TheTintorettahadgreaterclaimsthanJuliettetotheadmirationofsensiblemen。Shelovedpoetry，andifithadnotbeenthatIwasexpectingthebishop，Iwouldhavefalleninlovewithher。Shewasherselfsmittenwithayoungphysicianofgreatmerit，namedRighelini，whodiedintheprimeoflife，andwhomIstillregret。I
　　shallhavetomentionhiminanotherpartofmyMemoirs。
　　Towardstheendofthecarnival，mymotherwrotetoM。Grimanithatitwouldbeagreatshameifthebishopfoundmeundertheroofofanoperadancer，andhemadeuphismindtolodgemeinarespectableanddecentplace。HetooktheAbbeTosellointoconsultation，andthetwogentlementhoughtthatthebestthingtheycoulddoformewouldbetosendmetoaclericalseminary。Theyarrangedeverythingunknowntome，andtheabbeundertooktoinformmeoftheirplanandtoobtainfrommeagraciousconsent。ButwhenIheardhimspeakwithbeautifulflowersofrhetoricforthepurposeofgildingthebitterpill，Icouldnothelpburstingintoajoyouslaughter，andI
　　astoundedhisreverencewhenIexpressedmyreadinesstogoanywherehemightthinkrighttosendme。
　　Theplanofthetwoworthygentlemenwasabsurd，forattheageofseventeen，andwithanaturelikemine，theideaofplacingmeinaseminaryoughtnevertohavebeenentertained，buteverafaithfuldiscipleofSocrates，feelingnounconquerablereluctance，andtheplan，onthecontrary，appearingtomeratheragoodjoke，Inotonlygaveareadyconsent，butIevenlongedtoentertheseminary。I
　　toldM。GrimaniIwaspreparedtoacceptanything，providedRazettahadnothingtodowithit。Hegavemehispromise，buthedidnotkeepitwhenIlefttheseminary。IhaveneverbeenabletodecidewhetherthisGrimaniwaskindbecausehewasafool，orwhetherhisstupiditywastheresultofhiskindness，butallhisbrotherswerethesame。TheworsttrickthatDameFortunecanplayuponanintelligentyoungmanistoplacehimunderthedependenceofafool。
　　Afewdaysafterwards，havingbeendressedasapupilofaclericalseminarybythecareoftheabbe，IwastakentoSaint—CypriandeMuranandintroducedtotherector。
　　ThepatriarchalchurchofSaint—Cyprianisservedbyanorderofthemonks，foundedbytheblessedJeromeMiani，anoblemanofVenice。
　　Therectorreceivedmewithtenderaffectionandgreatkindness。Butinhisaddress（whichwasfullofunction）IthoughtIcouldperceiveasuspiciononhispartthatmybeingsenttotheseminarywasapunishment，oratleastawaytoputastoptoanirregularlife，and，feelinghurtinmydignity，Itoldhimatonce，"Reverendfather，Idonotthinkthatanyonehastherightofpunishingme。"
　　"No，no，myson，"heanswered，"Ionlymeantthatyouwouldbeveryhappywithus。"
　　Wewerethenshewnthreehalls，inwhichwefoundatleastonehundredandfiftyseminarists，tenortwelveschoolrooms，therefectory，thedormitory，thegardensforplayhours，andeverypainwastakentomakemeimaginelifeinsuchaplacethehappiestthatcouldfalltothelotofayoungman，andtomakemesupposethatI
　　wouldevenregretthearrivalofthebishop。YettheyalltriedtocheermeupbysayingthatIwouldonlyremaintherefiveorsixmonths。Theireloquenceamusedmegreatly。
　　IenteredtheseminaryatthebeginningofMarch，andpreparedmyselfformynewlifebypassingthenightbetweenmytwoyoungfriends，NanetteandMarton，whobathedtheirpillowswithtears；theycouldnotunderstand，andthiswaslikewisethefeelingoftheirauntandofthegoodM。Rosa，howayoungmanlikemyselfcouldshewsuchobedience。
　　Thedaybeforegoingtotheseminary，IhadtakencaretoentrustallmypaperstoMadameManzoni。Theymadealargeparcel，andIleftitinherhandsforfifteenyears。Theworthyoldladyisstillalive，andwithherninetyyearssheenjoysgoodhealthandacheerfultemper。Shereceivedmewithasmile，andtoldmethatIwouldnotremainonemonthintheseminary。
　　"Ibegyourpardon，madam，butIamverygladtogothere，andintendtoremainuntilthearrivalofthebishop。"
　　"Youdonotknowyourownnature，andyoudonotknowyourbishop，withwhomyouwillnotremainverylongeither。"
　　Theabbeaccompaniedmetotheseminaryinagondola，butatSaint—
　　Michelhehadtostopinconsequenceofaviolentattackofvomitingwhichseizedmesuddenly；theapothecarycuredmewithsomemint—
　　water。
　　IwasindebtedforthisattacktothetoofrequentsacrificeswhichI
　　hadbeenofferingonthealtaroflove。Anyloverwhoknowswhathisfeelingswerewhenhefoundhimselfwiththewomanheadoredandwiththefearthatitwasforthelasttime，willeasilyimaginemyfeelingsduringthelasthoursthatIexpectedevertospendwithmytwocharmingmistresses。Icouldnotbeinducedtoletthelastofferingbethelast，andIwentonofferinguntiltherewasnomoreincenseleft。
　　Thepriestcommittedmetothecareoftherector，andmyluggagewascarriedtothedormitory，whereIwentmyselftodepositmycloakandmyhat。Iwasnotplacedamongsttheadults，because，notwithstandingmysize，Iwasnotoldenough。Besides，Iwouldnotshavemyself，throughvanity，becauseIthoughtthatthedownonmyfaceleftnodoubtofmyyouth。Itwasridiculous，ofcourse；butwhendoesmanceasetobeso？Wegetridofourvicesmoreeasilythanofourfollies。Tyrannyhasnothadsufficientpowerovermetocompelmetoshavemyself；itisonlyinthatrespectthatIhavefoundtyrannytobetolerant。
　　"Towhichschooldoyouwishtobelong？"askedtherector。
　　"Tothedogmatic，reverendfather；IwishtostudythehistoryoftheChurch。"
　　"Iwillintroduceyoutothefatherexaminer。"
　　"Iamdoctorindivinity，mostreverendfather，anddonotwanttobeexamined。"
　　"Itisnecessary，mydearson；comewithme。"
　　Thisnecessityappearedtomeaninsult，andIfeltveryangry；butaspiritofrevengequicklywhisperedtomethebestwaytomystifythem，andtheideamademeveryjoyful。IansweredsobadlyallthequestionspropoundedinLatinbytheexaminer，Imadesomanysolecisms，thathefeltithisdutytosendmetoaninferiorclassofgrammar，inwhich，tomygreatdelight，Ifoundmyselfthecompanionofsometwentyyoungurchinsofabouttenyears，who，hearingthatIwasdoctorindivinity，keptonsaying:’Accipiamuspecuniam，etmittamusasinuminpatriamsuam’。
　　Ourplayhoursaffordedmegreatamusement；mycompanionsofthedormitory，whowereallintheclassofphilosophyatleast，lookeddownuponmewithgreatcontempt，andwhentheyspokeoftheirownsublimediscourses，theylaughedifIappearedtobelisteningattentivelytotheirdiscussionswhich，astheythought，musthavebeenperfectenigmastome。Ididnotintendtobetraymyself，butanaccident，whichIcouldnotavoid，forcedmetothrowoffthemask。
　　FatherBarbarigo，belongingtotheConventoftheSalutationatVenice，whosepupilIhadbeeninphysics，cametopayavisittotherector，andseeingmeaswewerecomingfrommasspaidmehisfriendlycompliments。HisfirstquestionwastoenquirewhatscienceIwasstudying，andhethoughtIwasjokingwhenIansweredthatI
　　waslearningthegrammar。Therectorhavingjoinedus，Ileftthemtogether，andwenttomyclass。Anourlater，therectorsentforme。
　　"Whydidyoufeignsuchignoranceattheexamination？"heasked。
　　"Why，"Ianswered，"wereyouunjustenoughtocompelmetothedegradationofanexamination？"
　　Helookedannoyed，andescortedmetothedogmaticschool，wheremycomradesofthedormitoryreceivedmewithgreatastonishment，andintheafternoon，atplaytime，theygatheredaroundmeandmademeveryhappywiththeirprofessionsoffriendship。
　　Oneofthem，aboutfifteenyearsold，andwhoatthepresenttimemust，ifstillalive，beabishop，attractedmynoticebyhisfeaturesasmuchasbyhistalents。Heinspiredmewithaverywarmfriendship，andduringrecess，insteadofplayingskittleswiththeothers，wealwayswalkedtogether。Weconverseduponpoetry，andwebothdelightedinthebeautifulodesofHorace。WelikedAriostobetterthanTasso，andPetrarchhadourwholeadmiration，whileTassoniandMuratori，whohadbeenhiscritics，werethespecialobjectsofourcontempt。Weweresuchfastfriends，afterfourdaysofacquaintance，thatwewereactuallyjealousofeachother，andtosuchanextentthatifeitherofuswalkedaboutwithanyseminarist，theotherwouldbeangryandsulklikeadisappointedlover。
　　Thedormitorywasplacedunderthesupervisionofalayfriar，anditwashisprovincetokeepusingoodorder。Aftersupper，accompaniedbythislayfriar，whohadthetitleofprefect，weallproceededtothedormitory。There，everyonehadtogotohisownbed，andtoundressquietlyafterhavingsaidhisprayersinalowvoice。Whenallthepupilswereinbed，theprefectwouldgotohisown。Alargelanternlightedupthedormitory，whichhadtheshapeofaparallelogrameightyyardsbyten。Thebedswereplacedatequaldistances，andtoeachbedtherewereafold—stool，achair，androomforthetrunkoftheSeminarist。Atoneendwasthewashingplace，andattheotherthebedoftheprefect。Thebedofmyfriendwasoppositemine，andthelanternwasbetweenus。
　　Theprincipaldutyoftheprefectwastotakecarethatnopupilshouldgoandsleepwithoneofhiscomrades，forsuchavisitwasneversupposedaninnocentone。Itwasacardinalsin，and，bedbeingaccountedtheplaceforsleepandnotforconversation，itwasadmittedthatapupilwhosleptoutofhisownbed，didsoonlyforimmoralpurposes。Solongashestoppedinhisownbed，hecoulddowhatheliked；somuchtheworseforhimifhegavehimselfuptobadpractices。IthasbeenremarkedinGermanythatitispreciselyinthoseinstitutionsforyoungmeninwhichthedirectorshavetakenmostpainstopreventonanismthatthisviceismostprevalent。
　　Thosewhohadframedtheregulationsinourseminarywerestupidfools，whohadnottheslightestknowledgeofeithermoralsorhumannature。Naturehaswantswhichmustbeadministeredto，andTissotisrightonlyasfarastheabuseofnatureisconcerned，butthisabusewouldveryseldomoccurifthedirectorsexercisedproperwisdomandprudence，andiftheydidnotmakeapointofforbiddingitinaspecialandpeculiarmanner；youngpeoplegivewaytodangerousexcessesfromasheerdelightindisobedience，——
　　adispositionverynaturaltohumankind，sinceitbeganwithAdamandEve。
　　Ihadbeenintheseminaryfornineortendays，whenonenightI
　　feltsomeonestealingveryquietlyinmybed；myhandwasatonceclutched，andmynamewhispered。Icouldhardlyrestrainmylaughter。Itwasmyfriend，who，havingchancedtowakeupandfindingthatthelanternwasout，hadtakenasuddenfancytopaymeavisit。Iverysoonbeggedhimtogoawayforfeartheprefectshouldbeawake，forinsuchacaseweshouldhavefoundourselvesinaveryunpleasantdilemma，andmostlikelywouldhavebeenaccusedofsomeabominableoffence。AsIwasgivinghimthatgoodadviceweheardsomeonemoving，andmyfriendmadehisescape；butimmediatelyafterhehadleftmeIheardthefallofsomeperson，andatthesametimethehoarsevoiceoftheprefectexclaiming:
　　"Ah，villain！waituntilto—morrow——untilto—morrow！"
　　Afterwhichthreathelightedthelanternandretiredtohiscouch。
　　Thenextmorning，beforetheringingofthebellforrising，therector，followedbytheprefect，enteredthedormitory，andsaidtous:
　　"Listentome，allofyou。Youareawareofwhathastakenplacethislastnight。Twoamongstyoumustbeguilty；butIwishtoforgivethem，andtosavetheirhonourIpromisethattheirnamesshallnotbemadepublic。Iexpecteveryoneofyoutocometomeforconfessionbeforerecess。"
　　Heleftthedormitory，andwedressedourselves。Intheafternoon，inobediencetohisorders，weallwenttohimandconfessed，afterwhichceremonywerepairedtothegarden，wheremyfriendtoldmethat，havingunfortunatelymettheprefectafterheleftme，hehadthoughtthatthebestwaywastoknockhimdown，inordertogettimetoreachhisownbedwithoutbeingknown。
　　"Andnow，"Isaid，"youarecertainofbeingforgiven，for，ofcourse，youhavewiselyconfessedyourerror？"
　　"Youarejoking，"answeredmyfriend；"why，thegoodrectorwouldnothaveknownanymorethanheknowsatpresent，evenifmyvisittoyouhadbeenpaidwithacriminalintent。"
　　"Thenyoumusthavemadeafalseconfession:youareatalleventsguiltyofdisobedience？"
　　"Thatmaybe，buttherectorisresponsiblefortheguilt，asheusedcompulsion。"
　　"Mydearfriend，youargueinaveryforcibleway，andtheveryreverendrectormustbythistimebesatisfiedthattheinmatesofourdormitoryaremorelearnedthanheishimself。"
　　Nomorewouldhavebeensaidabouttheadventureif，afewnightsafter，Ihadnotinmyturntakenafancytoreturnthevisitpaidbymyfriend。Towardsmidnight，havinghadoccasiontogetoutofbed，andhearingtheloudsnoringoftheprefect，Iquicklyputoutthelanternandwenttoliebesidemyfriend。Heknewmeatonce，andgladlyreceivedme；butwebothlistenedattentivelytothesnoringofourkeeper，andwhenitceased，understandingourdanger，Igotupandreachedmyownbedwithoutlosingasecond，butthemomentIgottoitIhadadoublesurprise。InthefirstplaceIfeltsomebodylyinginmybed，andinthesecondIsawtheprefect，withacandleinhishand，comingalongslowlyandtakingasurveyofallthebedsrightandleft。Icouldunderstandtheprefectsuddenlylightingacandle，buthowcouldIrealizewhatIsaw——namely，oneofmycomradessleepingsoundlyinmybed，withhisbackturnedtome？I
　　immediatelymadeupmymindtofeignsleep。Aftertwoorthreeshakingsgivenbytheprefect，Ipretendedtowakeup，andmybed—
　　companionwokeupinearnest。Astonishedatfindinghimselfinmybed，heofferedmeanapology:
　　"Ihavemadeamistake，"hesaid，"asIreturnedfromacertainplaceinthedark，Ifoundyourbedempty，andmistookitformine。"
　　"Verylikely，"Ianswered；"Ihadtogetup，too。"
　　"Yes，"remarkedtheprefect；"buthowdoesithappenthatyouwenttobedwithoutmakinganyremarkwhen，onyourreturn，youfoundyourbedalreadytenanted？Andhowisitthat，beinginthedark，youdidnotsupposethatyouweremistakenyourself？"
　　"Icouldnotbemistaken，forIfeltthepedestalofthiscrucifixofmine，andIknewIwasright；astomycompanionhere，Ididnotfeelhim。"
　　"Itisallveryunlikely，"answeredourArgus；andhewenttothelantern，thewickofwhichhefoundcrusheddown。
　　"Thewickhasbeenforcedintotheoil，gentlemen；ithasnotgoneoutofitself；ithasbeenthehandiworkofoneofyou，butitwillbeseentointhemorning。"
　　Mystupidcompanionwenttohisownbed，theprefectlightedthelampandretiredtohisrest，andafterthisscene，whichhadbrokenthereposeofeverypupil，Iquietlysleptuntiltheappearanceoftherector，who，atthedawnofday，cameingreatfury，escortedbyhissatellite，theprefect。
　　Therector，afterexaminingthelocalitiesandsubmittingtoalengthyinterrogatoryfirstmyaccomplice，whoverynaturallywasconsideredasthemostguilty，andthenmyself，whomnothingcouldconvictoftheoffence，orderedustogetupandgotochurchtoattendmass。Assoonasweweredressed，hecameback，andaddressingusboth，hesaid，kindly:
　　"Youstandbothconvictedofascandalousconnivance，anditisprovedbythefactofthelanternhavingbeenwilfullyextinguished。
　　Iamdisposedtobelievethatthecauseofallthisdisorderis，ifnotentirelyinnocent，atleastdueonlytoextremethoughtlessness；
　　butthescandalgiventoallyourcomrades，theoutrageofferedtothedisciplineandtotheestablishedrulesoftheseminary，callloudlyforpunishment。Leavetheroom。"
　　Weobeyed；buthardlywerewebetweenthedoubledoorsofthedormitorythanwewereseizedbyfourservants，whotiedourhandsbehindus，andledustotheclassroom，wheretheycompelledustokneeldownbeforethegreatcrucifix。Therectortoldthemtoexecutehisorders，and，aswewereinthatposition，thewretchesadministeredtoeachofussevenoreightblowswithastick，orwitharope，whichIreceived，aswellasmycompanion，withoutamurmur。
　　Butthemomentmyhandswerefree，IaskedtherectorwhetherIcouldwritetwolinesattheveryfootofthecross。Hegaveorderstobringinkandpaper，andItracedthefollowingwords:
　　"IsolemnlyswearbythisGodthatIhaveneverspokentotheseminaristwhowasfoundinmybed。AsaninnocentpersonImustprotestagainstthisshamefulviolence。Ishallappealtothejusticeofhislordshipthepatriarch。"
　　Mycomradeinmiserysignedthisprotestwithme；afterwhich，addressingmyselftoallthepupils，Ireaditaloud，callinguponthemtospeakthetruthifanyonecouldsaythecontraryofwhatI
　　hadwritten。They，withonevoice，immediatelydeclaredthatwehadneverbeenseenconversingtogether，andthatnooneknewwhohadputthelampout。Therectorlefttheroominthemidstofhissesandcurses，buthesentustoprisonallthesameatthetopofthehouseandinseparatecells。Anhourafterwards，Ihadmybed，mytrunkandallmythings，andmymealswerebroughttomeeveryday。Onthefourthday，theAbbeTosellocameformewithinstructionstobringmetoVenice。Iaskedhimwhetherhehadsiftedthisunpleasantaffair；hetoldmethathehadenquiredintoit，thathehadseentheotherseminarist，andthathebelievedwewerebothinnocent；buttherectorwouldnotconfesshimselfinthewrong，andhedidnotseewhatcouldbedone。
　　Ithrewoffmyseminarist’shabit，anddressedmyselfintheclothesIusedtowearinVenice，and，whilemyluggagewascarriedtoaboat，IaccompaniedtheabbetoM。Grimani’sgondolainwhichhehadcome，andwetookourdeparture。Onourway，theabbeorderedtheboatmantoleavemythingsatthePalaceGrimani，addingthathewasinstructedbyM。Grimanitotellmethat，ifIhadtheaudacitytopresentmyselfathismansion，hisservantshadreceivedorderstoturnmeaway。
　　HelandedmeneartheconventoftheJesuits，withoutanymoney，andwithnothingbutwhatIhadonmyback。
　　IwenttobegadinnerfromMadameManzoni，wholaughedheartilyattherealizationofherprediction。AfterdinnerIcalleduponM。
　　Rosatoseewhetherthelawcouldprotectmeagainstthetyrannyofmyenemies，andafterhehadbeenmadeacquaintedwiththecircumstancesofthecase，hepromisedtobringmethesameevening，atMadameOrio’shouse，anextra—judicialact。Irepairedtotheplaceofappointmenttowaitforhim，andtoenjoythepleasureofmytwocharmingfriendsatmysuddenreappearance。Itwasindeedverygreat，andtherecitalofmyadventuresdidnotastonishthemlessthanmyunexpectedpresence。M。Rosacameandmademereadtheactwhichhehadprepared；hehadnothadtimetohaveitengrossedbythenotary，butheundertooktohaveitreadythenextday。
　　IleftMadameOriototakesupperwithmybrotherFrancois，whoresidedwithapaintercalledGuardi；hewas，likeme，muchoppressedbythetyrannyofGrimani，andIpromisedtodeliverhim。TowardsmidnightIreturnedtothetwoamiablesisterswhowereexpectingmewiththeirusuallovingimpatience，but，Iamboundtoconfessitwithallhumility，mysorrowswereprejudicialtoloveinspiteofthefortnightofabsenceandofabstinence。Theywerethemselvesdeeplyaffectedtoseemesounhappy，andpitiedmewithalltheirhearts。Iendeavouredtoconsolethem，andassuredthemthatallmymiserywouldsooncometoanend，andthatwewouldmakeupforlosttime。
　　Inthemorning，havingnomoney，andnotknowingwheretogo，IwenttoSt。Mark’sLibrary，whereIremaineduntilnoon。IleftitwiththeintentionofdiningwithMadameManzoni，butIwassuddenlyaccostedbyasoldierwhoinformedmethatsomeonewantedtospeaktomeinagondolatowhichhepointed。Iansweredthatthepersonmightaswellcomeout，buthequietlyremarkedthathehadafriendathandtoconductmeforciblytothegondola，ifnecessary，andwithoutanymorehesitationIwenttowardsit。Ihadagreatdisliketonoiseortoanythinglikeapublicexhibition。Imighthaveresisted，forthesoldierswereunarmed，andIwouldnothavebeentakenup，thissortofarrestnotbeinglegalinVenice，butIdidnotthinkofit。The’sequeredeum’wasplayingitspart；Ifeltnoreluctance。Besides，therearemomentsinwhichacourageousmanhasnocourage，ordisdainstoshewit。
　　Ienterthegondola，thecurtainisdrawnaside，andIseemyevilgenius，Razetta，withanofficer。Thetwosoldierssitdownattheprow；IrecognizeM。Grimani’sowngondola，itleavesthelandingandtakesthedirectionoftheLido。Noonespoketome，andIremainedsilent。Afterhalf—an—hour’ssailing，thegondolastoppedbeforethesmallentranceoftheFortressSt。Andre，atthemouthoftheAdriatic，ontheveryspotwheretheBucentaurstands，when，onAscensionDay，thedogecomestoespousethesea。
　　Thesentinelcallsthecorporal；wealight，theofficerwhoaccompaniedmeintroducesmetothemajor，andpresentsalettertohim。Themajor，afterreadingitscontents，givesorderstoM。Zen，hisadjutant，toconsignmetotheguard—house。Inanotherquarterofanhourmyconductorstaketheirdeparture，andM。Zenbringsmethreelivresandahalf，statingthatIwouldreceivethesameamounteveryweek。Itwasexactlythepayofaprivate。
　　Ididnotgivewaytoanyburstofpassion，butIfeltthemostintenseindignation。LateintheeveningIexpressedawishtohavesomefoodbought，forIcouldnotstarve；then，stretchingmyselfuponahardcampbed，Ipassedthenightamongstthesoldierswithoutclosingmyeyes，fortheseSclavoniansweresinging，eatinggarlic，smokingabadtobaccowhichwasmostnoxious，anddrinkingawineoftheirowncountry，asblackasink，whichnobodyelsecouldswallow。
　　EarlynextmorningMajorPelodoro（thegovernorofthefortress）
　　calledmeuptohisroom，andtoldmethat，incompellingmetospendthenightintheguard—house，hehadonlyobeyedtheordershehadreceivedfromVenicefromthesecretaryofwar。"Now，reverendsir，"
　　headded，"myfurtherordersareonlytokeepyouaprisonerinthefort，andIamresponsibleforyourremaininghere。Igiveyouthewholeofthefortressforyourprison。Youshallhaveagoodroominwhichyouwillfindyourbedandallyourluggage。Walkanywhereyouplease；butrecollectthat，ifyoushouldescape，youwouldcausemyruin。Iamsorrythatmyinstructionsaretogiveyouonlytensousaday，butifyouhaveanyfriendsinVeniceabletosendyousomemoney，writetothem，andtrusttomeforthesecurityofyourletters。Nowyoumaygotobed，ifyouneedrest。"
　　Iwastakentomyroom；itwaslargeandonthefirststory，withtwowindowsfromwhichIhadaveryfineview。Ifoundmybed，andI
　　ascertainedwithgreatsatisfactionthatmytrunk，ofwhichIhadthekeys，hadnotbeenforcedopen。Themajorhadkindlysuppliedmytablewithalltheimplementsnecessaryforwriting。ASclavoniansoldierinformedmeverypolitelythathewouldattenduponme，andthatIwouldpayhimforhisserviceswheneverIcould，foreveryoneknewthatIhadonlytensousaday。Ibeganbyorderingsomesoup，and，whenIhaddispatchedit，Iwenttobedandsleptforninehours。WhenIwoke，Ireceivedaninvitationtosupperfromthemajor，andIbegantoimaginethatthings，afterall，wouldnotbesoverybad。
　　Iwenttothehonestgovernor，whomIfoundinnumerouscompany。Hepresentedmetohiswifeandtoeverypersonpresent。Imetthereseveralofficers，thechaplainofthefortress，acertainPaoliVida，oneofthesingersofSt。Mark’sChurch，andhiswife，aprettywoman，sister—in—lawofthemajor，whomthehusbandchosetoconfineinthefortbecausehewasveryjealous（jealousmenarenotcomfortableatVenice），togetherwithseveralotherladies，notveryyoung，butwhomIthoughtveryagreeable，owingtotheirkindwelcome。
　　CheerfulasIwasbynature，thosepleasantguestseasilymanagedtoputmeinthebestofhumours。EveryoneexpressedawishtoknowthereasonswhichcouldhaveinducedM。Grimanitosendmetothefortress，soIgaveafaithfulaccountofallmyadventuressincemygrandmother’sdeath。Ispokeforthreehourswithoutanybitterness，andeveninapleasanttone，uponthingswhich，saidinadifferentmanner，mighthavedispleasedmyaudience；allexpressedtheirsatisfaction，andshewedsomuchsympathythat，aswepartedforthenight，Ireceivedfromallanassuranceoffriendshipandtheofferoftheirservices。ThisisapieceofgoodfortunewhichhasneverfailedmewheneverIhavebeenthevictimofoppression，untilI
　　reachedtheageoffifty。WheneverImetwithhonestpersonsexpressingacuriositytoknowthehistoryofthemisfortuneunderwhichIwaslabouring，andwheneverIsatisfiedtheircuriosity，I
　　haveinspiredthemwithfriendship，andwiththatsympathywhichwasnecessarytorenderthemfavourableandusefultome。
　　Thatsuccesswasowingtoaverysimpleartifice；itwasonlytotellmystoryinaquietandtruthfulmanner，withoutevenavoidingthefactswhichtoldagainstme。Itissimplesecretthatmanymendonotknow，becausethelargerportionofhumankindiscomposedofcowards；amanwhoalwaystellsthetruthmustbepossessedofgreatmoralcourage。Experiencehastaughtmethattruthisatalisman，thecharmofwhichneverfailsinitseffect，provideditisnotwasteduponunworthypeople，andIbelievethataguiltyman，whocandidlyspeaksthetruthtohisjudge，hasabetterchanceofbeingacquitted，thantheinnocentmanwhohesitatesandevadestruestatements。Ofcoursethespeakermustbeyoung，oratleastintheprimeofmanhood；foranoldmanfindsthewholeofnaturecombinedagainsthim。
　　Themajorhadhisjokerespectingthevisitpaidandreturnedtotheseminarist’sbed，butthechaplainandtheladiesscoldedhim。Themajoradvisedmetowriteoutmystoryandsendittothesecretaryofwar，undertakingthatheshouldreceiveit，andheassuredmethathewouldbecomemyprotector。Alltheladiestriedtoinducemetofollowthemajor’sadvice。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　MyShortStayinFortSt。Andre——MyFirstRepentanceinLoveAffairsIEnjoytheSweetsofRevenge，andProveaCleverAlibi——ArrestofCountBonafede——MyRelease——ArrivaloftheBishop——FarewelltoVeniceThefort，inwhichtheRepublicusuallykeptonlyagarrisonofonehundredhalf—paySclavonians，happenedtocontainatthattimetwothousandAlbaniansoldiers，whowerecalledCimariotes。
　　Thesecretaryofwar，whowasgenerallyknownunderthetitleof’sageal’ecriture’，hadsummonedthesemenfromtheEastinconsequenceofsomeimpendingpromotion，ashewantedtheofficerstobeonthespotinordertoprovetheirmeritsbeforebeingrewarded。
　　TheyallcamefromthepartofEpiruscalledAlbania，whichbelongstotheRepublicofVenice，andtheyhaddistinguishedthemselvesinthelastwaragainsttheTurks。Itwasformeanewandextraordinarysighttoexaminesomeeighteenortwentyofficers，allofanadvancedage，yetstrongandhealthy，shewingthescarswhichcoveredtheirfaceandtheirchest，thelastnakedandentirelyexposedthroughmilitarypride。Thelieutenant—colonelwasparticularlyconspicuousbyhiswounds，for，withoutexaggeration，hehadlostone—fourthofhishead。Hehadbutoneeye，butoneear，andnojawtospeakof。Yethecouldeatverywell，speakwithoutdifficulty，andwasverycheerful。Hehadwithhimallhisfamily，composedoftwoprettydaughters，wholookedalltheprettierintheirnationalcostume，andofsevensons，everyoneofthemasoldier。Thislieutenant—colonelstoodsixfeethigh，andhisfigurewasmagnificent，buthisscarssocompletelydeformedhisfeaturesthathisfacewastrulyhorridtolookat。YetIfoundsomuchattractioninhimthatIlikedhimthemomentIsawhim，andIwouldhavebeenmuchpleasedtoconversewithhimifhisbreathhadnotsentforthsuchastrongsmellofgarlic。AlltheAlbanianshadtheirpocketsfullofit，andtheyenjoyedapieceofgarlicwithasmuchrelishaswedoasugar—plum。Afterthisnonecanmaintainittobeapoison，thoughtheonlymedicinalvirtueitpossessesistoexcitetheappetite，becauseitactslikeatonicuponaweakstomach。
　　Thelieutenant—colonelcouldnotread，buthewasnotashamedofhisignorance，becausenotoneamongsthismen，exceptthepriestandthesurgeon，couldboastgreaterlearning。Everyman，officerorprivate，hadhispursefullofgold；halfofthem，atleast，weremarried，andwehadinthefortressacolonyoffiveorsixhundredwomen，withGodknowshowmanychildren！Ifeltgreatlyinterestedinthemall。Happyidleness！Ioftenregrettheebecausethouhastoftenofferedmenewsights，andforthesamereasonIhateoldagewhichneveroffersbutwhatIknowalready，unlessIshouldtakeupagazette，butIcarednothingfortheminmyyoungdays。
　　AloneinmyroomImadeaninventoryofmytrunk，andhavingputasideeverythingofanecclesiasticalcharacter，IsentforaJew，andsoldthewholeparcelunmercifully。ThenIwrotetoM。Rosa，enclosingalltheticketsofthearticlesIhadpledged，requestinghimtohavethemsoldwithoutanyexception，andtoforwardmethesurplusraisedbythesale。Thankstothatdoubleoperation，IwasenabledtogivemySclavonianservantthetensousallowedtomeeveryday。Anothersoldier，whohadbeenahair—dresser，tookcareofmyhairwhichIhadbeencompelledtoneglect，inconsequenceoftherulesoftheseminary。Ispentmytimeinwalkingaboutthefortandthroughthebarracks，andmytwoplacesofresortwerethemajor’sapartmentforsomeintellectualenjoyment，andtheroomsoftheAlbanianlieutenant—colonelforasprinklingoflove。TheAlbanianfeelingcertainthathiscolonelwouldbeappointedbrigadier，solicitedthecommandoftheregiment，buthehadarivalandhefearedhissuccess。Iwrotehimapetition，short，butsowellcomposedthatthesecretaryofwar，havingenquiredthenameoftheauthor，gavetheAlbanianhiscolonelcy。Onhisreturntothefort，thebravefellow，overjoyedathissuccess，huggedmeinhisarms，sayingthatheoweditalltome；heinvitedmetoafamilydinner，inwhichmyverysoulwasparchedbyhisgarlic，andhepresentedmewithtwelvebotargoesandtwopoundsofexcellentTurkishtobacco。
　　Theresultofmypetitionmadealltheotherofficersthinkthattheycouldnotsucceedwithouttheassistanceofmypen，andIwillinglygaveittoeverybody；thisentailedmanyquarrelsuponme，forI
　　servedallinterests，but，findingmyselftheluckypossessorofsomefortysequins，Iwasnolongerindreadofpoverty，andlaughedateverything。However，Imetwithanaccidentwhichmademepasssixweeksinaveryunpleasantcondition。
　　Onthe2ndofApril，thefatalanniversaryofmyfirstappearanceinthisworld，asIwasgettingupinthemorning，IreceivedinmyroomthevisitofaveryhandsomeGreekwoman，whotoldmethatherhusband，thenensignintheregiment，hadeveryrighttoclaimtherankoflieutenant，andthathewouldcertainlybeappointed，ifitwerenotfortheoppositionofhiscaptainwhowasagainsthim，becauseshehadrefusedhimcertainfavourswhichshecouldbestowonlyuponherhusband。Shehandedmesomecertificates，andbeggedmetowriteapetitionwhichshewouldpresentherselftothesecretaryofwar，addingthatshecouldonlyoffermeherheartinpayment。Iansweredthatherheartoughtnottogoalone；IactedasIhadspoken，andImetwithnootherresistancethantheobjectionwhichaprettywomanisalwayssuretofeignforthesakeofappearance。Afterthat，Itoldhertocomebackatnoon，andthatthepetitionwouldbeready。Shewasexacttotheappointment，andverykindlyrewardedmeasecondtime；andintheevening，underpretenceofsomealterationstobemadeinthepetition，sheaffordedanexcellentopportunityofreapingathirdrecompense。
　　But，alas！thepathofpleasureisnotstrewnonlywithroses！Onthethirdday，Ifoundout，muchtomydismay，thataserpenthadbeenhidundertheflowers。Sixweeksofcareandofrigiddietre—
　　establishedmyhealth。
　　WhenImetthehandsomeGreekagain，Iwasfoolishenoughtoreproachherforthepresentshehadbestoweduponme，butshebaffledmebylaughing，andsayingthatshehadonlyofferedmewhatshepossessed，andthatitwasmyownfaultifIhadnotbeensufficientlycareful。
　　Thereadercannotimaginehowmuchthisfirstmisfortunegrievedme，andwhatdeepshameIfelt。Ilookeduponmyselfasadishonouredman，andwhileIamonthatsubjectImayaswellrelateanincidentwhichwillgivesomeideaofmythoughtlessness。
　　MadameVida，themajor’ssister—in—law，beingalonewithmeonemorning，confidedinmeinamomentofunreservedconfidencewhatshehadtosufferfromthejealousdispositionofherhusband，andhiscrueltyinhavingallowedhertosleepaloneforthelastfouryears，whenshewasintheveryflowerofherage。
　　"ItrusttoGod，"sheadded，"thatmyhusbandwillnotfindoutthatyouhavespentanhouralonewithme，forIshouldneverheartheendofit。"
　　Feelingdeeplyforhergrief，andconfidencebegettingconfidence，I
　　wasstupidenoughtotellherthesadstatetowhichIhadbeenreducedbythecruelGreekwoman，assuringherthatIfeltmymiseryallthemoredeeply，becauseIshouldhavebeendelightedtoconsoleher，andtogivehertheopportunityofarevengeforherjealoushusband’scoldness。Atthisspeech，inwhichmysimplicityandgoodfaithcouldeasilybetraced，sherosefromherchair，andupbraidedmewitheveryinsultwhichanoutragedhonestwomanmighthurlattheheadofaboldlibertinewhohaspresumedtoofar。Astounded，butunderstandingperfectlywellthenatureofmycrime，Ibowedmyselfoutofherroom；butasIwasleavingitshetoldmeinthesameangrytonethatmyvisitswouldnotbewelcomeforthefuture，asI
　　wasaconceitedpuppy，unworthyofthesocietyofgoodandrespectablewomen。Itookcaretoanswerthatarespectablewomanwouldhavebeenrathermorereservedthanshehadbeeninherconfidences。OnreflectionIfeltprettysurethat，ifIhadbeeningoodhealth，orhadsaidnothingaboutmymishap，shewouldhavebeenbuttoohappytoreceivemyconsolations。
　　AfewdaysafterthatincidentIhadamuchgreatercausetoregretmyacquaintancewiththeGreekwoman。OnAscensionDay，astheceremonyoftheBucentaurwascelebratednearthefort，M。RosabroughtMadameOrioandhertwoniecestowitnessit，andIhadthepleasureoftreatingthemalltoagooddinnerinmyroom。Ifoundmyself，duringtheday，alonewithmyyoungfriendsinoneofthecasements，andtheybothloadedmewiththemostlovingcaressesandkisses。Ifeltthattheyexpectedsomesubstantialproofofmylove；
　　but，toconcealtherealstate，ofthings，Ipretendedtobeafraidofbeingsurprised，andtheyhadtobesatisfiedwithmyshallowexcuse。
　　IhadinformedmymotherbyletterofallIhadsufferedfromGrimani’streatment；sheansweredthatshehadwrittentohimonthesubject，thatshehadnodoubthewouldimmediatelysetmeatliberty，andthatanarrangementhadbeenenteredintobywhichM。
　　GrimaniwoulddevotethemoneyraisedbyRazettafromthesaleofthefurnituretothesettlementofasmallpatrimonyonmyyoungestbrother。ButinthismatterGrimanididnotacthonestly，forthepatrimonywasonlysettledthirteenyearsafterwards，andeventhenonlyinafictitiousmanner。Ishallhaveanopportunitylateronofmentioningthisunfortunatebrother，whodiedverypoorinRometwentyyearsago。
　　TowardsthemiddleofJunetheCimariotesweresentbacktotheEast，andaftertheirdeparturethegarrisonofthefortwasreducedtoitsusualnumber。Ibegantofeelwearyinthiscomparativesolitude，andIgavewaytoterriblefitsofpassion。
　　Theheatwasintense，andsodisagreeabletomethatIwrotetoM。
　　Grimani，askingfortwosummersuitsofclothes，andtellinghimwheretheywouldbefound，ifRazettahadnotsoldthem。AweekafterwardsIwasinthemajor’sapartmentwhenIsawthewretchRazettacomein，accompaniedbyamanwhomheintroducedasPetrillo，thecelebratedfavouriteoftheEmpressofRussia，justarrivedfromSt。Petersburg。Heoughttohavesaidinfamousinsteadofcelebrated，andclowninsteadoffavourite。
　　Themajorinvitedthemtotakeaseat，andRazetta，receivingaparcelfromGrimani’sgondolier，handedittome，saying，"Ihavebroughtyouyourrags；takethem。"
　　Ianswered:
　　"SomedayIwillbringyoua’rigano’:"
　　Atthesewordsthescoundreldaredtoraisehiscane，buttheindignantmajorcompelledhimtolowerhistonebyaskinghimwhetherhehadanywishtopassthenightintheguard—house。Petrillo，whohadnotyetopenedhislips，toldmethenthathewassorrynottohavefoundmeinVenice，asImighthaveshewnhimroundcertainplaceswhichmustbewellknowntome。
　　"Verylikelyweshouldhavemetyourwifeinsuchplaces，"
　　Ianswered。
　　"Iamagoodjudgeoffaces，"hesaid，"andIcanseethatyouareatruegallows—bird。"
　　Iwastremblingwithrage，andthemajor，whosharedmyutterdisgust，toldthemthathehadbusinesstotransact，andtheytooktheirleave。ThemajorassuredmethatonthefollowingdayhewouldgotothewarofficetocomplainofRazetta，andthathewouldhavehimpunishedforhisinsolence。
　　Iremainedalone，apreytofeelingsofthedeepestindignation，andtoamostardentthirstforrevenge。
　　Thefortresswasentirelysurroundedbywater，andmywindowswerenotoverlookedbyanyofthesentinels。AboatcomingundermywindowscouldthereforeeasilytakemetoVeniceduringthenightandbringmebacktothefortressbeforeday—break。Allthatwasnecessarywastofindaboatmanwho，foracertainamount，wouldriskthegalleysincaseofdiscovery。Amongstseveralwhobroughtprovisionstothefort，Ichoseaboatmanwhosecountenancepleasedme，andIofferedhimonesequin；hepromisedtoletmeknowhisdecisiononthefollowingday。Hewastruetohistime，anddeclaredhimselfreadytotakeme。Heinformedmethat，beforedecidingtoserveme，hehadwishedtoknowwhetherIwaskeptinthefortforanygreatcrime，butasthewifeofthemajorhadtoldhimthatmyimprisonmenthadbeencausedbyverytriflingfrolics，Icouldrelyuponhim。Wearrangedthatheshouldbeundermywindowatthebeginningofthenight，andthathisboatshouldbeprovidedwithamastlongenoughtoenablemetoslidealongitfromthewindowtotheboat。
　　Theappointedhourcame，andeverythingbeingreadyIgotsafelyintotheboat，landedattheSclavonianquay，orderedtheboatmantowaitforme，andwrappedupinamariner’scloakItookmywaystraighttothegateofSaint—Sauveur，andengagedthewaiterofacoffee—roomtotakemetoRazetta’shouse。
　　Beingquitecertainthathewouldnotbeathomeatthattime，Irangthebell，andIheardmysister’svoicetellingmethatifIwantedtoseehimImustcallinthemorning。Satisfiedwiththis，Iwenttothefootofthebridgeandsatdown，waitingtheretoseewhichwayhewouldcome，andafewminutesbeforemidnightIsawhimadvancingfromthesquareofSaint—Paul。ItwasallIwantedtoknow；Iwentbacktomyboatandreturnedtothefortwithoutanydifficulty。Atfiveo’clockinthemorningeveryoneinthegarrisoncouldseemeenjoyingmywalkontheplatform。
　　Takingallthetimenecessarytomaturemyplans，Imadethefollowingarrangementstosecuremyrevengewithperfectsafety，andtoproveanalibiincaseIshouldkillmyrascallyenemy，asitwasmyintentiontodo。Thedayprecedingthenightfixedformyexpedition，IwalkedaboutwiththesonoftheAdjutantZen，whowasonlytwelveyearsold，butwhoamusedmemuchbyhisshrewdness。Thereaderwillmeethimagainintheyear1771。AsIwaswalkingwithhim，Ijumpeddownfromoneofthebastions，andfeignedtosprainmyankle。Twosoldierscarriedmetomyroom，andthesurgeonofthefort，thinkingthatIwassufferingfromaluxation，orderedmetokeeptobed，andwrappeduptheankleintowelssaturatedwithcamphoratedspiritsofwine。Everybodycametoseeme，andI
　　requestedthesoldierwhoservedmetoremainandtosleepinmyroom。Iknewthataglassofbrandywasenoughtostupefytheman，andtomakehimsleepsoundly。AssoonasIsawhimfastasleep，I
　　beggedthesurgeonandthechaplain，whohadhisroomovermine，toleaveme，andathalf—pasttenIloweredmyselfintheboat。
　　AssoonasIreachedVenice，Iboughtastoutcudgel，andIsatmyselfdownonadoor—step，atthecornerofthestreetnearSaint—
　　Paul’sSquare。Anarrowcanalattheendofthestreet，was，I
　　thought，theveryplacetothrowmyenemyin。Thatcanalhasnowdisappeared。
　　AtaquarterbeforetwelveIseeRazetta，walkingalongleisurely。I
　　comeoutofthestreetwithrapidstrides，keepingnearthewalltocompelhimtomakeroomforme，andIstrikeafirstblowonthehead，andasecondonhisarm；thethirdblowsendshimtumblinginthecanal，howlingandscreamingmyname。AtthesameinstantaForlan，orcitizenofForli，comesoutofahouseonmyleftsidewithalanterninhishand。Ablowfrommycudgelknocksthelanternoutofhisgrasp，andtheman，frightenedoutofhiswits，takestohisheels。Ithrowawaymystick，Irunatfullspeedthroughthesquareandoverthebridge，andwhilepeoplearehasteningtowardsthespotwherethedisturbancehadtakenplace，Ijumpintotheboat，and，thankstoastrongbreezeswellingoursail，Igetbacktothefortress。Twelveo’clockwasstrikingasIre—enteredmyroomthroughthewindow。Iquicklyundressmyself，andthemomentIaminmybedIwakeupthesoldierbymyloudscreams，tellinghimtogoforthesurgeon，asIamdyingofthecolic。
　　Thechaplain，rousedbymyscreaming，comesdownandfindsmeinconvulsions。Inthehopethatsomediascordiumwouldrelieveme，thegoodoldmanrunstohisroomandbringsit，butwhilehehasgoneforsomewaterIhidethemedicine。Afterhalfanhourofwryfaces，IsaythatIfeelmuchbetter，andthankingallmyfriends，Ibegthemtoretire，whicheveryonedoes，wishingmeaquietsleep。
　　ThenextmorningIcouldnotgetupinconsequenceofmysprainedankle，althoughIhadsleptverywell；themajorwaskindenoughtocalluponmebeforegoingtoVenice，andhesaidthatverylikelymycolichadbeencausedbythemelonIhadeatenformydinnerthedaybefore。
　　Themajorreturnedatoneo’clockintheafternoon。"Ihavegoodnewstogiveyou，"hesaidtome，withajoyfullaugh。"Razettawassoundlycudgelledlastnightandthrownintoacanal。"
　　"Hashebeenkilled？"
　　"No；butIamgladofitforyoursake，forhisdeathwouldmakeyourpositionmuchmoreserious。Youareaccusedofhavingdoneit。"
　　"Iamverygladpeoplethinkmeguilty；itissomethingofarevenge，butitwillberatherdifficulttobringithometome。"
　　"Verydifficult！Allthesame，Razettaswearsherecognizedyou，andthesamedeclarationismadebytheForlanwhosaysthatyoustruckhishandtomakehimdrophislantern。Razetta’snoseisbroken，threeofhisteetharegone，andhisrightarmisseverelyhurt。Youhavebeenaccusedbeforetheavogador，andM。Grimanihaswrittentothewarofficetocomplainofyourreleasefromthefortresswithouthisknowledge。Iarrivedattheofficejustintime。ThesecretarywasreadingGrimani’sletter，andIassuredhisexcellencythatitwasafalsereport，forIleftyouinbedthismorning，sufferingfromasprainedankle。Itoldhimlikewisethatattwelveo’clocklastnightyouwereveryneardeathfromasevereattackofcolic。"
　　"WasitatmidnightthatRazettawassowelltreated？"
　　"Sosaystheofficialreport。ThewarsecretarywroteatoncetoM。
　　Grimaniandinformedhimthatyouhavenotleftthefort，andthatyouareevennowdetainedinit，andthattheplaintiffisatliberty，ifhechooses，tosendcommissariestoascertainthefact。
　　Therefore，mydearabbe，youmustprepareyourselfforaninterrogatory。"
　　"Iexpectit，andIwillanswerthatIamverysorrytobeinnocent。"
　　Threedaysafterwards，acommissarycametothefortwithaclerkofthecourt，andtheproceedingsweresoonover。EverybodyknewthatI
　　hadsprainedmyankle；thechaplain，thesurgeon，mybody—servant，andseveralotherssworethatatmidnightIwasinbedsufferingfromcolic。Myalibibeingthoroughlyproved，theavogadorsentencedRazettaandtheForlantopayallexpenseswithoutprejudicetomyrightsofaction。
　　Afterthisjudgment，themajoradvisedmetoaddresstothesecretaryofwarapetitionwhichheundertooktodeliverhimself，andtoclaimmyreleasefromthefort。IgavenoticeofmyproceedingstoM。
　　Grimani，andaweekafterwardsthemajortoldmethatIwasfree，andthathewouldhimselftakemetotheabbe。Itwasatdinnertime，andinthemiddleofsomeamusingconversation，thatheimpartedthatpieceofinformation。Notsupposinghimtobeinearnest，andinordertokeepupthejoke，ItoldhimverypolitelythatIpreferredhishousetoVenice，andthat，toproveit，Iwouldbehappytoremainaweeklonger，ifhewouldgrantmepermissiontodoso。I
　　wastakenatmyword，andeverybodyseemedverypleased。Butwhen，twohourslater，thenewswasconfirmed，andIcouldnolongerdoubtthetruthofmyrelease，IrepentedtheweekwhichIhadsofoolishlythrownawayasapresenttothemajor；yetIhadnotthecouragetobreakmyword，foreverybody，andparticularlyhiswife，hadshownsuchunaffectedpleasure，itwouldhavebeencontemptibleofmetochangemymind。ThegoodwomanknewthatIowedhereverykindnesswhichIhadenjoyed，andshemighthavethoughtmeungrateful。
　　ButImetinthefortwithalastadventure，whichImustnotforgettorelate。
　　Onthefollowingday，anofficerdressedinthenationaluniformcalleduponthemajor，accompaniedbyanelderlymanofaboutsixtyyearsofage，wearingasword，and，presentingtothemajoradispatchwiththesealofthewaroffice，hewaitedforananswer，andwentawayassoonashehadreceivedonefromthegovernor。
　　Aftertheofficerhadtakenleave，themajor，addressinghimselftotheelderlygentleman，towhomhegavethetitleofcount，toldhimthathisordersweretokeephimaprisoner，andthathegavehimthewholeofthefortforhisprison。Thecountofferedhimhissword，butthemajornoblyrefusedtotakeit，andescortedhimtotheroomhewastooccupy。Soonafter，aservantinliverybroughtabedandatrunk，andthenextmorningthesameservant，knockingatmydoor，toldmethathismasterbeggedthehonourofmycompanytobreakfast。
　　Iacceptedtheinvitation，andhereceivedmewiththesewords:
　　"Dearsir，therehasbeensomuchtalkinVeniceabouttheskillwithwhichyouprovedyourincrediblealibi，thatIcouldnothelpaskingforthehonourofyouracquaintance。"
　　"But，count，thealibibeingatrueone，therecanbenoskillrequiredtoproveit。Allowmetosaythatthosewhodoubtitstrutharepayingmeaverypoorcompliment，for——"
　　"Nevermind；donotletustalkanymoreofthat，andforgiveme。
　　Butaswehappentobecompanionsinmisfortune，Itrustyouwillnotrefusemeyourfriendship。Nowforbreakfast。"
　　Afterourmeal，thecount，whohadheardfrommesomeportionofmyhistory，thoughtthatmyconfidencecalledforareturnonhispart，andhebegan:"IamtheCountdeBonafede。InmyearlydaysIservedunderPrinceEugene，butIgaveupthearmy，andenteredonacivilcareerinAustria。IhadtoflyfromAustriaandtakerefugeinBavariainconsequenceofanunfortunateduel。InMunichImadetheacquaintanceofayoungladybelongingtoanoblefamily；IelopedwithherandbroughthertoVenice，whereweweremarried。IhavenowbeentwentyyearsinVenice。Ihavesixchildren，andeverybodyknowsme。AboutaweekagoIsentmyservanttothepostofficeformyletters，buttheywererefusedhimbecausehehadnotanymoneytopaythepostage。Iwentmyself，buttheclerkwouldnotdelivermemyletters，althoughIassuredhimthatIwouldpayforthemthenexttime。Thismademeangry，andIcalledupontheBarondeTaxis，thepostmaster，andcomplainedoftheclerk，butheansweredveryrudelythattheclerkhadsimplyobeyedhisorders，andthatmyletterswouldonlybedeliveredonpaymentofthepostage。Ifeltveryindignant，butasIwasinhishouseIcontrolledmyanger，wenthome，andwroteanotetohimaskinghimtogivemesatisfactionforhisrudeness，tellinghimthatIwouldnevergooutwithoutmysword，andthatIwouldforcehimtofightwheneverandwhereverIshouldmeethim。Inevercameacrosshim，butyesterdayIwasaccostedbythesecretaryoftheinquisitors，whotoldmethatImustforgetthebaron’srudeconduct，andgoundertheguidanceofanofficerwhomhepointedouttome，toimprisonmyselfforaweekinthisfortress。I
　　shallthushavethepleasureofspendingthattimewithyou:’
　　ItoldhimthatIhadbeenfreeforthelasttwenty—fourhours，butthattoshewmygratitudeforhisfriendlyconfidenceIwouldfeelhonouredifhewouldallowmetokeephimcompany。AsIhadalreadyengagedmyselfwiththemajor，thiswasonlyapolitefalsehood。
　　IntheafternoonIhappenedtobewithhimonthetowerofthefort，andpointedoutagondolaadvancingtowardsthelowergate；hetookhisspy—glassandtoldmethatitwashiswifeanddaughtercomingtoseehim。Wewenttomeettheladies，oneofwhommightoncehavebeenworththetroubleofanelopement；theother，ayoungpersonbetweenfourteenandsixteen，struckmeasabeautyofanewstyle。
　　Herhairwasofabeautifullightauburn，hereyeswereblueandveryfine，hernoseaRoman，andherprettymouth，half—openandlaughing，exposedasetofteethaswhiteashercomplexion，althoughabeautifulrosytintsomewhatveiledthewhitenessofthelast。Herfigurewassoslightthatitseemedoutofnature，butherperfectly—
　　formedbreastappearedanaltaronwhichthegodoflovewouldhavedelightedtobreathethesweetestincense。Thissplendidchestwas，however，notyetwellfurnished，butinmyimaginationIgaveheralltheembonpointwhichmighthavebeendesired，andIwassopleasedthatIcouldnottakemylooksfromher。Imethereyes，andherlaughingcountenanceseemedtosaytome:"Onlywaitfortwoyears，attheutmost，andallthatyourimaginationisnowcreatingwillthenexistinreality。"
　　Shewaselegantlydressedintheprevalentfashion，withlargehoops，andlikethedaughtersofthenobilitywhohavenotyetattainedtheageofpuberty，althoughtheyoungcountesswasmarriageable。Ihadneverdaredtostaresoopenlyatthebosomofayoungladyofquality，butIthoughttherewasnoharminfixingmyeyesonaspotwheretherewasnothingyetbutinexpectation。
　　Thecount，afterhavingexchangedafewwordsinGermanwithhiswife，presentedmeinthemostflatteringmanner，andIwasreceivedwithgreatpoliteness。Themajorjoinedus，deemingithisdutytoescortthecountessalloverthefortress，andIimprovedtheexcellentopportunitythrowninmywaybytheinferiorityofmyposition；Iofferedmyarmtotheyounglady，andthecountleftustogotohisroom。
　　IwasstillanadeptintheoldVenetianfashionofattendinguponladies，andtheyoungcountessthoughtmeratherawkward，thoughI
　　believedmyselfveryfashionablewhenIplacedmyhandunderherarm，butshedrewitbackinhighmerriment。Hermotherturnedroundtoenquirewhatshewaslaughingat，andIwasterriblyconfusedwhenI
　　heardheranswerthatIhadtickledher。
　　"Thisisthewaytoofferyourarmtoalady，"shesaid，andshepassedherhandthroughmyarm，whichIroundedinthemostclumsymanner，feelingitaverydifficulttasktoresumeadignifiedcountenance。Thinkingmeanoviceofthemostinnocentspecies，sheverylikelydeterminedtomakesportofme。ShebeganbyremarkingthatbyroundingmyarmasIhaddoneIplacedittoofarfromherwaist，andthatIwasconsequentlyoutofdrawing。ItoldherIdidnotknowhowtodraw，andinquiredwhetheritwasoneofheraccomplishments。
　　"Iamlearning，"sheanswered，"andwhenyoucalluponusIwillshewyouAdamandEve，aftertheChevalierLiberi；Ihavemadeacopywhichhasbeenfoundveryfinebysomeprofessors，althoughtheydidnotknowitwasmywork。"
　　"Whydidyounottellthem？"
　　"Becausethosetwofiguresaretoonaked。"
　　"IamnotcurioustoseeyourAdam，butIwilllookatyourEvewithpleasure，andkeepyoursecret。"
　　Thisanswermadeherlaughagain，andagainhermotherturnedround。
　　Iputonthelookofasimpleton，for，seeingtheadvantageIcouldderivefromheropinionofme，Ihadformedmyplanattheverymomentshetriedtoteachmehowtooffermyarmtoalady。
　　ShewassoconvincedofmysimplicitythatsheventuredtosaythatsheconsideredherAdambyfarmorebeautifulthanherEve，becauseinherdrawingofthemanshehadomittednothing，everymusclebeingvisible，whiletherewasnoneconspicuousinEve。"Itis，"sheadded，"afigurewithnothinginit。"
　　"YetitistheonewhichIshalllikebest。"
　　"No；believeme，Adamwillpleaseyoumost。"
　　Thisconversationhadgreatlyexcitedme。Ihadonapairoflinenbreeches，theweatherbeingverywarm……Iwasafraidofthemajorandthecountess，whowereafewyardsinfrontofus，turninground……Iwasonthorns。Tomakemattersworse，theyoungladystumbled，oneofhershoesslippedoff，andpresentingmeherprettyfootsheaskedmetoputtheshoeright。Ikneltontheground，and，verylikelywithoutthinking，sheliftedupherskirt……shehadverywidehoopsandnopetticoat……whatIsawwasenoughtostrikemedeadonthespot……WhenIrose，sheaskedifanythingwasthematterwithme。
　　Amomentafter，comingoutofoneofthecasemates，herhead—dressgotslightlyoutoforder，andshebeggedthatIwouldremedytheaccident，but，havingtobendherheaddown，thestateinwhichIwascouldnolongerremainasecretforher。Inordertoavoidgreaterconfusiontobothofus，sheenquiredwhohadmademywatchribbon；I
　　toldheritwasapresentfrommysister，andshedesiredtoexamineit，butwhenIansweredherthatitwasfastenedtothefob—pocket，andfoundthatshedisbelievedme，Iaddedthatshecouldseeforherself。Sheputherhandtoit，andanaturalbutinvoluntaryexcitementcausedmetobeveryindiscreet。Shemusthavefeltvexed，forshesawthatshehadmadeamistakeinherestimateofmycharacter；shebecamemoretimid，shewouldnotlaughanymore，andwejoinedhermotherandthemajorwhowasshewingher，inasentry—
　　box，thebodyofMarshaldeSchulenburgwhichhadbeendepositedthereuntilthemausoleumerectedforhimwascompleted。Asformyself，Ifeltdeeplyashamed。Ithoughtmyselfthefirstmanwhohadalarmedherinnocence，andIfeltreadytodoanythingtoatonefortheinsult。
　　Suchwasmydelicacyoffeelinginthosedays。Iusedtocreditpeoplewithexaltedsentiments，whichoftenexistedonlyinmyimagination。Imustconfessthattimehasentirelydestroyedthatdelicacy；yetIdonotbelievemyselfworsethanothermen，myequalsinageandinexperience。
　　Wereturnedtothecount’sapartment，andthedaypassedoffrathergloomily。Towardseveningtheladieswentaway，butthecountessgavemeapressinginvitationtocallupontheminVenice。
　　Theyounglady，whomIthoughtIhadinsulted，hadmadesuchadeepimpressionuponmethatthesevenfollowingdaysseemedverylong；
　　yetIwasimpatienttoseeheragainonlythatImightentreatherforgiveness，andconvinceherofmyrepentance。
　　Thefollowingdaythecountwasvisitedbyhisson；hewasplain—
　　featured，butathoroughgentleman，andmodestwithal。Twenty—fiveyearsafterwardsImethiminSpain，acadetintheking’sbody—
　　guard。Hehadservedasaprivatetwentyyearsbeforeobtainingthispoorpromotion。Thereaderwillhearofhimingoodtime；IwillonlymentionherethatwhenImethiminSpain，hestoodmeoutthatIhadneverknownhim；hisself—lovepromptedthisverycontemptiblelie。
　　Earlyontheeighthdaythecountleftthefortress，andItookmydeparturethesameevening，havingmadeanappointmentatacoffee—
　　houseinSt。Mark’sSquarewiththemajorwhowastoaccompanymetoM。Grimani’shouse。Itookleaveofhiswife，whosememorywillalwaysbedeartome，andshesaid，"Ithankyouforyourskillinprovingyouralibi，butyouhavealsotothankmeforhavingunderstoodyousowell。Myhusbandneverheardanythingaboutituntilitwasallover。"
　　AssoonasIreachedVenice，IwenttopayavisittoMadameOrio，whereIwasmadewelcome。Iremainedtosupper，andmytwocharmingsweetheartswhowereprayingforthedeathofthebishop，gavemethemostdelightfulhospitalityforthenight。
　　AtnoonthenextdayImetthemajoraccordingtoourappointment，andwecalledupontheAbbeGrimani。Hereceivedmewiththeairofaguiltymanbeggingformercy，andIwasastoundedathisstupiditywhenheentreatedmetoforgiveRazettaandhiscompanion。Hetoldmethatthebishopwasexpectedverysoon，andthathehadorderedaroomtobereadyforme，andthatIcouldtakemymealswithhim。
　　ThenheintroducedmetoM。Valavero，amanoftalent，whohadjustlefttheministryofwar，histermofofficehavinglastedtheusualsixmonths。Ipaidmydutytohim，andwekeptupakindofdesultoryconversationuntilthedepartureofthemajor。WhenhehadleftusM。ValaveroentreatedmetoconfessthatIhadbeentheguiltypartyintheattackuponRazetta。Icandidlytoldhimthatthethrashinghadbeenmyhandiwork，andIgavehimalltheparticulars，whichamusedhimimmensely。Heremarkedthat，asIhadperpetratedtheaffairbeforemidnight，thefoolshadmadeamistakeintheiraccusation；butthat，afterall，themistakehadnotmateriallyhelpedmeinprovingthealibi，becausemysprainedankle，whicheverybodyhadsupposedarealaccident，wouldofitselfhavebeensufficient。
　　ButItrustthatmykindreaderhasnotforgottenthatIhadaveryheavyweightuponmyconscience，ofwhichIlongedtogetrid。Ihadtoseethegoddessofmyfancy，toobtainmypardon，ordieatherfeet。
　　Ifoundthehousewithoutdifficulty；thecountwasnotathome。Thecountessreceivedmeverykindly，butherappearancecausedmesogreatasurprisethatIdidnotknowwhattosaytoher。IhadfanciedthatIwasgoingtovisitanangel，thatIwouldfindherinalovelyparadise，andIfoundmyselfinalargesitting—roomfurnishedwithfourricketychairsandadirtyoldtable。Therewashardlyanylightintheroombecausetheshutterswerenearlyclosed。
　　Itmighthavebeenaprecautionagainsttheheat，butIjudgedthatitwasmoreprobablyforthepurposeofconcealingthewindows，theglassofwhichwasallbroken。Butthisvisibledarknessdidnotpreventmefromremarkingthatthecountesswaswrappedupinanoldtatteredgown，andthatherchemisedidnotshinebyitscleanliness。
　　SeeingthatIwasillatease，shelefttheroom，sayingthatshewouldsendherdaughter，who，afewminutesafterwards，cameinwithaneasyandnobleappearance，andtoldmethatshehadexpectedmewithgreatimpatience，butthatIhadsurprisedheratatimeatwhichshewasnotinthehabitofreceivinganyvisits。
　　Ididnotknowwhattoanswer，forshedidnotseemtometobethesameperson。Hermiserabledishabillemadeherlookalmostugly，andIwonderedattheimpressionshehadproduceduponmeatthefortress。Shesawmysurprise，andpartlyguessedmythoughts，forsheputonalook，notofvexation，butofsorrowwhichcalledforthallmypity。Ifshehadbeenaphilosophershemighthaverightlydespisedmeasamanwhosesympathywasenlistedonlybyherfinedress，hernobility，orherapparentwealth；butsheendeavouredtobringmeroundbyhersincerity。Shefeltthatifshecouldcallalittlesentimentintoplay，itwouldcertainlypleadinherfavour。
　　"Iseethatyouareastonished，reverendsir，andIknowthereasonofyoursurprise。Youexpectedtoseegreatsplendourhere，andyoufindonlymisery。Thegovernmentallowsmyfatherbutasmallsalary，andtherearenineofus。AswemustattendchurchonSundaysandholidaysinastylepropertoourcondition，weareoftencompelledtogowithoutourdinner，inordertogetoutofpledgetheclotheswhichurgentneedtoooftenobligesustopartwith，andwhichwepledgeanewonthefollowingday。Ifwedidnotattendmass，thecuratewouldstrikeournamesoffthelistofthosewhosharethealmsoftheConfraternityofthePoor，andthosealmsalonekeepusafloat。"
　　Whatasadtale！Shehadguessedrightly。Iwastouched，butratherwithshamethantrueemotion。Iwasnotrichmyself，and，asIwasnolongerinlove，Ionlyheavedadeepsigh，andremainedascoldasice。Nevertheless，herpositionwaspainful，andIansweredpolitely，speakingwithkindnessandassuringherofmysympathy。
　　"WereIwealthy，"Isaid，"Iwouldsoonshewyouthatyourtaleofwoehasnotfallenonunfeelingears；butIampoor，and，beingattheeveofmydeparturefromVenice，evenmyfriendshipwouldbeuselesstoyou。"Then，aftersomedesultorytalk，Iexpressedahopethatherbeautywouldyetwinhappinessforher。Sheseemedtoconsiderforafewminutes，andsaid，"Thatmayhappensomeday，providedthatthemanwhofeelsthepowerofmycharmsunderstandsthattheycanbebestowedonlywithmyheart，andiswillingtorendermethejusticeIdeserve；Iamonlylookingforalawfulmarriage，withoutdreamingofrankorfortune；Inolongerbelieveinthefirst，andIknowhowtolivewithoutthesecond；forIhavebeenaccustomedtopoverty，andeventoabjectneed；butyoucannotrealizethat。Comeandseemydrawings。"
　　"Youareverygood，mademoiselle。"
　　Alas！Iwasnotthinkingofherdrawings，andIcouldnolongerfeelinterestedinherEve，butIfollowedher。
　　WecametoachamberinwhichIsawatable，achair，asmalltoilet—
　　glassandabedwiththestrawpalliasseturnedover，verylikelyforthepurposeofallowingthelooker—ontosupposethatthereweresheetsunderneath，butIwasparticularlydisgustedbyacertainsmell，thecauseofwhichwasrecent；Iwasthunderstruck，andifI
　　hadbeenstillinlove，thisantidotewouldhavebeensufficientlypowerfultocuremeinstanter。Iwishedfornothingbuttomakemyescape，nevertoreturn，andIregrettedthatIcouldnotthrowonthetableahandfulofducats，whichIshouldhaveconsideredthepriceofmyransom。
　　Thepoorgirlshewedme。herdrawings；theywerefine，andIpraisedthem，withoutalludingparticularlytoEve，andwithoutventuringajokeuponAdam。Iaskedher，forthesakeofsayingsomething，whyshedidnottrytorenderhertalentremunerativebylearningpasteldrawing。
　　"IwishIcould，"sheanswered，"buttheboxofchalksalonecoststwosequins。"
　　"WillyouforgivemeifIamboldenoughtoofferyousix？"
　　"Alas！Iacceptthemgratefully，andtobeindebtedtoyouforsuchaservicemakesmetrulyhappy。"
　　Unabletokeepbackhertears，sheturnedherheadroundtoconcealthemfromme，andItookthatopportunityoflayingthemoneyonthetable，andoutofpoliteness，wishingtosparehereveryunnecessaryhumiliation，Isalutedherlipswithakisswhichshewasatlibertytoconsideralovingone，asIwantedhertoascribemyreservetotherespectIfeltforher。Ithenleftherwithapromisetocallanotherdaytoseeherfather。Ineverkeptmypromise。ThereaderwillseehowImetheragainaftertenyears。
　　HowmanythoughtscrowdeduponmymindasIleftthathouse！Whatalesson！Icomparedrealitywiththeimagination，andIhadtogivethepreferencetothelast，asrealityisalwaysdependentonit。I
　　thenbegantoforseeatruthwhichhasbeenclearlyprovedtomeinmyafterlife，namely，thatloveisonlyafeelingofcuriositymoreorlessintense，graftedupontheinclinationplacedinusbynaturethatthespeciesmaybepreserved。Andtruly，womanislikeabook，which，goodorbad，mustatfirstpleaseusbythefrontispiece。Ifthisisnotinteresting，wedonotfeelanywishtoreadthebook，andourwishisindirectproportiontotheinterestwefeel。Thefrontispieceofwomanrunsfromtoptobottomlikethatofabook，andherfeet，whicharemostimportanttoeverymanwhosharesmytaste，offerthesameinterestastheeditionofthework。Ifitistruethatmostamateursbestowlittleornoattentionuponthefeetofawoman，itislikewiseafactthatmostreaderscarelittleornothingwhetherabookisofthefirsteditionorthetenth。Atallevents，womenarequiterighttotakethegreatestcareoftheirface，oftheirdress，oftheirgeneralappearance；foritisonlybythatpartofthefrontispiecethattheycancallforthawishtoreadtheminthosemenwhohavenotbeenendowedbynaturewiththeprivilegeofblindness。Andjustinthesamemannerthatmen，whohavereadagreatmanybooks，arecertaintofeelatlastadesireforperusingnewworkseveniftheyarebad，amanwhohasknownmanywomen，andallhandsomewomen，feelsatlastacuriosityforuglyspecimenswhenhemeetswithentirelynewones。Itisallverywellforhiseyetodiscoverthepaintwhichconcealsthereality，buthispassionhasbecomeavice，andsuggestssomeargumentinfavourofthelyingfrontispiece。Itispossible，atleasthethinksso，thattheworkmayprovebetterthanthetitle—page，andtherealitymoreacceptablethanthepaintwhichhidesit。Hethentriestoperusethebook，buttheleaveshavenotbeenopened；hemeetswithsomeresistance，thelivingbookmustbereadaccordingtoestablishedrules，andthebook—wormfallsavictimtoacoquetry，themonsterwhichpersecutesallthosewhomakeabusinessoflove。Asforthee，intelligentman，whohastreadthefewprecedinglines，letmetelltheethat，iftheydonotassistinopeningthyeyes，thouartlost；