CHAPTERIV
MyAmoursWithDonnaIgnazia——MyImprisonmentAtBuenRetiro——MyTriumph——IAmCommendedtotheVenetianAmbassadorbyOneoftheStateInquisitorsWeenteredtheball—roomandwalkedroundseveraltimes。DonnaIgnaziawasinsuchastateofecstasythatIfelthertrembling，andauguredwellformyamorousprojects。Thoughliberty，nay，license，seemedtoreignsupreme，therewasaguardofsoldiersreadytoarrestthefirstpersonwhocreatedanydisturbance。Wedancedseveralminuetsandsquaredances，andatteno’clockwewentintothesupper—room，ourconversationbeingverylimitedallthewhile，shenotspeakingforfearofencouragingmetoomuch，andIonaccountofmypoorknowledgeoftheSpanishlanguage。Ileftheraloneforamomentaftersupper，andwenttothebox，whereIexpectedtofindMadamePichona，butitwasoccupiedbymaskers，whowereunknowntome，soIrejoinedmypartner，andwewentondancingtheminuetsandquadrillestillthefandangowasannounced。I
tookmyplacewithmypartner，whodanceditadmirably，andseemedastonishedtofindherselfsowellsupportedbyaforeigner。Thisdancehadexcitedbothofus，so，aftertakinghertothebuffetandgivingherthebestwinesandliqueursprocurable，Iaskedherifshewerecontentwithme。IaddedthatIwassodeeplyinlovewithherthatunlessshefoundsomemeansofmakingmehappyIshouldundoubtedlydieoflove。I
assuredherthatIwasreadytofaceallhazards。
"Bymakingyouhappy，"shereplied，"Ishallmakemyselfhappy，too。I
willwritetoyouto—morrow，andyouwillfindthelettersewnintothehoodofmydomino。"
"Youwillfindmereadytodoanything，fairIgnazia，ifyouwillgivemehope。"
Atlasttheballwasover，andwewentoutandgotintothecarriage。
Themotherwokeup，andthecoachmandroveoff，andI，takingthegirl’shands，wouldhavekissedthem。However，sheseemedtosuspectthatIhadotherintentions，andheldmyhandsclaspedsotightlythatIbelieveI
shouldhavefounditahardtasktopullthemaway。InthispositionDonnaIgnaziaproceededtotellhermotherallabouttheball，andthedelightithadgivenher。Shedidnotletgomyhandstillwegottothecorneroftheirstreet，whenthemothercalledouttothecoachmantostop，notwishingtogiveherneighboursoccasionforslanderbystoppinginfrontoftheirownhouse。
ThenextdayIsentforthedomino，andinitIfoundaletterfromDonnaIgnazia，inwhichshetoldmethataDonFranciscodeRamoswouldcallonme，thathewasherlover，andthathewouldinformmehowtorenderherandmyselfhappy。
DonFranciscowastednotime，forthenextmorningateighto’clockmypagesentinhisname。HetoldmethatDonnaIgnazia，withwhomhespokeeverynight，shebeingatherwindowandheinthestreet，hadinformedhimthatsheandIhadbeenattheballtogether。ShehadalsotoldhimthatshefeltsureIhadconceivedafatherlyaffectionforher，andshehadconsequentlyprevaileduponhimtocallonme，beingcertainthatI
wouldtreathimasmyownson。Shehadencouragedhimtoaskmetolendhimahundreddoubloonswhichwouldenablethemtogetmarriedbeforetheendofthecarnival。
"IamemployedattheMint，"headded，"butmypresentsalaryisaverysmallone。IhopeIshallgetanincreasebeforelong，andthenIshallbeinapositiontomakeIgnaziahappy。AllmyrelationsliveatToledo，andIhavenofriendsatMadrid，sowhenwesetupouronlyfriendswillbethefatherandmotherofmywifeandyourself，forIamsureyouloveherlikeadaughter。"
"Youhaveprobedmyhearttoitscore，"Ireplied，"butjustnowIamawaitingremittances，andhaveverylittlemoneyaboutme。Youmaycountonmydiscretion，andIshallbedelightedtoseeyouwheneveryoucaretocallonme。"
Thegallantmademeabow，andtookhisdepartureinnogoodhumour。DonFranciscowasayoungmanoftwenty—two，uglyandill—made。Iresolvedtoniptheintrigueinthebud，formyinclinationforDonnaIgnaziawasofthelightestdescription；andIwenttocallonMadamePichona，whohadgivenmesuchapoliteinvitationtocomeandseeher。Ihadmadeenquiriesabouther，andhadfoundoutthatshewasanactressandhadbeenmaderichbytheDukeofMedina—Celi。Thedukehadpaidheravisitinverycoldweather，andfindingherwithoutafire，asshewastoopoortobuycoals，hadsentherthenextdayasilverstove，whichhehadfilledwithahundredthousandpezzosdurosingold，amountingtothreehundredthousandfrancsinFrenchmoney。SincethenMadamePichonalivedathereaseandreceivedgoodcompany。
ShegavemeawarmreceptionwhenIcalledonher，butherlooksweresad。IbeganbysayingthatasIhadnotfoundherinherboxonthelastballnightIhadventuredtocometoenquireafterherhealth。
"Ididnotgo，"saidshe，"foronthatdaydiedmyonlyfriendtheDukeofMedina—Celi。Hewasillforthreedays。"
"Isympathisewithyou。Wasthedukeanoldman？"
"Hardlysixty。Youhaveseenhim；hedidnotlookhisage。"
"WherehaveIseenhim？"
"Didhenotbringyoutomybox？"
"Youdon’tsayso！HedidnottellmehisnameandIneversawhimbefore。"
Iwasgrievedtohearofhisdeath；itwasinallprobabilityamisfortuneformeaswellasMadamePichona。Alltheduke’sestatepassedtoasonofmiserlydisposition，whoinhisturnhadasonwhowasbeginningtoevincetheutmostextravagance。
IwastoldthatthefamilyofMedina—Celienjoysthirtytitlesofnobility。
Onedayayoungmancalledonmetoofferme，asaforeigner，hisservicesinacountrywhichheknewthoroughly。
"IamCountMarazzinidePlaisance，"hebegan，"IamnotrichandIhavecometoMadridtotryandmakemyfortune。IhopetoenterthebodyguardofhisCatholicmajesty。IhavebeenindulgingintheamusementsofthetowneversinceIcame。Isawyouattheballwithanunknownbeauty。I
don’taskyoutotellmehername，butifyouarefondofnoveltyIcanintroduceyoutoallthehandsomestgirlsinMadrid。"
IfmyexperiencehadtaughtmesuchwholesomelessonsasImighthaveexpected，Ishouldhaveshowntheimpudentrascalthedoor。Alas！
Ibegantobewearyofmyexperienceandthefruitsofit；Ibegantofeelthehorrorsofagreatvoid；Ihadneedofsomeslightpassiontowileawaythedrearyhours。IthereforemadethisMercurywelcome，andtoldhimIshouldbeobligedbyhispresentingmetosomebeauties，neithertooeasynortoodifficulttoaccess。
"Comewithmetotheball，"herejoined，"andIwillshewyousomewomenworthyofyourattention。"
Theballwastotakeplacethesameevening，andIagreed；heaskedmetogivehimsomedinner，andIagreedtothatalso。Afterdinnerhetoldmehehadnomoney，andIwasfoolishenoughtogivehimadoubloon。Thefellow，whowasugly，blindofoneeye，andfullofimpudence，shewedmeascoreofprettywomen，whosehistorieshetoldme，andseeingmetobeinterestedinoneofthemhepromisedtobringhertoaprocuress。Hekepthisword，buthecostmedear；forthegirlonlyservedforanevening’samusement。
TowardstheendofthecarnivalthenobleDonDiego，thefatherofDonnaIgnazia，broughtmemyboots，andthethanksofhiswifeandhimselfforthepleasureIhadgivenherattheball。
"Sheisasgoodassheisbeautiful，"saidI，"shedeservestoprosper，andifIhavenotcalledonheritisonlythatIamanxioustodonothingwhichcouldinjureherreputation。"
"Herreputation，SenorCaballero，isaboveallreproach，andIshallbedelightedtoseeyouwheneveryouhonourmewithacall。"
"Thecarnivaldrawsneartoitsend，"Ireplied，"andifDonnaIgnaziawouldliketogotoanotherballIshallbehappytotakeheragain。"
"Youmustcomeandaskheryourself。"
"Iwillnotfailtodoso。"
Iwasanxioustoseehowthepiousgirl，whohadtriedtomakemepayahundreddoubloonsforthechanceofhavingherafterhermarriage，wouldgreetme，soIcalledthesameday。Ifoundherwithhermother，rosaryinhand，whilehernoblefatherwasbotchingoldboots。Ilaughedinwardlyatbeingobligedtogivethetitleofdontoacobblerwhowouldnotmakebootsbecausehewasanhidalgo。Hidalgo，meaningnoble，isderivedfrom’higodealbo’，sonofsomebody，andthepeople，whomthenoblescall’higosdenade’，sonsofnobody，oftenrevengethemselvesbycallingthenobleshideputas，thatistosay，sonsofharlots。
DonnaIgnaziarosepolitelyfromthefloor，whereshewassittingcross—
legged，aftertheMoorishfashion。IhaveseenexaltedladiesinthispositionatMadrid，anditisverycommonintheantechambersoftheCourtandthepalaceofthePrincessoftheAsturias。TheSpanishwomensitinchurchinthesameway，andtherapiditywithwhichtheycanchangethisposturetoakneelingorastandingoneissomethingamazing。
DonnaIgnaziathankedmeforhonouringherwithavisit，addingthatshewouldneverhavegonetotheballifithadnotbeenforme，andthatsheneverhopedtogotoitagain，asIhaddoubtlessfoundsomeoneelsemoreworthyofmyattentions。
"Ihavenotfoundanyoneworthytobepreferredbeforeyou，"Ireplied，"andifyouwouldliketogototheballagainIshouldbemosthappytotakeyou。"
ThefatherandmotherweredelightedwiththepleasureIwasabouttogivetotheirbeloveddaughter。Astheballwastotakeplacethesameevening，Igavethemotheradoubloontogetamaskanddomino。Shewentonhererrand，and，asDonDiegoalsowentoutonsomebusiness，Ifoundmyselfalonewiththegirl。ItooktheopportunityoftellingherthatifshewilledIwouldbehers，asIadoredher，butthatIcouldnotsighforlong。
"Whatcanyouask，andwhatcanIoffer，sinceImustkeepmyselfpureformyhusband？"
"Youshouldabandonyourselftomewithoutreserve，andyoumaybesurethatIshouldrespectyourinnocence。"
Ithenproceededtodeliveragentleattack，whichsherepulsed，withaseriousface。Istoppeddirectly，tellingherthatshewouldfindmepoliteandrespectful，butnotintheleastaffectionate，fortherestoftheevening。
Herfacehadblushedavividscarlet，andsherepliedthathersenseofdutyobligedhertorepulsemeinspiteofherself。
Ilikedthismetaphysicallineofargument。IsawthatIhadonlytodestroytheideaofdutyinherandalltherestwouldfollow。WhatI
hadtodowastoenterintoanargument，andtobearawaytheprizedirectlyIsawheratalossforananswer。
"Ifyourduty，"Ibegan，"forcesyoutorepulsemeinspiteofyourself，yourdutyisaburdenonyou。Ifitisaburdenonyou，itisyourenemy，andifitisyourenemywhydoyousufferitthuslightlytogainthevictory？Ifyouwereyourownfriend，youwouldatonceexpelthisinsolentenemyfromyourcoasts。"
"Thatmaynotbe。"
"Yes，itmay。Onlyshutyoureyes。"
"Likethat？"
"Yes。"
Iimmediatelylaidhandsonatenderplace；sherepulsedme，butmoregentlyandnotsoseriouslyasbefore。
"Youmay，ofcourse，seduceme，"shesaid，"butifyoureallylovemeyouwillsparemetheshame。"
"DearestIgnazia，thereisnoshameinagirlgivingherselfuptothemansheloves。Lovejustifiesallthings。IfyoudonotlovemeIasknothingofyou。"
"ButhowshallIconvinceyouthatIamactuatedbyloveandnotbycomplaisance？"
"LeavemetodowhatIlike，andmyself—esteemwillhelpmetobelieveyou。"
"ButasIcannotbecertainthatyouwillbelieveme，mydutyplainlypointstoarefusal。"
"Verygood，butyouwillmakemesadandcold。"
"ThenIshallbesad，too。"
AttheseencouragingwordsIembracedher，andobtainedsomesolidfavourswithonehardyhand。Shemadenoopposition，andIwaswellpleasedwithwhatIhadgot；andforafirstattemptIcouldnotwellexpectmore。
Atthisjuncturethemothercameinwiththedominosandgloves。I
refusedtoacceptthechange，andwentawaytoreturninmycarriage，asbefore。
Thusthefirststephadbeentaken，andDonnaIgnaziafeltitwouldberidiculousnottojoininwithmyconversationattheballwhichalltendedtoprocuringthepleasureofspendingournightstogether。Shefoundmeaffectionatealltheevening，andatsupperIdidmybesttogethereverythingsheliked。Imadeherseethatthepartshehadatlasttakenwasworthyofpraise，andnotblame。Ifilledherpocketswithsweets，andputintomyownpocketstwobottlesofratafia，whichI
handedovertothemother，whowasasleepinthecarriage。DonnaIgnaziagratefullyrefusedthequadrupleIwishedtogiveher，sayingthatifitwereinmypowertomakesuchpresents，Imightgivethemoneytoherloverwheneverhecalledonme。
"Certainly，"Ianswered，"butwhatshallIsaytopreventhistakingoffence？"
"Tellhimthatitisonaccountofwhatheaskedyou。Heispoor，andI
amsureheisindespairatnotseeingmeinthewindowto—night。I
shalltellhimIonlywenttotheballwithyoutopleasemyfather。"
DonnaIgnazia，amixtureofvoluptuousnessandpiety，likemostSpanishwomen，dancedthefandangowithsomuchfirethatnowordscouldhaveexpressedsowelltheJoysthatwereinstoreforme。Whatadanceitis！Herbosomwasheavingandherbloodallaflame，andyetIwastoldthatforthegreaterpartofthecompanythedancewaswhollyinnocent，anddevoidofanyintention。Ipretendedtobelieveit，butIcertainlydidnot。IgnaziabeggedmetocometomassattheChurchoftheSoledadthenextdayateighto’clock。IhadnotyettoldherthatitwasthereIhadseenherfirst。Shealsoaskedmetocomeandseeherintheevening，andsaidshewouldsendmealetterifwewerenotleftalonetogether。
Islepttillnoon，andwasawokebyMarazzini，whocametoaskmetogivehimsomedinner。Hetoldmehehadseenmewithmyfaircompanionthenightbefore，andthathehadvainlyendeavouredtofindoutwhoshewas。
Iborewiththissingularlymisplacedcuriosity，butwhenitcametohissayingthathewouldhavefollowedusifhehadhadanymoney，Ispoketohiminamannerthatmadehimturnpale。Hebeggedpardon，andpromisedtobridlehiscuriosityforthefuture。HeproposedapartyofpleasurewiththefamouscourtezanSpiletta，whosefavoursweredear，butI
declined，formymindwastakenupwiththefairIgnazia，whomI
consideredaworthysuccessortoCharlotte。
Iwenttothechurch，andshesawmewhenshecamein，followedbythesamecompanionasbefore。
Shekneltdownattwoorthreepacesfromme，butdidnotoncelookinmydirection。Herfriend，ontheotherhand，inspectedmeclosely；sheseemedaboutthesameageasIgnazia，butshewasugly。IalsonoticedDonFrancisco，andasIwasgoingoutofthechurchmyrivalfollowedme，andcongratulatedmesomewhatbitterlyonmygoodfortuneinhavingtakenhismistressasecondtimetotheball。Heconfessedthathehadbeenonourtrackthewholeevening，andthatheshouldhavegoneawaywellenoughpleasedifithadnotbeenforthewayinwhichwedancethefandango。Ifeltthiswasanoccasionforalittlegentlemanagement，andIansweredgood—humouredlythatthelovehethoughthenoticedwaswhollyimaginary，andthathewaswrongtoentertainanysuspicionsastosovirtuousagirlasDonnaIgnazia。AtthesametimeIplacedanounceinhishand，begginghimtotakeitonaccount。Hedidsowithanastonishedstare，and，callingmehisfatherandguardianangel，sworeaneternalgratitude。
IntheeveningIcalledonDonDiego，whereIwasregaledwiththeexcellentratafiaIhadgiventhemother，andthewholefamilybegantospeakoftheobligationsSpainowedtotheCountofAranda。
"Noexerciseismorehealthfulthandancing，"saidAntonia，themother，"andbeforehistimeballswerestrictlyforbidden。Inspiteofthatheishatedforhavingexpelled’lospadresdelacompagniadeJesus’，andforhissumptuaryregulations。Butthepoorblesshisname，forallthemoneyproducedbytheballsgoestothem。"
"Andthus，"saidthefather，"togototheballistodoapiouswork。"
"Ihavetwocousins，"saidIgnazia，"whoareperfectangelsofgoodness。
Itoldthemthatyouhadtakenmetotheball；buttheyaresopoorthattheyhavenohopeofgoing。Ifyoulikeyoucanmakethemquitehappybytakingthemonthelastdayofthecarnival。Theballclosesatmidnight，soasnottoprofaneAshWednesday。"
"Ishallbehappytoobligeyou，allthemoreasyourladymotherwillnotbeobligedtowaitforusinthecarriage。"
"Youareverykind；butIshallhavetointroduceyoutomyaunt；sheissoparticular。Whensheknowsyou，Iamsureshewillconsent，foryouhavealltheairofdiscretion。Goandseeherto—day；shelivesinthenextstreet，andoverherdooryouwillseeanoticethatlaceiswashedwithin。Tellherthatmymothergaveyoutheaddress。To—morrowmorning，aftermass，Iwillseetoeverythingelse，andyoumustcomehereatnoontoagreeastoourmeetingonthelastdayofthecarnival。"
Ididallthis，andthenextdayIheardthatitwassettled。
"Iwillhavethedominosreadyatmyhouse，"Isaid，"andyoumustcomeinatthebackdoor。Wewilldineinmyroom，mask，andgototheball。
Theeldestofyourcousinsmustbedisguisedasaman。"
"Iwon’ttellheranythingaboutthat，forfearshemightthinkitasin，butonceinyourhouseyouwillhavenodifficultyinmanagingher。"
Theyoungerofthetwocousinswasugly，butlookedlikeawoman，whereastheelderlookedlikeanuglydressedmaninwoman’sclothes。ShemadeanamusingcontrastwithDonnaIgnazia，wholookedmostseductivewhenshelaidasideherairofpiety。
Itookcarethateverythingrequisiteforourdisguisesshouldbeathandinaneighbouringcloset，unbeknowntomyrascallypage。Igavehimapieceofmoneyinthemorning，andtoldhimtospendthelastdayofthecarnivalaccordingtohisowntaste，asIshouldnotrequirehisservicestillnoonthedayafter。
Iorderedagooddinner，andawaitertoserveit，atthetavern，andgotridofMarazzinibygivinghimadoubloon。ItookgreatpainsovertheentertainmentIwastogivethetwocousinsandthefairIgnazia，whomI
hopedthatdaytomakemymistress。Itwasallquiteanoveltyforme；I
hadtodowiththreedevotees，twohideousandthethirdravishinglybeautiful，whohadalreadyhadaforetasteofthejoysinstoreforher。
Theycameatnoon，andforanhourIdiscoursedtotheminamoralandunctuousmanner。Ihadtakencaretoprovidemyselfwithsomeexcellentwine，whichdidnotfailtotakeeffectonthethreegirls，whowerenotaccustomedtoadinnerthatlastedtwohours。Theywerenotexactlyinebriated，buttheirspiritswereworkeduptoapitchtheyhadneverattainedbefore。
Itoldtheeldercousin，whomightbetwenty—fiveyearsold，thatIwasgoingtodisguiseherasaman；consternationappearedonherfeatures，butIhadexpectedasmuch，andDonnaIgnaziatoldhershewasonlytoolucky，andhersisterobservedthatshedidnotthinkitcouldbeasin。
"Ifitwereasin，"saidI，"doyousupposethatIshouldhavesuggestedittoyourvirtuoussister。"
DonnaIgnazia，whoknewtheLegendariumbyheart，corroboratedmyassertionbysayingthattheblessedSt。Marinahadpassedherwholelifeinman’sclothes；andthissettledthematter。
Ithenburstintoaveryhigh—flowneulogiumofherintellectualcapacity，soastoenlisthervanityinthegoodcause。
"Comewithme，"saidI，"anddoyouladieswaithere；Iwanttoenjoyyoursurprisewhenyouseeherinman’sclothes。"
Theuglycousinmadeasupremeeffortandfollowedme，andwhenshehaddulyinspectedherdisguiseItoldhertotakeoffherbootsandtoputonwhitestockingsandshoes，ofwhichIhadprovidedseveralpairs。I
satdownbeforeher，andtoldherthatifshesuspectedmeofanydishonourableintentionsshewouldcommitamortalsin，asIwasoldenoughtobeherfather。SherepliedthatshewasagoodChristian，butnotafool。Ifastenedhergartersforher，sayingthatIshouldneverhavesupposedshehadsowell—shapenandsowhitealeg，whichcomplimentmadehersmileinasatisfiedmanner。
AlthoughIhadafineviewofherthighs，Iobservednotracesofablushonherface。Ithengaveherapair，ofmybreeches，whichfittedheradmirably，thoughIwasfiveinchestallerthanshe，butthisdifferencewascompensatedbytheposteriorproportions，withwhich，likemostwomen，shewasbountifullyendowed。Iturnedawaytoletherputthemoninfreedom，and，havinggivenheralinenshirt，shetoldmeshehadfinishedbeforeshehadbuttoneditattheneck。Theremaypossiblyhavebeenalittlecoquetryinthis，asIbuttonedtheshirtforher，andwasthusgratifiedwithasightofhersplendidbreast。Ineednotsaywhethershewaspleasedornotatmyrefrainingfromcomplimentingheruponherfineproportions。WhenhertoilettewasfinishedIsurveyedherfromheadtofoot，andpronouncedhertobeaperfectman，withtheexceptionofoneblemish。
"Iamsorryforthat。"
"Willyouallowmetoarrangeyourshirtsoastoobviateit？"
"Ishallbemuchobliged，asIhaveneverdressedinman’sclothesbefore。"
Ithensatdowninfrontofher，and，afterunbuttoningthefly，arrangedtheshirtinapropermanner。IndoingsoIallowedmyselfsomesmallliberties，butItoyedwithsuchaseriousairthatsheseemedtotakeitallasamatterofcourse。
WhenIhadputonherdominoandmaskIledherforth，andhersisterandDonnaIgnaziacongratulatedheronherdisguise，sayingthatanybodywouldtakeherforaman。
"Nowit’syourturn，"Isaidtotheyoungerone。
"Gowithhim，"saidtheelder，"DonJaimeisashonestamanasyouwillfindinSpain。"
Therewasreallynotmuchtobedonetotheyoungersister，herdisguisebeingsimplyamaskanddomino，butasIwantedtokeepIgnaziaalongtimeImadeherputonwhitestockings，changeherkerchief，andadozenothertrifles。WhenshewasreadyIbroughtherforth，andDonnaIgnazianoticingthatshehadchangedherstockingsandkerchief，askedherwhetherIwereasexpertatdressingaladyasatturningaladyintoagentleman。
"Idon’tknow，"shereplied，"Idideverythingformyself。"
NextcametheturnofDonDiego’sdaughter，andassoonasIhadherintheclosetIdidmypleasureonher，shesubmittingwithanairthatseemedtosay，"IonlygiveinbecauseIcan’tresist。"WishingtosaveherhonourIwithdrewintime，butinthesecondcombatIheldherforhalfanhourtomyarms。However，shewasnaturallyofapassionatedisposition，andnaturehadendowedherwithatemperamentabletoresistthemostvigorousattacks。Whendecencymadeusleavethecloset，sheremarkedtohercousins，"IthoughtIshouldneverhavedone；Ihadtoalterthewholefitofthedomino。"
Iadmiredherpresenceofmind。
Atnightfallwewenttotheball，atwhichthefandangomightbedancedadlibitumbyaspecialprivilege，butthecrowdwassogreatthatdancingwasoutofthequestion。Attenwehadsupper，andthenwalkedupanddown，tillallatoncethetwoorchestrasbecamesilent。Weheardthechurchclocksstrikingmidnightthecarnivalwasover，andLenthadbegun。
Thisrapidtransitionfromwantonnesstodevotion，frompaganismtoChristianity，hassomethingstartlingandunnaturalaboutit。Atfifty—
nineminutespasteleventhesensesareallaglow；midnightsounds，andinaminutetheyaresupposedtobebroughtlow，andthehearttobefullofhumblerepentance；itisanabsurdity，animpossibility。
Itookthethreegirlstomyhousetotakeofftheirdominos，andwethenescortedthetwocousinshome。WhenwehadleftthemforafewminutesDonnaIgnaziatoldmethatshewouldlikealittlecoffee。Iunderstoodher，andtookhertomyhouse，feelingsureoftwohoursofmutualpleasure。
Itookhertomyroom，andwasjustgoingouttoorderthecoffeewhenI
metDonFrancisco，whoaskedmeplainlytolethimcomeup，ashehadseenDonnaIgnaziagoinwithme。Ihadsufficientstrengthofmindtoconcealmyrageanddisappointment，andtoldhimtocomein，addingthathismistresswouldbedelightedatthisunexpectedvisit。Iwentupstairs，andhefollowedme，andIshewedhimintotheroom，congratulatingtheladyonthepleasantsurprise。
IexpectedthatshewouldplayherpartaswellasIhadplayedmine，butIwaswrong。Inherrageshetoldhimthatshewouldneverhaveaskedmetogiveheracupofcoffeeifshehadforeseenthispieceofimportunity，addingthatifhehadbeenagentlemanhewouldhaveknownbetterthantointrudehimselfatsuchanhour。
InspiteofmyownangerIfeltthatImusttakethepoordevil’spart；
helookedlikeadogwithatinkettletiedtohistail。ItriedtocalmDonnaIgnazia，tellingherthatDonFranciscohadseenusbyamereaccident，andthatitwasIwhohadaskedhimtocomeupstairs，inthehopeofpleasingher。
DonnaIgnaziafeignedtobepersuadedandaskedherlovertositdown，butshedidnotspeakanotherwordtohim，confiningherremarkstome，sayinghowmuchshehadenjoyedtheball，andhowkindIhadbeentotakehercousins。
Afterhehadtakenacupofcoffee，DonFranciscobadeusagoodnight。
ItoldhimIhopedhewouldcomeandseemebeforeLentwasover，butDonnaIgnaziaonlyvouchsafedhimaslightnod。Whenhehadgoneshesaid，sadlyenough，thatshewassorryhehaddeprivedusbothofourpleasure，andthatshewassureDonFranciscowasstillhangingabouttheplace，andthatshedarednotexposeherselftohisvengeance。"Sotakemehome，butifyoulovemecomeandseemeagain。Thetrickthestupidfellowhasplayedmeshallcosthimdear。AreyousureIdon’tlovehim？"
"Quitecertain，foryoulovemetoowelltoloveanybodyelse。"
DonnaIgnaziagavemeahastyproofofheraffection，andIescortedherhome，assuringherthatshewouldbethesoleobjectofmythoughtsaslongasIstayedatMadrid。
ThenextdayIdinedwithMengs，andthedayafterthatIwasaccostedinthestreetbyanill—lookingfellow，whobademefollowhimtoacloister，ashehadsomethingofimportancetocommunicatetome。
Assoonashesawthatwewereunobserved，hetoldmethattheAlcaldeMessawasgoingtopaymeavisitthatsamenightwithabandofpolice，"ofwhom，"headded，"Iamone。Heknowsyouhaveconcealedweaponsinyourroom。Heknows，orthinksheknows，certainotherthingswhichauthorizehimtoseizeyourpersonandtotakeyoutotheprisonwherepersonsdestinedforthegalleysarekept。IgiveyouallthiswarningbecauseIbelieveyoutobeamanofhonour。Despisenotmyadvice，butlooktoyourself，andgetintosomeplaceofsecurity。"
Icreditedwhathetoldme，asthecircumstanceofmyhavingarmswasperfectlytrue，soIgavethemanadoubloon，and，insteadofcallingonDonnaIgnazia，asIintended，Iwentbacktomylodging，andafterputtingtheweaponsundermycloakIwenttoMengs’s，leavingwordatthecaf？tosendmemypageassoonashecameback。InMengs’shouseIwassafe，asitbelongedtotheking。
Thepainterwasanhonestfellow，butproudandsuspiciousinexcess。Hedidnotrefusemeanasylumforthenight，buthetoldmethatImustlookoutforsomeotherrefuge，asthealcaldemusthavesomeotheraccusationagainstme，andthatknowingnothingofthemeritsordemeritsofthecasehecouldnottakeanypartinit。Hegavemearoomandwesuppedtogether，discussingthematterallthetime，Ipersistingthatthepossessionofarmswasmyonlyoffence，andhereplyingthatifitweresoIshouldhaveawaitedthealcaldefearlessly，asitstoodtoreasonthatamanhadarighttokeepdefensiveweaponsinhisownroom。
TothisIansweredthatIhadonlycometohimtoavoidpassingthenightinprison，asIwascertainthatthemanhadtoldmethetruth。
"To—morrowIshalllookoutforanotherlodging。"
Iconfessed，however，thatitwouldhavebeenwiserofmetoleavemypistolsandmusketinmyroom。
"Yes，andyoumighthaveremainedthereyourself。Ididnotthinkyouweresoeasilyfrightened。"
Aswewerearguingitovermylandlordcameandsaidthatthealcaldewiththirtyconstableshadbeentomyapartmentandhadbrokenopenthedoor。Hehadsearchedeverything，butunsuccessfully，andhadgoneawayaftersealingtheroomanditscontents。Hehadarrestedandimprisonedmypageonthechargeofhavingwarnedme，"forotherwise，"hesaid，"theVenetiangentlemanwouldneverhavegonetothehouseofChevalierMengs，whereheisoutofmypower。"
AtthisMengsagreedthatIhadbeenrightinbelievingmyinformant’stale，andheaddedthatthefirstthinginthemorningIshouldgoandprotestmyinnocencebeforetheCountofAranda，butheespeciallyurgedonmethedutyofdefendingthepoorpage。Mylandlordwenthisway，andwecontinuedthediscussion，Mengsinsistingonthepage’sinnocence，tillatlastIlostallpatience，andsaid，——
"Mypagemustbeathorough—pacedscoundrel；themagistrate’sarrestinghimforwarningmeisanabsoluteproofthatheknewofmyapproachingarrest。Whatisaservantwhodoesnotwarnhismasterundersuchcircumstancesbutarascal？IndeedIamabsolutelycertainthathewastheinformer，forhewastheonlypersonwhoknewwherethearmswereconcealed。"
Mengscouldfindnoanswertothis，andlefttogotobed。Ididthesameandhadanexcellentnight。
EarlythenextmorningthegreatMengssentmelinenandalltherequisitesofthetoilette。Hismaidbroughtmeacupofchocolate，andhiscookcametoaskifIhadpermissiontoeatflesh—meat。Insuchwaysaprincewelcomesaguest，andbidshimstay，butsuchbehaviourinaprivatepersonisequivalenttoahinttogo。Iexpressedmygratitude，andonlyacceptedacupofchocolateandonehandkerchief。
Mycarriagewasatthedoor，andIwasjusttakingleaveofMengswhenanofficerappearedonthescene，andaskedthepainteriftheChevalierdeCasanovawasinhishouse。
"IamtheChevalierdeCasanova，"saidI。
"ThenIhopeyouwillfollowmeofyourownfreewilltotheprisonofBuenRetiro。Icannotuseforcehere，forthishouseistheking’s，butIwarnyouthatinlessthananhourtheChevalierMengswillhaveorderstoturnyouout，andthenyouwillbedraggedtoprison，whichwouldbeunpleasantforyou。Ithereforeadviseyoutofollowmequietly，andtogiveupsuchweaponsasyoumaypossess。"
"TheChevalierMengswillgiveyoutheweaponsinquestion。Ihavecarriedthemwithmeforelevenyears；theyaremeanttoprotectmeonthehighways。Iamreadytofollowyou，butfirstallowmetowritefournotes；Ishallnotbehalfanhour。"
"Icanneitherallowyoutowaitnortowrite，butyouwillbeatlibertytodosoafteryouhavereachedtheprison。"
"Verygood；thenIamreadytofollowyou，forIhavenochoice。IshallrememberSpanishjustice！"
IembracedMengs，hadtheweaponsputintomycarriage，andgotinwiththeofficer，whoseemedaperfectgentleman。
HetookmetotheCastleofBuenRetiro，formerlyaroyalpalace，andnowaprison。WhenmyconductorhadconsignedmetotheofficerofthewatchIwashandedovertoacorporal，wholedmeintoavasthallonthegroundfloorofthebuilding。Thestenchwasdreadful，andtheprisonerswereaboutthirty，tenofthembeingsoldiers。Thereweretenortwelvelargebeds，somebenches，notables，andnochairs。
Iaskedaguardtogetmesomepens，ink，andpaper，andgavehimaduroforthepurpose。Hetookthecoinsmilingly，andwentaway，buthedidnotreturn。WhenIaskedhisbrethrenwhathadbecomeofhimtheylaughedinmyface。ButwhatsurprisedmethemostwasthesightofmypageandMarazzini，whotoldmeinItalianthathehadbeenthereforthreedays，andthathehadnotwrittentomeashehadapresentimentthatweshouldsoonmeet。Headdedthatinafortnight’stimeweshouldbesentoffunderaheavyescorttoworkinsomefortress，thoughwemightsendourpleastotheGovernment，andmightpossiblybeletoutafterthreeorfouryears’imprisonment。
"Ihope，"hesaid，"nottobecondemnedbeforeIamheard。Thealcaldewillcomeandinterrogateyoutomorrow，andyouranswerswillbetakendown；that’sall。YoumaythenbesenttohardlabourinAfrica。"
"Hasyourcasebeenheardyet？"
"Theywereatmeaboutitforthreehoursyesterday。"
"Whatkindofquestionsdidtheyaskyou？"
"Theywishedtoknowwhatbankerfurnishedmewithmoneyformyexpenses。
ItoldthemIhadnotgotabanker，andthatIlivedbyborrowingfrommyfriends，intheexpectationofbecomingoneoftheking’sbody—guard。
TheythenaskedmehowitwasthattheParmeseambassadorknewnothingaboutme，andIrepliedthatIhadneverbeenpresentedtohim。
"’Withoutthefavourofyourambassador，’theyobjected，’youcouldneverjointheroyalguard，andyoumustbeawareofthat，buttheking’smajestyshallgiveyouemploymentwhereyouwillstandinneedofnocommendation；’andsothealcaldeleftme。IftheVenetianambassadordoesnotinterposeinyourbehalfyouwillbetreatedinthesameway。"
Iconcealedmyrage，andsatdownonabed，whichIleftafterthreehours，asIfoundmyselfcoveredwiththedisgustingverminwhichseemendemicinSpain。Theverysightofthemmademesick。Istoodupright，motionless，andsilent，devouringthebilewhichconsumedme。
Therewasnogoodintalking；Imustwrite；butwherewasItofindwritingmaterials？However，Iresolvedtowaitinsilence；mytimemustcome，soonerorlater。
AtnoonMarazzinitoldmethatheknewasoldierforwhosetrustworthinesshewouldanswer，andwhowouldgetmemydinnerifIgavehimthemoney。
"Ihavenoappetite，"Ireplied，"andIamnotgoingtogiveafarthingtoanyonetillthestolencrownisrestoredtome。"
Hemadeanuproaroverthispieceofcheating，butthesoldiersonlylaughedathim。Mypagethenaskedhimtointercedewithme，ashewashungry，andhadnomoneywherewithtobuyfood。
"Iwillnotgivehimafarthing；heisnolongerinmyservice，andwouldtoGodIhadneverseenhim！"
Mycompanionsinmiseryproceededtodineonbadgarlicsoupandwretchedbread，washeddownbyplainwater，twopriestsandanindividualwhowasstyledcorregidorexcepted，andtheyseemedtofareverywell。
Atfouro’clockoneofMengs’sservantsbroughtmeadinnerwhichwouldhavesufficedforfour。Hewantedtoleavemethedinnerandcomefortheplatesintheevening；butnotcaringtosharethemealwiththevilemobaroundmeImadehimwaittillIhaddoneandcomeagainatthesametimethenextday，asIdidnotrequireanysupper。Theservantobeyed。
MarazzinisaidrudelythatImightatleasthavekeptthebottleofwine；
butIgavehimnoanswer。
Atfiveo’clockManucciappeared，accompaniedbyaSpanishofficer。
AftertheusualcomplimentshadpassedbetweenusIaskedtheofficerifImightwritetomyfriends，whowouldnotallowmetostaymuchlongerinprisoniftheywereadvisedofmyarrest。
"Wearenotyrants，"hereplied；"youcanwritewhatlettersyoulike。"
"Then，"saidI，"asthisisafreecountry，isitallowableforasoldierwhohasreceivedcertainmoneystobuycertainarticlestopocketthemoneyandappropriateittohisownuse？"
"Whatishisname？"
Theguardhadbeenrelieved，andnooneseemedtoknowwhoorwherehewas。
"Ipromiseyou，sir，"saidtheofficer，"thatthesoldiershallbepunishedandyourmoneyrestoredtoyou；andinthemeanwhileyoushallhavepens，ink，paper，atable，andacandle，immediately。"
"AndI，"addedManucci，"promiseyouthatoneoftheambassador’sservantsshallwaitonyouateighto’clocktodeliveranylettersyoumaywrite。
Itookthreecrownsfrommypocket，andtoldmyfellow—prisonersthatthefirsttonamethesoldierwhohaddeceivedmeshouldhavethemoney；
Marazziniwasthefirsttodoso。Theofficermadeanoteoftheman’snamewithasmile；hewasbeginningtoknowme；Ihadspentthreecrownstogetbackone，andcouldnotbeveryavaricious。
Manucciwhisperedtomethattheambassadorwoulddohisbestinaconfidentialwaytogetmyrelease，andthathehadnodoubtofhissuccess。
WhenmyvisitorsweregoneIsatdowntowrite，butIhadneedofallmypatience。TherascallyprisonerscrowdedroundmetoreadwhatIwaswriting，andwhentheycouldnotunderstandittheywereimpudentenoughtoaskmetoexplainittothem。Underthepretextofsnuffingthecandle，theyputitout。However，Iborewithitall。Oneofthesoldierssaidhewouldkeepthemquietforacrown，butIgavehimnoanswer。Inspiteofthehellaroundme，Ifinishedmylettersandsealedthemup。Theywerenostudiedorrhetoricalepistles，butmerelytheexpressionofthefurywithwhichIwasconsumed。
ItoldMocenigothatitwashisdutytodefendasubjectofhisprince，whohadbeenarrestedandimprisonedbyaforeignpoweronanidlepretext。IshewedhimthathemustgivemehisprotectionunlessIwasguilty，andthatIhadcommittednooffenceagainstthelawoftheland。
IremindedhimthatIwasaVenetian，inspiteofmypersecutionatthehandsoftheStateInquisitors，andthatbeingaVenetianIhadarighttocountonhisprotection。
ToDonEmmanueldeRoda，alearnedscholar，andtheministerofjustice，IwrotethatIdidnotaskanyfavourbutonlysimplejustice。
"ServeGodandyourmaster，"saidI。"LethisCatholicmajestysavemefromthehandsoftheinfamousalcaldewhohasarrestedme，anhonestandalaw—abidingman，whocametoSpaintrustinginhisowninnocenceandtheprotectionofthelaws。Thepersonwhowritestoyou，mylord，hasapursefullofdoubloonsinhispocket；hehasalreadybeenrobbed，andfearsassassinationinthefilthydeninwhichhehasbeenimprisoned。"
IwrotetotheDukeofLossada，requestinghimtoinformthekingthathisservantshadsubjectedtoviletreatmentamanwhoseonlyfaultwasthathehadalittlemoney。IbeggedhimtousehisinfluencewithhisCatholicmajestytoputastoptotheseinfamousproceedings。
ButthemostvigorousletterofallwastheoneIaddressedtotheCountofAranda。ItoldhimplainlythatifthisinfamousactionwentonI
shouldbeforcedtobelievethatitwasbyhisorders，sinceIhadstatedinvainthatIcametoMadridwithanintroductiontohimfromaprincess。
"Ihavecommittednocrime，"Isaid；"whatcompensationamItohavewhenIamreleasedfromthisfilthyandabominableplace？Setmeatlibertyatonce，ortellyourhangmentofinishtheirwork，forIwarnyouthatnooneshalltakemetothegalleysalive。"
AccordingtomycustomItookcopiesofalltheletters，andIsentthemoffbytheservantwhomtheall—powerfulManuccidespatchedtotheprison。IpassedsuchanightasDantemighthaveimaginedinhisVisionofHell。Allthebedswerefull，andeveniftherehadbeenaspareplaceIwouldnothaveoccupiedit。Iaskedinvainforamattress，buteveniftheyhadbroughtmeone，itwouldhavebeenofnouse，forthewholefloorwasinundated。Therewereonlytwoorthreechamberutensilsforalltheprisoners，andeveryonedischargedhisoccasionsonthefloor。
Ispentthenightonanarrowbenchwithoutaback，restingmyheadonmyhands。
Atseveno’clockthenextmorningManuccicametoseeme；IlookeduponhimasmyProvidence。Ibeggedhimtotakemedowntotheguard—room，andgivemesomerefreshment，forIfeltquiteexhausted。Myrequestwasgranted，andasItoldmysufferingsIhadmyhairdonebyabarber。
Manuccitoldmethatmyletterswouldbedeliveredinthecourseoftheday，andobserved，smilingly，thatmyepistletotheambassadorwasrathersevere。IshewedhimcopiesofthethreeothersIhadwritten，andtheinexperiencedyoungmantoldmethatgentlenesswasthebestwaytoobtainfavours。Hedidnotknowthattherearecircumstancesinwhichaman’spenmustbedippedingall。HetoldmeconfidentiallythattheambassadordinedwithArandathatday，andwouldspeakinmyfavourasaprivateindividual，addingthathewasafraidmyletterwouldprejudicetheproudSpaniardagainstme。
"AllIaskofyou，"saidI，"isnottotelltheambassadorthatyouhaveseentheletterIwrotetotheCountofAranda。"
Hepromisedhewouldkeepthesecret。
AnhourafterhisdepartureIsawDonnaIgnaziaandherfathercomingin，accompaniedbytheofficerwhohadtreatedmewithsuchconsideration。
Theirvisitcutmetothequick；nevertheless，Ifeltgrateful，foritshewedmethe’goodnessofDonDiego’sheartandtheloveofthefairdevotee。
Igavethemtounderstand，inmybadSpanish，thatIwasgratefulforthehonourtheyhaddonemeinvisitingmeinthisdreadfulsituation。DonnaIgnaziadidnotspeak，sheonlyweptinsilence；butDonDiegogavemeclearlytounderstandthathewouldneverhavecometoseemeunlesshehadfeltcertainthatmyaccusationwasamistakeoraninfamouscalumny。
HetoldmehewassureIshouldbesetfree，andthatpropersatisfactionwouldbegivenme。
"Ihopeso，"Ireplied，"forIamperfectlyinnocentofanyoffence。"
Iwasgreatlytouchedwhentheworthymanslippedintomyhandsarouleau，tellingmeitcontainedtwelvequadruples，whichIcouldrepayatmyconvenience。
Itwasmorethanathousandfrancs，andmyhairstoodonend。Ipressedhishandwarmly，andwhisperedtohimthatIhadfiftyinmypocket，whichIwasafraidtoshewhim，forfeartherascalsaroundmightrobme。
Heputbackhisrouleau，andbademefarewellintears，andIpromisedtocomeandseehimassoonasIshouldbesetatliberty。
Hehadnotsentinhisname，andashewasverywelldressedhewastakenforamanofimportance。SuchcharactersarenotaltogetherexceptionalinheroicSpain；itisalandofextremes。
AtnoonMengs’sservantcamewithadinnerthatwaschoicerthanbefore，butnotsoplentiful。ThiswasjustwhatIliked。Hewaitedformetofinish，andwentawaywiththeplates，carryingmyheartiestthankstohismaster。
Atoneo’clockanindividualcameuptomeandbademefollowhim。
Hetookmetoasmallroom，whereIsawmycarbineandpistols。InfrontofmewastheAlcaldeMessa，seatedatatablecoveredwithdocuments，andapolicemanstoodoneachsideofhim。Thealcaldetoldmetositdown，andtoanswertrulysuchquestionsasmightbeputtome，warningmethatmyreplieswouldbetakendown。
"IdonotunderstandSpanishwell，andIshallonlygivewrittenanswerstoanyquestionsthatmaybeaskedofme，inItalian，French，orLatin。"
Thisreply，whichIutteredinafirmanddeterminedvoice，seemedtpastonishhim。Hespoketomeforanhour，andIunderstoodhimverywell，butheonlygotonereply:
"Idon’tunderstandwhatyousay。GetajudgewhounderstandsoneofthelanguagesIhavenamed，andIwillwritedownmyanswers。"
Thealcaldewasenraged，butIdidnotlethisill—humourorhisthreatsdisturbme。
Finallyhegavemeapen，andtoldmetowritemyname，profession，andbusinessinSpaininItalian。Icouldnotrefusehimthispleasure，soI
wroteasfollows:
"MynameisJacquesCasanova；IamasubjectoftheRepublicofVenice，byprofessionamanofletters，andinrankaKnightoftheGoldenSpur。
Ihavesufficientmeans，andItravelformypleasure。IamknowntotheVenetianambassador，theCountofAranda，thePrincedelaCatolica，theMarquisofMoras，andtheDukeofLossada。IhaveoffendedinnomanneragainstthelawsofhisCatholicmajesty，butinspiteofmyinnocenceI
havebeencastintoadenofthievesandassassinsbymagistrateswhodeserveatentimesgreaterpunishment。SinceIhavenotinfringedthelaws，hisCatholicmajestymustknowthathehasonlyonerightoverme，andthatistoordermetoleavehisrealms，whichorderIamreadytoobey。Myarms，whichIseebeforeme，havetravelledwithmeforthelastelevenyears；Icarrythemtodefendmyselfagainsthighwaymen。
TheywereseenwhenmyeffectswereexaminedattheGateofAlcala，andwerenotconfiscated；whichmakesitplainthattheyhaveservedmerelyasapretextfortheinfamoustreatmenttowhichIhavebeensubjected。"
AfterIhadwrittenoutthisdocumentIgaveittothealcalde，whocalledforaninterpreter。Whenhehadhaditreadtohimheroseangrilyandsaidtome，——
"ValgameDios！Youshallsufferforyourinsolence。"
Withthisthreathewentaway，orderingthatIshouldbetakenbacktoprison。
Ateighto’clockManuccicalledandtoldmethattheCountofArandahadbeenmakingenquiriesaboutmeoftheVenetianambassador，whohadspokenveryhighlyinmyfavour，andexpressedhisregretthathecouldnottakemypartofficiallyonaccountofmybeingindisgracewiththeStateInquisitors。
"Hehascertainlybeenshamefullyused，"saidthecount，"butanintelligentmanshouldnotlosehishead。Ishouldhaveknownnothingaboutit，butforafuriousletterhehaswrittenme；andDonEmmanueldeRodaandtheDukeofLossadahavereceivedepistlesinthesamestyle。Casanovaisintheright，butthatisnotthewaytoaddresspeople。"
"IfhereallysaidIwasintheright，thatissufficient。"
"Hesaidit，sureenough。"
"Thenhemustdomejustice，andastomystyleeveryonehasastyleoftheirown。Iamfurious，andIwrotefuriously。Lookatthisplace；I
havenobed，theflooriscoveredwithfilth，andIamobligedtosleeponanarrowbench。Don’tyouthinkitisnaturalthatIshoulddesiretoeattheheartsofthescoundrelswhohaveplacedmehere？IfIdonotleavethishellbytomorrow，Ishallkillmyself，orgomad。"
Manucciunderstoodthehorrorsofmysituation。Hepromisedtocomeagainearlythenextday，andadvisedmetoseewhatmoneywoulddotowardsprocuringabed，butIwouldnotlistentohim，forIwassufferingfrominjustice，andwasthereforeobstinate。Besides，thethoughtoftheverminfrightenedme，andIwasafraidformypurseandthejewelsIhadaboutme。
Ispentasecondnightworsethanthefirst，goingtosleepfromsheerexhaustion，onlytoawakeandfindmyselfslippingoffthebench。
Manuccicamebeforeeighto’clock，andmyaspectshockedhim。Hehadcomeinhiscarriage，bringingwithhimsomeexcellentchocolate，whichinsomewayrestoredmyspirits。AsIwasfinishingit，anofficerofhighrank，accompaniedbytwootherofficers，cameinandcalledout，——
"M。deCasanova！"
Isteppedforwardandpresentedmyself。
"Chevalier，"hebegan，"theCountofArandaisatthegateoftheprison；
heismuchgrievedatthetreatmentyouhavereceived。Heonlyheardaboutitthroughtheletteryouwrotehimyesterday，andifyouhadwrittensooneryourpainswouldhavebeenshorter。"
"Suchwasmyintention，colonel，butasoldier……"
Iproceededtotellhimthestoryoftheswindlingsoldier，andonhearinghisnamethecolonelcalledthecaptainoftheguard，reprimandedhimseverely，andorderedhimtogivemebackthecrownhimself。Itookthemoneylaughingly，andthecolonelthenorderedthecaptaintofetchtheoffendingsoldier，andtogivehimafloggingbeforeme。
Thisofficer，theemissaryoftheall—powerfulAranda，wasCountRoyas，commandingthegarrisonofBuenRetiro。Itoldhimallthecircumstancesofmyarrest，andofmyimprisonmentinthatfilthyplace。ItoldhimthatifIdidnotgetbackthatdaymyarms，myliberty，andmyhonour，I
shouldeithergomadorkillmyself。
"Here，"Isaid，"Icanneitherrestnorsleep，andamanneedssleepeverynight。Ifyouhadcomealittleearlieryouwouldhaveseenthedisgustingfilthwithwhichthefloorwascovered。"
TheworthymanwastakenabackwiththeenergywithwhichIspoke。Isawhisfeelings，andhastenedtosay，——
"Youmustremember，colonel，thatIamsufferingfrominjustice，andaminafuriousrage。Iamamanofhonour，likeyourself，andyoucanimaginetheeffectofsuchtreatmentonme。"
Manuccitoldhim，inSpanish，thatinmynormalstateIwasagoodfellowenough。Thecolonelexpressedhispityforme，andassuredmethatmyarmsshouldberestoredtome，andmylibertytoo，inthecourseoftheday。
"Afterwards，"saidhe，"youmustgoandthankhisexcellencytheCountofAranda，whocamehereexpresslyforyoursake。Hebademetellyouthatyourreleasewouldbedelayedtilltheafternoon，thatyoumayhavefullsatisfactionfortheaffrontyouhavereceived，ifitisanaffront，forthepenaltiesofthelawonlydishonourtheguilty。InthisinstancetheAlcaldeMessahasbeendeceivedbytherascalwhowasinyourservice。"
"Thereheis，"saidI。"Begoodenoughtohavehimremoved，orelse，inmyindignation，Imightkillhim。"
"Heshallbetakenawaythismoment，"hereplied。
Thecolonelwentout，andtwominuteslatertwosoldierscameinandtooktherogueawaybetweenthem。Ineversawhimagain，andnevertroubledmyselftoenquirewhathadbecomeofhim。
Thecolonelbeggedmetoaccompanyhimtotheguard—room，toseethethievingsoldierflogged。Manucciwasatmyside，andatsomelittledistancestoodtheCountofAranda，surroundedbyofficers，andaccompaniedbyaroyalguard。
Thebusinesskeptusthereforacoupleofhours。BeforeleavingmethecolonelbeggedmetomeetMengsatdinnerathishouse。
WhenIreturnedtomyfilthyprisonIfoundacleanarm—chair，whichI
wasinformedhadbeenbroughtinforme。Isatdowninitimmediately，andManuccileftme，afterembracingmeagainandagain。Hewasmysincerefriend，andIcanneverforgivemyselfthestupiditywhichmademeoffendhimgrievously。Heneverforgaveme，atwhichIamnotsurprised，butIbelievemyreaderswillagreewithmeinthinkingthathecarriedhisvengeancetoofar。
Afterthescenewhichhadtakenplace，thevilecrowdofprisonersstoodgazingatmeinstupidsilence，andMarazzinicameuptomeandbeggedmetousemyofficesforhim。
Dinnerwasbroughtmeasusual，andatthreeo’clocktheAlcaldeMessaappearedandbeggedmetofollowhim，ashehadreceivedorderstotakemebacktomylodging，wherehehopedIshouldfindeverythinginperfectorder。Atthesametimeheshewedmemyarms，whichoneofhismenwasgoingtobringtomyhouse。Theofficeroftheguardreturnedmemysword，thealcalde，whowasinhisblackcloak，puthimselfonmylefthand，andthusIwasescortedhomewithaguardofthirtyconstables。
Thesealswereremovedfrommyapartment，andafterabriefinspectionI
pronouncedthateverythingwasinperfectorder。
"Ifyouhadnotarascalandatraitor（whoshallendhisdaysinthegalleys）inyourservice，SenorCaballero，youwouldneverhavewrittendowntheservantsofhisCatholicmajestyasscoundrels。"
"SenorAlcalde，myindignationmademewritethesamesentencetofourofhismajesty’sministers。ThenIbelievedwhatIwrote，butIdosonolonger。Letusforgetandforgive；butyoumustconfessthatifIhadnotknownhowtowritealetteryouwouldhavesentmetothegalleys。"
"Alas！itisverylikely。"
IneednotsaythatIhastenedtoremovealltracesofthevileprisonwhereIhadsufferedsomuch。WhenIwasreadytogooutmyfirstgratefulvisitwaspaidtothenoblecobbler。Theworthymanwasproudofthefulfilmentofhisprophecy，andgladtoseemeagain。DonnaIgnaziawaswildwithdelight——perhapsshehadnotbeensosureofmyrelease——andwhenDonDiegoheardofthesatisfactionthathadbeengivenmehesaidthatagrandeeofSpaincouldnothaveaskedformore。I
beggedtheworthypeopletocomeanddinewithme，tellingthemthatI
wouldnamethedayanothertime，andtheyacceptedgladly。
IfeltthatmyloveforDonnaIgnaziahadincreasedimmenselysinceourlastmeeting。
AfterwardsIcalledonMengs，whowithhisknowledgeofSpanishlawexpectednothinglessthantoseeme。Whenheheardofmytriumphantreleaseheoverwhelmedmewithcongratulations。HewasinhisCourtdress——anunusualthingwithhim，andonmyaskinghimthereasonhetoldmethathehadbeentoDonEmmanueldeRoda’stospeakonmybehalf，buthadnotsucceededinobtaininganaudience。HegavemeaVenetianletterwhichhadjustarrivedforme。Iopenedit，andfounditwasfromM。
Dandolo，andcontainedanenclosureforM。deMocenigo。M。Dandolosaidthatonreadingtheenclosedlettertheambassadorwouldhavenomorescruplesaboutintroducingme，asitcontainedarecommendationfromoneoftheInquisitorsonbehalfofthethree。
WhenItoldMengsofthishesaiditwasnowinmypowertomakemyfortuneinSpain，andthatnowwasthetimewhenalltheministerswouldbeonlytooanxioustodosomethingformetomakemeforgetthewrongsI
hadreceived。
"Iadviseyou，"hesaid，"totakethelettertotheambassadorimmediately。Takemycarriage；afterwhatyouhaveundergoneforthelastfewdaysyoucannotbeinawalkinghumour。"
Ihadneedofrest，andtoldMengsthatIwouldnotsupwithhimthatnight，butwoulddinewithhimthenextday。Theambassadorwasout，soIlefttheletterwithManucci，andthendrovehomeandsleptprofoundlyfortwelvehours。
Manuccicametoseemethenextdayinhighspirits，andtoldmethatM。
GirolamoZulianhadwrittentotheambassadoronbehalfofM。duMula，informinghimthatheneednothesitatetocountenanceme，asanyarticlestheTribunalmighthaveagainstmewereinnodegreeprejudicialtomyhonour。
"Theambassador，"hecontinued，"proposestointroduceyouatCourtnextweek，andhewantsyoutodinewithhimto—day；therewillbeanumerouscompanyatdinner。"
"IamengagedtoMengs。"
"Nomatter，heshallbeaskedaswell；youmustcome。Considertheeffectofyourpresenceattheambassador’sthedayafteryourtriumph。"
"Youareright。GoandaskMengs，andtelltheambassadorthatIhavemuchpleasureinacceptinghisinvitation。"
CHAPTERV
Campomanes——Olavides——SierraMorena——Aranjuez——Mengs——TheMarquisGrimaldi——Toledo——MadamePelliccia——MyReturntoMadridDifferentcircumstancesinmylifeseemtohavecombinedtorendermesomewhatsuperstitious；itisahumiliatingconfession，andyetImakeit。Butwhocouldhelpit？Amanwhoabandonshimselftohiswhimsandfanciesislikeachildplayingwithabilliardcue。Itmaymakeastrokethatwouldbeanhonourtothemostpractisedandscientificplayer；andsucharethestrangecoincidencesoflifewhich，asIhavesaid，havecausedmetobecomesuperstitious。
Fortune，whichunderthehumblernameofluckseemsbutaword，isaverydivinitywhenitguidesthemostimportantactionsofaman’slife。
Alwaysithasseemedtomethatthisdivinityisnotblind，asthemythologistsaffirm；shehadbroughtmelowonlytoexaltme，andIfoundmyselfinhighplaces，only，asitseems，tobecastintothedepths。
Fortunehasdoneherbesttomakemeregardherasareasoning，almightypower；shehasmademefeelthatthestrengthofmywillisasnothingbeforethismysteriouspower，whichtakesmywillandmouldsit，andmakesitamereinstrumentfortheaccomplishmentofitsdecrees。
IcouldnotpossiblyhavedoneanythinginSpainwithoutthehelpoftherepresentativeofmycountry，andhewouldnothavedaredtodoanythingformewithouttheletterIhadjustgivenhim。Thisletter，initsturn，wouldprobablyhavehadbutslighteffectifithadnotcometohandsosoonaftermyimprisonment，whichhadbecomethetalkofthetown，throughthehandsomesatisfactiontheCountofArandahadgivenme。
Thelettermadetheambassadorsorrythathehadnotinterposedonmybehalf，buthehopedpeoplewouldbelievethatthecountwouldnothaveactedashedidifithadnotbeenforhisinterposition。Hisfavourite，CountManucci，hadcometoaskmetodinner；asithappenedIwasengagedtoMengs，whichobtainedaninvitationforthepainter，andflatteredhisvanityexcessively。Hefanciedthattheinvitationproceededfromgratitude，anditcertainlysmoothedawaythemortificationhehadfeltatseeingmearrestedinhishouse。Heimmediatelywrotetotheeffectthathewouldcalluponmewithhiscarriage。
IcalledontheCountofAranda，whokeptmewaitingforaquarterofanhour，andthencameinwithsomepapersinhishand。Hesmiledwhenhesawme，andsaid，——
"Yourbusinessisdone。Stay，herearefourletters；takethemandreadthemoveragain。"
"WhyshouldIreadthemagain？ThisisthedocumentIgavethealcalde。"
"Iknowthat。Read，andconfessthatyoushouldnothavewrittensoviolently，inspiteofthewrongsthatvexedyou。"
"Icraveyourpardon，mylord，butamanwhomeditatessuicidedoesnotpickterms。Ibelievedthatyourexcellencywasatthebottomofitall。"
"Thenyoudon’tknowme。GoandthankDonEmmanueldeRoda，whowantstoknowyou，andIshallbegladifyouwillcallonceonthealcalde，nottomakehimanapology，foryouowehimnone，butasanactofpolitenesstosalveoverthehardthingsyousaidofhim。IfyouwritethehistoryofPrincessLubomirska，IhopeyouwilltellherthatIdidmybestforyou。"
IthencalledonColonelRoyas，whotoldmethatIhadmadeagreatmistakeinsayingthatIwassatisfied。
"WhatcouldIclaim？"
"Everything。Dismissalofthealcaldeandcompensationtothetuneoffiftythousandduros。SpainisacountrywhereamanmayspeakoutsaveinthematterswhichtheHolyInquisitionlooksafter。"
Thiscolonel，nowageneral，isoneofthepleasantestSpaniardsIhaveevermet。
IhadnotlongreturnedtomylodgingwhenMengscalledformeinhiscarriage。Theambassadorgavemeamostgraciousreception，andoverwhelmedMengswithcomplimentsforhavingendeavouredtoshelterme。
AtdinnerItoldthestoryofmysufferingsatBuenRetiro，andtheconversationIhadjusthadwiththeCountofAranda，whohadreturnedmemyletters。Thecompanyexpressedadesiretoseethem，andeveryonegaveanopiniononthematter。
TheguestswereAbbeBigliardi，theFrenchconsul，DonRodriguesdeCampomanes，andthefamousDonPablod’Olavides。Everyonespokehismind，andtheambassadorcondemnedthelettersastooferocious。Ontheotherhand，Campomanesapprovedthem，sayingthattheywerenotabusive，andwerewonderfullyadaptedtomypurpose，namely，toforcethereadertodomepromptjustice，werethereadertobethekinghimself。
OlavidesandBigliardiechoedthissentiment。Mengssidedwiththeambassador，andbeggedmetocomeandlivewithhim，soasnottobeliabletoanymoreinconveniencesfromspyingservants。IdidnotacceptthisinvitationtillIhadbeenpressedforsometime，andInotedtheremarkoftheambassador，whosaidIowedMengsthisreparationfortheindirectaffronthehadreceived。
IwasdelightedtomaketheacquaintanceofCampomanesandOlavides，menofintellectandofastampveryrareinSpain。Theywerenotexactlymenoflearning，buttheywereabovereligiousprejudices，andwerenotonlyfearlessinthrowingpublicscornuponthembutevenlabouredopenlyfortheirdestruction。ItwasCampomaneswhohadfurnishedArandawithallthedamagingmatteragainsttheJesuits。Byacuriouscoincidence，Campomanes，theCountofAranda，andtheGeneraloftheJesuits，wereallsquint—eyed。IaskedCampomaneswhyhehatedtheJesuitssobitterly，andherepliedthathelookedupontheminthesamelightastheotherreligiousorders，whomheconsideredaparasiticalandnoxiousrace，andwouldgladlybanishthemall，notonlyfromthepeninsulabutfromthefaceoftheearth。