Itisquitenaturallyandwithoutanyintentiontodeceive，thatayoungmanaccustomedtopoverty，andashamedofitwhenhespeakstoarichstranger，boastsofhismeans——ofhisfortune。AsIwastalkingwithmynewacquaintance，Irecollectedanamalgamofmercurywithleadandbismuth，bywhichthemercuryincreasesone—fourthinweight。Isaidnothing，butIbethoughtmyselfthatifthemysteryshouldbeunknowntotheGreekImightprofitbyit。Ifeltthatsomecunningwasnecessary，andthathewouldnotcareformysecretifIproposedtosellittohimwithoutpreparingtheway。Thebestplanwastoastonishmymanwiththemiracleoftheaugmentationofthemercury，treatitasajest，andseewhathisintentionswouldbe。Cheatingisacrime，buthonestcunningmaybeconsideredasaspeciesofprudence。True，itisaqualitywhichisnearakintoroguery；butthatcannotbehelped，andthemanwho，intimeofneed，doesnotknowhowtoexercisehiscunningnoblyisafool。TheGreekscallthissortofwisdomCerdaleophyonfromthewordcerdo；
fox，anditmightbetranslatedbyfoxdomifthereweresuchawordinEnglish。
Afterwehadvisitedthepalacewereturnedtotheinn，andtheGreektookmetohisroom，inwhichheorderedthetabletobelaidfortwo。InthenextroomIsawseverallargevesselsofmuscatelwineandfourflagonsofmercury，eachcontainingabouttenpounds。
Myplanswerelaid，andIaskedhimtoletmehaveoneoftheflagonsofmercuryatthecurrentprice，andtookittomyroom。TheGreekwentouttoattendtohisbusiness，remindingmethatheexpectedmetodinner。Iwentoutlikewise，andboughttwopoundsandahalfofleadandanequalquantityofbismuth；thedruggisthadnomore。I
camebacktotheinn，askedforsomelargeemptybottles，andmadetheamalgam。
Wedinedverypleasantly，andtheGreekwasdelightedbecauseI
pronouncedhisCerigoexcellent。InthecourseofconversationheinquiredlaughinglywhyIhadboughtoneofhisflagonsofmercury。
"Youcanfindoutifyoucometomyroom，"Isaid。
Afterdinnerwerepairedtomyroom，andhefoundhismercurydividedintwovessels。Iaskedforapieceofchamois，strainedtheliquidthroughit，filledhisownflagon，andtheGreekstoodastonishedatthesightofthefinemercury，aboutone—fourthofaflagon，whichremainedover，withanequalquantityofapowderunknowntohim；itwasthebismuth。Mymerrylaughkeptcompanywithhisastonishment，andcallingoneoftheservantsoftheinnIsenthimtothedruggisttosellthemercurythatwasleft。Hereturnedinafewminutesandhandedmefifteencarlini。
TheGreek，whosesurprisewascomplete，askedmetogivehimbackhisownflagon，whichwastherequitefull，andworthsixtycarlini。I
handedittohimwithasmile，thankinghimfortheopportunityhehadaffordedmeofearningfifteencarlini，andtookcaretoaddthatIshouldleaveforSalernoearlythenextmorning。
"Thenwemusthavesuppertogetherthisevening，"hesaid。
DuringtheafternoonwetookawalktowardsMountVesuvius。Ourconversationwentfromonesubjecttoanother，butnoallusionwasmadetothemercury，thoughIcouldseethattheGreekhadsomethingonhismind。Atsupperhetoldme，jestingly，thatIoughttostopinPorticithenextdaytomakeforty—fivecarlinioutofthethreeotherflagonsofmercury。IansweredgravelythatIdidnotwantthemoney，andthatIhadaugmentedthefirstflagononlyforthesakeofprocuringhimanagreeablesurprise。
"But，"saidhe，"youmustbeverywealthy。"
"No，Iamnot，becauseIaminsearchofthesecretoftheaugmentationofgold，anditisaveryexpensivestudyforus。"
"Howmanyarethereinyourcompany？"
"Onlymyuncleandmyself。"
"Whatdoyouwanttoaugmentgoldfor？Theaugmentationofmercuryoughttobeenoughforyou。Pray，tellmewhetherthemercuryaugmentedbyyouto—dayisagainsusceptibleofasimilarincrease。"
"No，ifitwereso，itwouldbeanimmensesourceofwealthforus。"
"Iammuchpleasedwithyoursincerity。"
SupperoverIpaidmybill，andaskedthelandlordtogetmeacarriageandpairofhorsestotakemetoSalernoearlythenextmorning。IthankedtheGreekforhisdeliciousmuscatelwine，and，requestinghisaddressinNaples，Iassuredhimthathewouldseemewithinafortnight，asIwasdeterminedtosecureacaskofhisCerigo。
Weembracedeachother，andIretiredtobedwellpleasedwithmyday’swork，andinnowayastonishedattheGreek’snotofferingtopurchasemysecret，forIwascertainthathewouldnotsleepforanxiety，andthatIshouldseehimearlyinthemorning。Atallevents，IhadenoughmoneytoreachtheTour—du—Grec，andthereProvidencewouldtakecareofme。YetitseemedtomeverydifficulttotravelasfarasMartorano，begginglikeamendicant—friar，becausemyoutwardappearancedidnotexcitepity；peoplewouldfeelinterestedinmeonlyfromaconvictionthatIneedednothing——averyunfortunateconviction，whentheobjectofitistrulypoor。
AsIhadforseen，theGreekwasinmyroomatdaybreak。Ireceivedhiminafriendlyway，sayingthatwecouldtakecoffeetogether。
"Willingly；buttellme，reverendabbe，whetheryouwouldfeeldisposedtosellmeyoursecret？"
"Whynot？WhenwemeetinNaples——"
"Butwhynotnow？"
"IamexpectedinSalerno；besides，Iwouldonlysellthesecretforalargesumofmoney，andIamnotacquaintedwithyou。"
"Thatdoesnotmatter，asIamsufficientlyknownheretopayyouincash。Howmuchwouldyouwant？"
"Twothousandounces。"
"IagreetopayyouthatsumprovidedthatIsucceedinmakingtheaugmentationmyselfwithsuchmatterasyounametome，whichIwillpurchase。"
"Itisimpossible，becausethenecessaryingredientscannotbegothere；buttheyarecommonenoughinNaples。"
"Ifitisanysortofmetal，wecangetitattheTourdu—Grec。Wecouldgotheretogether。Canyoutellmewhatistheexpenseoftheaugmentation？"
"Oneandahalfpercent。butareyoulikewiseknownattheTour—du—
Grec，forIshouldnotliketolosemytime？"
"Yourdoubtsgrieveme。"
Sayingwhich，hetookapen，wroteafewwords，andhandedtomethisorder:
"Atsight，paytobearerthesumoffiftygoldounces，onaccountofPanagiotti。"
Hetoldmethatthebankerresidedwithintwohundredyardsoftheinn，andhepressedmetogotheremyself。Ididnotstanduponceremony，butwenttothebankerwhopaidmetheamount。Ireturnedtomyroominwhichhewaswaitingforme，andplacedthegoldonthetable，sayingthatwecouldnowproceedtogethertotheTour—du—Grec，wherewewouldcompleteourarrangementsafterthesignatureofadeedofagreement。TheGreekhadhisowncarriageandhorses；hegaveordersforthemtobegotready，andwelefttheinn；buthehadnoblyinsisteduponmytakingpossessionofthefiftyounces。
WhenwearrivedattheTour—du—Grec，hesignedadocumentbywhichhepromisedtopaymetwothousandouncesassoonasIshouldhavediscoveredtohimtheprocessofaugmentingmercurybyone—fourthwithoutinjuringitsquality，theamalgamtobeequaltothemercurywhichIhadsoldinhispresenceatPortici。
HethengavemeabillofexchangepayableatsightineightdaysonM。GenarodeCarlo。Itoldhimthattheingredientswereleadandbismuth；thefirst，combiningwithmercury，andthesecondgivingtothewholetheperfectfluiditynecessarytostrainitthroughthechamoisleather。TheGreekwentouttotrytheamalgam——Idonotknowwhere，andIdinedalone，buttowardeveninghecameback，lookingverydisconsolate，asIhadexpected。
"Ihavemadetheamalgam，"hesaid，"butthemercuryisnotperfect。"
"ItisequaltothatwhichIhavesoldinPortici，andthatistheveryletterofyourengagement。"
"Butmyengagementsayslikewisewithoutinjurytothequality。Youmustagreethatthequalityisinjured，becauseitisnolongersusceptibleoffurtheraugmentation。"
"Youknewthattobethecase；thepointisitsequalitywiththemercuryIsoldinPortici。Butweshallhavetogotolaw，andyouwilllose。Iamsorrythesecretshouldbecomepublic。Congratulateyourself，sir，for，ifyoushouldgainthelawsuit，youwillhaveobtainedmysecretfornothing。Iwouldneverhavebelievedyoucapableofdeceivingmeinsuchamanner。"
"Reverendsir，IcanassureyouthatIwouldnotwillinglydeceiveanyone。"
"Doyouknowthesecret，ordoyounot？DoyousupposeIwouldhavegivenittoyouwithouttheagreementweenteredinto？Well，therewillbesomefunoverthisaffairinNaples，andthelawyerswillmakemoneyoutofit。ButIammuchgrievedatthisturnofaffairs，andIamverysorrythatIallowedmyselftobesoeasilydeceivedbyyourfinetalk。Inthemeantime，hereareyourfiftyounces。"
AsIwastakingthemoneyoutofmypocket，frightenedtodeathlestheshouldacceptit，helefttheroom，sayingthathewouldnothaveit。Hesoonreturned；wehadsupperinthesameroom，butatseparatetables；warhadbeenopenlydeclared，butIfeltcertainthatatreatyofpeacewouldsoonbesigned。Wedidnotexchangeonewordduringtheevening，butinthemorninghecametomeasIwasgettingreadytogo。IagainofferedtoreturnthemoneyIreceived，buthetoldmetokeepit，andproposedtogivemefiftyouncesmoreifIwouldgivehimbackhisbillofexchangefortwothousand。Webegantoarguethematterquietly，andaftertwohoursofdiscussionIgavein。Ireceivedfiftyouncesmore，wedinedtogetherlikeoldfriends，andembracedeachothercordially。AsIwasbiddinghimadieu，hegavemeanorderonhishouseatNaplesforabarrelofmuscatelwine，andhepresentedmewithasplendidboxcontainingtwelverazorswithsilverhandles，manufacturedintheTour—du—Grec。
Wepartedthebestfriendsintheworldandwellpleasedwitheachother。
IremainedtwodaysinSalernotoprovidemyselfwithlinenandothernecessaries。Possessingaboutonehundredsequins，andenjoyinggoodhealth，Iwasveryproudofmysuccess，inwhichIcouldnotseeanycauseofreproachtomyself，forthecunningIhadbroughtintoplaytoinsurethesaleofmysecretcouldnotbefoundfaultwithexceptbythemostintolerantofmoralists，andsuchmenhavenoauthoritytospeakonmattersofbusiness。Atallevents，free，rich，andcertainofpresentingmyselfbeforethebishopwitharespectableappearance，andnotlikeabeggar，Isoonrecoveredmynaturalspirits，andcongratulatedmyselfuponhavingboughtsufficientexperiencetoinsuremeagainstfallingasecondtimeaneasypreytoaFatherCorsini，tothievinggamblers，tomercenarywomen，andparticularlytotheimpudentscoundrelswhobarefacedlypraisesowellthosetheyintendtodupe——aspeciesofknavesverycommonintheworld，evenamongstpeoplewhoformwhatiscalledgoodsociety。
IleftSalernowithtwopriestswhoweregoingtoCosenzaonbusiness，andwetraversedthedistanceofonehundredandforty—twomilesintwenty—twohours。ThedayaftermyarrivalinthecapitalofCalabria，ItookasmallcarriageanddrovetoMartorano。Duringthejourney，fixingmyeyesuponthefamousmareAusonaum，IfeltdelightedatfindingmyselfinthemiddleofMagnaGrecia，renderedsocelebratedfortwenty—fourcenturiesbyitsconnectionwithPythagoras。Ilookedwithastonishmentuponacountryrenownedforitsfertility，andinwhich，inspiteofnature’sprodigality，myeyesmeteverywheretheaspectofterriblemisery，thecompleteabsenceofthatpleasantsuperfluitywhichhelpsmantoenjoylife，andthedegradationoftheinhabitantssparselyscatteredonasoilwheretheyoughttobesonumerous；Ifeltashamedtoacknowledgethemasoriginatingfromthesamestockasmyself。Suchis，howevertheTerradiLavorowherelabourseemstobeexecrated，whereeverythingischeap，wherethemiserableinhabitantsconsiderthattheyhavemadeagoodbargainwhentheyhavefoundanyonedisposedtotakecareofthefruitwhichthegroundsuppliesalmostspontaneouslyintoogreatabundance，andforwhichthereisnomarket。IfeltcompelledtoadmitthejusticeoftheRomanswhohadcalledthemBrutesinsteadofByutians。ThegoodpriestswithwhomIhadbeentravellinglaughedatmydreadofthetarantulaandofthecrasydra，forthediseasebroughtonbythebiteofthoseinsectsappearedtomemorefearfuleventhanacertaindiseasewithwhichIwasalreadytoowellacquainted。Theyassuredmethatallthestoriesrelatingtothosecreatureswerefables；theylaughedatthelineswhichVirgilhasdevotedtothemintheGeorgicsaswellasatallthoseI
quotedtojustifymyfears。
IfoundBishopBernarddeBernardisoccupyingahardchairnearanoldtableonwhichhewaswriting。Ifellonmyknees，asitiscustomarytodobeforeaprelate，but，insteadofgivingmehisblessing，heraisedmeupfromthefloor，and，foldingmeinhisarms，embracedmetenderly。HeexpressedhisdeepsorrowwhenItoldhimthatinNaplesIhadnotbeenabletofindanyinstructionstoenablemetojoinhim，buthisfacelightedupagainwhenIaddedthatIwasindebtedtonooneformoney，andthatIwasingoodhealth。Hebademetakeaseat，andwithaheavysighhebegantotalkofhispoverty，andorderedaservanttolaytheclothforthreepersons。Besidesthisservant，hislordship’ssuiteconsistedofamostdevout—lookinghousekeeper，andofapriestwhomIjudgedtobeveryignorantfromthefewwordsheutteredduringourmeal。Thehouseinhabitedbyhislordshipwaslarge，butbadlybuiltandpoorlykept。Thefurniturewassomiserablethat，inordertomakeupabedformeintheroomadjoininghischamber，thepoorbishophadtogiveuponeofhistwomattresses！Hisdinner，nottosayanymoreaboutit，frightenedme，forhewasverystrictinkeepingtherulesofhisorder，andthisbeingafastday，hedidnoteatanymeat，andtheoilwasverybad。Nevertheless，monsignorwasanintelligentman，and，whatisstillbetter，anhonestman。Hetoldme，muchtomysurprise，thathisbishopric，althoughnotoneoflittleimportance，broughthiminonlyfivehundredducat—diregnoyearly，andthat，unfortunately，hehadcontracteddebtstotheamountofsixhundred。
Headded，withasigh，thathisonlyhappinesswastofeelhimselfoutoftheclutchesofthemonks，whohadpersecutedhim，andmadehislifeaperfectpurgatoryforfifteenyears。Alltheseconfidencescausedmesorrowandmortification，becausetheyprovedtome，notonlythatIwasnotinthepromisedlandwhereamitrecouldbepickedup，butalsothatIwouldbeaheavychargeforhim。
Ifeltthathewasgrievedhimselfatthesorrypresenthispatronageseemedlikelytoprove。
Ienquiredwhetherhehadagoodlibrary，whethertherewereanyliterarymen，oranygoodsocietyinwhichonecouldspendafewagreeablehours。Hesmiledandansweredthatthroughouthisdiocesetherewasnotonemanwhocouldboastofwritingdecently，andstilllessofanytasteorknowledgeinliterature；thattherewasnotasinglebookseller，noranypersoncaringevenforthenewspapers。
Buthepromisedmethatwewouldfollowourliterarytastestogether，assoonashereceivedthebookshehadorderedfromNaples。
Thatwasallverywell，butwasthistheplaceforayoungmanofeighteentolivein，withoutagoodlibrary，withoutgoodsociety，withoutemulationandliteracyintercourse？Thegoodbishop，seeingmefullofsadthoughts，andalmostastoundedattheprospectofthemiserablelifeIshouldhavetoleadwithhim，triedtogivemecouragebypromisingtodoeverythinginhispowertosecuremyhappiness。
Thenextday，thebishophavingtoofficiateinhispontificalrobes，Ihadanopportunityofseeingalltheclergy，andallthefaithfulofthediocese，menandwomen，ofwhomthecathedralwasfull；thesightmademeresolveatoncetoleaveMartorano。IthoughtIwasgazinguponatroopofbrutesforwhommyexternalappearancewasacauseofscandal。Howuglywerethewomen！Whatalookofstupidityandcoarsenessinthemen！WhenIreturnedtothebishop’shouseI
toldtheprelatethatIdidnotfeelinmethevocationtodiewithinafewmonthsamartyrinthismiserablecity。
"Givemeyourblessing，"Iadded，"andletmego；or，rather，comewithme。Ipromiseyouthatweshallmakeafortunesomewhereelse。"
Theproposalmadehimlaughrepeatedlyduringtheday。Hadheagreedtoithewouldnothavediedtwoyearsafterwardsintheprimeofmanhood。Theworthyman，feelinghownaturalwasmyrepugnance，beggedmetoforgivehimforhavingsummonedmetohim，and，consideringithisdutytosendmebacktoVenice，havingnomoneyhimselfandnotbeingawarethatIhadany，hetoldmethathewouldgivemeanintroductiontoaworthycitizenofNapleswhowouldlendmesixtyducati—di—regnotoenablemetoreachmynativecity。I
acceptedhisofferwithgratitude，andgoingtomyroomItookoutofmytrunkthecaseoffinerazorswhichtheGreekhadgivenme，andI
beggedhisacceptanceofitasasouvenirofme。Ihadgreatdifficultyinforcingituponhim，foritwasworththesixtyducats，andtoconquerhisresistanceIhadtothreatentoremainwithhimifherefusedmypresent。HegavemeaveryflatteringletterofrecommendationfortheArchbishopofCosenza，inwhichherequestedhimtoforwardmeasfarasNapleswithoutanyexpensetomyself。ItwasthusIleftMartoranosixtyhoursaftermyarrival，pityingthebishopwhomIwasleavingbehind，andwhoweptashewaspouringheartfeltblessingsuponme。
TheArchbishopofCosenza，amanofwealthandofintelligence，offeredmearoominhispalace。DuringthedinnerImade，withanoverflowingheart，theeulogyoftheBishopofMartorano；butI
railedmercilesslyathisdioceseandatthewholeofCalabriainsocuttingamannerthatIgreatlyamusedthearchbishopandallhisguests，amongstwhomweretwoladies，hisrelatives，whodidthehonoursofthedinner—table。Theyoungest，however，objectedtothesatiricalstyleinwhichIhaddepictedhercountry，anddeclaredwaragainstme；butIcontrivedtoobtainpeaceagainbytellingherthatCalabriawouldbeadelightfulcountryifone—fourthonlyofitsinhabitantswerelikeher。PerhapsitwaswiththeideaofprovingtomethatIhadbeenwronginmyopinionthatthearchbishopgaveonthefollowingdayasplendidsupper。
Cosenzaisacityinwhichagentlemancanfindplentyofamusement；
thenobilityarewealthy，thewomenarepretty，andmengenerallywell—informed，becausetheyhavebeeneducatedinNaplesorinRome。
IleftCosenzaonthethirddaywithaletterfromthearchbishopforthefar—famedGenovesi。
Ihadfivetravellingcompanions，whomIjudged，fromtheirappearance，tobeeitherpiratesorbanditti，andItookverygoodcarenottoletthemseeorguessthatIhadawell—filledpurse。I
likewisethoughtitprudenttogotobedwithoutundressingduringthewholejourney——anexcellentmeasureofprudenceforayoungmantravellinginthatpartofthecountry。
IreachedNaplesonthe16thofSeptember，1743，andIlostnotimeinpresentingtheletteroftheBishopofMartorano。ItwasaddressedtoaM。GennaroPoloatSt。Anne’s。Thisexcellentman，whosedutywasonlytogivemethesumofsixtyducats，insisted，afterperusingthebishop’sletter，uponreceivingmeinhishouse，becausehewishedmetomaketheacquaintanceofhisson，whowasapoetlikemyself。Thebishophadrepresentedmypoetryassublime。
Aftertheusualceremonies，Iacceptedhiskindinvitation，mytrunkwassentfor，andIwasaguestinthehouseofM。GennaroPolo。
CHAPTERIX
MyStayinNaples；ItIsShortbutHappy——DonAntonioCasanova——DonLelioCaraffa——IGotoRomeinVeryAgreeableCompany，andEntertheServiceofCardinalAcquaviva——Barbara——Testaccio——FrascatiIhadnodifficultyinansweringthevariousquestionswhichDoctorGennaroaddressedtome，butIwassurprised，andevendispleased，attheconstantpealsoflaughterwithwhichhereceivedmyanswers。
ThepiteousdescriptionofmiserableCalabria，andthepictureofthesadsituationoftheBishopofMartorano，appearedtomemorelikelytocallforthtearsthantoexcitehilarity，and，suspectingthatsomemystificationwasbeingplayeduponme，Iwasveryneargettingangrywhen，becomingmorecomposed，hetoldmewithfeelingthatI
mustkindlyexcusehim；thathislaughterwasadiseasewhichseemedtobeendemicinhisfamily，foroneofhisunclesdiedofit。
"What！"Iexclaimed，"diedoflaughing！"
"Yes。Thisdisease，whichwasnotknowntoHippocrates，iscalledliflati。"
"Whatdoyoumean？Doesanhypochondriacaffection，whichcausessadnessandlownessinallthosewhosufferfromit，renderyoucheerful？"
"Yes，because，mostlikely，myflati，insteadofinfluencingthehypochondrium，affectsmyspleen，whichmyphysicianassertstobetheorganoflaughter。Itisquiteadiscovery。"
"Youaremistaken；itisaveryancientnotion，anditistheonlyfunctionwhichisascribedtothespleeninouranimalorganization。"
"Well，wemustdiscussthematteratlength，forIhopeyouwillremainwithusafewweeks。"
"IwishIcould，butImustleaveNaplesto—morroworthedayafter。"
"Haveyougotanymoney？"
"Irelyuponthesixtyducatsyouhavetogiveme。"
Atthesewords，hispealsoflaughterbeganagain，andashecouldseethatIwasannoyed，hesaid，"IamamusedattheideathatIcankeepyouhereaslongasIlike。Butbegoodenoughtoseemyson；
hewritesprettyversesenough。"
Andtrulyhisson，althoughonlyfourteen，wasalreadyagreatpoet。
AservanttookmetotheapartmentoftheyoungmanwhomIfoundpossessedofapleasingcountenanceandengagingmanners。Hegavemeapolitewelcome，andbeggedtobeexcusedifhecouldnotattendtomealtogetherforthepresent，ashehadtofinishasongwhichhewascomposingforarelativeoftheDuchessdeRovino，whowastakingtheveilattheConventofSt。Claire，andtheprinterwaswaitingforthemanuscript。Itoldhimthathisexcusewasaverygoodone，andIofferedtoassisthim。Hethenreadhissong，andIfounditsofullofenthusiasm，andsotrulyinthestyleofGuidi，thatI
advisedhimtocallitanode；butasIhadpraisedallthetrulybeautifulpassages，IthoughtIcouldventuretopointouttheweakones，andIreplacedthembyversesofmyowncomposition。Hewasdelighted，andthankedmewarmly，inquiringwhetherIwasApollo。Ashewaswritinghisode，Icomposedasonnetonthesamesubject，and，expressinghisadmirationforithebeggedmetosignit，andtoallowhimtosenditwithhispoetry。
WhileIwascorrectingandrecopyingmymanuscript，hewenttohisfathertofindoutwhoIwas，whichmadetheoldmanlaughuntilsupper—time。Intheevening，Ihadthepleasureofseeingthatmybedhadbeenpreparedintheyoungman’schamber。
DoctorGennaro’sfamilywascomposedofthissonandofadaughterunfortunatelyveryplain，ofhiswifeandoftwoelderly，devoutsisters。Amongsttheguestsatthesupper—tableImetseveralliterarymen，andtheMarquisGaliani，whowasatthattimeannotatingVitruvius。Hehadabrother，anabbewhoseacquaintanceI
madetwentyyearsafter，inParis，whenhewassecretaryofembassytoCountCantillana。Thenextday，atsupper，IwaspresentedtothecelebratedGenovesi；IhadalreadysenthimtheletteroftheArchbishopofCosenza。HespoketomeofApostoloZenoandoftheAbbeConti。Heremarkedthatitwasconsideredaveryvenialsinforaregularpriesttosaytwomassesinonedayforthesakeofearningtwocarlinimore，butthatforthesamesinasecularpriestwoulddeservetobeburntatthestake。
Thenuntooktheveilonthefollowingday，andGennaro’sodeandmysonnethadthegreatestsuccess。ANeapolitangentleman，whosenamewasthesameasmine，expressedawishtoknowme，and，hearingthatIresidedatthedoctor’s，hecalledtocongratulatehimontheoccasionofhisfeast—day，whichhappenedtofallonthedayfollowingtheceremonyatSainte—Claire。
DonAntonioCasanova，informingmeofhisname，enquiredwhethermyfamilywasoriginallyfromVenice。
"Iam，sir，"Iansweredmodestly，"thegreat—grandsonoftheunfortunateMarcoAntonioCasanova，secretarytoCardinalPompeoColonna，whodiedoftheplagueinRome，intheyear1528，underthepontificateofClementVII。"Thewordswerescarcelyoutofmylipswhenheembracedme，callingmehiscousin，butweallthoughtthatDoctorGennarowouldactuallydiewithlaughter，foritseemedimpossibletolaughsoimmoderatelywithoutriskoflife。MadameGennarowasveryangryandtoldmynewly—foundcousinthathemighthaveavoidedenactingsuchascenebeforeherhusband，knowinghisdisease，butheansweredthatheneverthoughtthecircumstancelikelytoprovokemirth。Isaidnothing，for，inreality，Ifeltthattherecognitionwasverycomic。Ourpoorlaugherhavingrecoveredhiscomposure，Casanova，whohadremainedveryserious，invitedmetodinnerforthenextdaywithmyyoungfriendPaulGennaro，whohadalreadybecomemyalterego。
Whenwecalledathishouse，myworthycousinshowedmehisfamilytree，beginningwithaDonFrancisco，brotherofDonJuan。Inmypedigree，whichIknewbyheart，DonJuan，mydirectancestor，wasaposthumouschild。ItwaspossiblethattheremighthavebeenabrotherofMarcoAntonio’s；butwhenheheardthatmygenealogybeganwithDonFrancisco，fromAragon，whohadlivedinthefourteenthcentury，andthatconsequentlyallthepedigreeoftheillustrioushouseoftheCasanovasofSaragossabelongedtohim，hisjoyknewnobounds；hedidnotknowwhattodotoconvincemethatthesamebloodwasflowinginhisveinsandinmine。
HeexpressedsomecuriositytoknowwhatluckyaccidenthadbroughtmetoNaples；Itoldhimthat，havingembracedtheecclesiasticalprofession，IwasgoingtoRometoseekmyfortune。Hethenpresentedmetohisfamily，andIthoughtthatIcouldreadonthecountenanceofmycousin，hisdearlybelovedwife，thatshewasnotmuchpleasedwiththenewly—foundrelationship，buthisprettydaughter，andastillprettiernieceofhis，mightveryeasilyhavegivenmefaithinthedoctrinethatbloodisthickerthanwater，howeverfabulousitmaybe。
Afterdinner，DonAntonioinformedmethattheDuchessdeBovinohadexpressedawishtoknowtheAbbeCasanovawhohadwrittenthesonnetinhonourofherrelative，andthathewouldbeveryhappytointroducemetoherashisowncousin。Aswewerealoneatthatmoment，Ibeggedhewouldnotinsistonpresentingme，asIwasonlyprovidedwithtravellingsuits，andhadtobecarefulofmypursesoasnottoarriveinRomewithoutmoney。Delightedatmyconfidence，andapprovingmyeconomy，hesaid，"Iamrich，andyoumustnotscrupletocomewithmetomytailor；"andheaccompaniedhisofferwithanassurancethatthecircumstancewouldnotbeknowntoanyone，andthathewouldfeeldeeplymortifiedifIdeniedhimthepleasureofservingme。Ishookhimwarmlybythehand，andansweredthatI
wasreadytodoanythinghepleased。Wewenttoatailorwhotookmymeasure，andwhobroughtmeonthefollowingdayeverythingnecessarytothetoiletofthemostelegantabbe。DonAntoniocalledonme，andremainedtodinewithDonGennaro，afterwhichhetookmeandmyfriendPaultotheduchess。Thislady，accordingtotheNeapolitanfashion，calledmethouinherveryfirstcomplimentofwelcome。Herdaughter，thenonlytenortwelveyearsold，wasveryhandsome，andafewyearslaterbecameDuchessdeMatalona。Theduchesspresentedmewithasnuff—boxinpaletortoise—shellwitharabesqueincrustationsingold，andsheinvitedustodinewithheronthemorrow，promisingtotakeusafterdinnertotheConventofSt。Clairetopayavisittothenewnun。
Aswecameoutofthepalaceoftheduchess，IleftmyfriendsandwentalonetoPanagiotti’stoclaimthebarrelofmuscatelwine。Themanagerwaskindenoughtohavethebarreldividedintotwosmallercasksofequalcapacity，andIsentonetoDonAntonio，andtheothertoDonGennaro。AsIwasleavingtheshopImettheworthyPanagiotti，whowasgladtoseeme。WasItoblushatthesightofthegoodmanIhadatfirstdeceived？No，forinhisopinionIhadactedverynoblytowardshim。
DonGennaro，asIreturnedhome，managedtothankmeformyhandsomepresentwithoutlaughing，andthenextdayDonAntonio，tomakeupforthemuscatelwineIhadsenthim，offeredmeagold—headedcane，worthatleastfifteenounces，andhistailorbroughtmeatravellingsuitandabluegreatcoat，withthebuttonholesingoldlace。I
thereforefoundmyselfsplendidlyequipped。
AttheDuchessdeBovino’sdinnerImadetheacquaintanceofthewisestandmostlearnedmaninNaples，theillustriousDonLelioCaraffa，whobelongedtotheducalfamilyofMatalona，andwhomKingCarloshonouredwiththetitleoffriend。
Ispenttwodelightfulhoursintheconventparlour，copingsuccessfullywiththecuriosityofallthenunswhowerepressingagainstthegrating。HaddestinyallowedmetoremaininNaplesmyfortunewouldhavebeenmade；but，althoughIhadnofixedplan，thevoiceoffatesummonedmetoRome，andthereforeIresistedalltheentreatiesofmycousinAntoniotoacceptthehonourablepositionoftutorinseveralhousesofthehighestorder。
DonAntoniogaveasplendiddinnerinmyhonour，buthewasannoyedandangrybecausehesawthathiswifelookeddaggersathernewcousin。Ithoughtthat，morethanonce，shecastaglanceatmynewcostume，andthenwhisperedtotheguestnexttoher。Verylikelysheknewwhathadtakenplace。TherearesomepositionsinlifetowhichIcouldneverbereconciled。If，inthemostbrilliantcircle，thereisonepersonwhoaffectstostareatmeIloseallpresenceofmind。Self—dignityfeelsoutraged，mywitdiesaway，andIplaythepartofadolt。Itisaweaknessonmypart，butaweaknessIcannotovercome。
DonLelioCaraffaofferedmeaveryliberalsalaryifIwouldundertaketheeducationofhisnephew，theDukedeMatalona，thentenyearsofage。Iexpressedmygratitude，andbeggedhimtobemytruebenefactorinadifferentmanner——namely，bygivingmeafewgoodlettersofintroductionforRome，afavourwhichhegrantedatonce。
HegavemeoneforCardinalAcquaviva，andanotherforFatherGeorgi。
IfoundoutthattheinterestfelttowardsmebymyfriendshadinducedthemtoobtainformethehonourofkissingthehandofHerMajestytheQueen，andIhastenedmypreparationstoleaveNaples，forthequeenwouldcertainlyhaveaskedmesomequestions，andI
couldnothaveavoidedtellingherthatIhadjustleftMartoranoandthepoorbishopwhomshehadsentthere。Thequeenlikewiseknewmymother；shewouldverylikelyhavealludedtomymother’sprofessioninDresden；itwouldhavemortifiedDonAntonio，andmypedigreewouldhavebeencoveredwithridicule。Iknewtheforceofprejudice！Ishouldhavebeenruined，andIfeltIshoulddowelltowithdrawingoodtime。AsItookleaveofhim，DonAntoniopresentedmewithafinegoldwatchandgavemealetterforDonGasparVidaldi，whomhecalledhisbestfriend。DonGennaropaidmethesixtyducats，andhisson，swearingeternalfriendship，askedmetowritetohim。Theyallaccompaniedmetothecoach，blendingtheirtearswithmine，andloadingmewithgoodwishesandblessings。
>FrommylandinginChiozzauptomyarrivalinNaples，fortunehadseemedbentuponfrowningonme；inNaplesitbegantoshewitselflessadverse，andonmyreturntothatcityitentirelysmileduponme。Napleshasalwaysbeenafortunateplaceforme，asthereaderofmymemoirswilldiscover。MyreadersmustnotforgetthatinPorticiIwasonthepointofdisgracingmyself，andthereisnoremedyagainstthedegradationofthemind，fornothingcanrestoreittoitsformerstandard。Itisacaseofdishearteningatonyforwhichthereisnopossiblecure。
IwasnotungratefultothegoodBishopofMartorano，for，ifhehadunwittinglyinjuredmebysummoningmetohisdiocese，IfeltthattohisletterforM。GennaroIwasindebtedforallthegoodfortunewhichhadjustbefallenme。IwrotetohimfromRome。
IwaswhollyengagedindryingmytearsasweweredrivingthroughthebeautifulstreetofToledo，anditwasonlyafterwehadleftNaplesthatIcouldfindtimetoexaminethecountenanceofmytravellingcompanions。Nexttome，Isawamanoffromfortytofifty，withapleasingfaceandalivelyair，but，oppositetome，twocharmingfacesdelightedmyeyes。Theybelongedtotwoladies，youngandpretty，verywelldressed，withalookofcandourandmodesty。Thisdiscoverywasmostagreeable，butIfeltsadandI
wantedcalmandsilence。WereachedAvessawithoutonewordbeingexchanged，andasthevetturinostoppedthereonlytowaterhismules，wedidnotgetoutofthecoach。FromAvessatoCapuamycompanionsconversedalmostwithoutinterruption，and，wonderfultorelate！Ididnotopenmylipsonce。IwasamusedbytheNeapolitanjargonofthegentleman，andbytheprettyaccentoftheladies，whowereevidentlyRomans。Itwasamostwonderfulfeatformetoremainfivehoursbeforetwocharmingwomenwithoutaddressingonewordtothem，withoutpayingthemonecompliment。
AtCapua，whereweweretospendthenight，weputupataninn，andwereshownintoaroomwithtwobeds——averyusualthinginItaly。
TheNeapolitan，addressinghimselftome，said，"AmItohavethehonourofsleepingwiththereverendgentleman？"
Iansweredinaveryserioustonethatitwasforhimtochooseortoarrangeitotherwise，ifheliked。Theanswermadethetwoladiessmile，particularlytheonewhomIpreferred，anditseemedtomeagoodomen。
Wewerefiveatsupper，foritisusualforthevetturinotosupplyhistravellerswiththeirmeals，unlesssomeprivateagreementismadeotherwise，andtositdownattablewiththem。Inthedesultorytalkwhichwentonduringthesupper，Ifoundinmytravellingcompanionsdecorum，propriety，wit，andthemannersofpersonsaccustomedtogoodsociety。Ibecamecurioustoknowwhotheywere，andgoingdownwiththedriveraftersupper，Iaskedhim。
"Thegentleman，"hetoldme，"isanadvocate，andoneoftheladiesishiswife，butIdonotknowwhichofthetwo。"
Iwentbacktoourroom，andIwaspoliteenoughtogotobedfirst，inordertomakeiteasierfortheladiestoundressthemselveswithfreedom；Ilikewisegotupfirstinthemorning，lefttheroom，andonlyreturnedwhenIwascalledforbreakfast。Thecoffeewasdelicious。Ipraisedithighly，andthelady，theonewhowasmyfavourite，promisedthatIshouldhavethesameeverymorningduringourjourney。Thebarbercameinafterbreakfast；theadvocatewasshaved，andthebarberofferedmehisservices，whichIdeclined，buttheroguedeclaredthatitwasslovenlytowearone’sbeard。
Whenwehadresumedourseatsinthecoach，theadvocatemadesomeremarkupontheimpudenceofbarbersingeneral。
"Butweoughttodecidefirst，"saidthelady，"whetherornotitisslovenlytogobearded。"
"Ofcourseitis，"saidtheadvocate。"Beardisnothingbutadirtyexcrescence。"
"Youmaythinkso，"Ianswered，"buteverybodydoesnotshareyouropinion。Doweconsiderasadirtyexcrescencethehairofwhichwetakesomuchcare，andwhichisofthesamenatureasthebeard？Farfromit；weadmirethelengthandthebeautyofthehair。"
"Then，"remarkedthelady，"thebarberisafool。"
"Butafterall，"Iasked，"haveIanybeard？"
"Ithoughtyouhad，"sheanswered。
"Inthatcase，IwillbegintoshaveassoonasIreachRome，forthisisthefirsttimethatIhavebeenconvictedofhavingabeard。"
"Mydearwife，"exclaimedtheadvocate，"youshouldhaveheldyourtongue；perhapsthereverendabbeisgoingtoRomewiththeintentionofbecomingaCapuchinfriar。"
Thepleasantrymademelaugh，but，unwillingthatheshouldhavethelastword，Iansweredthathehadguessedrightly，thatsuchhadbeenmyintention，butthatIhadentirelyalteredmymindsinceIhadseenhiswife。
"Oh！youarewrong，"saidthejoyousNeapolitan，"formywifeisveryfondofCapuchins，andifyouwishtopleaseher，youhadbetterfollowyouroriginalvocation。"Ourconversationcontinuedinthesametoneofpleasantry，andthedaypassedoffinanagreeablemanner；intheeveningwehadaverypoorsupperatGarillan，butwemadeupforitbycheerfulnessandwittyconversation。Mydawninginclinationfortheadvocate’swifeborrowedstrengthfromtheaffectionatemannershedisplayedtowardsme。
Thenextdaysheaskedme，afterwehadresumedourjourney，whetherIintendedtomakealongstayinRomebeforereturningtoVenice。I
answeredthat，havingnoacquaintancesinRome，Iwasafraidmylifetherewouldbeverydull。
"StrangersarelikedinRome，"shesaid，"Ifeelcertainthatyouwillbepleasedwithyourresidenceinthatcity。"
"MayIhope，madam，thatyouwillallowmetopayyoumyrespects？"
"Weshallbehonouredbyyourcallingonus，"saidtheadvocate。
Myeyeswerefixeduponhischarmingwife。Sheblushed，butIdidnotappeartonoticeit。Ikeptuptheconversation，andthedaypassedaspleasantlyasthepreviousone。WestoppedatTerracina，wheretheygaveusaroomwiththreebeds，twosinglebedsandalargeonebetweenthetwoothers。Itwasnaturalthatthetwosistersshouldtakethelargebed；theydidso，andundressedthemselveswhiletheadvocateandIwentontalkingatthetable，withourbacksturnedtothem。Assoonastheyhadgonetorest，theadvocatetookthebedonwhichhefoundhisnightcap，andItheother，whichwasonlyaboutonefootdistantfromthelargebed。I
remarkedthattheladybywhomIwascaptivatedwasonthesidenearestmycouch，and，withoutmuchvanity，Icouldsupposethatitwasnotowingonlytochance。
Iputthelightoutandlaiddown，revolvinginmymindaprojectwhichIcouldnotabandon，andyetdurstnotexecute。InvaindidI
courtsleep。Averyfaintlightenabledmetoperceivethebedinwhichtheprettywomanwaslying，andmyeyeswould，inspiteofmyself，remainopen。ItwouldbedifficulttoguesswhatImighthavedoneatlast（Ihadalreadyfoughtahardbattlewithmyselfformorethananhour），whenIsawherrise，getoutofherbed，andgoandlayherselfdownnearherhusband，who，mostlikely，didnotwakeup，andcontinuedtosleepinpeace，forIdidnothearanynoise。
Vexed，disgusted……Itriedtocomposemyselftosleep，andIwokeonlyatday—break。Seeingthebeautifulwanderingstarinherownbed，Igotup，dressedmyselfinhaste，andwentout，leavingallmycompanionsfastasleep。Ireturnedtotheinnonlyatthetimefixedforourdeparture，andIfoundtheadvocateandthetwoladiesalreadyinthecoach，waitingforme。
Theladycomplained，inaveryobligingmanner，ofmynothavingcaredforhercoffee；Ipleadedasanexcuseadesireforanearlywalk，andItookcarenottohonourherevenwithalook；Ifeignedtobesufferingfromthetoothache，andremainedinmycornerdullandsilent。AtPipernoshemanagedtowhispertomethatmytoothachewasallsham；Iwaspleasedwiththereproach，becauseitheraldedanexplanationwhichIcravedfor，inspiteofmyvexation。
DuringtheafternoonIcontinuedmypolicyofthemorning。IwasmoroseandsilentuntilwereachedSerinonetta，whereweweretopassthenight。Wearrivedearly，andtheweatherbeingfine，theladysaidthatshecouldenjoyawalk，andaskedmepolitelytoofferhermyarm。Ididso，foritwouldhavebeenrudetorefuse；besidesI
hadhadenoughofmysulkingfit。Anexplanationcouldalonebringmattersbacktotheiroriginalstanding，butIdidnotknowhowtoforceituponthelady。Herhusbandfollowedusatsomedistancewiththesister。
Whenwewerefarenoughinadvance，Iventuredtoaskherwhyshehadsupposedmytoothachetohavebeenfeigned。
"Iamverycandid，"shesaid；"itisbecausethedifferenceinyourmannerwassomarked，andbecauseyouweresocarefultoavoidlookingatmethroughthewholeday。Atoothachewouldnothavepreventedyoufrombeingpolite，andthereforeIthoughtithadbeenfeignedforsomepurpose。ButIamcertainthatnotoneofuscanpossiblyhavegivenyouanygroundsforsucharapidchangeinyourmanner。"
"Yetsomethingmusthavecausedthechange，andyou，madam，areonlyhalfsincere。"
"Youaremistaken，sir，Iamentirelysincere；andifIhavegivenyouanymotiveforanger，Iam，andmustremain，ignorantofit。BegoodenoughtotellmewhatIhavedone。"
"Nothing，forIhavenorighttocomplain。"
"Yes，youhave；youhavearight，thesamethatIhavemyself；therightwhichgoodsocietygrantstoeveryoneofitsmembers。Speak，andshewyourselfassincereasIam。"
"Youarecertainlyboundnottoknow，ortopretendnottoknowtherealcause，butyoumustacknowledgethatmydutyistoremainsilent。"
"Verywell；nowitisallover；butifyourdutybidsyoutoconcealthecauseofyourbadhumour，italsobidsyounottoshewit。
Delicacysometimesenforcesuponapolitegentlemanthenecessityofconcealingcertainfeelingswhichmightimplicateeitherhimselforothers；itisarestraintforthemind，Iconfess，butithassomeadvantagewhenitseffectistorendermoreamiablethemanwhoforceshimselftoacceptthatrestraint。"Hercloseargumentmademeblushforshame，andcarryingherbeautifulhandtomylips，I
confessedmyselfinthewrong。
"Youwouldseemeatyourfeet，"Iexclaimed，"intokenofmyrepentance，wereInotafraidofinjuringyou———"
"Donotletusalludetothematteranymore，"sheanswered。
And，pleasedwithmyrepentance，shegavemealooksoexpressiveofforgivenessthat，withoutbeingafraidofaugmentingmyguilt，ItookmylipsoffherhandandIraisedthemtoherhalf—open，smilingmouth。Intoxicatedwithrapture，Ipassedsorapidlyfromastateofsadnesstooneofoverwhelmingcheerfulnessthatduringoursuppertheadvocateenjoyedathousandjokesuponmytoothache，soquicklycuredbythesimpleremedyofawalk。OnthefollowingdaywedinedatVelletriandsleptinMarino，where，althoughthetownwasfulloftroops，wehadtwosmallroomsandagoodsupper。IcouldnothavebeenonbettertermswithmycharmingRoman；for，althoughIhadreceivedbutarapidproofofherregard，ithadbeensuchatrueone——suchatenderone！Inthecoachoureyescouldnotsaymuch；
butIwasoppositetoher，andourfeetspokeaveryeloquentlanguage。
TheadvocatehadtoldmethathewasgoingtoRomeonsomeecclesiasticalbusiness，andthatheintendedtoresideinthehouseofhismother—in—law，whomhiswifehadnotseensincehermarriage，twoyearsago，andhersisterhopedtoremaininRome，wheresheexpectedtomarryaclerkattheSpiritoSantoBank。Hegavemetheiraddress，withapressinginvitationtocalluponthem，andI
promisedtodevoteallmysparetimetothem。
Wewereenjoyingourdessert，whenmybeautifullady—love，admiringmysnuff—box，toldherhusbandthatshewishedshehadonelikeit。
"Iwillbuyyouone，dear。"
"Thenbuymine，"Isaid；"Iwillletyouhaveitfortwentyounces，andyoucangivemeanoteofhandpayabletobearerinpayment。I
owethatamounttoanEnglishman，andIwillgiveithimtoredeemmydebt。"
"Yoursnuff—box，mydearabbe，isworthtwentyounces，butIcannotbuyitunlessyouagreetoreceivepaymentincash；Ishouldbedelightedtoseeitinmywife’spossession，andshewouldkeepitasaremembranceofyou。"
Hiswife，thinkingthatIwouldnotaccepthisoffer，saidthatshehadnoobjectiontogivemethenoteofhand。
"But，"exclaimedtheadvocate，"canyounotguesstheEnglishmanexistsonlyinourfriend’simagination？Hewouldneverenteranappearance，andwewouldhavethesnuff—boxfornothing。Donottrusttheabbe，mydear，heisagreatcheat。"
"Ihadnoidea，"answeredhiswife，lookingatme，"thattheworldcontainedroguesofthisspecies。"
Iaffectedamelancholyair，andsaidthatIonlywishedmyselfrichenoughtobeoftenguiltyofsuchcheating。
Whenamanisinloveverylittleisenoughtothrowhimintodespair，andaslittletoenhancehisjoytotheutmost。Therewasbutonebedintheroomwheresupperhadbeenserved，andanotherinasmallclosetleadingoutoftheroom，butwithoutadoor。Theladieschosethecloset，andtheadvocateretiredtorestbeforeme。
Ibidtheladiesgoodnightassoonastheyhadgonetobed；Ilookedatmydearmistress，andafterundressingmyselfIwenttobed，intendingnottosleepthroughthenight。ButthereadermayimaginemyragewhenIfound，asIgotintothebed，thatitcreakedloudenoughtowakethedead。Iwaited，however，quitemotionless，untilmycompanionshouldbefastasleep，andassoonashissnoringtoldmethathewasentirelyundertheinfluenceofMorpheus，Itriedtoslipoutofthebed；buttheinfernalcreakingwhichtookplacewheneverImoved，wokemycompanion，whofeltaboutwithhishand，and，findingmenearhim，wenttosleepagain。Halfanhourafter，I
triedasecondtime，butwiththesameresult。Ihadtogiveitupindespair。
Loveisthemostcunningofgods；inthemidstofobstaclesheseemstobeinhisownelement，butashisveryexistencedependsupontheenjoymentofthosewhoardentlyworshiphim，theshrewd，all—seeing，littleblindgodcontrivestobringsuccessoutofthemostdesperatecase。
Ihadgivenupallhopeforthenight，andhadnearlygonetosleep，whensuddenlywehearadreadfulnoise。Gunsarefiredinthestreet，people，screamingandhowling，arerunningupanddownthestairs；atlastthereisaloudknockingatourdoor。Theadvocate，frightenedoutofhisslumbers，asksmewhatitcanallmean；I
pretendtobeveryindifferent，andbegtobeallowedtosleep。Buttheladiesaretremblingwithfear，andloudlycallingforalight。
Iremainveryquiet，theadvocatejumpsoutofbed，andrunsoutoftheroomtoobtainacandle；Iriseatonce，Ifollowhimtoshutthedoor，butIslamitrathertoohard，thedoublespringofthelockgivesway，andthedoorcannotbereopenedwithoutthekey。
Iapproachtheladiesinordertocalmtheiranxiety，tellingthemthattheadvocatewouldsoonreturnwithalight，andthatweshouldthenknowthecauseofthetumult，butIamnotlosingmytime，andamatworkwhileIamspeaking。Imeetwithverylittleopposition，but，leaningrathertooheavilyuponmyfairlady，Ibreakthroughthebottomofthebedstead，andwesuddenlyfindourselves，thetwoladiesandmyself，alltogetherinaheaponthefloor。Theadvocatecomesbackandknocksatthedoor；thesistergetsup，Iobeytheprayersofmycharmingfriend，and，feelingmyway，reachthedoor，andtelltheadvocatethatIcannotopenit，andthathemustgetthekey。Thetwosistersarebehindme。Iextendmyhand；butIamabruptlyrepulsed，andjudgethatIhaveaddressedmyselftothewrongquarter；Igototheotherside，andthereIambetterreceived。Butthehusbandreturns，thenoiseofthekeyinthelockannouncesthatthedoorisgoingtobeopened，andwereturntoourrespectivebeds。
Theadvocatehurriestothebedofthetwofrightenedladies，thinkingofrelievingtheiranxiety，but，whenheseesthemburiedintheirbroken—downbedstead，heburstsintoaloudlaugh。Hetellsmetocomeandhavealookatthem，butIamverymodest，anddeclinetheinvitation。HethentellsusthatthealarmhasbeencausedbyaGermandetachmentattackingsuddenlytheSpanishtroopsinthecity，andthattheSpaniardsarerunningaway。Inaquarterofanhourthenoisehasceased，andquietisentirelyre—established。
Theadvocatecomplimentedmeuponmycoolness，gotintobedagain，andwassoonasleep。Asforme，Iwascarefulnottoclosemyeyes，andassoonasIsawdaylightIgotupinordertoperformcertainablutionsandtochangemyshirt；itwasanabsolutenecessity。
Ireturnedforbreakfast，andwhileweweredrinkingthedeliciouscoffeewhichDonnaLucreziahadmade，asIthought，betterthanever，Iremarkedthathersisterfrownedonme。ButhowlittleIcaredforherangerwhenIsawthecheerful，happycountenance，andtheapprovinglooksofmyadoredLucrezia！Ifeltadelightfulsensationrunthroughthewholeofmybody。
WereachedRomeveryearly。WehadtakenbreakfastattheTour，andtheadvocatebeinginaverygaymoodIassumedthesametone，loadinghimwithcompliments，andpredictingthatasonwouldbeborntohim，Icompelledhiswifetopromiseitshouldbeso。IdidnotforgetthesisterofmycharmingLucrezia，andtomakeherchangeherhostileattitudetowardsmeIaddressedtohersomanyprettycompliments，andbehavedinsuchafriendlymanner，thatshewascompelledtoforgivethefallofthebed。AsItookleaveofthem，I
promisedtogivethemacallonthefollowingday。
IwasinRome！withagoodwardrobe，prettywellsuppliedwithmoneyandjewellery，notwantinginexperience，andwithexcellentlettersofintroduction。Iwasfree，myownmaster，andjustreachingtheageinwhichamancanhavefaithinhisownfortune，providedheisnotdeficientincourage，andisblessedwithafacelikelytoattractthesympathyofthosehemixeswith。Iwasnothandsome，butIhadsomethingbetterthanbeauty——astrikingexpressionwhichalmostcompelledakindinterestinmyfavour，andIfeltmyselfreadyforanything。IknewthatRomeistheonecityinwhichamancanbeginfromthelowestrung，andreachtheverytopofthesocialladder。Thisknowledgeincreasedmycourage，andImustconfessthatamostinveteratefeelingofself—esteemwhich，onaccountofmyinexperience，Icouldnotdistrust，enhancedwonderfullymyconfidenceinmyself。
Themanwhointendstomakehisfortuneinthisancientcapitaloftheworldmustbeachameleonsusceptibleofreflectingallthecoloursoftheatmospherethatsurroundshim——aProteusapttoassumeeveryform，everyshape。Hemustbesupple，flexible，insinuating；
close，inscrutable，oftenbase，sometimessincere，sometimesperfidious，alwaysconcealingapartofhisknowledge，indulginginonetoneofvoice，patient，aperfectmasterofhisowncountenance。
ascoldasicewhenanyothermanwouldbeallfire；andifunfortunatelyheisnotreligiousatheart——averycommonoccurrenceforasoulpossessingtheaboverequisites——hemusthavereligioninhismind，thatistosay，onhisface，onhislips，inhismanners；
hemustsufferquietly，ifhebeanhonestmanthenecessityofknowinghimselfanarranthypocrite。ThemanwhosesoulwouldloathesuchalifeshouldleaveRomeandseekhisfortuneelsewhere。IdonotknowwhetherIampraisingorexcusingmyself，butofallthosequalitiesIpossessedbutone——namely，flexibility；fortherest，I
wasonlyaninteresting，heedlessyoungfellow，aprettygoodbloodhorse，butnotbroken，orratherbadlybroken；andthatismuchworse。
IbeganbydeliveringtheletterIhadreceivedfromDonLelioforFatherGeorgi。ThelearnedmonkenjoyedtheesteemofeveryoneinRome，andthePopehimselfhadagreatconsiderationforhim，becausehedislikedtheJesuits，anddidnotputamaskontotearthemaskfromtheirfaces，althoughtheydeemedthemselvespowerfulenoughtodespisehim。
Hereadtheletterwithgreatattention，andexpressedhimselfdisposedtobemyadviser；andthatconsequentlyImightmakehimresponsibleforanyevilwhichmightbefallme，asmisfortuneisnottobefearedbyamanwhoactsrightly。HeaskedmewhatIintendedtodoinRome，andIansweredthatIwishedhimtotellmewhattodo。
"PerhapsImay；butinthatcaseyoumustcomeandseemeoften，andneverconcealfrommeanything，youunderstand，notanything，ofwhatinterestsyou，orofwhathappenstoyou。"
"DonLeliohaslikewisegivenmealetterfortheCardinalAcquaviva。"
"Icongratulateyou；thecardinal’sinfluenceinRomeisgreatereventhanthatofthePope。"
"MustIdelivertheletteratonce？"
"No；Iwillseehimthisevening，andpreparehimforyourvisit。
Callonmeto—morrowmorning，andIwillthentellyouwhereandwhenyouaretodeliveryourlettertothecardinal。Haveyouanymoney？"
"Enoughforallmywantsduringoneyear。"
"Thatiswell。Haveyouanyacquaintances？"
"Notone。"
"Donotmakeanywithoutfirstconsultingme，and，aboveall，avoidcoffee—housesandordinaries，butifyoushouldhappentofrequentsuchplaces，listenandneverspeak。Becarefultoformyourjudgmentuponthosewhoaskanyquestionsfromyou，andifcommoncivilityobligesyoutogiveananswer，giveonlyanevasiveone，ifanyotherislikelytocommityou。DoyouspeakFrench？"
"Notoneword。"
"Iamsorryforthat；youmustlearnFrench。Haveyoubeenastudent？"
"Apoorone，butIhaveasufficientsmatteringtoconversewithordinarycompany。"
"Thatisenough；butbeveryprudent，forRomeisthecityinwhichsmatterersunmaskeachother，andarealwaysatwaramongstthemselves。Ihopeyouwilltakeyourlettertothecardinal，dressedlikeamodestabbe，andnotinthiselegantcostumewhichisnotlikelytoconjurefortune。Adieu，letmeseeyouto—morrow。"
HighlypleasedwiththewelcomeIhadreceivedathishands，andwithallhehadsaidtome，IlefthishouseandproceededtowardsCampo—
di—FioretodelivertheletterofmycousinAntoniotoDonGasparVivaldi，whoreceivedmeinhislibrary，whereImettworespectable—
lookingpriests。Hegavemethemostfriendlywelcome，askedformyaddress，andinvitedmetodinnerforthenextday。HepraisedFatherGeorgimosthighly，and，accompanyingmeasfarasthestairs，hetoldmethathewouldgivemeonthemorrowtheamounthisfriendDonAntoniorequestedhimtohandme。
Moremoneywhichmygenerouscousinwasbestowingonme！Itiseasyenoughtogiveawaywhenonepossessessufficientmeanstodoit，butitisnoteverymanwhoknowshowtogive。IfoundtheproceedingofDonAntoniomoredelicateeventhangenerous；Icouldnotrefusehispresent；itwasmydutytoprovemygratitudebyacceptingit。
JustafterIhadleftM。Vivaldi’shouseIfoundmyselffacetofacewithStephano，andthisextraordinaryoriginalloadedmewithfriendlycaresses。Iinwardlydespisedhim，yetIcouldnotfeelhatredforhim；IlookeduponhimastheinstrumentwhichProvidencehadbeenpleasedtoemployinordertosavemefromruin。AftertellingmethathehadobtainedfromthePopeallhewished，headvisedmetoavoidmeetingthefatalconstablewhohadadvancedmetwosequinsinSeraval，becausehehadfoundoutthatIhaddeceivedhim，andhadswornrevengeagainstme。IaskedStephanotoinducethemantoleavemyacknowledgementofthedebtinthehandsofacertainmerchantwhomwebothknew，andthatIwouldcalltheretodischargetheamount。Thiswasdone，anditendedtheaffair。
ThateveningIdinedattheordinary，whichwasfrequentedbyRomansandforeigners；butIcarefullyfollowedtheadviceofFatherGeorgi。
IheardagreatdealofharshlanguageusedagainstthePopeandagainsttheCardinalMinister，whohadcausedthePapalStatestobeinundatedbyeightythousandmen，GermansaswellasSpaniards。ButIwasmuchsurprisedwhenIsawthateverybodywaseatingmeat，althoughitwasSaturday。ButastrangerduringthefirstfewdaysafterhisarrivalinRomeissurroundedwithmanythingswhichatfirstcausesurprise，andtowhichhesoongetsaccustomed。ThereisnotaCatholiccityintheworldinwhichamanishalfsofreeonreligiousmattersasinRome。TheinhabitantsofRomearelikethemenemployedattheGovernmenttobaccoworks，whoareallowedtotakegratisasmuchtobaccoastheywantfortheirownuse。OnecanliveinRomewiththemostcompletefreedom，exceptthatthe’ordinisantissimi’areasmuchtobedreadedasthefamousLettres—de—cachetbeforetheRevolutioncameanddestroyedthem，andshewedthewholeworldthegeneralcharacteroftheFrenchnation。
Thenextday，the1stofOctober，1743，Imadeupmymindtobeshaved。Thedownonmychinhadbecomeabeard，andIjudgedthatitwastimetorenouncesomeoftheprivilegesenjoyedbyadolescence。
IdressedmyselfcompletelyintheRomanfashion，andFatherGeorgiwashighlypleasedwhenhesawmeinthatcostume，whichhadbeenmadebythetailorofmydearcousin，DonAntonio。
FatherGeorgiinvitedmetotakeacupofchocolatewithhim，andinformedmethatthecardinalhadbeenapprisedofmyarrivalbyaletterfromDonLelio，andthathiseminencewouldreceivemeatnoonattheVillaNegroni，wherehewouldbetakingawalk。ItoldFatherGeorgithatIhadbeeninvitedtodinnerbyM。Vivaldi，andheadvisedmetocultivatehisacquaintance。
IproceededtotheVillaNegroni；themomenthesawmethecardinalstoppedtoreceivemyletter，allowingtwopersonswhoaccompaniedhimtowalkforward。Heputtheletterinhispocketwithoutreadingit，examinedmeforoneortwominutes，andenquiredwhetherIfeltanytasteforpolitics。Iansweredthat，untilnow，Ihadnotfeltinmeanybutfrivoloustastes，butthatIwouldmakeboldtoanswerformyreadinesstoexecutealltheorderswhichhiseminencemightbepleasedtolayuponme，ifheshouldjudgemeworthyofenteringhisservice。
"Cometomyofficeto—morrowmorning，"saidthecardinal，"andaskfortheAbbeGama，towhomIwillgivemyinstructions。YoumustapplyyourselfdiligentlytothestudyoftheFrenchlanguage；itisindispensable。"HethenenquiredafterDonLeilo’shealth，andafterkissinghishandItookmyleave。
IhastenedtothehouseofM。GasparVivaldi，whereIdinedamongstawell—chosenpartyofguests。M。Vivaldiwasnotmarried；literaturewashisonlypassion。HelovedLatinpoetryevenbetterthanItalian，andHorace，whomIknewbyheart，washisfavouritepoet。
Afterdinner，werepairedtohisstudy，andhehandedmeonehundredRomancrowns，andDonAntonio’spresent，andassuredmethatIwouldbemostwelcomewheneverIwouldcalltotakeacupofchocolatewithhim。
AfterIhadtakenleaveofDonGaspar，IproceededtowardstheMinerva，forIlongedtoenjoythesurpriseofmydearLucreziaandofhersister；IinquiredforDonnaCeciliaMonti，theirmother，andIsaw，tomygreatastonishment，ayoungwidowwholookedlikethesisterofhertwocharmingdaughters。Therewasnoneedformetogivehermyname；Ihadbeenannounced，andsheexpectedme。Herdaughterssooncamein，andtheirgreetingcausedmesomeamusement，forIdidnotappeartothemtobethesameindividual。DonnaLucreziapresentedmetoheryoungestsister，onlyelevenyearsofage，andtoherbrother，anabbeoffifteen，ofcharmingappearance。
Itookcaretobehavesoastopleasethemother；Iwasmodest，respectful，andshewedadeepinterestineverythingIsaw。Thegoodadvocatearrived，andwassurprisedatthechangeinmyappearance。
Helaunchedoutinhisusualjokes，andIfollowedhimonthatground，yetIwascarefulnottogivetomyconversationthetoneoflevitywhichusedtocausesomuchmirthinourtravellingcoach；sothat，to，paymeacompliment，hetoldneethat，ifIhadhadthesignofmanhoodshavedfrommyface，Ihadcertainlytransferredittomymind。DonnaLucreziadidnotknowwhattothinkofthechangeinmymanners。
TowardseveningIsaw，cominginrapidsuccession，fiveorsixordinary—lookingladies，andasmanyabbes，whoappearedtomesomeofthevolumeswithwhichIwastobeginmyRomaneducation。TheyalllistenedattentivelytothemostinsignificantwordIuttered，andIwasverycarefultoletthemenjoytheirconjecturesaboutme。
DonnaCeciliatoldtheadvocatethathewasbutapoorpainter，andthathisportraitswerenotliketheoriginals；heansweredthatshecouldnotjudge，becausetheoriginalwasshewingunderamask，andI
pretendedtobemortifiedbyhisanswer。DonnaLucreziasaidthatshefoundmeexactlythesame，andhersisterwasofopinionthattheairofRomegavestrangersapeculiarappearance。Everybodyapplauded，andAngeliqueturnedredwithsatisfaction。AfteravisitoffourhoursIbowedmyselfout，andtheadvocate，followingme，toldmethathismother—in—lawbeggedmetoconsidermyselfasafriendofthefamily，andtobecertainofawelcomeatanyhourI
likedtocall。Ithankedhimgratefullyandtookmyleave，trustingthatIhadpleasedthisamiablesocietyasmuchasithadpleasedme。
ThenextdayIpresentedmyselftotheAbbeGama。HewasaPortuguese，aboutfortyyearsold，handsome，andwithacountenancefullofcandour，wit，andgoodtemper。Hisaffabilityclaimedandobtainedconfidence。HismannersandaccentwerequiteRoman。Heinformedme，intheblandestmanner，thathiseminencehadhimselfgivenhisinstructionsaboutmetohismajordomo，thatIwouldhavealodginginthecardinal’spalace，thatIwouldhavemymealsatthesecretaries’table，andthat，untilIlearnedFrench，Iwouldhavenothingtodobutmakeextractsfromlettersthathewouldsupplymewith。HethengavemetheaddressoftheFrenchteachertowhomhehadalreadyspokeninmybehalf。HewasaRomanadvocate，Dalacquabyname，residingpreciselyoppositethepalace。
Afterthisshortexplanation，andanassurancethatIcouldatalltimesrelyuponhisfriendship，hehadmetakentothemajor—domo，whomademesignmynameatthebottomofapageinalargebook，alreadyfilledwithothernames，andcountedoutsixtyRomancrownswhichhepaidmeforthreemonthssalaryinadvance。Afterthisheaccompaniedme，followedbya’staffiere’tomyapartmentonthethirdfloor，whichIfoundverycomfortablyfurnished。Theservanthandedmethekey，sayingthathewouldcomeeverymorningtoattenduponme，andthemajor—domoaccompaniedmetothegatetomakemeknowntothegate—keeper。Iimmediatelyrepairedtomyinn，sentmyluggagetothepalace，andfoundmyselfestablishedinaplaceinwhichagreatfortuneawaitedme，ifIhadonlybeenabletoleadawiseandprudentlife，butunfortunatelyitwasnotinmynature。
’Volentemducit，nolentemtrahit。’
Inaturallyfeltitmydutytocalluponmymentor，FatherGeorgi，towhomIgaveallmygoodnews。HesaidIwasontherightroad，andthatmyfortunewasinmyhands。
"Recollect，"addedthegoodfather，"thattoleadablamelesslifeyoumustcurbyourpassions，andthatwhatevermisfortunemaybefallyouitcannotbeascribedbyanyonetoawantofgoodluck，orattributedtofate；thosewordsaredevoidofsense，andallthefaultwillrightlyfallonyourownhead。"
"Iforesee，reverendfather，thatmyyouthandmywantofexperiencewilloftenmakeitnecessaryformetodisturbyou。Iamafraidofprovingmyselftooheavyachargeforyou，butyouwillfindmedocileandobedient。"
"Isupposeyouwilloftenthinkmerathertoosevere；butyouarenotlikelytoconfideeverythingtome。"
"Everything，withoutanyexception。"
"Allowmetofeelsomewhatdoubtful；youhavenottoldmewhereyouspentfourhoursyesterday。"
"BecauseIdidnotthinkitwasworthmentioning。Imadetheacquaintanceofthosepersonsduringmyjourney；Ibelievethemtobeworthyandrespectable，andtherightsortofpeopleformetovisit，unlessyoushouldbeofadifferentopinion。"
"Godforbid！Itisaveryrespectablehouse，frequentedbyhonestpeople。Theyaredelightedathavingmadeyouracquaintance；youaremuchlikedbyeverybody，andtheyhopetoretainyouasafriend；I
haveheardallaboutitthismorning；butyoumustnotgotheretoooftenandasaregularguest。"
"MustIceasemyvisitsatonce，andwithoutcause？"
"No，itwouldbeawantofpolitenessonyourpart。Youmaygothereonceortwiceeveryweek，butdonotbeaconstantvisitor。Youaresighing，myson？"
"No，Iassureyounot。Iwillobeyyou。"
"Ihopeitmaynotbeonlyamatterofobedience，andItrustyourheartwillnotfeelitahardship，but，ifnecessary，yourheartmustbeconquered。Recollectthattheheartisthegreatestenemyofreason。"
"Yettheycanbemadetoagree。"
"Weoftenimagineso；butdistrusttheanimismofyourdearHorace。
Youknowthatthereisnomiddlecoursewithit:’nisiparet，imperat’。"
"Iknowit，butinthefamilyofwhichwewerespeakingthereisnodangerformyheart。"
"Iamgladofit，becauseinthatcaseitwillbealltheeasierforyoutoabstainfromfrequentvisits。RememberthatIshalltrustyou。"
"AndI，reverendfather；willlistentoandfollowyourgoodadvice。