\"Yes，sire，butIhaveforgotteneverythingnow。IthoughtthatI
shouldnotbeawedbythemajestyofaking，butIwasmistaken。Mylord—marshalshouldhavewarnedme。\"
\"Thenheknowsyou？Letuswalk。Whatisitthatyouwant？Whatdoyouthinkofmygarden？\"
Hisenquiriesaftermyneedsandofhisgardenweresimultaneous。ToanyotherpersonIshouldhaveansweredthatIdidnotknowanythingaboutgardening，butthiswouldhavebeenequivalenttorefusingtoanswerthequestion；andnomonarch，evenifhebeaphilosopher，couldendurethat。IthereforerepliedthatIthoughtthegardensuperb。
\"But，\"hesaid，\"thegardensofVersaillesaremuchfiner。\"
\"Yes，sire，butthatischieflyonaccountofthefountains。\"
\"True，butitisnotmyfault；thereisnowaterhere。Ihavespentmorethanthreehundredthousandcrownstogetwater，butunsuccessfully。\"
\"Threehundredthousandcrowns，sire！Ifyourmajestyhadspentthemallatonce，thefountainsshouldbehere。\"
\"Oh，oh！Iseeyouareacquaintedwithhydraulics。\"
Icouldnotsaythathewasmistaken，forfearofoffendinghim，soI
simplybentmyhead，whichmightmeaneitheryesorno。ThankGodthekingdidnottroubletotestmyknowledgeofthescienceofhydraulics，withwhichIwastotallyunacquainted。
Hekeptonthemoveallthetime，andasheturnedhisheadfromonesidetotheotherhurriedlyaskedmewhatforcesVenicecouldputintothefieldinwartime。
\"Twentymen—of—war，sire，andanumberofgalleys。\"
\"Whatarethelandforces？\"
\"Seventythousandmen，sire；allofwhomaresubjectsoftheRepublic，andassessingeachvillageatoneman。\"
\"Thatisnottrue；nodoubtyouwishtoamusemebytellingmethesefables。Givemeyouropinionsontaxation。\"
ThiswasthefirstconversationIhadeverhadwithamonarch。I
madearapidreviewofthesituation，andfoundmyselfmuchinthesamepositionasanactoroftheimprovisedcomedyoftheItalians，whoisgreetedbythehissesofthegodsifhestopsshortamoment。
IthereforerepliedwithalltheairsofadoctoroffinancethatI
couldsaysomethingaboutthetheoryoftaxation。
\"That’swhatIwant，\"hereplied，\"forthepracticeisnobusinessofyours。\"
\"Therearethreekindsoftaxes，consideredastotheireffects。Thefirstisruinous，thesecondanecessaryevil，andthethirdinvariablybeneficial\"
\"Good！Goon。\"
\"Theruinousimpostistheroyaltax，thenecessaryisthemilitary，andthebeneficialisthepopular。\"
AsIhadnotgiventhesubjectanythoughtIwasinadisagreeableposition，forIwasobligedtogoonspeaking，andyetnottotalknonsense。
\"Theroyaltax，sire，isthatwhichdeplenishesthepursesofthesubjecttofillthecoffersoftheking。\"
\"Andthatkindoftaxisalwaysruinous，youthink。\"
\"Always，sire；itpreventsthecirculationofmoney——thesoulofcommerceandthemainstayofthestate。\"
\"Butifthetaxbeleviedtokeepupthestrengthofthearmy，yousayitisanecessaryevil。\"
\"Yes，itisnecessaryandyetevil，forwarisanevil。\"
\"Quiteso；andnowaboutthepopulartax。\"
\"Thisisalwaysabenefit，forthemonarchtakeswithonehandandgiveswiththeother；heimprovestownsandroads，foundsschools，protectsthesciences，cherishesthearts；infine，hedirectsthistaxtowardsimprovingtheconditionandincreasingthehappinessofhispeople。\"
\"Thereisagooddealoftruthinthat。IsupposeyouknowCalsabigi？\"
\"Ioughtto，yourmajesty，asheandIestablishedtheGenoaLotteryatParissevenyearsago。\"
\"Inwhatclasswouldyouputthistaxation，foryouwillagreethatitistaxationofakind？\"
\"Certainly，sire，andnottheleastimportant。Itisbeneficialwhenthemonarchspendshisprofitsforthegoodofthepeople。\"
\"Butthemonarchmaylose？\"
\"Onceinfifty。\"
\"Isthatconclusiontheresultofamathematicalcalculation？\"
\"Yes，sire。\"
\"Suchcalculationsoftenprovedeceptive。\"
\"Notso，mayitpleaseyourmajesty，whenGodremainsneutral。\"
\"WhathasGodgottodowithit？\"
\"Well，sire，wewillcallitdestinyorchance。\"
\"Good！Imaypossiblybeofyouropinionastothecalculation，butIdon’tlikeyourGenoeseLottery。Itseemstomeanelaborateswindle，andIwouldhavenothingmoretodowithit，evenifitwerepositivelycertainthatIshouldneverlose。\"
\"Yourmajestyisright，fortheconfidencewhichmakesthepeoplerisktheirmoneyinalotteryisperfectlyfallacious。\"
Thiswastheendofourstrangedialogue，andstoppingbeforeabuildinghelookedmeover，andthen，afterashortsilence，observed，——
\"Doyouknowthatyouareafineman？\"
\"Isitpossiblethat，afterthescientificconversationwehavehad，yourmajestyshouldselecttheleastofthequalitieswhichadornyourlifeguardsmenforremark？\"
Thekingsmiledkindly，andsaid，——
\"AsyouknowMarshalKeith，Iwillspeaktohimofyou。\"
Withthathetookoffhishat，andbademefarewell。Iretiredwithaprofoundbow。
ThreeorfourdaysafterthemarshalgavemetheagreeablenewsthatIhadfoundfavourintheking’seyes，andthathismajestythoughtofemployingme。
Iwascurioustolearnthenatureofthisemployment，andbeinginnokindofhurryIresolvedtoawaiteventsinBerlin。Thetimepassedpleasantlyenough，forIwaseitherwithCalsabigi，BaronTreidel，ormylandlady，andwhentheseresourcesfailedme，Iusedtowalkinthepark，musingovertheeventsofmylife。
Calsabigihadnodifficultyinobtainingpermissiontocontinuethelotteryonhisownaccount，andheboldlyannouncedthathenceforwardhewouldconductthelotteryonhisownrisk。Hisaudacitywascrownedwithsuccess，andheobtainedaprofitofahundredthousandcrowns。Withthishepaidmostofhisdebts，andgavehismistresstenthousandcrowns，shereturningthedocumententitlinghertothatamount。Afterthisluckydrawingitwaseasytofindguarantors，andthelotterywentonsuccessfullyfortwoorthreeyears。
NeverthelessCalsabigiendedbybecomingbankruptanddiedpoorenoughinItaly。HemightbecomparedtotheDanaides；themorehegotthemorehespent。HismistresseventuallymadearespectablemarriageandreturnedtoParis，whereshelivedincomfort。
AttheperiodofwhichIamspeaking，theDuchessofBrunswick，theking’ssister，cametopayhimavisit。ShewasaccompaniedbyherdaughterwhomarriedtheCrownPrinceofPrussiainthefollowingyear。Isawthekinginasuitoflustringtrimmedwithgoldlace，andblacksilkstockingsonhislegs。Helookedtrulycomic，andmorelikeatheatricalheavyfatherthanagreatking。Hecameintothehallwithhissisteronhisarmandattracteduniversalattention，foronlyveryoldmencouldrememberseeinghimwithouthisuniformandtop—boots。
IwasnotawarethatthefamousMadameDeniswasatBerlin，anditwasthereforeanagreeablesurprisetometoseeherintheballetoneevening，dancingapasseulinanexquisitemanner。Wewereoldfriends，andIresolvedtopayheravisitthenextday。
Imusttellthereader（supposingIeverhaveone），thatwhenIwasabouttwelveyearsoldIwenttothetheatrewithmymotherandsaw，notwithoutmuchheart—beating，agirlofeightwhodancedaminuetinsoravishingamannerthatthewholehouseapplaudedloudly。Thisyoungdancer，whowasthepantaloon’sdaughter，charmedmetosuchadegreethatIcouldnotresistgoingtoherdressing—roomtocomplimentheronherperformance。Iworethecassockinthosedays，andshewasastonishedwhensheheardherfatherorderhertogetupandkissme。Shekissedme，nevertheless，withmuchgrace，andthoughIreceivedthecomplimentwithagooddealofawkwardnessI
wassodelighted，thatIcouldnothelpbuyingheralittleringfromatoymerchantinthetheatre。Shekissedmeagainwithgreatgratitudeandenthusiasm。
ThepleasantestpartaboutthiswasthatthesequinIhadgivenfortheringbelongedtoDr。Gozzi，andsowhenIwentbacktohimIwasinapitiablestate，forIhadnotonlyspentmoneywhichdidnotbelongtome，butIhadspentitforsosmallafavourasakiss。
IknewthatthenextdayIshouldhavetogiveanaccountofthemoneyhehadentrustedtome，andnothavingtheleastideaastowhatIshouldsay，Ihadabadnightofit。Thenextmorningeverythingcameout，andmymothermadeupthesequintothedoctor。
IlaughnowwhenIthinkofthischildishpieceofgallantry，whichwasanomenoftheextenttowhichmyheartwastobeswayedbythefairsex。
Thetoy—womanwhohadsoldmetheringcamethenextdayatdinner—
timetoourhouse，andafterproducingseveralringsandtrinketswhichwerejudgedtoodear，shebegantopraisemygenerosity，andsaidthatIhadnotthoughttheringIhadgiventoprettyJeannettetoodear。Thisdidmybusiness；andIhadtoconfessthewhole，layingmyfaulttotheaccountoflove，andpromisingnottodosuchathingagain。ButwhenIutteredthewordlove，everybodyroaredwithlaughter，andbegantomakecruelgameofme。Iwishedmyselfamileaway，andregisteredaninteriorresolvenevertoconfessmyfaultsagain。ThereaderknowshowwellIkeptmypromise。
Thepantaloon’slittledaughterwasmymother’sgoddaughter，andmythoughtswerefullofher。Mymother，wholovedmeandsawmypain，askedmeifIwouldlikethelittlegirltobeaskedtosupper。Mygrandmother，however，opposedtheidea，andIwasobligedtoher。
ThedayafterthisburlesquesceneIreturnedtoPadua，whereBettinasoonmademeforgetthelittleballet—girl。IsawheragainatCharlottenbourg，andthatwasnowseventeenyearsago。
Ilongedtohaveatalkwithher，andtoseewhethershewouldrememberme，thoughIdidnotexpecthertodoso。IaskedifherhusbandDeniswaswithher，andtheytoldmethatthekinghadbanishedhimbecauseheill—treatedher。
Icalledonherthedayaftertheperformance，andwaspolitelyreceived，butshesaidshedidnotthinkshehadhadthepleasureofseeingmebefore。
BydegreesItoldheroftheeventsofherchildhood，andhowsheenchantedallVenicebythegracewithwhichshedancedtheminuet。
Sheinterruptedmebysayingthatatthattimeshewasonlysixyearsold。
\"Youcouldnotbemore，\"Ireplied，\"forIwasonlyten；andnevertheless，Ifellinlovewithyou，andneverhaveIforgottenthekissyougavemebyyourfather’sorderinreturnforsometriflingpresentImadeyou。\"
\"Bequiet；yougavemeabeautifulring，andIkissedyouofmyownfreewill。Youworethecassockthen。Ihaveneverforgottenyou。
Butcanitreallybeyou？\"
\"Itisindeed。\"
\"Iam。delightedtoseeyouagain。ButIcouldneverhaverecognizedyou，andIsupposeyouwouldnothaverecognizedme。\"
\"No，Ishouldnothaveknownyou，unlessIhadheardyournamementioned。\"
\"Onealtersintwentyyears，youknow。\"
\"Yes，onecannotexpecttohavethesamefaceasatsix。\"
\"YoucanbearwitnessthatIamnotmorethantwenty—six，thoughsomeevilspeakersgivemetenyearsmore。\"
\"Youshouldnottakeanynoticeofsuchcalumnies，mydear。Youareintheflowerofyourage，andmadefortheserviceoflove。Formypart，Icongratulatemyselfonbeingabletotellyouthatyouarethefirstwomanthatinspiredmewitharealpassion。\"
Wecouldnothelpbecomingaffectionateifwecontinuedtokeepuptheconversationinthisstyle，butexperiencehadtaughtusthatitwaswelltoremainaswewereforthepresent。
MadameDeniswasstillfreshandyouthfullooking，thoughshepersistedinabbreviatingheragebytenyears。Ofcourseshecouldnotdeceiveme，andshemusthaveknownit，nevertheless，shelikedmetobearoutwardtestimonytoheryouthfulness。ShewouldhavedetestedmeifIhadattemptedtoprovetoherwhatsheknewperfectlywell，butdidnotcaretoconfess。Nodoubtshecaredlittleformythoughtsonthesubject，andshemayhaveimaginedthatIowedhergratitudefordiminishingherage，asitenabledmetodiminishmyowntomakeourtalesagree。However，Ididnottroublemyselfmuchaboutit，foritisalmostadutyinanactresstodisguiseherage，asinspiteoftalentthepublicwillnotforgiveawomanforhavingbeenborntoosoon。
Ithoughtherbehaviourauguredwell，andIhopedshewouldnotmakemelanguishlong。Sheshewedmeherhouse，whichwasalleleganceandgoodtaste。Iaskedherifshehadalover，andsherepliedwithasmilethatallBerlinthoughtso，butthatitwasneverthelessdeceivedontheprincipalpoint，astheindividualinquestionwasmoreofafatherthanalover。
\"Butyoudeservetohaveareallover；Icannotconceivehowyoucandowithoutone。\"
\"IassureyouIdon’ttroublemyselfaboutit。Iamsubjecttoconvulsions，whicharetheplagueofmylife。IwanttotrytheTeplitzwaters，whicharesaidtobeexcellentforallnervousaffections；butthekinghasrefusedhispermission，whichI，nevertheless，hopetoobtainnextyear。\"
Ifeltardentlydisposed，andIthoughtshewaspleasedwiththerestraintIputuponmyself。
\"Willyoubeannoyed，\"saidI，\"ifIcalluponyoufrequently？\"
\"Ifyoudon’tmindIwillcallmyselfyourniece，oryourcousin，andthenwecanseeeachother。\"
\"Doyouknowthatthatmaypossiblybetrue？Iwouldnotswearthatyouwerenotmysister。\"
Thissallymadeustalkofthefriendshipthathadsubsistedbetweenherfatherandmymother，andweallowedourselvesthosecaresseswhicharepermittedtonearrelations；butfeelingthatthingsweregoingtoofarweceased。Asshebademefarewell，sheaskedmetodinewithherthenextday，andIaccepted。
AsIwentbacktomyinnIreflectedonthestrangecombinationswhichmademylifeonecontinuouschainofevents，andIfeltitmydutytogivethankstoeternalProvidence，forIfeltthatIhadbeenbornunderahappystar。
Thenextday，whenIwenttodinewithMadameDenis，Ifoundanumerouscompanyassembled。ThefirstpersonwhogreetedmewiththewarmthofanoldfriendwasayoungdancernamedAubri，whomIhadknownatParisandatVenice。HewasfamousforhavingbeentheloverofoneofthemostexaltedVenetianladies，andatthesametimeherhusband’spathic。ItwassaidthatthisscandalousintimacywasofsuchanaturethatAubriusedtosleepbetweenthehusbandandwife。AtthebeginningofLenttheStateInquisitorssenthimtoTrieste。Heintroducedmetohiswife，whodancedlikehimselfandwascalledLaPanting。HehadmarriedheratSt。Petersburg，fromwhichcityhehadjustcome，andtheyweregoingtospendthewinterinParis。Thenextpersonwhoadvancedtogreetmewasafatman，whoheldouthishandandsaidwehadbeenfriendstwenty—fiveyearsago，butthatweweresoyoungthenthatitwouldbenowonderifwedidnotknoweachother。\"WekneweachotheratPadua，atDr。
Gozzi’s，\"headded；\"mynameisJosephdaLoglio。\"
\"Irememberyou，\"Ireplied，\"inthosedaysyouwerevioloncelloattheRussianchapel。\"
\"Exactly；andnowIamreturningtomynativelandtoleaveitnomore。Ihavethehonourtointroduceyoutomywife，whowasbornatSt。Petersburg，butisadaughterofModonistheviolinist，whosereputationisEuropean。InaweekIshallbeatDresden，whereI
hopetohavethehonourofseeingMadameCasanova，yourmother。\"
Iwasdelightedtofindmyselfinsuchcongenialsociety，butIcouldseethatMadameDenisdidnotrelishtheserecollectionsextendingoveraquarterofacentury，andIturnedtheconversationtotheeventsatSt。PetersburgwhichhadresultedinCatherinetheGreatascendingthethrone。DaLogliotoldusthathehadtakenasmallpartinthisconspiracy，andhadthoughtitprudenttogetoutoftheway。\"Fortunately，\"headded，\"thiswasacontingencyIhadlongprovidedagainst，andIaminapositiontospendtherestofmydaysincomfortinItaly。\"
MadameDenisthenobserved:
\"AweekagoaPiedmontese，namedAudar，wasintroducedtome。Hehadbeenachiefmoverintheconspiracy，andtheempressgavehimapresentofahundredthousandroublesandanordertoleaveRussiaimmediately。\"
IheardafterwardsthatthisAudarboughtanestateinPiedmontonwhichhebuiltafinemansion。Intwoorthreeyearsitwasstruckbyathunder—bolt，andtheunfortunatemanwaskilledintheruinsofhisownhouse。IfthiswasablowfromanAlmightyhand，itcouldnot，atallevents，havebeendirectedbythegeniusofRussia，foriftheunfortunatePeterIII。hadlived，hewouldhaveretardedRussiancivilizationbyahundredyears。
TheEmpressCatherinerewardedalltheforeignerswhohadassistedherinherplotsmostmagnificently，andshewedherselfgratefultotheRussianswhohadhelpedhertomountthethrone；while，likeacraftypolitician，shesentsuchnoblesasshesuspectedtobeaversetorevolutionoutofthecountry。
ItwasDaLoglioandhisprettywifewhodeterminedmetobetakemyselftoRussiaincasetheKingofPrussiadidnotgivemeanyemployment。IwasassuredthatIshouldmakemyfortunethere，andDaLogliopromisedtogivemegoodinstructions。
AssoonasthisworthymanleftBerlinmyintimacywithMadameDeniscommenced。OnenightwhenIwassuppingwithhershewasseizedwithconvulsionswhichlastedallthenight。Ididnotleaveherforamoment，andinthemorning，feelingquiterecovered，hergratitudefinishedwhatmylovehadbeguntwenty—sixyearsbefore，andouramorouscommercelastedwhileIstayedatBerlin。WeshallhearofheragainatFlorencesixyearslater。
SomedaysafterMadameDenistookmetoPotsdamtoshewmeallthesightsofthetown。Ourintimacyoffendednoone，forshewasgenerallybelievedtobemyniece，andthegeneralwhokepthereitherbelievedthereport，orlikeamanofsensepretendedtobelieveit。
AmongstothernotablethingsIsawatPotsdamwasthesightofthekingcommandingthefirstbattalionofhisgrenadiers，allpickedmen，theflowerofthePrussianarmy。
Theroomwhichweoccupiedattheinnfacedawalkbywhichthekingpassedwhenhecamefromthecastle。Theshutterswereallclosed，andourlandladytoldusthatononeoccasionwhenaprettydancercalledLaReggianawassleepinginthesameroom，thekinghadseenherin’purisnaturalibus’。Thiswastoomuchforhismodesty，andhehadorderedtheshutterstobeclosed，andclosedtheyhadremained，thoughthiseventwasfouryearsold。Thekinghadsomecausetofear，forhehadbeenseverelytreatedbyLaBarbarina。Intheking’sbedroomwesawherportrait，thatofLaCochois，sistertotheactresswhobecameMarchionessd’Argens，andthatofMarieTheresa，withwhomFrederickhadbeeninlove，orratherhehadbeeninlovewiththeideaofbecomingemperor。
Afterwehadadmiredthebeautyandeleganceofthecastle，wecouldnothelpadmiringthewayinwhichthemasterofthecastlewaslodged。Hehadameanroom，andsleptonalittlebedwithascreenaroundit。Therewasnodressing—gownandnoslippers。Thevaletshewedusanoldcapwhichthekingputonwhenhehadacold；itlookedasifitmustbeveryuncomfortable。Hismajesty’sbureauwasatablecoveredwithpens，paper，half—burntmanuscripts，andanink—
pot；besideitwasasofa。ThevalettoldusthatthesemanuscriptscontainedthehistoryofthelastPrussianwar，andthekinghadbeensoannoyedbytheiraccidentallygettingburntthathehadresolvedtohavenomoretodowiththework。Heprobablychangedhismind，forthebook，whichislittleesteemed，waspublishedshortlyafterhisdeath。
Fiveorsixweeksaftermycuriousconversationwiththemonarch，MarshalKeithtoldmethathismajestyhadbeenpleasedtocreatemeatutortothenewcorpsofPomeraniancadetswhichhewasjustestablishing。Thereweretobefifteencadetsandfivetutors，sothateachshouldhavethecareofthreepupils。Thesalarywassixhundredcrownsandboardfound。Thedutyofthetutorswastofolloworaccompanythecadetswherevertheywent，Courtincluded。Ihadtobequickinmakingupmymind，forthefourotherswerealreadyinstalled，andhismajestydidnotliketobekeptwaiting。IaskedLordKeithwherethecollegewas，andIpromisedtogivehimareplybythenextday。
Ihadtosummonallmypowersofself—restrainttomyassistancewhenIheardthisextravagantproposalascomingfromamanwhowassodiscreetinmostthings，butmyastonishmentwasincreasedwhenIsawtheabodeofthesefifteenyoungnoblemenofrichPomerania。Itconsistedofthreeorfourgreatroomsalmostdevoidoffurniture，severalwhitewashedbedrooms，containingawretchedbed，adealtable，andtwodealchairs。Theyoungcadets，boysoftwelveorthirteen，alllookeddirtyanduntidy，andwereboxedupinawretcheduniformwhichmatchedadmirablytheirrudeandrusticfaces。
Theywereincompanywiththeirfourgovernors，whomItookfortheirservants，andwholookedatmeinastupefiedmanner，notdaringtothinkthatIwastobetheirfuturecolleague。
JustasIwasgoingtobidaneternalfarewelltothisabodeofmisery，oneofthegovernorsputhisheadoutofthewindowandexclaimed，——
\"Thekingisridingup。\"
Icouldnotavoidmeetinghim，andbesides，Iwasgladenoughtoseehimagain，especiallyinsuchaplace。
HismajestycameupwithhisfriendIcilius，examinedeverything，andsawme，butdidnothonourmewithaword。Iwaselegantlydressed，andworemycrosssetwithbrilliants。ButIhadtobitemylipssoasnottoburstoutlaughingwhenFredericktheGreatgotinatoweringrageatachamberutensilwhichstoodbesideoneofthebeds，andwhichdidnotappeartobeinaverycleanlycondition。
\"Whosebedisthis？\"criedthemonarch。
\"Mine，sire，\"answeredatremblingcadet。
\"Good！butitisnotyouIamangrywith；whereisyourgovernor？\"
Thefortunategovernorpresentedhimself，andthemonarch，afterhonouringhimwiththetitleofblockhead，proceededtoscoldhimroundly。However，heendedbysayingthattherewasaservant，andthatthegovernoroughttoseethathedidhisworkproperly。
Thisdisgustingscenewasenoughforme，andIhastenedtocallonMarshalKeithtoannouncemydetermination。TheoldsoldierlaughedatthedescriptionIgavehimoftheacademy，andsaidIwasquiterighttodespisesuchanoffice；butthatIought，nevertheless，togoandthankthekingbeforeIleftBerlin。IsaidIdidnotfeelinclinedforanotherinterviewwithsuchaman，andheagreedtopresentmythanksandexcusesinmystead。
ImadeupmymindtogotoRussia，andbeganmypreparationsingoodearnest。BaronTreidelsupportedmyresolvebyofferingtogivemealetterofintroductiontohissister，theDuchessofCourland。I
wrotetoM。deBragadinto’givemealetterforabankeratSt。
Petersburg，andtoremitmethroughhimeverymonthasumwhichwouldkeepmeincomfort。
Icouldnottravelwithoutaservant，andchancekindlyprovidedmewithone。IwassittingwithMadameRufin，whenayoungLorrainercamein；likeBias，heboreallhisfortunewithhim，but，inhiscase，itwascarriedunderhisarm。Heintroducedhimselfthus:
\"Madam，mynameisLambert，IcomefromLorraine，andIwishtolodgehere。\"
\"Verygood，sir，butyoumustpayforyourboardandlodgingeveryday。\"
\"That，madam，isoutofthequestion，forIhavenotgotafarthing，butIshallhavesomemoneywhenIdiscoverwhoIam。\"
\"IamafraidIcannotputyouuponthoseconditions，sir。\"
Hewasgoingawaywithamortifiedair，whenmyheartwastouched，andIcalledhimback。
\"Stay，\"saidI，\"Iwillpayforyouto—day。\"
Happinessbeamedoverhisface。
\"Whathaveyougotinthatlittlebundle？\"saidI。
\"Twoshirts，ascoreofmathematicalbooks，andsomeothertrifles。\"
Itookhimtomyroom，andfindinghimtolerablywelleducated，I
askedhimhowhecametobeinsuchastateofdestitution。
\"IcomefromStrasburg，\"hereplied，\"andacadetofaregimentstationedtherehavinggivenmeablowinacoffee—houseIpaidhimavisitthenextdayinhisownroomandstabbedhimthere。
\"AfterthisIwenthome，madeupmybundle，andleftthetown。I
walkedallthewayandlivedsoberly，sothatmymoneylastedtillthismorning。To—morrowIshallwritetomymother，wholivesatLuneville，andIamsureshewillsendmesomemoney。\"
\"Andwhatdoyouthinkofdoing？\"
\"Iwanttobecomeamilitaryengineer，butifneedsmustIamreadytoenlistasaprivatesoldier。\"
\"Icangiveyouboardandlodgingtillyouhearfromyourmother。\"
\"Heavenhassentyouinmyway，\"saidhe，kissingmyhandgratefully。
Ididnotsuspecthimofdeceivingme，thoughhestumbledsomewhatinhisnarrative。HowevermycuriosityledmetowritetoM。
Schauenbourg，whowasthenatStrasburg，toenquireifthetaleweretrue。
ThenextdayIhappenedtomeetanofficerofengineers，whotoldmethatyoungmenofeducationweresoplentifulthattheydidnotreceivethemintotheserviceunlesstheywerewillingtoserveascommonsoldiers。Iwassorryfortheyoungmantobereducedsolowasthat。Ibegantospendsometimewithhimeverydayinmathematicalcalculations，andIconceivedtheideaoftakinghimwithmetoSt。Petersburg，andbroachedthesubjecttohim。
\"Itwouldbeapieceofgoodfortuneforme，\"hereplied，\"andtoshewmygratitudeIwillgladlywaitonyouasaservantduringthejourney。\"
HespokeFrenchbadly，butashewasaLorrainerIwasnotastonishedatthat。NeverthelessIwassurprisedtofindthathedidnotknowawordofLatin，andthathisspellingwasofthewildestdescription。
Hesawmelaughing，butdidnotseemintheleastashamed。Indeedhesaidthathehadonlygonetoschooltolearnmathematics，andthathewasverygladthathehadescapedtheinflictionoflearninggrammar。Indeed，oneverysubjectbesidesmathematics，hewasprofoundlyignorant。Hehadnomannerswhatever；infact，hewasamerepeasant。
TenortwelvedayslaterIreceivedaletterfromM。deSchauenbourg，sayingthatthenameofLambertwasunknowninStrasburg，andthatnocadethadbeenkilledorwounded。
WhenIshewedLambertthisletterhesaidthatashewishedtoenterthearmyhethoughtitwouldbeofservicetohimtoshewthathewasbrave，addingthatasthisliehadnotbeentoldwiththeideaofimposingonmeIshouldforgiveit。
\"Poverty，\"saidhe，\"isarascallyteacher，thatgivesamansomebadlessons。Iamnotaliarbydisposition，butIhaveneverthelesstoldyoualieonanotherandamoreimportantmatter。Idon’texpectanymoneywhateverfrommypoormother，whoratherneedsthatIshouldsendmoneytoher。Soforgiveme，andbesureIshallbeafaithfulservanttoyou。\"
Iwasalwaysreadytoforgiveothermen’speccadilloes，andnotwithoutcause。IlikedLambert’slineofargument，andtoldhimthatwewouldsetoutinfiveorsixdays。
BaronBodisson，aVenetianwhowantedtosellthekingapicturebyAndreadelSarto，askedmetocomewithhimtoPotsdamandthedesireofseeingthemonarchonceagainmademeaccepttheinvitation。WhenIreachedPotsdamIwenttoseetheparadeatwhichFrederickwasnearlyalwaystobefound。WhenhesawmehecameupandaskedmeinafamiliarmannerwhenIwasgoingtostartforSt。Petersburg。
\"Infiveorsixdays，ifyourmajestyhasnoobjection。\"
\"Iwishyouapleasantjourney；butwhatdoyouhopetodointhatland？\"
\"WhatIhopedtodointhisland，namely，topleasethesovereign。\"
\"Haveyougotanintroductiontotheempress？\"
\"No，butIhaveanintroductiontoabanker。\"
\"Ah！that’smuchbetter。IfyoupassthroughPrussiaonyourreturnIshallbedelightedtohearofyouradventuresinRussia。\"
\"Farewell，sire。\"
SuchwasthesecondinterviewIhadwiththisgreatking，whomI
neversawagain。
AfterIhadtakenleaveofallmyfriendsIappliedtoBaronTreidel，whogavemealetterforM。deKaiserling，lord—chancelloratMitau，andanotherletterforhissister，theDuchessofCourland，andI
spentthelastnightwiththecharmingMadameDenis。Sheboughtmypost—chaise，andIstartedwithtwohundredducatsinmypurse。ThiswouldhavebeenampleforthewholejourneyifIhadnotbeensofoolishastoreduceitbyhalfatapartyofpleasurewithsomeyoungmerchantsatDantzic。IwasthusunabletostayafewdaysatKoenigsberg，thoughIhadalettertoField—MarshalvonLewald，whowasthegovernoroftheplace。Icouldonlystayonedaytodinewiththispleasantoldsoldier，whogavemealetterforhisfriendGeneralWoiakoff，theGovernorofRiga。
IfoundIwasrichenoughtoarriveatMitauinstate，andI
thereforetookacarriageandsix，andreachedmydestinationinthreedays。AttheinnwhereIputupIfoundaFlorentineartistenamedBregonei，whooverwhelmedmewithcaresses，tellingmethatI
hadlovedherwhenIwasaboyandworethecassock。IsawhersixyearslateratFlorence，whereshewaslivingwithMadameDenis。
ThedayaftermydeparturefromMemel，IwasaccostedintheopencountrybyamanwhomIrecognizedasaJew。HeinformedmethatI
wasonPolishterritory，andthatImustpaydutyonwhatevermerchandiseIhadwithme。
\"Iamnomerchant，\"saidI，\"andyouwillgetnothingoutofme。\"
\"Ihavetherighttoexamineyoureffects，\"repliedtheIsraelite，\"andImeantomakeuseofit。\"
\"Youareamadman，\"Iexclaimed，andIorderedthepostilliontowhiphimoff。
ButtheJewranandseizedtheforehorsesbythebridleandstoppedus，andthepostillion，insteadofwhippinghim，waitedwithTeutoniccalmformetocomeandsendtheJewaway。Iwasinafuriousrage，andleapingoutwithmycaneinonehandandapistolintheotherI
soonputtheJewtoflightafterapplyingaboutadozengoodsoundblowstohisback。Inoticedthatduringthecombatmyfellow—
traveller，myArchimedes—in—ordinary，whohadbeenasleepalltheway，didnotoffertostir。Ireproachedhimforhiscowardice；buthetoldmethathedidnotwanttheJewtosaythatwehadsetonhimtwotoone。
IarrivedatMitautwodaysafterthisburlesqueadventureandgotdownattheinnfacingthecastle。Ihadonlythreeducatsleft。
ThenextmorningIcalledonM。deKaiserling，whoreadtheBarondeTreidel’sletter，andintroducedmetohiswife，andleftmewithhertotakethebaron’slettertohissister。
MadamedeKaiserlingorderedacupofchocolatetobebroughtmebyabeautifulyoungPolishgirl，whostoodbeforemewithloweredeyesasifshewishedtogivemetheopportunityofexaminingheratease。
AsIlookedatherawhimcameintomyhead，and，asthereaderisaware，Ihaveneverresistedanyofmywhims。However，thiswasacuriousone。AsIhavesaid，Ihadonlythreeducatsleft，butafterIhademptiedthecupofchocolateIputitbackontheplateandthethreeducatswithit。
Thechancellorcamebackandtoldmethattheduchesscouldnotseemejustthen，butthatsheinvitedmetoasupperandballshewasgivingthatevening。Iacceptedthesupperandrefusedtheball，onthepretextthatIhadonlysummerclothesandablacksuit。ItwasinthebeginningofOctober，andthecoldwasalreadycommencingtomakeitselffelt。ThechancellorreturnedtotheCourt，andItomyinn。
Halfanhourlaterachamberlaincametobringmeherhighness’scompliments，andtoinformmethattheballwouldbeamaskedone，andthatIcouldappearindomino。
\"YoucaneasilygetonefromtheJews，\"headded。Hefurtherinformedmethattheballwastohavebeenafull—dressone，butthattheduchesshadsentwordtoallthegueststhatitwouldbemasked，asastrangerwhowastobepresenthadsentonhistrunks。
\"Iamsorrytohavecausedsomuchtrouble，\"saidI。
\"Notatall，\"hereplied，\"themaskedballwillbemuchmorerelishedbythepeople。\"
Hementionedthetimeitwastobegin，andleftme。
NodoubtthereaderwillthinkthatIfoundmyselfinanawkwardpredicament，andIwillbehonestandconfessIwasfarfrombeingatmyease。However，mygoodluckcametomyassistance。
AsPrussianmoney（whichistheworstinGermany）isnotcurrentinRussia，aJewcameandaskedmeifIhadanyfriedrichsd’or，offeringtoexchangethemagainstducatswithoutputtingmetoanyloss。
\"Ihaveonlyducats，\"Ireplied，\"andthereforeIcannotprofitbyyouroffer。\"
\"Iknowitsir，andyougivethemawayverycheaply。\"
Notunderstandingwhathemeant，Isimplygazedathim，andhewentontosaythathewouldbegladtoletmehavetwohundredducatsifIwouldkindlygivehimabillonSt。Petersburgforroublestothatamount。
Iwassomewhatsurprisedatthefellow’strustfulness，butafterpretendingtothinkthematteroverIsaidthatIwasnotinwantofducats，butthatIwouldtakeahundredtoobligehim。Hecountedoutthemoneygratefully，andIgavehimabillonthebanker，DemetrioPapanelopoulo，forwhomDaLogliohadgivenmealetter。
TheJewwenthisway，thankingme，andsayingthathewouldsendmesomebeautifuldominostochoosefrom。JustthenIrememberedthatI
wantedsilkstockings，andIsentLambertaftertheJewtotellhimtosendsome。WhenhecamebackhetoldmethatthelandlordhadstoppedhimtosaythatIscatteredmyducatsbroadcast，astheJewhadinformedhimthatIhadgiventhreeducatstoMadamedeKaiserling’smaid。
This，then，wasthekeytothemystery，anditmademelosemyselfinwonderatthestrangenessofthedecreesoffortune。IshouldnothavebeenabletogetasinglecrownatMitauifithadnotbeenforthewayinwhichIscatteredmythreeremainingducats。Nodoubttheastonishedgirlhadpublishedmygenerosityalloverthetown，andtheJew，intentonmoney—making，hadhastenedtoofferhisducatstotherichnoblemanwhothoughtsolittleofhismoney。
IrepairedtoCourtatthetimeappointed，andM。deKaiserlingimmediatelypresentedmetotheduchess，andshetotheduke，whowasthecelebratedBiron，orBirlen，theformerfavouriteofAnnaIvanovna。Hewassixfeetinheight，andstillpreservedsometracesofhavingbeenafineman，butoldagehadlaiditsheavyhandonhim。Ihadalongtalkwithhimthedayaftertheball。
Aquarterofanhouraftermyarrival，theballbeganwithapolonaise。Iwasastrangerwithintroductions，sotheduchessaskedmetoopentheballwithher。Ididnotknowthedance，butI
managedtoacquitmyselfhonourablyinit，asthestepsaresimpleandlendthemselvestothefancyofthedancer。
Afterthepolonaisewedancedminuets，andasomewhatelderlyladyaskedmeifIcoulddancethe\"KingConqueror，\"soIproceededtoexecuteitwithher。IthadgoneoutoffashionsincethetimeoftheRegency，butmycompanionmayhaveshoneinitinthosedays。
Alltheyoungerladiesstoodroundandwatcheduswithadmiration。
Afterasquaredance，inwhichIhadaspartnerMdlle。deManteufel，theprettiestoftheduchess’smaidsofhonour，herhighnesstoldmethatsupperwasready。Icameuptoherandofferedmyarm，andpresentlyfoundmyselfseatedbesideheratatablelaidfortwelvewhereIwastheonlygentleman。However，thereaderneednotenvyme；theladieswereallelderlydowagers，whohadlonglostthepowerofturningmen’sheads。Theduchesstookthegreatestcareofmycomforts，andattheendoftherepastgavemewithherownhandsaglassofliqueur，whichItookforTokayandpraisedaccordingly，butitturnedouttobeonlyoldEnglishale。Itookherbacktotheballwhenwerosefromtable。Theyoungchamberlainwhohadinvitedmetoldmethenamesofalltheladiespresent，butIhadnotimetopaymycourttoanyofthem。
ThenextdayIdinedwithM。deKaiserling，andhandedLambertovertoaJewtobeclothedproperly。
ThedayafterIdinedwiththedukewithapartyconsistingonlyofmen。Theoldprincemademedomostofthetalking，andtowardstheendofthedinnertheconversationfellupontheresourcesofthecountrywhichwasrichinmineralsandsemi—minerals。Itookitintomyheadtosaythattheseresourcesoughttobedeveloped，andthattheywouldbecomepreciousifthatweredone。TojustifythisremarkIhadtospeakuponthematterasifIhadmadeitmyprincipalstudy。Anoldchamberlain，whohadthecontrolofthemines，afterallowingmetoexhaustmyenthusiasm，begantodiscussthequestionhimself，madediversobjections，butseemedtoapproveofmanyofmyremarks。
IfIhadreflectedwhenIbegantospeakinthismannerthatIshouldhavetoactuptomywords，Ishouldcertainlyhavesaidmuchless；
butasitwas，thedukefanciedthatIknewmuchmorethanIcaredtosay。Theresultwasthat，whenthecompanyhadrisenfromthetable，heaskedmeifIcouldsparehimafortnightonmywaytoSt。
Petersburg。IsaidIshouldbegladtoobligehim，andhetookmetohisclosetandsaidthatthechamberlainwhohadspokentomewouldconductmeoveralltheminesandmanufactoriesinhisduchies，andthathewouldbemuchobligedifIwouldwritedownanyobservationsthatstruckme。Iagreedtohisproposal，andsaidIwouldstartthenextday。
Thedukewasdelightedwithmycompliance，andgavethechamberlainthenecessaryorders，anditwasagreedthatheshouldcallformeatday—breakwithacarriageandsix。
WhenIgothomeImademypreparations，andtoldLamberttobereadytoaccompanymewithhiscaseofinstruments。Itheninformedhimoftheobjectofthejourney，andhepromisedtoassistmetothebestofhisability，thoughheknewnothingaboutmines，andstilllessofthescienceofadministration。
Westartedatday—break，withaservantonthebox，andtwoothersprecedingusonhorseback，armedtotheteeth。Wechangedhorseseverytwoorthreehours，andthechamberlainhavingbroughtplentyofwinewerefreshedourselvesnowandagain。
Thetourlastedafortnight，andwestoppedatfiveironandcoppermanufactories。IfounditwasnotnecessarytohavemuchtechnicalknowledgetomakenotesonwhatIsaw；allIrequiredwasalittlesoundargument，especiallyinthematterofeconomy，whichwastheduke’smainobject。InoneplaceIadvisedreforms，andinanotherI
counselledtheemploymentofmorehandsaslikelytobenefittherevenue。InoneminewherethirtyconvictswereemployedIorderedtheconstructionofashortcanal，bywhichthreewheelscouldbeturnedandtwentymensaved。UndermydirectionLambertdrewtheplans，andmadethemeasurementswithperfectaccuracy。BymeansofothercanalsIproposedtodrainwholevalleys，withaviewtoobtainthesulphurwithwhichthesoilwaspermeated。
IreturnedtoMitauquitedelightedathavingmademyselfuseful，andathavingdiscoveredinmyselfatalentwhichIhadneversuspected。
Ispentthefollowingdayinmakingafaircopyofmyreportandinhavingtheplansdoneonalargerscale。ThedayafterItookthewholetotheduke，whoseemedwellpleased；andasIwastakingleaveofhimatthesametimehesaidhewouldhavemedrivetoRigainoneofhiscarriages，andhegavemealetterforhisson，PrinceCharles，whowasingarrisonthere。
TheworthyoldmantoldmetosayplainlywhetherIshouldpreferajewelorasumofmoneyofequivalentvalue。
\"Fromaphilosopherlikeyourhighness，\"Ireplied，\"Iamnotafraidtotakemoney，foritmaybemoreusefultomethanjewels。\"
Withoutmoreadohegavemeadraftforfourhundredalbertsthalers，whichIgotcashedimmediately，thealbertsthalerbeingworthhalfaducat。Ibadefarewelltotheduchess，anddinedasecondtimewithM。deKaiserling。
Thenextdaytheyoungchamberlaincametobringmetheduke’sletter，towishmeapleasantjourney，andtotellmethattheCourtcarriagewasatmydoor。IsetoutwellpleasedwiththeassistancethestutteringLamberthadgivenme，andbynoonIwasatRiga。ThefirstthingIdidwastodelivermyletterofintroductiontoPrinceCharles。
EndRussiaandPolandByJacquesCasanovaTHEMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVADESEINGALT
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVEREDBYARTHUR
SYMONS。
MEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
INLONDONANDMOSCOW，Volume5e——RUSSIAANDPOLAND
RUSSIAANDPOLAND
CHAPTERXIX
MyStayatRiga——CampioniSt。Heleine——D’Asagon——ArrivaloftheEmpress——ILeaveRigaandGotoSt。Petersburg——ISeeSociety——IBuyZairaPrinceCharlesdeBiron，theyoungersonoftheDukeofCourland，Major—GeneralintheRussianservice，KnightoftheOrderofSt。
AlexanderNewski，gavemeadistinguishedreceptionafterreadinghisfather’sletter。Hewasthirty—sixyearsofage，pleasant—lookingwithoutbeinghandsome，andpoliteandwell—mannered，andhespokeFrenchextremelywell。InafewsentencesheletmeknowwhathecoulddoformeifIintendedtospendsometimeatRiga。Histable，hisfriends，hispleasures，hishorses，hisadvice，andhispurse，allthesewereatmyservice，andheofferedthemwiththefranknessofthesoldierandthegenialityoftheprince。
\"Icannotofferyoualodging，\"hesaid，\"becauseIhavehardlyenoughroomformyself，butIwillseethatyougetacomfortableapartmentsomewhere。\"
Theapartmentwassoonfound，andIwastakentoitbyoneoftheprince’saides—de—camp。Iwasscarcelyestablishedwhentheprincecametoseeme，andmademedinewithhimjustasIwas。Itwasanunceremoniousdinner，andIwaspleasedtomeetCampioni，ofwhomI
havespokenseveraltimesintheseMemoirs。Hewasadancer，butverysuperiortohisfellows，andfitforthebestcompanypolite，witty，intelligent，andalibertineinagentlemanlyway。Hewasdevoidofprejudices，andfondofwomen，goodcheer，andheavyplay，andknewhowtokeepanevenmindbothingoodandevilfortune。Weweremutuallypleasedtoseeeachotheragain。
Anotherguest，acertainBarondeSt。HeleinefromSavoy，hadaprettybutveryinsignificantwife。Thebaron，afatman，wasagamester，agourmand，andaloverofwine；addthathewasapastmasterintheartofgettingintodebtandlullinghiscreditorsintoastateoffalsesecurity，andyouhaveallhiscapacities，forinallotherrespectshewasafoolinthefullestsenseoftheword。
Anaide—decampandtheprince’smistressalsodinedwithus。Thismistress，whowaspale，thin，anddreamy—looking，butalsopretty，mightbetwentyyearsold。Shehardlyateanything，sayingthatshewasillanddidnotlikeanythingonthetable。Discontentsheweditselfonhereveryfeature。Theprinceendeavoured，butallinvain，tomakehereatanddrink，sherefusedeverythingdisdainfully。
Theprincelaughedgood—humouredlyatherinsuchamannerasnottowoundherfeelings。
Wespenttwohourspleasantlyenoughattable，andaftercoffeehadbeenserved，theprince，whohadbusiness，shookmebythehandandleftmewithCampioni，tellingmealwaystoregardhistableasmylastresource。
Thisoldfriendandfellow—countrymantookmetohishousetointroducemetohiswifeandfamily。Ididnotknowthathehadmarriedasecondtime。Ifoundtheso—calledwifetobeanEnglishwoman，thin，butfullofintelligence。Shehadadaughterofeleven，whomighteasilyhavebeentakenforfifteen；she，too，wasmarvellouslyintelligent，anddanced，sang，andplayedonthepianoandgavesuchglancesthatshewedthatnaturehadbeenswifterthanheryears。Shemadeaconquestofme，andherfathercongratulatedmetomydelight，buthermotheroffendedherdreadfullybycallingherbaby。
IwentforawalkwithCampioni，whogavemeagooddealofinformation，beginningwithhimself。
\"Ihavelivedfortenyears，\"hesaid，\"withthatwoman。Betty，whomyouadmiredsomuch，isnotmydaughter，theothersaremychildrenbymyEnglishwoman。IhaveleftSt。Petersburgfortwoyears，andI
liveherewellenough，andhavepupilswhodomecredit。Iplaywiththeprince，sometimeswinningandsometimeslosing，butIneverwinenoughtoenablemetosatisfyawretchedcreditorIleftatSt。
Petersburg，whopersecutesmeonaccountofabillofexchange。Hemayputmeinprisonanyday，andIamalwaysexpectinghimtodoso。\"
\"Isthebillforalargesum？\"
\"Fivehundredroubles。\"
\"Thatisonlytwothousandfrancs。\"
\"Yes，butunfortunatelyIhavenotgotit。\"
\"Yououghttoannulthedebtbypayingsmallsumsonaccount。\"
\"Therascalwon’tletme。\"
\"Thenwhatdoyouproposedoing？\"
\"Winaheavysum，ifIcan，andescapeintoPoland。
\"TheBarondeSt。Heleinewillrunaway，tooifhecan，forheonlylivesoncredit。Theprinceisveryusefultous，asweareabletoplayathishouse；butifwegetintodifficultyhecouldnotextricateus，asheisheavilyindebthimself。Healwayslosesatplay。Hismistressisexpensive，andgiveshimagreatdealoftroublebyherill—humour。\"
\"Whyisshesosour？\"
\"Shewantshimtokeephisword，forhepromisedtogethermarriedattheendoftwoyears；andonthestrengthofthispromiseshelethimgivehertwochildren。Thetwoyearshavepassedbyandthechildrenarethere，andshewillnolongerallowhimtohaveanythingtodowithherforfearofhavingathirdchild。\"
\"Can’ttheprincefindherahusband？\"
\"Hedidfindheralieutenant，butshewon’thearofanybodyundertherankofmajor。\"
TheprincegaveastatedinnertoGeneralWoyakoff（forwhomIhadaletter），BaronessKorf，MadameIttinoff，andtoayoungladywhowasgoingtomarryBaronBudberg，whomIhadknownatFlorence，Turin，andAugsburg，andwhomImaypossiblyhaveforgottentomention。
Allthesefriendsmademespendthreeweeksverypleasantly，andI
wasespeciallypleasedwitholdGeneralWoyakoff。ThisworthymanhadbeenatVenicefiftyyearsbefore，whentheRussianswerestillcalledMuscovites，andthefounderofSt。Petersburgwasstillalive。
Hehadgrownoldlikeanoak，withoutchanginghishorizons。Hethoughttheworldwasjustthesameasithadbeenwhenhewasyoung，andwaseloquentinhispraiseoftheVenetianGovernment，imaginingittobestillthesameashehadleftit。
AtRigaanEnglishmerchantnamedCollinstoldmethattheso—calledBarondeStenau，whohadgivenmetheforgedbillofexchange，hadbeenhangedinPortugal。This\"baron\"wasapoorclerk，andthesonofasmalltradesman，andhadlefthisdeskinsearchofadventure，andthushehadended。MayGodhavemercyuponhissoul！
OneeveningaRussian，onhiswayfromPoland，wherehehadbeenexecutingsomecommissionfortheRussianCourt，calledontheprince，played，andlosttwentythousandroublesonhiswordofhonour。Campioniwasthedealer。TheRussiangavebillsofexchangeinpaymentofhisdebts；butassoonashegottoSt。Petersburghedishonouredhisownbills，anddeclaredthemworthless，notcaringforhishonourorgoodfaith。Theresultofthispieceofknaverywasnotonlythathiscreditorsweredefrauded，butgamingwashenceforthstrictlyforbiddenintheofficers’quarters。
ThisRussianwasthesamethatbetrayedthesecretsofElizabethPetrovna，whenshewasatwarwithPrussia。HecommunicatedtoPeter，theempress’snephewandheir—presumptive，alltheordersshesenttohergenerals，andPeterinhisturnpassedontheinformationtothePrussiankingwhomheworshipped。
OnthedeathofElizabeth，Peterputthistraitorattheheadofthedepartmentforcommerce，andthefellowactuallymadeknown，withtheCzar’ssanction，theserviceforwhichhehadreceivedsuchareward，andthus，insteadoflookinguponhisconductasdisgraceful，hegloriedoverit。Petercouldnothavebeenawareofthefactthat，thoughitissometimesnecessarytorewardtreachery，thetraitorhimselfisalwaysabhorredanddespised。
IhaveremarkedthatitwasCampioniwhodealt，buthedealtfortheprincewhoheldthebank。Ihadcertainclaims，butasIremarkedthatIexpectednothingandwouldgladlysellmyexpectationsforahundredroubles，theprincetookmeatmywordandgavemetheamountimmediately。ThusIwastheonlypersonwhomadeanymoneybyournight’splay。
CatherineII，wishingtoshewherselftohernewsubjects，overwhomshewasinrealitysupreme，thoughshehadputtheghostofakinginthepersonofStanislasPoniatowski，herformerfavourite，onthethroneofPoland，cametoRiga，anditwasthenIsawthisgreatsovereignforthefirsttime。IwasawitnessofthekindnessandaffabilitywithwhichshetreatedtheLivoniannobility，andofthewayinwhichshekissedtheyoungladies，whohadcometokissherhand，uponthemouth。ShewassurroundedbytheOrloffsandbyothernobleswhohadassistedinplacingheronthethrone。Forthecomfortandpleasureofherloyalsubjectstheempressgraciouslyexpressedherintentionofholdingabankatfarooftenthousandroubles。
Instantlythetableandthecardswerebroughtforward，andthepilesofgoldplacedinorder。Shetookthecards，pretendedtoshufflethem，andgavethemtothefirstcomertocut。Shehadthepleasureofseeingherbankbrokenatthefirstdeal，andindeedthisresultwastobeexpected，asanybodynotanabsoluteidiotcouldseehowthecardsweregoing。ThenextdaytheempresssetoutforMitau，wheretriumphalarcheswereerectedinherhonour。Theyweremadeofwood，asstoneisscarceinPoland，andindeedtherewouldnothavebeentimetobuildstonearches。
Thedayafterherarrivalgreatalarmprevailed，fornewscamethatarevolutionwasreadytoburstoutatSt。Petersburg，andsomeevensaidthatithadbegun。TherebelswishedtohaveforthfromhisprisonthehaplessIvanIvanovitz，whohadbeenproclaimedemperorinhiscradle，anddethronedbyElizabethPetrovna。Twoofficerstowhomtheguardianshipoftheprincehadbeenconfidedhadkilledthepoorinnocentmonarchwhentheysawthattheywouldbeoverpowered。
TheassassinationoftheinnocentprincecreatedsuchasensationthatthewaryPanin，fearingfortheresults，sentcourieraftercouriertotheempressurginghertoreturntoSt。Petersburgandshewherselftothepeople。
CatherinewasthusobligedtoleaveMitautwenty—fourhoursaftershehadenteredit，andafterhasteningbacktothecapitalshearrivedonlytofindthattheexcitementhadentirelysubsided。ForpoliticreasonstheassassinsofthewretchedIvanwererewarded，andtheboldmanwhohadendeavouredtorisebyherfallwasbeheaded。
ThereportranthatCatherinehadconcertedthewholeaffairwiththeassassins，butthiswasspeedilysetdownasacalumny。Theczarinawasstrong—minded，butneithercruelnorperfidious。WhenIsawheratRigashewasthirty—five，andhadreignedtwoyears。Shewasnotpreciselyhandsome，butneverthelessherappearancewaspleasing，herexpressionkindly，andtherewasaboutheranairofcalmandtranquillitywhichneverlefther。
AtaboutthesametimeafriendofBarondeSt。HeleinearrivedfromSt。PetersburgonhiswaytoWarsaw。HisnamewasMarquisDragon，buthecalledhimselfd’Aragon。HecamefromNaples，wasagreatgamester，askilledswordsman，andwasalwaysreadytoextracthimselffromadifficultybyaduel。HehadleftSt。PetersburgbecausetheOrloffshadpersuadedtheempresstoprohibitgamesofchance。ItwasthoughtstrangethattheprohibitionshouldcomefromtheOrloffs，asgaminghadbeentheirprincipalmeansofgainingalivelihoodbeforetheyenteredonthemoredangerousandcertainlynotmorehonourableprofessionofconspiracy。However，thismeasurewasreallyasensibleone。Havingbeengamestersthemselvestheyknewthatgamestersaremostlyknaves，andalwaysreadytoenterintoanyintrigueorconspiracyprovideditassuresthemsomesmallgain；
therecouldnothavebeenbetterjudgesofgaminganditsconsequencesthantheywere。
Butthoughagamestermaybearoguehemaystillhaveagoodheart，anditisonlyjusttosaythatthiswasthecasewiththeOrloffs。
Alexisgainedtheslashwhichadornshisfaceinatavern，andthemanwhogavetheblowhadjustlosttohimalargesumofmoney，andconsideredhisopponent’ssuccesstoberathertheresultofdexteritythanfortune。WhenAlexisbecamerichandpowerful，insteadofrevenginghimself，hehastenedtomakehisenemy’sfortune。Thiswasnoblydone。
Dragon，whosefirstprinciplewasalwaystoturnupthebestcard，andwhosesecondprinciplewasnevertoshirkaduel，hadgonetoSt。
Petersburgin1759withtheBarondeSt。Heleine。Elizabethwasstillonthethrone，butPeter，DukeofHolstein，theheir—
presumptive，hadalreadybeguntoloomlargeonthehorizon。Dragonusedtofrequentthefencingschoolwheretheprincewasafrequentvisitor，andthereencounteredallcomerssuccessfully。Thedukegotangry，andonedayhetookupafoilanddefiedtheNeapolitanmarquistoacombat。Dragonacceptedandwasthoroughlybeaten，whilethedukewentoffintriumph，forhemightsayfromhenceforththathewasthebestfencerinSt。Petersburg。
Whentheprincehadgone，Dragoncouldnotwithstandthetemptationofsayingthathehadonlylethimselfbebeatenforfearofoffendinghisantagonist；andthisboastsoongottothegrand—duke’sears。Thegreatmanwasterriblyenraged，andsworehewouldhavehimbanishedfromSt。Petersburgifhedidnotuseallhisskill，andatthesametimehesentanordertoDragontobeatthefencingschoolthenextday。
Theimpatientdukewasthefirsttoarrive，andd’Aragonwasnotlongincoming。Theprincebeganreproachinghimforwhathehadsaidthedaybefore，buttheNeapolitan，farfromdenyingthefact，expressedhimselfthathehadfelthimselfobligedtoshewhisrespectforhisprincebylettinghimraphimaboutforupwardsoftwohours。
\"Verygood，\"saidtheduke，\"butnowitisyourturn；andifyoudon’tdoyourbestIwilldriveyoufromSt。Petersburg。\"
\"Mylord，yourhighnessshallbeobeyed。Ishallnotallowyoutotouchmeonce，butIhopeyouwilldeigntotakemeunderyourprotection。\"
Thetwochampionspassedthewholemorningwiththefoils，andthedukewashitahundredtimeswithoutbeingabletotouchhisantagonist。Atlast，convincedofDragon’ssuperiority，hethrewdownhisfoilandshookhimbythehand，andmadehimhisfencer—in—
ordinary，withtherankofmajorinhisregimentofHolsteiners。
Shortlyafter，D’Aragonhavingwonthegoodgracesofthedukeobtainedleavetoholdabankatfaroinhiscourt，andinthreeorfouryearsheamassedafortuneofahundredthousandroubles，whichhetookwithhimtotheCourtofKingStanislas，wheregamesofallsortswereallowed。WhenhepassedthroughRiga，St。HeleineintroducedhimtoPrinceCharles，whobeggedhimtocallonhimthenextday，andtoshewhisskillwiththefoilsagainsthimselfandsomeofhisfriends。Ihadthehonourtobeofthenumber；andthoroughlywellhebeatus，forhisskillwasthatofademon。Iwasvainenoughtobecomeangryatbeinghitateverypass，andtoldhimthatIshouldnotbeafraidtomeethimatagameofsharps。Hewascalmer，andrepliedbytakingmyhand，andsaying，——
\"WiththenakedswordIfenceinquiteanotherstyle，andyouarequiterightnottofearanyone，foryoufenceverywell。\"
D’AragonsetoutforWarsawthenextday，butheunfortunatelyfoundtheplaceoccupiedbymorecunningGreeksthanhimself。Insixmonthstheyhadrelievedhimofhishundredthousandroubles，butsuchisthelotofgamesters；nocraftcanbemorewretchedthantheirs。
AweekbeforeIleftRiga（whereIstayedtwomonths）CampionifledbyfavourofthegoodPrinceCharles，andinafewdaystheBarondeSt。Heleinefollowedhimwithouttakingleaveofanoblearmyofcreditors。HeonlywrotealettertotheEnglishmanCollins，towhomheowedathousandcrowns，tellinghimthatlikeanhonestmanhehadlefthisdebtswherehehadcontractedthem。Weshallhearmoreofthesethreepersonsinthecourseoftwoyears。
Campionileftmehistravellingcarriage，whichobligedmetousesixhorsesonmyjourneytoSt。Petersburg。IwassorrytoleaveBetty，andIkeptupanepistolarycorrespondencewithhermotherthroughoutthewholeofmystayatSt。Petersburg。
IleftRigawiththethermometerindicatingfifteendegreesoffrost，butthoughItravelleddayandnight，notleavingthecarriageforthesixtyhoursforwhichmyjourneylasted，Ididnotfeelthecoldintheleast。Ihadtakencaretopayallthestagesinadvance，andMarshalBraun，GovernorofLivonia，hadgivenmetheproperpassport。
OntheboxseatwasaFrenchservantwhohadbeggedmetoallowhimtowaitonmeforthejourneyinreturnforaseatbesidethecoachman。Hekepthiswordandservedmewell，andthoughhewasbutillcladheborethehorriblecoldfortwodaysandthreenightswithoutappearingtofeelit。ItisonlyaFrenchmanwhocanbearsuchtrials；aRussianinsimilarattirewouldhavebeenfrozentodeathintwenty—fourhours，despiteplentifuldosesofcornbrandy。
IlostsightofthisindividualwhenIarrivedatSt。Petersburg，butImethimagainthreemonthsafter，richlydressed，andoccupyingaseatbesidemineatthetableofM。deCzernitscheff。Hewastheuchiteloftheyoungcount，whosatbesidehim。ButIshallhaveoccasiontospeakmoreatlengthoftheofficeofuchitel，ortutor，inRussia。
AsforLambert，whowasbesidemeinthecarriage，hedidnothingbuteat，drink，andsleepthewholeway；seldomspeaking，forhestammered，andcouldonlytalkaboutmathematicalproblems，onwhichIwasnotalwaysinthehumourtoconverse。Hewasneveramusing，neverhadanysensibleobservationtomakeonthevariedscenesthroughwhichwepassed；inshort，hewasafool，andwearisometoallsavehimself。
Iwasonlystoppedonce，andthatwasatNawa，wheretheauthoritiesdemandedapassport，whichIdidnotpossess。ItoldthegovernorthatasIwasaVenetian，andonlytravelledforpleasure，Ididnotconceiveapassportwouldbenecessary，myRepublicnotbeingatwarwithanyotherpower，andRussiahavingnoembassyatVenice。
\"Nevertheless，\"Iadded，\"ifyourexcellencywillsitIwillturnback；butIshallcomplaintoMarshalBraun，whogavemethepassportforposting，knowingthatIhadnotthepoliticalpassport。\"
Afterrubbinghisforeheadforaminute，thegovernorgavemeapass，whichIstillpossess，andwhichbroughtmeintoSt。Petersburg，withoutmyhavingtoallowthecustom—houseofficerstoinspectmytrunks。