\"Hercheerfulspirits，\"sheadded，\"herartlesssimplicity，hernaturalwit，arelikeherbeauty，theymustbedressedintheVenetianfashion。Wearehighlypleasedwithmynephew’schoice，andhehasincurredeverlastingobligationstowardsyou。Ihopethatforthefutureyouwillconsiderourhouseasyourown。\"
Theinvitationwaspolite，perhapsitwassincere，yetIdidnotavailmyselfofit，andtheyweregladofit。AttheendofoneyearChristinepresentedherhusbandwithalivingtokenoftheirmutuallove，andthatcircumstanceincreasedtheirconjugalfelicity。
Weallfoundcomfortablequartersinthecount’shouseinTreviso，where，afterpartakingofsomerefreshments，theguestsretiredtorest。
ThenextmorningIwaswithCountAlgarottiandmytwofriendswhenCharlescamein，handsome，bright，andradiant。Whilehewasansweringwithmuchwitsomejokesofthecount，Ikeptlookingathimwithsomeanxiety，buthecameuptomeandembracedmewarmly。
Iconfessthatakissnevermademehappier。
Peoplewonderatthedevoutscoundrelswhocallupontheirsaintwhentheythinkthemselvesinneedofheavenlyassistance，orwhothankhimwhentheyimaginethattheyhaveobtainedsomefavourfromhim，butpeoplearewrong，foritisagoodandrightfeeling，whichpreachesagainstAtheism。
AttheinvitationofCharles，hisauntandhissisterhadgonetopayamorningvisittotheyoungwife，andtheyreturnedwithher。
Happinessnevershoneonamorelovelyface！
M。Algarotti，goingtowardsher，enquiredfromheraffectionatelywhethershehadhadagoodnight。Heronlyanswerwastorushtoherhusband’sarms。Itwasthemostartless，andatthesametimethemosteloquent，answershecouldpossiblegive。Thenturningherbeautifuleyestowardsme，andofferingmeherhand，shesaid，\"M。Casanova，Iamhappy，andIlovetobeindebtedtoyouformyhappiness。\"
Thetearswhichwereflowingfrommyeyes，asIkissedherhand，toldherbetterthanwordshowtrulyhappyIwasmyself。
Thedinnerpassedoffdelightfully。WethenleftforMestraandVenice。Weescortedthemarriedcoupletotheirhouse，andreturnedhometoamuseM。Bragadinwiththerelationofourexpedition。Thisworthyandparticularlylearnedmansaidathousandthingsaboutthemarriage，someofgreatprofundityandothersofgreatabsurdity。
Ilaughedinwardly。Iwastheonlyonewhohadthekeytothemystery，andcouldrealizethesecretofthecomedy。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
VENETIANYEARS，Volume1e——MILANANDMANTUA
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
MILANANDMANTUA
CHAPTERXX
SlightMisfortunesCompelMetoLeaveVenice——MyAdventuresinMilanandMantuaOnLowSundayCharlespaidusavisitwithhislovelywife，whoseemedtotallyindifferenttowhatChristineusedtobe。Herhairdressedwithpowderdidnotpleasemeaswellastheravenblackofherbeautifullocks，andherfashionabletownattiredidnot，inmyeyes，suitheraswellasherrichcountrydress。Butthecountenancesofhusbandandwifeborethestampofhappiness。
CharlesreproachedmeinafriendlymannerbecauseIhadnotcalledonceuponthem，and，inordertoatoneformyapparentnegligence，I
wenttoseethemthenextdaywithM。Dandolo。Charlestoldmethathiswifewasidolizedbyhisauntandhissisterwhohadbecomeherbosomfriend；thatshewaskind，affectionate，unassuming，andofadispositionwhichenforcedaffection。IwasnolesspleasedwiththisfavourablestateofthingsthanwiththefacilitywithwhichChristinewaslearningtheVenetiandialect。
WhenM。DandoloandIcalledattheirhouse，Charleswasnotathome；
Christinewasalonewithhistworelatives。Themostfriendlywelcomewasprofferedtous，andinthecourseofconversationtheauntpraisedtheprogressmadebyChristineinherwritingveryhighly，andaskedhertoletmeseehercopy—book。Ifollowedhertothenextroom，whereshetoldmethatshewasveryhappy；thateverydayshediscoverednewvirtuesinherhusband。Hehadtoldher，withouttheslightestappearanceofsuspicionofdispleasure，thatheknewthatwehadspenttwodaystogetherinTreviso，andthathehadlaughedatthewell—meaningfoolwhohadgivenhimthatpieceofinformationinthehopeofraisingacloudintheheavenoftheirfelicity。
Charleswastrulyendowedwithallthevirtues，withallthenoblequalitiesofanhonestanddistinguishedman。Twenty—sixyearsafterwardsIhappenedtorequiretheassistanceofhispurse，andfoundhimmytruefriend。Ineverwasafrequentvisitorathishouse，andheappreciatedmydelicacy。HediedafewmonthsbeforemylastdeparturefromVenice，leavinghiswidowineasycircumstances，andthreewell—educatedsons，allwithgoodpositions，whomay，forwhatIknow，bestilllivingwiththeirmother。
InJuneIwenttothefairatPadua，andmadetheacquaintanceofayoungmanofmyownage，whowasthenstudyingmathematicsunderthecelebratedProfessorSucci。HisnamewasTognolo，butthinkingitdidnotsoundwell，hechangeditforthatofFabris。Hebecame，inafteryears，ComtedeFabris，lieutenant—generalunderJosephII。，anddiedGovernorofTransylvania。Thisman，whoowedhishighfortunetohistalents，would，perhaps，havelivedanddiedunknownifhehadkepthisnameofTognolo，atrulyvulgarone。HewasfromUderzo，alargevillageoftheVenetianFriuli。HehadabrotherintheChurch，amanofparts，andagreatgamester，who，havingadeepknowledgeoftheworld，hadtakenthenameofFabris，andtheyoungerbrotherhadtoassumeitlikewise。Soonafterwardsheboughtanestatewiththetitleofcount，becameaVenetiannobleman，andhisoriginasacountrybumpkinwasforgotten。IfhehadkepthisnameofTognoloitwouldhaveinjuredhim，forhecouldnothavepronounceditwithoutremindinghishearersofwhatiscalled，bythemostcontemptibleofprejudices，lowextraction，andtheprivilegedclass，throughanabsurderror，doesnotadmitthepossibilityofapeasanthavingtalentorgenius。Nodoubtatimewillcomewhensociety，moreenlightened，andthereforemorereasonable，willacknowledgethatnoblefeelings，honour，andheroismcanbefoundineveryconditionoflifeaseasilyasinaclass，thebloodofwhichisnotalwaysexemptfromthetaintofamisalliance。
Thenewcount，whileheallowedotherstoforgethisorigin，wastoowisetoforgetithimself，andinlegaldocumentshealwayssignedhisfamilynameaswellastheonehehadadopted。Hisbrotherhadofferedhimtwowaystowinfortuneintheworld，leavinghimperfectlyfreeinhischoice。Bothrequiredanexpenditureofonethousandsequins，buttheabbehadputtheamountasideforthatpurpose。MyfriendhadtochoosebetweentheswordofMarsandthebirdofMinerva。TheabbeknewthathecouldpurchaseforhisbrotheracompanyinthearmyofhisImperialandApostolicMajesty，orobtainforhimaprofessorshipattheUniversityofPadua；formoneycandoeverything。Butmyfriend，whowasgiftedwithnoblefeelingsandgoodsense，knewthatineitherprofessiontalentsandknowledgewereessentials，andbeforemakingachoicehewasapplyinghimselfwithgreatsuccesstothestudyofmathematics。Heutlimatelydecideduponthemilitaryprofession，thusimitatingAchilles，whopreferredtheswordtothedistaff，andhepaidforitwithhislifelikethesonofPeleus；thoughnotsoyoung，andnotthroughawoundinflictedbyanarrow，butfromtheplague，whichhecaughtintheunhappycountryinwhichtheindolenceofEuropeallowstheTurkstoperpetuatethatfearfuldisease。
Thedistinguishedappearance，thenoblesentiments，thegreatknowledge，andthetalentsofFabriswouldhavebeenturnedintoridiculeinamancalledTognolo，forsuchistheforceofprejudices，particularlyofthosewhichhavenogroundtorestupon，thatanill—soundingnameisdegradinginthisourstupidsociety。
Myopinionisthatmenwhohaveanill—soundingname，oronewhichpresentsanindecentorridiculousidea，arerightinchangingitiftheyintendtowinhonour，fame，andfortuneeitherinartsorsciences。Noonecanreasonablydenythemthatright，providedthenametheyassumebelongstonobody。Thealphabetisgeneralproperty，andeveryonehastherighttouseitforthecreationofawordforminganappellativesound。Buthemusttrulycreateit。
Voltaire，inspiteofhisgenius，wouldnotperhapshavereachedposterityunderhisnameofArouet，especiallyamongsttheFrench，whoalwaysgivewaysoeasilytotheirkeensenseofridiculeandequivocation。Howcouldtheyhaveimaginedthatawriter’arouet’
couldbeamanofgenius？AndD’Alembert，wouldhehaveattainedhishighfame，hisuniversalreputation，ifhehadbeensatisfiedwithhisnameofM。LeRond，orMr。Allround？WhatwouldhavebecomeofMetastasiounderhistruenameofTrapasso？WhatimpressionwouldMelanchthonhavemadewithhisnameofSchwarzerd？Wouldhethenhavedaredtoraisethevoiceofamoralistphilosopher，ofareformeroftheEucharist，andsomanyotherholythings？WouldnotM。deBeauharnaishavecausedsomepersonstolaughandotherstoblushifhehadkepthisnameofBeauvit，evenifthefirstfounderofhisfamilyhadbeenindebtedforhisfortunetothefinequalityexpressedbythatname？
WouldtheBourbeuxhavemadeasgoodafigureonthethroneastheBourbons？IthinkthatKingPoniatowskioughttohaveabdicatedthenameofAugustus，whichhehadtakenatthetimeofhisaccessiontothethrone，whenheabdicatedroyalty。TheColeoniofBergamo，however，wouldfinditratherdifficulttochangetheirname，becausetheywouldbecompelledatthesametimetochangetheircoatofarms（thetwogenerativeglands），andthustoannihilatethegloryoftheirancestor，theheroBartholomeo。
TowardstheendofautumnmyfriendFabrisintroducedmetoafamilyinthemidstofwhichthemindandtheheartcouldfinddeliciousfood。ThatfamilyresidedinthecountryontheroadtoZero。Card—
playing，lovemaking，andpracticaljokesweretheorderoftheday。
Someofthosejokeswererathersevereones，buttheorderofthedaywasnevertogetangryandtolaughateverything，foronewastotakeeveryjestpleasantlyorbethoughtabore。Bedsteadswouldatnighttumbledownundertheiroccupants，ghostswerepersonated，diureticpillsorsugar—plumsweregiventoyoungladies，aswellascomfitswhoproducedcertainwindsrisingfromthenetherlands，andimpossibletokeepundercontrol。Thesejokeswouldsometimesgorathertoofar，butsuchwasthespiritanimatingallthemembersofthatcircle；theywouldlaugh。Iwasnotlessinuredthantheotherstothewarofoffenceanddefence，butatlasttherewassuchabitterjokeplayeduponmethatitsuggestedtomeanother，thefatalconsequencesofwhichputastoptothemaniabywhichwewereallpossessed。
Wewereinthehabitofwalkingtoafarmwhichwasabouthalfaleaguedistantbytheroad，butthedistancecouldbereducedbyhalfbygoingoveradeepandmiryditchacrosswhichanarrowplankwasthrown，andIalwaysinsistedupongoingthatway，inspiteofthefrightoftheladieswhoalwaystrembledonthenarrowbridge，althoughIneverfailedtocrossthefirst，andtooffermyhandtohelpthemover。Onefineday，Icrossedfirstsoastogivethemcourage，butsuddenly，whenIreachedthemiddleoftheplank，itgavewayunderme，andthereIwasintheditch，uptothechininstinkingmud，and，inspiteofmyinwardrage，obliged，accordingtothegeneralunderstanding，tojoininthemerrylaughterofallmycompanions。Butthemerrimentdidnotlastlong，forthejokewastoobad，andeveryonedeclaredittobeso。Somepeasantswerecalledtotherescue，andwithmuchdifficultytheydraggedmeoutinthemostawfulstate。Anentirelynewdress，embroideredwithspangles，mysilkstockings，mylace，everything，wasofcoursespoiled，butnotmindingit，Ilaughedmoreheartilythatanybodyelse，althoughIhadalreadymadeaninwardvowtohavethemostcruelrevenge。InordertoknowtheauthorofthatbitterjokeIhadonlytoappearcalmandindifferentaboutit。Itwasevidentthattheplankhadbeenpurposelysawn。Iwastakenbacktothehouse，ashirt，acoat，acompletecostume，werelentme，forIhadcomethattimeonlyfortwenty—fourhours，andhadnotbroughtanythingwithme。Iwenttothecitythenextmorning，andtowardstheeveningI
returnedtothegaycompany。Fabris，whohadbeenasangryasmyself，observedtomethattheperpetratorofthejokeevidentlyfelthisguilt，becausehetookgoodcarenottodiscoverhimself。
ButIunveiledthemysterybypromisingonesequintoapeasantwomanifshecouldfindoutwhohadsawntheplank。Shecontrivedtodiscovertheyoungmanwhohaddonethework。Icalledonhim，andtheofferofasequin，togetherwithmythreats，compelledhimtoconfessthathehadbeenpaidforhisworkbySignorDemetrio，aGreek，dealerinspices，agoodandamiablemanofbetweenforty—fiveandfiftyyears，onwhomIneverplayedanytrick，exceptinthecaseofapretty，youngservantgirlwhomhewascourting，andwhomIhadjuggledfromhim。
Satisfiedwithmydiscovery，Iwasrackingmybraintoinventagoodpracticaljoke，buttoobtaincompleterevengeitwasnecessarythatmytrickshouldproveworsethantheonehehadplayeduponme。
Unfortunatelymyimaginationwasatbay。Icouldnotfindanything。
Afuneralputanendtomydifficulties。
Armedwithmyhunting—knife，Iwentalonetothecemeteryalittleaftermidnight，andopeningthegraveofthedeadmanwhohadbeenburiedthatveryday，Icutoffoneofthearmsneartheshoulder，notwithoutsometrouble，andafterIhadre—buriedthecorpse，I
returnedtomyroomwiththearmofthedefunct。Thenextday，whensupperwasover，IleftthetableandretiredtomychamberasifI
intendedtogotobed，buttakingthearmwithmeIhidmyselfunderDemetrio’sbed。Ashorttimeafter，theGreekcomesin，undresseshimself，puthislightout，andliesdown。Igivehimtimetofallnearlyasleep；then，placingmyselfatthefootofthebed，Ipullawaytheclotheslittlebylittleuntilheishalfnaked。Helaughsandcallsout，\"Whoeveryoumaybe，goawayandletmesleepquietly，forIdonotbelieveinghosts；\"hecovershimselfagainandcomposeshimselftosleep。
Iwaitfiveorsixminutes，andpullagainatthebedclothes；butwhenhetriestodrawupthesheet，sayingthathedoesnotcareforghosts，Iopposesomeresistance。Hesitsupsoastocatchthehandwhichispullingattheclothes，andItakecarethatheshouldgetholdofthedeadhand。Confidentthathehascaughtthemanorthewomanwhowasplayingthetrick，hepullsittowardshim，laughingallthetime；Ikeeptightholdofthearmforafewinstants，andthenletitgosuddenly；theGreekfallsbackonhispillowwithoututteringasingleword。
Thetrickwasplayed，Ileavetheroomwithoutanynoise，and，reachingmychamber，gotobed。
Iwasfastasleep，whentowardsmorningIwasawokebypersonsgoingabout，andnotunderstandingwhytheyshouldbeupsoearly，Igotup。ThefirstpersonImet——themistressofthehouse——toldmethatIhadplayedanabominablejoke。
\"I？WhathaveIdone？\"
\"M。Demetrioisdying。\"
\"HaveIkilledhim？\"
Shewentawaywithoutansweringme。Idressedmyself，ratherfrightened，Iconfess，butdetermineduponpleadingcompleteignoranceofeverything，andIproceededtoDemetrio’sroom；andI
wasconfrontedwithhorror—strickencountenancesandbitterreproaches。Ifoundalltheguestsaroundhim。Iprotestedmyinnocence，buteveryonesmiled。Thearchpriestandthebeadle，whohadjustarrived，wouldnotburythearmwhichwaslyingthere，andtheytoldmethatIhadbeenguiltyofagreatcrime。
\"Iamastonished，reverendsir，\"Isaidtothepriest，\"atthehastyjudgmentwhichisthuspasseduponme，whenthereisnoprooftocondemnme。\"
\"Youhavedoneit，\"exclaimedalltheguests，\"youalonearecapableofsuchanabomination；itisjustlikeyou。Noonebutyouwouldhavedaredtodosuchathing！\"
\"Iamcompelled，\"saidthearchpriest，\"todrawupanofficialreport。\"
\"Asyouplease，Ihavenottheslightestobjection，\"Ianswered，\"I
havenothingtofear。\"
AndIlefttheroom。
Icontinuedtotakeitcoolly，andatthedinner—tableIwasinformedthatM。Demetriohadbeenbled，thathehadrecoveredtheuseofhiseyes，butnotofhistongueorofhislimbs。Thenextdayhecouldspeak，andIheard，afterIhadtakenleaveofthefamily，thathewasstupidandspasmodic。Thepoormanremainedinthatpainfulstatefortherestofhislife。Ifeltdeeplygrieved，butIhadnotintendedtoinjurehimsobadly。Ithoughtthatthetrickhehadplayeduponmemighthavecostmylife，andIcouldnothelpderivingconsolationfromthatidea。
Onthesameday，thearchpriestmadeuphismindtohavethearmburied，andtosendaformaldenunciation。againstmetotheepiscopalchancellorshipofTreviso。
AnnoyedatthereproacheswhichIreceivedonallsides，IreturnedtoVenice。AfortnightafterwardsIwassummonedtoappearbeforethe’magistratoallablasfemia’。IbeggedM。Barbarotoenquirethecauseoftheaforesaidsummons，foritwasaformidablecourt。Iwassurprisedattheproceedingsbeingtakenagainstme，asiftherehadbeenacertaintyofmyhavingdesecratedagrave，whilsttherecouldbenothingbutsuspicion。ButIwasmistaken，thesummonswasnotrelatingtothataffair。M。Barbaroinformedmeintheeveningthatawomanhadbroughtacomplaintagainstmeforhavingviolatedherdaughter。Shestatedinhercomplaintthat，havingdecoyedherchildtotheZuecca，Ihadabusedherbyviolence，andsheadducedasaproofthatherdaughterwasconfinedtoherbed，owingtothebadtreatmentshehadreceivedfrommeinmyendeavourstoravishher。
Itwasoneofthosecomplaintswhichareoftenmade，inordertogivetroubleandtocauseexpense，evenagainstinnocentpersons。Iwasinnocentofviolation，butitwasquitetruethatIhadgiventhegirlasoundthrashing。Ipreparedmydefence，andbeggedM。
Barbarotodeliverittothemagistrate’ssecretary。
DECLARATION
Iherebydeclarethat，onsuchaday，havingmetthewomanwithherdaughter，Iaccostedthemandofferedtogivethemsomerefreshmentsatacoffee—housenearby；thatthedaughterrefusedtoacceptmycaresses，andthatthemothersaidtome，——
\"Mydaughterisyetavirgin，andsheisquiterightnottolosehermaidenhoodwithoutmakingagoodprofitbyit。\"
\"Ifso，\"Ianswered，\"Iwillgiveyoutensequinsforhervirginity。\"
\"Youmayjudgeforyourself，\"saidthemother。
Havingassuredmyselfofthefactbytheassistanceofthesenseoffeeling，andhavingascertainedthatitmightbetrue，ItoldthemothertobringthegirlintheafternoontotheZuecca，andthatI
wouldgiveherthetensequins。Myofferwasjoyfullyaccepted，themotherbroughtherdaughtertome，shereceivedthemoney，andleavingustogetherintheGardenoftheCross，shewentaway。
WhenItriedtoavailmyselfoftherightforwhichIhadpaid，thegirl，mostlikelytrainedtothebusinessbyhermother，contrivedtopreventme。Atfirstthegameamusedme，butatlast，beingtiredofit，Itoldhertohavedone。SheansweredquietlythatitwasnotherfaultifIwasnotabletodowhatIwanted。Vexedandannoyed，Iplacedherinsuchapositionthatshefoundherselfatbay，but，makingaviolenteffort，shemanagedtochangeherpositionanddebarredmefrommakinganyfurtherattempts。
\"Why，\"Isaidtoher，\"didyoumove？\"
\"BecauseIwouldnothaveitinthatposition。\"
\"Youwouldnot？\"
\"No。\"
Withoutmoreado，Igotholdofabroomstick，andgaveheragoodlesson，inordertogetsomethingforthetensequinswhichIhadbeenfoolishenoughtopayinadvance。ButIhavebrokennoneofherlimbs，andItookcaretoapplymyblowsonlyonherposteriors，onwhichspotIhavenodoubtthatallthemarksmaybeseen。IntheeveningImadeherdressherselfagain，andsentherbackinaboatwhichchancedtopass，andshewaslandedinsafety。Themotherreceivedtensequins，thedaughterhaskeptherhatefulmaidenhood，and，ifIamguiltyofanything，itisonlyofhavinggivenathrashingtoaninfamousgirl，thepupilofastillmoreinfamousmother。
Mydeclarationhadnoeffect。Themagistratewasacquaintedwiththegirl，andthemotherlaughedathavingdupedmesoeasily。Iwassummoned，butdidnotappearbeforethecourt，andawritwasonthepointofbeingissuedagainstmybody，whenthecomplaintoftheprofanationofagravewasfiledagainstmebeforethesamemagistrate。ItwouldhavebeenlessseriousformeifthesecondaffairhadbeencarriedbeforetheCouncilofTen，becauseonecourtmighthavesavedmefromtheother。
Thesecondcrime，which，afterall，wasonlyajoke，washighfelonyintheeyesoftheclergy，andagreatdealwasmadeofit。Iwassummonedtoappearwithintwenty—fourhours，anditwasevidentthatIwouldbearrestedimmediatelyafterwards。M。deBragadin，whoalwaysgavegoodadvice，toldmethatthebestwaytoavoidthethreateningstormwastorunaway。Theadvicewascertainlywise，andIlostnotimeingettingready。
IhaveneverleftVenicewithsomuchregretasIdidthen，forIhadsomepleasantintriguesonhand，andIwasveryluckyatcards。Mythreefriendsassuredmethat，withinoneyearatthefurthest，thecasesagainstmewouldbeforgotten，andinVenice，whenpublicopinionhasforgottenanything，itcanbeeasilyarranged。
IleftVeniceintheeveningandthenextdayIsleptatVerona。TwodaysafterwardsIreachedMantua。Iwasalone，withplentyofclothesandjewels，withoutlettersofintroduction，butwithawell—
filledpurse，enjoyingexcellenthealthandmytwenty—threeyears。
InMantuaIorderedanexcellentdinner，theveryfirstthingoneoughttodoatalargehotel，andafterdinnerIwentoutforawalk。
Intheevening，afterIhadseenthecoffee—housesandtheplacesofresort，Iwenttothetheatre，andIwasdelightedtoseeMarinaappearonthestageasacomicdancer，amidthegreatestapplause，whichshedeserved，forshedancedbeautifully。Shewastall，handsome，verywellmadeandverygraceful。Iimmediatelyresolvedonrenewingmyacquaintancewithher，ifshehappenedtobefree，andaftertheoperaIengagedaboytotakemetoherhouse。Shehadjustsatdowntosupperwithsomeone，butthemomentshesawmeshethrewhernapkindownandflewtomyarms。Ireturnedherkisses，judgingbyherwarmththatherguestwasamanofnoconsequence。
Theservant，withoutwaitingfororders，hadalreadylaidaplateforme，andMarinainvitedmetositdownnearher。Ifeltvexed，becausetheaforesaidindividualhadnotrisentosaluteme，andbeforeIacceptedMarina’sinvitationIaskedherwhothegentlemanwas，begginghertointroduceme。
\"Thisgentleman，\"shesaid，\"isCountCeli，ofRome；heismylover。\"
\"Icongratulateyou，\"Isaidtoher，andturningtowardstheso—
calledcount，\"Sir，\"Iadded，\"donotbeangryatourmutualaffection，Marinaismydaughter。\"
\"Sheisaprostitute。\"
\"True，\"saidMarina，\"andyoucanbelievethecount，forheismyprocurer。\"
Atthosewords，thebrutethrewhisknifeatherface，butsheavoideditbyrunningaway。Thescoundrelfollowedher，butIdrewmysword，andsaid，\"Stop，oryouareadeadman。\"
IimmediatelyaskedMarinatoorderherservanttolightmeout，butshehastilyputacloakon，andtakingmyarmsheentreatedmetotakeherwithme。
\"Withpleasure，\"Isaid。
Thecounttheninvitedmetomeethimalone，onthefollowingday，attheCasinoofPomi，tohearwhathehadtosay。
\"Verywell，sir，atfourintheafternoon，\"Ianswered。
ItookMarinatomyinn，whereIlodgedherintheroomadjoiningmine，andwesatdowntosupper。
Marina，seeingthatIwasthoughtful，said，\"Areyousorrytohavesavedmefromtherageofthatbrute？\"
\"No，Iamgladtohavedoneso，buttellmetrulywhoandwhatheis。\"
\"Heisagamblerbyprofession，andgiveshimselfoutasCountCeli。
Imadehisacquaintancehere。Hecourtedme，invitedmetosupper，playedaftersupper，and，havingwonalargesumfromanEnglishmanwhomhehaddecoyedtohissupperbytellinghimthatIwouldbepresent，hegavemefiftyguineas，sayingthathehadgivenmeaninterestinhisbank。AssoonasIhadbecomehismistress，heinsisteduponmybeingcompliantwithallthemenhewantedtomakehisdupes，andatlasthetookuphisquartersatmylodgings。ThewelcomeIgaveyouverylikelyvexedhim，andyouknowtherest。
HereIam，andhereIwillremainuntilmydepartureforMantuawhereIhaveanengagementasfirstdancer。MyservantwillbringmeallI
needforto—night，andIwillgivehimorderstomoveallmyluggageto—morrow。Iwillnotseethatscoundrelanymore。Iwillbeonlyyours，ifyouarefreeasinCorfu，andifyoulovemestill。\"
\"Yes，mydearMarina，Idoloveyou，butifyouwishtobemymistress，youmustbeonlymine。\"
\"Oh！ofcourse。Ihavethreehundredsequins，andIwillgivethemtoyouto—morrowifyouwilltakemeasyourmistress。\"
\"Idonotwantanymoney；allIwantisyourself。Well，itisallarranged；to—morroweveningweshallfeelmorecomfortable。\"
\"Perhapsyouarethinkingofaduelforto—morrow？。Butdonotimaginesuchathing，dearest。Iknowthatman；heisanarrantcoward。\"
\"Imustkeepmyengagementwithhim。\"
\"Iknowthat，buthewillnotkeephis，andIamverygladofit。\"
Changingtheconversationandspeakingofouroldacquaintances，sheinformedmethatshehadquarreledwithherbrotherPetronio，thathersisterwasprimadonnainGenoa，andthatBellinoTheresewasstillinNaples，whereshecontinuedtoruindukes。Sheconcludedbysaying；
\"Iamthemostunhappyofthefamily。\"
\"Howso？Youarebeautiful，andyouhavebecomeanexcellentdancer。
Donotbesoprodigalofyourfavours，andyoucannotfailtomeetwithamanwhowilltakecareofyourfortune。\"
\"Tobesparingofmyfavoursisverydifficult；whenIlove，Iamnolongermine，butwhenIdonotlove，Icannotbeamiable。Well，dearest，Icouldbeveryhappywithyou。\"
\"DearMarina，Iamnotwealthy，andmyhonourwouldnotallowme……\"
\"Holdyourtongue；Iunderstandyou。\"
\"Whyhaveyounotalady’smaidwithyouinsteadofamaleservant？\"
\"Youareright。Amaidwouldlookmorerespectable，butmyservantissocleverandsofaithful！\"
\"Icanguessallhisqualities，butheisnotafitservantforyou。\"
ThenextdayafterdinnerIleftMarinagettingreadyforthetheatre，andhavingputeverythingofvalueIpossessedinmypocket，ItookacarriageandproceededtotheCasinoofPomi。Ifeltconfidentofdisablingthefalsecount，andsentthecarriageaway。
Iwasconsciousofbeingguiltyofgreatfollyinexposingmylifewithsuchanadversary。Imighthavebrokenmyengagementwithhimwithoutimplicatingmyhonour，but，thefactisthatIfeltwelldisposedforafight，andasIwascertainlyintherightIthoughttheprospectofaduelverydelightful。Avisittoadancer，abruteprofessingtobeanobleman，whoinsultsherinmypresence，whowantstokillher，whoallowshertobecarriedoffinhisveryteeth，andwhoseonlyoppositionistogivemeanappointment！ItseemedtomethatifIhadfailedtocome，Ishouldhavegivenhimtherighttocallmeacoward。
Thecounthadnotyetarrived。Ienteredthecoffee—roomtowaitforhim。Imetagood—lookingFrenchmanthere，andIaddressedhim。
Beingpleasedwithhisconversation，ItoldhimthatIexpectedthearrivalofaman，andthatasmyhonourrequiredthatheshouldfindmealoneIwouldfeelgratefulifhewouldgoawayassoonasIsawthemanapproaching。AshorttimeafterwardsIsawmyadversarycomingalong，butwithasecond。IthentoldtheFrenchmanthathewouldobligemebyremaining，andheacceptedasreadilyasifIhadinvitedhimtoapartyofpleasure。Thecountcameinwithhisfollower，whowassportingaswordatleastfortyincheslong，andhadallthelookofacut—throat。Iadvancedtowardsthecount，andsaidtohimdryly，——
\"Youtoldmethatyouwouldcomealone。\"
\"Myfriendwillnotbeintheway，asIonlywanttospeaktoyou。\"
\"IfIhadknownthat，Iwouldnothavegoneoutofmyway。Butdonotletusbenoisy，andletusgotosomeplacewherewecanexchangeafewwordswithoutbeingseen。Followme。\"
Ileftthecoffee—roomwiththeyoungFrenchman，who，beingwellacquaintedwiththeplace，tookmetothemostfavourablespot，andwewaitedthereforthetwootherchampions，whowerewalkingslowlyandtalkingtogether。WhentheywerewithintenpacesIdrewmyswordandcalleduponmyadversarytogetready。MyFrenchmanhadalreadytakenouthissword，buthekeptitunderhisarm。
\"Twotoone！\"exclaimedCeli。
\"Sendyourfriendaway，andthisgentlemanwillgolikewise；atallevents，yourfriendwearsasword，thereforewearetwoagainsttwo。\"
\"Yes，\"saidtheFrenchman，\"letushaveafour—handedgame。\"
\"Idonotcrossswordswithadancer，\"saidthecutthroat。
Hehadscarcelyutteredthosewordswhenmyfriend，goinguptohim，toldhimthatadancerwascertainlyasgoodasablackleg，andgavehimaviolentbowwiththeflatofhisswordontheface。IfollowedhisexamplewithCeli，whobegantobeataretreat，andsaidthatheonlywantedtotellmesomething，andthathewouldfightafterwards。
\"Well，speak。\"
\"YouknowmeandIdonotknowyou。Tellmewhoyouare。\"
Myonlyanswerwastoresumelayingmysworduponthescoundrel，whiletheFrenchmanwasshewingthesamedexterityuponthebackofhiscompanion，butthetwocowardstooktotheirheels，andtherewasnothingforustodobuttosheatheourweapons。ThusdidtheduelendinamannerevenmoreamusingthanMarinaherselfhadanticipated。
MybraveFrenchmanwasexpectingsomeoneatthecasino。Ilefthimafterinvitinghimtosupperforthateveningaftertheopera。I
gavehim；thenamewhichIhadassumedformyjourneyandtheaddressofmyhotel。
IgaveMarinaafulldescriptionoftheadventure。
\"Iwill，\"shesaid，\"amuseeverybodyatthetheatrethiseveningwiththestoryofyourmeeting。Butthatwhichpleasesmemostisthat，ifyoursecondisreallyadancer，hecanbenootherthanM。
Baletti，whoisengagedwithmefortheMantuaTheatre。\"
Istoredallmyvaluablesinmytrunkagain，andwenttotheopera，whereIsawBaletti，whorecognizedme，andpointedmeouttoallhisfriends，towhomhewasrelatingtheadventure。Hejoinedmeaftertheperformance，andaccompaniedmetotheinn。Marina，whohadalreadyreturned，cametomyroomassoonassheheardmyvoice，andIwasamusedatthesurpriseoftheamiableFrenchman，whenhesawtheyoungartistwithwhomhehadengagedtodancethecomicparts。
Marina，althoughanexcellentdancer，didnotliketheseriousstyle。
ThosetwohandsomeadeptsofTerpsichorehadnevermetbefore，andtheybegananamorouswarfarewhichmademeenjoymysupperimmensely，because，ashewasafellowartist，MarinaassumedtowardsBalettiatonewelladaptedtothecircumstances，andverydifferenttoherusualmannerwithothermen。Sheshonewithwitandbeautythatevening，andwasinanexcellenttemper，forshehadbeenmuchapplaudedbythepublic，thetrueversionoftheCelibusinessbeingalreadywellknown。
Thetheatrewastobeopenonlyfortenmorenights，andasMarinawishedtoleaveMilanimmediatelyafterthelastperformance，wedecidedontravellingtogether。Inthemeantime，IinvitedBaletti（itwasanItaliannamewhichhehadadoptedforthestage）tobeourguestduringtheremainderofourstayinMilan。Thefriendshipbetweenushadagreatinfluenceuponallthesubsequenteventsofmylife，asthereaderwillseeintheseMemoirs。Hehadgreattalentasadancer，butthatwastheleastofhisexcellentqualities。Hewashonest，hisfeelingswerenoble，hehadstudiedmuch，andhehadreceivedthebesteducationthatcouldbegiveninthosedaysinFrancetoanobleman。
OnthethirddayIsawplainlythatMarinawishedtomakeaconquestofhercolleague，andfeelingwhatgreatadvantagemightaccruetoherfromitIresolvedonhelpingher。Shehadapost—chaisefortwopersons，andIeasilypersuadedhertotakeBalettiwithher，sayingthatIwishedtoarrivealoneinMantuaforseveralreasonswhichI
couldnotconfidetoher。ThefactwasthatifIhadarrivedwithher，peoplewouldhavenaturallysupposedthatIwasherlover，andI
wishedtoavoidthat。Balettiwasdelightedwiththeproposal；heinsisteduponpayinghisshareoftheexpenses，butMarinawouldnothearofit。Thereasonsallegedbytheyoungmanforpayinghisownexpenseswereexcellentones，anditwaswithgreatdifficultythatI
prevaileduponhimtoacceptMarina’soffer，butIultimatelysucceeded。Ipromisedtowaitforthemontheroad，soastotakedinnerandsuppertogether，andonthedayappointedforourdepartureIleftMilanonehourbeforethem。
ReachingthecityofCremonaveryearly，whereweintendedtosleep，Itookawalkaboutthestreets，and，findingacoffee—house，Iwentin。ImadetheretheacquaintanceofaFrenchofficer，andweleftthecoffee—roomtogethertotakeashortramble。Averyprettywomanhappenedtopassinacarriage，andmycompanionstoppedhertosayafewwords。Theirconversationwassoonover，andtheofficerjoinedmeagain。
\"Whoisthatlovelylady？\"Ienquired。
\"Sheisatrulycharmingwoman，andIcantellyouananecdoteaboutherworthyofbeingtransmittedtoposterity。YouneednotsupposethatIamgoingtoexaggerate，fortheadventureisknowntoeverybodyinCremona。Thecharmingwomanwhomyouhavejustseenisgiftedwithwitgreatereventhanherbeauty，andhereisaspecimenofit。Ayoungofficer，oneamongstmanymilitarymenwhowerecourtingher，whenMarshaldeRichelieuwascommandinginGenoa，boastedofbeingtreatedbyherwithmorefavourthanalltheothers，andoneday，intheverycoffee—roomwherewemet，headvisedabrotherofficernottolosehistimeincourtingher，becausehehadnochancewhateverofobtaininganyfavour。
\"’Mydearfellow，’saidtheotherofficer，’Ihaveamuchbetterrighttogiveyouthatpieceofadvice；forIhavealreadyobtainedfromhereverythingwhichcanbegrantedtoalover。’
\"’Iamcertainthatyouaretellingalie，’exclaimedtheyoungman，’andIrequestyoutofollowmeout。’
\"’Mostwillingly，’saidtheindiscreetswain，’butwhatisthegoodofascertainingthetruththroughaduelandofcuttingourthroats，whenIcanmaketheladyherselfcertifythefactinyourpresence。’
\"’Ibettwenty—fivelouisthatitisalluntrue，’saidtheincredulousofficer。
\"’Iacceptyourbet。Letusgo。’
\"Thetwocontendingpartiesproceededtogethertowardsthedwellingoftheladywhomyousawjustnow，whowastonamethewinnerofthetwenty—fivelouis。
\"Theyfoundherinherdressing—room。’Wellgentlemen，’shesaid，’whatluckywindhasbroughtyouheretogetheratthishour？
\"’Itisabet，madam，’answeredtheunbelievingofficer，’andyoualonecanbetheumpireinourquarrel。Thisgentlemanhasbeenboastingofhavingobtainedfromyoueverythingawomancangranttothemostfavouredlover。Ihavegivenhimthelieinthemostimpressivemanner，andaduelwastoensue，whenheofferedtohavethetruthofhisboastcertifiedbyyou。Ihavebettwenty—fiveLouisthatyouwouldnotadmitit，andhehastakenmybet。Now，madam，youcansaywhichofustwoisright。’
\"Youhavelost，sir，\"shesaidtohim；’butnowIbegbothofyoutoquitmyhouse，andIgiveyoufairwarningthatifyoueverdaretoshewyourfaceshereagain，youwillbesorryforit。’
\"Thetwoheedlessfellowswentawaydreadfullymortified。Theunbelieverpaidthebet，buthewasdeeplyvexed，calledtheotheracoxcomb，andaweekafterwardskilledhiminaduel。
\"Sincethattimetheladygoestothecasino，andcontinuestomixinsociety，butdoesnotseecompanyatherownhouse，andlivesinperfectaccordwithherhusband。\"
\"Howdidthehusbandtakeitall？\"
\"Quitewell，andlikeanintelligent，sensibleman。Hesaidthat，ifhiswifehadacteddifferently，hewouldhaveappliedforadivorce，becauseinthatcasenoonewouldhaveentertainedadoubtofherbeingguilty。\"
\"Thathusbandisindeedasensiblefellow。Itiscertainthat，ifhiswifehadgiventhelietotheindiscreetofficer，hewouldhavepaidthebet，buthewouldhavestoodbywhathehadsaid，andeverybodywouldhavebelievedhim。Bydeclaringhimthewinnerofthebetshehascutthemattershort，andshehasavoidedajudgmentbywhichshewouldhavebeendishonoured。Theinconsiderateboasterwasguiltyofadoublemistakeforwhichhepaidthepenaltyofhislife，buthisadversarywasasmuchwantingindelicacy，forinsuchmattersrightly—mindedmendonotventureuponbetting。Iftheonewhosaysyesisimprudent，theonewhosaysnoisadupe。Ilikethelady’spresenceofmind。\"
\"Butwhatsentencewouldyoupassonher。Guiltyornotguilty？\"
\"Notguilty。\"
\"Iamofthesameopinion，andithasbeentheverdictofthepubliclikewise，forshehassincebeentreatedevenbetterthanbeforetheaffair。Youwillsee，ifyougotothecasino，andIshallbehappytointroduceyoutoher\"
Iinvitedtheofficertosupwithus，andwespentaverypleasantevening。Afterhehadgone，IremarkedwithpleasurethatMarinawascapableofobservingtherulesofpropriety。Shehadtakenabedroomtoherself，soasnottohurtthefeelingsofherrespectablefellow—
dancer。
WhenIarrivedinMantua，IputupatSt。Mark’shotel。Marina，towhomIhadgivenanoticethatmyintentionwastocallonherbutseldom，tookupherabodeinthehouseassignedtoherbythetheatricalmanager。
Intheafternoonofthesameday，asIwaswalkingabout，Iwentintoabookseller’sshoptoascertainwhethertherewasanynewworkout。
Iremainedtherewithoutperceivingthatthenighthadcome，andonbeingtoldthattheshopwasgoingtobeclosed，Iwentout。IhadonlygoneafewyardswhenIwasarrestedbyapatrol，theofficerofwhichtoldmethat，asIhadnolanternandaseighto’clockhadstruck，hisdutywastotakemetotheguardhouse。ItwasinvainthatIobservedthat，havingarrivedonlyintheafternoon，Icouldnotknowthatorderofthepolice。Iwascompelledtofollowhim。
Whenwereachedtheguardhouse，theofficerofthepatrolintroducedmetohiscaptain，atall，fine—lookingyoungmanwhoreceivedmeinthemostcheerfulmanner。IbeggedhimtoletmereturntomyhotelasIneededrestaftermyjourney。Helaughedandanswered，\"No，indeed，Iwantyoutospendajoyousnightwithme，andingoodcompany。\"Hetoldtheofficertogivemebackmysword，and，addressingmeagain，hesaid，\"Ionlyconsideryou，mydearsir，asmyfriendandguest。\"
Icouldnothelpbeingamusedatsuchanovelmodeofinvitation，andIacceptedit。HegavesomeorderstoaGermansoldier，andsoonafterwardsthetablewaslaidoutforfourpersons。Thetwootherofficersjoinedus，andwehadaverygaysupper。Whenthedeserthadbeenservedthecompanywasincreasedbythearrivaloftwodisgusting，dissolutefemales。Agreenclothwasspreadoverthetable，andoneoftheofficersbeganafarobank。Ipuntedsoasnottoappearunwillingtojointhegame，andafterlosingafewsequinsIwentouttobreathethefreshair，forwehaddrunkfreely。Oneofthetwofemalesfollowedme，teasedme，andfinallycontrived，inspiteofmyself，tomakemeapresentwhichcondemnedmetoaregimenofsixweeks。Afterthatfineexploit，Iwentinagain。
Ayoungandpleasantofficer，whohadlostsomefifteenortwentysequins，wasswearinglikeatrooperbecausethebankerhadpocketedhismoneyandwasgoing。Theyoungofficerhadagreatdealofgoldbeforehimonthetable，andhecontendedthatthebankeroughttohavewarnedhimthatitwouldbethelastgame。
\"Sir，\"Isaidtohim，politely，\"youareinthewrong，forfaroisthefreestofgames。Whydoyounottakethebankyourself？\"
\"Itwouldbetoomuchtrouble，andthesegentlemendonotpunthighenoughforme，butifthatsortofthingamusesyou，takethebankandIwillpunt。\"
\"Captain，\"Isaid，\"willyoutakeafourthshareinmybank？\"
\"Willingly。\"
\"Gentlemen，IbegyoutogivenoticethatIwilllaythecardsdownaftersixgames。\"
Iaskedfornewpacksofcards，andputthreehundredsequinsonthetable。Thecaptainwroteonthebackofacard，\"Goodforahundredsequins，O’Neilan，\"andplacingitwithmygoldIbeganmybank。
Theyoungofficerwasdelighted，andsaidtome，\"Yourbankmightbedefunctbeforetheendofthesixthgame。\"
Ididnotanswer，andtheplaywenton。
Atthebeginningofthefifthgame，mybankwasinthepangsofdeath；theyoungofficerwasinhighglee。IratherastonishedhimbytellinghimthatIwasgladtolose，forIthoughthimamuchmoreagreeablecompanionwhenhewaswinning。
Therearesomecivilitieswhichverylikelyproveunluckyforthosetowhomtheyareaddressed，anditturnedoutsointhiscase，formycomplimentturnedhisbrain。Duringthefifthgame，arunofadversecardsmadehimloseallhehadwon，andashetriedtodoviolencetoDameFortuneinthesixthround，helosteverysequinhehad。
\"Sir，\"hesaidtome，\"youhavebeenverylucky，butIhopeyouwillgivememyrevengeto—morrow。\"
\"Itwouldbewiththegreatestpleasure，sir，butIneverplayexceptwhenIamunderarrest。\"
Icountedmymoney，andfoundthatIhadwantwohundredandfiftysequins，besidesadebtoffiftysequinsduebyanofficerwhoplayedontrustwhichCaptainO’Neilantookonhisownaccount。Icompletedhisshare，andatday—breakheallowedmetogoaway。
AssoonasIgottomyhotel，Iwenttobed，andwhenIawoke，IhadavisitfromCaptainLaurent，theofficerwhohadplayedontrust。
Thinkingthathisobjectwastopaymewhathehadlost，ItoldhimthatO’Neilanhadtakenhisdebtonhimself，butheansweredthanhehadonlycalledforthepurposeofbeggingofmealoanofsixsequinsonhisnoteofhand，bywhichhewouldpledgehishonourtorepaymewithinoneweek。Igavehimthemoney，andhebeggedthatthematter，mightremainbetweenus。
\"Ipromiseit，\"Isaidtohim，\"butdonotbreakyourword。\"
ThenextdayIwasill，andthereaderisawareofthenatureofmyillness。Iimmediatelyplacedmyselfunderapropercourseofdiet，howeverunpleasantitwasatmyage；butIkepttomysystem，anditcuredmerapidly。
ThreeorfourdaysafterwardsCaptainO’Neilancalledonme，andwhenItoldhimthenatureofmysicknesshelaughed，muchtomysurprise。
\"Thenyouwereallrightbeforethatnight？\"heenquired。
\"Yes，myhealthwasexcellent。\"
\"Iamsorrythatyoushouldhavelostyourhealthinsuchanuglyplace。IwouldhavewarnedyouifIhadthoughtyouhadanyintentionsinthatquarter。\"
\"Didyouknowofthewomanhaving……？\"
\"Zounds！DidInot？ItisonlyaweeksinceIpaidavisittotheverysameplacemyself，andIbelievethecreaturewasallrightbeforemyvisit。\"
\"ThenIhavetothankyouforthepresentshehasbestoweduponme。\"
\"Mostlikely；butitisonlyatrifle，andyoucaneasilygetcuredifyoucaretotakethetrouble。\"
\"What！Doyounottrytocureyourself？\"
\"Faith，no。Itwouldbetoomuchtroubletofollowaregulardiet，andwhatistheuseofcuringsuchatriflinginconveniencewhenIamcertainofgettingitagaininafortnight。TentimesinmylifeI
havehadthatpatience，butIgottiredofit，andforthelasttwoyearsIhaveresignedmyself，andnowIputupwithit。\"
\"Ipityyou，foramanlikeyouwouldhavegreatsuccessinlove。\"
\"Idonotcareafigforlove；itrequirescareswhichwouldbothermemuchmorethantheslightinconveniencetowhichwewerealluding，andtowhichIamusednow。\"
\"Iamnotofyouropinion，fortheamorouspleasureisinsipidwhenlovedoesnotthrowalittlespiceinit。Doyouthink，forinstance，thattheuglywretchImetattheguard—roomisworthwhatInowsufferonheraccount？\"
\"Ofcoursenot，andthatiswhyIamsorryforyou。IfIhadknown，Icouldhaveintroducedyoutosomethingbetter。\"
\"Theverybestinthatlineisnotworthmyhealth，andhealthoughttobesacrificedonlyforlove。\"
\"Oh！youwantwomenworthyoflove？Thereareafewhere；stopwithusforsometime，andwhenyouarecuredthereisnothingtopreventyoufrommakingconquests。\"
O’Neilanwasonlytwenty—threeyearsold；hisfather，whowasdead，hadbeenageneral，andthebeautifulCountessBorsatiwashissister。HepresentedmetotheCountessZanardiNerli，stillmorelovelythanhissister，butIwasprudentenoughnottoburnmyincensebeforeeitherofthem，foritseemedtomethateverybodycouldguessthestateofmyhealth。
IhavenevermetayoungmanmoreaddictedtodebaucherythanO’Neilan。Ihaveoftenspentthenightramblingaboutwithhim，andIwasamazedathiscynicalboldnessandimpudence。Yethewasnoble，generous，brave，andhonourable。Ifinthosedaysyoungofficerswereoftenguiltyofsomuchimmorality，ofsomanyvileactions，itwasnotsomuchtheirfaultasthefaultoftheprivilegeswhichtheyenjoyedthroughcustom，indulgence，orpartyspirit。Hereisanexample:
OnedayO’Neilan，havingdrunkratherfreely，ridesthroughthecityatfullspeed。Apooroldwomanwhowascrossingthestreethasnotimetoavoidhim，shefalls，andherheadiscutopenbythehorse’sfeet。O’Neilanplaceshimselfunderarrest，butthenextdayheissetatliberty。Hehad，onlytopleadthatitwasanaccident。
TheofficerLaurentnothavingcalleduponmetoredeemhispromisorynoteofsixsequinsduringtheweek，ItoldhiminthestreetthatI
wouldnolongerconsidermyselfboundtokeeptheaffairsecret。
Insteadofexcusinghimself，hesaid，\"Idonotcare！\"
Theanswerwasinsulting，andIintendedtocompelhimtogivemereparation，butthenextdayO’NeilantoldmethatCaptainLaurenthadgonemadandhadbeenlockedupinamad—house。Hesubsequentlyrecoveredhisreason，buthisconductwassoinfamousthathewascashiered。
O’Neilan，whowasasbraveasBayard，waskilledafewyearsafterwardsatthebattleofPrague。AmanofhiscomplexionwascertaintofallthevictimofMarsorofVenus。Hemightbealivenowifhehadbeenendowedonlywiththecourageofthefox，buthehadthecourageofthelion。Itisavirtueinasoldier，butalmostafaultinanofficer。Thosewhobravedangerwithafullknowledgeofitareworthyofpraise，butthosewhodonotrealizeitescapeonlybyamiracle，andwithoutanymeritattachingitselftothem。
Yetwemustrespectthosegreatwarriors，fortheirunconquerablecourageistheoffspringofastrongsoul，ofavirtuewhichplacesthemaboveordinarymortals。
WheneverIthinkofPrinceCharlesdeLigneIcannotrestrainmytears。HewasasbraveasAchilles，butAchilleswasinvulnerable。
Hewouldbealivenowifhehadrememberedduringthefightthathewasmortal。Whoaretheythat，havingknownhim，havenotshedtearsinhismemory？Hewashandsome，kind，polished，learned，aloverofthearts，cheerful，wittyinhisconversation，apleasantcompanion，andamanofperfectequability。Fatal，terriblerevolution！A
cannonballtookhimfromhisfriends，fromhisfamily，fromthehappinesswhichsurroundedhim。
ThePrincedeWaldeckhasalsopaidthepenaltyofhisintrepiditywiththelossofonearm。Itissaidthatheconsoleshimselfforthatlosswiththeconsciousnessthatwiththeremainingonehecanyetcommandanarmy。
Oyouwhodespiselife，tellmewhetherthatcontemptofliferendersyouworthyofit？
TheoperaopenedimmediatelyafterEaster，andIwaspresentateveryperformance。Iwasthenentirelycured，andhadresumedmyusuallife。IwaspleasedtoseethatBalettishewedoffMarinatothebestadvantage。Inevervisitedher，butBalettiwasinthehabitofbreakfastingwithmealmosteverymorning。
Hehadoftenmentionedanoldactresswhohadleftthestageformorethantwentyyears，andpretendedtohavebeenmyfather’sfriend。
OnedayItookafancytocalluponher，andheaccompaniedmetoherhouse。
Isawanold，broken—downcronewhosetoiletastonishedmeasmuchasherperson。Inspiteofherwrinkles，herfacewasplasteredwithredandwhite，andhereyebrowswereindebtedtoIndiainkfortheirblackappearance。Sheexposedone—halfofherflabby，disgustingbosom，andtherecouldbenodoubtastoherfalsesetofteeth。Sheworeawigwhichfittedverybadly，andallowedtheintrusionofafewgrayhairswhichhadsurvivedthehavocoftime。Hershakinghandsmademinequiverwhenshepressedthem。Shediffusedaperfumeofamberatadistanceoftwentyyards，andheraffected，mincingmanneramusedandsickenedmeatthesametime。Herdressmightpossiblyhavebeenthefashiontwentyyearsbefore。Iwaslookingwithdreadatthefearfulhavocofoldageuponafacewhich，beforemercilesstimehadblightedit，hadevidentlybeenhandsome，butwhatamazedmewasthechildisheffronterywithwhichthistime—witheredspecimenofwomankindwasstillwagingwarwiththehelpofherblastedcharms。
Baletti，whofearedlestmytoovisibleastonishmentshouldvexher，toldherthatIwasamazedatthefactthatthebeautifulstrawberrywhichbloomeduponherchesthadnotbeenwitheredbythehandofTime。Itwasabirth—markwhichwasreallyverymuchlikeastrawberry。\"Itisthatmark，\"saidtheoldwoman，simpering，\"whichgavemethenameof’LaFragoletta。’\"
Thosewordsmademeshudder。
Ihadbeforemyeyesthefatalphantomwhichwasthecauseofmyexistence。Isawthewomanwhohadthirtyyearsbefore，seducedmyfather:ifithadnotbeenforher，hewouldneverhavethoughtofleavinghisfather’shouse，andwouldneverhaveengenderedmeinthewombofaVenetianwoman。Ihaveneverbeenoftheopinionoftheoldauthorwhosays，’Nemovitamvelletsidareturscientibus’。
SeeinghowthoughtfulIwas，shepolitelyenquiredmynamefromBaletti，forhehadpresentedmeonlyasafriend，andwithouthavinggivenhernoticeofmyvisit。WhenhetoldherthatmynamewasCasanova，shewasextremelysurprised。
\"Yes，madam，\"Isaid，\"IamthesonofGaetanCasanova，ofParma。\"
\"Heavensandearth！whatisthis？Ah！myfriend，Iadoredyourfather！Hewasjealouswithoutcause，andabandonedme。Hadhenotdoneso，youwouldhavebeenmyson！Allowmetoembraceyouwiththefeelingsofalovingmother。\"
Iexpectedasmuch，and，forfearsheshouldfall，Iwenttoher，receivedherkiss，andabandonedmyselftohertenderrecollections。
Stillanactress，shepressedherhandkerchieftohereyes，pretendingtoweep，andassuringmethatIwasnottodoubtthetruthofwhatshesaid。
\"Although，\"sheadded，\"Idonotlookanoldwomanyet。\"
\"Theonlyfaultofyourdearfather，\"shecontinued，\"wasawantofgratitude\"
Ihavenodoubtthatshepassedthesamesentenceupontheson，for，inspiteofherkindinvitation，Ineverpaidheranothervisit。
Mypursewaswellfilled，andasIdidnotcareforMantua，I
resolvedongoingtoNaples，toseeagainmydearTherese，DonnaLucrezia，Palofatherandson，DonAntonioCasanova，andallmyformeracquaintances。However，mygoodgeniusdidnotapproveofthatdecision，forIwasnotallowedtocarryitintoexecution。I
shouldhaveleftMantuathreedayslater，hadInotgonetotheoperathatnight。
Ilivedlikeananchoriteduringmytwomonths’stayinMantua，owingtothefolly。Icommittedonthenightofmyarrival。Iplayedonlythattime，andthenIhadbeenlucky。Myslighteroticinconvenience，bycompellingmetofollowthedietnecessarytomycure，mostlikelysavedmefromgreatermisfortuneswhich，perhaps，Ishouldnothavebeenabletoavoid。
CHAPTERXXI
MyJourneytoCesenainSearchofTreasure——ITakeUpMyQuartersinFranzia’sHouse——HisDaughterJavotteTheoperawasnearlyoverwhenIwasaccostedbyayoungmanwho，abruptly，andwithoutanyintroduction，toldmethatasastranger——
IhadbeenverywronginspendingtwomonthsinMantuawithoutpayingavisittothenaturalhistorycollectionbelongingtohisfather，DonAntonioCapitani，commissaryandprebendalpresident。
\"Sir，\"Ianswered，\"Ihavebeenguiltyonlythroughignorance，andifyouwouldbesogoodastocallformeatmyhotelto—morrowmorning，beforetheeveningIshallhaveatonedformyerror，andyouwillnolongerhavetherighttoaddressmethesamereproach\"
Thesonoftheprebendalcommissarycalledforme，andIfoundinhisfatheramosteccentric，whimsicalsortofman。Thecuriositiesofhiscollectionconsistedofhisfamilytree，ofbooksofmagic，relics，coinswhichhebelievedtobeantediluvian，amodelofthearktakenfromnatureatthetimewhenNoaharrivedinthatextraordinaryharbour，MountArarat，inArmenia。Heloadseveralmedals，oneofSesostris，anotherofSemiramis，andanoldknifeofaqueershape，coveredwithrust。Besidesallthosewonderfultreasures，hepossessed，butunderlockandkey，alltheparaphernaliaoffreemasonry。
\"Pray，tellme，\"Isaidtohim，\"whatrelationthereisbetweenthiscollectionandnaturalhistory？Iseenothinghererepresentingthethreekingdoms。\"
\"What！Youdonotseetheantediluviankingdom，thatofSesostrisandthatofSemiramis？Arenotthosethethreekingdoms？\"
WhenIheardthatanswerIembracedhimwithanexclamationofdelight，whichwassarcasticinitsintent，butwhichhetookforadmiration，andheatonceunfoldedallthetreasuresofhiswhimsicalknowledgerespectinghispossessions，endingwiththerustybladewhichhesaidwastheveryknifewithwhichSaintPetercutofftheearofMalek。
\"What！\"Iexclaimed，\"youarethepossessorofthisknife，andyouarenotasrichasCroesus？\"
\"HowcouldIbesothroughthepossessionoftheknife？\"
\"Intwoways。Inthefirstplace，youcouldobtainpossessionofallthetreasureshiddenundergroundintheStatesoftheChurch。\"
\"Yes，thatisanaturalconsequence，becauseSt。Peterhasthekeys。\"
\"Inthesecondplace，youmightselltheknifetothePope，ifyouhappentopossessproofofitsauthenticity。\"
\"Youmeantheparchment。OfcourseIhaveit；doyouthinkIwouldhaveboughtonewithouttheother？\"
\"Allright，then。Inordertogetpossessionofthatknife，thePopewould，Ihavenodoubt，makeacardinalofyourson，butyoumusthavethesheathtoo。\"
\"Ihavenotgotit，butitisunnecessary。AtalleventsIcanhaveonemade。\"
\"Thatwouldnotdo，youmusthavetheveryoneinwhichSaintPeterhimselfsheathedtheknifewhenGodsaid，’Mittegladiumtuuminvaginam’。Thatverysheathdoesexist，anditisnowinthehandsofapersonwhomightsellittoyouatareasonableprice，oryoumightsellhimyourknife，forthesheathwithouttheknifeisofnousetohim，justastheknifeisuselesstoyouwithoutthesheath。\"
\"Howmuchwoulditcostme？\"
\"Onethousandsequins。\"
\"Andhowmuchwouldthatpersongivemefortheknife？\"
\"Onethousandsequins，foronehasasmuchvalueastheother。\"
Thecommissary，greatlyastonished，lookedathisson，andsaid，withthevoiceofajudgeonthebench，\"Well，son，wouldyoueverhavethoughtthatIwouldbeofferedonethousandsequinsforthisknife？\"
Hethenopenedadrawerandtookoutofitanoldpieceofpaper，whichheplacedbeforeme。ItwaswritteninHebrew，andafacsimileoftheknifewasdrawnonit。Ipretendedtobelostinadmiration，andadvisedhimverystronglytopurchasethesheath。
\"Itisnotnecessaryformetobuyit，orforyourfriendtopurchasetheknife。Wecanfindoutanddigupthetreasurestogether。\"
\"Notatall。Therubricsaysinthemostforciblemannerthattheowneroftheblade，’invaginam’，shallbeone。IfthePopewereinpossessionofithewouldbeable，throughamagicaloperationknowntome，tocutoffoneoftheearsofeveryChristiankingwhomightbethinkingofencroachingupontherightsoftheChurch。\"
\"Wonderful，indeed！Butitisverytrue，foritissaidintheGospelthatSaintPeterdidcutofftheearofsomebody。\"
\"Yes，ofaking。\"
\"Oh，no！notofaking。\"
\"Ofaking，Itellyou。EnquirewhetherMalekorMelekdoesnotmeanking。\"
\"Well！incaseIshouldmakeupmymindtoselltheknife，whowouldgivemethethousandsequins？\"
\"Iwould；onehalfto—morrow，cashdown；thebalanceoffivehundredinaletterofexchangepayableonemonthafterdate。\"
\"Ah！thatislikebusiness。Begoodenough，toacceptadishofmacaroniwithusto—morrow，andunderasolemnpledgeofsecrecywewilldiscussthisimportantaffair。\"
Iacceptedandtookmyleave，firmlyresolvedonkeepingupthejoke。
Icamebackonthefollowingday，andtheveryfirstthinghetoldmewasthat，tohiscertainknowledge，therewasanimmensetreasurehiddensomewhereinthePapalStates，andthathewouldmakeuphismindtopurchasethesheath。Thissatisfiedmethattherewasnofearofhistakingmeatmyword，soIproducedapursefullofgold，sayingIwasquitereadytocompleteourbargainforthepurchaseoftheknife。
\"TheTreasure，\"hesaid，\"isworthmillions；butletushavedinner。
Youarenotgoingtobeservedinsilverplatesanddishes，butinrealRaphaelmosaic。\"
\"Mydearcommissary，yourmagnificenceastonishesme；mosaicis，indeed，byfarsuperiortosilverplate，althoughanignorantfoolwouldonlyconsiderituglyearthenware。\"
Thecomplimentdelightedhim。
Afterdinner，hespokeasfollows:
\"Amaninverygoodcircumstances，residinginthePapalStates，andownerofthecountryhouseinwhichheliveswithallhisfamily，iscertainthatthereisatreasureinhiscellar。Hehaswrittentomyson，declaringhimselfreadytoundertakeallexpensesnecessarytopossesshimselfofthattreasure，ifwecouldprocureamagicianpowerfulenoughtounearthit。\"
Thesonthentookaletteroutofhispocket，readmesomepassages，andbeggedmetoexcusehimif，inconsequenceofhishavingpledgedhimselftokeepthesecret，hecouldnotcommunicateallthecontentsoftheletter；butIhad，unperceivedbyhim，readthewordCesena，thenameofthevillage，andthatwasenoughforme。
\"Thereforeallthatisnecessaryistogivemethepossibilityofpurchasingthesheathoncredit，forIhavenoreadycashatpresent。
Youneednotbeafraidofendorsingmylettersofexchange，andifyoushouldknowthemagicianyoumightgohalveswithhim。\"
\"Themagicianisready；itisI，butunlessyougivemefivehundredsequinscashdownwecannotagree。\"
\"Ihavenomoney。\"
\"Thensellmetheknife:\"
\"No。\"
\"Youarewrong，fornowthatIhaveseenitIcaneasilytakeitfromyou。ButIamhonestenoughnottowishtoplaysuchatrickuponyou。\"
\"Youcouldtakemyknifefromme？Ishouldliketobeconvincedofthat，butIdonotbelieveit。\"
\"Youdonot？Verywell，to—morrowtheknifewillbeinmypossession，butwhenitisonceinmyhandsyouneednothopetoseeitagain。Aspiritwhichisundermyorderswillbringittomeatmidnight，andthesamespiritwilltellmewherethetreasureisburied:\"
\"Letthespirittellyouthat，andIshallbeconvinced。\"
\"Givemeapen，inkandpaper。\"
Iaskedaquestionfrommyoracle，andtheanswerIhadwasthatthetreasurewastobefoundnotfarfromtheRubicon。