WhenIarrivedatSenegallia，atthreestagesfromAncona，myvetturinoaskedme，justasIwasgoingtobed，whetherIwouldallowhimtoaccommodateaJewwhowasgoingtoAnconainthechaise。
MyfirstimpulsemademeanswersharplythatIwantednooneinmychaise，muchlessaJew。
Thevetturinowentout，butavoicesaidwithinme，\"Youmusttakethis’
poorIsraelite；\"andinspiteofmyrepugnanceIcalledbackthemanandsignifiedmyassent。
\"Thenyoumustmakeupyourmindtostartatanearlierhour，foritisFridayto—morrow，andyouknowtheJewsarenotallowedtotravelaftersunset。\"
\"IshallnotstartamomentearlierthanIintended，butyoucanmakeyourhorsestravelasquicklyasyoulike。\"
Hegavemenoanswer，andwentout。ThenextmorningIfoundmyJew，anhonest—lookingfellow，inthecarriage。ThefirstthingheaskedmewaswhyIdidnotlikeJews。
\"Becauseyourreligionteachesyoutohatemenofallotherreligions，especiallyChristians，andyouthinkyouhavedoneameritoriousactionwhenyouhavedeceivedus。Youdonotlookuponusasbrothers。Youareusurious，unmerciful，ourenemies，andsoIdonotlikeyou。\"
\"Youaremistaken，sir。Comewithmetooursynagoguethisevening，andyouwillhearusprayforallChristians，beginningwithourLordthePope。\"
Icouldnothelpburstingintoaroaroflaughter。
\"True，\"Ireplied，\"buttheprayercomesfromthemouthonly，andnotfromtheheart。IfyoudonotimmediatelyconfessthattheJewswouldnotprayfortheChristiansiftheywerethemasters，Iwillflingyououtofthechaise。\"
OfcourseIdidnotcarryoutthisthreat，butIcompletedhisconfusionbyquotinginHebrewthepassagesintheOldTestament，wheretheJewsarebiddentodoallpossibleharmtotheGentiles，whomtheyweretocurseeveryday。
Afterthisthepoormansaidnomore。WhenweweregoingtotakeourdinnerIaskedhimtositbesideme，buthesaidhisreligionwouldnotallowhimtodoso，andthathewouldonlyeateggs，fruit，andsomefoiegrassausagehehadinhispocket。Heonlydrankwaterbecausehewasnotsurethatthewinewasunadulterated。
\"Youstupidfellow，\"Iexclaimed，\"howcanyoueverbecertainofthepurityofwineunlessyouhavemadeityourself？\"
WhenwewereonourwayagainhesaidthatifIlikedtocomeandstaywithhim，andtocontentmyselfwithsuchdishesasGodhadnotforbidden，hewouldmakememorecomfortablethanifIwenttotheinn，andatacheaperrate。
\"ThenyouletlodgingstoChristians？\"
\"Idon’tletlodgingstoanybody，butIwillmakeanexceptioninyourcasetodisabuseyouofsomeofyourmistakennotions。Iwillonlyaskyousixpaulsaday，andgiveyoutwogoodmealswithoutwine。\"
\"Thenyoumustgivemefishandwine，Ipayingforthemasextras。\"
\"Certainly；IhaveaChristiancook，andmywifepaysagooddealofattentiontothecooking。\"
\"Youcangivemethefoiegraseveryday，ifyouwilleatitwithme。\"
\"Iknowwhatyouthink，butyoushallbesatisfied。\"
IgotdownattheJew’shouse，wonderingatmyselfasIdidso。However，IknewthatifIdidnotlikemyaccommodationIcouldleavethenextday。
Hiswifeandchildrenwerewaitingforhim，andgavehimajoyfulwelcomeinhonouroftheSabbath。AllservileworkwasforbiddenonthisdayholytotheLord；andalloverthehouse，andinthefaceofallthefamily，Iobservedakindoffestalair。
Iwaswelcomedlikeabrother，andIrepliedasbestIcould；butawordfromMardocheus（sohewascalled）changedtheirpolitenessoffeelingintoapolitenessofinterest。
Mardocheusshewedmetworoomsformetochoosetheonewhichsuitedme，butlikingthembothIsaidIwouldtakethetwoforanotherpauladay，withwhicharrangementhewaswellenoughpleased。
Mardocheustoldhiswifewhatwehadsettled，andsheinstructedtheChristianservanttocookmysupperforme。
Ihadmyeffectstakenupstairs，andthenwentwithMardocheustothesynagogue。
DuringtheshortservicetheJewspaidnoattentiontomeortoseveralotherChristianswhowerepresent。TheJewsgotothesynagoguetopray，andinthisrespectIthinktheirconductworthyofimitationbytheChristians。
OnleavingthesynagogueIwentbymyselftotheExchange，thinkingoverthehappytimewhichwouldneverreturn。
ItwasinAnconathatIhadbeguntoenjoylife；andwhenIthoughtitover，itwasquiteashocktofindthatthiswasthirtyyearsago，forthirtyyearsisalongperiodinaman’slife。AndyetIfeltquitehappy，inspiteofthetenthlustrumsonearathandforme。
WhatadifferenceIfoundbetweenmyyouthandmymiddleage！Icouldscarcelyrecognizemyself。Iwasthenhappy，butnowunhappy；thenalltheworldwasbeforeme，andthefutureseemedagorgeousdream，andnowIwasobligedtoconfessthatmylifehadbeenallinvain。Imightlivetwentyyearsmore，butIfeltthatthehappytimewaspassedaway，andthefutureseemedalldreary。
Ireckonedupmyforty—sevenyears，andsawfortuneflyaway。Thisinitselfwasenoughtosaddenme，forwithoutthefavoursoftheficklegoddesslifewasnotworthliving，formeatallevents。
Myobject，then，wastoreturntomycountry；itwasasifIstruggledtoundoallthatIhaddone。AllIcouldhopeforwastosoftenthehardshipsoftheslowbutcertainpassagetothegrave。
Thesearethethoughtsofdecliningyearsandnotofyouth。Theyoungmanlooksonlytothepresent，believesthattheskywillalwayssmileuponhim，andlaughsatphilosophyasitvainlypreachesofoldage，misery，repentance，and，worstofall，abhorreddeath。
Suchweremythoughtstwenty—sixyearsago；whatmusttheybenow，whenI
amallalone，poor，despised，andimpotent。TheywouldkillmeifIdidnotresolutelysubduethem，forwhetherforgoodorillmyheartisstillyoung。Ofwhatusearedesireswhenonecannolongersatisfythem？I
writetokillennui，andItakeapleasureinwriting。WhetherIwritesenseornonsense，whatmatters？Iamamused，andthatisenough。
’Maloscriptordelirus，inersquevideri，Dummeadelectentmalameveldeniquefallunt，Quamsapere。’
WhenIcamebackIfoundMardocheusatsupperwithhisnumerousfamily，composedofelevenortwelveindividuals，andincludinghismother——anoldwomanofninety，wholookedverywell。InoticedanotherJewofmiddleage；hewasthehusbandofhiseldestdaughter，whodidnotstrikemeaspretty；buttheyoungerdaughter，whowasdestinedforaJewofPesaro，whomshehadneverseen，engagedallmyattention。Iremarkedtoherthatifshehadnotseenherfuturehusbandshecouldnotbeinlovewithhim，whereuponsherepliedinaseriousvoicethatitwasnotnecessarytobeinlovebeforeonemarried。Theoldwomanpraisedthegirlforthissentiment，andsaidshehadnotbeeninlovewithherhusbandtillthefirstchildwasborn。
IshallcalltheprettyJewessLeah，asIhavegoodreasonsfornotusingherrealname。
WhiletheywereenjoyingtheirmealIsatdownbesideherandtriedtomakemyselfasagreeableaspossible，butshewouldnotevenlookatme。
Mysupperwasexcellent，andmybedverycomfortable。
ThenextdaymylandlordtoldmethatIcouldgivemylinentothemaid，andthatLeahcouldgetitupforme。
ItoldhimIhadrelishedmysupper，butthatIshouldlikethefoiegraseverydayasIhadadispensation。
\"Youshallhavesometo—morrow，butLeahistheonlyoneofuswhoeatsit。\"
\"ThenLeahmusttakeitwithme，andyoucantellherthatIshallgivehersomeCypruswinewhichisperfectlypure。\"
Ihadnowine，butIwentforitthesamemorningtotheVenetianconsul，givinghimM。Dandolo’sletter。
TheconsulwasaVenetianoftheoldleaven。Hehadheardmyname，andseemeddelightedtomakemyacquaintance。Hewasakindofclownwithoutthepaint，fondofajoke，aregulargourmand，andamanofgreatexperience。HesoldmesomeScopoloandoldCyprusMuscat，buthebegantoexclaimwhenheheardwhereIwaslodging，andhowIhadcomethere。
\"Heisrich，\"hesaid，\"butheisalsoagreatusurer，andifyouborrowmoneyofhimhewillmakeyourepentit。\"
AfterinformingtheconsulthatIshouldnotleavetilltheendofthemonth，Iwenthometodinner，whichprovedexcellent。
ThenextdayIgaveoutmylinentothemaid，andLeahcametoaskmehowIlikedmylacegotup。
IfLeahhadexaminedmemorecloselyshewouldhaveseenthatthesightofhermagnificentbreast，unprotectedbyanykerchief，hadhadaremarkableeffectonme。
ItoldherthatIleftitalltoher，andthatshecoulddowhatshelikedwiththelinen。
\"Thenitwillallcomeundermyhandsifyouareinnohurrytogo。\"
\"Youcanmakemestayaslongasyoulike，\"saidI；butsheseemednottohearthisdeclaration。
\"Everythingisquiteright，\"Icontinued，\"exceptthechocolate；Ilikeitwellfrothed。\"
\"ThenIwillmakeitforyoumyself。\"
\"ThenIwillgiveoutadoublequantity，andwewilltakeittogether。\"
\"Idon’tlikechocolate。\"
\"Iamsorrytohearthat；butyoulikefoiegras？\"
\"Yes，Ido；andfromwhatfathertellsmeIamgoingtotakesomewithyouto—day。\"
\"Ishallbedelighted。\"
\"Isupposeyouareafraidofbeingpoisoned？\"
\"Notatall；Ionlywishwecoulddietogether。\"
Shepretendednottounderstand，andleftmeburningwithdesire。IfeltthatImusteitherobtainpossessionofherortellherfathernottosendherintomyroomanymore。
TheTurinJewesshadgivenmesomevaluablehintsastotheconductofamourswithJewishgirls。
MytheorywasthatLeahwouldbemoreeasilywonthanshe，foratAnconatherewasmuchmorelibertythanatTurin。
Thiswasarake’sreasoning，butevenrakesaremistakensometimes。
Thedinnerthatwasservedtomewasverygood，thoughcookedintheJewishstyle，andLeahbroughtinthefoiegrasandsatdownoppositetomewithamuslinkerchiefoverherbreast。
Thefoiegraswasexcellent，andwewasheditdownwithcopiouslibationsofScopolo，whichLeahfoundverymuchtohertaste。
Whenthefoiegraswasfinishedshegotup，butIstoppedher，forthedinnerwasonlyhalfover。
\"Iwillstaythen，\"saidshe，\"butIamafraidmyfatherwillobject。\"
\"Verygood。Callyourmaster，\"Isaidtothemaidwhocameinatthatmoment，\"Ihaveawordtospeaktohim。\"
\"MydearMardocheus，\"Isaidwhenhecame，\"yourdaughter’sappetitedoublesmine，andIshallbemuchobligedifyouwillallowhertokeepmecompanywheneverwehavefoiegras。\"
\"Itisn’ttomyprofittodoubleyourappetite，butifyouliketopaydoubleIshallhavenoobjection。\"
\"Verygood，thatarrangementwillsuitme。\"
InevidenceofmysatisfactionIgavehimabottleofScopolo，whichLeahguaranteedpure。
Wedinedtogether，andseeingthatthewinewasmakinghermirthfulI
toldherthathereyeswereinflamingmeandthatshemustletmekissthem。
\"Mydutyobligesmetosaynay。Nokissingandnotouching；wehaveonlygottoeatanddrinktogether，andIshalllikeitasmuchasyou。\"
\"Youarecruel。\"
\"Iamwhollydependentonmyfather。\"
\"ShallIaskyourfathertogiveyouleavetobekind？\"
\"Idon’tthinkthatwouldbeproper，andmyfathermightbeoffendedandnotallowmetoseeyouanymore。\"
\"Andsupposinghetoldyounottobescrupulousabouttrifles？\"
\"ThenIshoulddespisehimandcontinuetodomyduty。\"
SoclearadeclarationshewedmethatifIperseveredinthisintrigueI
mightgoonforeverwithoutsuccess。IalsobethoughtmethatIranariskofneglectingmychiefbusiness，whichwouldnotallowmetostaylonginAncona。
IsaidnothingmoretoLeahjustthen，andwhenthedessertcameinI
gavehersomeCypruswine，whichshedeclaredwasthemostdeliciousnectarshehadevertasted。
Isawthatthewinewasheatingher，anditseemedincredibletomethatBacchusshouldreignwithoutVenus；butshehadahardhead，herbloodwashotandherbraincool。
However，Itriedtoseizeherhandandkissit，butshedrewitaway，sayingpleasantly，——
\"It’stoomuchforhonourandtoolittleforlove。\"
Thiswittyremarkamusedme，anditalsoletmeknowthatshewasnotexactlyaneophyte。
Ideterminedtopostponematterstillthenextday，andtoldhernottogetmeanysupperasIwassuppingwiththeVenetianconsul。
Theconsulhadtoldmethathedidnotdine，butthathewouldalwaysbedelightedtoseemeatsupper。
ItwasmidnightwhenIcamehome，andeveryonewasasleepexceptthemaidwholetmein。Igavehersuchagratuitythatshemusthavewishedmetokeeplatehoursfortherestofmystay。
IproceededtosoundheraboutLeah，butshetoldmenothingbutgood。
Ifshewastobebelieved，Leahwasagoodgirl，alwaysatwork，lovedbyall，andfancyfree。Themaidcouldnothavepraisedherbetterifshehadbeenpaidtodoso。
InthemorningLeahbroughtthechocolateandsatdownonmybed，sayingthatweshouldhavesomefinefoiegras，andthatsheshouldhaveallthebetterappetitefordinnerasshehadnottakenanysupper。
\"Whydidn’tyoutakeanysupper？\"
\"IsupposeitwasbecauseofyourexcellentCypruswine，towhichmyfatherhastakenagreatliking。\"
\"Ah！helikeit？Wewillgivehimsome。\"
Leahwasinastateofundressasbefore，andthesightofherhalf—
coveredspheresdrovemetodistraction。
\"Areyounotawarethatyouhaveabeautifulbreast？\"saidI。
\"Ithoughtallyounggirlswerejustthesame。\"
\"Haveyounosuspicionthatthesightisaverypleasantoneforme？\"
\"Ifthatbeso，Iamveryglad，forIhavenothingtobeashamedof，foragirlhasnocalltohideherthroatanymorethanherface，unlesssheisingrandcompany。\"
Asshewasspeaking，Leahlookedatagoldenhearttransfixedwithanarrowandsetwithsmalldiamondswhichservedmeasashirtstud。
\"Doyoulikethelittleheart？\"saidI。
\"Verymuch。Isitpuregold？\"
\"Certainly，andthatbeingsoIthinkImayofferittoyou。\"
SosayingItookitoff，butshethankedmepolitely，andsaidthatagirlwhogavenothingmusttakenothing。
\"Takeit；Iwillneveraskanyfavourofyou。\"
\"ButIshouldbeindebtedtoyou，andthat’sthereasonwhyInevertakeanything。\"
Isawthattherewasnothingtobedone，orratherthatitwouldbenecessarytodotoomuchtodoanything，andthatinanycasethebestplanwouldbetogiveherup。
Iputasideallthoughtsofviolence，whichwouldonlyangerherormakeherlaughatme。Ishouldeitherhavebeendegraded，orrenderedmoreamorous，andallfornothing。Ifshehadtakenoffenseshewouldnothavecometoseemeanymore，andIshouldhavehadnoughttocomplainof。InfineImadeupmymindtorestrainmyself，andindulgenomoreinamoroustalk。
Wedinedverypleasantlytogether。Theservantbroughtinsomeshell—
fish，whichareforbiddenbytheMosaicLaw。WhilethemaidwasintheroomIaskedLeahtotakesome，andsherefusedindignantly；butdirectlythegirlwasgoneshetooksomeofherownaccordandatethemeagerly，assuringmethatitwasthefirsttimeshehadhadthepleasureoftastingshellfish。
\"Thisgirl，\"Isaidtomyself，\"whobreaksthelawofherreligionwithsuchlevity，wholikespleasureanddoesnotconcealit，thisisthegirlwhowantstomakemebelievethatsheisinsensibletothepleasuresoflove；that’simpossible，thoughshemaynotloveme。Shemusthavesomesecretmeansofsatisfyingherpassions，whichinmyopinionareveryviolent。WewillseewhatcanbedonethiseveningwiththehelpofabottleofgoodMuscat。\"
However，whentheeveningcame，shesaidshecouldnotdrinkoreatanything，asamealalwayspreventedhersleeping。
Thenextdayshebroughtmemychocolate，butherbeautifulbreastwascoveredwithawhitekerchief。Shesatdownonthebedasusual，andI
observedinamelancholymannerthatshehadonlycoveredherbreastbecauseIhadsaidItookapleasureinseeingit。
Sherepliedthatshehadnotthoughtofanything，andhadonlyputonherkerchiefbecauseshehadhadnotimetofastenherstays。
\"Youarewholeright，\"Isaid，smilingly，\"forifIweretoseethewholebreastImightnotthinkitbeautiful。\"
Shegavenoanswer，andIfinishedmychocolate。
Irecollectedmycollectionofobscenepictures，andIbeggedLeahtogivemethebox，tellingherthatIwouldshewhersomeofthemostbeautifulbreastsintheworld。
\"Ishan’tcaretoseethem，\"saidshe；butshegavemethebox，andsatdownonmybedasbefore。
Itookoutapictureofanakedwomanlyingonherbackandabusingherself，andcoveringupthelowerpartofitIshewedittoLeah。
\"Butherbreastislikeanyother，\"saidLeah。
\"Takeawayyourhandkerchief。\"
\"Takeitback；it’sdisgusting。It’swellenoughdone，\"sheadded，withaburstoflaughter，\"butit’snonoveltyforme。\"
\"Nonoveltyforyou？\"
\"Ofcoursenot；everygirldoeslikethatbeforeshegetsmarried。\"
\"Thenyoudoit，too？\"
\"WheneverIwantto。\"
\"Doitnow。\"
\"Awell—bredgirlalwaysdoesitinprivate。\"
\"Andwhatdoyoudoafter？\"
\"IfIaminbedIgotosleep。\"
\"MydearLeah，yoursincerityistoomuchforme。Eitherbekindorvisitmenomore。\"
\"Youareveryweak，Ithink。\"
\"Yes，becauseIamstrong。\"
\"Thenhenceforthweshallonlymeetatdinner。Butchewmesomemoreminiatures。\"
\"Ihavesomepictureswhichyouwillnotlike。\"
\"Letmeseethem。\"
IgaveherArentin’sfigures，andwasastonishedtoseehowcoollysheexaminedthem，passingfromonetotheotherinthemostcommonplaceway。
\"Doyouthinktheminteresting？\"Isaid。
\"Yes，very；theyaresonatural。Butagoodgirlshouldnotlookatsuchpictures；anyonemustbeawarethatthesevoluptuousattitudesexciteone’semotions。\"
\"Ibelieveyou，Leah，andIfeelitasmuchasyou。Lookhere！\"
Shesmiledandtookthebookawaytothewindow，turningherbacktowardsmewithouttakinganynoticeofmyappeal。
Ihadtocooldownanddressmyself，andwhenthehairdresserarrivedLeahwentaway，sayingshewouldreturnmemybookatdinner。
Iwasdelighted，thinkingIwassureofvictoryeitherthatdayorthenext，butIwasoutofmyreckoning。
Wedinedwellanddrankbetter。AtdessertLeahtookthebookoutofherpocketandsetmeallonfirebyaskingmetoexplainsomeofthepicturesbutforbiddingallpracticaldemonstration。
Iwentoutimpatiently，determinedtowaittillnextmorning。
WhenthecruelJewesscameinthemorningshetoldmethatshewantedexplanations，butthatImustusethepicturesandnothingmoreasademonstrationofmyremarks。
\"Certainly，\"Ireplied，\"butyoumustanswerallmyquestionsastoyoursex。\"
\"Ipromisetodoso，iftheyarisenaturallyfromthepictures。\"
Thelessonlastedtwohours，andahundredtimesdidIcurseAretinandmyfollyinshewingherhisdesigns，forwheneverImadetheslightestattemptthepitilesswomanthreatenedtoleaveme。Buttheinformationshegavemeaboutherownsexwasaperfecttormenttome。Shetoldmethemostlasciviousdetails，andexplainedwiththeutmostminutenessthedifferentexternalandinternalmovementswhichwouldbedevelopedinthecopulationspicturedbyAretin。Ithoughtitquiteimpossiblethatshecouldbereasoningfromtheoryalone。Shewasnottroubledbytheslightesttinctureofmodesty，butphilosophizedoncoitionascoollyandmuchmorelearnedlythanHedvig。IwouldwillinglyhavegivenherallI
possessedtocrownhersciencebytheperformanceofthegreatwork。Shesworeitwasallpuretheorywithher，andIthoughtshemustbespeakingthetruthwhenshesaidshewantedtogetmarriedtoseeifhernotionswererightorwrong。ShelookedpensivewhenItoldherthatthehusbanddestinedforhermightbeunabletodischargehisconnubialdutiesmorethanonceaweek。
\"Doyoumeantosay，\"saidshe，\"thatonemanisnotasgoodasanother？\"
\"Howdoyoumean？\"
\"Arenotallmenabletomakeloveeveryday，andeveryhour，justastheyeat，drinkandsleepeveryday？\"
\"No，dearLeah，theythatcanmakeloveeverydayareveryscarce。\"
InmystateofchronicirritationIfeltmuchannoyedthattherewasnodecentplaceatAnconawhereamanmightappeasehispassionsforhismoney。ItrembledtothinkthatIwasindangeroffallingreallyinlovewithLeah，andItoldtheconsuleverydaythatIwasinnohurrytogo。Iwasasfoolishasaboyinhiscalf—love。IpicturedLeahasthepurestofwomen，forwithstrongpassionssherefusedtogratifythem。
Isawinheramodelofvirtue；shewasallself—restraintandpurity，resistingtemptationinspiteofthefirethatconsumedher。
BeforelongthereaderwilldiscoverhowveryvirtuousLeahwas。
AfternineortendaysIhadrecoursetoviolence，notindeedsbutinwords。SheconfessedIwasintheright，andsaidmybestplanwouldbetoforbidhertocomeandseemeinthemorning。Atdinner，accordingtoher，therewouldbenorisk。
Imadeupmymindtoaskhertocontinuehervisits，buttocoverherbreastandavoidallamorousconversation。
\"Withallmyheart，\"shereplied，laughing；\"butbesureIshallnotbethefirsttobreaktheconditions。\"
Ifeltnoinclinationtobreakthemeither，forthreedayslaterIfeltwearyofthesituation，andtoldtheconsulIwouldstartonthefirstopportunity。MypassionforLeahwasspoilingmyappetite，andIthussawmyselfdeprivedofmysecondarypleasurewithoutanyprospectofgainingmyprimaryenjoyment。
AfterwhatIhadsaidtotheconsulIfeltIshouldbeboundtogo，andI
wenttobedcalmlyenough。Butabouttwoo’clockinthemorningIhad，contrarytomyusualhabit，togetupandoffersacrificetoCloacina。I
leftmyroomwithoutanycandle，asIknewmywaywellenoughaboutthehouse。
Thetempleofthegoddesswasonthegroundfloor，butasIhadputonmysoftslippers，andwalkedverysoftly，myfootstepsdidnotmaketheleastnoise。
OnmywayupstairsIsawalightshiningthroughachinkinthedoorofaroomwhichIknewtobeunoccupied。Icreptsoftlyup，notdreamingforamomentthatLeahcouldbethereatsuchanhour。ButonputtingmyeyetothechinkIfoundIcouldseeabed，andonitwereLeahandayoungman，bothstarknaked，andoccupiedinworkingoutAretin’sposturestothebestoftheirability。Theywerewhisperingtooneanother，andeveryfourorfiveminutesIhadthepleasureofseeinganewposture。
ThesechangesofpositiongavemeaviewofallthebeautiesofLeah，andthispleasurewassomethingtosetagainstmyrageinhavingtakensuchaprofligatecreatureforavirtuouswoman。
Everytimetheyapproachedthecompletionofthegreatworktheystoppedshort，andcompletedwhattheyweredoingwiththeirhands。
WhentheyweredoingtheStraightTree，tomymindthemostlasciviousofthemall，LeahbehavedlikeatrueLesbian；forwhiletheyoungmanexcitedheramorousfuryshegotholdofhisinstrumentandtookitbetweenherlipstilltheworkwascomplete。Icouldnotdoubtthatshehadswallowedthevitalfluidofmyfortunaterival。
TheAdonisthenshewedherthefeebleinstrument，andLeahseemedtoregretwhatshehaddone。Beforelongshebegantoexcitehimagain；butthefellowlookedathiswatch，pushedheraway，andbegantoputonhisshirt。
Leahseemedangry，andIcouldseethatshereproachedhimforsometimebeforeshebegantodress。
WhentheywerenearlyclothedIsoftlyreturnedtomyroomandlookedoutofawindowcommandingthehouse—door。IhadnottowaitlongbeforeI
sawthefortunatelovergoingout。
IwenttobedindignantwithLeah；Ifeltmyselfdegraded。Shewasnolongervirtuous，butavillainousprostituteinmyeyes；andIfelltosleepwiththefirmresolveofdrivingherfrommyroomthenextmorning，aftershamingherwiththestoryofthesceneIhadwitnessed。But，alas，hastyandangryresolvescanseldomwithstandafewhours’sleep。
AssoonasIsawLeahcominginwithmychocolate，smilingandgayasusual，ItoldherquitecoollyalltheexploitsIhadseenherexecuting，layingparticularstressontheStraightTree，andthecuriousliquidshehadswallowed。IendedbysayingthatIhopedshewouldgivemethenextnight，bothtocrownmyloveandinsuremysecrecy。
SheansweredwithperfectcalmthatIhadnothingtoexpectfromherasshedidnotloveme，andasforkeepingthesecretshedefiedmetodiscloseit。
\"Iamsureyouwouldnotbeguiltyofsuchadisgracefulaction，\"saidshe。
Withthesewordssheturnedherbackonmeandwentout。
Icouldnothelpconfessingtomyselfthatshewasintheright；Icouldnotbringmyselftocommitsuchabaseness。Shehadmademereasonableinafewwords:
\"Idon’tloveyou。\"Therewasnoreplytothis，andIfeltIhadnoclaimonher。
Ratheritwasshewhomightcomplainofme；whatrighthadItospyoverher？Icouldnotaccuseherofdeceivingme；shewasfreetodowhatshelikedwithherself。Mybestcoursewasclearlytobesilent。
Idressedmyselfhastily，andwenttotheExchange，whereIheardthatavesselwassailingforFiumethesameday。
FiumeisjustoppositeAnconaontheothersideofthegulf。FromFiumetoTriestethedistanceisfortymiles，andIdecidedtogobythatroute。
Iwentaboardtheshipandtookthebestplace，saidgood—byetotheconsul，paidMardocheus，andpackedmytrunks。
LeahheardthatIwasgoingthesameday，andcameandtoldmethatshecouldnotgivemebackmylaceandmysilkstockingsthatday，butthatI
couldhavethembythenextday。
\"Yourfather，\"Irepliedcoolly，\"willhandthemallovertotheVenetianconsul，whowillsendthemtomeatTrieste。\"
JustasIwassittingdowntodinner，thecaptainoftheboatcameformyluggagewithasailor。Itoldhimhecouldhavemytrunk，andthatI
wouldbringtherestaboardwheneverhelikedtogo。
\"Iintendsettingoutanhourbeforedusk。\"
\"Ishallbeready。\"
WhenMardocheusheardwhereIwasgoinghebeggedmetotakechargeofasmallboxandaletterhewantedtosendtoafriend。
\"Ishallbedelightedtodoyouthissmallservice。\"
AtdinnerLeahsatdownwithmeandchatteredasusual，withouttroublingherselfaboutmymonosyllabicanswers。
Isupposedshewishedmetocreditherwithcalmconfidenceandphilosophy，whileIlookeduponitallasbrazenimpudence。
Ihatedanddespisedher。Shehadinflamedmypassions，toldmetomyfaceshedidnotloveme，andseemedtoclaimmyrespectthroughitall。
Possiblysheexpectedmetobegratefulforherremarkthatshebelievedmeincapableofbetrayinghertoherfather。
AsshedrankmyScopoloshesaidtherewereseveralbottlesleft，aswellassomeMuscat。
\"Imakeyouapresentofitall，\"Ireplied，\"itwillprimeyouupforyournocturnalorgies。\"
ShesmiledandsaidIhadhadagratuitoussightofaspectaclewhichwasworthmoney，andthatifIwerenotgoingsosuddenlyshewouldgladlyhavegivenmeanotheropportunity。
Thispieceofimpudencemademewanttobreakthewinebottleonherhead。ShemusthaveknownwhatIwasgoingtodofromthewayItookitup，butshedidnotwaverforamoment。Thiscoolnessofherspreventedmycommittingacrime。
IcontentedmyselfwithsayingthatshewasthemostimpudentslutIhadevermet，andIpouredthewineintomyglasswithashakinghand，asifthatwerethepurposeforwhichIhadtakenupthebottle。
AfterthissceneIgotupandwentintothenextroom；nevertheless，inhalfanhourshecametotakecoffeewithme。
Thispersistenceofhersdisgustedme，butIcalmedmyselfbythereflectionthatherconductmustbedictatedbyvengeance。
\"Ishouldliketohelpyoutopack，\"saidshe。
\"AndIshouldliketobeleftalone，\"Ireplied；andtakingherbythearmIledheroutoftheroomandlockedthedoorafterher。
Wewerebothofusintheright。Leahhaddeceivedandhumiliatedme，andIhadreasontodetesther，whileIhaddiscoveredherforamonsterofhypocrisyandimmodesty，andthiswasgoodcauseforhertodislikeme。
Towardseveningtwosailorscameaftertherestoftheluggage，andthankingmyhostessItoldLeahtoputupmylinen，andtogiveittoherfather，whohadtakentheboxofwhichIwastobethebearerdowntothevessel。
Wesetsailwithafairwind，andIthoughtnevertosetfaceonLeahagain。Butfatehadorderedotherwise。
Wehadgonetwentymileswithagoodwindinourquarter，bywhichwewerebornegentlyfromwavetowave，whenallofasuddentherefelladeadcalm。
TheserapidchangesarecommonenoughintheAdriatic，especiallyinthepartwewerein。
Thecalmlastedbutashorttime，andastiffwindfromthewest—north—
westbegantoblow，withtheresultthattheseabecameveryrough，andI
wasveryill。
Atmidnightthestormhadbecomedangerous。Thecaptaintoldmethatifwepersistedingoinginthewind’seyeweshouldbewrecked，andthattheonlythingtobedonewastoreturntoAncona。
Inlessthanthreehourswemadetheharbour，andtheofficeroftheguardhavingrecognizedmekindlyallowedmetoland。
WhileIwastalkingtotheofficerthesailorstookmytrunks，andcarriedthemtomyoldlodgingswithoutwaitingtoaskmyleave。
Iwasvexed。IwantedtoavoidLeah，andIhadintendedtosleepatthenearestinn。However，therewasnohelpforit。WhenIarrivedtheJewgotup，andsaidhewasdelightedtoseemeagain。
Itwaspastthreeo’clockinthemorning，andIfeltveryill，soIsaidIwouldnotgetuptilllate，andthatIwoulddineinmybedwithoutanyfoiegras。Islepttenhours，andwhenIawokeIfelthungryandrangmybell。
Themaidansweredandsaidthatshewouldhavethehonourofwaitingonme，asLeahhadaviolentheadache。
Imadenoanswer，thankingProvidencefordeliveringmefromthisimpudentanddangerouswoman。
HavingfoundmydinnerratherspareItoldthecooktogetmeagoodsupper。
Theweatherwasdreadful。TheVenetianconsulhadheardofmyreturn，andnothavingseenmeconcludedIwasill，andpaidmeatwohours’
visit。Heassuredmethestormwouldlastforaweekatleast。Iwasverysorrytohearit；inthefirstplace，becauseIdidnotwanttoseeanymoreofLeah，andinthesecond，becauseIhadnotgotanymoney。
LuckilyIhadgotvaluableeffects，sothissecondconsiderationdidnottroublememuch。
AsIdidnotseeLeahatsupper—timeIimaginedthatshewasfeigningillnesstoavoidmeetingme，andIfeltverymuchobligedtoheronthisaccount。Asitappeared，however，Iwasentirelymistakeninmyconjectures。
Thenextdayshecametoaskforchocolateinherusualway，butshenolongerboreuponherfeaturesheroldtranquillityofexpression。
\"Iwilltakecoffee，mademoiselle，\"Iobserved；\"andasIdonotwantfoiegrasanylonger，Iwilltakedinnerbymyself。Consequently，youmaytellyourfatherthatIshallonlypaysevenpaulsaday。InfutureIshallonlydrinkOrvietowine。\"
\"YouhavestillfourbottlesofScopoloandCyprus\"
\"Inevertakebackapresent；thewinebelongstoyou。Ishallbeobligedbyyourleavingmealoneasmuchaspossible，asyourconductisenoughtoirritateSocrates，andIamnotSocrates。Besides，theverysightofyouisdisagreeabletome。Yourbodymaybebeautiful，butknowingthatthesoulwithinisamonsteritcharmsmenolonger。Youmaybeverysurethatthesailorsbroughtmyluggageherewithoutmyorders，orelseyouwouldneverhaveseenmehereagain，whereIdreadbeingpoisonedeveryday。\"
Leahwentoutwithoutgivingmeanyanswer，andIfeltcertainthataftermyplain—spokendiscourseshewouldtakecarenottotroublemeagain。
ExperiencehadtaughtmethatgirlslikeLeaharenotuncommon。IhadknownspecimensatSpa，Genoa，London，andatVenice，butthisJewesswastheworstIhadevermet。
ItwasSaturday。WhenMardocheuscamebackfromthesynagogueheaskedmegailywhyIhadmortifiedhisdaughter，asshehaddeclaredshehaddonenothingtooffendme。
\"Ihavenotmortifiedher，mydearMardocheus，oratallevents，suchwasnotmyintention；butasIhaveputmyselfondiet，Ishallbeeatingnomorefoiegras，andconsequentlyIshalldinebymyself，andsavethreepaulsaday。\"
\"Leahisquitereadytopaymeoutofherprivatepurse，andshewantstodinewithyoutoassureyouagainstbeingpoisoned，assheinformsmethatyouhaveexpressedthatfear。\"
\"Thatwasonlyajest；IamperfectlyawarethatIaminthehouseofanhonestman。Idon’twantyourdaughtertopayforherself，andtoprovethatIamnotactuatedbyfeelingsofeconomy，youshalldinewithmetoo。Tooffertopayformeisanimpertinenceonherpart。Infine，I
willeitherdinebymyselfandpayyousevenpawlsaday，orIwillpayyouthirteen，andhavebothfatheranddaughtertodinewithme。\"
TheworthyMardocheuswentaway，sayingthathereallycouldnotallowmetodinebymyself。
Atdinner—timeItalkedonlytoMardocheus，withoutglancingatLeahorpayinganyattentiontothewittysalliessheutteredtoattractme。I
onlydrankOrvieto。
AtdessertLeahfilledmyglasswithScopolo，sayingthatifIdidnotdrinkitneitherwouldshe。
Ireplied，withoutlookingather，thatIadvisedheronlytodrinkwaterforthefuture，andthatIwantednothingatherhands。
Mardocheus，wholikedwine，laughedandsaidIwasright，anddrankforthree。
Theweathercontinuedbad，andIspenttherestofthedayinwriting，andaftersupperIretiredandwenttosleep。
SuddenlyIwasarousedbyaslightnoise。
\"Whoisthere？\"saidI。
IheardLeah’svoice，whisperinginreply，\"’TisI；Ihavenotcometodisturbyou，buttojustifymyself。\"
Sosayingshelaydownonthebed，butontheoutsideofthecoverlet。
Iwaspleasedwiththisextraordinaryvisit，formysoledesirewasforvengeance，andIfeltcertainofbeingabletoresistallherarts。I
thereforetoldherpolitelyenoughthatIconsideredherasalreadyjustifiedandthatIshouldbeobligedbyherleavingmeasIwantedtogotosleep。
\"NotbeforeyouhaveheardwhatIhavetosay。\"
\"Goon；Iamlisteningtoyou。\"
ThereuponshebeganadiscoursewhichIdidnotinterrupt，andwhichlastedforagoodhour。
Shespokeveryartfully，andafterconfessingshehaddonewrongshesaidthatatmyageIshouldhavebeenreadytooverlookthefolliesofayoungandpassionategirl。Accordingtoheritwasallweakness，andpardonableatsuchanage。
\"IswearIloveyou，\"saidshe，\"andIwouldhavegivenyougoodproofbeforenowifIhadnotbeensounfortunateastolovetheyoungChristianyousawwithme，whilehedoesnotcareformeintheleast；
indeedIhavetopayhim。
\"Inspiteofmypassion，\"shecontinued，\"Ihavenevergivenhimwhatagirlcangivebutonce。Ihadnotseenhimforsixmonths，anditwasyourfaultthatIsentforhim，foryouinflamedmewithyourpicturesandstrongwines。\"
TheendofitallwasthatIoughttoforgeteverything，andtreatherkindlyduringthefewdaysIwastoremainthere。
WhenshefinishedIdidnotallowmyselftomakeanyobjection。I
pretendedtobeconvinced，assuringherthatIfeltIhadbeeninthewronginlettingherseeAretin’sfigures，andthatIwouldnolongerevinceanyresentmenttowardsher。
Asherexplanationdidnotseemlikelytoendinthewayshewished，shewentontalkingabouttheweaknessoftheflesh，thestrengthofself—
lovewhichoftenhushesthevoiceofpassion，etc。，etc。；heraimbeingtopersuademethatshelovedme，andthatherrefusalshadallbeengivenwiththeideaofmakingmylovethestronger。
NodoubtImighthavegivenheragreatmanyanswers，butIsaidnothing。
ImadeupmymindtoawaittheassaultthatIsawwasimpending，andthenbyrefusingallheradvancesIreckonedonabasinghertotheuttermost。
Nevertheless，shemadenomotion；herhandswereatrest，andshekeptherfaceataduedistancefrommine。
Atlast，tiredoutwiththestruggle，sheleftmepretendingtobeperfectlysatisfiedwithwhatshehaddone。
Assoonasshehadgone，Icongratulatedmyselfonthefactthatshehadconfinedherselftoverbalpersuasion；forifshehadgonefurthershewouldprobablyhaveachievedacompletevictory，thoughwewereinthedark。
ImustmentionthatbeforesheleftmeIhadtopromisetoallowhertomakemychocolateasusual。
Earlythenextmorningshecameforthestickofchocolate。Shewasinacompletestateofnegligee，andcameinontiptoe，thoughifshechosetolooktowardsthebedshemighthaveseenthatIwaswideawake。
Imarkedherartificesandhercunning，andresolvedtobeequaltoallherwiles。WhenshebroughtthechocolateInoticedthatthereweretwocupsonthetray，andIsaid，——
\"Thenitisnottruethatyoudon’tlikechocolate？\"
\"Ifeelobligedtorelieveyouofallfearofbeingpoisoned。\"
Inoticedthatshewasnowdressedwiththeutmostdecency，whilehalfanhourbeforeshehadonlyherchemiseandpetticoatherneckbeingperfectlybare。Themoreresolvedsheseemedtogainthevictory，themorefirmlyIwasdeterminedtohumiliateher，asitappearedtometheonlyotheralternativewouldhavebeenmyshameanddishonour；andthisturnedmetostone。
Inspiteofmyresolves，Leahrenewedtheattackatdinner，for，contrarytomyorders，sheservedamagnificentfoiegras，tellingmethatitwasforherself，andthatifshewerepoisonedshewoulddieofpleasure；
Mardocheussaidheshouldliketodietoo，andbeganregalinghimselfonitwithevidentrelish。
Icouldnothelplaughing，andannouncedmywishtotastethedeadlyfood，andsoweallofuswereeatingit。
\"Yourresolvesarenotstrongenoughtowithstandseduction，\"saidLeah。
Thisremarkpiquedme，andIansweredthatshewasimprudenttodiscloseherdesignsinsuchamanner，andthatshewouldfindmyresolvesstrongenoughwhenthetimecame。
Afaintsmileplayedaboutherlips。
\"Tryifyoulike，\"Isaid，\"topersuademetodrinksomeScopoloorMuscat。Imeanttohavetakensome，butyourtaunthasturnedmetosteel。ImeantoprovethatwhenImakeupmymindIneveralterit。\"
\"Thestrong—mindedmannevergivesway，\"saidLeah，\"butthegood—heartedmanoftenletshimselfbeoverpersuaded。\"
\"Quiteso，andthegood—heartedgirlrefrainsfromtauntingamanforhisweaknessforher。\"
IcalledthemaidandtoldhertogototheVenetianconsul’sandgetmesomemoreScopoloandMuscat。Leahpiquedmeoncemorebysayingenthusiastically，——
\"Iamsureyouarethemostgood—heartedofmenaswellasthefirmest。\"
Mardocheus，whocouldnotmakeoutwhatwemeant，ate，drank，andlaughed，andseemedpleasedwitheverything。
IntheafternoonIwentouttoacafeinspiteofthedreadfulweather。
IthoughtoverLeahandherdesigns，feelingcertainthatshewouldpaymeanothernocturnalvisitandrenewtheassaultinforce。Iresolvedtoweakenmyselfwithsomecommonwoman，ifIcouldfindoneatallsupportable。
AGreekwhohadtakenmetoadisgustingplaceafewdaysbefore，conductedmetoanotherwhereheintroducedmetoapaintedhorrorofawomanfromwhoseverysightIfledinterror。
IfeltangrythatinatownlikeAnconaamanofsomedelicacycouldnotgethismoney’sworthforhismoney，andwenthome，suppedbymyself，andlockedthedoorafterme。
Theprecaution，however，wasuseless。
AfewminutesafterIhadshutthedoor，LeahknockedonthepretextthatIhadforgottentogiveherthechocolate。
Iopenedthedoorandgaveither，andshebeggedmenottolockmyselfin，asshewantedtohaveanimportantandfinalinterview。
\"Youcantellmenowwhatyouwanttosay。\"
\"No，itwilltakesometime，andIshouldnotliketocometilleveryoneisasleep。Youhavenothingtobeafraidof；youarelordofyourself。
Youcangotobedinpeace。\"
\"Ihavecertainlynothingtobeafraidof，andtoproveittoyouIwillleavethedooropen。\"
Ifeltmorethanevercertainofvictory，andresolvednottoblowoutthecandles，asmydoingsomightbeinterpretedintoaconfessionoffear。Besides，thelightwouldrendermytriumphandherhumiliationmorecomplete。WiththesethoughtsIwenttobed。
Ateleveno’clockaslightnoisetoldmethatmyhourhadcome。IsawLeahentermyroominherchemiseandalightpetticoat。Shelockedmydoorsoftly，andwhenIcried，\"Well；whatdoyouwantwithme？\"sheletherchemiseandpetticoatdrop，andlaydownbesidemeinastateofnature。
Iwastoomuchastonishedtorepulseher。
Leahwassureofvictory，andwithoutawordshethrewherselfuponme，pressingherlipstomine，anddeprivingmeofallmyfacultiesexceptone。
IutilisedashortmomentofreflectionbyconcludingthatIwasapresumtuousfool，andthatLeahwasawomanwithamostextensiveknowledgeofhumannature。
Inasecondmycaressbecameasardentashers，andafterkissingherspheresofroseandalabasterIpenetratedtothesanctuaryoflove，which，muchtomyastonishment，Ifoundtobeavirgincitadel。
Therewasashortsilence，andthenIsaid，——
\"DearestLeah，youobligemetoadoreyou；whydidyoufirstinspiremewithhate？Areyounotcomeheremerelytohumiliateme，toobtainanemptyvictory？Ifso，Iforgiveyou；butyouareinthewrong，for，believeme，enjoymentissweeterfarthanvengeance。\"
\"Nay，Ihavenotcometoachieveashamefulvictory，buttogivemyselftoyouwithoutreserve，torenderyoumyconquerorandmyking。Proveyourlovebymakingmehappy，breakdownthebarrierwhichIkeptintact，despiteitsfragilityandmyardour，andifthissacrificedoesnotconvinceyouofmyaffectionyoumustbetheworstofmen。\"
Ihadneverheardmoreenergeticopinions，andIhadneverseenamorevoluptuoussight。Ibeganthework，andwhileLeahaidedmetothebestofherability，Iforcedthegate，andonLeah’sfaceIreadthemostacutepainandpleasuremingled。InthefirstecstasyofdelightIfelthertrembleineverylimb。
Asforme，myenjoymentwasquitenew；Iwastwentyagain，butIhadtheself—restraintofmyage，andtreatedLeahwithdelicacy，holdingherinmyarmstillthreeo’clockinthemorning。WhenIlefthershewasinundatedandexhaustedwithpleasure，whileIcoulddonomore。
Sheleftmefullofgratitude，carryingthesoakinglinenawaywithher。
Isleptontilltwelveo’clock。
WhenIawokeandsawherstandingbymybedsidewiththegentleloveofthedayafterthewedding，theideaofmyapproachingdeparturesaddenedme。Itoldherso，andshebeggedmetostayonaslongasIcould。I
repeatedthatwewouldarrangeeverythingwhenwemetagainatnight。
Wehadadeliciousdinner，forMardocheuswasbentonconvincingmethathewasnomiser。
Ispenttheafternoonwiththeconsul，andarrangedthatIshouldgoonaNeapolitanman—of—warwhichwasinquarantineatthetime，andwastosailforTrieste。
AsIshouldbeobligedtopassanothermonthatAncona，Iblessedthestormthathaddrivenmeback。
Igavetheconsulthegoldsnuff—boxwithwhichtheElectorofColognehadpresentedme，keepingtheportraitasamemento。Threedayslaterhehandedmefortygoldsequins，whichwasampleformyneeds。
MystayinAnconawascostingmedear；butwhenItoldMardocheusthatI
shouldnotbegoingforanothermonthhedeclaredhewouldnolongerfeedatmyexpense。OfcourseIdidnotinsist。Leahstilldinedwithme。
Ithasalwaysbeenmyopinion，thoughperhapsImaybemistaken，thattheJewwasperfectlywellawareofmyrelationswithhisdaughter。Jewsareusuallyveryliberalonthisarticle，possiblybecausetheycountonthechildbeinganIsraelite。
ItookcarethatmydearLeahshouldhavenoreasontorepentofourconnection。HowgratefulandaffectionateshewaswhenItoldherthatI
meanttostayanothermonth！Howsheblessedthebadweatherwhichhaddrivenmeback。Weslepttogethereverynight，notexceptingthosenightsforbiddenbythelawsofMoses。
Igaveherthelittlegoldheart，whichmightbeworthtensequins，butthatwouldbenorewardforthecareshehadtakenofmylinen。ShealsomademeacceptsomesplendidIndianhandkerchiefs。SixyearslaterImetheragainatPesaro。
IleftAnconaonNovember14th，andonthe15thIwasatTrieste。
CHAPTERXXI
Pittoni——Zaguri——TheProcuratorMorosini——TheVenetianConsul——Gorice——
TheFrenchConsul——MadameLeo——MyDevotiontoTheStateInquisitors——
Strasoldo——MadameCragnoline——GeneralBurghausenThelandlordaskedmemyname，wemadeouragreement，andIfoundmyselfverycomfortablylodged。NextdayIwenttothepost—officeandfoundseveralletterswhichhadbeenawaitingmeforthelastmonth。IopenedonefromM。Dandolo，andfoundanopenenclosurefromthepatricianMarcoDona，addressedtoBaronPittoni，ChiefofPolice。Onreadingit，I
foundIwasverywarmlycommendedtothebaron。Ihastenedtocallonhim，andgavehimtheletter，whichhetookbutdidnotread。HetoldmethatM。Donnahadwrittentohimaboutme，andthathewouldbedelightedtodoanythinginhispowerforme。
IthentookMardocheus’slettertohisfriendMosesLevi。Ihadnottheslightestideathattheletterhadanyreferencetomyself，soIgaveittothefirstclerkthatIsawintheoffice。
Leviwasanhonestandanagreeableman，andthenextdayhecalledonmeandofferedmehisservicesinthemostcordialmanner。HeshewedmetheletterIhaddelivered，andIwasdelightedtofindthatitreferredtomyself。TheworthyMardocheusbeggedhimtogivemeahundredsequinsincaseIneededanymoney，addingthatanypolitenessshewntomewouldbeasifshewntohimself。
ThisbehaviouronthepartofMardocheusfilledmewithgratitude，andreconciledme，sotospeak，withthewholeJewishnation。Iwrotehimaletterofthanks，offeringtoservehimatVeniceinanywayIcould。
IcouldnothelpcomparingthecordialityofLevi’swelcomewiththeformalandceremoniousreceptionofBaronPittoni。ThebaronwastenortwelveyearsyoungerthanI。Hewasamanofparts，andquitedevoidofprejudice。Aswornfoeof’meumandtuum’，andwhollyincapableofeconomy，heleftthewholecareofhishousetohisvalet，whorobbedhim，butthebaronknewitandmadenoobjection。Hewasadeterminedbachelor，agallant，andthefriendandpatronoflibertines。Hischiefdefectwashisforgetfulnessandabsenceofmind，whichmadehimmismanageimportantbusiness。
Hewasreputed，thoughwrongly，tobealiar。Aliarisapersonwhotellsfalsehoodsintentionally，whileifPittonitoldliesitwasbecausehehadforgottenthetruth。Webecamegoodfriendsinthecourseofamonth，andwehaveremainedfriendstothisday。
IwrotetomyfriendsatVenice，announcingmyarrivalatTrieste，andforthenexttendaysIkeptmyroom，busiedinputtingtogetherthenotesIhadmadeonPolisheventssincethedeathofElizabethPetrovna。
ImeanttowriteahistoryofthetroublesofunhappyPolanduptoitsdismemberment，whichwastakingplaceattheepochinwhichIwaswriting。
IhadforeseenallthiswhenthePolishDietrecognizedthedyingczarinaasEmpressofalltheRussians，andtheElectorofBrandenburgasKingofPrussia，andIproceededwithmyhistory；butonlythefirstthreevolumeswerepublished，owingtotheprintersbreakingtheagreement。
Thefourlastvolumeswillbefoundinmanuscriptaftermydeath，andanyonewholikesmaypublishthem。ButIhavebecomeindifferenttoallthisastomanyothermatterssinceIhaveseenFollycrownedkingoftheearth。
To—daythereisnosuchcountryasPoland，butitmightstillbeinexistenceifithadnotbeenfortheambitionoftheCzartoryskifamily，whosepridehadbeenhumiliatedbyCountBruhl，theprimeminister。TogainvengeancePrinceAugustusCzartoryskiruinedhiscountry。Hewassoblindedbypassionthatheforgotthatallactionshavetheirinevitableresults。
CzartoryskihaddeterminednotonlytoexcludetheHouseofSaxonyfromthesuccession，buttodethronethememberofthatfamilywhowasreigning。TodothisthehelpoftheCzarinaandoftheElectorofBrandenburgwasnecessary，sohemadethePolishDietacknowledgetheoneasEmpressofalltheRussians，andtheotherasKingofPrussia。ThetwosovereignswouldnottreatwiththePolishCommonwealthtillthisclaimhadbeensatisfied；buttheCommonwealthshouldneverhavegrantedthesetitles，forPolanditselfpossessedmostoftheRussias，andwasthetruesovereignofPrussia，theElectorofBrandenburgbeingonlyDukeofPrussiainreality。
PrinceCzartoryski，blindedbythedesireofvengeance，persuadedtheDietthattogivethetwosovereignsthesetitleswouldbemerelyaform，andthattheywouldneverbecomeanythingmorethanhonorary。Thismightbeso，butifPolandhadpossessedfar—seeingstatesmentheywouldhaveguessedthatanhonorarytitlewouldendintheusurpationofthewholecountry。
TheRussianpalatinhadthepleasureofseeinghisnephewStanislasPoniatowskionthethrone。
Imyselftoldhimthatthesetitlesgavearight，andthatthepromisenottomakeanyuseofthemwasameredelusion。Iaddedjokingly——forIwasobligedtoadoptahumoroustone——thatbeforelongEuropewouldtakepityonPoland，whichhadtobeartheheavyweightofalltheRussiasandthekingdomofPrussiaaswell，andtheCommonwealthwouldfinditselfrelievedofallthesecharges。
Myprophecyhasbeenfulfilled。ThetwoprinceswhosetitleswereallowedhavetornPolandlimbfromlimb；itisnowabsorbedinRussiaandPrussia。
ThesecondgreatmistakemadebyPolandwasinnotrememberingtheapologueofthemanandthehorsewhenthequestionofprotectionpresenteditself。
TheRepublicofRomebecamemistressoftheworldbyprotectingothernations。
ThusPolandcametoruinthroughambition，vengeance，andfolly——butfollymostofall。
ThesamereasonlayattherootoftheFrenchRevolution。LouisXVI。
paidthepenaltyofhisfollywithhislife。Ifhehadbeenawiserulerhewouldstillbeonthethrone，andFrancewouldhaveescapedthefuryoftheRevolutionists。Franceissick；inanyothercountrythissicknessmightberemedied，butIwouldnotwonderifitprovedincurableinFrance。
CertainemotionalpersonsaremovedtopitybytheemigrantFrenchnobles，butformypartIthinkthemonlyworthyofcontempt。Insteadofparadingtheirprideandtheirdisgracebeforetheeyesofforeignnations，theyshouldhaveralliedroundtheirking，andeitherhavesavedthethroneordiedunderitsruins。WhatwillbecomeofFrance？Itwashardtosay；butitiscertainthatabodywithoutaheadcannotliveverylong，forreasonissituateinthehead。
OnDecember1stBaronPittonibeggedmetocallonhimassomeonehadcomefromVeniceonpurposetoseeme。
Idressedmyselfhastily，andwenttothebaron’s，whereIsawafine—
lookingmanofthirty—fiveorforty，elegantlydressed。Helookedatmewiththeliveliestinterest。
\"Myhearttellsme，\"Ibegan，\"thatyourexcellence’snameisZaguri？\"
\"Exactlyso，mydearCasanova。AssoonasmyfriendDandolotoldmeofyourarrivalhere，Ideterminedtocomeandcongratulateyouonyourapproachingrecall，whichwilltakeplaceeitherthisyearorthenext，asIhopetoseetwofriendsofminemadeInquisitors。YoumayjudgeofmyfriendshipforyouwhenItellyouthatIaman’avogador’，andthatthereisalawforbiddingsuchtoleaveVenice。Wewillspendto—dayandto—morrowtogether。\"
IrepliedinamannertoconvincehimthatIwassensibleofthehonourhehaddoneme；andIheardBaronPittonibeggingmetoexcusehimfornothavingcometoseeme。Hesaidhehadforgottenallaboutit，andahandsomeoldmanbeggedhisexcellencetoaskmetodinewithhim，thoughhehadnotthepleasureofknowingme。
\"What！\"saidZaguri。\"Casanovahasbeenhereforthelasttendays，anddoesnotknowtheVenetianconsul？\"
Ihastenedtospeak。
\"It’smyownfault，\"Iobserved，\"Ididnotlikecallingonthisgentleman，forfearhemightthinkmecontraband。\"
TheconsulansweredwittilythatIwasnotcontrabandbutinquarantine，pendingmyreturntomynativeland；andthatinthemeanwhilehishousewouldalwaysbeopentome，ashadbeenthehouseoftheVenetianconsulatAncona。
Inthismannerheletmeknowthatheknewsomethingaboutme，andIwasnotatallsorryforit。
MarcoMonti，suchwastheconsul’sname，wasamanofpartsandmuchexperience；apleasantcompanionandagreatconversationalist，fondoftellingamusingstorieswithagraveface——infact，mostexcellentcompany。
Iwassomethingofa’conteur’myself，andwesoonbecamefriendlyrivalsintellinganecdotes。InspiteofhisthirtyadditionalyearsIwasatolerablematchforhim，andwhenwewereinaroomtherewasnoquestionofgainingtokillthetime。
Webecamefastfriends，andIbenefitedagooddealbyhisofficesduringthetwoyearsIspentinTrieste，andIhavealwaysthoughtthathehadaconsiderableshareinobtainingmyrecall。Thatwasmygreatobjectinthosedays；Iwasavictimtonostalgia，orhomesickness。
WiththeSwissandtheSclavsitisreallyafataldisease，whichcarriesthemoffiftheyarenotsenthomeimmediately。Germansaresubjecttothisweaknessalso；whilsttheFrenchsufferverylittle，andItaliansnotmuchmorefromthecomplaint。
Norule，however，lacksitsexception，andIwasone。IdaresayIshouldhavegotovermynostalgiaifIhadtreateditwithcontempt，andthenI
shouldnothavewastedtenyearsofmylifeinthebosomofmycruelstepmotherVenice。
IdinedwithM。Zaguriattheconsul’s，andIwasinvitedtodinewiththegovernor，CountAuersperg，thenextday。
ThevisitfromaVenetian’avogador’mademeapersonofgreatconsideration。Iwasnolongerlookeduponasanexile，butasonewhohadsuccessfullyescapedfromillegalconfinement。