Imeanthatthouartcertainofbeingavictimtothefairsextotheverylastmomentofthylife。Ifmycandourdoesnotdispleasethee，acceptmycongratulations。IntheeveningIcalleduponMadameOrio，asIwantedtoinformhercharmingniecesthat，beinganinmateofGrimani’shouse，Icouldnotsleepoutforthefirstnight。IfoundtherethefaithfulRosa，whotoldmethattheaffairofthealibiwasineverymouth，andthat，assuchcelebritywasevidentlycausedbyaverydecidedbeliefintheuntruthofthealibiitself，IoughttofeararetaliationofthesamesortonthepartofRazetta，andtokeeponmyguard，particularlyatnight。Ifeltalltheimportanceofthisadvice，andItookcarenevertogooutintheeveningotherwisethaninagondola，oraccompaniedbysomefriends。MadameManzonitoldmethatIwasactingwisely，because，althoughthejudgescouldnotdootherwisethanacquitme，everybodyknewtherealtruthofthematter，andRazettacouldnotfailtobemydeadlyfoe。
ThreeorfourdaysafterwardsM。Grimaniannouncedthearrivalofthebishop，whohadputupattheconventofhisorder，atSaint—
FrancoisdePaul。Hepresentedmehimselftotheprelateasajewelhighlyprizedbyhimself，andasifhehadbeentheonlypersonworthyofdescantinguponitsbeauty。
Isawafinemonkwearinghispectoralcross。HewouldhaveremindedmeofFatherManciaifhehadnotlookedstouterandlessreserved。
Hewasaboutthirty—four，andhadbeenmadeabishopbythegraceofGod，theHolySee，andmymother。Afterpronouncingovermeablessing，whichIreceivedkneeling，andgivingmehishandtokiss，heembracedmewarmly，callingmehisdearsonintheLatinlanguage，inwhichhecontinuedtoaddressme。Ithoughtthat，beingaCalabrian，hemightfeelashamedofhisItalian，butheundeceivedmebyspeakinginthatlanguagetoM。Grimani。Hetoldmethat，ashecouldnottakemewithhimfromVenice，IshouldhavetoproceedtoRome，whereGrimaniwouldtakecaretosendme，andthatIwouldprocurehisaddressatAnconafromoneofhisfriends，calledLazari，aMinimmonk，whowouldlikewisesupplymewiththemeansofcontinuingmyjourney。
\"WhenwemeetinRome，\"headded，\"wecangotogethertoMartoranobywayofNaples。Calluponmeto—morrowmorning，andhaveyourbreakfastwithme。Iintendtoleavethedayafter。\"
Aswewereonourwaybacktohishouse，M。Grimanitreatedmetoalonglectureonmorals，whichnearlycausedmetoburstintoloudlaughter。Amongstotherthings，heinformedmethatIoughtnottostudytoohard，becausetheairinCalabriawasveryheavy，andI
mightbecomeconsumptivefromtoocloseapplicationtomybooks。
Thenextmorningatday—breakIwenttothebishop。Aftersayinghismass，wetooksomechocolate，andforthreehourshelaidmeunderexamination。Isawclearlythathewasnotpleasedwithme，butI
waswellenoughpleasedwithhim。Heseemedtomeaworthyman，andashewastoleadmealongthegreathighwayoftheChurch，Ifeltattractedtowardshim，for，atthetime，althoughIentertainedagoodopinionofmypersonalappearance，Ihadnoconfidencewhateverinmytalents。
Afterthedepartureofthegoodbishop，M。Grimanigavemealetterleftbyhim，whichIwastodelivertoFatherLazari，attheConventoftheMinims，inAncona。M。GrimaniinformedmethathewouldsendmetothatcitywiththeambassadorfromVenice，whowasonthepointofsailing。Ihadthereforetokeepmyselfinreadiness，and，asI
wasanxioustobeoutofhishands，Iapprovedallhisarrangements。
AssoonasIhadnoticeofthedayonwhichthesuiteoftheambassadorwouldembark，Iwenttopaymylastfarewelltoallmyacquaintances。IleftmybrotherFrancoisintheschoolofM。Joli，acelebrateddecorativepainter。AsthepeottainwhichIwastosailwouldnotleavebeforedaybreak，Ispenttheshortnightinthearmsofthetwosisters，who，thistime，entertainednohopeofeverseeingmeagain。OnmysideIcouldnotforseewhatwouldhappen，forIwasabandoningmyselftofate，andIthoughtitwouldbeuselesstothinkofthefuture。Thenightwasthereforespentbetweenjoyandsadness，betweenpleasuresandtears。AsIbadethemadieu，Ireturnedthekeywhichhadopenedsooftenformetheroadtohappiness。
This，myfirstloveaffair，didnotgivemeanyexperienceoftheworld，forourintercoursewasalwaysahappyone，andwasneverdisturbedbyanyquarrelorstainedbyanyinterestedmotive。Weoftenfelt，allthreeofus，asifwemustraiseoursoulstowardstheeternalProvidenceofGod，tothankHimforhaving，byHisparticularprotection，keptfromusalltheaccidentswhichmighthavedisturbedthesweetpeacewewereenjoying。
IleftinthehandsofMadameManzoniallmypapers，andalltheforbiddenbooksIpossessed。Thegoodwoman，whowastwentyyearsolderthanI，andwho，believinginanimmutabledestiny，tookpleasureinturningtheleavesofthegreatbookoffate，toldmethatshewascertainofrestoringtomeallIleftwithher，beforetheendofthefollowingyear，atthelatest。Herpredictioncausedmebothsurpriseandpleasure，andfeelingdeepreverenceforher，I
thoughtmyselfboundtoassisttherealizationofherforesight。
Afterall，ifshepredictedthefuture，itwasnotthroughsuperstition，orinconsequenceofsomevainforebodingwhichreasonmustcondemn，butthroughherknowledgeoftheworld，andofthenatureofthepersonshewasaddressing。Sheusedtolaughbecauseshenevermadeamistake。
IembarkedfromSt:Mark’slanding。M。Grimanihadgivenmetensequins，whichhethoughtwouldkeepmeduringmystayinthelazzarettoofAnconaforthenecessaryquarantine，afterwhichitwasnottobesupposedthatIcouldwantanymoney。IsharedGrimani’scertaintyonthesubject，andwithmynaturalthoughtlessnessIcarednothingaboutit。YetImustsaythat，unknowntoeverybody，Ihadinmypursefortybrightsequins，whichpowerfullycontributedtoincreasemycheerfulness，andIleftVenicefullofjoyandwithoutoneregret。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
VENETIANYEARS，Volume1b——ACLERICINNAPLES
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
ACLERICINNAPLES
CHAPTERVIII
MyMisfortunesinChiozza——FatherStephano——TheLazzarettoatAncona——TheGreekSlave——MyPilgrimagetoOurLadyofLoretto——IGotoRomeonFoot，andFromRometoNaplestoMeettheBishop——ICannotJoinHim——GoodLuckOffersMetheMeansofReachingMartorano，WhichPlaceIVeryQuicklyLeavetoReturntoNaplesTheretinueoftheambassador，whichwasstyled\"grand，\"appearedtomeverysmall。ItwascomposedofaMilanesesteward，namedCarcinelli，ofapriestwhofulfilledthedutiesofsecretarybecausehecouldnotwrite，ofanoldwomanactingashousekeeper，ofamancookwithhisuglywife，andeightortenservants。
WereachedChiozzaaboutnoon。Immediatelyafterlanding，IpolitelyaskedthestewardwhereIshouldputup，andhisanswerwas:
\"Whereveryouplease，providedyouletthismanknowwhereitis，sothathecangiveyounoticewhenthepeottaisreadytosail。Myduty，\"headded，\"istoleaveyouatthelazzarettoofAnconafreeofexpensefromthemomentweleavethisplace。Untilthenenjoyyourselfaswellasyoucan。\"
ThemantowhomIwastogivemyaddresswasthecaptainofthepeotta。Iaskedhimtorecommendmealodging。
\"Youcancometomyhouse，\"hesaid，\"ifyouhavenoobjectiontosharealargebedwiththecook，whosewiferemainsonboard。\"
Unabletodeviseanybetterplan，Iacceptedtheoffer，andasailor，carryingmytrunk，accompaniedmetothedwellingofthehonestcaptain。Mytrunkhadtobeplacedunderthebedwhichfilleduptheroom。Iwasamusedatthis，forIwasnotinapositiontobeover—
fastidious，and，afterpartakingofsomedinnerattheinn，Iwentaboutthetown。Chiozzaisapeninsula，asea—portbelongingtoVenice，withapopulationoftenthousandinhabitants，seamen，fishermen，merchants，lawyers，andgovernmentclerks。
Ienteredacoffee—room，andIhadscarcelytakenaseatwhenayoungdoctor—at—law，withwhomIhadstudiedinPadua，cameuptome，andintroducedmetoadruggistwhoseshopwasnearby，sayingthathishousewastherendezvousofalltheliterarymenoftheplace。Afewminutesafterwards，atallJacobinfriar，blindofoneeye，calledCorsini，whomIhadknowninVenice，cameinandpaidmemanycompliments。HetoldmethatIhadarrivedjustintimetogotoapicnicgotupbytheMacaronicacademiciansforthenextday，afterasittingoftheacademyinwhicheverymemberwastorecitesomethingofhiscomposition。Heinvitedmetojointhem，andtogratifythemeetingwiththedeliveryofoneofmyproductions。Iacceptedtheinvitation，and，afterthereadingoftenstanzaswhichIhadwrittenfortheoccasion，Iwasunanimouslyelectedamember。Mysuccessatthepicnicwasstillgreater，forIdisposedofsuchaquantityofmacaronithatIwasfoundworthyofthetitleofprinceoftheacademy。
Theyoungdoctor，himselfoneoftheacademicians，introducedmetohisfamily。Hisparents，whowereineasycircumstances，receivedmeverykindly。Oneofhissisterswasveryamiable，buttheother，aprofessednun，appearedtomeaprodigyofbeauty。ImighthaveenjoyedmyselfinaveryagreeablewayinthemidstofthatcharmingfamilyduringmystayinChiozza，butIsupposethatitwasmydestinytomeetinthatplacewithnothingbutsorrows。TheyoungdoctorforewarnedmethatthemonkCorsiniwasaveryworthlessfellow，despisedbyeverybody，andadvisedmetoavoidhim。I
thankedhimfortheinformation，butmythoughtlessnesspreventedmefromprofitingbyit。Ofaveryeasydisposition，andtoogiddytofearanysnares，Iwasfoolishenoughtobelievethatthemonkwould，onthecontrary，betheverymantothrowplentyofamusementinmyway。
Onthethirddaytheworthlessdogtookmetoahouseofill—fame，whereImighthavegonewithouthisintroduction，and，inordertoshewmymettle，Iobligedalowcreaturewhoseuglinessoughttohavebeenasufficientantidoteagainstanyfleshlydesire。Onleavingtheplace，hebroughtmeforsuppertoaninnwherewemetfourscoundrelsofhisownstamp。Aftersupperoneofthembeganabankoffaro，andIwasinvitedtojoininthegame。Igavewaytothatfeelingoffalsepridewhichsooftencausestheruinofyoungmen，andafterlosingfoursequinsIexpressedawishtoretire，butmyhonestfriend，theJacobincontrivedtomakemeriskfourmoresequinsinpartnershipwithhim。Heheldthebank，anditwasbroken。Ididnotwishtoplayanymore，butCorsini，feigningtopitymeandtofeelgreatsorrowatbeingthecauseofmyloss，inducedmetotrymyselfabankoftwenty—fivesequins；mybankwaslikewisebroken。Thehopeofwinningbackmymoneymademekeepupthegame，andIlosteverythingIhad。
Deeplygrieved，Iwentawayandlaidmyselfdownnearthecook，whowokeupandsaidIwasalibertine。
\"Youareright，\"wasallIcouldanswer。
Iwaswornoutwithfatigueandsorrow，andIsleptsoundly。Myviletormentor，themonk，wokemeatnoon，andinformedmewithatriumphantjoythataveryrichyoungmanhadbeeninvitedbyhisfriendstosupper，thathewouldbesuretoplayandtolose，andthatitwouldbeagoodopportunityformetoretrievemylosses。
\"Ihavelostallmymoney。Lendmetwentysequins。\"
\"WhenIlendmoneyIamsuretolose；youmaycallitsuperstition，butIhavetriedittoooften。Trytofindmoneysomewhereelse，andcome。Farewell。\"
Ifeltashamedtoconfessmypositiontomyfriend，andsendingfor，amoney—lenderIemptiedmytrunkbeforehim。Wemadeaninventoryofmyclothes，andthehonestbrokergavemethirtysequins，withtheunderstandingthatifIdidnotredeemthemwithinthreedaysallmythingswouldbecomehisproperty。Iamboundtocallhimanhonestman，forheadvisedmetokeepthreeshirts，afewpairsofstockings，andafewhandkerchiefs；Iwasdisposedtolethimtakeeverything，havingapresentimentthatIwouldwinbackallIhadlost；averycommonerror。AfewyearslaterItookmyrevengebywritingadiatribeagainstpresentiments。Iamofopinionthattheonlyforebodinginwhichmancanhaveanysortoffaithistheonewhichforbodesevil，becauseitcomesfromthemind，whileapresentimentofhappinesshasitsoriginintheheart，andtheheartisafoolworthyofreckoningfoolishlyuponficklefortune。
Ididnotloseanytimeinjoiningthehonestcompany，whichwasalarmedatthethoughtofnotseeingme。Supperwentoffwithoutanyallusiontogambling，butmyadmirablequalitieswerehighlypraised，anditwasdecidedthatabrilliantfortuneawaitedmeinRome。
Aftersuppertherewasnotalkofplay，butgivingwaytomyevilgeniusIloudlyaskedformyrevenge。IwastoldthatifIwouldtakethebankeveryonewouldpunt。Itookthebank，losteverysequinIhad，andretired，beggingthemonktopaywhatIowedtothelandlord，whichhepromisedtodo。
Iwasindespair，andtocrownmymiseryIfoundoutasIwasgoinghomethatIhadmetthedaybeforewithanotherlivingspecimenoftheGreekwoman，lessbeautifulbutasperfidious。Iwenttobedstunnedbymygrief，andIbelievethatImusthavefaintedintoaheavysleep，whichlastedelevenhours；myawakingwasthatofamiserablebeing，hatingthelightofheaven，ofwhichhefelthimselfunworthy，andIclosedmyeyesagain，tryingtosleepforalittlewhilelonger。Idreadedtorousemyselfupentirely，knowingthatI
wouldthenhavetotakesomedecision；butIneveroncethoughtofreturningtoVenice，whichwouldhavebeentheverybestthingtodo，andIwouldhavedestroyedmyselfratherthanconfidemysadpositiontotheyoungdoctor。Iwaswearyofmyexistence，andIentertainedvaguelysomehopeofstarvingwhereIwas，withoutleavingmybed。
ItiscertainthatIshouldnothavegotupifM。Alban，themasterofthepeotta，hadnotrousedmebycallinguponmeandinformingmethattheboatwasreadytosail。
Themanwhoisdeliveredfromgreatperplexity，nomatterbywhatmeans，feelshimselfrelieved。ItseemedtomethatCaptainAlbanhadcometopointouttheonlythingIcouldpossiblydo；Idressedmyselfinhaste，andtyingallmyworldlypossessionsinahandkerchiefIwentonboard。Soonafterwardswelefttheshore，andinthemorningwecastanchorinOrsara，aseaportofIstria。Wealllandedtovisitthecity，whichwouldmoreproperlybecalledavillage。ItbelongstothePope，theRepublicofVenicehavingabandonedittotheHolySee。
AyoungmonkoftheorderoftheRecollectswhocalledhimselfFriarStephanoofBelun，andhadobtainedafreepassagefromthedevoutCaptainAlban，joinedmeaswelandedandenquiredwhetherIfeltsick。
\"Reverendfather，Iamunhappy。\"
\"Youwillforgetallyoursorrow，ifyouwillcomeanddinewithmeatthehouseofoneofourdevoutfriends。\"
Ihadnotbrokenmyfastforthirty—sixhours，andhavingsufferedmuchfromsea—sicknessduringthenight，mystomachwasquiteempty。
Myeroticinconveniencemademeveryuncomfortable，mymindfeltdeeplytheconsciousnessofmydegradation，andIdidnotpossessagroat！IwasinsuchamiserablestatethatIhadnostrengthtoacceptortorefuseanything。Iwasthoroughlytorpid，andI
followedthemonkmechanically。
Hepresentedmetoalady，sayingthathewasaccompanyingmetoRome，whereIintendtobecomeaFranciscan。Thisuntruthdisgustedme，andunderanyothercircumstancesIwouldnothaveletitpasswithoutprotest，butinmyactualpositionitstruckmeasrathercomical。Thegoodladygaveusagooddinneroffishcookedinoil，whichinOrsaraisdelicious，andwedranksomeexquisiterefosco。
Duringourmeal，apriesthappenedtodropin，and，afterashortconversation，hetoldmethatIoughtnottopassthenightonboardthetartan，andpressedmetoacceptabedinhishouseandagooddinnerforthenextdayincasethewindshouldnotallowustosail；
Iacceptedwithouthesitation。Iofferedmymostsincerethankstothegoodoldlady，andthepriesttookmealloverthetown。Intheevening，hebroughtmetohishousewherewepartookofanexcellentsupperpreparedbyhishousekeeper，whosatdowntothetablewithus，andwithwhomIwasmuchpleased。Therefosco，stillbetterthanthatwhichIhaddrunkatdinner，scatteredallmymiserytothewind，andIconversedgailywiththepriest。Heofferedtoreadtomeapoemofhisowncomposition，but，feelingthatmyeyeswouldnotkeepopen，Ibeggedhewouldexcusemeandpostponethereadinguntilthefollowingday。
Iwenttobed，andinthemorning，aftertenhoursofthemostprofoundsleep，thehousekeeper，whohadbeenwatchingformyawakening，broughtmesomecoffee。Ithoughtheracharmingwoman，but，alas！IwasnotinafitstatetoprovetoherthehighestimationinwhichIheldherbeauty。
Entertainingfeelingsofgratitudeformykindhost，anddisposedtolistenattentivelytohispoem，Idismissedallsadness，andIpaidhispoetrysuchcomplimentsthathewasdelighted，and，findingmemuchmoretalentedthanhehadjudgedmetobeatfirst，heinsistedupontreatingmetoareadingofhisidylls，andIhadtoswallowthem，bearingtheinflictioncheerfully。Thedaypassedoffveryagreeably；thehousekeepersurroundedmewiththekindestattentions——aproofthatshewassmittenwithme；and，givingwaytothatpleasingidea，Ifeltthat，byaverynaturalsystemofreciprocity，shehadmademyconquest。Thegoodpriestthoughtthatthedayhadpassedlikelightning，thankstoallthebeautiesIhaddiscoveredinhispoetry，which，tospeakthetruth，wasbelowmediocrity，buttimeseemedtometodragalongveryslowly，becausethefriendlyglancesofthehousekeepermademelongforbedtime，inspiteofthemiserableconditioninwhichIfeltmyselfmorallyandphysically。
Butsuchwasmynature；Iabandonedmyselftojoyandhappiness，when，hadIbeenmorereasonable，Ioughttohavesunkundermygriefandsadness。
Butthegoldentimecameatlast。Ifoundtheprettyhousekeeperfullofcompliance，butonlyuptoacertainpoint，andassheofferedsomeresistancewhenIshewedmyselfdisposedtopayafullhomagetohercharms，Iquietlygaveuptheundertaking，verywellpleasedforbothofusthatithadnotbeencarriedanyfurther，andIsoughtmycouchinpeace。ButIhadnotseentheendoftheadventure，forthenextmorning，whenshebroughtmycoffee，herpretty，enticingmannersalluredmetobestowafewlovingcaressesuponher，andifshedidnotabandonherselfentirely，itwasonly，asshesaid，becauseshewasafraidofsomesurprise。Thedaypassedoffverypleasantlywiththegoodpriest，andatnight，thehouse—
keepernolongerfearingdetection，andIhavingonmysidetakeneveryprecautionnecessaryinthestateinwhichIwas，wepassedtwomostdelicioushours。IleftOrsarathenextmorning。
FriarStephanoamusedmealldaywithhistalk，whichplainlyshowedmehisignorancecombinedwithknaveryundertheveilofsimplicity。
HemademelookatthealmshehadreceivedinOrsara——bread，wine，cheese，sausages，preserves，andchocolate；everynookandcrannyofhisholygarmentwasfullofprovisions。
\"Haveyoureceivedmoneylikewise？\"Ienquired。
\"Godforbid！Inthefirstplace，ourgloriousorderdoesnotpermitmetotouchmoney，and，inthesecondplace，wereItobefoolishenoughtoreceiveanywhenIambegging，peoplewouldthinkthemselvesquitofmewithoneortwosous，whilsttheydivemetentimesasmuchineatables。BelievemeSaint—Francis，wasaveryjudiciousman。\"
Ibethoughtmyselfthatwhatthismonkcalledwealthwouldbepovertytome。Heofferedtosharewithme，andseemedveryproudatmyconsentingtohonourhimsofar。
ThetartantouchedattheharbourofPola，calledVeruda，andwelanded。Afterawalkuphillofnearlyaquarterofanhour，weenteredthecity，andIdevotedacoupleofhourstovisitingtheRomanantiquities，whicharenumerous，thetownhavingbeenthemetropolisoftheempire。YetIsawnoothertraceofgrandbuildingsexcepttheruinsofthearena。WereturnedtoVeruda，andwentagaintosea。OnthefollowingdaywesightedAncona，butthewindbeingagainstuswewerecompelledtotackabout，andwedidnotreachtheporttillthesecondday。TheharbourofAncona，althoughconsideredoneofthegreatworksofTrajan，wouldbeveryunsafeifitwerenotforacausewaywhichhascostagreatdealofmoney，andwhichmakesitsomewhatbetter。Iobservedafactworthyofnotice，namely，that，intheAdriatic，thenortherncoasthasmanyharbours，whiletheoppositecoastcanonlyboastofoneortwo。Itisevidentthattheseaisretiringbydegreestowardstheeast，andthatinthreeorfourmorecenturiesVenicemustbejoinedtotheland。Welandedattheoldlazzaretto，wherewereceivedthepleasantinformationthatwewouldgothroughaquarantineoftwenty—eightdays，becauseVenicehadadmitted，afteraquarantineofthreemonths，thecrewoftwoshipsfromMessina，wheretheplaguehadrecentlybeenraging。IrequestedaroomformyselfandforBrotherStephano，whothankedmeveryheartily。IhiredfromaJewabed，atableandafewchairs，promisingtopayforthehireattheexpirationofourquarantine。Themonkwouldhavenothingbutstraw。
IfhehadguessedthatwithouthimImighthavestarved，hewouldmostlikelynothavefeltsomuchvanityatsharingmyroom。A
sailor，expectingtofindinmeagenerouscustomer，cametoenquirewheremytrunkwas，and，hearingfrommethatIdidnotknow，he，aswellasCaptainAlban，wenttoagreatdealoftroubletofindit，andIcouldhardlykeepdownmymerrimentwhenthecaptaincalled，beggingtobeexcusedforhavingleftitbehind，andassuringmethathewouldtakecaretoforwardittomeinlessthanthreeweeks。
Thefriar，whohadtoremainwithmefourweeks，expectedtoliveatmyexpense，while，onthecontrary，hehadbeensentbyProvidencetokeepme。Hehadprovisionsenoughforoneweek，butitwasnecessarytothinkofthefuture。
Aftersupper，Idrewamostaffectingpictureofmyposition，shewingthatIshouldbeinneedofeverythinguntilmyarrivalatRome，whereIwasgoing，Isaid，tofillthepostofsecretaryofmemorials，andmyastonishmentmaybeimaginedwhenIsawtheblockheaddelightedattherecitalofmymisfortunes。
\"IundertaketotakecareofyouuntilwereachRome；onlytellmewhetheryoucanwrite。\"
\"Whataquestion！Areyoujoking？\"
\"WhyshouldI？Lookatme；Icannotwriteanythingbutmyname。
True，Icanwriteitwitheitherhand；andwhatelsedoIwanttoknow？\"
\"Youastonishmegreatly，forIthoughtyouwereapriest。\"
\"Iamamonk；Isaythemass，and，asamatterofcourse，Imustknowhowtoread。Saint—Francis，whoseunworthysonIam，couldnotread，anthatisthereasonwhyheneversaidamass。Butasyoucanwrite，youwillto—morrowpenaletterinmynametothepersonswhosenamesIwillgiveyou，andIwarrantyouweshallhaveenoughsentheretolivelikefightingcocksallthroughourquarantine。\"
Thenextdayhemademewriteeightletters，because，intheoraltraditionofhisorder，itissaidthat，whenamonkhasknockedatsevendoorsandhasmetwitharefusalateveryoneofthem，hemustapplytotheeighthwithperfectconfidence，becausethereheiscertainofreceivingalms。AshehadalreadyperformedthepilgrimagetoRome，hekneweverypersoninAnconadevotedtothecultofSaint—Francis，andwasacquaintedwiththesuperiorsofalltherichconvents。Ihadtowritetoeverypersonhenamed，andtosetdownallthelieshedictatedtome。Helikewisemademesignthelettersforhim，saying，that，ifhesignedhimself，hiscorrespondentswouldseethatthelettershadnotbeenwrittenbyhim，whichwouldinjurehim，for，headded，inthisageofcorruption，peoplewillesteemonlylearnedmen。HecompelledmetofilltheletterswithLatinpassagesandquotations，eventhoseaddressedtoladies，andIremonstratedinvain，for，whenIraisedanyobjection，hethreatenedtoleavemewithoutanythingtoeat。I
madeupmymindtodoexactlyashewished。HedesiredmetowritetothesuperioroftheJesuitsthathewouldnotapplytotheCapuchins，becausetheywerenobetterthanatheists，andthatthatwasthereasonofthegreatdislikeofSaint—Francisforthem。ItwasinvainthatIremindedhimofthefactthat，inthetimeofSaint—Francis，therewereneitherCapuchinsnorRecollets。HisanswerwasthatIhadprovedmyselfanignoramus。Ifirmlybelievedthathewouldbethoughtamadman，andthatweshouldnotreceiveanything，butIwasmistaken，forsuchaquantityofprovisionscamepouringinthatIwasamazed。Winewassentfromthreeorfourdifferentquarters，morethanenoughforusduringallourstay，andyetIdranknothingbutwater，sogreatwasmywishtorecovermyhealth。Asforeatables，enoughwassentineverydayforsixpersons；wegavealloursurplustoourkeeper，whohadalargefamily。Butthemonkfeltnogratitudeforthekindsoulswhobestowedtheircharityuponhim；allhisthankswerereservedforSaint—Francis。
Heundertooktohavemymenwashedbythekeeper；Iwouldnothavedaredtogiveitmyself，andhesaidthathehadnothingtofear，aseverybodywaswellawarethatthemonksofhisorderneverwearanykindoflinen。
Ikeptmyselfinbednearlyallday，andthusavoidedshewingmyselftovisitors。Thepersonswhodidnotcomewrotelettersfullofincongruitiescleverlyworded，whichItookgoodcarenottopointouttohim。ItwaswithgreatdifficultythatItriedtopersuadehimthatthoselettersdidnotrequireanyanswer。
Afortnightofreposeandseveredietbroughtmeroundtowardscompleterecovery，andIbegantowalkintheyardofthelazzarettofrommorningtillnight；butthearrivalofaTurkfromThessaloniawithhisfamilycompelledmetosuspendmywalks，theground—floorhavingbeengiventohim。Theonlypleasureleftmewastospendmytimeonthebalconyoverlookingtheyard。IsoonsawaGreekslave，agirlofdazzlingbeauty，forwhomIfeltthedeepestinterest。Shewasinthehabitofspendingthewholedaysittingnearthedoorwithabookorsomeembroideryinherhand。Ifshehappenedtoraisehereyesandtomeetmine，shemodestlybentherheaddown，andsometimessheroseandwentinslowly，asifshemeanttosay，\"Ididnotknowthatsomebodywaslookingatme。\"Herfigurewastallandslender，herfeaturesproclaimedhertobeveryyoung；shehadaveryfaircomplexion，withbeautifulblackhairandeyes。SheworetheGreekcostume，whichgaveherpersonacertainairofveryexcitingvoluptuousness。
Iwasperfectlyidle，andwiththetemperamentwhichnatureandhabithadgivenme，wasitlikelythatIcouldfeastmyeyesconstantlyuponsuchacharmingobjectwithoutfallingdesperatelyinlove？I
hadheardherconversinginLinguaFrancawithhermaster，afineoldman，who，likeher，feltverywearyofthequarantine，andusedtocomeoutbutseldom，smokinghispipe，andremainingintheyardonlyashorttime。Ifeltagreattemptationtoaddressafewwordstothebeautifulgirl，butIwasafraidshemightrunawayandnevercomeoutagain；however，unabletocontrolmyselfanylonger，I
determinedtowritetoher；Ihadnodifficultyinconveyingtheletter，asIhadonlytoletitfallfrommybalcony。Butshemighthaverefusedtopickitup，andthisistheplanIadoptedinordernottoriskanyunpleasantresult。
Availingmyselfofamomentduringwhichshewasaloneintheyard，I
droppedfrommybalconyasmallpieceofpaperfoldedlikealetter，butIhadtakencarenottowriteanythingonit，andheldthetrueletterinmyhand。AssoonasIsawherstoopingdowntopickupthefirst，Iquicklylettheseconddropatherfeet，andsheputbothintoherpocket。Afewminutesafterwardsshelefttheyard。Myletterwassomewhattothiseffect:
\"BeautifulangelfromtheEast，Iworshipyou。Iwillremainallnightonthisbalconyinthehopethatyouwillcometomeforaquarterofanhour，andlistentomyvoicethroughtheholeundermyfeet。Wecanspeaksoftly，andinordertohearmeyoucanclimbuptothetopofthebaleofgoodswhichliesbeneaththesamehole。\"
Ibeggedfrommykeepernottolockmeinashedideverynight，andheconsentedonconditionthathewouldwatchme，forifIhadjumpeddownintheyardhislifemighthavebeenthepenalty，andhepromisednottodisturbmeonthebalcony。
Atmidnight，asIwasbeginningtogiveherup，shecarneforward。I
thenlaidmyselfflatonthefloorofthebalcony，andIplacedmyheadagainstthehole，aboutsixinchessquare。Isawherjumponthebale，andherheadreachedwithinafootfromthebalcony。Shewascompelledtosteadyherselfwithonehandagainstthewallforfearoffalling，andinthatpositionwetalkedoflove，ofardentdesires，ofobstacles，ofimpossibilities，andofcunningartifices。
ItoldherthereasonforwhichIdarednotjumpdownintheyard，andsheobservedthat，evenwithoutthatreason，itwouldbringruinuponus，asitwouldbeimpossibletocomeupagain，andthat，besides，Godaloneknewwhathermasterwoulddoifheweretofindustogether。Then，promisingtovisitmeinthiswayeverynight，shepassedherhandthroughthehole。Alas！Icouldnotleaveoffkissingit，forIthoughtthatIhadneverinmylifetouchedsosoft，sodelicateahand。Butwhatblisswhenshebeggedformine！
Iquicklythrustmyarmthroughthehole，sothatshecouldfastenherlipstothebendoftheelbow。Howmanysweetlibertiesmyhandventuredtotake！Butwewereatlastcompelledbyprudencetoseparate，andwhenIreturnedtomyroomIsawwithgreatpleasurethatthekeeperwasfastasleep。
AlthoughIwasdelightedathavingobtainedeveryfavourIcouldpossiblywishforintheuncomfortablepositionwehadbeenin，I
rackedmybraintocontrivethemeansofsecuringmorecompleteenjoymentforthefollowingnight，butIfoundduringtheafternoonthatthefemininecunningofmybeautifulGreekwasmorefertilethanmine。
Beingaloneintheyardwithhermaster，shesaidafewwordstohiminTurkish，towhichheseemedtogivehisapproval，andsoonafteraservant，assistedbythekeeper，broughtunderthebalconyalargebasketofgoods。Sheoverlookedthearrangement，andinordertosecurethebasketbetter，shemadetheservantplaceabaleofcottonacrosstwoothers。Guessingatherpurpose，Ifairlyleapedforjoy，forshehadfoundthewayofraisingherselftwofeethigher；butI
thoughtthatshewouldthenfindherselfinthemostinconvenientposition，andthat，forcedtobenddouble，shewouldnotbeabletoresistthefatigue。Theholewasnotwideenoughforherheadtopassthrough，otherwiseshemighthavestooderectandbeencomfortable。Itwasnecessaryatalleventstoguardagainstthatdifficulty；theonlywaywastotearoutoneoftheplanksofthefloorofthebalcony，butitwasnotaneasyundertaking。YetI
decideduponattemptingit，regardlessofconsequences；andIwenttomyroomtoprovidemyselfwithalargepairofpincers。Luckilythekeeperwasabsent，andavailingmyselfoftheopportunity，I
succeededindraggingoutcarefullythefourlargenailswhichfastenedtheplank。FindingthatIcouldliftitatmywill，I
replacedthepincers，andwaitedforthenightwithamorousimpatience。
Thedarlinggirlcameexactlyatmidnight，noticingthedifficultysheexperiencedinclimbingup，andingettingafootinguponthethirdbaleofcotton，Iliftedtheplank，and，extendingmyarmasfarasIcould，Iofferedherasteadypointofsupport。Shestoodstraight，andfoundherselfagreeablysurprised，forshecouldpassherheadandherarmsthroughthehole。Wewastednotimeinemptycompliments；weonlycongratulatedeachotheruponhavingbothworkedforthesamepurpose。
If，thenightbefore，Ihadfoundmyselfmasterofherpersonmorethanshewasofmine，thistimethepositionwasentirelyreversed。
Herhandroamedfreelyovereverypartofmybody，butIhadtostophalf—waydownhers。Shecursedthemanwhohadpackedthebalefornothavingmadeithalfafootbigger，soastogetnearertome。
Verylikelyeventhatwouldnothavesatisfiedus，butshewouldhavefelthappier。
Ourpleasureswerebarren，yetwekeptupourenjoymentuntilthefirststreakoflight。Iputbacktheplankcarefully，andIlaydowninmybedingreatneedofrecruitingmystrength。
MydearmistresshadinformedmethattheTurkishBairambeganthatverymorning，andwouldlastthreedaysduringwhichitwouldbeimpossibleforhertoseeme。
ThenightafterBairam，shedidnotfailtomakeherappearance，and，sayingthatshecouldnotbehappywithoutme，shetoldmethat，asshewasaChristianwoman，Icouldbuyher，ifIwaitedforherafterleavingthelazzaretto。IwascompelledtotellherthatIdidnotpossessthemeansofdoingso，andmyconfessionmadehersigh。Onthefollowingnight，sheinformedmethathermasterwouldsellherfortwothousandpiasters，thatshewouldgivemetheamount，thatshewasyetavirgin，andthatIwouldbepleasedwithmybargain。
Sheaddedthatshewouldgivemeacasketfullofdiamonds，oneofwhichwasaloneworthtwothousandpiasters，andthatthesaleoftheotherswouldplaceusbeyondthereachofpovertyfortheremainderofourlife。Sheassuredmethathermasterwouldnotnoticethelossofthecasket，andthat，ifhedid，hewouldneverthinkofaccusingher。
Iwasinlovewiththisgirl；andherproposalmademeuncomfortable，butwhenIwokeinthemorningIdidnothesitateanylonger。Shebroughtthecasketintheevening，butItoldherthatInevercouldmakeupmymindtobeaccessorytoarobbery；shewasveryunhappy，andsaidthatmylovewasnotasdeepasherown，butthatshecouldnothelpadmiringmeforbeingsogoodaChristian。
Thiswasthelastnight；probablyweshouldnevermeetagain。Theflameofpassionconsumedus。SheproposedthatIshouldliftheruptothebalconythroughtheopenspace。Whereistheloverwhowouldhaveobjectedtosoattractiveaproposal？Irose，andwithoutbeingaMilo，Iplacedmyhandsunderherarms，Idrewheruptowardsme，andmydesiresareonthepointofbeingfulfilled。SuddenlyIfeeltwohandsuponmyshoulders，andthevoiceofthekeeperexclaims，\"Whatareyouabout？\"Iletmypreciousburdendrop；sheregainsherchamber，andI，givingventtomyrage，throwmyselfflatonthefloorofthebalcony，andremaintherewithoutamovement，inspiteoftheshakingofthekeeperwhomIwassorelytemptedtostrangle。
AtlastIrosefromthefloorandwenttobedwithoututteringoneword，andnotevencaringtoreplacetheplank。
Inthemorning，thegovernorinformedusthatwewerefree。AsI
leftthelazzaretto，withabreakingheart，IcaughtaglimpseoftheGreekslavedrownedintears。
IagreedtomeetFriarStephanoattheexchange，andItooktheJewfromwhomIhadhiredthefurniture，totheconventoftheMinims，whereIreceivedfromFatherLazaritensequinsandtheaddressofthebishop，who，afterperformingquarantineonthefrontiersofTuscany，hadproceededtoRome，wherehewouldexpectmetomeethim。
IpaidtheJew，andmadeapoordinnerataninn。AsIwasleavingittojointhemonk，IwassounluckyastomeetCaptainAlban，whoreproachedmebitterlyforhavingledhimtobelievethatmytrunkhadbeenleftbehind。Icontrivedtoappeasehisangerbytellinghimallmymisfortunes，andIsignedapaperinwhichIdeclaredthatIhadnoclaimwhateveruponhim。Ithenpurchasedapairofshoesandanovercoat，andmetStephano，whomIinformedofmydecisiontomakeapilgrimagetoOurLadyofLoretto。IsaidIwouldawaitthereforhim，andthatwewouldafterwardstraveltogetherasfarasRome。
HeansweredthathedidnotwishtogothroughLoretto，andthatI
wouldrepentofmycontemptforthegraceofSaint—Francis。Ididnotaltermymind，andIleftforLorettothenextdayintheenjoymentofperfecthealth。
IreachedtheHolyCity，tiredalmosttodeath，foritwasthefirsttimeinmylifethatIhadwalkedfifteenmiles，drinkingnothingbutwater，althoughtheweatherwasverywarm，becausethedrywineusedinthatpartofthecountryparchedmetoomuch。Imustobservethat，inspiteofmypoverty，Ididnotlooklikeabeggar。
AsIwasenteringthecity，Isawcomingtowardsmeanelderlypriestofveryrespectableappearance，and，ashewasevidentlytakingnoticeofme，assoonashedrewnear，Isalutedhim，andenquiredwhereIcouldfindacomfortableinn。\"Icannotdoubt，\"hesaid，\"thatapersonlikeyou，travellingonfoot，mustcomeherefromdevoutmotives；comewithme。\"Heturnedback，Ifollowedhim，andhetookmetoafine—lookinghouse。Afterwhisperingafewwordstoamanwhoappearedtobeasteward，heleftmesaying，veryaffably，\"Youshallbewellattendedto。\"
MyfirstimpressionwasthatIhadbeenmistakenforsomeotherperson，butIsaidnothing。
Iwasledtoasuiteofthreerooms；thechamberwasdecoratedwithdamaskhangings，thebedsteadhadacanopy，andthetablewassuppliedwithallmaterialsnecessaryforwriting。Aservantbroughtmealightdressing—gown，andanothercameinwithlinenandalargetubfullofwater，whichheplacedbeforeme；myshoesandstockingsweretakenoff，andmyfeetwashed。Averydecent—lookingwoman，followedbyaservantgirl，cameinafewminutesafter，andcurtsyingverylow，sheproceededtomakemybed。AtthatmomenttheAngelusbellwasheard；everyonekneltdown，andIfollowedtheirexample。Aftertheprayer，asmalltablewasneatlylaidout，IwasaskedwhatsortofwineIwishedtodrink，andIwasprovidedwithnewspapersandtwosilvercandlesticks。AnhourafterwardsIhadadeliciousfishsupper，and，beforeIretiredtobed，aservantcametoenquirewhetherIwouldtakechocolateinthemorningbeforeoraftermass。
AssoonasIwasinbed，theservantbroughtmeanight—lampwithadial，andIremainedalone。ExceptinFranceIhaveneverhadsuchagoodbedasIhadthatnight。Itwouldhavecuredthemostchronicinsomnia，butIwasnotlabouringundersuchadisease，andIsleptfortenhours。
ThissortoftreatmenteasilyledmetobelievethatIwasnotinanykindofhostelry；butwherewasI？HowwasItosupposethatIwasinahospital？
WhenIhadtakenmychocolate，ahair—dresser——quiteafashionable，dapperfellow——madehisappearance，dyingtogiveventtohischatteringpropensities。GuessingthatIdidnotwishtobeshaved，heofferedtoclipmysoftdownwiththescissors，sayingthatI
wouldlookyounger。
\"WhydoyousupposethatIwanttoconcealmyage？\"
\"Itisverynatural，because，ifyourlordshipdidnotwishtodoso，yourlordshipwouldhaveshavedlongago。CountessMarcoliniishere；doesyourlordshipknowher？Imustgotoheratnoontodressherhair。\"
IdidnotfeelinterestedintheCountessMarcolini，and，seeingit，thegossipchangedthesubject。
\"Isthisyourlordship’sfirstvisittothishouse？Itisthefinesthospitalthroughoutthepapalstates。\"
\"Iquiteagreewithyou，andIshallcomplimentHisHolinessontheestablishment。\"
\"Oh！HisHolinessknowsallaboutit，heresidedherebeforehebecamepope。IfMonsignorCaraffahadnotbeenwellacquaintedwithyou，hewouldnothaveintroducedyouhere。\"
SuchistheuseofbarbersthroughoutEurope；butyoumustnotputanyquestionstothem，for，ifyoudo，theyaresuretothreatyoutoanimpudentmixtureoftruthandfalsehood，andinsteadofyoupumpingthem，theywillwormeverythingoutofyou。
ThinkingthatitwasmydutytopresentmyrespectfulcomplimentstoMonsignorCaraffa，Idesiredtobetakentohisapartment。Hegavemeapleasantwelcome，shewedmehislibrary，andentrustedmetothecareofoneofhisabbes，amanofparts，whoactedasmyciceroneeverywhere。Twentyyearsafterwards，thissameabbewasofgreatservicetomeinRome，and，ifstillalive，heisacanonofSt。JohnLateran。
Onthefollowingday，ItookthecommunionintheSanta—Casa。Thethirddaywasentirelyemployedinexaminingtheexteriorofthistrulywonderfulsanctuary，andearlythenextdayIresumedmyjourney，havingspentnothingexceptthreepaoliforthebarber。
HalfwaytoMacerata，IovertookBrotherStephanowalkingonataveryslowrate。Hewasdelightedtoseemeagain，andtoldmethathehadleftAnconatwohoursafterme，butthatheneverwalkedmorethanthreemilesaday，beingquitesatisfiedtotaketwomonthsforajourneywhich，evenonfoot，caneasilybeaccomplishedinaweek。
\"Iwant，\"hesaid，\"toreachRomewithoutfatigueandingoodhealth。
Iaminnohurry，andifyoufeeldisposedtotravelwithmeandinthesamequietway，Saint—Franciswillnotfinditdifficulttokeepusbothduringthejourney。\"
Thislazyfellowwasamanaboutthirty，red—haired，verystrongandhealthy；atruepeasantwhohadturnedhimselfintoamonkonlyforthesakeoflivinginidlecomfort。Iansweredthat，asIwasinahurrytoreachRome，Icouldnotbehistravellingcompanion。
\"Iundertaketowalksixmiles，insteadofthree，today，\"hesaid，\"ifyouwillcarrymycloak，whichIfindveryheavy。\"
Theproposalstruckmeasaratherfunnyone；Iputonhiscloak，andhetookmygreat—coat，but，aftertheexchange，wecutsuchacomicalfigurethateverypeasantwemetlaughedatus。Hiscloakwouldtrulyhaveprovedaloadforamule。Thereweretwelvepocketsquitefull，withouttakenintoaccountapocketbehind，whichhecalled’ilbatticulo’，andwhichcontainedalonetwiceasmuchasalltheothers。Bread，wine，freshandsaltmeat，fowls，eggs，cheese，ham，sausages——everythingwastobefoundinthosepockets，whichcontainedprovisionsenoughforafortnight。
ItoldhimhowwellIhadbeentreatedinLoretto，andheassuredmethatImighthaveaskedMonsignorCaraffatogivemelettersforallthehospitalsonmyroadtoRome，andthateverywhereIwouldhavemetwiththesamereception。\"Thehospitals，\"headded，\"areallunderthecurseofSaint—Francis，becausethemendicantfriarsarenotadmittedinthem；butwedonotmindtheirgatesbeingshutagainstus，becausetheyaretoofarapartfromeachother。Wepreferthehomesofthepersonsattachedtoourorder；thesewefindeverywhere。\"
\"Whydoyounotaskhospitalityintheconventsofyourorder？\"
\"Iamnotsofoolish。Inthefirstplace，Ishouldnotbeadmitted，because，beingafugitive，Ihavenotthewrittenobediencewhichmustbeshownateveryconvent，andIshouldevenruntheriskofbeingthrownintoprison；yourmonksareacursedbadlot。Inthesecondplace，IshouldnotbehalfsocomfortableintheconventsasIamwithourdevoutbenefactors。\"
\"Whyandhowareyouafugitive？\"
Heansweredmyquestionbythenarrativeofhisimprisonmentandflight，thewholestorybeingatissueofabsurditiesandlies。ThefugitiveRecolletfriarwasafool，withsomethingofthewitofharlequin，andhethoughtthateverymanlisteningtohimwasagreaterfoolthanhimself。Yetwithallhisfollyhewasnotwentinacertainspeciesofcunning。Hisreligiousprinciplesweresingular。Ashedidnotwishtobetakenforabigotedmanhewasscandalous，andforthesakeofmakingpeoplelaughhewouldoftenmakeuseofthemostdisgustingexpressions。Hehadnotastewhateverforwomen，andnoinclinationtowardsthepleasuresoftheflesh；butthiswasonlyowingtoadeficiencyinhisnaturaltemperament，andyetheclaimedforhimselfthevirtueofcontinence。
Onthatscore，everythingappearedtohimfoodformerriment，andwhenhehaddrunkrathertoomuch，hewouldaskquestionsofsuchanindecentcharacterthattheywouldbringblushesoneverybody’scountenance。Yetthebrutewouldonlylaugh。
Asweweregettingwithinonehundredyardsfromthehouseofthedevoutfriendwhomheintendedtohonourwithhisvisit，hetookbackhisheavycloak。Onenteringthehousehegavehisblessingtoeverybody，andeveryoneinthefamilycametokisshishand。Themistressofthehouserequestedhimtosaymassforthem，andthecompliantmonkaskedtobetakentothevestry，butwhenIwhisperedinhisear，———
\"Haveyouforgottenthatwehavealreadybrokenourfastto—day？\"heanswered，dryly，———
\"Mindyourownbusiness。\"
Idarednotmakeanyfurtherremark，butduringthemassIwasindeedsurprised，forIsawthathedidnotunderstandwhathewasdoing。I
couldnothelpbeingamusedathisawkwardness，butIhadnotyetseenthebestpartofthecomedy。Assoonashehadsomehoworotherfinishedhismasshewenttotheconfessional，andafterhearinginconfessioneverymemberofthefamilyhetookitintohisheadtorefuseabsolutiontothedaughterofhishostess，agirloftwelveorthirteen，prettyandquitecharming。Hegavehisrefusalpublicly，scoldingherandthreateningherwiththetormentsofhell。Thepoorgirl，overwhelmedwithshame，leftthechurchcryingbitterly，andI，feelingrealsympathyforher，couldnothelpsayingaloudtoStephanothathewasamadman。Iranafterthegirltoofferhermyconsolations，butshehaddisappeared，andcouldnotbeinducedtojoinusatdinner。ThispieceofextravaganceonthepartofthemonkexasperatedmetosuchanextentthatIfeltaverystronginclinationtothrashhim。InthepresenceofallthefamilyItoldhimthathewasanimpostor，andtheinfamousdestroyerofthepoorchild’shonour；Ichallengedhimtoexplainhisreasonsforrefusingtogiveherabsolution，butheclosedmylipsbyansweringverycoollythathecouldnotbetraythesecretsoftheconfessional。
Icouldeatnothing，andwasfullydeterminedtoleavethescoundrel。
AsweleftthehouseIwascompelledtoacceptonepaoloasthepriceofthemockmasshehadsaid。Ihadtofulfilthesorrydutyofhistreasurer。
Themomentwewereontheroad，ItoldhimthatIwasgoingtopartcompany，becauseIwasafraidofbeingsentasafelontothegalleysifIcontinuedmyjourneywithhim。Weexchangedhighwords；I
calledhimanignorantscoundrel，hestyledmebeggar。Istruckhimaviolentslapontheface，whichhereturnedwithablowfromhisstick，butIquicklysnatcheditfromhim，and，leavinghim，I
hastenedtowardsMacerata。AcarrierwhowasgoingtoTolentinotookmewithhimfortwopaoli，andforsixmoreImighthavereachedFolignoinawaggon，butunfortunatelyawishforeconomymademerefusetheoffer。Ifeltwell，andIthoughtIcouldeasilywalkasfarasValcimare，butIarrivedthereonlyafterfivehoursofhardwalking，andthoroughlybeatenwithfatigue。Iwasstrongandhealthy，butawalkoffivehourswasmorethanIcouldbear，becauseinmyinfancyIhadnevergonealeagueonfoot。Youngpeoplecannotpractisetoomuchtheartofwalking。
Thenextday，refreshedbyagoodnight’srest，andreadytoresumemyjourney，Iwantedtopaytheinnkeeper，but，alas！anewmisfortunewasinstoreforme！Letthereaderimaginemysadposition！IrecollectedthatIhadforgottenmypurse，containingsevensequins，onthetableoftheinnatTolentino。Whatathunderbolt！Iwasindespair，butIgaveuptheideaofgoingback，asitwasverydoubtfulwhetherIwouldfindmymoney。YetitcontainedallIpossessed，saveafewcoppercoinsIhadinmypocket。Ipaidmysmallbill，and，deeplygrievedatmyloss，continuedmyjourneytowardsSeraval。Iwaswithinthreemilesofthatplacewhen，injumpingoveraditch，Isprainedmyankle，andwascompelledtositdownononesideoftheroad，andtowaituntilsomeoneshouldcometomyassistance。
Inthecourseofanhourapeasanthappenedtopasswithhisdonkey，andheagreedtocarrymetoSeravalforonepaolo。AsIwantedtospendaslittleaspossible，thepeasanttookmetoanill—lookingfellowwho，fortwopaolipaidinadvance，consentedtogivemealodging。Iaskedhimtosendforasurgeon，butIdidnotobtainoneuntilthefollowingmorning。Ihadawretchedsupper，afterwhichI
laydowninafilthybed。Iwasinhopethatsleepwouldbringmesomerelief，butmyevilgeniuswaspreparingformeanightoftorments。
Threemen，armedwithgunsandlookinglikebanditti，cameinshortlyafterIhadgonetobed，speakingakindofslangwhichIcouldnotmakeout，swearing，raging，andpayingnoattentiontome。Theydrankandsanguntilmidnight，afterwhichtheythrewthemselvesdownonbundlesofstrawbroughtforthem，andmyhost，whowasdrunk，came，greatlytomydismay，toliedownnearme。Disgustedattheideaofhavingsuchafellowformybedcompanion，Irefusedtolethimcome，butheanswered，withfearfulblasphemies，thatallthedevilsinhellcouldnotpreventhimfromtakingpossessionofhisownbed。Iwasforcedtomakeroomforhim，andexclaimed\"Heavens，whereamI？\"HetoldmethatIwasinthehouseofthemosthonestconstableinallthepapalstates。
CouldIpossiblyhavesupposedthatthepeasantwouldhavebroughtmeamongstthoseaccursedenemiesofhumankind！
Helaidhimselfdownnearme，butthefilthyscoundrelsooncompelledmetogivehim，forcertainreasons，suchablowinhischestthatherolledoutofbed。Hepickedhimselfup，andrenewedhisbeastlyattempt。BeingwellawarethatIcouldnotmasterhimwithoutgreatdanger，Igotoutofbed，thinkingmyselfluckythathedidnotopposemywish，andcrawlingalongaswellasIcould，IfoundachaironwhichIpassedthenight。Atday—break，mytormentor，calledupbyhishonestcomrades，joinedthemindrinkingandshouting，andthethreestrangers，takingtheirguns，departed。Leftalonebythedepartureofthevilerabble，Ipassedanotherunpleasanthour，callinginvainforsomeone。Atlastayoungboycamein，Igavehimsomemoneyandhewentforasurgeon。Thedoctorexaminedmyfoot，andassuredmethatthreeorfourdayswouldsetmetorights。Headvisedmetoberemovedtoaninn，andImostwillinglyfollowedhiscounsel。AssoonasIwasbroughttotheinn，Iwenttobed，andwaswellcaredfor，butmypositionwassuchthatIdreadedthemomentofmyrecovery。IfearedthatIshouldbecompelledtosellmycoattopaytheinn—keeper，andtheverythoughtmademefeelashamed。IbegantoconsiderthatifIhadcontrolledmysympathyfortheyounggirlsoill—treatedbyStephano，Ishouldnothavefallenintothissadpredicament，andIfeltconsciousthatmysympathyhadbeenamistake。IfIhadputupwiththefaultsofthefriar，ifthisandifthat，andeveryotherifwasconjureduptotormentmyrestlessandwretchedbrain。YetImustconfessthatthethoughtswhichhavetheirorigininmisfortunearenotwithoutadvantagetoayoungman，fortheygivehimthehabitofthinking，andthemanwhodoesnotthinkneverdoesanythingright。
Themorningofthefourthdaycame，andIwasabletowalk，asthesurgeonhadpredicted；Imadeupmymind，althoughreluctantly，tobegtheworthymantosellmygreatcoatforme——amostunpleasantnecessity，forrainhadbeguntofall。Iowedfifteenpaolitotheinn—keeperandfourtothesurgeon。JustasIwasgoingtoproffermypainfulrequest，BrotherStephanomadehisappearanceinmyroom，andburstintoloudlaughterenquiringwhetherIhadforgottentheblowfromhisstick！
Iwasstruckwithamazement！Ibeggedthesurgeontoleavemewiththemonk，andheimmediatelycomplied。
Imustaskmyreaderswhetheritispossible，inthefaceofsuchextraordinarycircumstances，nottofeelsuperstitious！Whatistrulymiraculousinthiscaseisthepreciseminuteatwhichtheeventtookplace，forthefriarenteredtheroomasthewordwashangingonmylips。WhatsurprisedmemostwastheforceofProvidence，offortune，ofchance，whatevernameisgiventoit，ofthatverynecessarycombinationwhichcompelledmetofindnohopebutinthatfatalmonk，whohadbeguntobemyprotectivegeniusinChiozzaatthemomentmydistresshadlikewisecommenced。Andyet，asingularguardianangel，thisStephano！Ifeltthatthemysteriousforcewhichthrewmeinhishandswasapunishmentratherthanafavour。
Neverthelesshewaswelcome，becauseIhadnodoubtofhisrelievingmefrommydifficulties，——andwhatevermightbethepowerthatsenthimtome，IfeltthatIcouldnotdobetterthantosubmittoitsinfluence；thedestinyofthatmonkwastoescortmetoRome。
\"Chivapianovasano，\"saidthefriarassoonaswewerealone。HehadtakenfivedaystotraversetheroadoverwhichIhadtravelledinoneday，buthewasingoodhealth，andhehadmetwithnomisfortune。Hetoldmethat，ashewaspassing，heheardthatanabbe，secretarytotheVenetianambassadoratRome，waslyingillattheinn，afterhavingbeenrobbedinValcimara。\"Icametoseeyou，\"
headded，\"andasIfindyourecoveredfromyourillness，wecanstartagaintogether；Iagreetowalksixmileseverydaytopleaseyou。Come，letusforgetthepast，andletusbeatonceonourway。\"
\"Icannotgo；Ihavelostmypurse，andIowetwentypaoli。\"
\"IwillgoandfindtheamountinthenameofSaint—Francis。\"
Hereturnedwithinanhour，buthewasaccompaniedbytheinfamousconstablewhotoldmethat，ifIhadlethimknowwhoIwas，hewouldhavebeenhappytokeepmeinhishouse。\"Iwillgiveyou，\"hecontinued，\"fortypaoli，ifyouwillpromisemetheprotectionofyourambassador；butifyoudonotsucceedinobtainingitformeinRome，youwillundertaketorepayme。Thereforeyoumustgivemeanacknowledgementofthedebt。\"
\"Ihavenoobjection。\"Everyarrangementwasspeedilycompleted；I
receivedthemoney，paidmydebts，andleftSeravalwithStephano。
Aboutoneo’clockintheafternoon，wesawawretched—lookinghouseatashortdistancefromtheroad，andthefriarsaid，\"ItisagooddistancefromheretoCollefiorito；wehadbetterputupthereforthenight。\"ItwasinvainthatIobjected，remonstratingthatwewerecertainofhavingverypooraccommodation！Ihadtosubmittohiswill。Wefoundadecrepitoldmanlyingonapallet，twouglywomenofthirtyorforty，threechildrenentirelynaked，acow，andacurseddogwhichbarkedcontinually。Itwasapictureofsqualidmisery；buttheniggardlymonk，insteadofgivingalmstothepoorpeople，askedthemtoentertainustosupperinthenameofSaint—
Francis。
\"Youmustboilthehen，\"saidthedyingmantothefemales，\"andbringoutofthecellarthebottleofwinewhichIhavekeptnowfortwentyyears。\"Asheutteredthosefewwords，hewasseizedwithsuchafitofcoughingthatIthoughthewoulddie。Thefriarwentnearhim，andpromisedhimthat，bythegraceofSaint—Francis，hewouldgetyoungandwell。Movedbythesightofsomuchmisery，I
wantedtocontinuemyjourneyasfarasCollefiorito，andtowaitthereforStephano，butthewomenwouldnotletmego，andI
remained。Afterboilingforfourhoursthehensetthestrongestteethatdefiance，andthebottlewhichIuncorkedprovedtobenothingbutsourvinegar。Losingpatience，Igotholdofthemonk’sbatticaslo，andtookoutofitenoughforaplentifulsupper，andI
sawthetwowomenopeningtheireyesverywideatthesightofourprovisions。
Weallatewithgoodappetite，and，afteroursupperthewomenmadeforustwolargebedsoffreshstraw，andwelaydowninthedark，asthelastbitofcandletobefoundinthemiserabledwellingwasburntout。Wehadnotbeenlyingonthestrawfiveminutes，whenStephanocalledouttomethatoneofthewomenhadjustplacedherselfnearhim，andatthesameinstanttheotheronetakesmeinherarmsandkissesme。Ipushheraway，andthemonkdefendshimselfagainsttheother；butmine，nothingdaunted，insistsuponlayingherselfnearme；Igetup，thedogspringsatmyneck，andfearcompelsmetoremainquietonmystrawbed；themonkscreams，swears，struggles，thedogbarksfuriously，theoldmancoughs；allisnoiseandconfusion。AtlastStephano，protectedbyhisheavygarments，shakesoffthetoolovingshrew，and，bravingthedog，managestofindhisstick。Thenhelaysabouttorightandleft，strikingineverydirection；oneofthewomenexclaims，\"Oh，God！\"
thefriaranswers，\"Shehasherquietus。\"Calmreignsagaininthehouse，thedog，mostlikelydead，issilent；theoldman，whoperhapshasreceivedhisdeath—blow，coughsnomore；thechildrensleep，andthewomen，afraidofthesingularcaressesofthemonk，sheeroffintoacorner；theremainderofthenightpassedoffquietly。
Atday—breakIrose；Stephanowaslikewisesoonup。Ilookedallround，andmysurprisewasgreatwhenIfoundthatthewomenhadgoneout，andseeingthattheoldmangavenosignoflife，andhadabruiseonhisforehead，IshewedittoStephano，remarkingthatverylikelyhehadkilledhim。
\"Itispossible，\"heanswered，\"butIhavenotdoneitintentionally。\"
Thentakinguphisbatticuloandfindingitemptyheflewintoaviolentpassion；butIwasmuchpleased，forIhadbeenafraidthatthewomenhadgoneouttogetassistanceandtohaveusarrested，andtherobberyofourprovisionsreassuredme，asIfeltcertainthatthepoorwretcheshadgoneoutofthewaysoastosecureimpunityfortheirtheft。ButIlaidgreatstressuponthedangerweshouldrunbyremaininganylonger，andIsucceededinfrighteningthefriaroutofthehouse。WesoonmetawaggonergoingtoFolligno；I
persuadedStephanototaketheopportunityofputtingagooddistancebetweenusandthesceneofourlastadventures；and，aswewereeatingourbreakfastatFolligno，wesawanotherwaggon，quiteempty，gotaliftinitforatrifle，andthusrodetoPisignano，whereadevoutpersongaveusacharitablewelcome，andIsleptsoundlythroughthenightwithoutthedreadofbeingarrested。
EarlythenextdaywereachedSpoleti，whereBrotherStephanohadtwobenefactors，and，carefulnottogiveeitherofthemacauseofjealousy，hefavouredboth；wedinedwiththefirst，whoentertaineduslikeprinces，andwehadsupperandlodginginthehouseofthesecond，awealthywinemerchant，andthefatherofalargeanddelightfulfamily。Hegaveusadelicioussupper，andeverythingwouldhavegoneonpleasantlyhadnotthefriar，alreadyexcitedbyhisgooddinner，madehimselfquitedrunk。Inthatstate，thinkingtopleasehisnewhost，hebegantoabusetheother，greatlytomyannoyance；hesaidthewinehehadgivenustodrinkwasadulterated，andthatthemanwasathief。Igavehimthelietohisface，andcalledhimascoundrel。Thehostandhiswifepacifiedme，sayingthattheywerewellacquaintedwiththeirneighbour，andknewwhattothinkofhim；butthemonkthrewhisnapkinatmyface，andthehosttookhimveryquietlybythearmandputhimtobedinaroominwhichhelockedhimup。Isleptinanotherroom。
InthemorningIroseearly，andwasconsideringwhetheritwouldnotbebettertogoalone，whenthefriar，whohadslepthimselfsober，madehisappearanceandtoldmethatweoughtforthefuturetolivetogetherlikegoodfriends，andnotgivewaytoangryfeelings；I
followedmydestinyoncemore。Weresumedourjourney，andatSoma，theinn—keeper，awomanofrarebeauty，gaveusagooddinner，andsomeexcellentCypruswinewhichtheVenetiancouriersexchangedwithheragainstdelicioustrufflesfoundinthevicinityofSoma，whichsoldforagoodpriceinVenice。Ididnotleavethehandsomeinn—
keeperwithoutlosingapartofmyheart。
Itwouldbedifficulttodrawapictureoftheindignationwhichoverpoweredmewhen，aswewereabouttwomilesfromTerni，theinfamousfriarshewedmeasmallbagfulloftruffleswhichthescoundrelhadstolenfromtheamiablewomanbywayofthanksforhergeneroushospitality。Thetruffleswereworthtwosequinsatleast。
InmyindignationIsnatchedthebagfromhim，sayingthatIwouldcertainlyreturnittoitslawfulowner。But，ashehadnotcommittedtherobberytogivehimselfthepleasureofmakingrestitution，hethrewhimselfuponme，andwecametoaregularfight。Butvictorydidnotremainlonginabeyance；Iforcedhisstickoutofhishands，knockedhimintoaditch，andwentoff。OnreachingTerni，IwrotealetterofapologytoourbeautifulhostessofSoma，andsentbackthetruffles。
>FromTerniIwentonfoottoOtricoli，whereIonlystayedlongenoughtoexaminethefineoldbridge，andfromthereIpaidfourpaolitoawaggonerwhocarriedmetoCastel—Nuovo，fromwhichplaceIwalkedtoRome。Ireachedthecelebratedcityonthe1stofSeptember，atnineinthemorning。
Imustnotforgettomentionherearatherpeculiarcircumstance，which，howeverridiculousitmaybeinreality，willpleasemanyofmyreaders。
AnhourafterIhadleftCastel—Nuovo，theatmospherebeingcalmandtheskyclear，Iperceivedonmyright，andwithintenpacesofme，apyramidalflameabouttwofeetlongandfourorfivefeetabovetheground。Thisapparitionsurprisedme，becauseitseemedtoaccompanyme。Anxioustoexamineit，Iendeavouredtogetnearertoit，butthemoreIadvancedtowardsitthefurtheritwentfromme。ItwouldstopwhenIstoodstill，andwhentheroadalongwhichIwastravellinghappenedtobelinedwithtrees，Inolongersawit，butitwassuretoreappearassoonasIreachedaportionoftheroadwithouttrees。Iseveraltimesretracedmystepspurposely，but，everytimeIdidso，theflamedisappeared，andwouldnotshewitselfagainuntilIproceededtowardsRome。Thisextraordinarybeaconleftmewhendaylightchaseddarknessfromthesky。
Whatasplendidfieldforignorantsuperstition，iftherehadbeenanywitnessestothatphenomenon，andifIhadchancedtomakeagreatnameinRome！Historyisfullofsuchtrifles，andtheworldisfullofpeoplewhoattachgreatimportancetotheminspiteoftheso—calledlightofscience。Imustcandidlyconfessthat，althoughsomewhatversedinphysics，thesightofthatsmallmeteorgavemesingularideas。ButIwasprudentenoughnottomentionthecircumstancetoanyone。
WhenIreachedtheancientcapitaloftheworld，Ipossessedonlysevenpaoli，andconsequentlyIdidnotloiterabout。Ipaidnoattentiontothesplendidentrancethroughthegateofthepolartrees，whichisbymistakepompouslycalledofthepeople，ortothebeautifulsquareofthesamename，ortotheportalsofthemagnificentchurches，ortoallthestatelybuildingswhichgenerallystrikethetravellerasheentersthecity。IwentstraighttowardsMonte—Magnanopoli，where，accordingtotheaddressgiventome，Iwastofindthebishop。ThereIwasinformedthathehadleftRometendaysbefore，leavinginstructionstosendmetoNaplesfreeofexpense。AcoachwastostartforNaplesthenextday；notcaringtoseeRome，Iwenttobeduntilthetimeforthedepartureofthecoach。ItravelledwiththreelowfellowstowhomIdidnotaddressonewordthroughthewholeofthejourney。IenteredNaplesonthe6thdayofSeptember。
IwentimmediatelytotheaddresswhichhadbeengiventomeinRome；
thebishopwasnotthere。IcalledattheConventoftheMinims，andIfoundthathehadleftNaplestoproceedtoMartorano。Ienquiredwhetherhehadleftanyinstructionsforme，butallinvain，noonecouldgivemeanyinformation。AndthereIwas，aloneinalargecity，withoutafriend，witheightcarliniinmypocket，andnotknowingwhattodo！Butnevermind；fatecallsmetoMartorano，andtoMartoranoImustgo。Thedistance，afterall，isonlytwohundredmiles。
IfoundseveraldriversstartingforCosenza，butwhentheyheardthatIhadnoluggage，theyrefusedtotakeme，unlessIpaidinadvance。Theywerequiteright，buttheirprudenceplacedmeunderthenecessityofgoingonfoot。YetIfeltImustreachMartorano，andImadeupmymindtowalkthedistance，beggingfoodandlodgingliketheveryreverendBrotherStephano。
FirstofallImadealightmealforonefourthofmymoney，and，havingbeeninformedthatIhadtofollowtheSalernoroad，IwenttowardsPorticiwhereIarrivedinanhourandahalf。Ialreadyfeltratherfatigued；mylegs，ifnotmyhead，tookmetoaninn，whereIorderedaroomandsomesupper。Iwasservedingoodstyle，myappetitewasexcellent，andIpassedaquietnightinacomfortablebed。InthemorningItoldtheinn—keeperthatIwouldreturnformydinner，andIwentouttovisittheroyalpalace。AsI
passedthroughthegate，Iwasmetbyamanofprepossessingappearance，dressedintheeasternfashion，whoofferedtoshewmealloverthepalace，sayingthatIwouldthussavemymoney。Iwasinapositiontoacceptanyoffer；Ithankedhimforhiskindness。
HappeningduringtheconversationtostatethatIwasaVenetian，hetoldmethathewasmysubject，sincehecamefromZante。I
acknowledgedhispolitecomplimentwithareverence。
\"Ihave，\"hesaid，\"someveryexcellentmuscatelwine’grownintheEast，whichIcouldsellyoucheap。\"
\"Imightbuysome，butIwarnyouIamagoodjudge。\"
\"Somuchthebetter。Whichdoyouprefer？\"
\"TheCerigowine。\"
\"Youareright。IhavesomerareCerigomuscatel，andwecantasteitifyouhavenoobjectiontodinewithme。\"
\"Nonewhatever。\"
\"IcanlikewisegiveyouthewinesofSamosandCephalonia。Ihavealsoaquantityofminerals，plentyofvitriol，cinnabar，antimony，andonehundredquintalsofmercury。\"
\"Areallthesegoodshere？\"
\"No，theyareinNaples。HereIhaveonlythemuscatelwineandthemercury。\"