"No，Ipromisemyselfthepleasureofseeinghersurprise。"
"Iammuchobligedtoyoufornotwishingtoenjoymysurpriseaswell。Weshallseeeachotheragain，butnotto—day，soImustbidyoufarewell；forasIamamanofhonourIhopenevertobeunderthesameroofasMadameBlondelagain。"
WiththisIlefttheroom，leavingeverybodyinastonishment，andnotknowingwheretogoItookacoachandwenttosupwithmysister—in—law，whowasextremelygladtoseeme。Butallthroughsupper—timethischarmingwomandidnothingbutcomplainofherhusband，sayingthathehadnobusinesstomarryher，knowingthathecouldnotshewhimselfaman。
"Whydidyounotmakethetrialbeforeyoumarried？"
"Wasitformetoproposesuchathing？HowshouldIsupposethatsuchafinemanwasimpotent？ButIwilltellyouhowitallhappened。Asyouknow，IwasadancerattheComedieItalienne，andIwasthemistressofM。deSauci，theecclesiasticalcommissioner。Hebroughtyourbrothertomyhouse，Ilikedhim，andbeforelongIsawthathelovedme。Myloveradvisedmethatitwasanopportunityforgettingmarriedandmakingmyfortune。
WiththisideaIconceivedtheplanofnotgrantinghimanyfavours。Heusedtocomeandseemeinthemorning，andoftenfoundmeinbed；wetalkedtogether，andhispassionsseemedtobearoused，butitallendedinkissing。Onmypart，Iwaswaitingforaformaldeclarationandaproposalofmarriage。Atthatperiod，M。deSaucisettledanannuityofathousandcrownsonmeontheconditionthatIleftthestage。
"InthespringM。deSauciinvitedyourbrothertospendamonthinhiscountryhouse。Iwasoftheparty，butforpropriety’ssakeitwasagreedthatIshouldpassasyourbrother’swife。
Casanovaenjoyedtheidea，lookinguponitasajest，andnotthinkingoftheconsequences。Iwasthereforeintroducedashiswifetomylover’sfamily，asalsotohisrelations，whowerejudges，officers，andmenabouttown，andtotheirwives，whowereallwomenoffashion。Yourbrotherwasinhighgleethattoplayourpartsproperlywewereobligedtosleeptogether。Formypart，Iwasfarfromdislikingtheidea，oratalleventsIlookeduponitasashortcuttothemarriageIdesired。
"ButhowcanItellyou？Thoughtenderandaffectionateineverything，yourbrothersleptwithmeforamonthwithoutourattainingwhatseemedthenaturalresultunderthecircumstances。"
"Youmighthaveconcluded，then，thathewasimpotent；forunlessheweremadeofstone，orhadtakenavowofchastity，hisconductwasinexplicable。"
"Thefactis，thatIhadnomeansofknowingwhetherhewascapableorincapableofgivingmesubstantialproofofhislove。"
"Whydidyounotascertainhisconditionforyourself？"
"Afeelingoffoolishpridepreventedmefromputtinghimtothetest。Ididnotsuspectthetruth，butimaginedreasonsflatteringtomyself。IthoughtthathelovedmesotrulythathewouldnotdoanythingbeforeIwashiswife。Thatideapreventedmehumiliatingmyselfbymakinghimgivemesomepositiveproofofhispowers。"
"Thatsuppositionwouldhavebeentenable，thoughhighlyimprobable，ifyouhadbeenaninnocentyoungmaid，butheknewperfectlywellthatyournovitiatewaslongover。"
"Verytrue；butwhatcanyouexpectofawomanimpelledbyloveandvanity？"
"Yourreasoningisexcellent，butitcomesratherlate。""Well，atlastwewentbacktoParis，yourbrothertohishouse，andItomine，whilehecontinuedhiscourtship，andIcouldnotunderstandwhathemeantbysuchstrangebehaviour。M。deSauci，whoknewthatnothingserioushadtakenplacebetweenus，triedinvaintosolvetheenigma。’Nodoubtheisafraidofgettingyouwithchild，’hesaid，’andofthusbeingobligedtomarryyou。’Ibegantobeofthesameopinion，butIthoughtitastrangelineforamaninlovetotake。
"M。deNesle，anofficerintheFrenchGuards，whohadaprettywifeIhadmetinthecountry，wenttoyourbrother’stocallonme。Notfindingmethereheaskedwhywedidnotlivetogether。
Yourbrotherrepliedopenlythatourmarriagehadbeenamerejest。M。deNeslethencametometoenquireifthiswerethetruth，andwhenheheardthatitwasheaskedmehowIwouldlikehimtomakeCasanovamarryme。IansweredthatIshouldbedelighted，andthatwasenoughforhim。Hewentagaintoyourbrother，andtoldhimthathiswifewouldneverhaveassociatedwithmeonequaltermsifIhadnotbeenintroducedtoherasamarriedwoman；thatthedeceitwasaninsulttoallthecompanyatthecountry—house，whichmustbewipedoutbyhismarryingmewithintheweekorbyfightingaduel。M。deNesleaddedthatifhefellhewouldbeavengedbyallthegentlemenwhohadbeenoffendedinthesameway。Casanovareplied，laughing，thatsofarfromfightingtoescapemarryingme，hewasreadytobreakalancetogetme。’Iloveher，’hesaid，’andifshelovesmeIamquitereadytogivehermyhand。Bekindenough，’headded，’topreparethewayforme，andIwillmarryherwheneveryoulike。’
"M。deNesleembracedhim，andpromisedtoseetoeverything；hebroughtmethejoyfulnews，andinaweekallwasover。M。deNeslegaveusasplendidsupperonourwedding—day，andsincethenIhavehadthetitleofhiswife。Itisanemptytitle，however，for，despitetheceremonyandthefatalyes，Iamnowife，foryourbrotheriscompletelyimpotent。Iamanunhappywretch，anditisallhisfault，forheoughttohaveknownhisowncondition。
Hehasdeceivedmehorribly。"
"Buthewasobligedtoactashedid；heismoretobepitiedthantobeblamed。Ialsopityyou，butIthinkyouareinthewrong，forafterhissleepingwithyouforamonthwithoutgivinganyproofofhismanhoodyoumighthaveguessedthetruth。Evenifyouhadbeenaperfectnovice，M。deSaucioughttohaveknownwhatwasthematter；hemustbeawarethatitisbeyondthepowerofmantosleepbesideaprettywoman，andtopresshernakedbodytohisbreastwithoutbecoming，inspiteofhimself，inastatewhichwouldadmitofnoconcealment；thatis，incasehewerenotimpotent。"
"Allthatseemsveryreasonable，butneverthelessneitherofusthoughtofit；yourbrotherlookssuchaHercules。"
"Therearetworemediesopentoyou；youcaneitherhaveyourmarriageannulled，oryoucantakealover；andIamsurethatmybrotheristooreasonableamantoofferanyoppositiontothelattercourse。"
"Iamperfectlyfree，butIcanneitheravailmyselfofadivorcenorofalover；forthewretchtreatsmesokindlythatIlovehimmoreandmore，whichdoubtlessmakesmymisfortunehardertobear。"
ThepoorwomanwassounhappythatIshouldhavebeendelightedtoconsoleher，butitwasoutofthequestion。However，themeretellingofherstoryhadaffordedhersomesolace，andafterkissingherinsuchawayastoconvinceherthatIwasnotlikemybrother，Iwishedhergoodnight。
ThenextdayIcalledonMadameVanloo，whoinformedmethatMadameBlondelhadchargedhertothankmeforhavinggoneaway，whileherhusbandwishedmetoknowthathewassorrynottohaveseenmetoexpresshisgratitude。
"Heseemstohavefoundhiswifeamaid，butthat’snofaultofmine；andManonBalettiistheonlypersonheoughttobegratefulto。Theytellmethathehasaprettybaby，andthathelivesattheLouvre，whileshehasanotherhouseintheRueNeuve—des—
Petits—Champs。"
"Yes，buthehassupperwithhereveryevening。"
"It’sanoddwayofliving。"
"Iassureyouitanswerscapitally。Blondelregardshiswifeashismistress。Hesaysthatthatkeepstheflameoflovealight，andthatasheneverhadamistressworthyofbeingawife，heisdelightedtohaveawifeworthyofbeingamistress。"
ThenextdayIdevotedentirelytoMadamedeRumain，andwewereoccupiedwithknottyquestionstilltheevening。Ileftherwellpleased。Themarriageofherdaughter，Mdlle。Cotenfau，withM。
dePolignac，whichtookplacefiveorsixyearslater，wastheresultofourcabalisticcalculations。
Thefairstocking—selleroftheRuedesProuveres，whomIhadlovedsowell，wasnolongerinParis。ShehadgoneoffwithaM。
deLanglade，andherhusbandwasinconsolable。Camillewasill。
CorallinehadbecomethetitularymistressoftheComtedelaMarche，sonofthePrinceofConti，andtheissueofthisunionwasason，whomIknewtwentyyearslater。HecalledhimselftheChevalierdeMontreal，andworethecrossoftheKnightsofMalta。
SeveralothergirlsIhadknownwerewidowedandinthecountry，orhadbecomeinaccessibleinotherways。
SuchwastheParisofmyday。Theactorsonitsstagechangedasrapidlyasthefashions。
IdevotedawholedaytomyoldfriendBaletti，whohadleftthetheatreandmarriedaprettyballet—girlonthedeathofhisfather；hewasmakingexperimentswithaviewtofindingthephilosopher’sstone。
IwasagreeablysurprisedatmeetingthepoetPoinsinetattheComedicFrancaise。Heembracedmeagainandagain，andtoldmethatM。duTillothadoverwhelmedhimwithkindnessatParma。
"Hewouldnotgetmeanythingtodo，"saidPoinsinet，"becauseaFrenchpoetisratheratadiscountinItaly。"
"HaveyouheardanythingofLordLismore？"
"Yes，hewrotetohismotherfromLeghorn，tellingherthathewasgoingtotheIndies，andthatifyouhadnotbeengoodenoughtogivehimathousandLouishewouldhavebeenaprisoneratRome。"
"Hisfateinterestsmeextremely，andIshouldbegladtocallonhislady—motherwithyou。"
"IwilltellherthatyouareinParis，andIamsurethatshewillinviteyoutosupper，forshehasthegreatestdesiretotalktoyou。"
"Howareyougettingonhere？AreyoustillcontenttoserveApollo？"
"Heisnotthegodofwealthbyanymeans。Ihavenomoneyandnoroom，andIshallbegladofasupper，ifyouwillaskme。Iwillreadyoumyplay，the’Cercle’，whichhasbeenaccepted。Iamsureitwillbesuccessful？"
The’Cercle’wasashortproseplay，inwhichthepoetsatirisedthejargonofDr。Herrenschwand，brotherofthedoctorIhadconsultedatSoleure。Theplayprovedtobeagreatsuccess。
ItookPoinsinethometosupper，andthepoornurslingofthemusesateforfour。InthemorninghecametotellmethattheCountessofLismoreexpectedmetosupper。
Ifoundthelady，stillpretty，incompanywithheragedlover，M。
deSt。Albin，ArchbishopofCambrai，whospentalltherevenuesofhisseeonher。ThisworthyprelatewasoneoftheillegitimatechildrenoftheDucd’Orleans，thefamousRegent，byanactress。
Hesuppedwithus，butheonlyopenedhismouthtoeat，andhismistressonlyspokeofherson，whosetalentsshelaudedtotheskies，thoughhewasinrealityamerescamp；butIfeltindutyboundtoechowhatshesaid。Itwouldhavebeencrueltocontradicther。IpromisedtoletherknowifIsawanythingmoreofhim。
Poinsinet，whowashearthlessandhomeless，astheysay，spentthenightinmyroom，andinthemorningIgavehimtwocupsofchocolateandsomemoneywherewithtogetalodging。Ineversawhimagain，andafewyearsafterhewasdrowned，notinthefountainofHippocrene，butintheGuadalquivir。HetoldmethathehadspentaweekwithM。deVoltaire，andthathehadhastenedhisreturntoParistoobtainthereleaseoftheAbbeMorelletfromtheBastile。
IhadnothingmoretodoatParis，andIwasonlywaitingforsomeclothestobemadeandforacrossoftheorder，withwhichtheHolyFatherhaddecoratedme，tobesetwithdiamondsandrubies。
Ihadwaitedforfiveorsixdayswhenanunfortunateincidentobligedmetotakeahastydeparture。Iamlothtowritewhatfollows，foritwasallmyownfaultthatIwasnearlylosingmylifeandmyhonour。Ipitythosesimpletonswhoblamefortuneandnotthemselvesfortheirmisfortunes。
IwaswalkingintheTuileriesatteno’clockinthemorning，whenIwasunluckyenoughtomeettheDangenancourandanothergirl。
ThisDangenancourwasadancerattheopera—house，whomIhaddesiredtomeetpreviouslytomylastdeparturefromParis。I
congratulatedmyselfontheluckychancewhichthrewherinmyway，andaccostedher，andhadnotmuchtroubleininducinghertodinewithmeatChoisi。
WewalkedtowardsthePont—Royal，wherewetookacoach。Afterdinnerhadbeenorderedweweretakingaturninthegarden，whenIsawacarriagestopandtwoadventurerswhomIknewgettingoutofit，withtwogirls，friendsoftheonesIhadwithme。Thewretchedlandlady，whowasstandingatthedoor，saidthatifwelikedtositdowntogethershecouldgiveusanexcellentdinner，andIsaidnothing，orratherIassentedtotheyesofmytwonymphs。Thedinnerwasexcellent，andafterthebillwaspaid，andwewereonthepointofreturningtoParis，Inoticedthataring，whichIhadtakenofftoshewtooneoftheadventurersnamedSantis，wasstillmissing。Itwasanexceedinglyprettyminiature，andthediamondsettinghadcostmetwenty—fiveLouis。
IpolitelybeggedSantistoreturnmethering，andherepliedwiththeutmostcoolnessthathehaddonesoalready。
"Ifyouhadreturnedit，"saidI，"itwouldbeonmyfinger，andyouseethatitisnot。"
Hepersistedinhisassertion；thegirlssaidnothing，butSantis’sfriend，aPortuguese，namedXavier，daredtotellmethathehadseentheringreturned。
"You’realiar，"Iexclaimed；andwithoutmoreadoItookholdofSantisbythecollar，andsworeIwouldrotlethimgotillhereturnedmemyring。ThePortugueserosetocometohisfriend’srescue，whileIsteppedbackanddrewmysword，repeatingmydeterminationnottoletthemgo。Thelandladycameonthesceneandbegantoshriek，andSantisaskedmetogivehimafewwordsapart。Ithoughtinallgoodfaiththathewasashamedtorestoretheringbeforecompany，butthathewouldgiveitmeassoonaswewerealone。Isheathedmysword，andtoldhimtocomewithme。
Xaviergotintothecarriagewiththefourgirls，andtheyallwentbacktoParis。
Santisfollowedmetothebackoftheinn，andthenassumingapleasantsmilehetoldmethathehadputtheringintohisfriend’spocketforajoke，butthatIshouldhaveitbackatParis。
"That’sanidletale，"Iexclaimed，"yourfriendsaidthathesawyoureturnit，andnowhehasescapedme。DoyouthinkthatIamgreenenoughtobetakeninbythissortofthing？You’reacoupleofrobbers。"
Sosaying，Istretchedoutmyhandforhiswatch—chain，buthesteppedbackanddrewhissword。Idrewmine，andwehadscarcelycrossedswordswhenhethrust，andIparryingrushedinandranhimthroughandthrough。Hefelltothegroundcalling，"Help！"I
sheathedmysword，and，withouttroublingmyselfabouthim，gotintomycoachanddrovebacktoParis。
IgotdowninthePlaceMaubert，andwalkedbyacircuitouswaytomyhotel。Iwassurethatnoonecouldhavecomeaftermethere，asmylandlorddidnotevenknowmyname。
Ispenttherestofthedayinpackingupmytrunks，andaftertellingCostatoplacethemonmycarriageIwenttoMadamed’Urfe。AfterIhadtoldherofwhathadhappened，Ibeggedher，assoonasthatwhichshehadformewasready，tosendittomeatAugsburgbyCosta。Ishouldhavetoldhertoentrustittooneofherownservants，butmygoodgeniushadleftmethatday。
BesidesIdidnotlookuponCostaasathief。
WhenIgotbacktothehotelIgavetherascalhisinstructions，tellinghimtobequickandtokeephisowncounsel，andthenI
gavehimmoneyforthejourney。
IleftParisinmycarriage，drawnbyfourhiredhorses，whichtookmeasfarasthesecondpost，andIdidnotstoptillIgottoStrasburg，whereIfoundDesarmoisesandmySpaniard。
TherewasnothingtokeepmeinStrasburg，soIwantedtocrosstheRhineimmediately；butDesarmoisespersuadedmetocomewithhimtoseeanextremelyprettywomanwhohadonlydelayedherdepartureforAugsburginthehopethatwemightjourneytheretogether。
"Youknowthelady，"saidthefalsemarquis，"butshemademegivemywordofhonourthatIwouldnottellyou。Shehasonlyhermaidwithher，andIamsureyouwillbepleasedtoseeher。"
Mycuriositymademegivein。IfollowedDesarmoises，andcameintoaroomwhereIsawanice—lookingwomanwhomIdidnotrecognizeatfirst。Icollectedmythoughts，andtheladyturnedouttobeadancerwhomIhadadmiredontheDresdenboardseightyearsbefore。ShewasthenmistresstoCountBruhl，butIhadnotevenattemptedtowinherfavour。Shehadanexcellentcarriage，andasshewasreadytogotoAugsburgIimmediatelyconcludedthatwecouldmakethejourneytogetherverypleasantly。
Aftertheusualcomplimentshadpassed，wedecidedonleavingforAugsburgthefollowingmorning。TheladywasgoingtoMunich，butasIhadnobusinessthereweagreedthatsheshouldgobyherself。
"Iamquitesure，"shesaid，afterwards，"thatyouwillcometoo，fortheambassadorsdonotassembleatAugsburgtillnextSeptember。"
Wesuppedtogether，andnextmorningwestartedonourway；sheinhercarriagewithhermaid，andIinminewithDesarmoises，precededbyLeDuconhorseback。AtRastadt，however，wemadeachange，theRenaud（asshewascalled）thinkingthatshewouldgivelessopportunityforcurioussurmisesbyridingwithmewhileDesarmoiseswentwiththeservant。Wesoonbecameintimate。Shetoldmeaboutherself，orpretendedto，andItoldherallthatI
didnotwanttoconceal。IinformedherthatIwasanagentoftheCourtofLisbon，andshebelievedme，while，formypart，I
believedthatshewasonlygoingtoMunichandAugsburgtosellherdiamonds。
WebegantotalkaboutDesarmoises，andshesaidthatitwaswellenoughformetoassociatewithhim，butIshouldnotcountenancehisstylinghimselfmarquis。
"But，"saidI，"heisthesonoftheMarquisDesarmoises，ofNancy。"
"No，heisn’t；heisonlyaretiredmessenger，withasmallpensionfromthedepartmentofforeignaffairs。IknowtheMarquisDesarmoises；helivesatNancy，andisnotsooldasourfriend。"
"Thenonecan’tseehowhecanbeDesarmoises’sfather。"
"ThelandlordoftheinnatStrasburgknewhimwhenhewasamessenger。"
"Howdidyoumakehisacquaintance？"
"Wemetatthetabled’hote。Afterdinnerhecameuptomyroom，andtoldmehewaswaitingforagentlemanwhowasgoingtoAugsburg，andthatwemightmakethejourneytogether。Hetoldmethename，andafterquestioninghimIconcludedthatthegentlemanwasyourself，sohereweare，andIamverygladofit。Butlistentome；Iadviseyoutodropallfalsestylesandtitles。
WhydoyoucallyourselfSeingalt？"
"Becauseit’smyname，butthatdoesn’tpreventmyoldfriendscallingmeCasanova，forIamboth。Youunderstand？"
"Oh，yes！Iunderstand。YourmotherisatPrague，andasshedoesn’tgetherpensiononaccountofthewar，Iamafraidshemustberatherindifficulties。"
"Iknowit，butIdonotforgetmyfilialduties。Ihavesenthersomemoney。"
"That’sright。WhereareyougoingtostayatAugsburg？"
"Ishalltakeahouse，andifyoulikeyoushallbethemistressanddothehonours。"
"Thatwouldbedelightful！Wewillgivelittlesuppers，andplaycardsallnight。"
"Yourprogrammeisanexcellentone。"
"Iwillseethatyougetagoodcook；alltheBavariancooksaregood。Weshallcutafinefigure，andpeoplewillsayweloveeachothermadly。"
"Youmustknow，dearest，thatIdonotunderstandjokesattheexpenseoffidelity。"
"Youmaytrustmeforthat。YouknowhowIlivedatDresden。"
"Iwilltrustyou，butnotblindly，Ipromiseyou。Andnowletusaddresseachotherinthesameway；youmustcallmetu。Youmustrememberwearelovers。"
"Kissme！"
ThefairRenauddidnotliketravelingbynight；shepreferredtoeatagoodsupper，todrinkheavily，andtogotobedjustasherheadbegantowhirl。TheheatofthewinemadeherintoaBacchante，hardtoappease；butwhenIcoulddonomoreItoldhertoleavemealone，andshehadtoobey。
WhenwereachedAugsburgwealightedatthe"ThreeMoors，"butthelandlordtoldusthatthoughhecouldgiveusagooddinnerhecouldnotputusup，asthewholeofthehotelhadbeenengagedbytheFrenchambassador。IcalledonM。Corti，thebankertowhomI
wasaccredited，andhesoongotmeafurnishedhousewithagarden，whichItookforsixmonths。TheRenaudlikeditimmensely。
NoonehadyetarrivedatAugsburg。TheRenaudcontrivedtomakemefeelthatIshouldbelonelyatAugsburgwithouther，andsucceededinpersuadingmetocomewithhertoMunich。Weputupatthe"Stag，"andmadeourselvesverycomfortable，whileDesarmoiseswenttostaysomewhereelse。Asmybusinessandthatofmynewmatehadnothingincommon，Igaveheraservantandacarriagetoherself，andmademyselfthesameallowance。
TheAbbeGamahadgivenmealetterfromtheCommendatoreAlmadaforLordStormont，theEnglishambassadorattheCourtofBavaria。
ThisnoblemanbeingthenatMunichIhastenedtodelivertheletter。Hereceivedmeverywell，andpromisedtodoallhecouldassoonashehadtime，asLordHalifaxhadtoldhimallaboutit。
OnleavinghisBritannicLordship’sIcalledonM。deFolard，theFrenchambassador，andgavehimaletterfromM。deChoiseul。M。
deFolardgavemeaheartywelcome，andaskedmetodinewithhimthenextday，andthedayafterintroducedmetotheElector。
DuringthefourfatalweeksIspentatMunich，theambassador’shousewastheonlyoneIfrequented。Icalltheseweeksfatal，andwithreason，forinthenIlostallmymoney，Ipledgedjewels（whichIneverrecovered）totheamountoffortythousandfrancs，andfinallyIlostmyhealth。MyassassinsweretheRenaudandDesarmoises，whoowedmesomuchandpaidmesobadly。
ThethirddayaftermyarrivalIhadtocallontheDowagerElectressofSaxony。Itwasmybrother—in—law，whowasinhertrain，thatmademego，bytellingmethatitmustbedone，assheknewmeandhadbeenenquiringforme。Ihadnoreasontorepentofmypolitenessingoing，astheElectressgavemeagoodreception，andmademetalktoanyextent。Shewasextremelycurious，likemostpeoplewhohavenoemployment，andhavenotsufficientintelligencetoamusethemselves。
Ihavedoneagoodmanyfoolishthingsinthecourseofmyexistence。IconfessitasfranklyasRousseau，andmyMemoirsarenotsoegotisticasthoseofthatunfortunategenius；butI
nevercommittedsuchanactoffollyasIdidwhenIwenttoMunich，whereIhadnothingtodo。Butitwasacrisisinmylife。MyevilgeniushadmademecommitonefollyafteranothersinceIleftTurin。TheeveningatLordLismore’s，myconnectionwithDesarmoises，mypartyatChoisi，mytrustinCosta，myunionwiththeRenaud，andworsethanall，myfollyinlettingmyselfplayatfaroataplacewheretheknaveryofthegamestersisrenownedalloverEurope，followedoneanotherinfatalsuccession。Amongtheplayerswasthefamous，orratherinfamous，Affisio，thefriendoftheDucdeDeux—Ponts，whomthedukecalledhisaide—decamp，andwhowasknownforthekeenestrogueintheworld。
Iplayedeveryday，andasIoftenlostmoneyonmywordofhonour，thenecessityofpayingthenextdayoftencausedmetheutmostanxiety。WhenIhadexhaustedmycreditwiththebankers，IhadrecoursetotheJewswhorequirepledges，andinthisDesarmoisesandtheRenaudweremyagents，thelatterofwhomendedbymakingherselfmistressofallmyproperty。Thiswasnottheworstthingshedidtome；forshe，gavemeadisease，whichdevouredherinteriorpartsandleftnomarksoutwardly，andwasthusallthemoredangerous，asthefreshnessofhercomplexionseemedtoindicatethemostperfecthealth。Inshort，thisserpent，whomusthavecomefromhelltodestroyme，hadacquiredsuchamasteryovermethatshepersuadedmethatshewouldbedishonouredifIcalledinadoctorduringourstayatMunich，aseverybodyknewthatwewerelivingtogetherasmanandwife。
Icannotimaginewhathadbecomeofmywitstoletmyselfbesobeguiled，whileeverydayIrenewedthepoisonthatshehadpouredintomyveins。
MystayatMunichwasakindofcurse；throughoutthatdreadfulmonthIseemedtohaveaforetasteofthepainsofthedamned。
TheRenaudlovedgaming，andDesarmoiseswasherpartner。Itookcarenottoplaywiththem，forthefalsemarquiswasanunmitigatedcheatandoftentrickedwithlessskillthanimpudence。Heaskeddisreputablepeopletomyhouseandtreatedthematmyexpense；everyeveningscenesofadisgracefulcharactertookplace。
TheDowagerElectressmortifiedmeextremelybythewaysheaddressedmeonmylasttwovisitstoher。
"Everybodyknowswhatkindofalifeyouleadhere，andthewaytheRenaudbehaves，possiblywithoutyourknowingit。Iadviseyoutohavedonewithher，asyourcharacterissuffering。"
ShedidnotknowwhatathraldomIwasunder。IhadleftParisforamonth，andIhadneitherheardofMadamed’UrfenorofCosta。Icouldnotguessthereason，butIbegantosuspectmyItalian’sfidelity。IalsofearedlestmygoodMadamed’Urfemightbedeadorhavecometohersenses，whichwouldhavecometothesamethingsofarasIwasconcerned；andIcouldnotpossiblyreturntoParistoobtaintheinformationwhichwassonecessarybothforcalmingmymindandrefillingmypurse。
Iwasinaterriblestate，andmysharpestpangwasthatIbegantoexperienceacertainabatementofmyvigors，thenaturalresultofadvancingyears。Ihadnolongerthatdaringbornofyouthandtheknowledgeofone’sstrength，andIwasnotyetoldenoughtohavelearnthowtohusbandmyforces。Nevertheless，Imadeaneffortandtookasuddenleaveofmymistress，tellingherIwouldawaitheratAugsburg。Shedidnottrytodetainme，butpromisedtorejoinmeassoonaspossible；shewasengagedinsellingherjewellery。IsetoutprecededbyLeDuc，feelingverygladthatDesarmoiseshadchosentostaywiththewretchedwomantowhomhehadintroducedme。WhenIreachedmyprettyhouseatAugsburgI
tooktomybed，determinednottorisetillIwascuredordead。
M。Carli，mybanker，recommendedtomeadoctornamedCephalides，apupilofthefamousFayet，whohadcuredmeofasimilarcomplaintseveralyearsbefore。ThisCephalideswasconsideredthebestdoctorinAugsburg。Heexaminedmeanddeclaredhecouldcuremebysudorificswithouthavingrecoursetotheknife。Hebeganhistreatmentbyputtingmeonasevereregimen，orderingbaths，andapplyingmercurylocally。Ienduredthistreatmentforsixweeks，attheendofwhichtimeIfoundmyselfworsethanatthebeginning。Ihadbecometerriblythin，andIhadtwoenormousinguinaltumours。Ihadtomakeupmymindtohavethemlanced，butthoughtheoperationnearlykilledmeitdidnottomakemeanybetter。Hewassoclumsyastocuttheartery，causinggreatlossofbloodwhichwasarrestedwithdifficulty，andwouldhaveprovedfatalifithadnotbeenforthecareofM。Algardi，aBolognesedoctorintheserviceofthePrince—BishopofAugsburg。
IhadenoughofCephalides，andDr。Algardipreparedinmypresenceeighty—sixpillscontainingeighteengrainsofmanna。I
tookoneofthesepillseverymorning，drinkingalargeglassofcurdsafterit，andintheeveningIhadanotherpillwithbarleywater，andthiswastheonlysustenanceIhad。Thisheroictreatmentgavemebackmyhealthintwomonthsandahalf，inwhichIsufferedagreatdealofpain；butIdidnotbegintoputonfleshandgetbackmystrengthtilltheendoftheyear。
ItwasduringthistimethatIheardaboutCosta’sflightwithmydiamonds，watches，snuff—box，linen，richsuits，andahundredlouiswhichMadamed’Urfehadgivenhimforthejourney。Theworthyladysentmeabillofexchangeforfiftythousandfrancs，whichshehadhappilynotentrustedtotherobber，andthemoneyrescuedmeveryopportunelyfromthestatetowhichmyimprudencehadreducedme。
AtthisperiodImadeanotherdiscoveryofanextremelyvexatiouscharacter；namely，thatLeDuchadrobbedme。Iwouldhaveforgivenhimifhehadnotforcedmetoapublicexposure，whichI
couldonlyhaveavoidedwiththelossofmyhonour。However，I
kepthiminmyservicetillmyreturntoParisatthecommencementofthefollowingyear。
TowardstheendofSeptember，wheneverybodyknewthattheCongresswouldnottakeplace，theRenaudpassedthroughAugsburgwithDesarrnoisesonherwaytoParis；butshedarednotcomeandseemeforfearIshouldmakeherreturnmygoods，ofwhichshehadtakenpossessionwithouttellingme。FourorfiveyearslatershemarriedamannamedBohmer，thesamethatgavetheCardinaldeRohanthefamousnecklace，whichhesupposedwasdestinedfortheunfortunateMarieAntoinette。TheRenaudwasatPariswhenI
returned，butImadenoendeavourtoseeher，asIwished，ifpossible，toforgetthepast。Ihadeveryreasontodoso，foramongstallthemisfortunesIhadgonethroughduringthatwretchedyearthepersonIfoundmostatfaultwasmyself。
Nevertheless，IwouldhavegivenmyselfthepleasureofcuttingoffDesarmoises’sears；buttheoldrascal，who，nodoubt，foresawwhatkindoftreatmentIwaslikelytometetohim，madehisescape。Shortlyafter，hediedmiserablyofconsumptioninNormandy。
Myhealthhadscarcelyreturned，whenIforgotallmywoesandbeganoncemoretoamusemyself。Myexcellentcook，AnnaMidel，whohadbeenidlesolong，hadtoworkhardtosatisfymyravenousappetite。MylandlordandprettyGertrude，hisdaughter，lookedatmewithastonishmentasIate，fearingsomedisastrousresults。
Dr。Algardi，whohadsavedmylife，prophesiedadyspepsiawhichwouldbringmetothetomb，butmyneedoffoodwasstrongerthanhisarguments，towhichIpaidnokindofattention；andIwasright，forIrequiredanimmensequantityofnourishmenttorecovermyformerstate，andIsoonfeltinaconditiontorenewmysacrificestothedeityforwhomIhadsufferedsomuch。
IfellinlovewiththecookandGertrude，whowerebothyoungandpretty。Iimpartedmylovetobothofthematonce，forIhadforeseenthatifIattackedthemseparatelyIshouldconquerneither。Besides，IfeltthatIhadnotmuchtimetolose，asI
hadpromisedtosupwithMadame，d’Urfeonthefirstnightoftheyear1761inasuiteofroomsshehadfurnishedformeintheRuedeBac。ShehadadornedtheroomswithsuperbtapestrymadeforReneofSavoy，onwhichweredepictedalltheoperationsoftheGreatWork。ShewrotetomethatshehadheardthatSantishadrecoveredfromthewoundIhadgivenhim，andhadbeencommittedtotheBicetreforfraud。
GertrudeandAnnaMideloccupiedmyleisuremomentsagreeablyenoughduringtherestofmystayatAugsburg，buttheydidnotmakemeneglectsociety。IspentmyeveningsinaveryagreeablemannerwithCountMaxdeLamberg，whooccupiedthepositionoffield—marshaltotheprince—bishop。Hiswifehadalltheattractionswhichcollectgoodcompanytogether。AtthishouseI
madetheacquaintanceoftheBaronvonSelentin，acaptaininthePrussianservice，whowasrecruitingfortheKingofPrussiaatAugsburg。IwasparticularlydrawntotheCountLambergbyhistasteforliterature。Hewasanextremelylearnedman，andhaspublishedsomeexcellentworks。Ikeptupacorrespondencewithhimtillhisdeath，byhisownfault，in1792，fouryearsfromthetimeofmywriting。Isaybyhisfault，butIshouldhavesaidbythefaultofhisdoctors，whotreatedhimmercuriallyforadiseasewhichwasnotvenereal；andthistreatmentnotonlykilledhimbuttookawayhisgoodname。
Hiswidowisstillalive，andlivesinBavaria，lovedbyherfriendsandherdaughters，whoallmadeexcellentmarriages。
AtthistimeamiserablecompanyofItalianactorsmadetheirappearanceinAugsburg，andIgotthempermissiontoplayinasmallandwretchedtheatre。Asthiswastheoccasionofanincidentwhichdivertedme，thehero，Ishallimpartittomyreadersinthehopeofitsamusingthemalso。
CHAPTERXIV
TheActors——Bassi——TheGirlFromStrasburgTheFemaleCount——
MyReturntoParisIGotoMetz——PrettyRaton——ThePretendedCountessLascarisAwoman，uglyenough，butlivelylikeallItalians，calledonme，andaskedmetointercedewiththepolicetoobtainpermissionforhercompanytoactinAugsburg。Inspiteofheruglinessshewasapoorfellow—countrywoman，andwithoutaskinghername，orascertainingwhetherthecompanywasgoodorbad，Ipromisedtodomybest，andhadnodifficultyinobtainingthefavour。
Iwenttothefirstperformance，andsawtomysurprisethatthechiefactorwasaVenetian，andafellow—studentofmine，twentyyearsbefore，atSt。Cyprian’sCollege。HisnamewasBassi，andlikemyselfhehadgivenupthepriesthood。Fortunehadmadeanactorofhim，andhelookedwretchedenough，whileI，theadventurer，hadaprosperousair。
Ifeltcurioustohearhisadventures，andIwasalsoactuatedbythatfeelingofkindlinesswhichdrawsonetowardsthecompanionsofone’syouthfulandespeciallyone’sschooldays，soIwenttothebackassoonasthecurtainfell。Herecognizedmedirectly，gaveajoyfulcry，andafterhehadembracedmeheintroducedmetohiswife，thewomanwhohadcalledonme，andtohisdaughter，agirlofthirteenorfourteen，whosedancinghaddelightedme。
Hedidnotstophere，butturningtohismates，ofwhomhewaschief，introducedmetothemashisbestfriend。Theseworthypeople，seeingmedressedlikealord，withacrossonmybreast，tookmeforacosmopolitancharlatanwhowasexpectedatAugsburg，andBassi，strangetosay，didnotundeceivethem。Whenthecompanyhadtakenoffitsstageragsandputonitseverydayrags，Bassi’suglywifetookmebythearmandsaidImustcomeandsupwithher。Iletmyselfbeled，andwesoongottojustthekindofroomIhadimagined。Itwasahugeroomonthegroundfloor，whichservedforkitchen，dining—room，andbedroomallatonce。
Inthemiddlestoodalongtable，partofwhichwascoveredwithaclothwhichlookedasifithadbeeninuseforamonth，andattheotherendoftheroomsomebodywaswashingcertainearthenwaredishesinadirtypan。Thisdenwaslightedbyonecandlestuckintheneckofabrokenbottle，andastherewerenosnuffersBassi’swifesnuffeditcleverlywithherfingerandthumb，wipingherhandonthetable—clothafterthrowingtheburntwickonthefloor。Anactorwithlongmoustaches，whoplayedthevillaininthevariouspieces，servedanenormousdishofhashed—upmeat，swimminginaseaofdirtywaterdignifiedwiththenameofsauce；
andthehungryfamilyproceededtotearpiecesofbreadofftheloafwiththeirfingersorteeth，andthentodiptheminthedish；butasalldidthesamenoonehadarighttobedisgusted。
Alargepotofalepassedfromhandtohand，andwithallthismiserymirthdisplayeditselfoneverycountenance，andIhadtoaskmyselfwhatishappiness。Forasecondcoursetherewasadishoffriedpork，whichwasdevouredwithgreatrelish。Bassiwaskindenoughnottopressmetotakepartinthisbanquet，andIfeltobligedtohim。
Themealover，heproceededtoimparttomehisadventures，whichwereordinaryenough，andlikethosewhichmanyapoordevilhastoundergo；andwhilehetalkedhisprettydaughtersatonmyknee。BassibroughthisstorytoanendbysayingthathewasgoingtoVeniceforthecarnival，andwassureofmakingalotofmoney。Iwishedhimalltheluckhecoulddesire，andonhisaskingmewhatprofessionIfollowedthefancytookmetoreplythatIwasadoctor。
"That’sabettertradethanmine，"saidhe，"andIamhappytobeabletogiveyouavaluablepresent。"
"Whatisthat？"Iasked。
"ThereceiptfortheVenetianSpecific，whichyoucansellattwoflorinsapound，whileitwillonlycostyoufourgros。"
"Ishallbedelighted；buttellme，howisthetreasury？"
"Well，Ican’tcomplainforafirstnight。Ihavepaidallexpenses，andhavegivenmyactorsaflorinapiece。ButIamsureIdon’tknowhowIamtoplayto—morrow，asthecompanyhasrebelled；theysaytheywon’tactunlessIgiveeachofthemaflorininadvance。"
"Theydon’taskverymuch，however。"
"Iknowthat，butIhavenomoney，andnothingtopledge；buttheywillbesorryforitafterwards，asIamsureIshallmakeatleastfiftyflorinsto—morrow。"
"Howmanyarethereinthecompany？"
"Fourteen，includingmyfamily。Couldyoulendmetenflorins？
Iwouldpayyoubacktomorrownight。"
"Certainly，butIshouldliketohaveyoualltosupperatthenearestinntothetheatre。Herearethetenflorins。"
Thepoordeviloverflowedwithgratitude，andsaidhewouldordersupperataflorinahead，accordingtomyinstructions。
Ithoughtthesightoffourteenfamishedactorssittingdowntoagoodsupperwouldberatheramusing。
Thecompanygaveaplaythenextevening，butasonlythirtyoratmostfortypeoplewerepresent，poorBassididnotknowwheretoturntopayforthelightingandtheorchestra。Hewasindespair；andinsteadofreturningmytenflorinshebeggedmetolendhimanotherten，stillinthehopeofagoodhousenexttime。
Iconsoledhimbysayingwewouldtalkitoveraftersupper，andthatIwouldgototheinntowaitformyguests。
Imadethesupperlastthreehoursbydintofpassingthebottlefreely。MyreasonwasthatIhadtakenagreatinterestinayounggirlfromStrasburg，whoplayedsingingchamber—maids。Herfeatureswereexquisiteandhervoicecharming，whileshemademesplitmysideswithlaughingatherItalianpronouncedwithanAlsatianaccent，andathergestureswhichwereofthemostcomicdescription。
Iwasdeterminedtopossessherinthecourseofthenexttwenty—
fourhours，andbeforethepartybrokeupIspokeasfollows:——
"Ladiesandgentlemen，Iwillengageyoumyselfforaweekatfiftyflorinsadayontheconditionthatyouacknowledgemeasyourmanagerforthetimebeing，andpayalltheexpensesofthetheatre。YoumustchargethepricesInameforseats，fivemembersofthecompanytobechosenbymemustsupwithmeeveryevening。Ifthereceiptsamounttomorethanfiftyflorins，wewillsharetheoverplusbetweenus。"
Myproposalwaswelcomedwithshoutsofjoy，andIcalledforpen，ink，andpaper，anddrewuptheagreement。
"Forto—morrow，"IsaidtoBassi，"thepricesforadmissionshallremainthesame，butthedayafterwewillseewhatcanbedone。
Youandyourfamilywillsupwithmeto—morrow，asalsotheyoungAlsatianwhomIcouldneverseparatefromherdearHarlequin:"
Heissuedbillsofanenticingdescriptionforthefollowingevening；but，inspiteofall，thepitonlycontainedascoreofcommonpeople，andnearlyalltheboxeswereempty。
Bassihaddonehisbest，andwhenwemetatsupperhecameuptomelookingextremelyconfused，andgavemetenortwelveflorins。
"Courage！"saidI；andIproceededtosharethemamongtheguestspresent。
Wehadagoodsupper，andIkeptthemattabletillmidnight，givingthemplentyofchoicewineandplayingathousandprankswithBassi’sdaughterandtheyoungAlsatian，whosatoneoneachsideofme。IdidnotheedthejealousHarlequin，whoseemednottorelishmyfamiliaritieswithhissweetheart。Thelatterlentherselftomyendearmentswithabadenoughgrace，asshehopedHarlequinwouldmarryher，andconsequentlydidnotwanttovexhim。Whensupperwasover，werose，andItookherbetweenmyarms，laughing，andcaressingherinamannerwhichseemedtoosuggestivetothelover，whotriedtopullmeaway。Ithoughtthisrathertoomuchinmyturn，andseizinghimbyhisshouldersIdismissedhimwithaheartykick，whichhereceivedwithgreathumility。However，thesituationassumedamelancholyaspect，forthepoorgirlbegantoweepbitterly。Bassiandhiswife，twohardenedsinners，laughedathertears，andBassi’sdaughtersaidthatherloverhadofferedmegreatprovocation；buttheyoungAlsatiancontinuedweeping，andtoldmethatshewouldneversupwithmeagainifIdidnotmakeherloverreturn。
"Iwillseetoallthat，"saidI；andfoursequinssoonmadeherallsmilesagain。Sheeventriedtoshewmethatshewasnotreallycruel，andthatshewouldbestilllesssoifIcouldmanagethejealousHarlequin。Ipromisedeverything，andshedidherbesttoconvincemethatshewouldbequitecomplaisantonthefirstopportunity。
IorderedBassitogivenoticethatthepitwouldbetwoflorinsandtheboxesaducat，butthatthegallerywouldbeopenedfreelytothefirstcomers。
"Weshallhavenobodythere，"saidhe，lookingalarmed。
"Maybe，butthatremainstobeseen。Youmustrequesttwelvesoldierstokeeporder，andIwillpayforthem。"
"Weshallwantsomesoldierstolookafterthemobwhichwillbeseigethegallery，butasfortherestofthehouse……"
"AgainItellyou，weshallsee。Carryoutmyinstructions，andwhethertheyprovesuccessfulorno，wewillhaveamerrysupperasusual。"
ThenextdayIcalledupontheHarlequininhislittledenofaroom，andwithtwoLouis，andapromisetorespecthismistress，I
madehimassoftasaglove。
Bassi’sbillsmadeeverybodylaugh。Peoplesaidhemustbemad；
butwhenitwasascertainedthatitwasthelessee’sspeculation，andthatIwasthelessee，theaccusationofmadnesswasturnedonme，butwhatdidIcare？Atnightthegallerywasfullanhourbeforetheriseofthecurtain；butthepitwasempty，andtherewasnobodyintheboxeswiththeexceptionofCountLamberg，aGenoeseabbenamedBolo，andayoungmanwhoappearedtomeawomanindisguise。
Theactorssurpassedthemselves，andthethundersofapplausefromthegalleryenlivenedtheperformance。
Whenwegottotheinn，Bassigavemethethreeducatsforthethreeboxes，butofcourseIreturnedthemtohim；itwasquitealittlefortuneforthepooractors。IsatdownattablebetweenBassi’swifeanddaughter，leavingtheAlsatiantoherlover。I
toldthemanagertopersevereinthesamecourse，andtoletthoselaughwhowould，andImadehimpromisetoplayallhisbestpieces。
Whenthesupperandthewinehadsufficientlyraisedmyspirits，I
devotedmyattentiontoBassi’sdaughter，wholetmedowhatI
liked，whileherfatherandmotheronlylaughed，andthesillyHarlequinfrettedandfumedatnotbeingabletotakethesamelibertieswithhisDulcinea。Butattheendofsupper，whenIhadmadethegirlinastateofnature，ImyselfbeingdressedlikeAdambeforeheatethefatalapple，Harlequinrose，andtakinghissweetheart’sarmwasgoingtodrawheraway。Iimperiouslytoldhimtositdown，andheobeyedmeinamazement，contentinghimselfwithturninghisback。Hissweetheartdidnotfollowhisexample，andsoplacedherselfonthepretextofdefendingmyvictimthatsheincreasedmyenjoyment，whilemyvagranthanddidnotseemtodispleaseher。
ThesceneexcitedBassi’swife，andshebeggedherhusbandtogiveheraproofofhisloveforher，towhichrequestheacceded，whilemodestHarlequinsatbythefirewithhisheadonhishands。
TheAlsatianwasinahighlyexcitedstate，andtookadvantageofherlover’spositiontograntmeallIwished，soIproceededtoexecutethegreatworkwithher，andtheviolentmovementsofherbodyprovedthatshewastakingasactiveapartinitasmyself。
WhentheorgywasoverIemptiedmypurseonthetable，andenjoyedtheeagernesswithwhichtheysharedascoreofsequins。
ThisindulgenceatatimewhenIhadnotyetrecoveredmyfullstrengthmademeenjoyalongsleep。JustasIawokeIwashandedasummonstoappearbeforetheburgomaster。Imadehastewithmytoilette，forIfeltcurioustoknowthereasonofthiscitation，andIwasawareIhadnothingtofear。WhenIappeared，themagistrateaddressedmeinGerman，towhichIturnedadeafear，forIonlyknewenoughofthatlanguagetoaskfornecessaries。
WhenhewasinformedofmyignoranceofGermanheaddressedmeinLatin，notoftheCiceroniankindbyanymeans，butinthatpeculiardialectwhichobtainsatmostoftheGermanuniversities。
"Whydoyoubearafalsename？"heasked。
"Mynameisnotfalse。YoucanaskCarli，thebanker，whohaspaidmefiftythousandflorins。"
"Iknowthat；butyournameisCasanova，sowhydoyoucallyourselfSeingalt？"
"Itakethisname，orratherIhavetakenit，becauseitbelongstome，andinsuchamannerthatifanyoneelsedaredtotakeitI
shouldcontestitasmypropertybyeverylegitimateresource。"
"Ah！andhowdoesthisnamebelongtoyou？"
"BecauseIinventedit；butthatdoesnotpreventmybeingCasanovaaswell。"
"Sir，youmustchoosebetweenCasanovaandSeingalt；amancannothavetwonames。"
"TheSpaniardsandPortugueseoftenhavehalfadozennames。"
"ButyouarenotaSpaniardoraPortuguese；youareanItalian:
and，afterall，howcanoneinventaname？"
"It’sthesimplestthingintheworld。"
"Kindlyexplain。"
"Thealphabetbelongsequallytothewholehumanrace；noonecandenythat。IhavetakeneightlettersandcombinedtheminsuchawayastoproducethewordSeingalt。Itpleasedme，andIhaveadopteditasmysurname，beingfirmlypersuadedthatasnoonehadborneitbeforenoonecoulddeprivemeofit，orcarryitwithoutmyconsent。"
"Thisisaveryoddidea。Yourargumentsareratherspeciousthanwellgrounded，foryournameoughttobenoneotherthanyourfather’sname。"
"Isuggestthatthereyouaremistaken；thenameyouyourselfbearbecauseyourfatherboreitbeforeyou，hasnotexistedfromalleternity；itmusthavebeeninventedbyanancestorofyourswhodidnotgetitfromhisfather，orelseyournamewouldhavebeenAdam。Doesyourworshipagreetothat？"
"Iamobligedto；butallthisisstrange，verystrange。"
"Youareagainmistaken。It’squiteanoldcustom，andIengagetogiveyoubyto—morrowalonglistofnamesinventedbyworthypeoplestillliving，whoareallowedtoenjoytheirnamesinpeaceandquietnesswithoutbeingcitedtothetownhalltoexplainhowtheygotthem。"
"Butyouwillconfessthattherearelawsagainstfalsenames？"
"Yes，butIrepeatthisnameismytruename。YournamewhichI
honour，thoughIdonotknowit，cannotbemoretruethanmine，foritispossiblethatyouarenotthesonofthegentlemanyouconsideryourfather。"Hesmiledandescortedmeout，tellingmethathewouldmakeenquiriesaboutmeofM。Carli。
ItookthepartofgoingtoM。Carli’smyself。Thestorymadehimlaugh。HetoldmethattheburgomasterwasaCatholic，aworthyman，welltodo，butratherthick—headed；inshort，afinesubjectforajoke。
ThefollowingmorningM。Carliaskedmetobreakfast，andafterwardstodinewiththeburgomaster。
"Isawhimyesterday，"saidhe，"andwehadalongtalk，inthecourseofwhichIsucceededinconvincinghimonthequestionofnames，andheisnowquiteofyouropinion。"
Iacceptedtheinvitationwithpleasure，asIwassureofseeingsomegoodcompany。Iwasnotundeceived；thereweresomecharmingwomenandseveralagreeablemen。Amongstothers，Inoticedthewomaninman’sdressIhadseenatthetheatre。Iwatchedheratdinner，andIwasthemoreconvincedthatshewasawoman。
Nevertheless，everybodyaddressedherasaman，andsheplayedtheparttoadmiration。I，however，beinginsearchofamusement，andnotcaringtoseemasifIweretakenin，begantotalktoherinastreamofgallantryasonetalkstoawoman，andIcontrivedtoletherknowthatifIwerenotsureofhersexIhadverystrongsuspicions。Shepretendednottounderstandme，andeveryonelaughedatmyfeignedexpressionofoffence。
Afterdinner，whileweweretakingcoffee，thepretendedgentlemanshewedacanonwhowaspresentaportraitononeofherrings。Itrepresentedayoungladywhowasinthecompany，andwasanexcellentlikeness——aneasyenoughmatter，asshewasveryugly。
Myconvictionwasnotdisturbed，butwhenIsawtheimposterkissingtheyounglady’shandwithmingledaffectionandrespect，Iceasedjestingonthequestionofhersex。M。Carlitookmeasideforamoment，andtoldmethatinspiteofhiseffeminateappearancethisindividualwasaman，andwasshortlygoingtomarrytheyoungladywhosehandhehadjustkissed。
"Itmaybeso，"saidI，"butIcan’tbelieveitallthesame。"
However，thepairweremarriedduringthecarnival，andthehusbandobtainedarichdowrywithhiswife。Thepoorgirldiedof’griefinthecourseofayear，butdidnotsayawordtillshewasonherdeath—bed。Herfoolishparents，ashamedofhavingbeendeceivedsogrossly，darednotsayanything，andgotthefemaleswindleroutoftheway；shehadtakengoodcare，however，tolayafirmholdonthedowry。Thestorybecameknown，andgavethegoodfolkofAugsburgmuchamusement，whileIbecamerenownedformysagacityinpiercingthedisguise。
IcontinuedtoenjoythesocietyofmytwoservantsandofthefairAlsation，whocostmeahundredlouis。AttheendofaweekmyagreementwithBassicametoanend，leavinghimwithsomemoneyinhispocket。Hecontinuedtogiveperformances，returningtotheusualpricesandsuppressingthefreegallery。Hedidveryfairbusiness。
IleftAugsburgtowardsthemiddleofDecember。
IwasvexedonaccountofGertrude，whobelievedherselfwithchild，butcouldnotmakeuphermindtoaccompanymetoFrance。
Herfatherwouldhavebeenpleasedformetotakeher；hehadnohopesofgettingherahusband，andwouldhavebeengladenoughtogetridofherbymymakinghermymistress。
Weshallhearmoreofherinthecourseoffiveorsixyears，asalsoofmyexcellentcook，AnnaMidel，towhomIgaveapresentoffourhundredflorins。Shemarriedshortlyafterwards，andwhenI
visitedthetownagainIfoundherunhappy。
IcouldnotmakeupmymindtoforgiveLeDuc，whorodeonthecoachman’sbox，andwhenwewereinParis，half—wayalongtheRueSt。Antoine，Imadehimtakehistrunkandgetdown；andIlefthimtherewithoutacharacter，inspiteofhisentreaties。I
neverheardofhimagain，butIstillmisshim，for，inspiteofhisgreatfailings，hewasanexcellentservant。PerhapsIshouldhavecalledtomindtheimportantserviceshehadrenderedmeatStuttgart，Soleure，Naples，Florence，andTurin；butIcouldnotpassoverhisimpudenceincompromisingmebeforetheAugsburgmagistrate。IfIhadnotsucceededinbringingacertainthefthometohim，itwouldhavebeenlaidtomydoor，andIshouldhavebeendishonoured。
Ihaddoneagooddealinsavinghimfromjustice，and，besides，I
hadrewardedhimliberallyforallthespecialserviceshehaddoneme。
>FromAugsburgIwenttoBalebywayofConstance，whereIstayedatthedearestinninSwitzerland。Thelandlord，Imhoff，wastheprinceofcheats，buthisdaughterswereamusing，andafterathreedays’stayIcontinuedmyjourney。IgottoParisonthelastdayoftheyear1761，andIleftthecoachatthehouseintheRueduBacq，wheremygoodangelMadamed’Urfehadarrangedmeasuiteofroomswiththeutmostelegance。
Ispentthreeweeksintheseroomswithoutgoinganywhere，inordertoconvincetheworthyladythatIhadonlyreturnedtoParistokeepmywordtoher，andmakeherbebornagainaman。
Wespentthethreeweeksinmakingpreparationsforthisdivineoperation，andourpreparationsconsistedofdevotionstoeachofthesevenplanetsonthedaysconsecratedtoeachoftheintelligences。AfterthisIhadtoseek，inaplacewhichthespiritswouldpointouttome，foramaiden，thedaughterofanadept，whomIwastoimpregnatewithamalechildinamanneronlyknowntotheFraternityoftheRosyCross。Madamed’Urfewastoreceivethechildintoherarmsthemomentitwasborn；andtokeepitbesideherinbedforsevendays。Attheendofthesevendaysshewoulddiewithherlipsonthelipsofthechild，whowouldthusreceiveherreasonablesoul，whereasbeforeithadonlypossessedavegetalsoul。
Thisbeingdone，itwastobemyparttocareforthechildwiththemagisteriumwhichwasknowntome，andassoonasithadattainedtoitsthirdyearMadamed’Urfewouldbegintorecoverherself—consciousness，andthenIwastobegintoinitiateherintheperfectknowledgeoftheGreatWork。
TheoperationmusttakeplaceunderthefullmoonduringthemonthsofApril，May，orJune。Aboveall，Madamed’Urfewastomakeawillinfavourofthechild，whoseguardianIwastobetillitsthirteenthyear。
Thissublimemadwomanhadnodoubtswhateverastothetruthofallthis，andburnedwithimpatiencetoseethevirginwhowasdestinedtobethevesselofelection。Shebeggedmetohastenmydeparture。
Ihadhoped，inobtainingmyanswersfromtheoracle，thatshewouldbedeterredbytheprospectofdeath，andIreckonedonthenaturalloveoflifemakingherdefertheoperationforanindefiniteperiod。Butsuchwasnotthecase，andIfoundmyselfobligedtokeepmyword，inappearanceatallevents，andtogoonmyquestforthemysteriousvirgin。
WhatIwantedwassomeyounghussywhomIcouldteachthepart，andIthoughtoftheCorticelli。ShehadbeenatPragueforthelastninemonths，andwhenwewereatBolognaIhadpromisedtocomeandseeherbeforetheendoftheyear。ButasIwasleavingGermany——bynomeansalandofpleasantmemoriestome——Ididnotthinkitwasworthwhilegoingoutofmywayforsuchatrifleinthedepthofwinter。Iresolvedtosendherenoughmoneyforthejourney，andtolethermeetmeinsomeFrenchtown。
M。deFouquet，afriendofMadamed’Urfe’s，wasGovernorofMetz，andIfeltsurethat，withaletterofintroductionfromMadamed’Urfe，thisnoblemanwouldgivemeadistinguishedreception。
Besides，hisnephew，theComtedeLastic，whomIknewwell，wastherewithhisregiment。ForthesereasonsIchoseMetzasameeting—placewiththevirginCorticelli，towhomthisnewpartwouldcertainlybeasurprise。Madamed’Urfegavemethenecessaryintroductions，andIleftParisonJanuary25th，1762，loadedwithpresents。Ihadaletterofcredittoalargeamount，butIdidnotmakeuseofitasmypursewasabundantlyreplenished。
Itooknoservant，forafterCosta’srobbingmeandLeDuc’scheatingmeIfeltasifIcouldnottrustinanyone。IgottoMetzintwodays，andputupatthe"RoiDagobert，"anexcellentinn，whereIfoundtheComtedeLouvenhaupt，aSwede，whomIhadmetatthehouseofthePrincessofAnhalt—Zerbst，motheroftheEmpressofRussia。HeaskedmetosupwithhimandtheDucdeDeuxPants，whowastravellingincognitotoParistovisitLouisXV。，whoseconstantfriendhewas。
ThedayaftermyarrivalItookmyletterstothegovernor，whotoldmeImustdinewithhimeveryday。M。deLastichadleftMetz，muchtomyregret，ashewouldhavecontributedinnosmalldegreetothepleasureofmystay。ThesamedayIwrotetotheCorticelli，sendingherfiftylouis，andtellinghertocomewithhermotherassoonaspossible，andtogetsomeonewhoknewthewaytoaccompanyher。ShecouldnotleavesPraguebeforethebeginningofLent，andtomakesureofhercomingIpromisedthatIwouldmakeherfortune。
InfourorfivedaysIknewmywayaboutthetown，butIdidnotfrequentpoliteassemblies，preferringtogotothetheatre，whereacomicoperasingerhadcaptivatedme。HernamewasRaton，andshewasonlyfifteen，afterthefashionofactresseswhoalwayssubtractatleasttwoorthreeyearsfromtheirage。However，thisfailingiscommontowomen，andisapardonableone，sincetobeyouthfulisthegreatestofalladvantagestothem。Ratonwasnotsomuchhandsomeasattractive，butwhatchieflymadeheranobjectofdesirewasthefactthatshehadputthepriceoftwenty—fivelouisonhermaidenhead。Onecouldspendanightwithher，andmakethetrialforaLouis；thetwenty—fivewereonlytobepaidontheaccomplishmentofthegreatwork。
Itwasnotoriousthatnumerousofficersinthearmyandyoungbarristershadundertakentheoperationunsuccessfully，andallofthemhadpaidalouisapiece。
Thissingularcasewasenoughtowhetmycuriosity。IwasnotlongbeforeIcalledonRaton，butnotwishingtobedupedbyherItookdueprecautions。Itoldherthatshemustcomeandsupwithme，andthatIwouldgiveherthetwenty—fivelouisifmyhappinesswascomplete，andthatifIwereunsuccessfulsheshouldhavesixlouisinsteadofone，providedthatshewasnottied。
Herauntassuredmethatthiswasnotthecase；butIcouldnothelpthinkingofVictorine。
Ratoncametosupperwithheraunt，whowenttobedinanadjoiningclosetwhenthedessertwasbroughtin。Thegirl’sfigurewasexquisitelybeautiful，andIfeltthatIhadnosmalltaskbeforeme。Shewaskind，laughing，anddefiedmetotheconquestofafleecenotofgold，butofebony，whichtheyouthofMetzhadassaultedinvain。PerhapsthereaderwillthinkthatI，whowasnolongerinmyfirstvigour，wasdiscouragedbythethoughtofthemanywhohadfailed；butIknewmypowers，anditonlyamusedme。HerformerlovershadbeenFrenchmen，moreskilledincarryingstrongplacesbyassaultthanineludingtheartfulnessofagirlwhocorkedherselfup。IwasanItalian，andknewallaboutthat，soIhadnodoubtsastomyvictory。
However，mypreparationsweresuperfluous；forassoonasRatonfeltfrommymodeofattackthatthetrickwouldbeofnoavailshemetmydesireshalf—way，withouttryingthedevicewhichhadmadeherseemtobewhatshewasnolongertoherinexpertlovers。
Shegaveherselfupingoodfaith，andwhenIhadpromisedtokeepthesecretherardourswereequaltomine。Itwasnotherfirsttrial，andIconsequentlyneednothavegivenherthetwenty—fivelouis，butIwaswellsatisfied，andnotcaringmuchformaidenheadsrewardedherasifIhadbeenthefirsttobiteatthecherry。
IkeptRatonatalouisadaytillthearrivaloftheCorticelli，andshehadtobefaithfultome，asIneverlethergooutofmysight。IlikedthegirlsowellandfoundhersopleasantthatI
wassorrythattheCorticelliwascoming；however，IwastoldofherarrivalonenightjustasIwasleavingmyboxatthetheatre。
Myfootmantoldmeinaloudvoicethatmyladywife，mydaughter，andagentlemanhadjustarrivedfromFrankfort，andwereawaitingmeattheinn。
"Idiot，"Iexclaimed，"Ihavenowifeandnodaughter。"
However，allMetzheardthatmyfamilyhadarrived。
TheCorticellithrewherarmsroundmyneck，laughingasusual，andhermotherpresentedmetotheworthymanwhohadaccompaniedthemfromPraguetoMetz。HewasanItaliannamedMonth，whohadlivedforalongtimeatPrague，wherehetaughthisnativelanguage。IsawthatM。Monthandtheoldwomanweresuitablyaccommodated，andIthenledtheyoungfoolintomyroom。Ifoundherchangedforthebetter；shehadgrown，hershapewasimproved，andherpleasantmannersmadeheraverycharminggirl。
CHAPTERXV
IReturnedtoParisWithTheCorticelli，NowCountessLascaris——
TheHypostasisFails——Aix—la—Chapelle——Duel——Mimid’Ache——TheCorticelliTurnsTraitresstoHerOwnDisadvantage——JourneytoSulzbach"Whydidyouallowyourmothertocallherselfmywife，littlesimpleton？Doyouthinkthat’sacomplimenttomyjudgment？Shemighthavegivenherselfoutforyourgoverness，asshewishestopassyouoffasmydaughter。"
"Mymotherisanobstinateoldwomanwhohadratherbewhippedatthecart—tailthancallherselfmygoverness。Shehasverynarrowideas，andalwaysthinksthatgovernessandprocuressmeanthesamething。"
"She’sanoldfool，butwewillmakeherhearreasoneitherwithherwillorinspiteofit。Butyoulookwelldressed，haveyoumadeyourfortune？"
"AtPragueIcaptivatedtheaffectionsofCountN————，andheprovedagenerouslover。ButletyourfirstactionbetosendbackM。Month。TheworthymanhashisfamilyatPraguetolookafter；
hecan’taffordtostaylonghere。"
"True，Iwillseeaboutitdirectly。"
ThecoachstartedforFrankfortthesameevening，andsummoningMonthIthankedhimforhiskindnessandpaidhimgenerously，sohewentoffwellpleased。
IhadnothingfurthertodoatMetz，soItookleaveofmynewfriends，andintwodaystimeIwasatNancy，whereIwrotetoMadamed’UrfethatIwasonmywaybackwithavirgin，thelastofthefamilyofLascaris，whohadoncereignedatConstantinople。I
beggedhertoreceiveherfrommyhands，atacountryhousewhichbelongedtoher，whereweshouldbeoccupiedforsomedaysincabalisticceremonies。
SheansweredthatshewouldawaitusatPont—Carre，anoldcastlefourleaguesdistantfromParis，andthatshewouldwelcometheyoungprincesswithallpossiblekindness。
"Ioweherallthemorefriendship，"addedthesublimemadwoman，"asthefamilyofLascarisisconnectedwiththefamilyofd’Urfe，andasIamtobebornagainintheseedofthehappyvirgin。"
Ifeltthatmytaskwouldbenotexactlytothrowcoldwateronherenthusiasm，buttoholditincheckandtomoderateitsmanifestations。Ithereforeexplainedtoherbyreturnofpostthatshemustbecontenttotreatthevirginasacountess，notaprincess，andIendedbyinformingherthatweshouldarrive，accompaniedbythecountess’sgoverness，ontheMondayofHolyWeek。