Whatasightforayoungmanoffifteenlikeme，whomtheoldmanadmittedastheonlyandsilentwitnessoftheseeroticscenes！Themiserablemotherapplaudedherdaughter’sreserve，andwentsofarastolecturetheelderlylover，who，inhisturn，darednotrefutehermaxims，whichsavouredeithertoomuchortoolittleofChristianity，andresistedaverystronginclinationtohurlatherheadanyobjecthehadathand。Angerwouldthentaketheplaceoflewddesires，andaftertheyhadretiredhewouldcomforthimselfbyexchangingwithmephilosophicalconsiderations。
　　Compelledtoanswerhim，andnotknowingwellwhattosay，Iventuredonedayuponadvisingamarriage。Hestruckmewithamazementwhenheansweredthatsherefusedtomarryhimfromfearofdrawinguponherselfthehatredofhisrelatives。
　　"Thenmakehertheofferofalargesumofmoney，oraposition。"
　　"Shesaysthatshewouldnot，evenforacrown，commitadeadlysin。"
　　"Inthatcase，youmusteithertakeherbystorm，orbanishherforeverfromyourpresence。"
　　"Icandoneitheronenortheother；physicalaswellasmoralstrengthisdeficientinme。"
　　"Killher，then。"
　　"ThatwillverylikelybethecaseunlessIdiefirst。"
　　"IndeedIpityyourexcellency。"
　　"Doyousometimesvisither？"
　　"No，forImightfallinlovewithher，andIwouldbemiserable。"
　　"Youareright。"
　　Witnessingmanysuchscenes，andtakingpartinmanysimilarconversations，Ibecameanespecialfavouritewiththeoldnobleman。
　　Iwasinvitedtohiseveningassemblieswhichwere，asIhavestatedbefore，frequentedbysuperannuatedwomenandwittymen。HetoldmethatinthiscircleIwouldlearnascienceofgreaterimportthanGassendi’sphilosophy，whichIwasthenstudyingbyhisadviceinsteadofAristotle’s，whichheturnedintoridicule。Helaiddownsomepreceptsformyconductinthoseassemblies，explainingthenecessityofmyobservingthem，astherewouldbesomewonderatayoungmanofmyagebeingreceivedatsuchparties。Heorderedmenevertoopenmylipsexcepttoanswerdirectquestions，andparticularlyenjoinedmenevertopassanopiniononanysubject，becauseatmyageIcouldnotbeallowedtohaveanyopinions。
　　Ifaithfullyfollowedhisprecepts，andobeyedhisorderssowell，thatinafewdaysIhadgainedhisesteem，andbecomethechildofthehouse，aswellasthefavouriteofalltheladieswhovisitedhim。Inmycharacterofayoungandinnocentecclesiastic，theywouldaskmetoaccompanythemintheirvisitstotheconventswheretheirdaughtersortheirnieceswereeducated；Iwasatallhoursreceivedattheirhouseswithoutevenbeingannounced；Iwasscoldedifaweekelapsedwithoutmycallinguponthem，andwhenIwenttotheapartmentsreservedfortheyoungladies，theywouldrunaway，butthemomenttheysawthattheintruderwasonlyI，theywouldreturnatonce，andtheirconfidencewasverycharmingtome。
　　Beforedinner，M。deMalipierowouldofteninquirefrommewhatadvantageswereaccruingtomefromthewelcomeIreceivedatthehandsoftherespectableladiesIhadbecomeacquaintedwithathishouse，takingcaretotellme，beforeIcouldhavetimetoanswer，thattheywereallendowedwiththegreatestvirtue，andthatIwouldgiveeverybodyabadopinionofmyself，ifIeverbreathedonewordofdisparagementtothehighreputationtheyallenjoyed。Inthiswayhewouldinculcateinmethewisepreceptofreserveanddiscretion。
　　Itwasatthesenator’shousethatImadetheacquaintanceofMadameManzoni，thewifeofanotarypublic，ofwhomIshallhavetospeakveryoften。Thisworthyladyinspiredmewiththedeepestattachment，andshegavemethewisestadvice。HadIfollowedit，andprofitedbyit，mylifewouldnothavebeenexposedtosomanystorms；itistruethatinthatcase，mylifewouldnotbeworthwriting。
　　Allthesefineacquaintancesamongstwomenwhoenjoyedthereputationofbeinghigh—bredladies，gavemeaverynaturaldesiretoshinebymygoodlooksandbytheeleganceofmydress；butmyfatherconfessor，aswellasmygrandmother，objectedverystronglytothisfeelingofvanity。Ononeoccasion，takingmeapart，thecuratetoldme，withhoneyedwords，thatintheprofessiontowhichIhaddevotedmyselfmythoughtsoughttodwelluponthebestmeansofbeingagreeabletoGod，andnotonpleasingtheworldbymyfineappearance。Hecondemnedmyelaboratecurls，andtheexquisiteperfumeofmypomatum。Hesaidthatthedevilhadgotholdofmebythehair，thatIwouldbeexcommunicatedifIcontinuedtotakesuchcareofit，andconcludedbyquotingformybenefitthesewordsfromanoecumenicalcouncil:’clericusquinutritcoman，anathemasit’。
　　Iansweredhimwiththenamesofseveralfashionableperfumedabbots，whowerenotthreatenedwithexcommunication，whowerenotinterferedwith，althoughtheyworefourtimesasmuchpowderasIdid——forI
　　onlyusedaslightsprinkling——whoperfumedtheirhairwithacertainamber—scentedpomatumwhichbroughtwomentotheverypointoffainting，whilemine，ajessaminepomade，calledforththecomplimentofeverycircleinwhichIwasreceived。IaddedthatIcouldnot，muchtomyregret，obeyhim，andthatifIhadmeanttoliveinslovenliness，IwouldhavebecomeaCapuchinandnotanabbe。
　　Myanswermadehimsoangrythat，threeorfourdaysafterwards，hecontrivedtoobtainleavefrommygrandmothertoentermychamberearlyinthemorning，beforeIwasawake，and，approachingmybedontiptoewithasharppairofscissors，hecutoffunmercifullyallmyfronthair，fromoneeartotheother。MybrotherFrancoiswasintheadjoiningroomandsawhim，buthedidnotinterfereashewasdelightedatmymisfortune。Heworeawig，andwasveryjealousofmybeautifulheadofhair。Francoiswasenviousthroughthewholeofhislife；yethecombinedthisfeelingofenvywithfriendship；I
　　nevercouldunderstandhim；butthisviceofhis，likemyownvices，mustbythistimehavediedofoldage。
　　Afterhisgreatoperation，theabbeleftmyroomquietly，butwhenI
　　wokeupshortlyafterwards，andrealizedallthehorrorofthisunheard—ofexecution，myrageandindignationwereindeedwroughttothehighestpitch。
　　Whatwildschemesofrevengemybrainengenderedwhile，withalooking—glassinmyhand，Iwasgroaningovertheshamefulhavocperformedbythisaudaciouspriest！AtthenoiseImademygrandmotherhastenedtomyroom，andamidstmybrother’slaughterthekindoldwomanassuredmethatthepriestwouldneverhavebeenallowedtoentermyroomifshecouldhaveforeseenhisintention，andshemanagedtosoothemypassiontosomeextentbyconfessingthathehadover—steppedthelimitsofhisrighttoadministerareproof。
　　ButIwasdetermineduponrevenge，andIwentondressingmyselfandrevolvinginmymindthedarkestplots。ItseemedtomethatIwasentitledtothemostcruelrevenge，withouthavinganythingtodreadfromtheterrorsofthelaw。ThetheatresbeingopenatthattimeI
　　putonamasktogoout，andI，wenttotheadvocateCarrare，withwhomIhadbecomeacquaintedatthesenator’shouse，toinquirefromhimwhetherIcouldbringasuitagainstthepriest。Hetoldmethat，butashorttimesince，afamilyhadbeenruinedforhavingshearedthemoustacheofaSclavonian——acrimenotnearlysoatrociousastheshearingofallmyfrontlocks，andthatIhadonlytogivehimmyinstructionstobeginacriminalsuitagainsttheabbe，whichwouldmakehimtremble。Igavemyconsent，andbeggedthathewouldtellM。deMalipierointheeveningthereasonforwhichIcouldnotgotohishouse，forIdidnotfeelanyinclinationtoshowmyselfanywhereuntilmyhairhadgrownagain。
　　IwenthomeandpartookwithmybrotherofarepastwhichappearedratherscantyincomparisontothedinnersIhadwiththeoldsenator。Theprivationofthedelicateandplentifulfaretowhichhisexcellencyhadaccustomedmewasmostpainful，besidesalltheenjoymentsfromwhichIwasexcludedthroughtheatrociousconductofthevirulentpriest，whowasmygodfather。Iweptfromsheervexation；andmyragewasincreasedbytheconsciousnessthattherewasinthisinsultacertaindashofcomicalfunwhichthrewovermearidiculemoredisgracefulinmyestimationthanthegreatestcrime。
　　Iwenttobedearly，and，refreshedbytenhoursofprofoundslumber，Ifeltinthemorningsomewhatlessangry，butquiteasdeterminedtosummonthepriestbeforeacourt。Idressedmyselfwiththeintentionofcallinguponmyadvocate，whenIreceivedthevisitofaskilfulhair—dresserwhomIhadseenatMadameCantarini’shouse。HetoldmethathewassentbyM。deMalipierotoarrangemyhairsothatIcouldgoout，asthesenatorwishedmetodinewithhimonthatveryday。Heexaminedthedamagedonetomyhead，andsaid，withasmile，thatifIwouldtrusttohisart，hewouldundertaketosendmeoutwithanappearanceofevengreaterelegancethanIcouldboastofbefore；andtruly，whenhehaddone，Ifoundmyselfsogood—
　　lookingthatIconsideredmythirstforrevengeentirelysatisfied。
　　Havingthusforgottentheinjury，Icalleduponthelawyertotellhimtostayallproceedings，andIhastenedtoM。deMalipiero’spalace，where，aschancewouldhaveit，Imettheabbe。
　　Notwithstandingallmyjoy，Icouldnothelpcastinguponhimratherunfriendlylooks，butnotawordwassaidaboutwhathadtakenplace。
　　Thesenatornoticedeverything，andthepriesttookhisleave，mostlikelywithfeelingsofmortifiedrepentance，forthistimeImostverilydeservedexcommunicationbytheextremestudiedeleganceofmycurlinghair。
　　Whenmycruelgodfatherhadleftus，IdidnotdissemblewithM。deMalipiero；IcandidlytoldhimthatIwouldlookoutforanotherchurch，andthatnothingwouldinducemetoremainunderapriestwho，inhiswrath，couldgothelengthofsuchproceedings。Thewiseoldmanagreedwithme，andsaidthatIwasquiteright:itwasthebestwaytomakemedoultimatelywhateverheliked。Intheeveningeveryoneinourcircle，beingwellawareofwhathadhappened，complimentedme，andassuredmethatnothingcouldbehandsomerthanmynewhead—dress。Iwasdelighted，andwasstillmoregratifiedwhen，afterafortnighthadelapsed，IfoundthatM。deMalipierodidnotbroachthesubjectofmyreturningtomygodfather’schurch。Mygrandmotheraloneconstantlyurgedmetoreturn。Butthiscalmwastheharbingerofastorm。Whenmymindwasthoroughlyatrestonthatsubject，M。deMalipierothrewmeintothegreatestastonishmentbysuddenlytellingmethatanexcellentopportunityoffereditselfformetoreappearinthechurchandtosecureamplesatisfactionfromtheabbe。
　　"Itismyprovince，"addedthesenator，"aspresidentoftheConfraternityoftheHolySacrament，tochoosethepreacherwhoistodeliverthesermononthefourthSundayofthismonth，whichhappenstobethesecondChristmasholiday。Imeantoappointyou，andIamcertainthattheabbewillnotdaretorejectmychoice。Whatsayyoutosuchatriumphantreappearance？Doesitsatisfyyou？"
　　Thisoffercausedmethegreatestsurprise，forIhadneverdreamtofbecomingapreacher，andIhadneverbeenvainenoughtosupposethatIcouldwriteasermonanddeliveritinthechurch。ItoldM。deMalipierothathemustsurelybeenjoyingajokeatmyexpense，butheansweredthathehadspokeninearnest，andhesooncontrivedtopersuademeandtomakemebelievethatIwasborntobecomethemostrenownedpreacherofourageassoonasIshouldhavegrownfat——aqualitywhichIcertainlycouldnotboastof，foratthattimeIwasextremelythin。Ihadnottheshadowofafearastomyvoiceortomyelocution，andforthematterofcomposingmysermonIfeltmyselfequaltotheproductionofamasterpiece。
　　ItoldM。deMalipierothatIwasready，andanxioustobeathomeinordertogotowork；that，althoughnotheologian，Iwasacquaintedwithmysubject，andwouldcomposeasermonwhichwouldtakeeveryonebysurpriseonaccountofitsnovelty。
　　Onthefollowingday，whenIcalleduponhim，heinformedmethattheabbehadexpressedunqualifieddelightatthechoicemadebyhim，andatmyreadinessinacceptingtheappointment；buthelikewisedesiredthatIshouldsubmitmysermontohimassoonasitwaswritten，becausethesubjectbelongingtothemostsublimetheologyhecouldnotallowmetoenterthepulpitwithoutbeingsatisfiedthatIwouldnotutteranyheresies。Iagreedtothisdemand，andduringtheweekIgavebirthtomymasterpiece。Ihavenowthatfirstsermoninmypossession，andIcannothelpsayingthat，consideringmytenderyears，Ithinkitaverygoodone。
　　Icouldnotgiveanideaofmygrandmother’sjoy；shewepttearsofhappinessathavingagrandsonwhohadbecomeanapostle。Sheinsisteduponmyreadingmysermontoher，listenedtoitwithherbeadsinherhands，andpronounceditverybeautiful。M。deMalipiero，whohadnorosarywhenIreadittohim，wasofopinionthatitwouldnotproveacceptabletotheparson。MytextwasfromHorace:’Ploraveresuisnonresponderefavoremsperdtummeritis’；andIdeploredthewickednessandingratitudeofmen，throughwhichhadfailedthedesignadoptedbyDivinewisdomfortheredemptionofhumankind。ButM。deMalipierowassorrythatIhadtakenmytextfromanyhereticalpoet，althoughhewaspleasedthatmysermonwasnotinterlardedwithLatinquotations。
　　Icalleduponthepriesttoreadmyproduction；butashewasoutI
　　hadtowaitforhisreturn，andduringthattimeIfellinlovewithhisniece，Angela。Shewasbusyuponsometambourwork；Isatdownclosebyher，andtellingmethatshehadlongdesiredtomakemyacquaintance，shebeggedmetorelatethehistoryofthelocksofhairshearedbyhervenerableuncle。
　　MyloveforAngelaprovedfataltome，becausefromitsprangtwootherloveaffairswhich，intheirturn，gavebirthtoagreatmanyothers，andcausedmefinallytorenouncetheChurchasaprofession。
　　Butletusproceedquietly，andnotencroachuponfutureevents。
　　Onhisreturnhometheabbefoundmewithhisniece，whowasaboutmyage，andhedidnotappeartobeangry。Igavehimmysermon:hereaditover，andtoldmethatitwasabeautifulacademicaldissertation，butunfitforasermonfromthepulpit，andheadded，"Iwillgiveyouasermonwrittenbymyself，whichIhaveneverdelivered；youwillcommitittomemory，andIpromisetoleteverybodysupposethatitisofyourowncomposition。"
　　"Ithankyou，veryreverendfather，butIwillpreachmyownsermon，ornoneatall。"
　　"Atallevents，youshallnotpreachsuchasermonasthisinmychurch。"
　　"YoucantalkthematteroverwithM。deMalipiero。InthemeantimeIwilltakemyworktothecensorship，andtoHisEminencethePatriarch，andifitisnotacceptedIshallhaveitprinted。"
　　"Allverywell，youngman。Thepatriarchwillcoincidewithme。"
　　IntheeveningIrelatedmydiscussionwiththeparsonbeforealltheguestsofM。deMalipiero。Thereadingofmysermonwascalledfor，anditwaspraisedbyall。TheylaudedmeforhavingwithpropermodestyrefrainedfromquotingtheholyfathersoftheChurch，whomatmyageIcouldnotbesupposedtohavesufficientlystudied，andtheladiesparticularlyadmiredmebecausetherewasnoLatininitbuttheTextfromHorace，who，althoughagreatlibertinehimself，haswrittenverygoodthings。Anieceofthepatriarch，whowaspresentthatevening，promisedtoprepareheruncleinmyfavour，asIhadexpressedmyintentiontoappealtohim；butM。deMalipierodesiredmenottotakeanystepsinthematteruntilIhadseenhimonthefollowingday，andIsubmissivelybowedtohiswishes。
　　WhenIcalledathismansionthenextdayhesentforthepriest，whosoonmadehisappearance。Asheknewwellwhathehadbeensentfor，heimmediatelylaunchedoutintoaverylongdiscourse，whichIdidnotinterrupt，butthemomenthehadconcludedhislistofobjectionsItoldhimthattherecouldnotbetwowaystodecidethequestion；
　　thatthepatriarchwouldeitherapproveordisapprovemysermon。
　　"Inthefirstcase，"Iadded，"Icanpronounceitinyourchurch，andnoresponsibilitycanpossiblyfalluponyourshoulders；inthesecond，Imust，ofcourse，giveway。"
　　Theabbewasstruckbymydeterminationandhesaid，"Donotgotothepatriarch；Iacceptyoursermon；Ionlyrequestyoutochangeyourtext。Horacewasavillain。"
　　"WhydoyouquoteSeneca，Tertullian，Origen，andBoethius？Theywereallheretics，andmust，consequently，beconsideredbyyouasworsewretchesthanHorace，who，afterall，neverhadthechanceofbecomingaChristian！"
　　However，asIsawitwouldpleaseM。deMalipiero，Ifinallyconsentedtoaccept，asasubstituteformine，atextofferedbytheabbe，althoughitdidnotsuitinanywaythespiritofmyproduction；andinordertogetanopportunityforavisittohisniece，Igavehimmymanuscript，sayingthatIwouldcallforitthenextday。MyvanitypromptedmetosendacopytoDoctorGozzi，butthegoodmancausedmemuchamusementbyreturningitandwritingthatImusthavegonemad，andthatifIwereallowedtodeliversuchasermonfromthepulpitIwouldbringdishonouruponmyselfaswellasuponthemanwhohadeducatedme。
　　Icaredbutlittleforhisopinion，andontheappointeddayI
　　deliveredmysermonintheChurchoftheHolySacramentinthepresenceofthebestsocietyofVenice。Ireceivedmuchapplause，andeveryonepredictedthatIwouldcertainlybecomethefirstpreacherofourcentury，asnoyoungecclesiasticoffifteenhadeverbeenknowntopreachaswellasIhaddone。Itiscustomaryforthefaithfultodeposittheirofferingsforthepreacherinapursewhichishandedtothemforthatpurpose。
　　Thesextonwhoemptieditofitscontentsfoundinitmorethanfiftysequins，andseveralbillets—doux，tothegreatscandaloftheweakerbrethren。Ananonymousnoteamongstthem，thewriterofwhichI
　　thoughtIhadguessed，letmeintoamistakewhichIthinkbetternottorelate。Thisrichharvest，inmygreatpenury，causedmetoentertainseriousthoughtsofbecomingapreacher，andIconfidedmyintentiontotheparson，requestinghisassistancetocarryitintoexecution。Thisgavemetheprivilegeofvisitingathishouseeveryday，andIimprovedtheopportunityofconversingwithAngela，forwhommylovewasdailyincreasing。ButAngelawasvirtuous。Shedidnotobjecttomylove，butshewishedmetorenouncetheChurchandtomarryher。Inspiteofmyinfatuationforher，Icouldnotmakeupmymindtosuchastep，andIwentonseeingherandcourtingherinthehopethatshewouldalterherdecision。
　　Thepriest，whohadatlastconfessedhisadmirationformyfirstsermon，askedme，sometimeafterwards，toprepareanotherforSt。
　　Joseph’sDay，withaninvitationtodeliveritonthe19thofMarch，1741。Icomposedit，andtheabbespokeofitwithenthusiasm，butfatehaddecidedthatIshouldneverpreachbutonceinmylife。Itisasadtale，unfortunatelyformeverytrue，whichsomepersonsarecruelenoughtoconsiderveryamusing。
　　Youngandratherself—conceited，Ifanciedthatitwasnotnecessaryformetospendmuchtimeincommittingmysermontomemory。Beingtheauthor，Ihadalltheideascontainedinmyworkclassifiedinmymind，anditdidnotseemtomewithintherangeofpossibilitiesthatIcouldforgetwhatIhadwritten。PerhapsImightnotremembertheexactwordsofasentence，butIwasatlibertytoreplacethembyotherexpressionsasgood，andasIneverhappenedtobeataloss，ortobestruckdumb，whenIspokeinsociety，itwasnotlikelythatsuchanuntowardaccidentwouldbefallmebeforeanaudienceamongstwhomIdidnotknowanyonewhocouldintimidatemeandcausemesuddenlytolosethefacultyofreasonorofspeech。I
　　thereforetookmypleasureasusual，beingsatisfiedwithreadingmysermonmorningandevening，inordertoimpressituponmymemorywhichuntilthenhadneverbetrayedme。
　　The19thofMarchcame，andonthateventfuldayatfouro’clockintheafternoonIwastoascendthepulpit；but，believingmyselfquitesecureandthoroughlymasterofmysubject，IhadnotthemoralcouragetodenymyselfthepleasureofdiningwithCountMont—Real，whowasthenresidingwithme，andwhohadinvitedthepatricianBarozzi，engagedtobemarriedtohisdaughteraftertheEasterholidays。
　　Iwasstillenjoyingmyselfwithmyfinecompany，whenthesextonofthechurchcameintotellmethattheywerewaitingformeinthevestry。Withafullstomachandmyheadratherheated，Itookmyleave，rantothechurch，andenteredthepulpit。Iwentthroughtheexordiumwithcredittomyself，andItookbreathingtime；butscarcelyhadIpronouncedthefirstsentencesofthenarration，beforeIforgotwhatIwassaying，whatIhadtosay，andinmyendeavourstoproceed，IfairlywanderedfrommysubjectandIlostmyselfentirely。Iwasstillmorediscomfortedbyahalf—repressedmurmuroftheaudience，asmydeficiencyappearedevident。Severalpersonsleftthechurch，othersbegantosmile，Ilostallpresenceofmindandeveryhopeofgettingoutofthescrape。
　　IcouldnotsaywhetherIfeignedafaintingfit，orwhetherItrulyswooned；allIknowisthatIfelldownonthefloorofthepulpit，strikingmyheadagainstthewall，withaninwardprayerforannihilation。
　　Twooftheparishclerkscarriedmetothevestry，andafterafewmoments，withoutaddressingawordtoanyone，Itookmycloakandmyhat，andwenthometolockmyselfinmyroom。Iimmediatelydressedmyselfinashortcoat，afterthefashionoftravellingpriests，I
　　packedafewthingsinatrunk，obtainedsomemoneyfrommygrandmother，andtookmydepartureforPadua，whereIintendedtopassmythirdexamination。IreachedPaduaatmidnight，andwenttoDoctorGozzi’shouse，butIdidnotfeeltheslightesttemptationtomentiontohimmyunluckyadventure。
　　IremainedinPadualongenoughtopreparemyselfforthedoctor’sdegree，whichIintendedtotakethefollowingyear，andafterEasterIreturnedtoVenice，wheremymisfortunewasalreadyforgotten；butpreachingwasoutofthequestion，andwhenanyattemptwasmadetoinducemetorenewmyefforts，Imanfullykepttomydeterminationnevertoascendthepulpitagain。
　　OntheeveofAscensionDayM。Manzoniintroducedmetoayoungcourtesan，whowasatthattimeingreatreputeatVenice，andwasnick—namedCavamacchia，becauseherfatherhadbeenascourer。Thisnamedvexedheragreatdeal，shewishedtobecalledPreati，whichwasherfamilyname，butitwasallinvain，andtheonlyconcessionherfriendswouldmakewastocallherbyherChristiannameofJuliette。ShehadbeenintroducedtofashionablenoticebytheMarquisdeSanvitali，anoblemanfromParma，whohadgivenheronehundredthousandducatsforherfavours。HerbeautywasthenthetalkofeverybodyinVenice，anditwasfashionabletocalluponher。
　　Toconversewithher，andespeciallytobeadmittedintohercircle，wasconsideredagreatboon。
　　AsIshallhavetomentionherseveraltimesinthecourseofmyhistory，myreaderswill，Itrust，allowmetoenterintosomeparticularsaboutherpreviouslife。
　　JuliettewasonlyfourteenyearsofagewhenherfathersentheronedaytothehouseofaVenetiannobleman，MarcoMuazzo，withacoatwhichhehadcleanedforhim。Hethoughtherverybeautifulinspiteofthedirtyragsinwhichshewasdressed，andhecalledtoseeheratherfather’sshop，withafriendofhis，thecelebratedadvocate，BastienUccelli，who；struckbytheromanticandcheerfulnatureofJuliettestillmorethanbyherbeautyandfinefigure，gaveheranapartment，madeherstudymusic，andkeptherashismistress。Atthetimeofthefair，Bastientookherwithhimtovariouspublicplacesofresort；everywheresheattractedgeneralattention，andsecuredtheadmirationofeveryloverofthesex。Shemaderapidprogressinmusic，andattheendofsixmonthsshefeltsufficientconfidenceinherselftosignanengagementwithatheatricalmanagerwhotookhertoViennatogivehera’castrato’partinoneofMetastasio’soperas。
　　TheadvocatehadpreviouslycededhertoawealthyJewwho，aftergivinghersplendiddiamonds，leftheralso。
　　InVienna，Julietteappearedonthestage，andherbeautygainedforheranadmirationwhichshewouldneverhaveconqueredbyherveryinferiortalent。Buttheconstantcrowdofadorerswhowenttoworshipthegoddess，havingsoundedherexploitsrathertooloudly，theaugustMaria—Theresaobjectedtothisnewcreedbeingsanctionedinhercapital，andthebeautfiulactressreceivedanordertoquitViennaforthwith。
　　CountSpadaofferedherhisprotection，andbroughtherbacktoVenice，butshesoonleftforPaduawhereshehadanengagement。InthatcityshekindledthefireofloveinthebreastofMarquisSanvitali，butthemarchionesshavingcaughtheronceinherownbox，andJuliettehavingacteddisrespectfullytoher，sheslappedherface，andtheaffairhavingcausedagooddealofnoise，Juliettegaveupthestagealtogether。ShecamebacktoVenice，where，madeconspicuousbyherbanishmentfromVienna，shecouldnotfailtomakeherfortune。ExpulsionfromVienna，forthisclassofwomen，hadbecomeatitletofashionablefavour，andwhentherewasawishtodepreciateasingeroradancer，itwassaidofherthatshehadnotbeensufficientlyprizedtobeexpelledfromVienna。
　　Afterherreturn，herfirstloverwasSteffanoQuerinidePapozzes，butinthespringof1740，theMarquisdeSanvitalicametoVeniceandsooncarriedheroff。Itwasindeeddifficulttoresistthisdelightfulmarquis！Hisfirstpresenttothefairladywasasumofonehundredthousandducats，and，topreventhisbeingaccusedofweaknessoroflavishprodigality，heloudlyproclaimedthatthepresentcouldscarcelymakeupfortheinsultJuliettehadreceivedfromhiswife——aninsult，however，whichthecourtesanneveradmitted，asshefeltthattherewouldbehumiliationinsuchanacknowledgment，andshealwaysprofessedtoadmirewithgratitudeherlover’sgenerosity。Shewasright；theadmissionoftheblowreceivedwouldhaveleftastainuponhercharms，andhowmuchmoretohertastetoallowthosecharmstobeprizedatsuchahighfigure！
　　Itwasintheyear1741thatM。ManzoniintroducedmetothisnewPhryneasayoungecclesiasticwhowasbeginningtomakeareputation。Ifoundhersurroundedbysevenoreightwell—seasonedadmirers，whowereburningatherfeettheincenseoftheirflattery。
　　ShewascarelesslyrecliningonasofanearQuerini。Iwasmuchstruckwithherappearance。Sheeyedmefromheadtofoot，asifI
　　hadbeenexposedforsale，andtellingme，withtheairofaprincess，thatshewasnotsorrytomakemyacquaintance，sheinvitedmetotakeaseat。Ibeganthen，inmyturn，toexaminehercloselyanddeliberately，anditwasaneasymatter，astheroom，althoughsmall，waslightedwithatleasttwentywaxcandles。
　　Juliettewastheninhereighteenthyear；thefreshnessofhercomplexionwasdazzling，butthecarnationtintofhercheeks，thevermilionofherlips，andthedark，verynarrowcurveofhereyebrows，impressedmeasbeingproducedbyartratherthannature。
　　Herteeth——tworowsofmagnificentpearls——madeoneoverlookthefactthathermouthwassomewhattoolarge，andwhetherfromhabit，orbecauseshecouldnothelpit，sheseemedtobeeversmiling。Herbosom，hidunderalightgauze，invitedthedesiresoflove；yetI
　　didnotsurrendertohercharms。Herbraceletsandtheringswhichcoveredherfingersdidnotpreventmefromnoticingthatherhandwastoolargeandtoofleshy，andinspiteofhercarefullyhidingherfeet，Ijudged，byatelltaleslipperlyingclosebyherdress，thattheywerewellproportionedtotheheightofherfigure——aproportionwhichisunpleasantnotonlytotheChineseandSpaniards，butlikewisetoeverymanofrefinedtaste。Wewantatallwomentohaveasmallfoot，andcertainlyitisnotamoderntaste，forHolofernesofoldwasofthesameopinion；otherwisehewouldnothavethoughtJudithsocharming:’etsandalidejusrapueruntoculosejus’。AltogetherIfoundherbeautiful，butwhenIcomparedherbeautyandthepriceofonehundredthousandducatspaidforit，I
　　marvelledatmyremainingsocold，andatmynotbeingtemptedtogiveevenonesequinfortheprivilegeofmakingfromnatureastudyofthecharmswhichherdressconcealedfrommyeyes。
　　Ihadscarcelybeenthereaquarterofanhourwhenthenoisemadebytheoarsofagondolastrikingthewaterheraldedtheprodigalmarquis。Weallrosefromourseats，andM。Querinihastened，somewhatblushing，toquithisplaceonthesofa。M。deSanvitali，amanofmiddleage，whohadtravelledmuch，tookaseatnearJuliette，butnotonthesofa，soshewascompelledtoturnround。
　　Itgavemetheopportunityofseeingherfullfront，whileIhadbeforeonlyasideviewofherface。
　　AftermyintroductiontoJuliette，Ipaidherfourorfivevisits，andIthoughtmyselfjustified，bythecareIhadgiventotheexaminationofherbeauty，insayinginM。deMalipiero’sdraw—room，oneevening，whenmyopinionaboutherwasasked，thatshecouldpleaseonlyagluttonwithdepravedtastes；thatshehadneitherthefascinationofsimplenaturenoranyknowledgeofsociety，thatshewasdeficientinwell—bred，easymannersaswellasinstrikingtalentsandthatthosewerethequalitieswhichathoroughgentlemanlikedtofindinawoman。Thisopinionmetthegeneralapprobationofhisfriends，butM。deMalipierokindlywhisperedtomethatJuliettewouldcertainlybeinformedoftheportraitIhaddrawnofher，andthatshewouldbecomemyswornenemy。Hehadguessedrightly。
　　IthoughtJulietteverysingular，forsheseldomspoketome，andwhenevershelookedatmeshemadeuseofaneye—glass，orshecontractedhereye—lids，asifshewishedtodenymethehonourofseeinghereyes，whichwerebeyondalldisputeverybeautiful。Theywereblue，wondrouslylargeandfull，andtintedwiththatunfathomablevariegatediriswhichnatureonlygivestoyouth，andwhichgenerallydisappears，afterhavingworkedmiracles，whentheownerreachestheshadysideofforty。FredericktheGreatpreservedituntilhisdeath。
　　JuliettewasinformedoftheportraitIhadgivenofhertoM。deMalipiero’sfriendsbytheindiscreetpensioner，XavierCortantini。
　　OneeveningIcalleduponherwithM。Manzoni，andshetoldhimthatawonderfuljudgeofbeautyhadfoundflawsinhers，butshetookgoodcarenottospecifythem。Itwasnotdifficulttomakeoutthatshewasindirectlyfiringatme，andIpreparedmyselffortheostracismwhichIwasexpecting，butwhich，however，shekeptinabeyancefullyforanhour。Atlast，ourconversationfallinguponaconcertgivenafewdaysbeforebyImer，theactor，andinwhichhisdaughter，Therese，hadtakenabrilliantpart，JulietteturnedroundtomeandinquiredwhatM。deMalipierodidforTherese。Isaidthathewaseducatingher。"Hecanwelldoit，"sheanswered，"forheisamanoftalent；butIshouldliketoknowwhathecandowithyou？"
　　"Whateverhecan。"
　　"Iamtoldthathethinksyouratherstupid。"
　　Asamatterofcourse，shehadthelaughonherside，andI，confused，uncomfortableandnotknowingwhattosay，tookleaveafterhavingcutaverysorryfigure，anddeterminedneveragaintodarkenherdoor。Thenextdayatdinnertheaccountofmyadventurecausedmuchamusementtotheoldsenator。
　　Throughoutthesummer，IcarriedonacourseofPlatoniclovewithmycharmingAngelaatthehouseofherteacherofembroidery，butherextremereserveexcitedme，andmylovehadalmostbecomeatormenttomyself。Withmyardentnature，IrequiredamistresslikeBettina，whoknewhowtosatisfymylovewithoutwearingitout。I
　　stillretainedsomefeelingsofpurity，andIentertainedthedeepestvenerationforAngela。ShewasinmyeyestheverypalladiumofCecrops。Stillveryinnocent，Ifeltsomedisinclinationtowardswomen，andIwassimpleenoughtobejealousofeventheirhusbands。
　　Angelawouldnotgrantmetheslightestfavour，yetshewasnoflirt；
　　butthefirebeginninginmeparchedandwitheredme。ThepatheticentreatieswhichIpouredoutofmyhearthadlesseffectuponherthanupontwoyoungsisters，hercompanionsandfriends:hadInotconcentratedeverylookofmineupontheheartlessgirl，Imighthavediscoveredthatherfriendsexcelledherinbeautyandinfeeling，butmyprejudicedeyessawnoonebutAngela。Toeveryoutpouringofmylovesheansweredthatshewasquitereadytobecomemywife，andthatsuchwastobethelimitofmywishes；whenshecondescendedtoaddthatshesufferedasmuchasIdidmyself，shethoughtshehadbestoweduponmethegreatestoffavours。
　　Suchwasthestateofmymind，when，inthefirstdaysofautumn，I
　　receivedaletterfromtheCountessdeMont—RealwithaninvitationtospendsometimeatherbeautifulestateatPasean。Sheexpectedmanyguests，andamongthemherowndaughter，whohadmarriedaVenetiannobleman，andwhohadagreatreputationforwitandbeauty，althoughshehadbutoneeye；butitwassobeautifulthatitmadeupforthelossoftheother。Iacceptedtheinvitation，andPaseanofferingmeaconstantroundofpleasures，itwaseasyenoughformetoenjoymyself，andtoforgetforthetimetherigoursofthecruelAngela。
　　Iwasgivenaprettyroomonthegroundfloor，openinguponthegardensofPasean，andIenjoyeditscomfortswithoutcaringtoknowwhomyneighbourswere。
　　Themorningaftermyarrival，attheverymomentIawoke，myeyesweredelightedwiththesightofthecharmingcreaturewhobroughtmemycoffee。Shewasaveryyounggirl，butaswellformedasayoungpersonofseventeen；yetshehadscarcelycompletedherfourteenthyear。Thesnowofhercomplexion，herhairasdarkastheraven’swing，herblackeyesbeamingwithfireandinnocence，herdresscomposedonlyofachemiseandashortpetticoatwhichexposedawell—turnedlegandtheprettiesttinyfoot，everydetailIgatheredinoneinstantpresentedtomylooksthemostoriginalandthemostperfectbeautyIhadeverbeheld。Ilookedatherwiththegreatestpleasure，andhereyesresteduponmeasifwehadbeenoldacquaintances。
　　"Howdidyoufindyourbed？"sheasked。
　　"Verycomfortable；Iamsureyoumadeit。Pray，whoareyou？"
　　"IamLucie，thedaughterofthegate—keeper:Ihaveneitherbrothersnorsisters，andIamfourteenyearsold。Iamverygladyouhavenoservantwithyou；Iwillbeyourlittlemaid，andIamsureyouwillbepleasedwithme。"
　　Delightedatthisbeginning，Isatupinmybedandshehelpedmetoputonmydressing—gown，sayingahundredthingswhichIdidnotunderstand。Ibegantodrinkmycoffee，quiteamazedathereasyfreedom，andstruckwithherbeauty，towhichitwouldhavebeenimpossibletoremainindifferent。Shehadseatedherselfonmybed，givingnootherapologyforthatlibertythanthemostdelightfulsmile。
　　Iwasstillsippingmycoffee，whenLucie’sparentscameintomyroom。Shedidnotmovefromherplaceonthebed，butshelookedatthem，appearingveryproudofsuchaseat。Thegoodpeoplekindlyscoldedher，beggedmyforgivenessinherfavour，andLucielefttheroomtoattendtoherotherduties。Themomentshehadgoneherfatherandmotherbegantopraisetheirdaughter。
　　"Sheis，"theysaid，"ouronlychild，ourdarlingpet，thehopeofouroldage。Shelovesandobeysus，andfearsGod；sheisascleanasanewpin，andhasbutonefault。"
　　"Whatisthat？"
　　"Sheistooyoung。"
　　"Thatisacharmingfaultwhichtimewillmend"
　　Iwasnotlonginascertainingthattheywerelivingspecimensofhonesty，oftruth，ofhomelyvirtues，andofrealhappiness。Iwasdelightedatthisdiscovery，whenLuciereturnedasgayasalark，prettilydressed，herhairdoneinapeculiarwayofherown，andwithwell—fittingshoes。Shedroppedasimplecourtesybeforeme，gaveacoupleofheartykissestobothherparents，andjumpedonherfatherknees。Iaskedhertocomeandsitonmybed，butsheansweredthatshecouldnottakesuchalibertynowthatshewasdressed，Thesimplicity，artlessness，andinnocenceoftheanswerseemedtomeveryenchanting，andbroughtasmileonmylips。I
　　examinedhertoseewhethershewasprettierinhernewdressorinthemorning’snegligee，andIdecidedinfavourofthelatter。Tospeakthetruth，Luciewas，Ithought，superiorineverything，notonlytoAngela，buteventoBettina。
　　Thehair—dressermadehisappearance，andthehonestfamilyleftmyroom。WhenIwasdressedIwenttomeetthecountessandheramiabledaughter。Thedaypassedoffverypleasantly，asisgenerallythecaseinthecountry，whenyouareamongstagreeablepeople。
　　Inthemorning，themomentmyeyeswereopened，Irangthebell，andprettyLuciecamein，simpleandnaturalasbefore，withhereasymannersandwonderfulremarks。Hercandour，herinnocenceshonebrilliantlyalloverherperson。Icouldnotconceivehow，withhergoodness，hervirtueandherintelligence，shecouldruntheriskofexcitingmebycomingintomyroomalone，andwithsomuchfamiliarity。Ifanciedthatshewouldnotattachmuchimportancetocertainslightliberties，andwouldnotproveover—
　　scrupulous，andwiththatideaImadeupmymindtoshewherthatI
　　fullyunderstoodher。Ifeltnoremorseofconscienceonthescoreofherparents，who，inmyestimation，wereascarelessasherself；
　　Ihadnodreadofbeingthefirsttogivethealarmtoherinnocence，ortoenlightenhermindwiththegloomylightofmalice，but，unwillingeithertobethedupeoffeelingortoactagainstit，I
　　resolvedtoreconnoitretheground。Iextendadaringhandtowardsherperson，andbyaninvoluntarymovementshewithdraws，blushes，hercheerfulnessdisappears，and，turningherheadasideasifshewereinsearchofsomething，shewaitsuntilheragitationhassubsided。Thewholeaffairhadnotlastedoneminute。Shecameback，abashedattheideathatshehadprovedherselfratherknowing，andatthedreadofhavingperhapsgivenawronginterpretationtoanactionwhichmighthavebeen，onmypart，perfectlyinnocent，ortheresultofpoliteness。Hernaturallaughsoonreturned，and，havingrapidlyreadinhermindallIhavejustdescribed，Ilostnotimeinrestoringherconfidence，and，judgingthatIwouldventuretoomuchbyactiveoperations，IresolvedtoemploythefollowingmorninginafriendlychatduringwhichIcouldmakeheroutbetter。
　　Inpursuanceofthatplan，thenextmorning，asweweretalking，I
　　toldherthatitwascold，butthatshewouldnotfeelitifshewouldliedownnearme。
　　"ShallIdisturbyou？"shesaid。
　　"No；butIamthinkingthatifyourmotherhappenedtocomein，shewouldbeangry。"
　　"Motherwouldnotthinkofanyharm。"
　　"Come，then。ButLucie，doyouknowwhatdangeryouareexposingyourselfto？"
　　"CertainlyIdo；butyouaregood，and，whatismore，youareapriest。"
　　"Come；onlylockthedoor。"
　　"No，no，forpeoplemightthink……Idonotknowwhat。"Shelaiddownclosebyme，andkeptonherchatting，althoughIdidnotunderstandawordofwhatshesaid，forinthatsingularposition，andunwillingtogivewaytomyardentdesires，Iremainedasstillasalog。
　　Herconfidenceinhersafety，confidencewhichwascertainlynotfeigned，workeduponmyfeelingstosuchanextentthatIwouldhavebeenashamedtotakeanyadvantageofit。Atlastshetoldmethatnineo’clockhadstruck，andthatifoldCountAntoniofoundusaswewere，hewouldteaseherwithhisjokes。"WhenIseethatman，"shesaid，"IamafraidandIrunaway。"Sayingthesewords，sherosefromthebedandlefttheroom。
　　Iremainedmotionlessforalongwhile，stupefied，benumbed，andmasteredbytheagitationofmyexcitedsensesaswellasbymythoughts。Thenextmorning，asIwishedtokeepcalm，Ionlylethersitdownonmybed，andtheconversationIhadwithherprovedwithouttheshadowofadoubtthatherparentshadeveryreasontoidolizeher，andthattheeasyfreedomofhermindaswellasofherbehaviourwithmewasentirelyowingtoherinnocenceandtoherpurity。Herartlessness，hervivacity，hereagercuriosity，andthebashfulblusheswhichspreadoverherfacewheneverherinnocentorjestingremarkscausedmetolaugh，everything，infact，convincedmethatshewasanangeldestinedtobecomethevictimofthefirstlibertinewhowouldundertaketoseduceher。Ifeltsufficientcontrolovermyownfeelingstoresistanyattemptagainsthervirtuewhichmyconsciencemightafterwardsreproachmewith。Themerethoughtoftakingadvantageofherinnocencemademeshudder，andmyself—esteemwasaguaranteetoherparents，whoabandonedhertomeonthestrengthofthegoodopiniontheyentertainedofme，thatLucie’shonourwassafeinmyhands。IthoughtIwouldhavedespisedmyselfifIhadbetrayedthetrusttheyreposedinme。Ithereforedeterminedtoconquermyfeelings，and，withperfectconfidenceinthevictory，Imadeupmymindtowagewaragainstmyself，andtobesatisfiedwithherpresenceastheonlyrewardofmyheroicefforts。
　　Iwasnotyetacquaintedwiththeaxiomthat"aslongasthefightinglasts，victoryremainsuncertain。"
　　AsIenjoyedherconversationmuch，anaturalinstinctpromptedmetotellherthatshewouldaffordmegreatpleasureifshecouldcomeearlierinthemorning，andevenwakemeupifIhappenedtobeasleep，adding，inordertogivemoreweighttomyrequest，thatthelessIsleptthebetterIfeltinhealth。InthismannerIcontrivedtospendthreehoursinsteadoftwoinhersociety，althoughthiscunningcontrivanceofminedidnotpreventthehoursflying，atleastinmyopinion，asswiftaslightning。
　　Hermotherwouldoftencomeinasweweretalking，andwhenthegoodwomanfoundhersittingonmybedshewouldsaynothing，onlywonderingatmykindness。Luciewouldthencoverherwithkisses，andthekindoldsoulwouldentreatmetogiveherchildlessonsofgoodness，andtocultivatehermind；butwhenshehadleftusLuciedidnotthinkherselfmoreunrestrained，andwhetherinoroutofhermother’spresence，shewasalwaysthesamewithouttheslightestchange。
　　Ifthesocietyofthisangelicchildaffordedmethesweetestdelight，italsocausedmethemostcruelsuffering。Often，veryoften，whenherfacewasclosetomylips，Ifeltthemostardenttemptationtosmotherherwithkisses，andmybloodwasatfeverheatwhenshewishedthatshehadbeenasisterofmine。ButIkeptsufficientcommandovermyselftoavoidtheslightestcontact，forI
　　wasconsciousthatevenonekisswouldhavebeenthesparkwhichwouldhaveblownupalltheedificeofmyreserve。EverytimesheleftmeIremainedastoundedatmyownvictory，but，alwayseagertowinfreshlaurels，Ilongedforthefollowingmorning，pantingforarenewalofthissweetyetverydangerouscontest。
　　Attheendoftenortwelvedays，Ifeltthattherewasnoalternativebuttoputastoptothisstateofthings，ortobecomeamonsterinmyowneyes；andIdecidedforthemoralsideofthequestionallthemoreeasilythatnothinginsuredmesuccess，ifI
　　chosethesecondalternative。ThemomentIplacedherundertheobligationtodefendherselfLuciewouldbecomeaheroine，andthedoorofmyroombeingopen，Imighthavebeenexposedtoshameandtoaveryuselessrepentance。Thisratherfrightenedme。Yet，toputanendtomytorture，Ididnotknowwhattodecide。Icouldnolongerresisttheeffectmadeuponmysensesbythisbeautifulgirl，who，atthebreakofdayandscarcelydressed，rangailyintomyroom，cametomybedenquiringhowIhadslept，bentfamiliarlyherheadtowardsme，and，sotospeak，droppedherwordsonmylips。InthosedangerousmomentsIwouldturnmyheadaside；butinherinnocenceshewouldreproachmeforbeingafraidwhenshefeltherselfsosafe，andifIansweredthatIcouldnotpossiblyfearachild，shewouldreplythatadifferenceoftwoyearswasofnoaccount。
　　Standingatbay，exhausted，consciousthateveryinstantincreasedtheardourwhichwasdevouringme，Iresolvedtoentreatfromherselfthediscontinuanceofhervisits，andthisresolutionappearedtomesublimeandinfallible；buthavingpostponeditsexecutionuntilthefollowingmorning，Ipassedadreadfulnight，torturedbytheimageofLucie，andbytheideathatIwouldseeherinthemorningforthelasttime。IfanciedthatLuciewouldnotonlygrantmyprayer，butthatshewouldconceiveformethehighestesteem。Inthemorning，itwasbarelyday—light，Luciebeaming，radiantwithbeauty，ahappysmilebrighteningherprettymouth，andhersplendidhairinthemostfascinatingdisorder，burstsintomyroom，andrusheswithopenarmstowardsmybed；butwhensheseesmypale，dejected，andunhappycountenance，shestopsshort，andherbeautifulfacetakinganexpressionofsadnessandanxiety:
　　"Whatailsyou？"sheasks，withdeepsympathy。
　　"Ihavehadnosleepthroughthenight:"
　　"Andwhy？"
　　"BecauseIhavemadeupmymindtoimparttoyouaprojectwhich，althoughfraughtwithmiserytomyself，willatleastsecuremeyouresteem。"
　　"Butifyourprojectistoinsuremyesteemitoughttomakeyouverycheerful。Onlytellme，reverendsir，why，aftercallingme’thou’
　　yesterday，youtreatmetodayrespectfully，likealady？WhathaveI
　　done？Iwillgetyourcoffee，andyoumusttellmeeverythingafteryouhavedrunkit；Ilongtohearyou"
　　Shegoesandreturns，Idrinkthecoffee，andseeingthatmycountenanceremainsgraveshetriestoenlivenme，contrivestomakemesmile，andclapsherhandsforjoy。Afterputtingeverythinginorder，sheclosesthedoorbecausethewindishigh，andinheranxietynottoloseonewordofwhatIhavetosay，sheentreatsartlesslyalittleplacenearme。Icannotrefuseher，forIfeelalmostlifeless。
　　Ithenbeginafaithfulrecitalofthefearfulstateinwhichherbeautyhasthrownme，andavividpictureofallthesufferingIhaveexperiencedintryingtomastermyardentwishtogivehersomeproofofmylove；Iexplaintoherthat，unabletoenduresuchtortureanylonger，Iseenoothersafetybutinentreatinghernottoseemeanymore。Theimportanceofthesubject，thetruthofmylove，mywishtopresentmyexpedientinthelightoftheheroiceffortofadeepandvirtuouspassion，lendmeapeculiareloquence。IendeavourabovealltomakeherrealizethefearfulconsequenceswhichmightfollowacoursedifferenttotheoneIwasproposing，andhowmiserablewemightbe。
　　AtthecloseofmylongdiscourseLucie，seeingmyeyeswetwithtears，throwsoffthebed—clothestowipethem，withoutthinkingthatinsodoingsheuncoverstwoglobes，thebeautyofwhichmighthavecausedthewreckofthemostexperiencedpilot。Afterashortsilence，thecharmingchildtellsmethatmytearsmakeherveryunhappy，andthatshehadneversupposedthatshecouldcausethem。
　　"Allyouhavejusttoldme，"sheadded，"provesthesincerityofyourgreatloveforme，butIcannotimaginewhyyoushouldbeinsuchdreadofafeelingwhichaffordsmethemostintensepleasure。Youwishtobanishmefromyourpresencebecauseyoustandinfearofyourlove，butwhatwouldyoudoifyouhatedme？AmIguiltybecauseIhavepleasedyou？Ifitisacrimetohavewonyouraffection，IcanassureyouthatIdidnotthinkIwascommittingacriminalaction，andthereforeyoucannotconscientiouslypunishme。
　　YetIcannotconcealthetruth；Iamveryhappytobelovedbyyou。
　　Asforthedangerwerun，whenwelove，dangerwhichIcanunderstand，wecansetitatdefiance，ifwechoose，andIwonderatmynotfearingit，ignorantasIam，whileyou，alearnedman，thinkitsoterrible。Iamastonishedthatlove，whichisnotadisease，shouldhavemadeyouill，andthatitshouldhaveexactlytheoppositeeffectuponme。IsitpossiblethatIammistaken，andthatmyfeelingtowardsyoushouldnotbelove？YousawmeverycheerfulwhenIcameinthismorning；itisbecauseIhavebeendreamingallnight，butmydreamsdidnotkeepmeawake；onlyseveraltimesIwokeuptoascertainwhethermydreamwastrue，forIthoughtIwasnearyou；andeverytime，findingthatitwasnotso，Iquicklywenttosleepagaininthehopeofcontinuingmyhappydream，andeverytimeIsucceeded。Aftersuchanight，wasitnotnaturalformetobecheerfulthismorning？Mydearabbe，ifloveisatormentforyouI
　　amverysorry，butwoulditbepossibleforyoutolivewithoutlove？
　　Iwilldoanythingyouordermetodo，but，evenifyourcuredependeduponit，Iwouldnotceasetoloveyou，forthatwouldbeimpossible。Yetiftohealyoursufferingsitshouldbenecessaryforyoutolovemenomore，youmustdoyourutmosttosucceed，forI
　　wouldmuchratherseeyoualivewithoutlove，thandeadforhavinglovedtoomuch。Onlytrytofindsomeotherplan，fortheoneyouhaveproposedmakesmeverymiserable。Thinkofit，theremaybesomeotherwaywhichwillbelesspainful。Suggestonemorepracticable，anddependuponLucie’sobedience。"
　　Thesewords，sotrue，soartless，soinnocent，mademerealizetheimmensesuperiorityofnature’seloquenceoverthatofphilosophicalintellect。ForthefirsttimeIfoldedthisangelicbeinginmyarms，exclaiming，"Yes，dearestLucie，yes，thouhastitinthypowertoaffordthesweetestrelieftomydevouringpain；abandontomyardentkissesthydivinelipswhichhavejustassuredmeofthylove。"
　　Anhourpassedinthemostdelightfulsilence，whichnothinginterruptedexceptthesewordsmurmurednowandthenbyLucie，"Oh，God！isittrue？isitnotadream？"YetIrespectedherinnocence，andthemorereadilythatsheabandonedherselfentirelyandwithouttheslightestresistance。Atlast，extricatingherselfgentlyfrommyarms，shesaid，withsomeuneasiness，"Myheartbeginstospeak，I
　　mustgo；"andsheinstantlyrose。Havingsomewhatrearrangedherdressshesatdown，andhermother，cominginatthatmoment，complimentedmeuponmygoodlooksandmybrightcountenance，andtoldLucietodressherselftoattendmass。Luciecamebackanhourlater，andexpressedherjoyandherprideatthewonderfulcureshethoughtshehadperformeduponme，forthehealthyappearanceIwasthenshewingconvincedherofmylovemuchbetterthanthepitifulstateinwhichshehadfoundmeinthemorning。"Ifyourcompletehappiness，"shesaid，"restsinmypower，behappy；thereisnothingthatIcanrefuseyou。"
　　Themomentsheleftme，stillwaveringbetweenhappinessandfear，I
　　understoodthatIwasstandingontheverybrinkoftheabyss，andthatnothingbutamostextraordinarydeterminationcouldpreventmefromfallingheadlongintoit。
　　IremainedatPaseanuntiltheendofSeptember，andthelastelevennightsofmystaywerepassedintheundisturbedpossessionofLucie，who，secureinhermother’sprofoundsleep，cametomyroomtoenjoyinmyarmsthemostdelicioushours。TheburningardourofmylovewasincreasedbytheabstinencetowhichIcondemnedmyself，althoughLuciedideverythinginherpowertomakemebreakthroughmydetermination。ShecouldnotfullyenjoythesweetnessoftheforbiddenfruitunlessIpluckeditwithoutreserve，andtheeffectproducedbyourconstantlylyingineachother’sarmswastoostrongforayounggirltoresist。Shetriedeverythingshecouldtodeceiveme，andtomakemebelievethatIhadalready，andinreality，gatheredthewholeflower，butBettina’slessonshadbeentooefficienttoallowmetogoonawrongscent，andIreachedtheendofmystaywithoutyieldingentirelytothetemptationshesofondlythrewinmyway。Ipromisedhertoreturninthespring；ourfarewellwastenderandverysad，andIleftherinastateofmindandofbodywhichmusthavebeenthecauseofhermisfortunes，which，twentyyearsafter，IhadoccasiontoreproachmyselfwithinHolland，andwhichwilleverremainuponmyconscience。
　　AfewdaysaftermyreturntoVenice，Ihadfallenbackintoallmyoldhabits，andresumedmycourtshipofAngelainthehopethatI
　　wouldobtainfromher，atleast，asmuchasLuciehadgrantedtome。
　　Acertaindreadwhichto—dayIcannolongertraceinmynature，asortofterroroftheconsequenceswhichmighthaveablightinginfluenceuponmyfuture，preventedmefromgivingmyselfuptocompleteenjoyment。IdonotknowwhetherIhaveeverbeenatrulyhonestman，butIamfullyawarethatthefeelingsIfosteredinmyyouthwerebyfarmoreuprightthanthoseIhave，asIlivedon，forcedmyselftoaccept。Awickedphilosophythrowsdowntoomanyofthesebarrierswhichwecallprejudices。
　　ThetwosisterswhoweresharingAngela’sembroiderylessonswereherintimatefriendsandtheconfidantesofallhersecrets。Imadetheiracquaintance，andfoundthattheydisapprovedofherextremereservetowardsme。AsIusuallysawthemwithAngelaandknewtheirintimacywithher，Iwould，whenIhappenedtomeetthemalone，tellthemallmysorrows，and，thinkingonlyofmycruelsweetheart，I
　　neverwasconceitedenoughtoproposethattheseyounggirlsmightfallinlovewithme；butIoftenventuredtospeaktothemwithalltheblazinginspirationwhichwasburninginme——alibertyIwouldnothavedaredtotakeinthepresenceofherwhomIloved。Truelovealwaysbegetsreserve；wefeartobeaccusedofexaggerationifweshouldgiveutterancetofeelingsinspired，bypassion，andthemodestlover，inhisdreadofsayingtoomuch，veryoftensaystoolittle。
　　Theteacherofembroidery，anoldbigot，whoatfirstappearednottomindtheattachmentIskewedforAngela，gottiredatlastofmytoofrequentvisits，andmentionedthemtotheabbe，theuncleofmyfairlady。HetoldmekindlyonedaythatIoughtnottocallatthathousesooften，asmyconstantvisitsmightbewronglyconstrued，andprovedetrimentaltothereputationofhisniece。Hiswordsfelluponmelikeathunder—bolt，butImasteredmyfeelingssufficientlytoleavehimwithoutincurringanysuspicion，andIpromisedtofollowhisgoodadvice。
　　Threeorfourdaysafterwards，Ipaidavisittotheteacherofembroidery，and，tomakeherbelievethatmyvisitwasonlyintendedforher，Ididnotstoponeinstantneartheyounggirls；yetI
　　contrivedtoslipinthehandoftheeldestofthetwosistersanoteenclosinganotherformydearAngela，inwhichIexplainedwhyIhadbeencompelledtodiscontinuemyvisits，entreatinghertodevisesomemeansbywhichIcouldenjoythehappinessofseeingherandofconversingwithher。InmynotetoNanette，Ionlybeggedhertogivemylettertoherfriend，addingthatIwouldseethemagainthedayafterthemorrow，andthatItrustedtohertofindanopportunityfordeliveringmetheanswer。Shemanageditallverycleverly，and，whenIrenewedmyvisittwodaysafterwards，shegavemealetterwithoutattractingtheattentionofanyone。
　　Nanette’sletterenclosedaveryshortnotefromAngela，who，dislikingletter—writing，merelyadvisedmetofollow，ifIcould，theplanproposedbyherfriend。HereisthecopyoftheletterwrittenbyNanette，whichIhavealwayskept，aswellasallotherletterswhichIgiveintheseMemoirs:
　　"Thereisnothingintheworld，reverendsir，thatIwouldnotreadilydoformyfriend。Shevisitsatourhouseeveryholiday，hassupperwithus，andsleepsunderourroof。IwillsuggestthebestwayforyoutomaketheacquaintanceofMadameOrio，ouraunt；but，ifyouobtainanintroductiontoher，youmustbeverycarefulnottolethersuspectyourpreferenceforAngela，forourauntwouldcertainlyobjecttoherhousebeingmadeaplaceofrendezvoustofacilitateyourinterviewswithastrangertoherfamily。NowfortheplanIpropose，andintheexecutionofwhichIwillgiveyoueveryassistanceinmypower。MadameOrio，althoughawomanofgoodstationinlife，isnotwealthy，andshewishestohavehernameenteredonthelistofnoblewidowswhoreceivethebountiesbestowedbytheConfraternityoftheHolySacrament，ofwhichM。deMalipieroispresident。LastSunday，Angelamentionedthatyouareinthegoodgracesofthatnobleman，andthatthebestwaytoobtainhispatronagewouldbetoaskyoutoentreatitinherbehalf。Thefoolishgirladdedthatyouweresmittenwithme，thatallyourvisitstoourmistressofembroideryweremadeformyspecialbenefitandforthesakeofentertainingme，andthatIwouldfinditaveryeasytasktointerestyouinherfavour。Myauntansweredthat，asyouareapriest，therewasnofearofanyharm，andshetoldmetowritetoyouwithaninvitationtocallonher；Irefused。TheprocuratorRosa，whoisagreatfavouriteofmyaunt’s，waspresent；
　　heapprovedofmyrefusal，sayingthattheletteroughttobewrittenbyherandnotbyme，thatitwasformyaunttobegthehonourofyourvisitonbusinessofrealimportance，andthat，iftherewasanytruthinthereportofyourloveforme，youwouldnotfailtocome。
　　Myaunt，byhisadvice，hasthereforewrittentheletterwhichyouwillfindatyourhouse。IfyouwishtomeetAngela，postponeyourvisittousuntilnextSunday。ShouldyousucceedinobtainingM。
　　deMalipiero’sgoodwillinfavourofmyaunt，youwillbecomethepetofthehousehold，butyoumustforgivemeifIappeartotreatyouwithcoolness，forIhavesaidthatIdonotlikeyou。Iwouldadviseyoutomakelovetomyaunt，whoissixtyyearsofage；
　　M。Rosawillnotbejealous，andyouwillbecomedeartoeveryone。
　　Formypart，IwillmanageforyouanopportunityforsomeprivateconversationwithAngela，andIwilldoanythingtoconvinceyouofmyfriendship。Adieu。"
　　Thisplanappearedtomeverywellconceived，and，havingthesameeveningreceivedMadameOrio’sletter，Icalleduponheronthefollowingday，Sunday。Iwaswelcomedinaveryfriendlymanner，andthelady，entreatingmetoexertinherbehalfmyinfluencewithM。
　　deMalipiero，entrustedmewithallthepaperswhichImightrequiretosucceed。Iundertooktodomyutmost，andItookcaretoaddressonlyafewwordstoAngela，butIdirectedallmygallantattentionstoNanette，whotreatedmeascoollyascouldbe。Finally，IwonthefriendshipoftheoldprocuratorRosa，who，inafteryears，wasofsomeservicetome。
　　IhadsomuchatstakeinthesuccessofMadameOrio’spetition，thatIthoughtofnothingelse，andknowingallthepowerofthebeautifulThereseImeroverouramoroussenator，whowouldbebuttoohappytopleaseherinanything，Ideterminedtocalluponherthenextday，andIwentstraighttoherroomwithoutbeingannounced。IfoundheralonewiththephysicianDoro，who，feigningtobeonaprofessionalvisit，wroteaprescription，feltherpulse，andwentoff。ThisDorowassuspectedofbeinginlovewithTherese；M。deMalipiero，whowasjealous，hadforbiddenTheresetoreceivehisvisits，andshehadpromisedtoobeyhim。SheknewthatIwasacquaintedwiththosecircumstances，andmypresencewasevidentlyunpleasanttoher，forshehadcertainlynowishthattheoldmanshouldhearhowshekeptherpromise。IthoughtthatnobetteropportunitycouldbefoundofobtainingfromhereverythingIwished。
　　Itoldherinafewwordstheobjectofmyvisit，andItookcaretoaddthatshecouldrelyuponmydiscretion，andthatIwouldnotfortheworlddoheranyinjury。Therese，gratefulforthisassurance，answeredthatsherejoicedatfindinganoccasiontoobligeme，and，askingmetogiveherthepapersofmyprotege，sheshewedmethecertificatesandtestimonialsofanotherladyinfavourofwhomshehadundertakentospeak，andwhom，shesaid，shewouldsacrificetothepersoninwhosebehalfIfeltinterested。Shekeptherword，fortheverynextdaysheplacedinmyhandsthebrevet，signedbyhisexcellencyaspresidentoftheconfraternity。Forthepresent，andwiththeexpectationoffurtherfavours，MadameOrio’snamewasputdowntosharethebountieswhichweredistributedtwiceayear。
　　NanetteandhersisterMartonweretheorphandaughtersofasisterofMadameOrio。Allthefortuneofthegoodladyconsistedinthehousewhichwasherdwelling，thefirstfloorbeinglet，andinapensiongiventoherbyherbrother，memberofthecounciloften。
　　Shelivedalonewithhertwocharmingnieces，theeldestsixteen，andtheyoungestfifteenyearsofage。Shekeptnoservant，andonlyemployedanoldwoman，who，foronecrownamonth，fetchedwater，anddidtheroughwork。HeronlyfriendwastheprocuratorRosa；hehad，likeher，reachedhissixtiethyear，andexpectedtomarryherassoonasheshouldbecomeawidower。
　　Thetwosistersslepttogetheronthethirdfloorinalargebed，whichwaslikewisesharedbyAngelaeverySunday。
　　AssoonasIfoundmyselfinpossessionofthedeedforMadameOrio，Ihastenedtopayavisittothemistressofembroidery，inordertofindanopportunityofacquaintingNanettewithmysuccess，andinashortnotewhichIprepared，IinformedherthatintwodaysIwouldcalltogivethebrevettoMadameOrio，andIbeggedherearnestlynottoforgetherpromisetocontriveaprivateinterviewwithmydearAngela。
　　WhenIarrived，ontheappointedday，atMadameOrio’shouse，Nanette，whohadwatchedformycoming，dexterouslyconveyedtomyhandabillet，requestingmetofindamomenttoreaditbeforeleavingthehouse。IfoundMadameOrio，Angela，theoldprocurator，andMartonintheroom。Longingtoreadthenote，Irefusedtheseatofferedtome，andpresentingtoMadameOriothedeedshehadsolongdesired，Iasked，asmyonlyreward，thepleasureofkissingherhand，givinghertounderstandthatIwantedtoleavetheroomimmediately。
　　"Oh，mydearabbe！"saidthelady，"youshallhaveakiss，butnotonmyhand，andnoonecanobjecttoit，asIamthirtyyearsolderthanyou。"
　　Shemighthavesaidforty—fivewithoutgoingmuchastray。Igavehertwokisses，whichevidentlysatisfiedher，forshedesiredmetoperformthesameceremonywithhernieces，buttheybothranaway，andAngelaalonestoodthebruntofmyhardihood。Afterthisthewidowaskedmetositdown。
　　"Icannot，Madame。"
　　"Why，Ibeg？"
　　"Ihave——。"
　　"Iunderstand。Nanette，shewtheway。"
　　"Dearaunt，excuseme。"
　　"Well，then，Marton。"
　　"Oh！dearaunt，whydoyounotinsistuponmysisterobeyingyourorders？"
　　"Alas！madame，theseyoungladiesarequiteright。Allowmetoretire。"
　　"No，mydearabbe，myniecesareveryfoolish；M。Rosa，Iamsure，willkindly。"
　　Thegoodprocuratortakesmeaffectionatelybythehand，andleadsmetothethirdstory，whereheleavesme。ThemomentIamaloneIopenmyletter，andIreadthefollowing:
　　"Myauntwillinviteyoutosupper；donotaccept。Goawayassoonaswesitdowntotable，andMartonwillescortyouasfarasthestreetdoor，butdonotleavethehouse。Whenthestreetdoorisclosedagain，everyonethinkingyouaregone，goupstairsinthedarkasfarasthethirdfloor，whereyoumustwaitforus。WewillcomeupthemomentM。Rosahasleftthehouse，andouraunthasgonetobed。Angelawillbeatlibertytograntyouthroughoutthenightatete—a—tetewhich，Itrust，willproveahappyone。"
　　Oh！whatjoy—whatgratitudefortheluckychancewhichallowedmetoreadthisletterontheveryspotwhereIwastoexpectthedearabjectofmylove！Certainoffindingmywaywithouttheslightestdifficulty，IreturnedtoMadameOrio’ssitting—room，overwhelmedwithhappiness。
　　CHAPTERV
　　AnUnluckyNightIFallinLovewiththeTwoSisters，andForgetAngela——ABallatMyHouse——Juliette’sHumiliation——MyReturntoPasian——Lucie’sMisfortune——APropitiousStormOnmyreappearance，MadameOriotoldme，withmanyheart—feltthanks，thatImustforthefutureconsidermyselfasaprivilegedandwelcomefriend，andtheeveningpassedoffverypleasantly。Asthehourforsupperdrewnear，IexcusedmyselfsowellthatMadameOriocouldnotinsistuponmyacceptingherinvitationtostay。Martonrosetolightmeoutoftheroom，butheraunt，believingNanettetobemyfavourite，gavehersuchanimperativeordertoaccompanymethatshewascompelledtoobey。Shewentdownthestairsrapidly，openedandclosedthestreetdoorverynoisily，andputtingherlightout，shereenteredthesittingroom，leavingmeindarkness。Iwentupstairssoftly:whenIreachedthethirdlandingIfoundthechamberofthetwosisters，and，throwingmyselfuponasofa，Iwaitedpatientlyfortherisingofthestarofmyhappiness。Anhourpassedamidstthesweetestdreamsofmyimagination；atlastIhearthenoiseofthestreetdooropeningandclosing，and，afewminutesafter，thetwosisterscomeinwithmyAngela。Idrawhertowardsme，andcaringfornobodyelse，Ikeepupfortwofullhoursmyconversationwithher。Theclockstrikesmidnight；Iampitiedforhavinggonesolatesupperless，butIamshockedatsuchanidea；I
　　answerthat，withsuchhappinessasIamenjoying，Icansufferfromnohumanwant。IamtoldthatIamaprisoner，thatthekeyofthehousedoorisundertheaunt’spillow，andthatitisopenedonlybyherselfasshegoesinthemorningtothefirstmass。Iwonderatmyyoungfriendsimaginingthatsuchnewscanbeanythingbutdelightfultome。Iexpressallmyjoyatthecertaintyofpassingthenextfivehourswiththebelovedmistressofmyheart。Anotherhourisspent，whensuddenlyNanettebeginstolaugh，Angelawantstoknowthereason，andMartonwhisperingafewwordstoher，theybothlaughlikewise。Thispuzzlesme。Inmyturn，Iwanttoknowwhatcausesthisgenerallaughter，andatlastNanette，puttingonanairofanxiety，tellsmethattheyhavenomorecandle，andthatinafewminutesweshallbeinthedark。Thisisapieceofnewsparticularlyagreeabletome，butIdonotletmysatisfactionappearonmycountenance，andsayinghowtrulyIamsorryfortheirsake，I
　　proposethattheyshouldgotobedandsleepquietlyundermyrespectfulguardianship。Myproposalincreasestheirmerriment。