IwillvisitDonnaCeciliaonlynowandthen。\"Feelingmostunhappy，Itookhishandtopressitagainstmylips，buthefoldedmeinhisarmsasafathermighthavedone，andturnedhimselfroundsoasnottoletmeseethathewasweeping。
Idinedatthecardinal’spalaceandsatneartheAbbeGama；thetablewaslaidfortwelvepersons，whoallworethecostumeofpriests，forinRomeeveryoneisapriestorwishestobethoughtapriestandasthereisnolawtoforbidanyonetodresslikeanecclesiasticthatdressisadoptedbyallthosewhowishtoberespected（noblemenexcepted）eveniftheyarenotintheecclesiasticalprofession。
Ifeltverymiserable，anddidnotutterawordduringthedinner；mysilencewasconstruedintoaproofofmysagacity。Aswerosefromthetable，theAbbeGamainvitedmetospendthedaywithhim，butI
declinedunderpretenceofletterstobewritten，andItrulydidsoforsevenhours。IwrotetoDonLelio，toDonAntonio，tomyyoungfriendPaul，andtotheworthyBishopofMartorano，whoansweredthatheheartilywishedhimselfinmyplace。
DeeplyenamouredofLucreziaandhappyinmylove，togiveherupappearedtomeashamefulaction。Inordertoinsurethehappinessofmyfuturelife，Iwasbeginningtobetheexecutionerofmypresentfelicity，andthetormentorofmyheart。IrevoltedagainstsuchanecessitywhichIjudgedfictitious，andwhichIcouldnotadmitunlessIstoodguiltyofvilenessbeforethetribunalofmyownreason。IthoughtthatFatherGeorgi，ifhewishedtoforbidmyvisitingthatfamily，oughtnottohavesaidthatitwasworthyofrespect；mysorrowwouldnothavebeensointense。Thedayandthewholeofthenightwerespentinpainfulthoughts。
InthemorningtheAbbeGamabroughtmeagreatbookfilledwithministeriallettersfromwhichIwastocompileformyamusement。
Afterashorttimedevotedtothatoccupation，IwentouttotakemyfirstFrenchlesson，afterwhichIwalkedtowardstheStrada—
Condotta。Iintendedtotakealongwalk，whenIheardmyselfcalledbymyname。IsawtheAbbeGamainfrontofacoffee—house。
IwhisperedtohimthatMinervahadforbiddenmethecoffee—roomsofRome。\"Minerva，\"heanswered，\"desiresyoutoformsomeideaofsuchplaces。Sitdownbyme。\"
Iheardayoungabbetellingaloud，butwithoutbitterness，astory，whichattackedinamostdirectmannerthejusticeofHisHoliness。
Everybodywaslaughingandechoingthestory。Another，beingaskedwhyhehadlefttheservicesofCardinalB。，answeredthatitwasbecausehiseminencedidnotthinkhimselfcalledupontopayhimapartforcertainprivateservices，andeverybodylaughedoutright。
AnothercametotheAbbeGama，andtoldhimthat，ifhefeltanyinclinationtospendtheafternoonattheVillaMedicis，hewouldfindhimtherewithtwoyoungRomangirlswhoweresatisfiedwitha’quartino’，agoldcoinworthone—fourthofasequin。Anotherabbereadanincendiarysonnetagainstthegovernment，andseveraltookacopyofit。Anotherreadasatireofhisowncomposition，inwhichhetoretopiecesthehonourofafamily。Inthemiddleofallthatconfusion，Isawapriestwithaveryattractivecountenancecomein。
Thesizeofhishipsmademetakehimforawomandressedinmen’sclothes，andIsaidsotoGama，whotoldmethathewasthecelebratedcastrato，BepinodeltaMamana。Theabbecalledhimtous，andtoldhimwithalaughthatIhadtakenhimforagirl。Theimpudentfellowlookedmefullintheface，andsaidthat，ifI
liked，hewouldshewmewhetherIhadbeenrightorwrong。
Atthedinner—tableeveryonespoketome，andIfanciedIhadgivenproperanswerstoall，but，whentherepastwasover，theAbbeGamainvitedmetotakecoffeeinhisownapartment。Themomentwewerealone，hetoldmethatalltheguestsIhadmetwereworthyandhonestmen，andheaskedmewhetherIbelievedthatIhadsucceededinpleasingthecompany。
\"IflattermyselfIhave，\"Ianswered。
\"Youarewrong，\"saidtheabbe，\"youareflatteringyourself。Youhavesoconspicuouslyavoidedthequestionsputtoyouthateverybodyintheroomnoticedyourextremereserve。Inthefuturenoonewillaskyouanyquestions。\"
\"Ishouldbesorryifitshouldturnoutso，butwasItoexposemyownconcerns？\"
\"No，butthereisamediuminallthings。\"
\"Yes，themediumofHorace，butitisoftenamatterofgreatdifficultytohititexactly。\"
\"Amanoughttoknowhowtoobtainaffectionandesteematthesametime。\"
\"Thatistheverywishnearesttomyheart。\"
\"To—dayyouhavetriedfortheesteemmuchmorethanfortheaffectionofyourfellow—creatures。Itmaybeanobleaspiration，butyoumustprepareyourselftofightjealousyandherdaughter，calumny；ifthosetwomonstersdonotsucceedindestroyingyou，thevictorymustbeyours。Now，forinstance，youthoroughlyrefutedSalicettito—day。Well，heisaphysician，andwhatismoreaCorsican；hemustfeelbadlytowardsyou。\"
\"CouldIgrantthatthelongingsofwomenduringtheirpregnancyhavenoinfluencewhateverontheskinofthefoetus，whenIknowthereversetobethecase？Areyounotofmyopinion？\"
\"Iamforneitherparty；Ihaveseenmanychildrenwithsomesuchmarks，butIhavenomeansofknowingwithcertaintywhetherthosemarkshavetheirorigininsomelongingexperiencedbythemotherwhileshewaspregnant。\"
\"ButIcanswearitisso。\"
\"Allthebetterforyouifyourconvictionisbaseduponsuchevidence，andalltheworseforSalicettiifhedeniesthepossibilityofthethingwithoutcertainauthority。Butlethimremaininerror；itisbetterthusthantoprovehiminthewrongandtomakeabitterenemyofhim。\"
IntheeveningIcalleduponLucrezia。Thefamilyknewmysuccess，andwarmlycongratulatedme。LucreziatoldmethatIlookedsad，andIansweredthatIwasassistingatthefuneralofmyliberty，forI
wasnolongermyownmaster。Herhusband，alwaysfondofajoke，toldherthatIwasinlovewithher，andhismother—in—lawadvisedhimnottoshowsomuchintrepidity。Ionlyremainedanhourwiththosecharmingpersons，andthentookleaveofthem，buttheveryairaroundmewasheatedbytheflamewithinmybreast。WhenIreachedmyroomIbegantowrite，andspentthenightincomposinganodewhichIsentthenextdaytotheadvocate。Iwascertainthathewouldshewittohiswife，wholovedpoetry，andwhodidnotyetknowthatIwasapoet。Iabstainedfromseeingheragainforthreeorfourdays。IwaslearningFrench，andmakingextractsfromministerialletters。
Hiseminencewasinthehabitofreceivingeveryevening，andhisroomswerethrongedwiththehighestnobilityofRome；Ihadneverattendedthesereceptions。TheAbbeGamatoldmethatIoughttodosoaswellashedid，withoutanypretension。Ifollowedhisadviceandwent；nobodyspoketome，butasIwasunknowneveryonelookedatmeandenquiredwhoIwas。TheAbbeGamaaskedmewhichwastheladywhoappearedtomethemostamiable，andIshewedonetohim；butI
regrettedhavingdoneso，forthecourtierwenttoher，andofcourseinformedherofwhatIhadsaid。SoonafterwardsIsawherlookatmethroughhereye—glassandsmilekindlyuponme。ShewastheMarchionessG————，whose’cicisbeo’wasCardinalS————C————。
OntheverydayIhadfixedtospendtheeveningwithDonnaLucreziatheworthyadvocatecalleduponme。HetoldmethatifIthoughtI
wasgoingtoproveIwasnotinlovewithhiswifebystayingawayI
wasverymuchmistaken，andheinvitedmetoaccompanyallthefamilytoTestaccio，wheretheyintendedtohaveluncheononthefollowingThursday。Headdedthathiswifeknewmyodebyheart，andthatshehadreadittotheintendedhusbandofAngelique，whohadagreatwishtomakemyacquaintance。Thatgentlemanwaslikewiseapoet，andwouldbeoneofthepartytoTestaccio。IpromisedtheadvocateIwouldcometohishouseontheThursdaywithacarriagefortwo。
AtthattimeeveryThursdayinthemonthofOctoberwasafestivaldayinRome。IwenttoseeDonnaCeciliaintheevening，andwetalkedabouttheexcursionthewholetime。IfeltcertainthatDonnaLucrezialookedforwardtoitwithasmuchpleasureasIdidmyself。
Wehadnofixedplan，wecouldnothaveany，butwetrustedtothegodoflove，andtacitlyplacedourconfidenceinhisprotection。
ItookcarethatFatherGeorgishouldnothearofthatexcursionbeforeImentionedittohimmyself，andIhastenedtohiminordertoobtainhispermissiontogo。Iconfessthat，toobtainhisleave，Iprofessedthemostcompleteindifferenceaboutit，andtheconsequencewasthatthegoodmaninsisteduponmygoing，sayingthatitwasafamilyparty，andthatitwasquiterightformetovisittheenvironsofRomeandtoenjoymyselfinarespectableway。
IwenttoDonnaCecilia’sinacarriagewhichIhiredfromacertainRoland，anativeofAvignon，andifIinsisthereuponhisnameitisbecausemyreaderswillmeethimagainineighteenyears，hisacquaintancewithmehavinghadveryimportantresults。ThecharmingwidowintroducedmetoDonFrancisco，herintendedson—in—law，whomsherepresentedasagreatfriendofliterarymen，andverydeeplylearnedhimself。Iaccepteditasgospel，andbehavedaccordingly；
yetIthoughthelookedratherheavyandnotsufficientlyelatedforayoungmanonthepointofmarryingsuchaprettygirlasAngelique。
Buthehadplentyofgood—natureandplentyofmoney，andthesearebetterthanlearningandgallantry。
Aswewerereadytogetintothecarriages，theadvocatetoldmethathewouldridewithmeinmycarriage，andthatthethreeladieswouldgowithDonFranciscointheother。IansweredatoncethatheoughttokeepDonFranciscocompany，andthatIclaimedtheprivilegeoftakingcareofDonnaCecilia，addingthatIshouldfeeldishonouredifthingswerearrangeddifferently。ThereuponIofferedmyarmtothehandsomewidow，whothoughtthearrangementaccordingtotherulesofetiquetteandgoodbreeding，andanapprovinglookofmyLucreziagavemethemostagreeablesensation。Yettheproposaloftheadvocatestruckmesomewhatunpleasantly，becauseitwasincontradictionwithhisformerbehaviour，andespeciallywithwhathehadsaidtomeinmyroomafewdaysbefore。\"Hashebecomejealous？\"Isaidtomyself；thatwouldhavemademealmostangry，butthehopeofbringinghimroundduringourstayatTestaccioclearedawaythedarkcloudonmymind，andIwasveryamiabletoDonnaCecilia。Whatwithlunchingandwalkingwecontrivedtopasstheafternoonverypleasantly；Iwasverygay，andmyloveforLucreziawasnotoncementioned；Iwasallattentiontohermother。
IoccasionallyaddressedmyselftoLucrezia，butnotoncetotheadvocate，feelingthisthebestwaytoshewhimthathehadinsultedme。
Aswepreparedtoreturn，theadvocatecarriedoffDonnaCeciliaandwentwithhertothecarriageinwhichwerealreadyseatedAngeliqueandDonFrancisco。Scarcelyabletocontrolmydelight，IofferedmyarmtoDonnaLucrezia，payinghersomeabsurdcompliment，whiletheadvocatelaughedoutright，andseemedtoenjoythetrickheimaginedhehadplayedme。
Howmanythingswemighthavesaidtoeachotherbeforegivingourselvesuptothematerialenjoymentofourlove，hadnottheinstantsbeensoprecious！But，awarethatwehadonlyhalfanhourbeforeus，weweresparingoftheminutes。WewereabsorbedinvoluptuouspleasurewhensuddenlyLucreziaexclaims，———
\"Oh！dear，howunhappyweare！\"
Shepushesmeback，composesherself，thecarriagestops，andtheservantopensthedoor。\"Whatisthematter？\"Ienquire。\"Weareathome。\"WheneverIrecollectthecircumstance，itseemstomefabulous，foritisnotpossibletoannihilatetime，andthehorseswereregularoldscrews。Butwewereluckyallthrough。Thenightwasdark，andmybelovedangelhappenedtobeontherightsidetogetoutofthecarriagefirst，sothat，althoughtheadvocatewasatthedoorofthebroughamassoonasthefootman，everythingwentright，owingtotheslowmannerinwhichLucreziaalighted。I
remainedatDonnaCecilia’suntilmidnight。
WhenIgothomeagain，Iwenttobed；buthowcouldIsleep？IfeltburninginmetheflamewhichIhadnotbeenabletorestoretoitsoriginalsourceinthetooshortdistancefromTestacciotoRome。Itwasconsumingme。Oh！unhappyarethosewhobelievethatthepleasuresofCytheraareworthhaving，unlesstheyareenjoyedinthemostperfectaccordbytwoheartsoverflowingwithlove！
IonlyroseintimeformyFrenchlesson。Myteacherhadaprettydaughter，namedBarbara，whowasalwayspresentduringmylessons，andwhosometimestaughtmeherselfwithevenmoreexactitudethanherfather。Agood—lookingyoungman，wholikewisetooklessons，wascourtingher，andIsoonperceivedthatshelovedhim。Thisyoungmancalledoftenuponme，andIlikedhim，especiallyonaccountofhisreserve，for，althoughImadehimconfesshisloveforBarbara，healwayschangedthesubject，ifImentioneditinourconversation。
Ihadmadeupmymindtorespecthisreserve，andhadnotalludedtohisaffectionforseveraldays。ButallatonceIremarkedthathehadceasedhisvisitsbothtomeandtohisteacher，andatthesametimeIobservedthattheyounggirlwasnolongerpresentatmylessons；Ifeltsomecuriositytoknowwhathadhappened，althoughitwasnot，afterall，anyconcernofmine。
Afewdaysafter，asIwasreturningfromchurch，Imettheyoungman，andreproachedhimforkeepingawayfromusall。Hetoldmethatgreatsorrowhadbefallenhim，whichhadfairlyturnedhisbrain，andthathewasapreytothemostintensedespair。Hiseyeswerewetwithtears。AsIwasleavinghim，heheldmeback，andI
toldhimthatIwouldnolongerbehisfriendunlessheopenedhishearttome。Hetookmetooneofthecloisters，andhespokethus:
\"IhavelovedBarbaraforthelastsixmonths，andforthreemonthsshehasgivenmeindisputableproofsofheraffection。Fivedaysago，wewerebetrayedbytheservant，andthefathercaughtusinaratherdelicateposition。Helefttheroomwithoutsayingoneword，andIfollowedhim，thinkingofthrowingmyselfathisfeet；but，asIappearedbeforehim，hetookholdofmebythearm，pushedmeroughlytothedoor，andforbademeevertopresentmyselfagainathishouse。Icannotclaimherhandinmarriage，becauseoneofmybrothersismarried，andmyfatherisnotrich；Ihavenoprofession，andmymistresshasnothing。Alas，nowthatIhaveconfessedalltoyou，tellme，Ientreatyou，howsheis。IamcertainthatsheisasmiserableasIammyself。Icannotmanagetogetaletterdeliveredtoher，forshedoesnotleavethehouse，eventoattendchurch。
Unhappywretch！WhatshallIdo？\"
Icouldbutpityhim，for，asamanofhonour，itwasimpossibleformetointerfereinsuchabusiness。ItoldhimthatIhadnotseenBarbaraforfivedays，and，notknowingwhattosay，Igavehimtheadvicewhichistenderedbyallfoolsundersimilarcircumstances；I
advisedhimtoforgethismistress。
WehadthenreachedthequayofRipetta，and，observingthathewascastingdarklookstowardstheTiber，Ifearedhisdespairmightleadhimtocommitsomefoolishattemptagainsthisownlife，and，inordertocalmhisexcitedfeelings，Ipromisedtomakesomeenquiriesfromthefatherabouthismistress，andtoinformhimofallIheard。
Hefeltquietedbymypromise，andentreatedmenottoforgethim。
InspiteofthefirewhichhadbeenragingthroughmyveinseversincetheexcursiontoTestaccio，IhadnotseenmyLucreziaforfourdays。IdreadedFatherGeorgi’ssuavemanner，andIwasstillmoreafraidoffindinghehadmadeuphismindtogivemenomoreadvice。
But，unabletoresistmydesires，IcalleduponLucreziaaftermyFrenchlesson，andfoundheralone，sadanddispirited。
\"Ah！\"sheexclaimed，assoonasIwasbyherside，\"Ithinkyoumightfindtimetocomeandseeme！\"
\"Mybelovedone，itisnotthatIcannotfindtime，butIamsojealousofmylovethatIwouldratherdiethanletitbeknownpublicly。IhavebeenthinkingofinvitingyoualltodinewithmeatFrascati。Iwillsendyouaphaeton，andItrustthatsomeluckyaccidentwillsmileuponourlove。\"
\"Oh！yes，do，dearest！Iamsureyourinvitationwillbeaccepted:\"
Inaquarterofanhourtherestofthefamilycamein，andI
profferedmyinvitationforthefollowingSunday，whichhappenedtobetheFestivalofSt。Ursula，patronessofLucrezia’syoungestsister。IbeggedDonnaCeciliatobringheraswellasherson。Myproposalbeingreadilyaccepted，IgavenoticethatthephaetonwouldbeatDonnaCecilia’sdooratseveno’clock，andthatIwouldcomemyselfwithacarriagefortwopersons。
ThenextdayIwenttoM。Dalacqua，and，aftermylesson，IsawBarbarawho，passingfromoneroomtoanother，droppedapaperandearnestlylookedatme。Ifeltboundtopickitup，becauseaservant，whowasathand，mighthaveseenitandtakenit。Itwasaletter，enclosinganotheraddressedtoherlover。Thenoteformeranthus:\"Ifyouthinkittobeasintodelivertheenclosedtoyourfriend，burnit。Havepityonanunfortunategirl，andbediscreet。\"
Theenclosedletterwhichwasunsealed，ranasfollows:\"Ifyoulovemeasdeeplyas’Iloveyou，youcannothopetobehappywithoutme；
wecannotcorrespondinanyotherwaythantheoneIamboldenoughtoadopt。Iamreadytodoanythingtouniteourlivesuntildeath。
Consideranddecide。\"
Thecruelsituationofthepoorgirlmovedmealmosttotears；yetI
determinedtoreturnherletterthenextday，andIencloseditinanoteinwhichIbeggedhertoexcusemeifIcouldnotrenderhertheservicesherequiredatmyhands。Iputitinmypocketreadyfordelivery。ThenextdayIwentformylessonasusual，but，notseeingBarbara，Ihadnoopportunityofreturningherletter，andpostponeditsdeliverytothefollowingday。Unfortunately，justafterIhadreturnedtomyroom，theunhappylovermadehisappearance。Hiseyeswereredfromweeping，hisvoicehoarse；hedrewsuchavividpictureofhismisery，that，dreadingsomemadactioncounselledbydespair，IcouldnotwithholdfromhimtheconsolationwhichIknewitwasinmypowertogive。Thiswasmyfirsterrorinthisfatalbusiness；Iwasthevictimofmyownkindness。
Thepoorfellowreadtheletteroverandover；hekisseditwithtransportsofjoy；hewept，huggedme，andthankedmeforsavinghislife，andfinallyentreatedmetotakechargeofhisanswer，ashisbelovedmistressmustbelongingforconsolationasmuchashehadbeenhimself，assuringmethathislettercouldnotinanywayimplicateme，andthatIwasatlibertytoreadit。
Andtruly，althoughverylong，hislettercontainednothingbuttheassuranceofeverlastinglove，andhopeswhichcouldnotberealized。
YetIwaswrongtoacceptthecharacterofMercurytothetwoyounglovers。Torefuse，IhadonlytorecollectthatFatherGeorgiwouldcertainlyhavedisapprovedofmyeasycompliance。
ThenextdayIfoundM。Dalacquaillinbed；hisdaughtergavememylessoninhisroom，andIthoughtthatperhapsshehadobtainedherpardon。Icontrivedtogiveherherlover’sletter，whichshedextrouslyconveyedtoherpocket，butherblusheswouldhaveeasilybetrayedherifherfatherhadbeenlookingthatway。AfterthelessonIgaveM。DalacquanoticethatIwouldnotcomeonthemorrow，asitwastheFestivalofSt。Ursula，oneoftheeleventhousandprincessesandmartyr—virgins。
Intheevening，atthereceptionofhiseminence，whichIattendedregularly，althoughpersonsofdistinctionseldomspoketome，thecardinalbeckonedtome。HewasspeakingtothebeautifulMarchionessG————，towhomGamahadindiscreetlyconfidedthatI
thoughtherthehandsomestwomanamongsthiseminence’sguests。
\"Hergrace，\"saidtheCardinal，\"wishestoknowwhetheryouaremakingrapidprogressintheFrenchlanguage，whichshespeaksadmirably。\"
IansweredinItalianthatIhadlearnedagreatdeal，butthatIwasnotyetboldenoughtospeak。
\"Youshouldbebold，\"saidthemarchioness，\"butwithoutshowinganypretension。Itisthebestwavtodisarmcriticism。\"
Mymindhavingalmostunwittinglylenttothewords\"Youshouldbebold\"ameaningwhichhadverylikelybeenfarfromtheideaofthemarchioness，Iturnedveryred，andthehandsomespeaker，observingit，changedtheconversationanddismissedme。
Thenextmorning，atseveno’clock，IwasatDonnaCecilia’sdoor。
Thephaetonwasthereaswellasthecarriagefortwopersons，whichthistimewasanelegantvis—a—vis，solightandwell—hungthatDonnaCeciliapraisedithighlywhenshetookherseat。
\"IshallhavemyturnaswereturntoRome，\"saidLucrezia；andI
bowedtoherasifinacceptanceofherpromise。
Lucreziathussetsuspicionatdefianceinordertopreventsuspicionarising。Myhappinesswasassured，andIgavewaytomynaturalflowofspirits。Iorderedasplendiddinner，andweallsetouttowardstheVillaLudovisi。Aswemighthavemissedeachotherduringourramblings，weagreedtomeetagainattheinnatoneo’clock。Thediscreetwidowtookthearmofherson—in—law，Angeliqueremainedwithhersister，andLucreziawasmydelightfulshare；Ursulaandherbrotherwererunningabouttogether，andinlessthanaquarterofanhourIhadLucreziaentirelytomyself。
\"Didyouremark，\"shesaid，\"withwhatcandourIsecuredforustwohoursofdelightful’tete—a—tete’，anda’tete—a—tete’ina’vis—a—
vis’，too！HowcleverLoveis！\"
\"Yes，darling，Lovehasmadebutoneofourtwosouls。Iadoreyou，andifIhavethecouragetopasssomanydayswithoutseeingyouitisinordertoberewardedbythefreedomofonesingledaylikethis。\"
\"Ididnotthinkitpossible。Butyouhavemanageditallverywell。
Youknowtoomuchforyourage，dearest。\"
\"Amonthago，mybeloved，Iwasbutanignorantchild，andyouarethefirstwomanwhohasinitiatedmeintothemysteriesoflove。
Yourdeparturewillkillme，forIcouldnotfindanotherwomanlikeyouinallItaly。\"
\"What！amIyourfirstlove？Alas！youwillneverbecuredofit。
Oh！whyamInotentirelyyourown？Youarealsothefirsttrueloveofmyheart，andyouwillbethelast。Howgreatwillbethehappinessofmysuccessor！Ishouldnotbejealousofher，butwhatsufferingwouldbemineifIthoughtthatherheartwasnotlikemine！\"
Lucrezia，seeingmyeyeswetwithtears，begantogivewaytoherown，and，seatingourselvesonthegrass，ourlipsdrankourtearsamidstthesweetestkisses。Howsweetisthenectarofthetearsshedbylove，whenthatnectarisrelishedamidsttherapturesofmutualardour！Ihaveoftentastedthem——thosedelicioustears，andIcansayknowinglythattheancientphysicianswereright，andthatthemodernarewrong。
Inamomentofcalm，seeingthedisorderinwhichwebothwere，I
toldherthatwemightbesurprised。
\"Donotfear，mybestbeloved，\"shesaid，\"weareundertheguardianshipofourgoodangels。\"
Wewererestingandrevivingourstrengthbygazingintooneanother’seyes，whensuddenlyLucrezia，castingaglancetotheright，exclaimed，\"Lookthere！idolofmyheart，haveInottoldyouso？Yes，theangelsarewatchingoverus！Ah！howhestaresatus！Heseemstotrytogiveusconfidence。Lookatthatlittledemon；admirehim！
Hemustcertainlybeyourguardianspiritormine。\"
Ithoughtshewasdelirious。
\"Whatareyousaying，dearest？Idonotunderstandyou。WhatamI
toadmire？\"
\"Doyounotseethatbeautifulserpentwiththeblazingskin，whichliftsitsheadandseemstoworshipus？\"
Ilookedinthedirectionsheindicated，andsawaserpentwithchangeablecoloursaboutthreefeetinlength，whichdidseemtobelookingatus。Iwasnotparticularlypleasedatthesight，butI
couldnotshowmyselflesscourageousthanshewas。
\"What！\"saidI，\"areyounotafraid？\"
\"Itellyou，again，thatthesightisdelightfultome，andIfeelcertainthatitisaspiritwithnothingbuttheshape，orrathertheappearance，ofaserpent。\"
\"Andifthespiritcameglidingalongthegrassandhissedatyou？\"
\"Iwouldholdyoutighteragainstmybosom，andsethimatdefiance。
InyourarmsLucreziaissafe。Look！thespiritisgoingaway。
Quick，quick！Heiswarningusoftheapproachofsomeprofaneperson，andtellsustoseeksomeotherretreattorenewourpleasures。Letusgo。\"
WeroseandslowlyadvancedtowardsDonnaCeciliaandtheadvocate，whowerejustemergingfromaneighbouringalley。Withoutavoidingthem，andwithouthurrying，justasiftomeetoneanotherwasaverynaturaloccurrence，IenquiredofDonnaCeciliawhetherherdaughterhadanyfearofserpents。
\"Inspiteofallherstrengthofmind，\"sheanswered，\"sheisdreadfullyafraidofthunder，andshewillscreamwithterroratthesightofthesmallestsnake。Therearesomehere，butsheneednotbefrightened，fortheyarenotvenomous\"
Iwasspeechlesswithastonishment，forIdiscoveredthatIhadjustwitnessedawonderfullovemiracle。Atthatmomentthechildrencameup，and，withoutceremony，weagainpartedcompany。
\"Tellme，wonderfulbeing，bewitchingwoman，whatwouldyouhavedoneif，insteadofyourprettyserpent，youhadseenyourhusbandandyourmother？\"
\"Nothing。Doyounotknowthat，inmomentsofsuchrapture，loversseeandfeelnothingbutlove？Doyoudoubthavingpossessedmewholly，entirely？\"
Lucrezia，inspeakingthus，wasnotcomposingapoeticalode；shewasnotfeigningfictitioussentiments；herlooks，thesoundofhervoice，weretruthitself！
\"Areyoucertain，\"Ienquired，\"thatwearenotsuspected？\"
\"Myhusbanddoesnotbelieveustobeinlovewitheachother，orelsehedoesnotmindsuchtriflingpleasuresasyouthisgenerallywonttoindulgein。Mymotherisacleverwoman，andperhapsshesuspectsthetruth，butsheisawarethatitisnolongeranyconcernofhers。Astomysister，shemustknoweverything，forshecannothaveforgottenthebroken—downbed；butsheisprudent，andbesides，shehastakenitintoherheadtopityme。Shehasnoconceptionofthenatureofmyfeelingstowardsyou。IfIhadnotmetyou，mybeloved，Ishouldprobablyhavegonethroughlifewithoutrealizingsuchfeelingsmyself；forwhatIfeelformyhusband……well，Ihaveforhimtheobediencewhichmypositionasawifeimposesuponme。\"
\"Andyetheismosthappy，andIenvyhim！Hecanclaspinhisarmsallyourlovelypersonwheneverhelikes！Thereisnohatefulveiltohideanyofyourcharmsfromhisgaze。\"
\"Oh！whereartthou，mydearserpent？Cometous，comeandprotectusagainstthesurpriseoftheuninitiated，andthisveryinstantI
fulfilallthewishesofhimIadore！\"
Wepassedthemorninginrepeatingthatwelovedeachother，andinexchangingoverandoveragainsubstantialproofsofourmutualpassion。
Wehadadeliciousdinner，duringwhichIwasallattentionfortheamiableDonnaCecilia。Myprettytortoise—shellbox，filledwithexcellentsnuff，wentmorethanonceroundthetable。AsithappenedtobeinthehandsofLucreziawhowassittingonmyleft，herhusbandtoldherthat，ifIhadnoobjection，shemightgivemeherringandkeepthesnuff—boxinexchange。Thinkingthattheringwasnotofasmuchvalueasmybox，Iimmediatelyaccepted，butIfoundtheringofgreatervalue。Lucreziawouldnot，however，listentoanythingonthatsubject。Sheputtheboxinherpocket，andthuscompelledmetokeepherring。
Dessertwasnearlyover，theconversationwasveryanimated，whensuddenlytheintendedhusbandofAngeliqueclaimedourattentionforthereadingofasonnetwhichhehadcomposedanddedicatedtome。I
thankedhim，andplacingthesonnetinmypocketpromisedtowriteoneforhim。Thiswasnot，however，whathewished；heexpectedthat，stimulatedbyemulation，Iwouldcallforpaperandpen，andsacrificetoApollohourswhichitwasmuchmoretomytastetoemployinworshippinganothergodwhomhiscoldnatureknewonlybyname。Wedrankcoffee，Ipaidthebill，andwewentaboutramblingthroughthelabyrinthinealleysoftheVillaAldobrandini。
Whatsweetrecollectionsthatvillahasleftinmymemory！ItseemedasifIsawmydivineLucreziaforthefirsttime。Ourlookswerefullofardentlove，ourheartswerebeatinginconcertwiththemosttenderimpatience，andanaturalinstinctwasleadingustowardsasolitaryasylumwhichthehandofLoveseemedtohavepreparedonpurposeforthemysteriesofitssecretworship。There，inthemiddleofalongavenue，andunderacanopyofthickfoliage，wefoundawidesofamadeofgrass，andshelteredbyadeepthicket；
fromthatplaceoureyescouldrangeoveranimmenseplain，andviewtheavenuetosuchadistancerightandleftthatwewereperfectlysecureagainstanysurprise。Wedidnotrequiretoexchangeonewordatthesightofthisbeautifultemplesofavourabletoourlove；ourheartsspokethesamelanguage。
Withoutawordbeingspoken，ourreadyhandssoonmanagedtogetridofallobstacles，andtoexposeinastateofnatureallthebeautieswhicharegenerallyveiledbytroublesomewearingapparel。Twowholehoursweredevotedtothemostdelightful，lovingecstasies。Atlastweexclaimedtogetherinmutualecstasy，\"OLove，wethankthee！\"
Weslowlyretracedourstepstowardsthecarriages，revellinginourintensehappiness。LucreziainformedmethatAngelique’ssuitorwaswealthy，thatheownedasplendidvillaatTivoli，andthatmostlikelyhewouldinviteusalltodineandpassthenightthere。
\"Ipraythegodoflove，\"sheadded，\"tograntusanightasbeautifulasthisdayhasbeen。\"Then，lookingsad，shesaid，\"Butalas！theecclesiasticallawsuitwhichhasbroughtmyhusbandtoRomeisprogressingsofavourablythatIammortallyafraidhewillobtainjudgmentalltoosoon。\"
Thejourneybacktothecitylastedtwohours；wewerealoneinmyvis—a—visandweovertaxednature，exactingmorethanitcanpossiblygive。AsweweregettingnearRomewewerecompelledtoletthecurtainfallbeforethedenouementofthedramawhichwehadperformedtothecompletesatisfactionoftheactors。
Ireturnedhomeratherfatigued，butthesoundsleepwhichwassonaturalatmyagerestoredmyfullvigour，andinthemorningItookmyFrenchlessonattheusualhour。
CHAPTERX
BenedictXIV——ExcursiontoTivoli——DepartureofLucrezia——TheMarchionessG。——BarbaraDalacqua——MyMisfortunes——ILeaveRomeM。Dalacquabeingveryill，hisdaughterBarbaragavememylesson。
Whenitwasover，sheseizedanopportunityofslippingaletterintomypocket，andimmediatelydisappeared，sothatIhadnochanceofrefusing。Theletterwasaddressedtome，andexpressedfeelingsofthewarmestgratitude。Sheonlydesiredmetoinformherloverthatherfatherhadspokentoheragain，andthatmostlikelyhewouldengageanewservantassoonashehadrecoveredfromhisillness，andsheconcludedherletterbyassuringmethatsheneverwouldimplicatemeinthisbusiness。
Herfatherwascompelledtokeephisbedforafortnight，andBarbaracontinuedtogivememylessoneveryday。Ifeltforheraninterestwhich，frommetowardsayoungandprettygirl，was，indeed，quiteanewsentiment。Itwasafeelingofpity，andIwasproudofbeingabletohelpandcomforther。Hereyesneverresteduponmine，herhandnevermetmine，Ineversawinhertoilettheslightestwishtopleaseme。Shewasverypretty，andIknewshehadatender，lovingnature；butnothinginterferedwiththerespectandtheregardwhichIwasboundinhonourandingoodfaithtofeeltowardsher，andI
wasproudtoremarkthatsheneverthoughtmecapableoftakingadvantageofherweaknessorofherposition。
Whenthefatherhadrecoveredhedismissedhisservantandengagedanother。Barbaraentreatedmetoinformherfriendofthecircumstance，andlikewiseofherhopetogainthenewservanttotheirinterests，atleastsufficientlytosecurethepossibilityofcarryingonsomecorrespondence。Ipromisedtodoso，andasamarkofhergratitudeshetookmyhandtocarryittoherlips，butquicklywithdrawingitItriedtokissher；sheturnedherfaceaway，blushingdeeply。Iwasmuchpleasedwithhermodesty。
Barbarahavingsucceededingainingthenewservantover，Ihadnothingmoretodowiththeintrigue，andIwasverygladofit，forIknewmyinterferencemighthavebroughtevilonmyownhead。
Unfortunately，itwasalreadytoolate。
IseldomvisitedDonGaspar；thestudyoftheFrenchlanguagetookupallmymornings，anditwasonlyinthemorningthatIcouldseehim；
butIcalledeveryeveninguponFatherGeorgi，and，althoughIwenttohimonlyasoneofhis’proteges’，itgavemesomereputation。I
seldomspokebeforehisguests，yetIneverfeltweary，forinhiscirclehisfriendswouldcriticisewithoutslandering，discusspoliticswithoutstubbornness，literaturewithoutpassion，andI
profitedbyall。Aftermyvisittothesagaciousmonk，Iusedtoattendtheassemblyofthecardinal，mymaster，asamatterofduty。
Almosteveryevening，whenshehappenedtoseemeathercard—table，thebeautifulmarchionesswouldaddresstomeafewgraciouswordsinFrench，andIalwaysansweredinItalian，notcaringtomakeherlaughbeforesomanypersons。Myfeelingsforherwereofasingularkind。Imustleavethemtotheanalysisofthereader。Ithoughtthatwomancharming，yetIavoidedher；itwasnotbecauseIwasafraidoffallinginlovewithher；IlovedLucrezia，andIfirmlybelievedthatsuchanaffectionwasashieldagainstanyotherattachment，butitwasbecauseIfearedthatshemightlovemeorhaveapassingfancyforme。Wasitself—conceitormodesty，viceorvirtue？Perhapsneitheronenortheother。
OneeveningshedesiredtheAbbeGamatocallmetoher；shewasstandingnearthecardinal，mypatron，andthemomentIapproachedhershecausedmeastrangefeelingofsurprisebyaskingmeinItalianaquestionwhichIwasfarfromanticipating:
\"HowdidyoulikeFrascati？\"
\"Verymuch，madam；Ihaveneverseensuchabeautifulplace。\"
\"Butyourcompanywasstillmorebeautiful，andyourvis—a—viswasverysmart。\"
Ionlybowedlowtothemarchioness，andamomentafterCardinalAcquavivasaidtome，kindly，\"Youareastonishedatyouradventurebeingknown？\"
\"No，mylord；butIamsurprisedthatpeopleshouldtalkofit。I
couldnothavebelievedRometobesomuchlikeasmallvillage。\"
\"ThelongeryouliveinRome，\"saidhiseminence，\"themoreyouwillfinditso。YouhavenotyetpresentedyourselftokissthefootofourHolyFather？\"
\"Notyet，mylord。\"
\"Thenyoumustdoso。\"
Ibowedincompliancetohiswishes。
TheAbbeGamatoldmetopresentmyselftothePopeonthemorrow，andheadded，\"OfcourseyouhavealreadyshewnyourselfintheMarchionessG。’spalace？\"
\"No，Ihaveneverbeenthere。\"
\"Youastonishme；butsheoftenspeakstoyou！\"
\"Ihavenoobjectiontogowithyou。\"
\"Inevervisitatherpalace。\"
\"Yetshespeakstoyoulikewise。\"
\"Yes，but……YoudonotknowRome；goalone；believeme，yououghttogo。\"
\"Willshereceiveme？\"
\"Youarejoking，Isuppose。Ofcourseitisoutofthequestionforyoutobeannounced。Youwillcallwhenthedoorsarewideopentoeverybody。Youwillmeetthereallthosewhopayhomagetoher。\"
\"Willsheseeme？\"
\"Nodoubtofit。\"
OnthefollowingdayIproceededtoMonte—Cavallo，andIwasatonceledintotheroomwherethePopewasalone。Ithrewmyselfonmykneesandkissedtheholycrossonhismostholyslipper。ThePopeenquiringwhoIwas，Itoldhim，andheansweredthatheknewme，congratulatingmeuponmybeingintheserviceofsoeminentacardinal。HeaskedmehowIhadsucceededingainingthecardinal’sfavour；IansweredwithafaithfulrecitalofmyadventuresfrommyarrivalatMartorano。HelaughedheartilyatallIsaidrespectingthepoorandworthybishop，andremarkedthat，insteadoftryingtoaddresshiminTuscan，IcouldspeakintheVenetiandialect，ashewashimselfspeakingtomeinthedialectofBologna。Ifeltquiteatmyeasewithhim，andItoldhimsomuchnewsandamusedhimsowellthattheHolyFatherkindlysaidthathewouldbegladtoseemewheneverIpresentedmyselfatMonte—Cavallo。Ibeggedhispermissiontoreadallforbiddenbooks，andhegranteditwithhisblessing，sayingthatIshouldhavethepermissioninwriting，butheforgotit。
BenedictXIV，wasalearnedman，veryamiable，andfondofajoke。
IsawhimforthesecondtimeattheVillaMedicis。Hecalledmetohim，andcontinuedhiswalk，speakingoftriflingthings。HewasthenaccompaniedbyCardinalAlbaniandtheambassadorfromVenice。
AmanofmodestappearanceapproachedHisHoliness，whoaskedwhatherequired；themansaidafewwordsinalowvoice，and，afterlisteningtohim，thePopeanswered，\"Youareright，placeyourtrustinGod；\"andhegavehimhisblessing。Thepoorfellowwentawayverydejected，andtheHolyFathercontinuedhiswalk。
\"Thisman，\"Isaid，\"mostHolyFather，hasnotbeenpleasedwiththeanswerofYourHoliness。\"
\"Why？\"
\"BecausemostlikelyhehadalreadyaddressedhimselftoGodbeforeheventuredtoapplytoyou；andwhenYourHolinesssendshimtoGodagain，hefindshimselfsentback，astheproverbsays，fromHerodtoPilate。\"
ThePope，aswellashistwocompanions，laughedheartily；butIkeptaseriouscountenance。
\"Icannot，\"continuedthePope，\"doanygoodwithoutGod’sassistance。\"
\"Verytrue，HolyFather；butthemanisawarethatyouareGod’sprimeminister，anditiseasytoimaginehistroublenowthattheministersendshimagaintothemaster。HisonlyresourceistogivemoneytothebeggarsofRome，whoforone’bajocco’willprayforhim。TheyboastoftheirinfluencebeforethethroneoftheAlmighty，butasIhavefaithonlyinyourcredit，IentreatYourHolinesstodelivermeoftheheatwhichinflamesmyeyesbygrantingmepermissiontoeatmeat。\"
\"Eatmeat，myson。\"
\"HolyFather，givemeyourblessing。\"
Heblessedme，addingthatIwasnotdispensedfromfasting。
Thatveryevening，atthecardinal’sassembly，IfoundthatthenewsofmydialoguewiththePopewasalreadyknown。Everybodywasanxioustospeaktome。Ifeltflattered，butIwasmuchmoredelightedatthejoywhichCardinalAcquavivatriedinvaintoconceal。
AsIwishednottoneglectGama’sadvice，Ipresentedmyselfatthemansionofthebeautifulmarchionessatthehouratwhicheveryonehadfreeaccesstoherladyship。Isawher，Isawthecardinalandagreatmanyabbes；butImighthavesupposedmyselfinvisible，fornoonehonouredmewithalook，andnoonespoketome。Ileftafterhavingperformedforhalfanhourthecharacterofamute。Fiveorsixdaysafterwards，themarchionesstoldmegraciouslythatshehadcaughtasightofmeinherreception—rooms。
\"Iwasthere，itistrue，madam；butIhadnoideathatIhadhadthehonourtobeseenbyyourladyship。\"
\"Oh！Iseeeverybody。Theytellmethatyouhavewit。\"
\"Ifitisnotamistakeonthepartofyourinformants，yourladyshipgivesmeverygoodnews。\"
\"Oh！theyareexcellentjudges。\"
\"Then，madam，thosepersonsmusthavehonouredmewiththeirconversation；otherwise，itisnotlikelythattheywouldhavebeenabletoexpresssuchanopinion。\"
\"Nodoubt；butletmeseeyouoftenatmyreceptions。\"
Ourconversationhadbeenoverheardbythosewhowerearound；hisexcellencythecardinaltoldmethat，whenthemarchionessaddressedherselfparticularlytomeinFrench，mydutywastoanswerherinthesamelanguage，goodorbad。ThecunningpoliticianGamatookmeapart，andremarkedthatmyreparteesweretoosmart，toocutting，andthat，afteratime，Iwouldbesuretodisplease。IhadmadeconsiderableprogressinFrench；Ihadgivenupmylessons，andpracticewasallIrequired。IwastheninthehabitofcallingsometimesuponLucreziainthemorning，andofvisitingintheeveningFatherGeorgi，whowasacquaintedwiththeexcursiontoFrascati，andhadnotexpressedanydissatisfaction。
Twodaysafterthesortofcommandlaiduponmebythemarchioness，I
presentedmyselfatherreception。Assoonasshesawme，shefavouredmewithasmilewhichIacknowledgedbyadeepreverence；
thatwasall。InaquarterofanhourafterwardsIleftthemansion。
Themarchionesswasbeautiful，butshewaspowerful，andIcouldnotmakeupmymindtocrawlatthefeetofpower，and，onthathead，I
feltdisgustedwiththemannersoftheRomans。
OnemorningtowardstheendofNovembertheadvocate，accompaniedbyAngelique’sintended，calledonme。Thelattergavemeapressinginvitationtospendtwenty—fourhoursatTivoliwiththefriendsI
hadentertainedatFrascati。Iacceptedwithgreatpleasure，forI
hadfoundnoopportunityofbeingalonewithLucreziasincetheFestivalofSt。Ursula。IpromisedtobeatDonnaCecilia’shouseatday—breakwiththesame’is—a—vis’。Itwasnecessarytostartveryearly，becauseTivoliissixteenmilesfromRome，andhassomanyobjectsofinterestthatitrequiresmanyhourstoseethemall。AsIhadtosleepoutthatnight，Icravedpermissiontodosofromthecardinalhimself，who，hearingwithwhomIwasgoing，toldmethatI
wasquiterightnottolosesuchanopportunityofvisitingthatsplendidplaceinsuchgoodsociety。
Thefirstdawnofdayfoundmewithmy’vis—a—vis’andfouratthedoorofDonnaCecilia，whocamewithmeasbefore。Thecharmingwidow，notwithstandingherstrictmorality，wasdelightedatmyloveforherdaughter。ThefamilyrodeinalargephaetonhiredbyDonFrancisco，whichgaveroomforsixpersons。
Athalf—pastseveninthemorningwemadeahaltatasmallplacewherehadbeenprepared，byDonFranciso’sorders，anexcellentbreakfast，whichwasintendedtoreplacethedinner，andweallmadeaheartymeal，aswewerenotlikelytofindtimeforanythingbutsupperatTivoli。IworeonmyfingerthebeautifulringwhichLucreziahadgivenme。AtthebackoftheringIhadhadapieceofenamelplaced，onitwasdelineatedasaduceus，withoneserpentbetweenthelettersAlphaandOmega。Thisringwasthesubjectofconversationduringbreakfast，andDonFrancisco，aswellastheadvocate，exertedhimselfinvaintoguessthemeaningofthehieroglyphs；muchtotheamusementofLucrezia，whounderstoodthemysterioussecretsowell。Wecontinuedourroad，andreachedTivoliatteno’clock。
WebeganbyvisitingDonFrancisco’svilla。Itwasabeautifullittlehouse，andwespentthefollowingsixhoursinexaminingtogethertheantiquitiesofTivoli。LucreziahavingoccasiontowhisperafewwordstoDonFrancisco，IseizedtheopportunityoftellingAngeliquethatafterhermarriageIshouldbehappytospendafewdaysofthefineseasonwithher。
\"Sir，\"sheanswered，\"IgiveyoufairnoticethatthemomentIbecomemistressinthishouseyouwillbetheveryfirstpersontobeexcluded。\"
\"Ifeelgreatlyobligedtoyou，signora，foryourtimelynotice。\"
ButthemostamusingpartoftheaffairwasthatIconstruedAngelique’swantoninsultintoadeclarationoflove。Iwasastounded。Lucrezia，remarkingthestateIwasin，touchedmyarm，enquiringwhatailedme。Itoldher，andshesaidatonce，\"Mydarling，myhappinesscannotlastlong；thecruelmomentofourseparationisdrawingnear。WhenIhavegone，prayundertakethetaskofcompellinghertoacknowledgehererror。Angeliquepitiesme，besuretoavengeme。\"
IhaveforgottentomentionthatatDonFrancisco’svillaIhappenedtopraiseaveryprettyroomopeningupontheorange—house，andtheamiablehost，havingheardme，cameobliginglytome，andsaidthatitshouldbemyroomthatnight。Lucreziafeignednottohear，butitwastoherAriadne’sclue，for，asweweretoremainaltogetherduringourvisittothebeautiesofTivoli，wehadnochanceofatete—a—tetethroughtheday。
IhavesaidthatwedevotedsixhourstoanexaminationoftheantiquitiesofTivoli，butIamboundtoconfessherethatIsaw，formypart，verylittleofthem，anditwasonlytwenty—eightyearslaterthatImadeathoroughacquaintancewiththebeautifulspot。
Wereturnedtothevillatowardsevening，fatiguedandveryhungry，butanhour’srestbeforesupper——arepastwhichlastedtwohours，themostdeliciousdishes，themostexquisitewines，andparticularlytheexcellentwineofTivoli——restoredussowellthateverybodywantednothingmorethanagoodbedandthefreedomtoenjoythebedaccordingtohisowntaste。
Aseverybodyobjectedtosleepalone，LucreziasaidthatshewouldsleepwithAngeliqueinoneoftheroomsleadingtotheorange—house，andproposedthatherhusbandshouldsharearoomwiththeyoungabbe，hisbrother—in—law，andthatDonnaCeciliashouldtakeheryoungestdaughterwithher。
Thearrangementmetwithgeneralapprobation，andDonFrancisco，takingacandle，escortedmetomyprettylittleroomadjoiningtheoneinwhichthetwosistersweretosleep，and，aftershewingmehowIcouldlockmyselfin，hewishedmegoodnightandleftmealone。
AngeliquehadnoideathatIwashernearneighbour，butLucreziaandI，withoutexchangingasinglewordonthesubject，hadperfectlyunderstoodeachother。
Iwatchedthroughthekey—holeandsawthetwosisterscomeintotheirroom，precededbythepoliteDonFrancisco，whocarriedataper，and，afterlightinganight—lamp，badethemgoodnightandretired。Thenmytwobeauties，theirdooroncelocked，satdownonthesofaandcompletedtheirnighttoilet，which，inthatfortunateclimate，issimilartothecostumeofourfirstmother。Lucrezia，knowingthatIwaswaitingtocomein，toldhersistertoliedownonthesidetowardsthewindow，andthevirgin，havingnoideathatshewasexposinghermostsecretbeautiestomyprofaneeyes，crossedtheroominastateofcompletenakedness。Lucreziaputoutthelampandlaydownnearherinnocentsister。
HappymomentswhichIcannolongerenjoy，butthesweetremembranceofwhichdeathalonecanmakemelose！IbelieveIneverundressedmyselfasquicklyasIdidthatevening。
IopenthedoorandfallintothearmsofmyLucrezia，whosaystohersister，\"Itismyangel，mylove；nevermindhim，andgotosleep。\"
WhatadelightfulpictureIcouldoffertomyreadersifitwerepossibleformetopaintvoluptuousnesinitsmostenchantingcolours！Whatecstasiesoflovefromtheveryonset！WhatdeliciousrapturessucceedeachotheruntilthesweetestfatiguemadeusgivewaytothesoothinginfluenceofMorpheus！
Thefirstraysofthesun，piercingthroughthecrevicesoftheshutters，wakeusoutofourrefreshingslumbers，andliketwovalorousknightswhohaveceasedfightingonlytorenewthecontestwithincreasedardour，welosenotimeingivingourselvesuptoalltheintensityoftheflamewhichconsumesus。
\"Oh，mybelovedLucrezia！howsupremelyhappyIam！But，mydarling，mindyoursister；shemightturnroundandseeus。\"
\"Fearnothing，mylife；mysisteriskind，shelovesme，shepitiesme；doyounotloveme，mydearAngelique？Oh！turnround，seehowhappyyoursisteris，andknowwhatfelicityawaitsyouwhenyouowntheswayoflove。\"
Angelique，ayoungmaidenofseventeensummers，whomusthavesufferedthetormentsofTantalusduringthenight，andwhoonlywishesforapretexttoshewthatshehasforgivenhersister，turnsround，andcoveringhersisterwithkisses，confessesthatshehasnotclosedhereyesthroughthenight。
\"Thenforgivelikewise，darlingAngelique，forgivehimwholovesme，andwhomIadore，\"saysLucrezia。
Unfathomablepowerofthegodwhoconquersallhumanbeings！
\"Angeliquehatesme，\"Isay，\"Idarenot……\"
\"No，Idonothateyou！\"answersthecharminggirl。
\"Kissher，dearest，\"saysLucrezia，pushingmetowardshersister，andpleasedtoseeherinmyarmsmotionlessandlanguid。
Butsentiment，stillmorethanlove，forbidsmetodepriveLucreziaoftheproofofmygratitude，andIturntoherwithalltheraptureofabeginner，feelingthatmyardourisincreasedbyAngelique’secstasy，asforthefirsttimeshewitnessestheamorouscontest。
Lucrezia，dyingofenjoyment，entreatsmetostop，but，asIdonotlistentoherprayer，shetricksme，andthesweetAngeliquemakesherfirstsacrificetothemotheroflove。Itisthus，verylikely，thatwhenthegodsinhabitedthisearth，thevoluptuousArcadia，inlovewiththesoftandpleasingbreathofZephyrus，onedayopenedherarms，andwasfecundated。
Lucreziawasastonishedanddelighted，andcoveredusbothwithkisses。Angelique，ashappyashersister，expireddeliciouslyinmyarmsforthethirdtime，andshesecondedmewithsomuchlovingardour，thatitseemedtomeIwastastinghappinessforthefirsttime。
Phoebushadleftthenuptialcouch，andhisrayswerealreadydiffusinglightovertheuniverse；andthatlight，reachingusthroughtheclosedshutters，gavemewarningtoquittheplace；weexchangedthemostlovingadieus，Ileftmytwodivinitiesandretiredtomyownroom。Afewminutesafterwards，thecheerfulvoiceoftheadvocatewasheardinthechamberofthesisters；hewasreproachingthemforsleepingtoolong！Thenheknockedatmydoor，threateningtobringtheladiestome，andwentaway，sayingthathewouldsendmethehair—dresser。
Aftermanyablutionsandacarefultoilet，IthoughtIcouldskewmyface，andIpresentedmyselfcoollyinthedrawing—room。Thetwosistersweretherewiththeothermembersofoursociety，andIwasdelightedwiththeirrosycheeks。Lucreziawasfrankandgay，andbeamedwithhappiness；Angelique，asfreshasthemorningdew，wasmoreradiantthanusual，butfidgety，andcarefullyavoidedlookingmeintheface。Isawthatmyuselessattemptstocatchhereyesmadehersmile，andIremarkedtohermother，rathermischievously，thatitwasapityAngeliqueusedpaintforherface。Shewasdupedbythisstratagem，andcompelledmetopassahandkerchiefoverherface，andwasthenobligedtolookatme。Iofferedhermyapologies，andDonFranciscoappearedhighlypleasedthatthecomplexionofhisintendedhadmetwithsuchtriumph。
Afterbreakfastwetookawalkthroughthegarden，and，findingmyselfalonewithLucrezia，Iexpostulatedtenderlywithherforhavingalmostthrownhersisterinmyarms。
\"Donotreproachme，\"shesaid，\"whenIdeservepraise。Ihavebroughtlightintothedarknessofmycharmingsister’ssoul；Ihaveinitiatedherinthesweetestofmysteries，andnow，insteadofpityingme，shemustenvyme。Farfromhavinghatredforyou，shemustloveyoudearly，andasIamsounhappyastohavetopartfromyouverysoon，mybeloved，Ileavehertoyou；shewillreplaceme。\"
\"Ah，Lucrezia！howcanIloveher？\"
\"Isshenotacharminggirl？\"
\"Nodoubtofit；butmyadorationforyouisashieldagainstanyotherlove。BesidesDonFranciscomust，ofcourse，entirelymonopolizeher，andIdonotwishtocausecoolnessbetweenthem，ortoruinthepeaceoftheirhome。Iamcertainyoursisterisnotlikeyou，andIwouldbetthat，evennow，sheupbraidsherselfforhavinggivenwaytotheardourofhertemperament:\"
\"Mostlikely；but，dearest，Iamsorrytosaymyhusbandexpectstoobtainjudgmentinthecourseofthisweek，andthentheshortinstantsofhappinesswillforeverbelosttome。\"
Thiswassadnewsindeed，andtocauseadiversionatthebreakfast—
tableItookmuchnoticeofthegenerousDonFrancisco，andpromisedtocomposeanuptialsongforhiswedding—day，whichhadbeenfixedfortheearlypartofJanuary。
WereturnedtoRome，andforthethreehoursthatshewaswithmeinmyvis—a—vis，Lucreziahadnoreasontothinkthatmyardourwasatallabated。ButwhenwereachedthecityIwasratherfatigued，andproceededatoncetothepalace。
Lucreziahadguessedrightly；herhusbandobtainedhisjudgmentthreeorfourdaysafterwards，andcalleduponmetoannouncetheirdepartureforthedayafterthemorrow；heexpressedhiswarmfriendshipforme，andbyhisinvitationIspentthetwolasteveningswithLucrezia，butwewerealwayssurroundedbythefamily。
Thedayofherdeparture，wishingtocauseheranagreeablesurprise，IleftRomebeforethemandwaitedforthemattheplacewhereI
thoughttheywouldputupforthenight，buttheadvocate，havingbeendetainedbyseveralengagements，wasdetainedinRome，andtheyonlyreachedtheplacenextdayfordinner。Wedinedtogether，weexchangedasad，painfulfarewell，andtheycontinuedtheirjourneywhileIreturnedtoRome。
Afterthedepartureofthischarmingwoman，Ifoundmyselfinsortofsolitudeverynaturaltoayoungmanwhoseheartisnotfullofhope。
Ipassedwholedaysinmyroom，makingextractsfromtheFrenchletterswrittenbythecardinal，andhiseminencewaskindenoughtotellmethatmyextractswerejudiciouslymade，butthatheinsisteduponmynotworkingsohard。Thebeautifulmarchionesswaspresentwhenhepaidmethatcompliment。
Sincemysecondvisittoher，Ihadnotpresentedmyselfatherhouse；shewasconsequentlyrathercooltome，and，gladofanopportunityofmakingmefeelherdispleasure，sheremarkedtohiseminencethatverylikelyworkwasaconsolationtomeinthegreatvoidcausedbythedepartureofDonnaLucrezia。
\"Icandidlyconfess，madam，thatIhavefeltherlossdeeply。Shewaskindandgenerous；aboveall，shewasindulgentwhenIdidnotcalloftenuponher。Myfriendshipforherwasinnocent。\"
\"Ihavenodoubtofit，althoughyourodewastheworkofapoetdeeplyinlove。\"
\"Oh！\"saidthekindlycardinal，\"apoetcannotpossiblywritewithoutprofessingtobeinlove。\"
\"But，\"repliedthemarchioness，\"ifthepoetisreallyinlove，hehasnoneedofprofessingafeelingwhichhepossesses。\"
Asshewasspeaking，themarchionessdrewoutofherpocketapaperwhichsheofferedtohiseminence。
\"Thisistheode，\"shesaid，\"itdoesgreathonourtothepoet，foritisadmittedtobeamasterpiecebyalltheliteratiinRome，andDonnaLucreziaknowsitbyheart。\"
Thecardinalreaditoverandreturnedit，smiling，andremarkingthat，ashehadnotasteforItalianpoetry，shemustgiveherselfthepleasureoftranslatingitintoFrenchrhymeifshewishedhimtoadmireit。
\"IonlywriteFrenchprose，\"answeredthemarchioness，\"andaprosetranslationdestroyshalfthebeautyofpoetry。IamsatisfiedwithwritingoccasionallyalittleItalianpoetrywithoutanypretensiontopoeticalfame\"
Thosewordswereaccompaniedbyaverysignificantglanceinmydirection。
\"Ishouldconsidermyselffortunate，madam，ifIcouldobtainthehappinessofadmiringsomeofyourpoetry。\"
\"Hereisasonnetofherladyship’s，\"saidCardinalS。C。
Itookitrespectfully，andIpreparedtoreadit，buttheamiablemarchionesstoldmetoputitinmypocketandreturnittothecardinalthenextday，althoughshedidnotthinkthesonnetworthsomuchtrouble。\"Ifyoushouldhappentogooutinthemorning，\"saidCardinalS。C。，\"youcouldbringitback，anddinewithme。\"CardinalAquavivaimmediatelyansweredforme:\"Hewillbesuretogooutpurposely。\"
Withadeepreverence，whichexpressedmythanks，Ilefttheroomquietlyandreturnedtomyapartment，veryimpatienttoreadthesonnet。Yet，beforesatisfyingmywish，Icouldnothelpmakingsomereflectionsonthesituation。IbegantothinkmyselfsomebodysincethegiganticstrideIhadmadethiseveningatthecardinal’sassembly。TheMarchionessdeG。hadshewninthemostopenwaytheinterestshefeltinme，and，undercoverofhergrandeur，hadnothesitatedtocompromiseherselfpubliclybythemostflatteringadvances。Butwhowouldhavethoughtofdisapproving？Ayoungabbelikeme，withoutanyimportancewhatever，whocouldscarcelypretendtoherhighprotection！True，butshewaspreciselythewomantograntittothosewho，feelingthemselvesunworthyofit，darednotshewanypretensionstoherpatronage。Onthathead，mymodestymustbeevidenttoeveryone，andthemarchionesswouldcertainlyhaveinsultedmehadshesupposedmecapableofsufficientvanitytofancythatshefelttheslightestinclinationforme。No，suchapieceofself—conceitwasnotinaccordancewithmynature。Hercardinalhimselfhadinvitedmetodinner。Wouldhehavedonesoifhehadadmittedthepossibilityofthebeautifulmarchionessfeelinganythingforme？Ofcoursenot，andhegavemeaninvitationtodinewithhimonlybecausehehadunderstood，fromtheverywordsofthelady，thatIwasjustthesortofpersonwithwhomtheycouldconverseforafewhourswithoutanyrisk；tobesure，withoutanyriskwhatever。Oh，MasterCasanova！doyoureallythinkso？
Well，whyshouldIputonamaskbeforemyreaders？Theymaythinkmeconceitediftheyplease，butthefactofthematteristhatI
feltsureofhavingmadeaconquestofthemarchioness。I
congratulatedmyselfbecauseshehadtakenthefirst，mostdifficult，andmostimportantstep。Hadshenotdoneso，Ishouldneverhavedared—tolaysiegetohereveninthemostapprovedfashion；Ishouldneverhaveevenventuredtodreamofwinningher。ItwasonlythiseveningthatIthoughtshemightreplaceLucrezia。Shewasbeautiful，young，fullofwitandtalent；shewasfondofliterarypursuits，andverypowerfulinRome；whatmorewasnecessary？YetI
thoughtitwouldbegoodpolicytoappearignorantofherinclinationforme，andtolethersupposefromtheverynextdaythatIwasinlovewithher，butthatmyloveappearedtomehopeless。Iknewthatsuchaplanwasinfallible，becauseitsavedherdignity。ItseemedtomethatFatherGeorgihimselfwouldbecompelledtoapprovesuchanundertaking，andIhadremarkedwithgreatsatisfactionthatCardinalAcquavivahadexpressedhisdelightatCardinalS。C。’sinvitation——anhonourwhichhehadneveryetbestowedonmehimself。
Thisaffairmighthaveveryimportantresultsforme。
Ireadthemarchioness’ssonnet，andfounditeasy，flowing，andwellwritten。ItwascomposedinpraiseoftheKingofPrussia，whohadjustconqueredSilesiabyamasterlystroke。AsIwascopyingit，theideastruckmetopersonifySilesia，andtomakeher，inanswertothesonnet，bewailthatLove（supposedtobetheauthorofthesonnetofthemarchioness）couldapplaudthemanwhohadconqueredher，whenthatconquerorwastheswornenemyofLove。
Itisimpossibleforamanaccustomedtowritepoetrytoabstainwhenahappysubjectsmilesuponhisdelightedimagination。Ifheattemptedtosmotherthepoeticalflamerunningthroughhisveinsitwouldconsumehim。Icomposedmysonnet，keepingthesamerhymesasintheoriginal，and，wellpleasedwithmymuse，Iwenttobed。
ThenextmorningtheAbbeGamacameinjustasIhadfinishedrecopyingmysonnet，andsaidhewouldbreakfastwithme。HecomplimentedmeuponthehonourconferredonmebytheinvitationofCardinalS。C。
\"Butbeprudent，\"headded，\"forhiseminencehasthereputationofbeingjealous:\"
Ithankedhimforhisfriendlyadvice，takingcaretoassurehimthatIhadnothingtofear，becauseIdidnotfeeltheslightestinclinationforthehandsomemarchioness。
CardinalS。C。receivedmewithgreatkindnessmingledwithdignity，tomakemerealizetheimportanceofthefavourhewasbestowinguponme。
\"Whatdoyouthink，\"heenquired，\"ofthesonnet？\"
\"Monsignor，itisperfectlywritten，and，whatismore，itisacharmingcomposition。Allowmetoreturnittoyouwithmythanks。\"
\"Shehasmuchtalent。Iwishtoshewyoutenstanzasofhercomposition，mydearabbe，butyoumustpromisetobeverydiscreetaboutit。\"
\"Youreminencemayrelyonme。\"
Heopenedhisbureauandbroughtforththestanzasofwhichhewasthesubject。Ireadthem，foundthemwellwritten，butdevoidofenthusiasm；theyweretheworkofapoet，andexpressedloveinthewordsofpassion，butwerenotpervadedbythatpeculiarfeelingbywhichtrueloveissoeasilydiscovered。Theworthycardinalwasdoubtlessguiltyofaverygreatindiscretion，butself—loveisthecauseofsomanyinjudicioussteps！Iaskedhiseminencewhetherhehadansweredthestanzas。
\"No，\"hereplied，\"Ihavenot；butwouldyoufeeldisposedtolendmeyourpoeticalpen，alwaysunderthesealofsecrecy？\"
\"Astosecrecy，monsignor，Ipromiseitfaithfully；butIamafraidthemarchionesswillremarkthedifferencebetweenyourstyleandmine。\"
\"Shehasnothingofmycomposition，\"saidthecardinal；\"Idonotthinkshesupposesmeafinepoet，andforthatreasonyourstanzasmustbewritteninsuchamannerthatshewillnotesteemthemabovemyabilities。\"
\"Iwillwritethemwithpleasure，monsignor，andyoureminencecanformanopinion；iftheydonotseemgoodenoughtobeworthyofyou，theyneednotbegiventothemarchioness。\"