathewasmistaken，Itookthewildresolutionofinforminghim，inthepresenceofhistwofriends，thatIpossessedacertainnumeralcalculuswhichgaveanswers（alsoinnumbers），toanyquestionsIlikedtoput。
　　M。deBragadinsaidthatitwasSolomon’skey，vulgarlycalledcabalisticscience，andheaskedmefromwhomIlearntit。
　　"Fromanoldhermit，"Ianswered，""wholivesontheCarpegnaMountain，andwhoseacquaintanceImadequitebychancewhenIwasaprisonerintheSpanisharmy。"
　　"Thehermit，"remarkedthesenator，"haswithoutinformingyouofit，linkedaninvisiblespirittothecalculushehastaughtyou，forsimplenumberscannothavethepowerofreason。Youpossessarealtreasure，andyoumayderivegreatadvantagesfromit。"
　　"Idonotknow，"Isaid，"inwhatwayIcouldmakemyscienceuseful，becausetheanswersgivenbythenumericalfiguresareoftensoobscurethatIhavefeltdiscouraged，andIveryseldomtriedtomakeanyuseofmycalculus。Yet，itisverytruethat，ifIhadnotformedmypyramid，Inevershouldhavehadthehappinessofknowingyourexcellency。"
　　"Howso？"
　　"Onthesecondday，duringthefestivitiesattheSoranzoPalace，I
　　enquiredofmyoraclewhetherIwouldmeetattheballanyonewhomI
　　shouldnotcaretosee。TheanswerIobtainedwasthis:’Leavetheball—roompreciselyatfouro’clock。’Iobeyedimplicitly，andmetyourexcellency。"
　　Thethreefriendswereastounded。M。DandoloaskedmewhetherI
　　wouldansweraquestionhewouldask，theinterpretationofwhichwouldbelongonlytohim，ashewastheonlypersonacquaintedwiththesubjectofthequestion。
　　Ideclaredmyselfquitewilling，foritwasnecessarytobrazenitout，afterhavingventuredasfarasIhaddone。Hewrotethequestion，andgaveittome；Ireadit，Icouldnotunderstandeitherthesubjectorthemeaningofthewords，butitdidnotmatter，Ihadtogiveananswer。IfthequestionwassoobscurethatIcouldnotmakeoutthesenseofit，itwasnaturalthatIshouldnotunderstandtheanswer。Ithereforeanswered，inordinaryfigures，fourlinesofwhichhealonecouldbetheinterpreter，notcaringmuch，atleastinappearance，howtheywouldbeunderstood。M。Dandoloreadthemtwiceover，seemedastonished，saidthatitwasallveryplaintohim；itwasDivine，itwasunique，itwasagiftfromHeaven，thenumbersbeingonlythevehicle，buttheansweremanatingevidentlyfromanimmortalspirit。
　　M。Dandolowassowellpleasedthathistwofriendsverynaturallywantedalsotomakeanexperiment。Theyaskedquestionsonallsortsofsubjects，andmyanswers，perfectlyunintelligibletomyself，wereallheldasDivinebythem。Icongratulatedthemontheirsuccess，andcongratulatedmyselfintheirpresenceuponbeingthepossessorofathingtowhichIhaduntilthenattachednoimportancewhatever，butwhichIpromisedtocultivatecarefully，knowingthatIcouldthusbeofsomeservicetotheirexcellencies。
　　TheyallaskedmehowlongIwouldrequiretoteachthemtherulesofmysublimecalculus。"Notverylong，"Ianswered，"andIwillteachyouasyouwish，althoughthehermitassuredmethatIwoulddiesuddenlywithinthreedaysifIcommunicatedmysciencetoanyone，butIhavenofaithwhateverinthatprediction。"M。deBragadinwhobelievedinitmorethanIdid，toldmeinaserioustonethatIwasboundtohavefaithinit，andfromthatdaytheyneveraskedmeagaintoteachthem。Theyverylikelythoughtthat，iftheycouldattachmetothem，itwouldanswerthepurposeaswellasiftheypossessedthesciencethemselves。ThusIbecamethehierophantofthosethreeworthyandtalentedmen，who，inspiteoftheirliteraryaccomplishments，werenotwise，sincetheywereinfatuatedwithoccultandfabuloussciences，andbelievedintheexistenceofphenomenaimpossibleinthemoralaswellasinthephysicalorderofthings。Theybelievedthatthroughmetheypossessedthephilosopher’sstone，theuniversalpanacea，theintercoursewithalltheelementary，heavenly，andinfernalspirits；theyhadnodoubtwhateverthat，thankstomysublimescience，theycouldfindoutthesecretsofeverygovernmentinEurope。
　　Aftertheyhadassuredthemselvesoftherealityofmycabalisticsciencebyquestionsrespectingthepast，theydecidedtoturnittosomeusebyconsultingituponthepresentanduponthefuture。I
　　hadnodifficultyinskewingmyselfagoodguesser，becauseIalwaysgaveanswerswithadoublemeaning，oneofthemeaningsbeingcarefullyarrangedbyme，soasnottobeunderstooduntilaftertheevent；inthatmanner，mycabalisticscience，liketheoracleofDelphi，couldneverbefoundinfault。Isawhoweasyitmusthavebeenfortheancientheathenprieststoimposeuponignorant，andthereforecredulousmankind。Isawhoweasyitwillalwaysbeforimpostorstofinddupes，andIrealized，evenbetterthantheRomanorator，whytwoaugurscouldneverlookateachotherwithoutlaughing；itwasbecausetheyhadbothanequalinterestingivingimportancetothedeceittheyperpetrated，andfromwhichtheyderivedsuchimmenseprofits。ButwhatIcouldnot，andprobablynevershall，understand，wasthereasonforwhichtheFathers，whowerenotsosimpleorsoignorantasourEvangelists，didnotfeelabletodenythedivinityoforacles，and，inordertogetoutofthedifficulty，ascribedthemtothedevil。Theyneverwouldhaveentertainedsuchastrangeideaiftheyhadbeenacquaintedwithcabalisticscience。MythreeworthyfriendswereliketheholyFathers；theyhadintelligenceandwit，buttheyweresuperstitious，andnophilosophers。But，althoughbelievingfullyinmyoracles，theyweretookind—heartedtothinkthemtheworkofthedevil，anditsuitedtheirnaturalgoodnessbettertobelievemyanswersinspiredbysomeheavenlyspirit。TheywerenotonlygoodChristiansandfaithfultotheChurch，butevenrealdevoteesandfullofscruples。Theywerenotmarried，and，afterhavingrenouncedallcommercewithwomen，theyhadbecometheenemiesofthefemalesex；
　　perhapsastrongproofoftheweaknessoftheirminds。Theyimaginedthatchastitywasthecondition’sinequanon’exactedbythespiritsfromthosewhowishedtohaveintimatecommunicationorintercoursewiththem:theyfanciedthatspiritsexcludedwomen，and’viceversa’。
　　Withalltheseoddities，thethreefriendsweretrulyintelligentandevenwitty，and，atthebeginningofmyacquaintancewiththem，I
　　couldnotreconciletheseantagonisticpoints。Butaprejudicedmindcannotreasonwell，andthefacultyofreasoningisthemostimportantofall。IoftenlaughedwhenIheardthemtalkonreligiousmatters；theywouldridiculethosewhoseintellectualfacultiesweresolimitedthattheycouldnotunderstandthemysteriesofreligion。TheincarnationoftheWord，theywouldsay，wasatrifleforGod，andthereforeeasytounderstand，andtheresurrectionwassocomprehensiblethatitdidnotappeartothemwonderful，because，asGodcannotdie，JesusChristwasnaturallycertaintoriseagain。AsfortheEucharist，transubstantiation，therealpresence，itwasallnomysterytothem，butpalpableevidence，andyettheywerenotJesuits。Theywereinthehabitofgoingtoconfessioneveryweek，withoutfeelingtheslightesttroubleabouttheirconfessors，whoseignorancetheykindlyregretted。Theythoughtthemselvesboundtoconfessonlywhatwasasinintheirownopinion，andinthat，atleast，theyreasonedwithgoodsense。
　　Withthosethreeextraordinarycharacters，worthyofesteemandrespectfortheirmoralqualities，theirhonesty，theirreputation，andtheirage，aswellasfortheirnoblebirth，Ispentmydaysinaverypleasantmanner:although，intheirthirstforknowledge，theyoftenkeptmehardatworkfortenhoursrunning，allfourofusbeinglockeduptogetherinaroom，andunapproachabletoeverybody，eventofriendsorrelatives。
　　Icompletedtheconquestoftheirfriendshipbyrelatingtothemthewholeofmylife，onlywithsomeproperreserve，soasnottoleadthemintoanycapitalsins。IconfesscandidlythatIdeceivedthem，asthePapaDeldimopulousedtodeceivetheGreekswhoappliedtohimfortheoraclesoftheVirgin。Icertainlydidnotacttowardsthemwithatruesenseofhonesty，butifthereadertowhomIconfessmyselfisacquaintedwiththeworldandwiththespiritofsociety，I
　　entreathimtothinkbeforejudgingme，andperhapsImaymeetwithsomeindulgenceathishands。
　　ImightbetoldthatifIhadwishedtofollowtherulesofpuremoralityIoughteithertohavedeclinedintimateintercoursewiththemortohaveundeceivedthem。Icannotdenythesepremises，butI
　　willanswerthatIwasonlytwentyyearsofage，Iwasintelligent，talented，andhadjustbeenapoorfiddler。Ishouldhavelostmytimeintryingtocurethemoftheirweakness；Ishouldnothavesucceeded，fortheywouldhavelaughedinmyface，deploredmyignorance，andtheresultofitallwouldhavebeenmydismissal。
　　Besides，Ihadnomission，noright，toconstitutemyselfanapostle，andifIhadheroicallyresolvedonleavingthemassoonasIknewthemtobefoolishvisionaries，Ishouldhaveshewnmyselfamisanthrope，theenemyofthoseworthymenforwhomIcouldprocureinnocentpleasures，andmyownenemyatthesametime；because，asayoungman，Ilikedtolivewell，toenjoyallthepleasuresnaturaltoyouthandtoagoodconstitution。
　　ByactinginthatmannerIshouldhavefailedincommonpoliteness，I
　　shouldperhapshavecausedorallowedM。deBragadin’sdeath，andI
　　shouldhaveexposedthosethreehonestmentobecomingthevictimsofthefirstboldcheatwho，ministeringtotheirmonomania，mighthavewontheirfavour，andwouldhaveruinedthembyinducingthemtoundertakethechemicaloperationsoftheGreatWork。Thereisalsoanotherconsideration，dearreader，andasIloveyouIwilltellyouwhatitis。Aninvincibleself—lovewouldhavepreventedmefromdeclaringmyselfunworthyoftheirfriendshipeitherbymyignoranceorbymypride；andIshouldhavebeenguiltyofgreatrudenessifI
　　hadceasedtovisitthem。
　　Itook，atleastitseemstomeso，thebest，themostnatural，andthenoblestdecision，ifweconsiderthedispositionoftheirmind，whenIdecidedupontheplanofconductwhichinsuredmethenecessariesoflifeandofthosenecessarieswhocouldbeabetterjudgethanyourveryhumbleservant？
　　Throughthefriendshipofthosethreemen，Iwascertainofobtainingconsiderationandinfluenceinmyowncountry。Besides，Ifounditveryflatteringtomyvanitytobecomethesubjectofthespeculativechatteringofemptyfoolswho，havingnothingelsetodo，arealwaystryingtofindoutthecauseofeverymoralphenomenontheymeetwith，whichtheirnarrowintellectcannotunderstand。
　　PeoplerackedtheirbraininVenicetofindouthowmyintimacywiththreemenofthathighcharactercouldpossiblyexist；theywerewrappedupinheavenlyaspirations，Iwasaworld’sdevotee；theywereverystrictintheirmorals，Iwasthirstyofallpleasures！
　　Atthebeginningofsummer，M。deBragadinwasonce，moreabletotakehisseatinthesenate，and，thedaybeforehewentoutforthefirsttime，hespoketomethus:
　　"Whoeveryoumaybe，Iamindebtedtoyouformylife。Yourfirstprotectorswantedtomakeyouapriest，adoctor，anadvocate，asoldier，andendedbymakingafiddlerofyou；thosepersonsdidnotknowyou。Godhadevidentlyinstructedyourguardianangeltobringyoutome。Iknowyouandappreciateyou。Ifyouwillbemyson，youhaveonlytoacknowledgemeforyourfather，and，forthefuture，untilmydeath，Iwilltreatyouasmyownchild。Yourapartmentisready，youmaysendyourclothes:youshallhaveaservant，agondolaatyourorders，myowntable，andtensequinsamonth。ItisthesumIusedtoreceivefrommyfatherwhenIwasyourage。Youneednotthinkofthefuture；thinkonlyofenjoyingyourself，andtakemeasyouradviserineverythingthatmayhappentoyou，ineverythingyoumaywishtoundertake，andyoumaybecertainofalwaysfindingmeyourfriend。"
　　Ithrewmyselfathisfeettoassurehimofmygratitude，andembracedhimcallinghimmyfather。Hefoldedmeinhisarms，calledmehisdearson；Ipromisedtoloveandtoobeyhim；histwofriends，wholivedinthesamepalace，embracedmeaffectionately，andwesworeeternalfraternity。
　　Suchisthehistoryofmymetamorphosis，andoftheluckystrokewhich，takingmefromthevileprofessionofafiddler，raisedmetotherankofagrandee。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　Ileadadissolutelife——Zawoiski——Rinaldi——L’Abbadie——theyoungcountess——theCapuchinfriarZ。Steffani——Ancilla——LaRamor——ItakeagondolaatSt。JobtogotoMestra。
　　Fortune，whichhadtakenpleasureingivingmeaspecimenofitsdespoticcaprice，andhadinsuredmyhappinessthroughmeanswhichsageswoulddisavow，hadnotthepowertomakemeadoptasystemofmoderationandprudencewhichalonecouldestablishmyfuturewelfareonafirmbasis。
　　Myardentnature，myirresistibleloveofpleasure，myunconquerableindependence，wouldnotallowmetosubmittothereservewhichmynewpositioninlifedemandedfromme。Ibegantoleadalifeofcompletefreedom，caringfornothingbutwhatministeredtomytastes，andIthoughtthat，aslongasIrespectedthelaws，Icouldtrampleallprejudicesundermyfeet。IfanciedthatIcouldlivefreeandindependentinacountryruledentirelybyanaristocraticgovernment，butthiswasnotthecase，andwouldnothavebeensoeveniffortunehadraisedmetoaseatinthatsamegovernment，fortheRepublicofVenice，consideringthatitsprimarydutyistopreserveitsownintegrity，findsitselftheslaveofitsownpolicy，andisboundtosacrificeeverythingtoself—preservation，beforewhichthelawsthemselvesceasetobeinviolable。
　　Butletusabandonthediscussionofaprinciplenowtootrite，forhumankind，atleastinEurope，issatisfiedthatunlimitedlibertyisnowhereconsistentwithaproperly—regulatedstateofsociety。I
　　havetouchedlightlyonthematter，onlytogivetomyreaderssomeideaofmyconductinmyowncountry，whereIbegantotreadapathwhichwastoleadmetoastateprisonasinscrutableasitwasunconstitutional。
　　Withenoughmoney，endowedbynaturewithapleasingandcommandingphysicalappearance，aconfirmedgambler，atruespendthrift，agreattalker，veryfarfrommodest，intrepid，alwaysrunningafterprettywomen，supplantingmyrivals，andacknowledgingnogoodcompanybutthatwhichministeredtomyenjoyment，Iwascertaintobedisliked；
　　but，everreadytoexposemyselftoanydanger，andtotaketheresponsibilityofallmyactions，IthoughtIhadarighttodoanythingIpleased，forIalwaysbrokedownabruptlyeveryobstacleI
　　foundinmyway。
　　SuchconductcouldnotbutbedisagreeabletothethreeworthymenwhoseoracleIhadbecome，buttheydidnotliketocomplain。TheexcellentM。deBragadinwouldonlytellmethatIwasgivinghimarepetitionofthefoolishlifehehadhimselfledatmyage，butthatImustpreparetopaythepenaltyofmyfollies，andtofeelthepunishmentwhenIshouldreachhistimeoflife。WithoutwantingintherespectIowedhim，Iwouldturnhisterribleforebodingsintojest，andcontinuemycourseofextravagance。However，Imustmentionherethefirstproofhegavemeofhistruewisdom。
　　AtthehouseofMadameAvogadro，awomanfullofwitinspiteofhersixtyyears，IhadmadetheacquaintanceofayoungPolishnoblemancalledZawoiski。HewasexpectingmoneyfromPoland，butinthemeantimetheVenetianladiesdidnotlethimwantforany，beingallverymuchinlovewithhishandsomefaceandhisPolishmanners。Wesoonbecamegoodfriends，mypursewashis，but，twentyyearslater，heassistedmetoafargreaterextentinMunich。Zawoiskiwashonest，hehadonlyasmalldoseofintelligence，butitwasenoughforhishappiness。HediedinTriestefiveorsixyearsago，theambassadoroftheElectorofTreves。IwillspeakofhiminanotherpartoftheseMemoirs。
　　Thisamiableyoungman，whowasafavouritewitheverybodyandwasthoughtafree—thinkerbecausehefrequentedthesocietyofAngeloQueriniandLunardoVenier，presentedmeoneday，aswewereoutwalking，toanunknowncountesswhotookmyfancyverystrongly。
　　Wecalledonherintheevening，and，afterintroducingmetoherhusband，CountRinaldi，sheinvitedustoremainandhavesupper。
　　Thecountmadeafarobankinthecourseoftheevening，Ipuntedwithhiswifeasapartner，andwonsomefiftyducats。
　　Verymuchpleasedwithmynewacquaintance，Icalledaloneonthecountessthenextmorning。Thecount，apologizingforhiswifewhowasnotupyet，tookmetoherroom。Shereceivedmewithgracefulease，and，herhusbandhavingleftusalone，shehadthearttoletmehopeforeveryfavour，yetwithoutcommittingherself；whenItookleaveofher，sheinvitedmetosupperfortheevening。AftersupperIplayed，stillinpartnershipwithher，wonagain，andwentawayverymuchinlove。Ididnotfailtopayheranothervisitthenextmorning，butwhenIpresentedmyselfatthehouseIwastoldthatshehadgoneout。
　　Icalledagainintheevening，and，aftershehadexcusedherselffornothavingbeenathomeinthemorning，thefarobankbegan，andI
　　lostallmymoney，stillhavingthecountessformypartner。Aftersupper，andwhentheotherguestshadretired，IremainedwithZawoiski，CountRinaldihavingofferedtogiveusourrevenge。AsI
　　hadnomoremoney，Iplayedupontrust，andthecountthrewdownthecardsafterIhadlostfivehundredsequins。Iwentawayingreatsorrow。Iwasboundinhonourtopaythenextmorning，andIdidnotpossessagroat。Loveincreasedmydespair，forIsawmyselfonthepointoflosingtheesteemofawomanbywhomIwassmitten，andtheanxietyIfeltdidnotescapeM。deBragadinwhenwemetinthemorning。Hekindlyencouragedmetoconfessmytroublestohim。