"WhatareyougoingtodoinRome？"saidhe，indifferently。
"IamgoingtobegthePopetousehisinfluenceinmyfavourwiththeStateInquisitorsatVenice。"
Itwasnotthetruth，butonelieisasgoodasanother，andifI
hadsaidIwasonlygoingforamusement’ssakehewouldnothavebelievedme。Totellthetruthtoanunbelievingmanistoprostitute，tomurderit。Hethenbeggedmetoenterintoacorrespondencewithhim，andasthatboundmetonothingIagreedtodoso。
"Icangiveyouamarkofmyfriendship，"saidhe，"byintroducingyoutotheMarquisdeBotta—Adamo，GovernorofTuscany；heissupposedtobeafriendoftheregent’s。"
Iacceptedhisoffergratefully，andhebegantosoundmeaboutTherese，butfoundmylipsastightlyclosedasthelidofamiser’scoffer。ItoldhimshewasachildwhenImadetheacquaintanceofherfamilyatBologna，andthattheresemblancebetweenherbrotherandmyselfwasamereaccident——afreakofnature。Hehappenedtocatchsightofawell—writtenmanuscriptonthetable，andaskedmeifthatsuperbwritingwasmysecretary’s。Costa，whowaspresent，answeredinSpanishthathewroteit。Gamaoverwhelmedhimwithcompliments，andbeggedmetosendCostatohimtocopysomeletters。Iguessedthathewantedtopumphimaboutme，andsaidthatIneededhisservicesalltheday。
"Well，well，saidtheabbe，"anothertimewilldo。"Igavehimnoanswer。Suchisthecharacterofthecurious。
Iamnotreferringtothatcuriositywhichdependsontheoccultsciences，andendeavourstopryintothefuture——thedaughterofignoranceandsuperstition，itsvictimsareeitherfoolishorignorant。ButtheAbbeGamawasneither；hewasnaturallycurious，andhisemploymentmadehimstillmoreso，forhewaspaidtofindouteverything。Hewasadiplomatist；ifhehadbeenalittlelowerdowninthesocialscalehewouldhavebeentreatedasaspy。
Heleftmetopaysomecalls，promisingtobebackbydinner—time。
Dr。Vanninibroughtmeanotherservant，ofthesameheightasthefirst，andengagedthatheshouldobeyordersandguessnothing。
Ithankedtheacademicianandinn—keeper，andorderedhimtogetmeasumptuousdinner。
TheCorticelliwasthefirsttoarrive，bringingwithherherbrother，aneffeminate—lookingyoungman，whoplayedtheviolinmoderatelywell，andhermother，whoinformedmethatsheneverallowedherdaughtertodineoutwithoutherselfandherson。
"Thenyoucantakeherbackagainthisinstant，"saidI，"ortakethisducattodinesomewhereelse，asIdon’twantyourcompanyoryourson’s。"
Shetooktheducat，sayingthatshewassureshewasleavingherdaughteringoodhands。
"Youmaybesureofthat，"saidI，"sobeoff。"
ThedaughtermadesuchwittyobservationsontheabovedialoguethatIcouldnothelplaughing，andIbegantobeinlovewithher。Shewasonlythirteen，andwassosmallthatshelookedten。
Shewaswell—made，lively，witty，andfairerthanisusualwithItalianwomen，buttothisdayIcannotconceivehowIfellinlovewithher。
Theyoungwantonbeggedmetoprotectheragainstthemanageroftheopera，whowasaJew。Intheagreementshehadmadewithhimhehadengagedtoletherdancea’pasdedeux’inthesecondopera，andhehadnotkepthisword。ShebeggedmetocompeltheJewtofulfilhisengagement，andIpromisedtodoso。
ThenextguestwasRedegonde，whocamefromParma。Shewasatall，handsomewoman，andCostatoldmeshewasthesisterofmynewfootman。AfterIhadtalkedwithherfortwoorthreeminutesIfoundherremarkswellworthyofattention。
ThencametheAbbeGama，whocongratulatedmeonbeingseatedbetweentwoprettygirls。Imadehimtakemyplace，andhebegantoentertainthemasiftothemannerborn；andthoughthegirlswerelaughingathim，hewasnotintheleastdisconcerted。Hethoughthewasamusingthem，andonwatchinghisexpressionIsawthathisself—esteempreventedhimseeingthathewasmakingafoolofhimself；butIdidnotguessthatImightmakethesamemistakeathisage。
Wretchedistheoldmanwhowillnotrecognizehisoldage；
wretchedunlesshelearnthatthesexwhomheseducedsooftenwhenhewasyoungwilldespisehimnowifhestillattemptstogaintheirfavour。
MyfairTherese，withherhusbandandmyson，wasthelasttoarrive。IkissedThereseandthenmyson，andsatdownbetweenthem，whisperingtoTheresethatsuchadearmysterioustrinitymustnotbeparted；atwhichTheresesmiledsweetly。TheabbesatdownbetweenRedegondeandtheCorticelli，andamusedusallthetimebyhisagreeableconversation。
IlaughedinternallywhenIobservedhowrespectfullymynewfootmanchangedhissister’splate，whoappearedvainofhonourstowhichherbrothercouldlaynoclaim。Shewasnotkind；shewhisperedtome，sothathecouldnothear，——
"Heisagoodfellow，butunfortunatelyheisratherstupid。"
Ihadputinmypocketasuperbgoldsnuff—box，richlyenamelledandadornedwithaperfectlikenessofmyself。IhadhaditmadeatParis，withtheintentionofgivingittoMadamed’Urfe，andI
hadnotdonesobecausethepainterhadmademetooyoung。IhadfilleditwithsomeexcellentHavanasnuffwhichM。deChavignyhadgivenme，andofwhichTheresewasveryfond；IwaswaitingforhertoaskmeforapinchbeforeIdrewitoutofmypocket。
TheAbbeGama，whohadsomeexceedinglygoodsnuffinanOrigonelabox，sentapinchtoTherese，andshesenthimhersnuffinatortoise—shellboxencrustedwithgoldinarabesques——anexquisitepieceofworkmanship。GamacriticisedTherese’ssnuff，whileI
saidthatIfounditdeliciousbutthatIthoughtIhadsomebettermyself。Itookoutmysnuff—box，andopeningitofferedherapinch。Shedidnotnoticetheportrait，butsheagreedthatmysnuffwasvastlysuperiortohers。
"Well，wouldyouliketomakeanexchange？"saidI。"Certainly，givemesomepaper。"
"Thatisnotrequisite；wewillexchangethesnuffandthesnuff—
boxes。"
Sosaying，IputTherese’sboxinmypocketandgavehermineshut。Whenshesawtheportrait，shegaveacrywhichpuzzledeverybody，andherfirstmotionwastokisstheportrait。
"Look，"saidshetoCesarino，"hereisyourportrait。"
Cesarinolookedatitinastonishment，andtheboxpassedfromhandtohand。Everybodysaidthatitwasmyportrait，takentenyearsago，andthatitmightpassforalikenessofCesarino。
Theresegotquiteexcited，andswearingthatshewouldneverlettheboxoutofherhandsagain，shewentuptohersonandkissedhimseveraltimes。WhilethiswasgoingonIwatchedtheAbbeGama，andIcouldseethathewasmakinginternalcommentsofhisownonthisaffectingscene。
Theworthyabbewentawaytowardstheevening，tellingmethathewouldexpectmetobreakfastnextmorning。
IspenttherestofthedayinmakinglovetoRedegonde，andTherese，whosawthatIwaspleasedwiththegirl，advisedmetodeclaremyself，andpromisedthatshewouldaskhertothehouseasoftenasIliked。ButTheresedidnotknowher。
NextmorningGamatoldmethathehadinformedMarshalBottathatIwouldcomeandseehim，andhewouldpresentmeatfouro’clock。
Thentheworthyabbe，alwaystheslaveofhiscuriosity，reproachedmeinafriendlymannerfornothavingtoldhimanythingaboutmyfortune。
"Ididnotthinkitwasworthmentioning，butasyouareinterestedinthesubjectImaytellyouthatmymeansaresmall，butthatIhavefriendswhosepursesarealwaysopentome。"
"Ifyouhavetruefriendsyouarearichman，buttruefriendsarescarce。"
IlefttheAbbeGama，myheadfullofRedegonde，whomIpreferredtotheyoungCorticelli，andIwenttopayheravisit；butwhatareception！Shereceivedmeinaroominwhichwerepresenthermother，heruncle，andthreeorfourdirty，untidylittlemonkeys:
thesewereherbrothers。’
"Haven’tyouabetterroomtoreceiveyourfriendsin？"saidI。
"Ihavenofriends，soIdon’twantaroom。"
"Getit，mydear，andyouwillfindthefriendscomefastenough。
Thisisallverywellforyoutowelcomeyourrelationsin，butnotpersonslikemyselfwhocometodohomagetoyourcharmsandyourtalents。"
"Sir，"saidthemother，"mydaughterhasbutfewtalents，andthinksnothingofhercharms，whicharesmall。"
"Youareextremelymodest，andIappreciateyourfeelings；buteverybodydoesnotseeyourdaughterwiththesameeyes，andshepleasedmegreatly。"
"Thatisanhonourforher，andwearedulysensibleofit，butnotsoastobeover—proud。Mydaughterwillseeyouasoftenasyouplease，buthere，andinnootherplace。"
"ButIamafraidofbeinginthewayhere。"
"Anhonestmanisneverintheway。"
Ifeltashamed，fornothingsoconfoundsalibertineasmodestyinthemouthofpoverty；andnotknowingwhattoanswerItookmyleave。
ItoldThereseofmyunfortunatevisit，andweboth，laughedatit；itwasthebestthingwecoulddo。
"Ishallbegladtoseeyouattheopera，"saidshe，"andyoucangetintomydressing—roomifyougivethedoor—keeperasmallpieceofmoney。"
TheAbbeGamacameashepromised，totakemetoMarshalBotta，amanofhightalentswhomtheaffairofGenoahadalreadyrenderedfamous。HewasincommandoftheAustrianarmywhenthepeople，growingangryatthesightoftheforeigners，whohadonlycometoputthemundertheAustrianyoke，roseinrevoltandmadethemleavethetown。ThispatrioticriotsavedtheRepublic。Ifoundhiminthemidstofacrowdofladiesandgentlemen，whomhelefttowelcomeme。HetalkedaboutVeniceinawaythatshewedheunderstoodthecountrythoroughly，andIconversedtohimonFrance，and，Ibelieve，satisfiedhim。InhisturnhespokeoftheCourtofRussia，atwhichhewasstayingwhenElizabethPetrovna，whowasstillreigningattheperiodinquestion，soeasilymountedthethroneofherfather，PetertheGreat。"ItisonlyinRussia，"saidhe，"thatpoisonentersintopolitics。"
Atthetimewhentheoperabeganthemarshallefttheroom，andeverybodywentaway。Onmywaytheabbeassuredme，asamatterofcourse，thatIhadpleasedthegovernor，andIafterwardswenttothetheatre，andobtainedadmissiontoTherese’sdressing—roomforatester。Ifoundherinthehandsofherprettychamber—
maid，andsheadvisedmetogotoRedegonde’sdressing—room，assheplayedaman’spart，andmight，perhaps，allowmetoassistinhertoilette。
Ifollowedheradvice，butthemotherwouldnotletmecomein，asherdaughterwasjustgoingtodress。IassuredherthatIwouldturnmybackallthetimeshewasdressing，andonthisconditionsheletmein，andmademesitdownatatableonwhichstoodamirror，whichenabledmetoseeallRedegonde’smostsecretpartstoadvantage；aboveall，whensheliftedherlegstoputonherbreeches，eithermostawkwardlyormostcleverly，accordingtoherintentions。Shedidnotloseanythingbywhatsheshewed，however，forIwassopleased，thattopossesshercharmsIwouldhavesignedanyconditionsshecaredtoimposeuponme。
"Redegondemustknow，"Isaidtomyself，"thatIcouldseeeverythingintheglass；"andtheideainflamedme。Ididnotturnroundtillthemothergavemeleave，andIthenadmiredmycharmerasayoungmanoffivefeetone，whoseshapeleftnothingtobedesired。
Redegondewentout，andIfollowedhertothewings。
"Mydear，"saidI，"Iamgoingtotalkplainlytoyou。YouhaveinflamedmypassionsandIshalldieifyoudonotmakemehappy。"
"Youdonotsaythatyouwilldieifyouchancetomakemeunhappy。"
"Icouldnotsayso，becauseIcannotconceivesuchathingaspossible。Donottriflewithme，dearRedegonde，youmustbeawarethatIsawallinthemirror，andIcannotthinkthatyouaresocruelastoarousemypassionsandthenleavemetodespair。"
"Whatcouldyouhaveseen？Idon’tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout。"
"Maybe，butknowthatIhaveseenallyourcharms。WhatshallI
dotopossessyou？"
"Topossessme？Idon’tunderstandyou，sir；I’manhonestgirl。"
"Idaresay；butyouwouldn’tbeanylesshonestaftermakingmehappy。DearRedegonde，donotletmelanguishforyou，buttellmemyfatenowthisinstant。"
"Idonotknowwhattotellyou，butyoucancomeandseemewheneveryoulike"
"WhenshallIfindyoualone？"
"Alone！Iamneveralone。"
"Well，well，that’sofnoconsequence；ifonlyyourmotherispresent，thatcomestothesamething。Ifsheissensible，shewillpretendnottoseeanything，andIwillgiveyouahundredducatseachtime。"
"Youareeitheramadman，oryoudonotknowwhatsortofpeopleweare。"
Withthesewordsshewenton，andIproceededtotellTheresewhathadpassed。
"Begin，"saidshe，"byofferingthehundredducatstothemother，andifsherefuses，havenomoretodowiththem，andgoelsewhere。"
Ireturnedtothedressing—room，whereIfoundthemotheralone，andwithoutanyceremonyspokeasfollows:——
"Goodevening，madam，Iamastrangerhere；Iamonlystayingaweek，andIaminlovewithyourdaughter。Ifyouliketobeobliging，bringhertosupwithme。Iwillgiveyouahundredsequinseachtime，soyouseemypurseisinyourpower。"
"Whomdoyouthinkyouaretalkingto，sir？Iamastonishedatyourimpudence。AskthetownsfolkwhatsortofcharacterIbear，andwhethermydaughterisanhonestgirlornot！andyouwillnotmakesuchproposalsagain。"
"Good—bye，madam。"
"Good—bye，sir。"
AsIwentoutImetRedegonde，andItoldherwordforwordtheconversationIhadhadwithhermother。Sheburstoutlaughing。
"HaveIdonewellorill？"saidI。
"Wellenough，butifyoulovemecomeandseeme。"
"Seeyouafterwhatyourmothersaid？"
"Well，whynot，whoknowsofit？"
"Whoknows？Youdon’tknowme，Redegonde。Idonotcaretoindulgemyselfinidlehopes，andIthoughtIhadspokentoyouplainlyenough。"
Feelingangry，andvowingtohavenomoretodowiththisstrangegirl，IsuppedwithTherese，andspentthreedelightfulhourswithher。Ihadagreatdealofwritingtodothenextdayandkeptindoors，andintheeveningIhadavisitfromtheyoungCorticelli，hermotherandbrother。Shebeggedmetokeepmypromiseregardingthemanagerofthetheatre，whowouldnotletherdancethe’pasdedeux’stipulatedforintheagreement。
"Comeandbreakfastwithmeto—morrowmorning，"saidI，"andI
willspeaktotheIsraeliteinyourpresence——atleastIwilldosoifhecomes。"
"Iloveyouverymuch，"saidtheyoungwanton，"can’tIstopalittlelongerhere。"
"Youmaystopaslongasyoulike，butasIhavegotsomeletterstofinish，Imustaskyoutoexcusemyentertainingyou。"
"Oh！justasyouplease。"
ItoldCostatogivehersomesupper。
Ifinishedmylettersandfeltinclinedforalittleamusement，soImadethegirlsitbymeandproceededtotoywithher，butinsuchawaythathermothercouldmakenoobjection。Allatoncethebrothercameupandtriedtojoininthesport，muchtomyastonishment。
"Getalongwithyou，"saidI，"youarenotagirl。"
Atthistheyoungscoundrelproceededtoshewmehissex，butinsuchanindecentfashionthathissister，whowassittingonmyknee，burstoutlaughingandtookrefugewithhermother，whowassittingattheotherendoftheroomingratitudeforthegoodsupperIhadgivenher。Irosefrommychair，andaftergivingtheimpudentpederastaboxontheearIaskedthemotherwithwhatintentionsshehadbroughttheyoungrascaltomyhouse。Bywayofreplytheinfamouswomansaid，——
"He’saprettylad，isn’the？"
IgavehimaducatfortheblowIhadgivenhim，andtoldthemothertobegone，asshedisgustedme。Thepathictookmyducat，kissedmyhand，andtheyalldeparted。
Iwenttobedfeelingamusedattheincident，andwonderingatthewickednessofamotherwhowouldprostituteherownsontothebasestofvices。
NextmorningIsentandaskedtheJewtocallonme。TheCorticellicamewithhermother，andtheJewsoonafter，justasweweregoingtobreakfast。
Iproceededtoexplainthegrievanceoftheyoungdancer，andI
readtheagreementhehadmadewithher，tellinghimpolitelythatIcouldeasilyforcehimtofulfilit。TheJewputinseveralexcuses，ofwhichtheCorticellidemonstratedthefutility。AtlastthesonofJudahwasforcedtogivein，andpromisedtospeaktotheballet—masterthesameday，inorderthatshemightdancethe’pas’withtheactorshenamed。
"Andthat，Ihope，willpleaseyourexcellency，"headded，withalowbow，whichisnotoftenaproofofsincerity，especiallyamongJews。
WhenmyguestshadtakenleaveIwenttotheAbbeGama，todinewithMarshalBottawhohadaskedustodinner。ImadetheacquaintancethereofSirMann，theEnglishambassador，whowastheidolofFlorence，veryrich，ofthemostpleasingmannersalthoughanEnglishman；fullofwit，taste，andagreatloverofthefinearts。Heinvitedmetocomenextdayandseehishouseandgarden。Inthishomehehadmade——furniture，pictures，choicebooks——allshewedthemanofgenius。Hecalledonme，askedmetodinner，andhadthepolitenesstoincludeTherese，herhusband，andCesarinointheinvitation。Afterdinnermysonsatdownattheclavieranddelightedthecompanybyhisexquisiteplaying。
Whileweweretalkingoflikenesses，SirMannshewedussomeminiaturesofgreatbeauty。
Beforeleaving，Theresetoldmethatshehadbeenthinkingseriouslyofme。
"Inwhatrespect？"Iasked。
"IhavetoldRedegondethatIamgoingtocallforher，thatI
willkeephertosupper，andhavehertakenhome。Youmustseethatthislastconditionisproperlycarriedout。Cometosuppertoo，andhaveyourcarriageinwaiting。Ileavetheresttoyou。
Youwillonlybeafewminuteswithher，butthat’ssomething；andthefirststepleadsfar。"
"Anexcellentplan。Iwillsupwithyou，andmycarriageshallbeready。Iwilltellyouallaboutitto—morrow。"
Iwenttothehouseatnineo’clock，andwaswelcomedasanunexpectedguest。ItoldRedegondethatIwasgladtomeether，andsherepliedthatshehadnothopedtohavethepleasureofseeingme。Redegondewastheonlyonewhohadanyappetite；sheatecapitally，andlaughedmerrilyatthestoriesItoldher。
AftersupperThereseaskedherifshewouldliketohaveasedan—
chairsentfor，orifshewouldprefertobetakenbackinmycarriage。
"Ifthegentlemanwillbesokind，"saidshe，"Ineednotsendforachair。"
IthoughtthisreplyofsuchfavourableomenthatInolongerdoubtedofmysuccess。Aftershehadwishedtheothersgoodnight，shetookmyarm，pressingitasshedidso；wewentdownthestairs，andshegotintothecarriage。Igotinafterher，andonattemptingtositdownIfoundtheplacetaken。
"Whoisthat？"Icried。
Redegondeburstoutlaughing，andinformedmeitwashermother。
Iwasdone；Icouldnotsummonupcouragetopassitoffasajest。Suchashockmakesamanstupid；foramomentitnumbsallthementalfaculties，andwoundedself—esteemonlygivesplacetoanger。
Isatdownonthefrontseatandcoldlyaskedthemotherwhyshehadnotcomeuptosupperwithus。Whenthecarriagestoppedattheirdoor，sheaskedmetocomein，butItoldherIwouldrathernot。IfeltthatforalittlemoreIwouldhaveboxedherears，andthemanatthehousedoorlookedverylikeacut—throat。
Ifeltenragedandexcitedphysicallyaswellasmentally，andthoughIhadneverbeentoseetheCorticelli，toldthecoachmantodrivethereimmediately，asIfeltsureoffindingherwelldisposed。Everybodywasgonetobed。IknockedatthedoortillIgotananswer，Igavemyname，andIwasletin，everythingbeingintotaldarkness。Themothertoldmeshewouldlightacandle，andthatifshehadexpectedmeshewouldhavewaitedupinspiteofthecold。IfeltasifIwereinthemiddleofaniceberg。Iheardthegirllaughing，andgoinguptothebedandpassingmyhandoveritIcameacrosssomeplaintokensofthemasculinegender。Ihadgotholdofherbrother。Inthemeanwhilethemotherhadgotacandle，andIsawthegirlwiththebedclothesuptoherchin，for，likeherbrother，shewasasnakedasmyhand。AlthoughnoPuritan，Iwasshocked。
"Whydoyouallowthishorribleunion？"Isaidtothemother。
"Whatharmisthere？Theyarebrotherandsister。"
"That’sjustwhatmakesitacriminalmatter。"
"Everythingisperfectlyinnocent。"
"Possibly；butit’snotagoodplan。’
Thepathicescapedfromthebedandcreptintohismother’s，whilethelittlewantontoldmetherewasreallynoharm，astheyonlylovedeachotherasbrotherandsister，andthatifIwantedhertosleepbyherselfallIhadtodowastogetheranewbed。
Thisspeech，deliveredwitharchsimplicity，inherBolognesejargon，mademelaughwithallmyheart，forintheviolenceofhergesticulationsshehaddisclosedhalfhercharms，andIsawnothingworthlookingat。Inspiteofthat，itwasdoubtlessdecreedthatIshouldfallinlovewithherskin，forthatwasallshehad。
IfIhadbeenaloneIshouldhavebroughtmatterstoacrisisonthespot，butIhadadistastetothepresenceofhermotherandherscoundrellybrother。Iwasafraidlestsomeunpleasantscenesmightfollow。Igavehertenducatstobuyabed，saidgoodnight，andleftthehouse。Ireturnedtomylodging，cursingthetooscrupulousmothersoftheoperagirls。
IpassedthewholeofthenextmorningwithSirMann，inhisgallery，whichcontainedsomeexquisitepaintings，sculptures，mosaics，andengravedgems。Onleavinghim，IcalledonThereseandinformedherofmymisadventureofthenightbefore。Shelaughedheartilyatmystory，andIlaughedtoo，inspiteofafeelingofangerduetomywoundedself—esteem。
"Youmustconsoleyourself，"saidshe；"youwillnotfindmuchdifficultyinfillingtheplaceinyouraffections。"
"Ah！whyareyoumarried？"
"Well，it’sdone；andthere’snohelpingit。Butlistentome。
Asyoucan’tdowithoutsomeone，takeupwiththeCorticelli；
she’sasgoodasanyotherwoman，andwon’tkeepyouwaitinglong。"
Onmyreturntomylodging，IfoundtheAbbeGama，whomIhadinvitedtodinner，andheaskedmeifIwouldacceptaposttorepresentPortugalattheapproachingEuropeanCongressatAugsburg。HetoldmethatifIdidtheworkwell，IcouldgetanythingIlikedatLisbon。
"Iamreadytodomybest，"saidI；"youhaveonlytowritetome，andIwilltellyouwheretodirectyourletters。"Thisproposalmademelongtobecomeadiplomatist。
IntheeveningIwenttotheopera—houseandspoketotheballet—
master，thedancerwhowastotakepartinthe’pasdedeux’，andtotheJew，whotoldmethatmyprot9geeshouldbesatisfiedintwoorthreedays，andthatsheshouldperformherfavourite’pas’
fortherestofthecarnival。IsawtheCorticelli，whotoldmeshehadgotherbed，andaskedmetocometosupper。Iacceptedtheinvitation，andwhentheoperawasoverIwenttoherhouse。
Hermother，feelingsurethatIwouldpaythebill，hadorderedanexcellentsupperforfour，andseveralflasksofthebestFlorencewine。Besidesthat，shegavemeabottleofthewinecalledOleatico，whichIfoundexcellent。ThethreeCorticellisunaccustomedtogoodfareandwine，atelikeatroop，andbegantogetintoxicated。Themotherandsonwenttobedwithoutceremony，andthelittlewantoninvitedmetofollowtheirexample。I
shouldhavelikedtodoso，butIdidnotdare。Itwasverycoldandtherewasnofireintheroom，therewasonlyoneblanketonthebed，andImighthavecaughtabadcold，andIwastoofondofmygoodhealthtoexposemyselftosuchadanger。Ithereforesatisfiedmyselfbytakingheronmyknee，andafterafewpreliminariessheabandonedherselftomytransports，endeavouringtopersuademethatIhadgothermaidenhead。Ipretendedtobelieveher，thoughIcaredverylittlewhetheritweresoornot。
IleftherafterIhadrepeatedthedosethreeorfourtimes，andgaveherfiftysequins，tellinghertogetagoodwaddedcoverletandalargebrazier，asIwantedtosleepwithherthenextnight。
NextmorningIreceivedanextremelyinterestingletterfromGrenoble。M。deValenglardinformedmethatthefairMdlle。
Roman，feelingconvincedthatherhoroscopewouldnevercometrueunlessshewenttoParis，hadgonetothecapitalwithheraunt。
Herdestinywasastrangeone；itdependedonthelikingIhadtakentoherandmyaversiontomarriage，foritlayinmypowertohavemarriedthehandsomestwomaninFrance，andinthatcaseitisnotlikelythatshewouldhavebecomethemistressofLouisXV。WhatstrangewhimcouldhavemademeindicateinherhoroscopethenecessityofherjourneyingtoParis；forevenifthereweresuchascienceasastrologyIwasnoastrologer；infine，herdestinydependedonmyabsurdfancy。Andinhistory，whatanumberofextraordinaryeventswouldneverhavehappenediftheyhadnotbeenpredicted！
IntheeveningIwenttothetheatre，andfoundmyCorticellicladinaprettycloak，whiletheothergirlslookedatmecontemptuously，fortheywereenragedattheplacebeingtaken；
whiletheproudfavouritecaressedmewithanairoftriumphwhichbecamehertoadmiration。
IntheeveningIfoundagoodsupperawaitingme，alargebrazieronthehearth，andawarmcoverletonthebed。Themothershewedmeallthethingsherdaughterhadbought，andcomplainedthatshehadnotgotanyclothesforherbrother。Imadeherhappybygivingherafewlouis。
WhenIwenttobedIdidnotfindmymistressinanyamoroustransports，butinawantonandmerrymood。Shemademelaugh，andassheletmedoasIlikedIwassatisfied。IgaveherawatchwhenIlefther，andpromisedtosupwithheronthefollowingnight。Shewastohavedancedthepasdedeux，andI
wenttoseeherdoit，buttomyastonishmentsheonlydancedwiththeothergirls。
WhenIwenttosupperIfoundherindespair。SheweptandsaidthatImustavengeherontheJew，whohadexcusedhimselfbyputtingthefaultonsomebodyelse，butthathewasaliar。I
promisedeverythingtoquiether，andafterspendingseveralhoursinhercompanyIreturnedhome，determinedtogivetheJewabadquarterofanhour。NextmorningIsentCostatoaskhimtocallonme，buttherascalsentbackwordthathewasnotcoming，andiftheCorticellididnotlikehistheatreshemighttryanother。
Iwasindignant，butIknewthatImustdissemble，soIonlylaughed。Nevertheless，Ihadpronouncedhisdoom，foranItalianneverforgetstoavengehimselfonhisenemy；heknowsitisthepleasureofthegods。
AssoonasCostahadlefttheroom，IcalledLeDucandtoldhimthestory，sayingthatifIdidnottakevengeanceIshouldbedishonoured，andthatitwasonlyhewhocouldprocurethescoundrelagoodthrashingfordaringtoinsultme。
"Butyouknow，LeDuc，theaffairmustbekeptsecret。"
"Ionlywanttwenty—fourhourstogiveyouananswer。"
Iknewwhathemeant，andIwassatisfied。
NextmorningLeDuctoldmehehadspentthepreviousdayinlearningtheJew’sabodeandhabits，withoutaskinganybodyanyquestions。
"To—dayIwillnotlethimgooutofmysight。Ishallfindoutatwhathourhereturnshome，andto—morrowyoushallknowtheresults。"
"Bediscreet，"saidI，"anddon’tletanybodyintoyourplans。"
"NotI！"
Nextday，hetoldmethatiftheJewcamehomeatthesametimeandbythesamewayasbefore，hewouldhaveathrashingbeforehegottobed。
"Whomhaveyouchosenforthisexpedition？"
"Myself。Theseaffairsoughttobekeptsecret，andasecretoughtn’ttobeknowntomorethantwopeople。Iamsurethateverythingwillturnoutwell，butwhenyouaresatisfiedthattheass’shidehasbeenwelltanned，willtherebeanythingtobepickedup？"
"Twenty—fivesequins。"
"Thatwilldonicely。WhenIhavedonethetrickIshallputonmygreatcoatagainandreturnbythebackdoor。IfnecessaryCostahimselfwillbeabletoswearthatIdidnotleavethehouse，andthatthereforeIcannothavecommittedtheassault。
However，Ishallputmypistolsinmypocketincaseofaccidents，andifanybodytriestoarrestmeIshallknowhowtodefendmyself。"
NextmorninghecamecoollyintomyroomwhileCostawasputtingonmydressing—gown，andwhenwewerealonehesaid，——
"Thething’sdone。InsteadoftheJew’srunningawaywhenhereceivedthefirstblowhethrewhimselfontotheground。ThenI
tannedhisskinforhimnicely，butonhearingsomepeoplecomingupIranoff。Idon’tknowwhetherIdidforhim，butIgavehimtwosturdyblowsonthehead。Ishouldbesorryifhewerekilled，asthenhecouldnotseeaboutthedance。"
Thisjestdidnotarousemymirth；thematterpromisedtobetooserious。
TheresehadaskedmetodinewiththeAbbeGamaandM。Sassi，aworthyman，ifonemayprostitutethenameofmantodescribeabeingwhomcrueltyhasseparatedfromtherestofhumanity；hewasthefirstcastratooftheopera。OfcoursetheJew’smishapwasdiscussed。
"Iamsorryforhim，"saidI，"thoughheisarascallyfellow。"
"Iamnotatallsorryforhimmyself，"saidSassi，"he’saknave。
Idaresaythateverybodywillbeputtingdownhiswoodenbaptismtomyaccount。"
"No，"saidtheabbe，"peoplesaythatM。Casanovadidthedeedforgoodreasonsofhisown。"
"Itwillbedifficulttopitchontherightman，"Ianswered，"therascalhaspushedsomanyworthypeopletoextremitiesthathemusthaveagreatmanythrashingsowinghim。"
Theconversationthenpassedtoothertopics，andwehadaverypleasantdinner。
InafewdaystheJewlefthisbedwithalargeplasteronhisnose，andalthoughIwasgenerallyregardedastheauthorofhismisfortunethematterwasgraduallyallowedtodrop，astherewereonlyvaguesuspicionstogoupon。ButtheCorticelli，inanecstasyofjoy，wasstupidenoughtotalkasifsheweresureitwasIwhohadavengedher，andshegotintoaragewhenIwouldnotadmitthedeed；but，asmaybeguessed，Iwasnotfoolishenoughtodoso，asherimprudencemighthavebeenahangingmatterforme。
IwaswellenoughamusedatFlorence，andhadnothoughtsofleaving，whenonedayVanninigavemealetterwhichsomeonehadleftforme。Iopeneditinhispresence，andfounditcontainedabillofexchangefortwohundredFlorentinecrownsonSassoSassi。Vanninilookedatitandtoldmeitwasagoodone。I
wentintomyroomtoreadtheletter，andIwasastonishedtofinditsigned"CharlesIvanoff。"HedateditfromPistoia，andtoldmethatinhispovertyandmisfortunehehadappealedtoanEnglishmanwhowasleavingFlorenceforLucca，andhadgenerouslygivenhimabillofexchangefortwohundredcrowns，whichhehadwritteninhispresence。Itwasmadepayabletobearer。
"Idaren’tcashitinFlorence，"saidhe，"asIamafraidofbeingarrestedformyunfortunateaffairatGenoa。Ientreatyou，then，tohavepityonme，togetthebillcashed，andtobringmethemoneyhere，thatImaypaymylandlordandgo。"
Itlookedlikeaverysimplematter，butImightgetintotrouble，forthenotemightbeforged；andevenifitwerenotIshouldbedeclaringmyselfafriendoracorrespondent，atallevents，ofamanwhohadbeenposted。InthisdilemmaItookthepartoftakingthebillofexchangetohiminperson。Iwenttothepostingestablishment，hiredtwohorses，anddrovetoPistoia。
Thelandlordhimselftookmetotherascal’sroom，andleftmealonewithhim。
Ididnotstaymorethanthreeminutes，andallIsaidwasthatasSassiknewmeIdidnotwishhimtothinkthattherewasanykindofconnectionbetweenus。
"Iadviseyou，"Isaid，"togivethebilltoyourlandlord，whowillcashitatM。Sassi’sandbringyouyourchange"
"Iwillfollowyouradvice，"hesaid，andItherewithreturnedtoFlorence。
Ithoughtnomoreofit，butintwodays’timeIreceivedavisitfromM。SassiandthelandlordoftheinnatPistoia。Thebankershewedmethebillofexchange，andsaidthatthepersonwhohadgivenitmehaddeceivedme，asitwasnotinthewritingoftheEnglishmanwhosenameitbore，andthatevenifitwere，theEnglishmannothavinganymoneywithSassicouldnotdrawabillofexchange。
"Theinn—keeperhere，"saidhe，"discountedthebill，theRussianhasgoneoff，andwhenItoldhimthatitwasaforgeryhesaidthatheknewCharlesIvanoffhaditofyou，andthatthushehadmadenodifficultyincashingit；butnowhewantsyoutoreturnhimtwohundredcrowns。"
"Thenhewillbedisappointed！"
ItoldallthecircumstancesoftheaffairtoSassi；Ishewedhimtherascal’sletter；ImadeDr。Vannini，whohadgivenitme，comeup，andhesaidhewasreadytoswearthathehadseenmetakethebillofexchangeoutoftheletter，thathehadexaminedit，andhadthoughtitgood。
Onthisthebankertoldtheinn—keeperthathehadnobusinesstoaskmetopayhimthemoney；buthepersistedinhisdemand，anddaredtosaythatIwasanaccompliceoftheRussian’s。
InmyindignationIranformycane，butthebankerheldmebythearm，andtheimpertinentfellowmadehisescapewithoutathrashing。
"Youhadarighttobeangry，"saidM。Sassi，"butyoumustnottakeanynoticeofwhatthepoorfellowsaysinhisblindrage。"
Heshookmebythehandandwentout。
Nextdaythechiefofpolice，calledtheauditoratFlorence，sentmeanotebeggingmetocallonhim。Therewasnoroomforhesitation，forasastrangerIfeltthatImightlookonthisinvitationasanintimation。Hereceivedmeverypolitely，buthesaidIshouldhavetorepaythelandlordhistwohundredcrowns，ashewouldnothavediscountedthebillifhehadnotseenmebringit。IrepliedthatasajudgehecouldnotcondemnmeunlesshethoughtmetheRussian’saccomplice，butinsteadofansweringherepeatedthatIwouldhavetopay。
"Sir，"Ireplied，"Iwillnotpay。"
Herangthebellandbowed，andIlefthim，walkingtowardsthebanker’s，towhomIimpartedtheconversationIhadhadfromtheauditor。Hewasextremelyastonished，andatmyrequestcalledonhimtotryandmakehimlistentoreason。AswepartedItoldhimthatIwasdiningwiththeAbbeGama。
WhenIsawtheabbeItoldhimwhathadhappened，andheutteredaloudexclamationofastonishment。
"Iforesee，"hesaid，"thattheauditorwillnotletgohishold，andifM。SassidoesnotsucceedwithhimIadviseyoutospeaktoMarshalBotta。"
"Idon’tthinkthatwillbenecessary；theauditorcan’tforcemetopay。"
"Hecandoworse。"
"Whatcanhedo？"。
"HecanmakeyouleaveFlorence。"
"Well，Ishallbeastonishedifheuseshispowerinthiscase，butratherthanpayIwillleavethetown。Letusgotothemarshal。"
Wecalledonhimatfouro’clock，andwefoundthebankerthere，whohadtoldhimthewholestory。
"Iamsorrytotellyou，"saidM。Sassi，"thatIcoulddonothingwiththeauditor，andifyouwanttoremaininFlorenceyouwillhavetopay。"
"IwillleaveassoonasIreceivetheorder，"saidI；"andassoonasIreachanotherstateIwillprintthehistoryofthisshamefulperversionofjustice。"
"It’sanincredible，amonstroussentence"saidthemarshal，"andIamsorryIcannotinterfere。Youarequiteright，"headded，"toleavetheplaceratherthanpay。"
Earlythenextmorningapoliceofficialbroughtmealetterfromtheauditor，informingmethatashecouldnot，fromthenatureofthecase，obligemetopay，hewasforcedtowarnmetoleaveFlorenceinthreedays，andTuscanyinseven。This，headded，hedidinvirtueofhisoffice；butwhenevertheGrandDuke，towhomImightappeal，hadquashedhisjudgmentImightreturn。
Itookapieceofpaperandwroteuponit，"Yourjudgmentisaniniquitousone，butitshallbeobeyedtotheletter。"
AtthatmomentIgaveorderstopackupandhaveallinreadinessformydeparture。IspentthreedaysofrespiteinamusingmyselfwithTherese。IalsosawtheworthySirMann，andIpromisedtheCorticellitofetchherinLent，andspendsometimewithherinBologna。TheAbbeGamadidnotleavemysideforthreedays，andshewedhimselfmytruefriend。Itwasakindoftriumphforme；
oneverysideIheardregretsatmydeparture，andcursesoftheauditor。TheMarquisBottaseemedtoapprovemyconductbygivingmeadinner，thetablebeinglaidforthirty，andthecompanybeingcomposedofthemostdistinguishedpeopleinFlorence。Thiswasadelicateattentiononhispart，ofwhichIwasverysensible。
IconsecratedthelastdaytoTherese，butIcouldnotfindanyopportunitytoaskherforalastconsolingembrace，whichshewouldnothaverefusedmeunderthecircumstances，andwhichI
shouldstillfondlyremember。Wepromisedtowriteoftentooneanother，andweembracedeachotherinawaytomakeherhusband’sheartache。NextdayIstartedonmyjourney，andgottoRomeinthirty—sixhours。
ItwasmidnightwhenIpassedunderthePortadelPopolo，foronemayentertheEternalCityatanytime。Iwasthentakentothecustom—house，whichisalwaysopen，andmymailswereexamined。
TheonlythingtheyarestrictaboutatRomeisbooks，asiftheyfearedthelight。Ihadaboutthirtyvolumes，allmoreorlessagainstthePapacy，religion，orthevirtuesinculcatedthereby。
Ihadresolvedtosurrenderthemwithoutanydispute，asIfelttiredandwantedtogotobed，buttheclerktoldmepolitelytocountthemandleavetheminhischargeforthenight，andhewouldbringthemtomyhotelinthemorning。Ididso，andhekepthisword。HewaswellenoughpleasedwhenhetouchedthetwosequinswithwhichIrewardedhim。
IputupattheVilledeParis，inthePiazzadiSpagna。Itisthebestinninthetown。Alltheworld，Ifound，wasdrownedinsleep，butwhentheyletmeintheyaskedmetowaitonthegroundfloorwhileafirewaslightedinmyroom。Alltheseatswerecoveredwithdresses，petticoats，andchemises，andIheardasmallfemininevoicebeggingmetositonherbed。Iapproachedandsawalaughingmouth，andtwoblackeyesshininglikecarbuncles。
"Whatsplendideyes！"saidI，"letmekissthem。"
Bywayofreplyshehidherheadunderthecoverlet，andIslidahastyhandunderthesheets；butfindingherquitenaked，Idrewitbackandbeggedpardon。Sheputoutherheadagain，andI
thoughtIreadgratitudeformymoderationinhereyes。
"Whoareyou，myangel？"
"IamTherese，theinn—keeper’sdaughter，andthisismysister。"
Therewasanothergirlbesideher，whomIhadnotseen，asherheadwasunderthebolster。
"Howoldareyou？"
"Nearlyseventeen。"
"IhopeIshallseeyouinmyroomto—morrowmorning。"
"Haveyouanyladieswithyou？"
"No。"
"That’sapity，aswenevergotothegentlemen’srooms。"
"Lowerthecoverletalittle；Ican’thearwhatyousay。"
"It’stoocold。"
"DearTherese，youreyesmakemefeelasifIwereinflames。"
Sheputbackherheadatthis，andIgrewdaring，andaftersundryexperimentsIwasmorethanevercharmedwithher。Icaressedherinasomewhatlivelymanner，anddrewbackmyhand，againapologizingformydaring，andwhensheletmeseeherfaceI
thoughtIsawdelightratherthanangerinhereyesandonhercheeks，andIfelthopefulwithregardtoher。Iwasjustgoingtobeginagain，forIfeltonfire；whenahandsomechambermaidcametotellmethatmyroomwasreadyandmyfirelighted。
"Farewelltillto—morrow，"saidItoTherese，butsheonlyansweredbyturningonhersidetogotosleep。
Iwenttobedafterorderingdinnerforoneo’clock，andIslepttillnoon，dreamingofTherese。WhenIwokeup，Costatoldmethathehadfoundoutwheremybrotherlived，andhadleftanoteatthehouse。ThiswasmybrotherJean，thenaboutthirty，andapupilofthefamousRaphaelMengs。ThispainterwasthendeprivedofhispensiononaccountofawarwhichobligedtheKingofPolandtoliveatWarsaw，asthePrussiansoccupiedthewholeelectorateofSaxe。Ihadnotseenmybrotherfortenyears，andIkeptourmeetingasaholiday。Iwassittingdowntotablewhenhecame，andweembracedeachotherwithtransport。Wespentanhourintelling，hehissmalladventures，andImygrandones，andhetoldmethatIshouldnotstayatthehotel，whichwastoodear，butcomeandliveattheChevalierMengs’shouse，whichcontainedanemptyroom，whereIcouldstayatamuchcheaperrate。
"Astoyourtable，thereisarestaurantinthehousewhereonecangetacapitalmeal。"
"Youradviceisexcellent，"saidI，"butIhavenotthecouragetofollowit，asIaminlovewithmylandlord’sdaughter；"andI
toldhimwhathadhappenedthenightbefore。
"That’samerenothing，"saidhe，laughing；"youcancultivateheracquaintancewithoutstayinginthehouse。"
Iletmyselfbepersuaded，andIpromisedtocometohimthefollowingday；andthenweproceededtotakeawalkaboutRome。
Ihadmanyinterestingmemoriesofmylastvisit，andIwantedtorenewmyacquaintancewiththosewhohadinterestedmeatthathappyagewhensuchimpressionsaresodurablebecausetheytouchtheheartratherthanthemind；butIhadtomakeupmymindtoagoodmanydisappointments，consideringthespaceoftimethathadelapsedsinceIhadbeeninRome。
IwenttotheMinervatofindDonnaCecilia；shewasnomoreinthisworld。IfoundoutwhereherdaughterAngelicalived，andI
wenttoseeher，butshegavemeapoorreception，andsaidthatshereallyscarcelyrememberedme。
"Icansaythesame，"Ireplied，"foryouarenottheAngelicaI
usedtoknow。Good—bye，madam！"
Thelapseoftimehadnotimprovedherpersonalappearance。I
foundoutalsowheretheprinter’sson，whohadmarriedBarbaruccia，lived，but——Iputoffthepleasureofseeinghimtillanothertime，andalsomyvisittotheReverendFatherGeorgi，whowasamanofgreatreputeinRome。GasparVivaldihadgoneintothecountry。
MybrothertookmetoMadameCherubini。Ifoundhermansiontobeasplendidone，andtheladywelcomedmeintheRomanmanner。I
thoughtherpleasantandherdaughtersstillmoreso，butI
thoughtthecrowdofloverstoolargeandtoomiscellaneous。
Therewastoomuchluxuryandceremony，andthegirls，oneofwhomwasasfairasLovehimself，weretoopolitetoeverybody。Aninterestingquestionwasputtome，towhichIansweredinsuchamannerastoelicitanotherquestion，buttonopurpose。Isawthattherankofmybrother，whohadintroducedme，preventedmybeingthoughtapersonofanyconsequence，andonhearinganabbesay，"He’sCasanova’sbrother，"Iturnedtohimandsaid，——
"That’snotcorrect；youshouldsayCasanova’smybrother。"
"Thatcomestothesamething。"
"Notatall，mydearabbe。"
Isaidthesewordsinatonewhichcommandedattention，andanotherabbesaid，——
"Thegentlemanisquiteright；itdoesnotcometothesamething。"
Thefirstabbemadenoreplytothis。Theonewhohadtakenmypart，andwasmyfriendfromthatmoment，wasthefamousWinckelmann，whowasunhappilyassassinatedatTriestetwelveyearsafterwards。
WhileIwastalkingtohim，CardinalAlexanderAlbaniarrived。
Winckelmannpresentedmetohiseminence，whowasnearlyblind。
Hetalkedtomeagreatdeal，withoutsayinganythingworthlisteningto。AssoonasheheardthatIwastheCasanovawhohadescapedfromTheLeads，hesaidinasomewhatrudetonethathewonderedIhadthehardihoodtocometoRome，whereontheslightesthintfromtheStateInquisitorsatVenicean’ordinesanctissimo’wouldre—consignmetomyprison。Iwasannoyedbythisunseemlyremark，andrepliedinadignifiedvoice，——
"ItisnotmyhardihoodincomingtoRomethatyoureminenceshouldwonderat，butamanofanysensewouldwonderattheInquisitorsiftheyhadthehardihoodtoissuean’ordinesanctissimo’againstme；fortheywouldbeperplexedtoallegeanycrimeinmeasapretextforthusinfamouslydeprivingmeofmyliberty。"
Thisreplysilencedhiseminence。Hewasashamedathavingtakenmeforafool，andtoseethatIthoughthimone。ShortlyafterI
leftandneversetfootinthathouseagain。
TheAbbeWinckelmannwentoutwithmybrotherandmyself，andashecamewithmetomyhotelhedidmethehonourofstayingtosupper。WinckelmannwasthesecondvolumeofthecelebratedAbbedeVoisenon。Hecalledformenextday，andwewenttoVillaAlbanitoseetheChevalierMengs，whowasthenlivingthereandpaintingaceiling。
MylandlordRoland（whoknewmybrother）paidmeavisitatsupper。RolandcamefromAvignonandwasfondofgoodliving。I
toldhimIwassorrytobeleavinghimtostaywithmybrother，becauseIhadfalleninlovewithhisdaughterTherese，althoughI
hadonlyspokentoherforafewminutes，andhadonlyseenherhead。
"Yousawherinbed，Iwillbet"
"Exactly，andIshouldverymuchliketoseetherestofher。
Wouldyoubesokindastoaskhertostepupforafewminutes？"
"Withallmyheart。"
Shecameupstairs，seemingonlytoogladtoobeyherfather’ssummons。Shehadalithe，gracefulfigure，hereyeswereofsurpassingbrilliancy，herfeaturesexquisite，hermouthcharming；
buttakenaltogetherIdidnotlikehersowellasbefore。Inreturn，mypoorbrotherbecameenamouredofhertosuchanextentthatheendedbybecomingherslave。Hemarriedhernextyear，andtwoyearsafterwardshetookhertoDresden。Isawherfiveyearslaterwithaprettybaby；butaftertenyearsofmarriedlifeshediedofconsumption。
IfoundMengsattheVillaAlbani；hewasanindefatigableworker，andextremelyoriginalinhisconceptions。Hewelcomedme，andsaidhewasgladtobeabletolodgemeathishouseinRome，andthathehopedtoreturnhomehimselfinafewdays，withhiswholefamily。
IwasastonishedwiththeVillaAlbani。IthadbeenbuiltbyCardinalAlexander，andhadbeenwhollyconstructedfromantiquematerialstosatisfythecardinal’sloveforclassicart；notonlythestatuesandthevases，butthecolumns，thepedestals——infact，everythingwasGreek。HewasaGreekhimself，andhadaperfectknowledgeofantiquework，andhadcontrivedtospendcomparativelylittlemoneycomparedwiththemasterpiecehehadproduced。Ifasovereignmonarchhadhadavillalikethecardinal’sbuilt，itwouldhavecosthimfiftymillionfrancs，butthecardinalmadeamuchcheaperbargain。
Ashecouldnotgetanyancientceilings，hewasobligedtohavethempainted，andMengswasundoubtedlythegreatestandthemostlaboriouspainterofhisage。Itisagreatpitythatdeathcarriedhimoffinthemidstofhiscareer，asotherwisehewouldhaveenrichedthestoresofartwithnumerousmasterpieces。Mybrotherneverdidanythingtojustifyhistitleofpupilofthisgreatartist。WhenIcometomyvisittoSpainin1767，IshallhavesomemoretosayaboutMengs。
AssoonasIwassettledwithmybrotherIhiredacarriage，acoachman，andafootman，whomIputintofancylivery，andI
calledonMonsignorCornaro，auditorofthe’rota’，withtheintentionofmakingmywayintogoodsociety，butfearinglestheasaVenetianmightgetcompromised，heintroducedmetoCardinalPassionei，whospokeofmetothesovereignpontiff。
BeforeIpassontoanythingelse，Iwillinformmyreadersofwhattookplaceontheoccasionofmysecondvisittothisoldcardinal，agreatenemyoftheJesuits，awit，andmanofletters。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4c——RETURNTONAPLES
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
RETURNTONAPLES
ROME——NAPLES——BOLOGNA
CHAPTERVIII
CardinalPassianei——ThePope——Masiuccia——IArriveAtNaplesCardinalPassioneireceivedmeinalargehallwherehewaswriting。Hebeggedmetowaittillhehadfinished，buthecouldnotaskmetotakeaseatasheoccupiedtheonlychairthathisvastroomcontained。
Whenhehadputdownhispen，herose，cametome，andafterinformingmethathewouldtelltheHolyFatherofmyvisit，headded，——
"MybrotherCornaromighthavemadeabetterchoice，asheknowsthePopedoesnotlikeme。"
"Hethoughtitbettertochoosethemanwhoisesteemedthanthemanwhoismerelyliked。"
"Idon’tknowwhetherthePopeesteemsme，butIamsureheknowsIdon’testeemhim。Ibothlikedandesteemedhimbeforehewaspope，andIconcurredinhiselection，butsincehehaswornthetiarait’sadifferentmatter；hehasshewnhimselftoomuchofa’coglione’。"
"Theconclaveoughttohavechosenyoureminence。"
"No，no；I’maroot—and—branchreformer，andmyhandwouldnothavebeenstayedforfearofthevengeanceoftheguilty，andGodaloneknowswhatwouldhavecomeofthat。TheonlycardinalfittobepopewasTamburini；butitcan’tbehelpednow。Ihearpeoplecoming；good—bye，comeagainto—morrow。"
WhatadelightfulthingtohaveheardacardinalcallthePopeafool，andnameTamburiniasafitperson。Ididnotloseamomentinnotingthispleasantcircumstancedown:itwastoopreciousamorseltoletslip。ButwhowasTamburini？Ihadneverheardofhim。IaskedWinckelmann，whodinedwithme。
"He’samandeservingofrespectforhisvirtues，hischaracter，hisfirmness，andhisfarseeingintelligence。HehasneverdisguisedhisopinionoftheJesuits，whomhestylesthefathersofdeceits，intrigues，andlies；andthat’swhatmadePassioneimentionhim。Ithink，withhim，thatTamburiniwouldbeagreatandgoodpope。"
IwillherenotedownwhatIheardatRomenineyearslaterfromthemouthofatooloftheJesuits。TheCardinalTamburiniwasatthelastgasp，andtheconversationturneduponhim，whensomebodyelsesaid，——
"ThisBenedictinecardinalisanimpiousfellowafterall；heisonhisdeath—bed，andhehasaskedfortheviaticum，withoutwishingtopurifyhissoulbyconfession。"
Ididnotmakeanyremark，butfeelingasifIshouldliketoknowthetruthofthematterIaskedsomebodyaboutitnextday，myinformantbeingapersonwhomusthaveknownthetruth，andcouldnothavehadanymotivefordisguisingtherealfactsofthecase。
Hetoldmethatthecardinalhadsaidmassthreedaysbefore，andthatifhehadnotaskedforaconfessoritwasdoubtlessbecausehehadnothingtoconfess。
Unfortunatearetheythatlovethetruth，anddonotseekitoutatitssource。Ihopethereaderwillpardonthisdigression，whichisnotwithoutinterest。
NextdayIwenttoseeCardinalPassionei，whotoldmeIwasquiterighttocomeearly，ashewantedtolearnallaboutmyescapefromTheLeads，ofwhichhehadheardsomewonderfultalestold。
"Ishallbedelightedtosatisfyyoureminence，butthestoryisalongone。"
"Allthebetter；theysayyoutellitwell。"
"But，mylord，amItositdownonthefloor？"
"No，no；yourdressistoogoodforthat。"
Heranghisbell，andhavingtoldoneofhisgentlementosendupaseat，aservantbroughtinastool。Aseatwithoutabackandwithoutarms！Itmademequiteangry。Icutmystoryshort，tolditbadly，andhadfinishedinaquarterofanhour。
"Iwritebetterthanyouspeak，"saidhe。
"Mylord，IneverspeakwellexceptwhenIamatmyease。"
"Butyouarenotafraidofme？"
"No，mylord，atruemanandaphilosophercannevermakemeafraid；butthisstoolofyours……"
"Youliketobeatyourease，aboveallthings。"
"Takethis，itisthefuneralorationofPrinceEugene；Imakeyouapresentofit。IhopeyouwillapproveofmyLatinity。YoucankissthePope’sfeettomorrowatteno’clock。"
WhenIgothome，asIreflectedonthecharacterofthisstrangecardinal——awit，haughty，vain，andboastful，Iresolvedtomakehimafinepresent。Itwasthe’Pandectarumliberunicus’whichM。deF。hadgivenmeatBerne，andwhichIdidnotknowwhattodowith。Itwasafoliowellprintedonfinepaper，choicelybound，andinperfectpreservation。Aschieflibrarianthepresentshouldbeavaluableonetohim，allthemoreashehadalargeprivatelibrary，ofwhichmyfriendtheAbbeWinckelmannwaslibrarian。IthereforewroteashortLatinletter，whichI
enclosedinanothertoWinckelmann，whomIbeggedtopresentmyofferingtohiseminence。
Ithoughtitwasasvaluableashisfuneralorationatanyrate，andIhopedthathewouldgivemeamorecomfortablechairforthefuture。
Nextmorning，atthetimeappointed，IwenttoMonteCavallo，whichoughttobecalledMonteCavalli，asitgetsitsnamefromtwofinestatuesofhorsesstandingonapedestalinthemidstofthesquare，wheretheHolyFather’spalaceissituated。
IhadnorealneedofbeingpresentedtothePopebyanyone，asanyChristianisatlibertytogoinwhenheseesthedooropen。
BesidesIhadknownHisHolinesswhenhewasBishopofPadua；butIhadpreferredtoclaimthehonorofbeingintroducedbyacardinal。
AftersalutingtheHeadoftheFaithful，andkissingtheholycrossembroideredonhisholyslipper，thePopeputhisrighthandonmyleftshoulder，andsaidherememberedthatIalwaysforsooktheassemblyatPadua，whenheintonedtheRosary。
"HolyFather，Ihavemuchworsesinsthanthatonmyconscience，soIcomeprostrateatyourfoottoreceiveyourabsolution。"
Hethengavemehisbenediction，andaskedmeverygraciouslywhathecoulddoforme。
"IbegYourHolinesstopleadforme，thatImaybeabletoreturntoVenice。"
"Wewillspeakofittotheambassador，andthenwewillspeakagaintoyouonthematter。"
"DoyouoftengoandseeCardinalPassionei？"
"Ihavebeenthreetimes。HegavemehisfuneralorationonPrinceEugene，andinreturnIsenthimthe’Pandects’。"
"Hasheacceptedthem？"
"Ithinkso，HolyFather。"
"Ifhehas，hewillsendWinckelmanntopayyouforthem。"
"Thatwouldbetreatingmelikeabookseller；Iwillnotreceiveanypayment。"
"Thenhewillreturnthevolumeofthe’Pandects’；wearesureofit，healwaysdoesso。"
"Ifhiseminencereturnsmethe’Pandects’，Iwillreturnhimhisfuneraloration。"
AtthisthePopelaughedtillhissidesshook。