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