"Hercheerfulspirits，"sheadded，"herartlesssimplicity，hernaturalwit，arelikeherbeauty，theymustbedressedintheVenetianfashion。Wearehighlypleasedwithmynephew’schoice，andhehasincurredeverlastingobligationstowardsyou。Ihopethatforthefutureyouwillconsiderourhouseasyourown。"
Theinvitationwaspolite，perhapsitwassincere，yetIdidnotavailmyselfofit，andtheyweregladofit。AttheendofoneyearChristinepresentedherhusbandwithalivingtokenoftheirmutuallove，andthatcircumstanceincreasedtheirconjugalfelicity。
Weallfoundcomfortablequartersinthecount’shouseinTreviso，where，afterpartakingofsomerefreshments，theguestsretiredtorest。
ThenextmorningIwaswithCountAlgarottiandmytwofriendswhenCharlescamein，handsome，bright，andradiant。Whilehewasansweringwithmuchwitsomejokesofthecount，Ikeptlookingathimwithsomeanxiety，buthecameuptomeandembracedmewarmly。
Iconfessthatakissnevermademehappier。
Peoplewonderatthedevoutscoundrelswhocallupontheirsaintwhentheythinkthemselvesinneedofheavenlyassistance，orwhothankhimwhentheyimaginethattheyhaveobtainedsomefavourfromhim，butpeoplearewrong，foritisagoodandrightfeeling，whichpreachesagainstAtheism。
AttheinvitationofCharles，hisauntandhissisterhadgonetopayamorningvisittotheyoungwife，andtheyreturnedwithher。
Happinessnevershoneonamorelovelyface！
M。Algarotti，goingtowardsher，enquiredfromheraffectionatelywhethershehadhadagoodnight。Heronlyanswerwastorushtoherhusband’sarms。Itwasthemostartless，andatthesametimethemosteloquent，answershecouldpossiblegive。Thenturningherbeautifuleyestowardsme，andofferingmeherhand，shesaid，"M。Casanova，Iamhappy，andIlovetobeindebtedtoyouformyhappiness。"
Thetearswhichwereflowingfrommyeyes，asIkissedherhand，toldherbetterthanwordshowtrulyhappyIwasmyself。
Thedinnerpassedoffdelightfully。WethenleftforMestraandVenice。Weescortedthemarriedcoupletotheirhouse，andreturnedhometoamuseM。Bragadinwiththerelationofourexpedition。Thisworthyandparticularlylearnedmansaidathousandthingsaboutthemarriage，someofgreatprofundityandothersofgreatabsurdity。
Ilaughedinwardly。Iwastheonlyonewhohadthekeytothemystery，andcouldrealizethesecretofthecomedy。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
VENETIANYEARS，Volume1e——MILANANDMANTUA
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
MILANANDMANTUA
CHAPTERXX
SlightMisfortunesCompelMetoLeaveVenice——MyAdventuresinMilanandMantuaOnLowSundayCharlespaidusavisitwithhislovelywife，whoseemedtotallyindifferenttowhatChristineusedtobe。Herhairdressedwithpowderdidnotpleasemeaswellastheravenblackofherbeautifullocks，andherfashionabletownattiredidnot，inmyeyes，suitheraswellasherrichcountrydress。Butthecountenancesofhusbandandwifeborethestampofhappiness。
CharlesreproachedmeinafriendlymannerbecauseIhadnotcalledonceuponthem，and，inordertoatoneformyapparentnegligence，I
wenttoseethemthenextdaywithM。Dandolo。Charlestoldmethathiswifewasidolizedbyhisauntandhissisterwhohadbecomeherbosomfriend；thatshewaskind，affectionate，unassuming，andofadispositionwhichenforcedaffection。IwasnolesspleasedwiththisfavourablestateofthingsthanwiththefacilitywithwhichChristinewaslearningtheVenetiandialect。
WhenM。DandoloandIcalledattheirhouse，Charleswasnotathome；
Christinewasalonewithhistworelatives。Themostfriendlywelcomewasprofferedtous，andinthecourseofconversationtheauntpraisedtheprogressmadebyChristineinherwritingveryhighly，andaskedhertoletmeseehercopy—book。Ifollowedhertothenextroom，whereshetoldmethatshewasveryhappy；thateverydayshediscoverednewvirtuesinherhusband。Hehadtoldher，withouttheslightestappearanceofsuspicionofdispleasure，thatheknewthatwehadspenttwodaystogetherinTreviso，andthathehadlaughedatthewell—meaningfoolwhohadgivenhimthatpieceofinformationinthehopeofraisingacloudintheheavenoftheirfelicity。
Charleswastrulyendowedwithallthevirtues，withallthenoblequalitiesofanhonestanddistinguishedman。Twenty—sixyearsafterwardsIhappenedtorequiretheassistanceofhispurse，andfoundhimmytruefriend。Ineverwasafrequentvisitorathishouse，andheappreciatedmydelicacy。HediedafewmonthsbeforemylastdeparturefromVenice，leavinghiswidowineasycircumstances，andthreewell—educatedsons，allwithgoodpositions，whomay，forwhatIknow，bestilllivingwiththeirmother。
InJuneIwenttothefairatPadua，andmadetheacquaintanceofayoungmanofmyownage，whowasthenstudyingmathematicsunderthecelebratedProfessorSucci。HisnamewasTognolo，butthinkingitdidnotsoundwell，hechangeditforthatofFabris。Hebecame，inafteryears，ComtedeFabris，lieutenant—generalunderJosephII。，anddiedGovernorofTransylvania。Thisman，whoowedhishighfortunetohistalents，would，perhaps，havelivedanddiedunknownifhehadkepthisnameofTognolo，atrulyvulgarone。HewasfromUderzo，alargevillageoftheVenetianFriuli。HehadabrotherintheChurch，amanofparts，andagreatgamester，who，havingadeepknowledgeoftheworld，hadtakenthenameofFabris，andtheyoungerbrotherhadtoassumeitlikewise。Soonafterwardsheboughtanestatewiththetitleofcount，becameaVenetiannobleman，andhisoriginasacountrybumpkinwasforgotten。IfhehadkepthisnameofTognoloitwouldhaveinjuredhim，forhecouldnothavepronounceditwithoutremindinghishearersofwhatiscalled，bythemostcontemptibleofprejudices，lowextraction，andtheprivilegedclass，throughanabsurderror，doesnotadmitthepossibilityofapeasanthavingtalentorgenius。Nodoubtatimewillcomewhensociety，moreenlightened，andthereforemorereasonable，willacknowledgethatnoblefeelings，honour，andheroismcanbefoundineveryconditionoflifeaseasilyasinaclass，thebloodofwhichisnotalwaysexemptfromthetaintofamisalliance。
Thenewcount，whileheallowedotherstoforgethisorigin，wastoowisetoforgetithimself，andinlegaldocumentshealwayssignedhisfamilynameaswellastheonehehadadopted。Hisbrotherhadofferedhimtwowaystowinfortuneintheworld，leavinghimperfectlyfreeinhischoice。Bothrequiredanexpenditureofonethousandsequins，buttheabbehadputtheamountasideforthatpurpose。MyfriendhadtochoosebetweentheswordofMarsandthebirdofMinerva。TheabbeknewthathecouldpurchaseforhisbrotheracompanyinthearmyofhisImperialandApostolicMajesty，orobtainforhimaprofessorshipattheUniversityofPadua；formoneycandoeverything。Butmyfriend，whowasgiftedwithnoblefeelingsandgoodsense，knewthatineitherprofessiontalentsandknowledgewereessentials，andbeforemakingachoicehewasapplyinghimselfwithgreatsuccesstothestudyofmathematics。Heutlimatelydecideduponthemilitaryprofession，thusimitatingAchilles，whopreferredtheswordtothedistaff，andhepaidforitwithhislifelikethesonofPeleus；thoughnotsoyoung，andnotthroughawoundinflictedbyanarrow，butfromtheplague，whichhecaughtintheunhappycountryinwhichtheindolenceofEuropeallowstheTurkstoperpetuatethatfearfuldisease。
Thedistinguishedappearance，thenoblesentiments，thegreatknowledge，andthetalentsofFabriswouldhavebeenturnedintoridiculeinamancalledTognolo，forsuchistheforceofprejudices，particularlyofthosewhichhavenogroundtorestupon，thatanill—soundingnameisdegradinginthisourstupidsociety。
Myopinionisthatmenwhohaveanill—soundingname，oronewhichpresentsanindecentorridiculousidea，arerightinchangingitiftheyintendtowinhonour，fame，andfortuneeitherinartsorsciences。Noonecanreasonablydenythemthatright，providedthenametheyassumebelongstonobody。Thealphabetisgeneralproperty，andeveryonehastherighttouseitforthecreationofawordforminganappellativesound。Buthemusttrulycreateit。
Voltaire，inspiteofhisgenius，wouldnotperhapshavereachedposterityunderhisnameofArouet，especiallyamongsttheFrench，whoalwaysgivewaysoeasilytotheirkeensenseofridiculeandequivocation。Howcouldtheyhaveimaginedthatawriter’arouet’
couldbeamanofgenius？AndD’Alembert，wouldhehaveattainedhishighfame，hisuniversalreputation，ifhehadbeensatisfiedwithhisnameofM。LeRond，orMr。Allround？WhatwouldhavebecomeofMetastasiounderhistruenameofTrapasso？WhatimpressionwouldMelanchthonhavemadewithhisnameofSchwarzerd？Wouldhethenhavedaredtoraisethevoiceofamoralistphilosopher，ofareformeroftheEucharist，andsomanyotherholythings？WouldnotM。deBeauharnaishavecausedsomepersonstolaughandotherstoblushifhehadkepthisnameofBeauvit，evenifthefirstfounderofhisfamilyhadbeenindebtedforhisfortunetothefinequalityexpressedbythatname？
WouldtheBourbeuxhavemadeasgoodafigureonthethroneastheBourbons？IthinkthatKingPoniatowskioughttohaveabdicatedthenameofAugustus，whichhehadtakenatthetimeofhisaccessiontothethrone，whenheabdicatedroyalty。TheColeoniofBergamo，however，wouldfinditratherdifficulttochangetheirname，becausetheywouldbecompelledatthesametimetochangetheircoatofarms（thetwogenerativeglands），andthustoannihilatethegloryoftheirancestor，theheroBartholomeo。
TowardstheendofautumnmyfriendFabrisintroducedmetoafamilyinthemidstofwhichthemindandtheheartcouldfinddeliciousfood。ThatfamilyresidedinthecountryontheroadtoZero。Card—
playing，lovemaking，andpracticaljokesweretheorderoftheday。
Someofthosejokeswererathersevereones，buttheorderofthedaywasnevertogetangryandtolaughateverything，foronewastotakeeveryjestpleasantlyorbethoughtabore。Bedsteadswouldatnighttumbledownundertheiroccupants，ghostswerepersonated，diureticpillsorsugar—plumsweregiventoyoungladies，aswellascomfitswhoproducedcertainwindsrisingfromthenetherlands，andimpossibletokeepundercontrol。Thesejokeswouldsometimesgorathertoofar，butsuchwasthespiritanimatingallthemembersofthatcircle；theywouldlaugh。Iwasnotlessinuredthantheotherstothewarofoffenceanddefence，butatlasttherewassuchabitterjokeplayeduponmethatitsuggestedtomeanother，thefatalconsequencesofwhichputastoptothemaniabywhichwewereallpossessed。
Wewereinthehabitofwalkingtoafarmwhichwasabouthalfaleaguedistantbytheroad，butthedistancecouldbereducedbyhalfbygoingoveradeepandmiryditchacrosswhichanarrowplankwasthrown，andIalwaysinsistedupongoingthatway，inspiteofthefrightoftheladieswhoalwaystrembledonthenarrowbridge，althoughIneverfailedtocrossthefirst，andtooffermyhandtohelpthemover。Onefineday，Icrossedfirstsoastogivethemcourage，butsuddenly，whenIreachedthemiddleoftheplank，itgavewayunderme，andthereIwasintheditch，uptothechininstinkingmud，and，inspiteofmyinwardrage，obliged，accordingtothegeneralunderstanding，tojoininthemerrylaughterofallmycompanions。Butthemerrimentdidnotlastlong，forthejokewastoobad，andeveryonedeclaredittobeso。Somepeasantswerecalledtotherescue，andwithmuchdifficultytheydraggedmeoutinthemostawfulstate。Anentirelynewdress，embroideredwithspangles，mysilkstockings，mylace，everything，wasofcoursespoiled，butnotmindingit，Ilaughedmoreheartilythatanybodyelse，althoughIhadalreadymadeaninwardvowtohavethemostcruelrevenge。InordertoknowtheauthorofthatbitterjokeIhadonlytoappearcalmandindifferentaboutit。Itwasevidentthattheplankhadbeenpurposelysawn。Iwastakenbacktothehouse，ashirt，acoat，acompletecostume，werelentme，forIhadcomethattimeonlyfortwenty—fourhours，andhadnotbroughtanythingwithme。Iwenttothecitythenextmorning，andtowardstheeveningI
returnedtothegaycompany。Fabris，whohadbeenasangryasmyself，observedtomethattheperpetratorofthejokeevidentlyfelthisguilt，becausehetookgoodcarenottodiscoverhimself。
ButIunveiledthemysterybypromisingonesequintoapeasantwomanifshecouldfindoutwhohadsawntheplank。Shecontrivedtodiscovertheyoungmanwhohaddonethework。Icalledonhim，andtheofferofasequin，togetherwithmythreats，compelledhimtoconfessthathehadbeenpaidforhisworkbySignorDemetrio，aGreek，dealerinspices，agoodandamiablemanofbetweenforty—fiveandfiftyyears，onwhomIneverplayedanytrick，exceptinthecaseofapretty，youngservantgirlwhomhewascourting，andwhomIhadjuggledfromhim。
Satisfiedwithmydiscovery，Iwasrackingmybraintoinventagoodpracticaljoke，buttoobtaincompleterevengeitwasnecessarythatmytrickshouldproveworsethantheonehehadplayeduponme。
Unfortunatelymyimaginationwasatbay。Icouldnotfindanything。
Afuneralputanendtomydifficulties。
Armedwithmyhunting—knife，Iwentalonetothecemeteryalittleaftermidnight，andopeningthegraveofthedeadmanwhohadbeenburiedthatveryday，Icutoffoneofthearmsneartheshoulder，notwithoutsometrouble，andafterIhadre—buriedthecorpse，I
returnedtomyroomwiththearmofthedefunct。Thenextday，whensupperwasover，IleftthetableandretiredtomychamberasifI
intendedtogotobed，buttakingthearmwithmeIhidmyselfunderDemetrio’sbed。Ashorttimeafter，theGreekcomesin，undresseshimself，puthislightout，andliesdown。Igivehimtimetofallnearlyasleep；then，placingmyselfatthefootofthebed，Ipullawaytheclotheslittlebylittleuntilheishalfnaked。Helaughsandcallsout，"Whoeveryoumaybe，goawayandletmesleepquietly，forIdonotbelieveinghosts；"hecovershimselfagainandcomposeshimselftosleep。
Iwaitfiveorsixminutes，andpullagainatthebedclothes；butwhenhetriestodrawupthesheet，sayingthathedoesnotcareforghosts，Iopposesomeresistance。Hesitsupsoastocatchthehandwhichispullingattheclothes，andItakecarethatheshouldgetholdofthedeadhand。Confidentthathehascaughtthemanorthewomanwhowasplayingthetrick，hepullsittowardshim，laughingallthetime；Ikeeptightholdofthearmforafewinstants，andthenletitgosuddenly；theGreekfallsbackonhispillowwithoututteringasingleword。
Thetrickwasplayed，Ileavetheroomwithoutanynoise，and，reachingmychamber，gotobed。
Iwasfastasleep，whentowardsmorningIwasawokebypersonsgoingabout，andnotunderstandingwhytheyshouldbeupsoearly，Igotup。ThefirstpersonImet——themistressofthehouse——toldmethatIhadplayedanabominablejoke。
"I？WhathaveIdone？"
"M。Demetrioisdying。"
"HaveIkilledhim？"
Shewentawaywithoutansweringme。Idressedmyself，ratherfrightened，Iconfess，butdetermineduponpleadingcompleteignoranceofeverything，andIproceededtoDemetrio’sroom；andI
wasconfrontedwithhorror—strickencountenancesandbitterreproaches。Ifoundalltheguestsaroundhim。Iprotestedmyinnocence，buteveryonesmiled。Thearchpriestandthebeadle，whohadjustarrived，wouldnotburythearmwhichwaslyingthere，andtheytoldmethatIhadbeenguiltyofagreatcrime。
"Iamastonished，reverendsir，"Isaidtothepriest，"atthehastyjudgmentwhichisthuspasseduponme，whenthereisnoprooftocondemnme。"
"Youhavedoneit，"exclaimedalltheguests，"youalonearecapableofsuchanabomination；itisjustlikeyou。Noonebutyouwouldhavedaredtodosuchathing！"
"Iamcompelled，"saidthearchpriest，"todrawupanofficialreport。"
"Asyouplease，Ihavenottheslightestobjection，"Ianswered，"I
havenothingtofear。"
AndIlefttheroom。
Icontinuedtotakeitcoolly，andatthedinner—tableIwasinformedthatM。Demetriohadbeenbled，thathehadrecoveredtheuseofhiseyes，butnotofhistongueorofhislimbs。Thenextdayhecouldspeak，andIheard，afterIhadtakenleaveofthefamily，thathewasstupidandspasmodic。Thepoormanremainedinthatpainfulstatefortherestofhislife。Ifeltdeeplygrieved，butIhadnotintendedtoinjurehimsobadly。Ithoughtthatthetrickhehadplayeduponmemighthavecostmylife，andIcouldnothelpderivingconsolationfromthatidea。
Onthesameday，thearchpriestmadeuphismindtohavethearmburied，andtosendaformaldenunciation。againstmetotheepiscopalchancellorshipofTreviso。
AnnoyedatthereproacheswhichIreceivedonallsides，IreturnedtoVenice。AfortnightafterwardsIwassummonedtoappearbeforethe’magistratoallablasfemia’。IbeggedM。Barbarotoenquirethecauseoftheaforesaidsummons，foritwasaformidablecourt。Iwassurprisedattheproceedingsbeingtakenagainstme，asiftherehadbeenacertaintyofmyhavingdesecratedagrave，whilsttherecouldbenothingbutsuspicion。ButIwasmistaken，thesummonswasnotrelatingtothataffair。M。Barbaroinformedmeintheeveningthatawomanhadbroughtacomplaintagainstmeforhavingviolatedherdaughter。Shestatedinhercomplaintthat，havingdecoyedherchildtotheZuecca，Ihadabusedherbyviolence，andsheadducedasaproofthatherdaughterwasconfinedtoherbed，owingtothebadtreatmentshehadreceivedfrommeinmyendeavourstoravishher。
Itwasoneofthosecomplaintswhichareoftenmade，inordertogivetroubleandtocauseexpense，evenagainstinnocentpersons。Iwasinnocentofviolation，butitwasquitetruethatIhadgiventhegirlasoundthrashing。Ipreparedmydefence，andbeggedM。
Barbarotodeliverittothemagistrate’ssecretary。
DECLARATION
Iherebydeclarethat，onsuchaday，havingmetthewomanwithherdaughter，Iaccostedthemandofferedtogivethemsomerefreshmentsatacoffee—housenearby；thatthedaughterrefusedtoacceptmycaresses，andthatthemothersaidtome，——
"Mydaughterisyetavirgin，andsheisquiterightnottolosehermaidenhoodwithoutmakingagoodprofitbyit。"
"Ifso，"Ianswered，"Iwillgiveyoutensequinsforhervirginity。"
"Youmayjudgeforyourself，"saidthemother。
Havingassuredmyselfofthefactbytheassistanceofthesenseoffeeling，andhavingascertainedthatitmightbetrue，ItoldthemothertobringthegirlintheafternoontotheZuecca，andthatI
wouldgiveherthetensequins。Myofferwasjoyfullyaccepted，themotherbroughtherdaughtertome，shereceivedthemoney，andleavingustogetherintheGardenoftheCross，shewentaway。
WhenItriedtoavailmyselfoftherightforwhichIhadpaid，thegirl，mostlikelytrainedtothebusinessbyhermother，contrivedtopreventme。Atfirstthegameamusedme，butatlast，beingtiredofit，Itoldhertohavedone。SheansweredquietlythatitwasnotherfaultifIwasnotabletodowhatIwanted。Vexedandannoyed，Iplacedherinsuchapositionthatshefoundherselfatbay，but，makingaviolenteffort，shemanagedtochangeherpositionanddebarredmefrommakinganyfurtherattempts。
"Why，"Isaidtoher，"didyoumove？"
"BecauseIwouldnothaveitinthatposition。"
"Youwouldnot？"
"No。"
Withoutmoreado，Igotholdofabroomstick，andgaveheragoodlesson，inordertogetsomethingforthetensequinswhichIhadbeenfoolishenoughtopayinadvance。ButIhavebrokennoneofherlimbs，andItookcaretoapplymyblowsonlyonherposteriors，onwhichspotIhavenodoubtthatallthemarksmaybeseen。IntheeveningImadeherdressherselfagain，andsentherbackinaboatwhichchancedtopass，andshewaslandedinsafety。Themotherreceivedtensequins，thedaughterhaskeptherhatefulmaidenhood，and，ifIamguiltyofanything，itisonlyofhavinggivenathrashingtoaninfamousgirl，thepupilofastillmoreinfamousmother。
Mydeclarationhadnoeffect。Themagistratewasacquaintedwiththegirl，andthemotherlaughedathavingdupedmesoeasily。Iwassummoned，butdidnotappearbeforethecourt，andawritwasonthepointofbeingissuedagainstmybody，whenthecomplaintoftheprofanationofagravewasfiledagainstmebeforethesamemagistrate。ItwouldhavebeenlessseriousformeifthesecondaffairhadbeencarriedbeforetheCouncilofTen，becauseonecourtmighthavesavedmefromtheother。
Thesecondcrime，which，afterall，wasonlyajoke，washighfelonyintheeyesoftheclergy，andagreatdealwasmadeofit。Iwassummonedtoappearwithintwenty—fourhours，anditwasevidentthatIwouldbearrestedimmediatelyafterwards。M。deBragadin，whoalwaysgavegoodadvice，toldmethatthebestwaytoavoidthethreateningstormwastorunaway。Theadvicewascertainlywise，andIlostnotimeingettingready。
IhaveneverleftVenicewithsomuchregretasIdidthen，forIhadsomepleasantintriguesonhand，andIwasveryluckyatcards。Mythreefriendsassuredmethat，withinoneyearatthefurthest，thecasesagainstmewouldbeforgotten，andinVenice，whenpublicopinionhasforgottenanything，itcanbeeasilyarranged。
IleftVeniceintheeveningandthenextdayIsleptatVerona。TwodaysafterwardsIreachedMantua。Iwasalone，withplentyofclothesandjewels，withoutlettersofintroduction，butwithawell—
filledpurse，enjoyingexcellenthealthandmytwenty—threeyears。
InMantuaIorderedanexcellentdinner，theveryfirstthingoneoughttodoatalargehotel，andafterdinnerIwentoutforawalk。
Intheevening，afterIhadseenthecoffee—housesandtheplacesofresort，Iwenttothetheatre，andIwasdelightedtoseeMarinaappearonthestageasacomicdancer，amidthegreatestapplause，whichshedeserved，forshedancedbeautifully。Shewastall，handsome，verywellmadeandverygraceful。Iimmediatelyresolvedonrenewingmyacquaintancewithher，ifshehappenedtobefree，andaftertheoperaIengagedaboytotakemetoherhouse。Shehadjustsatdowntosupperwithsomeone，butthemomentshesawmeshethrewhernapkindownandflewtomyarms。Ireturnedherkisses，judgingbyherwarmththatherguestwasamanofnoconsequence。
Theservant，withoutwaitingfororders，hadalreadylaidaplateforme，andMarinainvitedmetositdownnearher。Ifeltvexed，becausetheaforesaidindividualhadnotrisentosaluteme，andbeforeIacceptedMarina’sinvitationIaskedherwhothegentlemanwas，begginghertointroduceme。
"Thisgentleman，"shesaid，"isCountCeli，ofRome；heismylover。"
"Icongratulateyou，"Isaidtoher，andturningtowardstheso—
calledcount，"Sir，"Iadded，"donotbeangryatourmutualaffection，Marinaismydaughter。"
"Sheisaprostitute。"
"True，"saidMarina，"andyoucanbelievethecount，forheismyprocurer。"
Atthosewords，thebrutethrewhisknifeatherface，butsheavoideditbyrunningaway。Thescoundrelfollowedher，butIdrewmysword，andsaid，"Stop，oryouareadeadman。"
IimmediatelyaskedMarinatoorderherservanttolightmeout，butshehastilyputacloakon，andtakingmyarmsheentreatedmetotakeherwithme。
"Withpleasure，"Isaid。
Thecounttheninvitedmetomeethimalone，onthefollowingday，attheCasinoofPomi，tohearwhathehadtosay。
"Verywell，sir，atfourintheafternoon，"Ianswered。
ItookMarinatomyinn，whereIlodgedherintheroomadjoiningmine，andwesatdowntosupper。
Marina，seeingthatIwasthoughtful，said，"Areyousorrytohavesavedmefromtherageofthatbrute？"
"No，Iamgladtohavedoneso，buttellmetrulywhoandwhatheis。"
"Heisagamblerbyprofession，andgiveshimselfoutasCountCeli。
Imadehisacquaintancehere。Hecourtedme，invitedmetosupper，playedaftersupper，and，havingwonalargesumfromanEnglishmanwhomhehaddecoyedtohissupperbytellinghimthatIwouldbepresent，hegavemefiftyguineas，sayingthathehadgivenmeaninterestinhisbank。AssoonasIhadbecomehismistress，heinsisteduponmybeingcompliantwithallthemenhewantedtomakehisdupes，andatlasthetookuphisquartersatmylodgings。ThewelcomeIgaveyouverylikelyvexedhim，andyouknowtherest。
HereIam，andhereIwillremainuntilmydepartureforMantuawhereIhaveanengagementasfirstdancer。MyservantwillbringmeallI
needforto—night，andIwillgivehimorderstomoveallmyluggageto—morrow。Iwillnotseethatscoundrelanymore。Iwillbeonlyyours，ifyouarefreeasinCorfu，andifyoulovemestill。"
"Yes，mydearMarina，Idoloveyou，butifyouwishtobemymistress，youmustbeonlymine。"
"Oh！ofcourse。Ihavethreehundredsequins，andIwillgivethemtoyouto—morrowifyouwilltakemeasyourmistress。"
"Idonotwantanymoney；allIwantisyourself。Well，itisallarranged；to—morroweveningweshallfeelmorecomfortable。"
"Perhapsyouarethinkingofaduelforto—morrow？。Butdonotimaginesuchathing，dearest。Iknowthatman；heisanarrantcoward。"
"Imustkeepmyengagementwithhim。"
"Iknowthat，buthewillnotkeephis，andIamverygladofit。"
Changingtheconversationandspeakingofouroldacquaintances，sheinformedmethatshehadquarreledwithherbrotherPetronio，thathersisterwasprimadonnainGenoa，andthatBellinoTheresewasstillinNaples，whereshecontinuedtoruindukes。Sheconcludedbysaying；
"Iamthemostunhappyofthefamily。"
"Howso？Youarebeautiful，andyouhavebecomeanexcellentdancer。
Donotbesoprodigalofyourfavours，andyoucannotfailtomeetwithamanwhowilltakecareofyourfortune。"
"Tobesparingofmyfavoursisverydifficult；whenIlove，Iamnolongermine，butwhenIdonotlove，Icannotbeamiable。Well，dearest，Icouldbeveryhappywithyou。"
"DearMarina，Iamnotwealthy，andmyhonourwouldnotallowme……"
"Holdyourtongue；Iunderstandyou。"
"Whyhaveyounotalady’smaidwithyouinsteadofamaleservant？"
"Youareright。Amaidwouldlookmorerespectable，butmyservantissocleverandsofaithful！"
"Icanguessallhisqualities，butheisnotafitservantforyou。"
ThenextdayafterdinnerIleftMarinagettingreadyforthetheatre，andhavingputeverythingofvalueIpossessedinmypocket，ItookacarriageandproceededtotheCasinoofPomi。Ifeltconfidentofdisablingthefalsecount，andsentthecarriageaway。
Iwasconsciousofbeingguiltyofgreatfollyinexposingmylifewithsuchanadversary。Imighthavebrokenmyengagementwithhimwithoutimplicatingmyhonour，but，thefactisthatIfeltwelldisposedforafight，andasIwascertainlyintherightIthoughttheprospectofaduelverydelightful。Avisittoadancer，abruteprofessingtobeanobleman，whoinsultsherinmypresence，whowantstokillher，whoallowshertobecarriedoffinhisveryteeth，andwhoseonlyoppositionistogivemeanappointment！ItseemedtomethatifIhadfailedtocome，Ishouldhavegivenhimtherighttocallmeacoward。
Thecounthadnotyetarrived。Ienteredthecoffee—roomtowaitforhim。Imetagood—lookingFrenchmanthere，andIaddressedhim。
Beingpleasedwithhisconversation，ItoldhimthatIexpectedthearrivalofaman，andthatasmyhonourrequiredthatheshouldfindmealoneIwouldfeelgratefulifhewouldgoawayassoonasIsawthemanapproaching。AshorttimeafterwardsIsawmyadversarycomingalong，butwithasecond。IthentoldtheFrenchmanthathewouldobligemebyremaining，andheacceptedasreadilyasifIhadinvitedhimtoapartyofpleasure。Thecountcameinwithhisfollower，whowassportingaswordatleastfortyincheslong，andhadallthelookofacut—throat。Iadvancedtowardsthecount，andsaidtohimdryly，——
"Youtoldmethatyouwouldcomealone。"
"Myfriendwillnotbeintheway，asIonlywanttospeaktoyou。"
"IfIhadknownthat，Iwouldnothavegoneoutofmyway。Butdonotletusbenoisy，andletusgotosomeplacewherewecanexchangeafewwordswithoutbeingseen。Followme。"
Ileftthecoffee—roomwiththeyoungFrenchman，who，beingwellacquaintedwiththeplace，tookmetothemostfavourablespot，andwewaitedthereforthetwootherchampions，whowerewalkingslowlyandtalkingtogether。WhentheywerewithintenpacesIdrewmyswordandcalleduponmyadversarytogetready。MyFrenchmanhadalreadytakenouthissword，buthekeptitunderhisarm。
"Twotoone！"exclaimedCeli。
"Sendyourfriendaway，andthisgentlemanwillgolikewise；atallevents，yourfriendwearsasword，thereforewearetwoagainsttwo。"
"Yes，"saidtheFrenchman，"letushaveafour—handedgame。"
"Idonotcrossswordswithadancer，"saidthecutthroat。
Hehadscarcelyutteredthosewordswhenmyfriend，goinguptohim，toldhimthatadancerwascertainlyasgoodasablackleg，andgavehimaviolentbowwiththeflatofhisswordontheface。IfollowedhisexamplewithCeli，whobegantobeataretreat，andsaidthatheonlywantedtotellmesomething，andthathewouldfightafterwards。
"Well，speak。"
"YouknowmeandIdonotknowyou。Tellmewhoyouare。"
Myonlyanswerwastoresumelayingmysworduponthescoundrel，whiletheFrenchmanwasshewingthesamedexterityuponthebackofhiscompanion，butthetwocowardstooktotheirheels，andtherewasnothingforustodobuttosheatheourweapons。ThusdidtheduelendinamannerevenmoreamusingthanMarinaherselfhadanticipated。
MybraveFrenchmanwasexpectingsomeoneatthecasino。Ilefthimafterinvitinghimtosupperforthateveningaftertheopera。I
gavehim；thenamewhichIhadassumedformyjourneyandtheaddressofmyhotel。
IgaveMarinaafulldescriptionoftheadventure。
"Iwill，"shesaid，"amuseeverybodyatthetheatrethiseveningwiththestoryofyourmeeting。Butthatwhichpleasesmemostisthat，ifyoursecondisreallyadancer，hecanbenootherthanM。
Baletti，whoisengagedwithmefortheMantuaTheatre。"
Istoredallmyvaluablesinmytrunkagain，andwenttotheopera，whereIsawBaletti，whorecognizedme，andpointedmeouttoallhisfriends，towhomhewasrelatingtheadventure。Hejoinedmeaftertheperformance，andaccompaniedmetotheinn。Marina，whohadalreadyreturned，cametomyroomassoonassheheardmyvoice，andIwasamusedatthesurpriseoftheamiableFrenchman，whenhesawtheyoungartistwithwhomhehadengagedtodancethecomicparts。
Marina，althoughanexcellentdancer，didnotliketheseriousstyle。
ThosetwohandsomeadeptsofTerpsichorehadnevermetbefore，andtheybegananamorouswarfarewhichmademeenjoymysupperimmensely，because，ashewasafellowartist，MarinaassumedtowardsBalettiatonewelladaptedtothecircumstances，andverydifferenttoherusualmannerwithothermen。Sheshonewithwitandbeautythatevening，andwasinanexcellenttemper，forshehadbeenmuchapplaudedbythepublic，thetrueversionoftheCelibusinessbeingalreadywellknown。
Thetheatrewastobeopenonlyfortenmorenights，andasMarinawishedtoleaveMilanimmediatelyafterthelastperformance，wedecidedontravellingtogether。Inthemeantime，IinvitedBaletti（itwasanItaliannamewhichhehadadoptedforthestage）tobeourguestduringtheremainderofourstayinMilan。Thefriendshipbetweenushadagreatinfluenceuponallthesubsequenteventsofmylife，asthereaderwillseeintheseMemoirs。Hehadgreattalentasadancer，butthatwastheleastofhisexcellentqualities。Hewashonest，hisfeelingswerenoble，hehadstudiedmuch，andhehadreceivedthebesteducationthatcouldbegiveninthosedaysinFrancetoanobleman。
OnthethirddayIsawplainlythatMarinawishedtomakeaconquestofhercolleague，andfeelingwhatgreatadvantagemightaccruetoherfromitIresolvedonhelpingher。Shehadapost—chaisefortwopersons，andIeasilypersuadedhertotakeBalettiwithher，sayingthatIwishedtoarrivealoneinMantuaforseveralreasonswhichI
couldnotconfidetoher。ThefactwasthatifIhadarrivedwithher，peoplewouldhavenaturallysupposedthatIwasherlover，andI
wishedtoavoidthat。Balettiwasdelightedwiththeproposal；heinsisteduponpayinghisshareoftheexpenses，butMarinawouldnothearofit。Thereasonsallegedbytheyoungmanforpayinghisownexpenseswereexcellentones，anditwaswithgreatdifficultythatI
prevaileduponhimtoacceptMarina’soffer，butIultimatelysucceeded。Ipromisedtowaitforthemontheroad，soastotakedinnerandsuppertogether，andonthedayappointedforourdepartureIleftMilanonehourbeforethem。
ReachingthecityofCremonaveryearly，whereweintendedtosleep，Itookawalkaboutthestreets，and，findingacoffee—house，Iwentin。ImadetheretheacquaintanceofaFrenchofficer，andweleftthecoffee—roomtogethertotakeashortramble。Averyprettywomanhappenedtopassinacarriage，andmycompanionstoppedhertosayafewwords。Theirconversationwassoonover，andtheofficerjoinedmeagain。
"Whoisthatlovelylady？"Ienquired。
"Sheisatrulycharmingwoman，andIcantellyouananecdoteaboutherworthyofbeingtransmittedtoposterity。YouneednotsupposethatIamgoingtoexaggerate，fortheadventureisknowntoeverybodyinCremona。Thecharmingwomanwhomyouhavejustseenisgiftedwithwitgreatereventhanherbeauty，andhereisaspecimenofit。Ayoungofficer，oneamongstmanymilitarymenwhowerecourtingher，whenMarshaldeRichelieuwascommandinginGenoa，boastedofbeingtreatedbyherwithmorefavourthanalltheothers，andoneday，intheverycoffee—roomwherewemet，headvisedabrotherofficernottolosehistimeincourtingher，becausehehadnochancewhateverofobtaininganyfavour。
"’Mydearfellow，’saidtheotherofficer，’Ihaveamuchbetterrighttogiveyouthatpieceofadvice；forIhavealreadyobtainedfromhereverythingwhichcanbegrantedtoalover。’
"’Iamcertainthatyouaretellingalie，’exclaimedtheyoungman，’andIrequestyoutofollowmeout。’
"’Mostwillingly，’saidtheindiscreetswain，’butwhatisthegoodofascertainingthetruththroughaduelandofcuttingourthroats，whenIcanmaketheladyherselfcertifythefactinyourpresence。’
"’Ibettwenty—fivelouisthatitisalluntrue，’saidtheincredulousofficer。
"’Iacceptyourbet。Letusgo。’
"Thetwocontendingpartiesproceededtogethertowardsthedwellingoftheladywhomyousawjustnow，whowastonamethewinnerofthetwenty—fivelouis。
"Theyfoundherinherdressing—room。’Wellgentlemen，’shesaid，’whatluckywindhasbroughtyouheretogetheratthishour？
"’Itisabet，madam，’answeredtheunbelievingofficer，’andyoualonecanbetheumpireinourquarrel。Thisgentlemanhasbeenboastingofhavingobtainedfromyoueverythingawomancangranttothemostfavouredlover。Ihavegivenhimthelieinthemostimpressivemanner，andaduelwastoensue，whenheofferedtohavethetruthofhisboastcertifiedbyyou。Ihavebettwenty—fiveLouisthatyouwouldnotadmitit，andhehastakenmybet。Now，madam，youcansaywhichofustwoisright。’
"Youhavelost，sir，"shesaidtohim；’butnowIbegbothofyoutoquitmyhouse，andIgiveyoufairwarningthatifyoueverdaretoshewyourfaceshereagain，youwillbesorryforit。’
"Thetwoheedlessfellowswentawaydreadfullymortified。Theunbelieverpaidthebet，buthewasdeeplyvexed，calledtheotheracoxcomb，andaweekafterwardskilledhiminaduel。
"Sincethattimetheladygoestothecasino，andcontinuestomixinsociety，butdoesnotseecompanyatherownhouse，andlivesinperfectaccordwithherhusband。"
"Howdidthehusbandtakeitall？"
"Quitewell，andlikeanintelligent，sensibleman。Hesaidthat，ifhiswifehadacteddifferently，hewouldhaveappliedforadivorce，becauseinthatcasenoonewouldhaveentertainedadoubtofherbeingguilty。"
"Thathusbandisindeedasensiblefellow。Itiscertainthat，ifhiswifehadgiventhelietotheindiscreetofficer，hewouldhavepaidthebet，buthewouldhavestoodbywhathehadsaid，andeverybodywouldhavebelievedhim。Bydeclaringhimthewinnerofthebetshehascutthemattershort，andshehasavoidedajudgmentbywhichshewouldhavebeendishonoured。Theinconsiderateboasterwasguiltyofadoublemistakeforwhichhepaidthepenaltyofhislife，buthisadversarywasasmuchwantingindelicacy，forinsuchmattersrightly—mindedmendonotventureuponbetting。Iftheonewhosaysyesisimprudent，theonewhosaysnoisadupe。Ilikethelady’spresenceofmind。"
"Butwhatsentencewouldyoupassonher。Guiltyornotguilty？"
"Notguilty。"
"Iamofthesameopinion，andithasbeentheverdictofthepubliclikewise，forshehassincebeentreatedevenbetterthanbeforetheaffair。Youwillsee，ifyougotothecasino，andIshallbehappytointroduceyoutoher"
Iinvitedtheofficertosupwithus，andwespentaverypleasantevening。Afterhehadgone，IremarkedwithpleasurethatMarinawascapableofobservingtherulesofpropriety。Shehadtakenabedroomtoherself，soasnottohurtthefeelingsofherrespectablefellow—
dancer。
WhenIarrivedinMantua，IputupatSt。Mark’shotel。Marina，towhomIhadgivenanoticethatmyintentionwastocallonherbutseldom，tookupherabodeinthehouseassignedtoherbythetheatricalmanager。
Intheafternoonofthesameday，asIwaswalkingabout，Iwentintoabookseller’sshoptoascertainwhethertherewasanynewworkout。
Iremainedtherewithoutperceivingthatthenighthadcome，andonbeingtoldthattheshopwasgoingtobeclosed，Iwentout。IhadonlygoneafewyardswhenIwasarrestedbyapatrol，theofficerofwhichtoldmethat，asIhadnolanternandaseighto’clockhadstruck，hisdutywastotakemetotheguardhouse。ItwasinvainthatIobservedthat，havingarrivedonlyintheafternoon，Icouldnotknowthatorderofthepolice。Iwascompelledtofollowhim。
Whenwereachedtheguardhouse，theofficerofthepatrolintroducedmetohiscaptain，atall，fine—lookingyoungmanwhoreceivedmeinthemostcheerfulmanner。IbeggedhimtoletmereturntomyhotelasIneededrestaftermyjourney。Helaughedandanswered，"No，indeed，Iwantyoutospendajoyousnightwithme，andingoodcompany。"Hetoldtheofficertogivemebackmysword，and，addressingmeagain，hesaid，"Ionlyconsideryou，mydearsir，asmyfriendandguest。"
Icouldnothelpbeingamusedatsuchanovelmodeofinvitation，andIacceptedit。HegavesomeorderstoaGermansoldier，andsoonafterwardsthetablewaslaidoutforfourpersons。Thetwootherofficersjoinedus，andwehadaverygaysupper。Whenthedeserthadbeenservedthecompanywasincreasedbythearrivaloftwodisgusting，dissolutefemales。Agreenclothwasspreadoverthetable，andoneoftheofficersbeganafarobank。Ipuntedsoasnottoappearunwillingtojointhegame，andafterlosingafewsequinsIwentouttobreathethefreshair，forwehaddrunkfreely。Oneofthetwofemalesfollowedme，teasedme，andfinallycontrived，inspiteofmyself，tomakemeapresentwhichcondemnedmetoaregimenofsixweeks。Afterthatfineexploit，Iwentinagain。
Ayoungandpleasantofficer，whohadlostsomefifteenortwentysequins，wasswearinglikeatrooperbecausethebankerhadpocketedhismoneyandwasgoing。Theyoungofficerhadagreatdealofgoldbeforehimonthetable，andhecontendedthatthebankeroughttohavewarnedhimthatitwouldbethelastgame。
"Sir，"Isaidtohim，politely，"youareinthewrong，forfaroisthefreestofgames。Whydoyounottakethebankyourself？"
"Itwouldbetoomuchtrouble，andthesegentlemendonotpunthighenoughforme，butifthatsortofthingamusesyou，takethebankandIwillpunt。"
"Captain，"Isaid，"willyoutakeafourthshareinmybank？"
"Willingly。"
"Gentlemen，IbegyoutogivenoticethatIwilllaythecardsdownaftersixgames。"
Iaskedfornewpacksofcards，andputthreehundredsequinsonthetable。Thecaptainwroteonthebackofacard，"Goodforahundredsequins，O’Neilan，"andplacingitwithmygoldIbeganmybank。
Theyoungofficerwasdelighted，andsaidtome，"Yourbankmightbedefunctbeforetheendofthesixthgame。"
Ididnotanswer，andtheplaywenton。
Atthebeginningofthefifthgame，mybankwasinthepangsofdeath；theyoungofficerwasinhighglee。IratherastonishedhimbytellinghimthatIwasgladtolose，forIthoughthimamuchmoreagreeablecompanionwhenhewaswinning。
Therearesomecivilitieswhichverylikelyproveunluckyforthosetowhomtheyareaddressed，anditturnedoutsointhiscase，formycomplimentturnedhisbrain。Duringthefifthgame，arunofadversecardsmadehimloseallhehadwon，andashetriedtodoviolencetoDameFortuneinthesixthround，helosteverysequinhehad。
"Sir，"hesaidtome，"youhavebeenverylucky，butIhopeyouwillgivememyrevengeto—morrow。"
"Itwouldbewiththegreatestpleasure，sir，butIneverplayexceptwhenIamunderarrest。"
Icountedmymoney，andfoundthatIhadwantwohundredandfiftysequins，besidesadebtoffiftysequinsduebyanofficerwhoplayedontrustwhichCaptainO’Neilantookonhisownaccount。Icompletedhisshare，andatday—breakheallowedmetogoaway。
AssoonasIgottomyhotel，Iwenttobed，andwhenIawoke，IhadavisitfromCaptainLaurent，theofficerwhohadplayedontrust。
Thinkingthathisobjectwastopaymewhathehadlost，ItoldhimthatO’Neilanhadtakenhisdebtonhimself，butheansweredthanhehadonlycalledforthepurposeofbeggingofmealoanofsixsequinsonhisnoteofhand，bywhichhewouldpledgehishonourtorepaymewithinoneweek。Igavehimthemoney，andhebeggedthatthematter，mightremainbetweenus。
"Ipromiseit，"Isaidtohim，"butdonotbreakyourword。"
ThenextdayIwasill，andthereaderisawareofthenatureofmyillness。Iimmediatelyplacedmyselfunderapropercourseofdiet，howeverunpleasantitwasatmyage；butIkepttomysystem，anditcuredmerapidly。
ThreeorfourdaysafterwardsCaptainO’Neilancalledonme，andwhenItoldhimthenatureofmysicknesshelaughed，muchtomysurprise。
"Thenyouwereallrightbeforethatnight？"heenquired。
"Yes，myhealthwasexcellent。"
"Iamsorrythatyoushouldhavelostyourhealthinsuchanuglyplace。IwouldhavewarnedyouifIhadthoughtyouhadanyintentionsinthatquarter。"
"Didyouknowofthewomanhaving……？"
"Zounds！DidInot？ItisonlyaweeksinceIpaidavisittotheverysameplacemyself，andIbelievethecreaturewasallrightbeforemyvisit。"
"ThenIhavetothankyouforthepresentshehasbestoweduponme。"
"Mostlikely；butitisonlyatrifle，andyoucaneasilygetcuredifyoucaretotakethetrouble。"
"What！Doyounottrytocureyourself？"
"Faith，no。Itwouldbetoomuchtroubletofollowaregulardiet，andwhatistheuseofcuringsuchatriflinginconveniencewhenIamcertainofgettingitagaininafortnight。TentimesinmylifeI
havehadthatpatience，butIgottiredofit，andforthelasttwoyearsIhaveresignedmyself，andnowIputupwithit。"
"Ipityyou，foramanlikeyouwouldhavegreatsuccessinlove。"
"Idonotcareafigforlove；itrequirescareswhichwouldbothermemuchmorethantheslightinconveniencetowhichwewerealluding，andtowhichIamusednow。"
"Iamnotofyouropinion，fortheamorouspleasureisinsipidwhenlovedoesnotthrowalittlespiceinit。Doyouthink，forinstance，thattheuglywretchImetattheguard—roomisworthwhatInowsufferonheraccount？"
"Ofcoursenot，andthatiswhyIamsorryforyou。IfIhadknown，Icouldhaveintroducedyoutosomethingbetter。"
"Theverybestinthatlineisnotworthmyhealth，andhealthoughttobesacrificedonlyforlove。"
"Oh！youwantwomenworthyoflove？Thereareafewhere；stopwithusforsometime，andwhenyouarecuredthereisnothingtopreventyoufrommakingconquests。"
O’Neilanwasonlytwenty—threeyearsold；hisfather，whowasdead，hadbeenageneral，andthebeautifulCountessBorsatiwashissister。HepresentedmetotheCountessZanardiNerli，stillmorelovelythanhissister，butIwasprudentenoughnottoburnmyincensebeforeeitherofthem，foritseemedtomethateverybodycouldguessthestateofmyhealth。
IhavenevermetayoungmanmoreaddictedtodebaucherythanO’Neilan。Ihaveoftenspentthenightramblingaboutwithhim，andIwasamazedathiscynicalboldnessandimpudence。Yethewasnoble，generous，brave，andhonourable。Ifinthosedaysyoungofficerswereoftenguiltyofsomuchimmorality，ofsomanyvileactions，itwasnotsomuchtheirfaultasthefaultoftheprivilegeswhichtheyenjoyedthroughcustom，indulgence，orpartyspirit。Hereisanexample:
OnedayO’Neilan，havingdrunkratherfreely，ridesthroughthecityatfullspeed。Apooroldwomanwhowascrossingthestreethasnotimetoavoidhim，shefalls，andherheadiscutopenbythehorse’sfeet。O’Neilanplaceshimselfunderarrest，butthenextdayheissetatliberty。Hehad，onlytopleadthatitwasanaccident。
TheofficerLaurentnothavingcalleduponmetoredeemhispromisorynoteofsixsequinsduringtheweek，ItoldhiminthestreetthatI
wouldnolongerconsidermyselfboundtokeeptheaffairsecret。
Insteadofexcusinghimself，hesaid，"Idonotcare！"
Theanswerwasinsulting，andIintendedtocompelhimtogivemereparation，butthenextdayO’NeilantoldmethatCaptainLaurenthadgonemadandhadbeenlockedupinamad—house。Hesubsequentlyrecoveredhisreason，buthisconductwassoinfamousthathewascashiered。
O’Neilan，whowasasbraveasBayard，waskilledafewyearsafterwardsatthebattleofPrague。AmanofhiscomplexionwascertaintofallthevictimofMarsorofVenus。Hemightbealivenowifhehadbeenendowedonlywiththecourageofthefox，buthehadthecourageofthelion。Itisavirtueinasoldier，butalmostafaultinanofficer。Thosewhobravedangerwithafullknowledgeofitareworthyofpraise，butthosewhodonotrealizeitescapeonlybyamiracle，andwithoutanymeritattachingitselftothem。
Yetwemustrespectthosegreatwarriors，fortheirunconquerablecourageistheoffspringofastrongsoul，ofavirtuewhichplacesthemaboveordinarymortals。
WheneverIthinkofPrinceCharlesdeLigneIcannotrestrainmytears。HewasasbraveasAchilles，butAchilleswasinvulnerable。
Hewouldbealivenowifhehadrememberedduringthefightthathewasmortal。Whoaretheythat，havingknownhim，havenotshedtearsinhismemory？Hewashandsome，kind，polished，learned，aloverofthearts，cheerful，wittyinhisconversation，apleasantcompanion，andamanofperfectequability。Fatal，terriblerevolution！A
cannonballtookhimfromhisfriends，fromhisfamily，fromthehappinesswhichsurroundedhim。
ThePrincedeWaldeckhasalsopaidthepenaltyofhisintrepiditywiththelossofonearm。Itissaidthatheconsoleshimselfforthatlosswiththeconsciousnessthatwiththeremainingonehecanyetcommandanarmy。
Oyouwhodespiselife，tellmewhetherthatcontemptofliferendersyouworthyofit？
TheoperaopenedimmediatelyafterEaster，andIwaspresentateveryperformance。Iwasthenentirelycured，andhadresumedmyusuallife。IwaspleasedtoseethatBalettishewedoffMarinatothebestadvantage。Inevervisitedher，butBalettiwasinthehabitofbreakfastingwithmealmosteverymorning。
Hehadoftenmentionedanoldactresswhohadleftthestageformorethantwentyyears，andpretendedtohavebeenmyfather’sfriend。
OnedayItookafancytocalluponher，andheaccompaniedmetoherhouse。
Isawanold，broken—downcronewhosetoiletastonishedmeasmuchasherperson。Inspiteofherwrinkles，herfacewasplasteredwithredandwhite，andhereyebrowswereindebtedtoIndiainkfortheirblackappearance。Sheexposedone—halfofherflabby，disgustingbosom，andtherecouldbenodoubtastoherfalsesetofteeth。Sheworeawigwhichfittedverybadly，andallowedtheintrusionofafewgrayhairswhichhadsurvivedthehavocoftime。Hershakinghandsmademinequiverwhenshepressedthem。Shediffusedaperfumeofamberatadistanceoftwentyyards，andheraffected，mincingmanneramusedandsickenedmeatthesametime。Herdressmightpossiblyhavebeenthefashiontwentyyearsbefore。Iwaslookingwithdreadatthefearfulhavocofoldageuponafacewhich，beforemercilesstimehadblightedit，hadevidentlybeenhandsome，butwhatamazedmewasthechildisheffronterywithwhichthistime—witheredspecimenofwomankindwasstillwagingwarwiththehelpofherblastedcharms。
Baletti，whofearedlestmytoovisibleastonishmentshouldvexher，toldherthatIwasamazedatthefactthatthebeautifulstrawberrywhichbloomeduponherchesthadnotbeenwitheredbythehandofTime。Itwasabirth—markwhichwasreallyverymuchlikeastrawberry。"Itisthatmark，"saidtheoldwoman，simpering，"whichgavemethenameof’LaFragoletta。’"
Thosewordsmademeshudder。
Ihadbeforemyeyesthefatalphantomwhichwasthecauseofmyexistence。Isawthewomanwhohadthirtyyearsbefore，seducedmyfather:ifithadnotbeenforher，hewouldneverhavethoughtofleavinghisfather’shouse，andwouldneverhaveengenderedmeinthewombofaVenetianwoman。Ihaveneverbeenoftheopinionoftheoldauthorwhosays，’Nemovitamvelletsidareturscientibus’。
SeeinghowthoughtfulIwas，shepolitelyenquiredmynamefromBaletti，forhehadpresentedmeonlyasafriend，andwithouthavinggivenhernoticeofmyvisit。WhenhetoldherthatmynamewasCasanova，shewasextremelysurprised。
"Yes，madam，"Isaid，"IamthesonofGaetanCasanova，ofParma。"
"Heavensandearth！whatisthis？Ah！myfriend，Iadoredyourfather！Hewasjealouswithoutcause，andabandonedme。Hadhenotdoneso，youwouldhavebeenmyson！Allowmetoembraceyouwiththefeelingsofalovingmother。"
Iexpectedasmuch，and，forfearsheshouldfall，Iwenttoher，receivedherkiss，andabandonedmyselftohertenderrecollections。
Stillanactress，shepressedherhandkerchieftohereyes，pretendingtoweep，andassuringmethatIwasnottodoubtthetruthofwhatshesaid。
"Although，"sheadded，"Idonotlookanoldwomanyet。"
"Theonlyfaultofyourdearfather，"shecontinued，"wasawantofgratitude"
Ihavenodoubtthatshepassedthesamesentenceupontheson，for，inspiteofherkindinvitation，Ineverpaidheranothervisit。
Mypursewaswellfilled，andasIdidnotcareforMantua，I
resolvedongoingtoNaples，toseeagainmydearTherese，DonnaLucrezia，Palofatherandson，DonAntonioCasanova，andallmyformeracquaintances。However，mygoodgeniusdidnotapproveofthatdecision，forIwasnotallowedtocarryitintoexecution。I
shouldhaveleftMantuathreedayslater，hadInotgonetotheoperathatnight。
Ilivedlikeananchoriteduringmytwomonths’stayinMantua，owingtothefolly。Icommittedonthenightofmyarrival。Iplayedonlythattime，andthenIhadbeenlucky。Myslighteroticinconvenience，bycompellingmetofollowthedietnecessarytomycure，mostlikelysavedmefromgreatermisfortuneswhich，perhaps，Ishouldnothavebeenabletoavoid。
CHAPTERXXI
MyJourneytoCesenainSearchofTreasure——ITakeUpMyQuartersinFranzia’sHouse——HisDaughterJavotteTheoperawasnearlyoverwhenIwasaccostedbyayoungmanwho，abruptly，andwithoutanyintroduction，toldmethatasastranger——
IhadbeenverywronginspendingtwomonthsinMantuawithoutpayingavisittothenaturalhistorycollectionbelongingtohisfather，DonAntonioCapitani，commissaryandprebendalpresident。
"Sir，"Ianswered，"Ihavebeenguiltyonlythroughignorance，andifyouwouldbesogoodastocallformeatmyhotelto—morrowmorning，beforetheeveningIshallhaveatonedformyerror，andyouwillnolongerhavetherighttoaddressmethesamereproach"
Thesonoftheprebendalcommissarycalledforme，andIfoundinhisfatheramosteccentric，whimsicalsortofman。Thecuriositiesofhiscollectionconsistedofhisfamilytree，ofbooksofmagic，relics，coinswhichhebelievedtobeantediluvian，amodelofthearktakenfromnatureatthetimewhenNoaharrivedinthatextraordinaryharbour，MountArarat，inArmenia。Heloadseveralmedals，oneofSesostris，anotherofSemiramis，andanoldknifeofaqueershape，coveredwithrust。Besidesallthosewonderfultreasures，hepossessed，butunderlockandkey，alltheparaphernaliaoffreemasonry。
"Pray，tellme，"Isaidtohim，"whatrelationthereisbetweenthiscollectionandnaturalhistory？Iseenothinghererepresentingthethreekingdoms。"
"What！Youdonotseetheantediluviankingdom，thatofSesostrisandthatofSemiramis？Arenotthosethethreekingdoms？"
WhenIheardthatanswerIembracedhimwithanexclamationofdelight，whichwassarcasticinitsintent，butwhichhetookforadmiration，andheatonceunfoldedallthetreasuresofhiswhimsicalknowledgerespectinghispossessions，endingwiththerustybladewhichhesaidwastheveryknifewithwhichSaintPetercutofftheearofMalek。
"What！"Iexclaimed，"youarethepossessorofthisknife，andyouarenotasrichasCroesus？"
"HowcouldIbesothroughthepossessionoftheknife？"
"Intwoways。Inthefirstplace，youcouldobtainpossessionofallthetreasureshiddenundergroundintheStatesoftheChurch。"
"Yes，thatisanaturalconsequence，becauseSt。Peterhasthekeys。"
"Inthesecondplace，youmightselltheknifetothePope，ifyouhappentopossessproofofitsauthenticity。"
"Youmeantheparchment。OfcourseIhaveit；doyouthinkIwouldhaveboughtonewithouttheother？"
"Allright，then。Inordertogetpossessionofthatknife，thePopewould，Ihavenodoubt，makeacardinalofyourson，butyoumusthavethesheathtoo。"
"Ihavenotgotit，butitisunnecessary。AtalleventsIcanhaveonemade。"
"Thatwouldnotdo，youmusthavetheveryoneinwhichSaintPeterhimselfsheathedtheknifewhenGodsaid，’Mittegladiumtuuminvaginam’。Thatverysheathdoesexist，anditisnowinthehandsofapersonwhomightsellittoyouatareasonableprice，oryoumightsellhimyourknife，forthesheathwithouttheknifeisofnousetohim，justastheknifeisuselesstoyouwithoutthesheath。"
"Howmuchwoulditcostme？"
"Onethousandsequins。"
"Andhowmuchwouldthatpersongivemefortheknife？"
"Onethousandsequins，foronehasasmuchvalueastheother。"
Thecommissary，greatlyastonished，lookedathisson，andsaid，withthevoiceofajudgeonthebench，"Well，son，wouldyoueverhavethoughtthatIwouldbeofferedonethousandsequinsforthisknife？"
Hethenopenedadrawerandtookoutofitanoldpieceofpaper，whichheplacedbeforeme。ItwaswritteninHebrew，andafacsimileoftheknifewasdrawnonit。Ipretendedtobelostinadmiration，andadvisedhimverystronglytopurchasethesheath。
"Itisnotnecessaryformetobuyit，orforyourfriendtopurchasetheknife。Wecanfindoutanddigupthetreasurestogether。"
"Notatall。Therubricsaysinthemostforciblemannerthattheowneroftheblade，’invaginam’，shallbeone。IfthePopewereinpossessionofithewouldbeable，throughamagicaloperationknowntome，tocutoffoneoftheearsofeveryChristiankingwhomightbethinkingofencroachingupontherightsoftheChurch。"
"Wonderful，indeed！Butitisverytrue，foritissaidintheGospelthatSaintPeterdidcutofftheearofsomebody。"
"Yes，ofaking。"
"Oh，no！notofaking。"
"Ofaking，Itellyou。EnquirewhetherMalekorMelekdoesnotmeanking。"
"Well！incaseIshouldmakeupmymindtoselltheknife，whowouldgivemethethousandsequins？"
"Iwould；onehalfto—morrow，cashdown；thebalanceoffivehundredinaletterofexchangepayableonemonthafterdate。"
"Ah！thatislikebusiness。Begoodenough，toacceptadishofmacaroniwithusto—morrow，andunderasolemnpledgeofsecrecywewilldiscussthisimportantaffair。"
Iacceptedandtookmyleave，firmlyresolvedonkeepingupthejoke。
Icamebackonthefollowingday，andtheveryfirstthinghetoldmewasthat，tohiscertainknowledge，therewasanimmensetreasurehiddensomewhereinthePapalStates，andthathewouldmakeuphismindtopurchasethesheath。Thissatisfiedmethattherewasnofearofhistakingmeatmyword，soIproducedapursefullofgold，sayingIwasquitereadytocompleteourbargainforthepurchaseoftheknife。
"TheTreasure，"hesaid，"isworthmillions；butletushavedinner。
Youarenotgoingtobeservedinsilverplatesanddishes，butinrealRaphaelmosaic。"
"Mydearcommissary，yourmagnificenceastonishesme；mosaicis，indeed，byfarsuperiortosilverplate，althoughanignorantfoolwouldonlyconsiderituglyearthenware。"
Thecomplimentdelightedhim。
Afterdinner，hespokeasfollows:
"Amaninverygoodcircumstances，residinginthePapalStates，andownerofthecountryhouseinwhichheliveswithallhisfamily，iscertainthatthereisatreasureinhiscellar。Hehaswrittentomyson，declaringhimselfreadytoundertakeallexpensesnecessarytopossesshimselfofthattreasure，ifwecouldprocureamagicianpowerfulenoughtounearthit。"
Thesonthentookaletteroutofhispocket，readmesomepassages，andbeggedmetoexcusehimif，inconsequenceofhishavingpledgedhimselftokeepthesecret，hecouldnotcommunicateallthecontentsoftheletter；butIhad，unperceivedbyhim，readthewordCesena，thenameofthevillage，andthatwasenoughforme。
"Thereforeallthatisnecessaryistogivemethepossibilityofpurchasingthesheathoncredit，forIhavenoreadycashatpresent。
Youneednotbeafraidofendorsingmylettersofexchange，andifyoushouldknowthemagicianyoumightgohalveswithhim。"
"Themagicianisready；itisI，butunlessyougivemefivehundredsequinscashdownwecannotagree。"
"Ihavenomoney。"
"Thensellmetheknife:"
"No。"
"Youarewrong，fornowthatIhaveseenitIcaneasilytakeitfromyou。ButIamhonestenoughnottowishtoplaysuchatrickuponyou。"
"Youcouldtakemyknifefromme？Ishouldliketobeconvincedofthat，butIdonotbelieveit。"
"Youdonot？Verywell，to—morrowtheknifewillbeinmypossession，butwhenitisonceinmyhandsyouneednothopetoseeitagain。Aspiritwhichisundermyorderswillbringittomeatmidnight，andthesamespiritwilltellmewherethetreasureisburied:"
"Letthespirittellyouthat，andIshallbeconvinced。"
"Givemeapen，inkandpaper。"
Iaskedaquestionfrommyoracle，andtheanswerIhadwasthatthetreasurewastobefoundnotfarfromtheRubicon。