\"Farfromit。Itwasalwaysfortunateingoodhealth，andthemasterofmyownpassions；butallIsawinmyequalswasformeagoodschoolinwhichIhaveacquiredtheknowledgeofman，andlearnedtherealroadtohappiness。Thehappiestofmenisnotthemostvoluptuous，buttheonewhoknowshowtochoosethehigheststandardsofvoluptuousness，whichcanbefound，Isayagain，notinthepleasureswhichexciteoursenses，butinthosewhichgivegreaterreposetothesoul。\"
\"Thatisthevoluptuousnesswhichyouconsiderunalloyed。\"
\"Yes，andsuchisthesightofavastprairieallcoveredwithgrass。
Thegreencolour，sostronglyrecommendedbyourdivineprophet，strikesmyeyes，andatthesamemomentIfeelthatmysouliswrappedupinacalmsodelightfulthatIfancymyselfnearertheCreator。Ienjoythesamepeace，thesamerepose，whenIamseatedonthebanksofariver，whenIlookuponthewatersoquiet，yetalwaysmoving，whichflowsconstantly，yetneverdisappearsfrommysight，neverlosesanyofitsclearnessinspiteofitsconstantmotion。Itstrikesmeastheimageofmyownexistence，andofthecalmwhichIrequireformylifeinordertoreach，likethewaterI
amgazingupon，thegoalwhichIdonotsee，andwhichcanonlybefoundattheotherendofthejourney。\"
ThusdidtheTurkreason，andwepassedfourhoursinthissortofconversation。Hehadburiedtwowives，andhehadtwosonsandonedaughter。Theeldestson，havingreceivedhispatrimony，hadestablishedhimselfinthecityofSalonica，wherehewasawealthymerchant；theotherwasintheseraglio，intheserviceoftheGrandTurkandhisfortunewasinthehandsofatrustee。Hisdaughter，Zelmi，thenfifteenyearsofage，wastoinheritallhisremainingproperty。Hehadgivenheralltheaccomplishmentswhichcouldministertothehappinessofthemanwhomheavenhaddestinedforherhusband。Weshallhearmoreofthatdaughteranon。Themotherofthethreechildrenwasdead，andfiveyearsprevioustothetimeofmyvisit，Yusufhadtakenanotherwife，anativeofScio，youngandverybeautiful，buthetoldmehimselfthathewasnowtooold，andcouldnothopetohaveanychildbyher。Yethewasonlysixtyyearsofage。BeforeIleft，hemademepromisetospendatleastonedayeveryweekwithhim。
Atsupper，Itoldthebailihowpleasantlythedayhadpassed。
\"Weenvyyou，\"theysaid，\"theprospectyouhavebeforeyouofspendingagreeablythreeorfourmonthsinthiscountry，while，inourqualityofministers，wemustpineawaywithmelancholy。\"
Afewdaysafterwards，M。deBonnevaltookmewithhimtodineatIsmail’shouse，whereIsawAsiaticluxuryonagrandscale，buttherewereagreatmanyguests，andtheconversationwasheldalmostentirelyintheTurkishlanguage——acircumstancewhichannoyedmeandM。deBonnevalalso。Ismailsawit，andheinvitedmetobreakfastwheneverIfeltdisposed，assuringmethathewouldhavemuchpleasureinreceivingme。Iacceptedtheinvitation，andIwenttenortwelvedaysafterwards。Whenwereachthatperiodmyreadersmustkindlyaccompanymetothebreakfast。ForthepresentImustreturntoYusufwho，duringmysecondvisit，displayedacharacterwhichinspired，mewiththegreatestesteemandthewarmestaffection。
Wehaddinedaloneasbefore，and，conversationhappeningtoturnuponthefinearts，IgavemyopinionupononeofthepreceptsintheKoran，bywhichtheMahometansaredeprivedoftheinnocentenjoymentofpaintingsandstatues。HetoldmethatMahomet，averysagaciouslegislator，hadbeenrightinremovingallimagesfromthesightofthefollowersofIslam。
\"Recollect，myson，thatthenationstowhichtheprophetbroughttheknowledgeofthetrueGodwereallidolators。Menareweak；ifthedisciplesoftheprophethadcontinuedtoseethesameobjects，theymighthavefallenbackintotheirformererrors。\"
\"Nooneeverworshippedanimageasanimage；thedeityofwhichtheimageisarepresentationiswhatisworshipped。\"
\"Imaygrantthat，butGodcannotbematter，anditisrighttoremovefromthethoughtsofthevulgartheideaofamaterialdivinity。Youaretheonlymen，youChristians，whobelievethatyouseeGod。\"
\"Itistrue，wearesureofit，butobservethatfaithalonegivesusthatcertainty。\"
\"Iknowit；butyouareidolators，foryouseenothingbutamaterialrepresentation，andyetyouhaveacompletecertaintythatyouseeGod，unlessyoushouldtellmethatfaithdisaffirmsit。\"
\"GodforbidIshouldtellyousuchathing！Faith，onthecontrary，affirmsourcertainty。\"
\"WethankGodthatwehavenoneedofsuchself—delusion，andthereisnotonephilosopherintheworldwhocouldprovetomethatyourequireit。\"
\"Thatwouldnotbetheprovinceofphilosophy，dearfather，butoftheology——averysuperiorscience。\"
\"Youarenowspeakingthelanguageofourtheologians，whodifferfromyoursonlyinthis；theyusetheirsciencetomakeclearerthetruthsweoughttoknow，whilstyourtheologianstrytorenderthosetruthsmoreobscure。\"
\"Recollect，dearfather，thattheyaremysteries。\"
\"TheexistenceofGodisasufficientlyimportantmysterytopreventmenfromdaringtoaddanythingtoit。Godcanonlybesimple；anykindofcombinationwoulddestroyHisessence；suchistheGodannouncedbyourprophet，whomustbethesameforallmenandinalltimes。AgreewithmethatwecanaddnothingtothesimplicityofGod。WesaythatGodisone；thatistheimageofsimplicity。YousaythatHeisoneandthreeatthesametime，andsuchadefinitionstrikesusascontradictory，absurd，andimpious。\"
\"Itisamystery。\"
\"DoyoumeanGodorthedefinition？Iamspeakingonlyofthedefinition，whichoughtnottobeamysteryorabsurd。Commonsense，myson，mustconsiderasabsurdanassertionwhichsubstantiallvnonsensical。Provetomethatthreeisnotacompound，thatitcannotbeacompoundandIwillbecomeaChristianatonce。\"
\"Myreligiontellsmetobelievewithoutarguing，andIshudder，mydearYusuf，whenIthinkthat，throughsomespeciousreasoning，I
mightbeledtorenouncethecreedofmyfathers。Ifirstmustbeconvincedthattheylivedinerror。Tellmewhether，respectingmyfather’smemory，Ioughttohavesuchagoodopinionofmyselfastositinjudgementoverhim，withtheintentionofgivingmysentenceagainsthim？\"
MylivelyremonstrancemovedYusufdeeply，butafterafewinstantsofsilencehesaidtome，——
\"Withsuchfeelings，myson，youaresuretofindgraceintheeyesofGod，andyouare，therefore，oneoftheelect。Ifyouareinerror，Godalonecanconvinceyouofit，fornojustmanonearthcanrefutethesentimentyouhavejustgivenexpressionto。\"
Wespokeofmanyotherthingsinafriendlymanner，andintheeveningwepartedwiththeoftenrepeatedassuranceofthewarmestaffectionandofthemostperfectdevotion。
Butmymindwasfullofourconversation，andasIwentonponderingoverthematter，IthoughtthatYusufmightberightinhisopinionastotheessenceofGod，foritseemedevidentthattheCreatorofallbeingsoughttobeperfectlysimple；butIthoughtatthesametimehowimpossibleitwouldbeforme，becausetheChristianreligionhadmadeamistake，toaccepttheTurkishcreed，whichmightperhapshavejustaconceptionofGod，butwhichcausedmetosmilewhenIrecollectedthatthemanwhohadgivenbirthtoithadbeenanarrantimposter。Ihadnottheslightestidea，however，thatYusufwishedtomakeaconvertofme。
ThethirdtimeIdinedwithhimreligionwasagainthesubjectofconversation。
\"Doyoubelieve，dearfather，thatthereligionofMahometistheonlyoneinwhichsalvationcanbesecured？\"
\"No，mydearson，Iamnotcertainofit，andnomancanhavesuchacertainty；butIamsurethattheChristianreligionisnotthetrueone，becauseitcannotbeuniversal。\"
\"Whynot？\"
\"Becausethereisneitherbreadnorwinetobefoundinthree—fourthsoftheworld。ObservethatthepreceptsoftheKorancanbefollowedeverywhere。\"
Ididnotknowhowtoanswer，andIwouldnotequivocate。
\"IfGodcannotbematter，\"Isaid，\"thenHemustbeaspirit？\"
\"WeknowwhatHeisnotbutwedonotknowwhatHeis:mancannotaffirmthatGodisaspirit，becausehecanonlyrealizetheideainanabstractmanner。Godimmaterial；thatistheextentofourknowledgeanditcanneverbegreater。\"
IwasremindedofPlato，whohadsaidexactlythesameanmostcertainlyYusufneverreadPlato。
HeaddedthattheexistenceofGodcouldbeusefulonlytothosewhodidnotentertainadoubtofthatexistence，andthat，asanaturalconsequence，Atheistsmustbethemostmiserableofmen。GodhasmadeinmanHisownimageinorderthat，amongstalltheanimalscreatedbyHim，thereshouldbeonethatcanunderstandandconfesstheexistenceoftheCreator。Withoutman，GodwouldhavenowitnessofHisownglory，andmanmustthereforeunderstandthathisfirstandhighestdutyistoglorifyGodbypractisingjusticeandtrustingtoHisprovidence。
\"Observe，myson，thatGodneverabandonsthemanwho，inthemidstofmisfortunes，fallsdowninprayerbeforeHim，andthatHeoftenallowsthewretchwhohasnofaithinprayertodiemiserably。\"
\"YetwemeetwithAtheistswhoarefortunateandhappy。\"
\"True；but，inspiteoftheirtranquillity，Ipitythembecausetheyhavenohopebeyondthislife，andareonalevelwithanimals。
Besides，iftheyarephilosophers，theymustlingerindarkignorance，and，iftheyneverthink，theyhavenoconsolation，noresource，whenadversityreachesthem。GodhasmademaninsuchamannerthathecannotbehappyunlessheentertainsnodoubtoftheexistenceofhisDivineCreator；inallstationsoflifemanisnaturallypronetobelieveinthatexistence，otherwisemanwouldneverhaveadmittedoneGod，Creatorofallbeingsandofallthings。\"
\"IshouldliketoknowwhyAtheismhasonlyexistedinthesystemsofthelearned，andneverasanationalcreed。\"
\"Becausethepoorfeeltheirwantsmuchmorethantherich，ThereareamongstusagreatmanyimpiousmenwhoderidethetruebelieversbecausetheyhavefaithinthepilgrimagetoMecca。Wretchesthattheyare，theyoughttorespecttheancientcustomswhich，excitingthedevotionofferventsouls，feedreligiousprinciples，andimpartcourageunderallmisfortunes。Withoutsuchconsolation，peoplewouldgivewaytoalltheexcessofdespair。\"
MuchpleasedwiththeattentionIgavetoallhesaid，Yusufwouldthusyieldtotheinclinationhefelttoinstructme，and，onmyside，feelingmyselfdrawntowardshimbythecharmwhichamiablegoodnessexertsuponallhearts，Iwouldoftengoandspendthedaywithhim，evenwithoutanypreviousinvitation，andYusuf’sfriendshipsoonbecameoneofmymostprecioustreasures。
Onemorning，ItoldmyjanissarytotakemetothepalaceofIsmailEffendi，inordertofulfilmypromisetobreakfastwithhim。Hegavemethemostfriendlywelcome，andafteranexcellentbreakfastheinvitedmetotakeawalkinhisgarden。Wefoundthereaprettysummer—housewhichweentered，andIsmailattemptedsomelibertieswhichwerenotatalltomytaste，andwhichIresentedbyrisinginaveryabruptmanner。SeeingthatIwasangry，theTurkaffectedtoapprovemyreserve，andsaidthathehadonlybeenjoking。Ilefthimafterafewminutes，withtheintentionofnotvisitinghimagain，butIwascompelledtodoso，asIwillexplainby—and—by。
WhenIsawM。deBonnevalItoldhimwhathadhappenedandhesaidthat，accordingtoTurkishmanners，Ismailhadintendedtogivemeagreatproofofhisfriendship，butthatIneednotbeafraidoftheoffencebeingrepeated。HeaddedthatpolitenessrequiredthatI
shouldvisithimagain，andthatIsmailwas，inspiteofhisfailing，aperfectgentleman，whohadathisdisposalthemostbeautifulfemaleslavesinTurkey。
Fiveorsixweeksafterthecommencementofourintimacy，YusufaskedmeonedaywhetherIwasmarried。IansweredthatIwasnot；theconversationturneduponseveralmoralquestions，andatlastfelluponchastity，which，inhisopinion，couldbeaccountedavirtueonlyifconsideredfromonepointofview，namely，thatoftotalabstinence，butheaddedthatitcouldnotbeacceptabletoGod；
becauseittransgressedagainsttheveryfirstpreceptHehadgiventoman。
\"Iwouldliketoknow，forinstance，\"hesaid，\"whatnamecanbegiventothechastityofyourknightsofMalta。Theytakeavowofchastity，butitdoesnotmeanthattheywillrenouncewomenaltogether，theyrenouncemarriageonly。Theirchastity，andthereforechastityingeneral，isviolatedonlybymarriage；yetI
observethatmarriageisoneofyoursacraments。Therefore，thoseknightsofMaltapromisenottogivewaytolustfulincontinenceintheonlycaseinwhichGodmightforgiveit，buttheyreservethelicenseofbeinglustfulunlawfullyasoftenastheyplease，andwheneveranopportunitymayofferitself；andthatimmoral，illicitlicenseisgrantedtothemtosuchanextent，thattheyareallowedtoacknowledgelegallyachildwhichcanbeborntothemonlythroughadoublecrime！Themostrevoltingpartofitallisthatthesechildrenofcrime，whoareofcourseperfectlyinnocentthemselves，arecallednaturalchildren，asifchildrenborninwedlockcameintotheworldinanunnaturalmanner！Inoneword，mydearson，thevowofchastityissomuchopposedtoDivinepreceptsandtohumannaturethatitcanbeagreeableneithertoGodnortosociety，nortothosewhopledgethemselvestokeepit，andbeinginsuchoppositiontoeverydivineandhumanlaw，itmustbeacrime。\"
HeenquiredforthesecondtimewhetherIwasmarried；Irepliedinthenegative，andaddedthatIhadnoideaofevergettingmarried。
\"What！\"heexclaimed；\"Imustthenbelievethatyouarenotaperfectman，orthatyouintendtoworkoutyourowndamnation；unlessyoushouldtellmethatyouareaChristianonlyoutwardly。\"
\"Iamamanintheverystrongestsenseoftheword，andIamatrueChristian。ImustevenconfessthatIadorewomen，andthatIhavenottheslightestideaofdeprivingmyselfofthemostdelightfulofallpleasures。\"
\"Accordingtoyourreligion，damnationawaitsyou。\"
\"Ifeelcertainofthecontrary，because，whenweconfessoursins，ourpriestsarecompelledtogiveusabsolution。\"
\"Iknowit，butyoumustagreewithmethatitisabsurdtosupposethatGodwillforgiveacrimewhichyouwould，perhaps，notcommit，ifyoudidnotthinkthat，afterconfession，apriest，amanlikeyou，willgiveyouabsolution。Godforgivesonlytherepentingsinner。\"
\"Nodoubtofit，andconfessionsupposesrepentance；withoutit，absolutionhasnoeffect。\"
\"Isonanismacrimeamongstyou？\"
\"Yes，evengreaterthanlustfulandillegitimatecopulation。\"
\"Iwasawareofit，andithasalwayscausedmegreatsurprise，forthelegislatorwhoenactsalaw，theexecutionofwhichisimpossible，isafool。Amaningoodhealth，ifhecannothaveawoman，mustnecessarilyhaverecoursetoonanism，wheneverimperiousnaturedemandsit，andthemanwho，fromfearofpollutinghissoul，wouldabstainfromit，wouldonlydrawuponhimselfamortaldisease。\"
\"Webelieveexactlythereverse；wethinkthatyoungpeopledestroytheirconstitutions，andshortentheirlivesthroughself—abuse。Inseveralcommunitiestheyarecloselywatched，andareasmuchaspossibledeprivedofeveryopportunityofindulginginthatcrime。\"
\"Thosewhowatchthemareignorantfools，andthosewhopaythewatchersforsuchaserviceareevenmorestupid，becauseprohibitionmustexcitethewishtobreakthroughsuchatyrannicallaw，tosetatnoughtaninterdictionsocontrarytonature。\"
\"Yetitseemstomethatself—abuseinexcessmustbeinjurioustohealth，foritmustweakenandenervate。\"
\"Certainly，becauseexcessineverythingisprejudicialandpernicious；butallsuchexcessistheresultofoursevereprohibition。Ifgirlsarenotinterferedwithinthematterofself—
abuse，Idonotseewhyboysshouldbe。\"
\"Becausegirlsareveryfarfromrunningthesamerisk；theydonotloseagreatdealintheactionofself—abuse，andwhattheylosedoesnotcomefromthesamesourcewhenceflowsthegerminalliquidinmen。\"
\"Idonotknow，butwehavesomephysicianswhosaythatchlorosisingirlsistheresultofthatpleasureindulgedintoexcess。\"
Aftermanysuchconversations，inwhichheseemedtoconsidermeasendowedwithreasonandtalent，evenwhenIwasnotofhisopinion，YusufAlisurprisedmegreatlyonedaybythefollowingproposition:
\"Ihavetwosonsandadaughter。Inolongerthinkofmysons，becausetheyhavereceivedtheirshareofmyfortune。Asfarasmydaughterisconcernedshewill，aftermydeath，inheritallmypossessions，andIam，besides，inapositionwhileIamalivetopromotethefortuneofthemanwhomaymarryher。FiveyearsagoI
tookayoungwife，butshehasnotgivenmeanyprogeny，andIknowtoacertaintythatnooffspringwillblessourunion。Mydaughter，whosenameisZelmi，isnowfifteen；sheishandsome，hereyesareblackandlovelylikehermother’s，herhairisofthecolouroftheraven’swing，hercomplexionisanimatedalabaster；sheistall，wellmade，andofasweetdisposition；Ihavegivenheraneducationwhichwouldmakeherworthyofourmaster，theSultan。ShespeaksGreekandItalianfluently，shesingsdelightfully，andaccompaniesherselfontheharp；shecandrawandembroider，andisalwayscontentedandcheerful。Nolivingmancanboastofhavingseenherfeatures，andshelovesmesodearlythatmywillishers。Mydaughterisatreasure，andIofferhertoyouifyouwillconsenttogoforoneyeartoAdrianopletoresidewitharelativeofmine，whowillteachyouourreligion，ourlanguage，andourmanners。Youwillreturnattheendofoneyear，andassoonasyouhavebecomeaMussulmanmydaughtershallbeyourwife。Youwillfindahousereadyfurnished，slavesofyourown，andanincomewhichwillenableyoutoliveincomfort。Ihavenomoretosayatpresent。Idonotwishyoutoanswermeeitherto—day，orto—morrow，oronanyfixedday。Youwillgivemeyourdecisionwheneveryoufeelyourselfcalleduponbyyourgeniustogiveit，andyouneednotgivemeanyanswerunlessyouacceptmyoffer，for，shouldyourefuseit，itisnotnecessarythatthesubjectshouldbeagainmentioned。Idonotaskyoutogivefullconsiderationtomyproposal，fornowthatIhavethrowntheseedinyoursoulitmustfructify。Withouthurry，withoutdelay，withoutanxiety，youcanbutobeythedecreesofGodandfollowtheimmutabledecisionoffate。SuchasIknowyou，IbelievethatyouonlyrequirethepossessionofZelmitobecompetelyhappy，andthatyouwillbecomeoneofthepillarsoftheOttomanEmpire。\"
Sayingthosewords，Yusufpressedmeaffectionatelyinhisarms，andleftmebymyselftoavoidanyanswerImightbeinclinedtomake。I
wentawayinsuchwonderatallIhadjustheard，thatIfoundmyselfattheVenetianEmbassywithoutknowinghowIhadreachedit。Thebailithoughtmeverypensive，andaskedwhetheranythingwasthematterwithme，butIdidnotfeeldisposedtogratifytheircuriosity。IfoundthatYusufhadindeedspokentruly:hisproposalwasofsuchimportancethatitwasmyduty，notonlynottomentionittoanyone，buteventoabstainfromthinkingitover，untilmymindhadrecovereditscalmsufficientlytogivemetheassurancethatnoexternalconsiderationwouldweighinthebalanceandinfluencemydecision。Ihadtosilenceallmypassions；prejudices，principlesalreadyformed，love，andevenself—interestweretoremaininastateofcompleteinaction。
WhenIawokethenextmorningIbegantothinkthematterover，andI
soondiscoveredthat，ifIwantedtocometoadecision，Ioughtnottoponderoverit，asthemoreIconsideredthelesslikelyIshouldbetodecide。Thiswastrulyacaseforthe’sequereDeum’oftheStoics。
IdidnotvisitYusufforfourdays，andwhenIcalledonhimonthefifthday，wetalkedcheerfullywithoutoncementioninghisproposal，althoughitwasveryevidentthatwewereboththinkingofit。Weremainedthusforafortnight，withouteveralludingtothematterwhichengrossedallourthoughts，butoursilencewasnotcausedbydissimulation，orbyanyfeelingcontrarytoourmutualesteemandfriendship；andonedayYusufsuggestedthatverylikelyIhadcommunicatedhisproposaltosomewisefriend，inordertoobtaingoodadvice。Iimmediatelyassuredhimitwasnotso，andthatinamatterofsodelicateanatureIthoughtIoughtnottoaskanybody’sadvice。
\"IhaveabandonedmyselftoGod，dearYusuf，and，fullofconfidenceinHim，IfeelcertainthatIshalldecideforthebest，whetherI
makeupmymindtobecomeyourson，orbelievethatIoughttoremainwhatIamnow。Inthemeantime，mymindpondersoveritdayandnight，wheneverIamquietandfeelmyselfcomposedandcollected。
WhenIcometoadecision，Iwillimpartittoyoualone，andfromthatmomentyoushallhaveovermetheauthorityofafather。\"
AtthesewordstheworthyYusuf，hiseyeswetwithtears，placedhislefthandovermyhead，andthefirsttwofingersoftherighthandonmyforehead，saying:
\"Continuetoactinthatway，mydearson，andbecertainthatyoucanneveractwrongly。\"
\"But，\"Isaidtohim，\"onethingmighthappen，Zelmimightnotacceptme。\"
\"Havenoanxietyaboutthat。Mydaughterlovesyou；she，aswellasmywifeandhernurse，seesyoueverytimethatwedinetogether，andshelistenstoyouwithpleasure。\"
\"Doessheknowthatyouarethinkingofgivinghertomeasmywife？\"
\"SheknowsthatIardentlywishyoutobecomeatruebeliever，soastoenablemetolinkherdestinytoyours。\"
\"Iamgladthatyourhabitsdonotpermityoutoletmeseeher，becauseshemightdazzlemewithherbeauty，andthenpassionwouldsoonhavetoomuchweightinthescale；Icouldnolongerflattermyselfthatmydecisionhadbeentakeninalltheunbiased，purityofmysoul。\"
Yusufwashighlydelightedathearingmespeakinthatmanner，andI
spokeinperfectgoodfaith。ThemereideaofseeingZelmicausedmetoshudder。Ifeltthat，ifIhadfalleninlovewithher，IwouldhavebecomeaMussulmaninordertopossessher，andthatImightsoonhaverepentedsuchastep，forthereligionofMahometpresentedtomyeyesandtomymindnothingbutadisagreeablepicture，aswellforthislifeasforafutureone。Asforwealth，Ididnotthinkitdeservedtheimmensesacrificedemandedfromme。IcouldfindequalwealthinEurope，withoutstampingmyforeheadwiththeshamefulbrandofapostasy。Icareddeeplyfortheesteemofthepersonsofdistinctionwhoknewme，anddidnotwanttorendermyselfunworthyofit。Besides，Ifeltanimmensedesiretoobtainfameamongstcivilizedandpolitenations，eitherinthefineartsorinliterature，orinanyotherhonourableprofession，andIcouldnotreconcilemyselftotheideaofabandoningtomyequalsthetriumphwhichImightwinifIlivedamongstthem。Itseemedtome，andIamstillofthesameopinion，thatthedecisionofwearingtheturbanbefitsonlyaChristiandespairingofhimselfandattheendofhiswits，andfortunatelyIwaslostnotinthatpredicament。MygreatestobjectionwastospendayearinAdrianopletolearnalanguageforwhichIdidnotfeelanyliking，andwhichIshouldthereforehavelearnedbutimperfectly。HowcouldI，atmyage，renouncetheprerogative，sopleasanttomyvanity，ofbeingreputedafinetalker？andIhadsecuredthatreputationwhereverIwasknown。ThenIwouldoftenthinkthatZelmi，theeighthwonderofcreationintheeyesofherfathermightnotappearsuchinmyeyes，anditwouldhavebeenenoughtomakememiserable，forYusufwaslikelytolivetwentyyearslonger，andIfeltthatgratitude，aswellasrespect，wouldneverhavepermittedmetogivethatexcellentmananycauseforunhappinessbyceasingtoshewmyselfadevotedandfaithfulhusbandtohisdaughter。Suchweremythoughts，and，asYusufcouldnotguessthem，itwasuselesstomakeaconfidantofhim。
Afewdaysafterwards，IdinedwiththePachaOsmanandmetmyEffendiIsmail。Hewasveryfriendlytome，andIreciprocatedhisattentions，thoughIpaidnoattentiontothereproachesheaddressedtomefornothavingcometobreakfastwithhimforsuchalongtime。
IcouldnotrefusetodineathishousewithBonneval，andhetreatedmetoaverypleasingsight；Neapolitanslaves，menandwomen，performedapantomimeandsomeCalabriandances。M。deBonnevalhappenedtomentionthedancecalledforlana，andIsmailexpressingagreatwishtoknowit，ItoldhimthatIcouldgivehimthatpleasureifIhadaVenetianwomantodancewithandafiddlerwhoknewthetime。Itookaviolin，andplayedtheforlana，but，evenifthepartnerhadbeenfound，Icouldnotplayanddanceatthesametime。
Ismailwhisperedafewwordstooneofhiseunuchs，whowentoutoftheroomandreturnedsoonwithsomemessagethathedeliveredtohim。TheeffenditoldmethathehadfoundthepartnerIwanted，andIansweredthatthemusiciancouldbehadeasily，ifhewouldsendanotetotheVenetianEmbassy，whichwasdoneatonce。TheBailoDonasentoneofhismenwhoplayedtheviolinwellenoughfordancingpurposes。Assoonasthemusicianwasready，adoorwasthrownopen，andafinelookingwomancamein，herfacecoveredwithablackvelvetmask，suchaswecallmorettainVenice。Theappearanceofthatbeautifulmaskedwomansurprisedanddelightedeveryoneoftheguests，foritwasimpossibletoimagineamoreinterestingobject，notonlyonaccountofthebeautyofthatpartofthefacewhichthemaskleftexposed，butalsofortheeleganceofhershape，theperfectionofherfigure，andtheexquisitetastedisplayedinhercostume。Thenymphtookherplace，Ididthesame，andwedancedtheforlanasixtimeswithoutstopping。
Iwasinperspirationandoutofbreath，forthefoylanaisthemostviolentofournationaldances；butmybeautifulpartnerstoodnearmewithoutbetrayingtheslightestfatigue，andseemedtochallengemetoanewperformance。Attheroundofthedance，whichisthemostdifficultstep，sheseemedtohavewings。Iwasastounded，forIhadneverseenanyone，eveninVenice，dancetheforlanasosplendidly。Afterafewminutesrest，ratherashamedofmyfeelingtired，Iwentuptoher，andsaid，’Ancorasei，apoibasta，senonvoletevedermiamorire。’Shewouldhaveansweredmeifshehadbeenable，butsheworeoneofthosecruelmaskswhichforbidspeech。ButapressureofherhandwhichnobodycouldseemademeguessallI
wantedtoknow。Themomentwefinisheddancingtheeunuchopenedthedoor，andmylovelypartnerdisappeared。
Ismailcouldnotthankmeenough，butitwasIwhoowedhimmythanks，foritwastheonlyrealpleasurewhichIenjoyedinConstantinople。IaskedhimwhethertheladywasfromVenice，butheonlyansweredbyasignificantsmile。
\"TheworthyIsmail，\"saidM。deBonnevaltome，aswewereleavingthehouselateintheevening，\"hasbeento—daythedupeofhisvanity，andIhavenodoubtthatheissorryalreadyforwhathehasdone。Tobringouthisbeautifulslavetodancewithyou！Accordingtotheprejudicesofthiscountryitisinjurioustohisdignity，foryouaresuretohavekindledanamorousflameinthepoorgirl’sbreast。Iwouldadviseyoutobecarefulandtokeeponyourguard，becauseshewilltrytogetupsomeintriguewithyou；butbeprudent，forintriguesarealwaysdangerousinTurkey。\"
Ipromisedtobeprudent，butIdidnotkeepmypromise；for，threeorfourdaysafterwards，anoldslavewomanmetmeinthestreet，andofferedtosellmeforonepiasteratobacco—bagembroideredingold；
andassheputitinmyhandshecontrivedtomakemefeelthattherewasaletterinthebag。
Iobservedthatshetriedtoavoidtheeyesofthejanissarywhowaswalkingbehindme；Igaveheronepiaster，sheleftme，andI
proceededtowardYusuf’shouse。Hewasnotathome，andIwenttohisgardentoreadtheletterwithperfectfreedom。Itwassealedandwithoutanyaddress，andtheslavemighthavemadeamistake；butmycuriositywasexcitedtothehighestpitch；Ibroketheseal，andfoundthefollowingnotewritteningoodenoughItalian:
\"Shouldyouwishtoseethepersonwithwhomyoudancedtheforlana，takeawalktowardseveninginthegardenbeyondthefountain，andcontrivetobecomeacquaintedwiththeoldservantofthegardenerbyaskingherforsomelemonade。Youmayperchancemanagetoseeyourpartnerintheforlanawithoutrunninganyrisk，evenifyoushouldhappentomeetIsmail；sheisanativeofVenice。Becarefulnottomentionthisinvitationtoanyhumanbeing。\"
\"Iamnotsuchafool，mylovelycountrywoman，\"Iexclaimed，asifshehadbeenpresent，andputtheletterinmypocket。Butatthatverymoment，afine—lookingelderlywomancameoutofathicket，pronouncedmyname，andenquiredwhatIwantedandhowIhadseenher。IansweredthatIhadbeenspeakingtothewind，notsupposingthatanyonecouldhearme，andwithoutanymorepreparation，sheabruptlytoldmethatshewasverygladoftheopportunityofspeakingwithme，thatshewasfromRome，thatshehadbroughtupZelmi，andhadtaughthertosingandtoplaytheharp。Shethenpraisedhighlythebeautyandtheexcellentqualitiesofherpupil，sayingthat，ifIsawher，Iwouldcertainlyfallinlovewithher，andexpressinghowmuchsheregrettedthatthelawshouldnotallowit。
\"Sheseesusatthisverymoment，\"sheadded，\"frombehindthatgreenwindow—blind，andweloveyoueversinceYusufhasinformedusthatyoumay，perhaps，becomeZelmi’shusband。\"
\"MayImentionourconversationtoYusuf？\"Ienquired。
\"No。\"
Heransweringinthenegativemademeunderstandthat，ifIhadpressedheralittle，shewouldhaveallowedmetoseeherlovelypupil，andperhapsitwaswiththatintentionthatshehadcontrivedtospeaktome，butIfeltgreatreluctancetodoanythingtodispleasemyworthyhost。Ihadanotherreasonofevengreaterimportance:Iwasafraidofenteringanintricatemazeinwhichthesightofaturbanhoveringovermemademeshudder。
Yusufcamehome，andfarfrombeingangrywhenhesawmewiththewoman，heremarkedthatImusthavefoundmuchpleasureinconversingwithanativeofRome，andhecongratulatedmeuponthedelightI
musthavefeltindancingwithoneofthebeautiesfromtheharemofthevoluptuousIsmail。
\"Thenitmustbeapleasureseldomenjoyed，ifitissomuchtalkedof？\"
\"Veryseldomindeed，forthereisamongstusaninvincibleprejudiceagainstexposingourlovelywomentotheeyesofothermen；buteveryonemaydoashepleasesinhisownhouse:Ismailisaveryworthyandaveryintelligentman。\"
\"IstheladywithwhomIdancedknown？\"
\"Ibelievenot。Sheworeamask，andeverybodyknowsthatIsmailpossesseshalfadozenslavesofsurpassingbeauty。\"
IspentapleasantdaywithYusuf，andwhenIlefthim，IorderedmyjanissarytotakemetoIsmail’s。AsIwasknownbyhisservants，theyallowedmetogoin，andIproceededtothespotdescribedintheletter。Theeunuchcametome，informedmethathismasterwasout，butthathewouldbedelightedtohearofmyhavingtakenawalkinthegarden。ItoldhimthatIwouldlikeaglassoflemonade，andhetookmetothesummerhouse，whereIrecognizedtheoldwomanwhohadsoldmethetobacco—pouch。TheeunuchtoldhertogivemeaglassofsomeliquidwhichIfounddelicious，andwouldnotallowmetogiveheranymoney。Wethenwalkedtogethertowardsthefountain，buthetoldmeabruptlythatweweretogoback，ashesawthreeladiestowhomhepointed，addingthat，forthesakeofdecency，itwasnecessarytoavoidthem。Ithankedhimforhisattentions，leftmycomplimentsforIsmail，andwentawaynotdissatisfiedwithmyfirstattempt，andwiththehopeofbeingmorefortunateanothertime。
ThenextmorningIreceivedaletterfromIsmailinvitingmetogofishingwithhimonthefollowingday，andstatingthatheintendedtoenjoythesportbymoonlight。Iimmediatelygavewaytomysuppositions，andIwentsofarastofancythatIsmailmightbecapableofarranginganinterviewbetweenmeandthelovelyVenetian。
Ididnotmindhisbeingpresent。IbeggedpermissionofChevalierVeniertostopoutofthepalaceforonenight，buthegranteditwiththegreatestdifficulty，becausehewasafraidofsomeloveaffairandoftheresultsitmighthave。ItookcaretocalmhisanxietyasmuchasIcould，butwithoutacquaintinghimwithallthecircumstancesofthecase，forIthoughtIwaswiseinbeingdiscreet。
Iwasexacttotheappointedtime，andIsmailreceivedmewiththeutmostcordiality，butIwassurprisedwhenIfoundmyselfalonewithhimintheboat。Wehadtworowersandamantosteer；wetooksomefish，friedinoil，andateitinthesummer—house。Themoonshonebrightly，andthenightwasdelightful。AlonewithIsmail，andknowinghisunnaturaltastes，Ididnotfeelverycomfortablefor，inspiteofwhatM。deBonnevalhadtoldme，IwasafraidlesttheTurkshouldtakeafancytogivemetoogreataproofofhisfriendship，andIdidnotrelishourtete—a—tete。Butmyfearsweregroundless。
\"Letusleavethisplacequietly，\"saidIsmail，\"Ihavejustheardaslightnoisewhichheraldssomethingthatwillamuseus。\"
Hedismissedhisattendants，andtookmyhand，saying，\"Letusgotoasmallroom，thekeyofwhichIluckilyhavewithme，butletusbecarefulnottomakeanynoise。ThatroomhasawindowoverlookingthefountainwhereIthinkthattwoorthreeofmybeautieshavejustgonetobathe。Wewillseethemandenjoyaverypleasingsight，fortheydonotimaginethatanyoneislookingatthem。Theyknowthattheplaceisforbiddentoeverybodyexceptme。\"
Weenteredtheroom，wewenttothewindow，and，themoonshiningrightoverthebasinofthefountain，wesawthreenymphswho，nowswimming，nowstandingorsittingonthemarblesteps，offeredthemselvestooureyesineverypossibleposition，andinalltheattitudesofgracefulvoluptuousness。Dearreader，Imustnotpaintintoovividcoloursthedetailsofthatbeautifulpicture，butifnaturehasendowedyouwithanardentimaginationandwithequallyardentsenses，youwilleasilyimaginethefearfulhavocwhichthatunique，wonderful，andenchantingsightmusthavemadeuponmypoorbody。
Afewdaysafterthatdelightfulfishingandbathingpartybymoonlight，IcalleduponYusufearlyinthemorning；asitwasraining，Icouldnotgotothegarden，andIwentintothedining—
room，inwhichIhadneverseenanyone。ThemomentIenteredtheroom，acharmingfemaleformrose，coveringherfeatureswithathickveilwhichfelltothefeet。Aslavewassittingnearthewindow，doingsometambour—work，butshedidnotmove。Iapologized，andturnedtoleavetheroom，buttheladystoppedme，observing，withasweetvoice，thatYusufhadcommandedhertoentertainmebeforegoingout。Sheinvitedmetobeseated，pointingtoarichcushionplacedupontwolargerones，andIobeyed，while，crossingherlegs，shesatdownuponanothercushionoppositetome。IthoughtIwaslookinguponZelmi，andfanciedthatYusufhadmadeuphismindtoshewmethathewasnotlesscourageousthanIsmail。YetIwassurprised，for，bysuchaproceeding，hestronglycontradictedhismaxims，andrantheriskofimpairingtheunbiasedpurityofmyconsentbythrowingloveinthebalance。ButIhadnofearofthat，because，tobecomeenamoured，Ishouldhaverequiredtoseeherface。
\"Isuppose，\"saidtheveiledbeauty，\"thatyoudonotknowwhoIam？\"
\"Icouldnotguess，ifItried。\"
\"Ihavebeenforthelastfiveyearsthewifeofyourfriend，andI
amanativeofScio。IwasthirteenyearsofagewhenIbecamehiswife。\"
IwasgreatlyastonishedtofindthatmyMussulmanphilosopherhadgonesofarastoallowmetoconversewithhiswife，butIfeltmoreateaseafterIhadreceivedthatinformation，andfanciedthatI
mightcarrytheadventurefurther，butitwouldbenecessarytoseethelady’sface，forafinely—dressedbody，theheadofwhichisnotseen，excitesbutfeebledesires。Thefirelightedbyamorousdesiresislikeafireofstraw；themomentitburnsupitisnearitsend。Ihadbeforemeamagnificentappearance，butIcouldnotseethesouloftheimage，forathickgauzeconcealeditfrommyhungrygaze。Icouldseearmsaswhiteasalabaster，andhandslikethoseofAlcina，’dovenenodoappasiscenevenaaccede’，andmyactiveimaginationfanciedthatalltherestwasinharmonywiththosebeautifulspecimens，forthegracefulfoldsofthemuslin，leavingtheoutlineallitsperfection，hidfrommeonlythelivingsatinofthesurface；therewasnodoubtthateverythingwaslovely，butIwantedtosee，intheexpressionofhereyes，thatallthatmyimaginationcreatedhadlifeandwasendowedwithfeeling。TheOrientalcostumeisabeautifulvarnishplaceduponaporcelainvasetoprotectfromthetouchthecoloursoftheflowersandofthedesign，withoutlesseningthepleasureoftheeyes。Yusuf’swifewasnotdressedlikeasultana；sheworethecostumeofScio，withashortskirtwhichconcealedneithertheperfectionofthelegnortheroundformofthethigh，northevoluptuousplumpfallofthehips，northeslender，well—madewaistencompassedinasplendidbandembroideredinsilverandcoveredwitharabesques。Aboveallthosebeauties，IcouldseetheshapeoftwoglobeswhichApelleswouldhavetakenforthemodelofthoseofhislovelyVenus，andtherapid，inequalmovementofwhichprovedtomethatthoseravishinghillockswereanimated。Thesmallvalleyleftbetweenthem，andwhichmyeyesgreedilyfeastedupon，seemedtomealakeofnectar，inwhichmyburninglipslongedtoquenchtheirthirstwithmoreardourthantheywouldhavedrunkfromthecupofthegods。
Enraptured，unabletocontrolmyself，Ithrustmyarmforwardbyamovementalmostindependentofmywill，andmyhand，tooaudacious，wasonthepointofliftingthehatefulveil，butshepreventedmebyraisingherselfquicklyontiptoe，upbraidingmeatthesametimeformyperfidiousboldness，withavoiceascommandingasherattitude。
\"Dostthoudeserve，\"shesaid，\"Yusuf’sfriendship，whenthouabusestthesacredlawsofhospitalitybyinsultinghiswife？\"
\"Madam，youmustkindlyforgiveme，forIneverhadanyintentiontoinsultyou。Inmycountrythelowestofmenmayfixhiseyesuponthefaceofaqueen。\"
\"Yes，buthecannottearoffherveil，ifshechoosestowearit。
Yusufshallavengeme。\"
Thethreat，andthetoneinwhichitwaspronounced，frightenedme。
Ithrewmyselfatherfeet，andsucceededincalmingheranger。
\"Takeaseat，\"shesaid。
Andshesatdownherself，crossingherlegswithsomuchfreedomthatIcaughtaglimpseofcharmswhichwouldhavecausedmetoloseallcontrolovermyselfifthedelightfulsighthadremainedonemomentlongerexposedtomyeyes。IthensawthatIhadgonethewrongwaytowork，andIfeltvexedwithmyself；butitwastoolate。
\"Artthouexcited？\"shesaid。
\"HowcouldIbeotherwise，\"Ianswered，\"whenthouartscorchingmewithanardentfire？\"
Ihadbecomemoreprudent，andIseizedherhandwithoutthinkinganymoreofherface。
\"Hereismyhusband，\"shesaid，andYusufcameintotheroom。Werose，Yusufembracedme，Icomplimentedhim，theslavelefttheroom。
Yusufthankedhiswifeforhavingentertainedme，andofferedherhisarmtotakehertoherownapartment。Shetookit，butwhenshereachedthedoor，sheraisedherveil，andkissingherhusbandsheallowedmetoseeherlovelyfaceasifithadbeendoneunwittingly。
IfollowedherwithmyeyesaslongasIcould，andYusuf，comingbacktome，saidwithalaughthathiswifehadofferedtodinewithus。
\"Ithought，\"Isaidtohim，\"thatIhadZelmibeforeme。\"
\"Thatwouldhavebeentoomuchagainstourestablishedrules。WhatI
havedoneisnotmuch，butIdonotknowanhonestmanwhowouldbeboldenoughtobringhisdaughterintothepresenceofastranger。\"
\"Ithinkyourwifemustbehandsome；isshemorebeautifulthanZelmi？\"
\"Mydaughter’sbeautyischeerful，sweet，andgentle；thatofSophiaisproudandhaughty。Shewillbehappyaftermydeath。Themanwhowillmarryherwillfindheravirgin。\"
IgaveanaccountofmyadventuretoM。deBonneval，somewhatexaggeratingthedangerIhadrunintryingtoraisetheveilofthehandsomedaughterofScio。
\"Shewaslaughingatyou，\"saidthecount，\"andyourannodanger。
Shefeltverysorry，believeme，tohavetodealwithanovicelikeyou。YouhavebeenplayingthecomedyintheFrenchfashion，whenyououghttohavegonestraighttothepoint。Whatonearthdidyouwanttoseehernosefor？Sheknewverywellthatshewouldhavegainednothingbyallowingyoutoseeher。Yououghttohavesecuredtheessentialpoint。IfIwereyoungIwouldperhapsmanagetogiveherarevenge，andtopunishmyfriendYusuf。YouhavegiventhatlovelywomanapooropinionofItalianvalour。ThemostreservedofTurkishwomenhasnomodestyexceptonherface，and，withherveiloverit，sheknowstoacertaintythatshewillnotblushatanything。IamcertainthatyourbeautykeepsherfacecoveredwheneverourfriendYusufwishestojokewithher。\"
\"Sheisyetavirgin。\"
\"Ratheradifficultthingtoadmit，mygoodfriend；butIknowthedaughtersofScio；theyhaveatalentforcounterfeitingvirginity。\"
Yusufneverpaidmeasimilarcomplimentagain，andhewasquiteright。
Afewdaysafter，IhappenedtobeintheshopofanArmenianmerchant，lookingatsomebeautifulgoods，whenYusufenteredtheshopandpraisedmytaste；but，althoughIhadadmiredagreatmanythings，Ididnotbuy，becauseIthoughttheyweretoodear。IsaidsotoYusuf，butheremarkedthattheywere，onthecontrary，verycheap，andhepurchasedthemall。Wepartedcompanyatthedoor，andthenextmorningIreceivedallthebeautifulthingshehadbought；
itwasadelicateattentionofmyfriend，andtopreventmyrefusalofsuchasplendidpresent，hehadenclosedanotestatingthat，onmyarrivalinCorfu，hewouldletmeknowtowhomthegoodsweretobedelivered。HehadthussentmegoldandsilverfiligreesfromDamascus，portfolios，scarfs，belts，handkerchiefsandpipes，thewholeworthfourorfivehundredpiasters。WhenIcalledtothankhim，Icompelledhimtoconfessthatitwasapresentofferedbyhisfriendship。
ThedaybeforemydeparturefromConstantinople，theexcellentmanburstintotearsasIbadehimadieu，andmygriefwasasgreatashisown。Hetoldmethat，bynotacceptingtheofferofhisdaughter’shand，IhadsostronglycaptivatedhisesteemthathisfeelingsformecouldnothavebeenwarmerifIhadbecomehisson。
WhenIwentonboardshipwiththeBailoJeanDona，Ifoundanothercasegiventomebyhim，containingtwoquintalsofthebestMochacoffee，onehundredpoundsoftobaccoleaves，twolargeflagonsfilled，onewithZabanditobacco，theotherwithcamussa，andamagnificentpipetubeofjessaminewood，coveredwithgoldfiligrane，whichIsoldinCorfuforonehundredsequins。IhadnotitinmypowertogivemygenerousTurkanymarkofmygratitudeuntilI
reachedCorfu，butthereIdidnotfailtodoso。Isoldallhisbeautifulpresents，whichmademethepossessorofasmallfortune。
IsmailgavemealetterfortheChevalierdeLezze，butIcouldnotforwardittohimbecauseIunfortunatelylostit；hepresentedmewithabarrelofhydromel，whichIturnedlikewiseintomoney。
M。deBonnevalgavemealetterforCardinalAcquaviva，whichIsenttoRomewithanaccountofmyjourney，buthiseminencedidnotthinkfittoacknowledgethereceiptofeither。BonnevalmademeapresentoftwelvebottlesofmalmseyfromRagusa，andoftwelvebottlesofgenuinescopolo——agreatrarity，withwhichImadeapresentinCorfuwhichprovedveryusefultome，asthereaderwilldiscover。
TheonlyforeignministerIsawmuchinConstantinoplewasthelordmarshalofScotland，thecelebratedKeith，whorepresentedtheKingofPrussia，andwho，sixyearslaterwasofgreatservicetomeinParis。
WesailedfromConstantinopleinthebeginningofSeptemberinthesameman—of—warwhichhadbroughtus，andwereachedCorfuinfourteendays。TheBailoDonadidnotland。HehadwithhimeightsplendidTurkishhorses；IsawtwoofthemstillaliveinGoriziaintheyear1773。
AssoonasIhadlandedwithmyluggage，andhadengagedarathermeanlodging，IpresentedmyselftoM。AndreDolfin，theproveditore—generale，whopromisedmeagainthatIshouldsoonbepromotedtoalieutenancy。Aftermyvisittohim，IcalleduponM。
Camporese，mycaptain，andwaswellreceivedbyhim。Mythirdvisitwastothecommanderofgalleases，M。D————R—————，towhomM。AntonioDolfin，withwhomIhadtravelledfromVenicetoCorfu，hadkindlyrecommendedme。Afterashortconversation，heaskedmeifIwouldremainwithhimwiththetitleofadjutant。Ididnothesitateoneinstant，butaccepted，sayinghowdeeplyhonouredIfeltbyhisoffer，andassuringhimthathewouldalwaysfindmereadytocarryouthisorders。Heimmediatelyhadmetakentomyroom，and，thenextday，Ifoundmyselfestablishedinhishouse。IobtainedfrommycaptainaFrenchsoldiertoserveme，andIwaswellpleasedwhenIfoundthatthemanwasahairdresserbytrade，andagreattalkerbynature，forhecouldtakecareofmybeautifulheadofhair，andI
wantedtopractiseFrenchconversation。Hewasagood—for—nothingfellow，adrunkardandadebauchee，apeasantfromPicardy，andhecouldhardlyreadorwrite，butIdidnotmindallthat；allIwantedfromhimwastoserveme，andtotalktome，andhisFrenchwasprettygood。Hewasanamusingrogue，knowingbyheartaquantityoferoticsongsandofsmuttystorieswhichhecouldtellinthemostlaughablemanner。
WhenIhadsoldmystockofgoodsfromConstantinople（exceptthewines），Ifoundmyselftheownerofnearlyfivehundredsequins。
IredeemedallthearticleswhichIhadpledgedinthehandsofJews，andturnedintomoneyeverythingofwhichIhadnoneed。Iwasdeterminednottoplayanylongerasadupe，buttosecureingamblingalltheadvantageswhichaprudentyoungmancouldobtainwithoutsullyinghishonour。
ImustnowmakemyreadersacquaintedwiththesortoflifewewereatthattimeleadinginCorfu。Astothecityitself，Iwillnotdescribeit，becausetherearealreadymanydescriptionsbetterthantheoneIcouldofferinthesepages。
WehadtheninCorfuthe’proveditore—generale’whohadsovereignauthority，andlivedinastyleofgreatmagnificence。ThatpostwasthenfilledbyM。AndreDolfin，amansixtyyearsofage，strict，headstrong，andignorant。Henolongercaredforwomen，butlikedtobecourtedbythem。Hereceivedeveryevening，andthesupper—tablewasalwayslaidfortwenty—fourpersons。
Wehadthreefield—officersofthemarineswhodiddutyonthegalleys，andthreefield—officersforthetroopsofthelineonboardthemen—of—war。Eachgaleasshadacaptaincalled’sopracomito’，andwehadtenofthosecaptains；wehadlikewisetencommanders，oneforeachman—of—war，includingthree’capidimare’，oradmirals。TheyallbelongedtothenobilityofVenice。TenyoungVenetiannoblemen，fromtwentytotwenty—twoyearsofage，wereatCorfuasmidshipmeninthenavy。Wehad，besides，aboutadozencivilclerksinthepoliceoftheisland，orintheadministrationofjustice，entitled’grandioffcialiditerra’。Thosewhowereblessedwithhandsomewiveshadthepleasureofseeingtheirhousesverymuchfrequentedbyadmirerswhoaspiredtowinthefavoursoftheladies，buttherewasnotmuchheroiclove—making，perhapsforthereasonthatthereweretheninCorfumanyAspasiaswhosefavourscouldbehadformoney。
Gamblingwasallowedeverywhere，andthatallabsorbingpassionwasveryprejudicialtotheemotionsoftheheart。
TheladywhowasthenmosteminentforbeautyandgallantrywasMadameF————。Herhusband，captainofagalley，hadcometoCorfuwithhertheyearbefore，andmadamhadgreatlyastonishedallthenavalofficers。Thinkingthatshehadtheprivilegeofthechoice，shehadgiventhepreferencetoM。D————R—————，andhaddismissedallthesuitorswhopresentedthemselves。M。F————hadmarriedherontheverydayshehadlefttheconvent；shewasonlyseventeenyearsofagethen，andhehadbroughtheronboardhisgalleyimmediatelyafterthemarriageceremony。
Isawherforthefirsttimeatthedinner—tableontheverydayofmyinstallationatM。D————R—————’s，andshemadeagreatimpressionuponme。IthoughtIwasgazingatasupernaturalbeing，soinfinitelyaboveallthewomenIhadeverseen，thatitseemedimpossibletofallinlovewithherSheappearedtomeofanaturedifferentandsogreatlysuperiortominethatIdidnotseethepossibilityofrisinguptoher。IevenwentsofarastopersuademyselfthatnothingbutaPlatonicfriendshipcouldexistbetweenherandM。D————R—————，andthatM。F————wasquiterightnownottoshewanyjealousy。Yet，thatM。F————wasaperfectfool，andcertainlynotworthyofsuchawoman。TheimpressionmadeuponmebyMadameF————wastooridiculoustolastlong，andthenatureofitsoonchanged，butinanovelmanner，atleastasfarasIwasconcerned。
MypositionasadjutantprocuredmethehonourofdiningatM。D————
R—————’stable，butnothingmore。Theotheradjutant，likeme，anensigninthearmy，butthegreatestfoolIhadeverseen，sharedthathonourwithme。Wewerenot，however，consideredasguests，fornobodyeverspoketous，and，whatismore，nooneeverhonoureduswithalook。Itusedtoputmeinarage。Iknewverywellthatpeopleactedinthatmannerthroughnorealcontemptforus，butitwentveryhardwithme。Icouldverywellunderstandthatmycolleague，Sanzonio，shouldnotcomplainofsuchtreatment，becausehewasablockhead，butIdidnotfeeldisposedtoallowmyselftobeputonaparwithhim。Attheendofeightortendays，MadameF————，nothavingcondescendedtocastoneglanceuponmyperson，begantoappeardisagreeabletome。Ifeltpiqued，vexed，provoked，andthemoresobecauseIcouldnotsupposethattheladyactedinthatmannerwilfullyandpurposely；Iwouldhavebeenhighlypleasediftherehadbeenpremeditationonherpart。IfeltsatisfiedthatIwasanobodyinherestimation，andasIwasconsciousofbeingsomebody，Iwantedhertoknowit。Atlastacircumstanceoffereditselfinwhich，thinkingthatshecouldaddressme，shewascompelledtolookatme。
M。D————R—————havingobservedthatavery，veryfineturkeyhadbeenplacedbeforeme，toldmetocarveit，andIimmediatelywenttowork。Iwasnotaskilfulcarver，andMadameF————，laughingatmywantofdexterity，toldmethat，ifIhadnotbeencertainofperformingmytaskwithcredittomyself，Ioughtnottohaveundertakenit。Fullofconfusion，andunabletoanswerherasmyangerprompted，Isatdown，withmyheartoverflowingwithspiteandhatredagainsther。Tocrownmyrage，havingonedaytoaddressme，sheaskedmewhatwasmyname。Shehadseenmeeverydayforafortnight，eversinceIhadbeentheadjutantofM。D————R—————；
thereforesheoughttohaveknownmyname。Besides，Ihadbeenveryluckyatthegaming—table，andIhadbecomeratherfamousinCorfu。
MyangeragainstMadameFwasatitsheight。
IhadplacedmymoneyinthehandsofacertainMaroli，amajorinthearmyandagamesterbyprofession，whoheldthefarobankatthecoffee—house。Wewerepartners；Ihelpedhimwhenhedealt，andherenderedmethesameofficewhenIheldthecards，whichwasoftenthecase，becausehewasnotgenerallyliked。Heusedtoholdthecardsinawaywhichfrightenedthepunters；mymannerswereverydifferent，andIwasverylucky。BesidesIwaseasyandsmilingwhenmybankwaslosing，andIwonwithoutshewinganyavidity，andthatisamannerwhichalwayspleasesthepunters。
ThisMaroliwasthemanwhohadwonallmymoneyduringmyfirststayinCorfu，andfinding，whenIreturned，thatIwasresolvednottobedupedanymore，hejudgedmeworthyofsharingthewisemaximswithoutwhichgamblingmustnecessarilyruinallthosewhomeddlewithit。ButasMarolihadwonmyconfidenceonlytoaveryslightextent，Iwasverycareful。Wemadeupouraccountseverynight，assoonasplayingwasover；thecashierkeptthecapitalofthebank，thewinningsweredivided，andeachtookhisshareaway。
Luckyatplay，enjoyinggoodhealthandthefriendshipofmycomrades，who，whenevertheopportunityoffered，alwaysfoundmegenerousandreadytoservethem，IwouldhavebeenwellpleasedwithmypositionifIhadbeenalittlemoreconsideredatthetableofM。D————R—————，andtreatedwithlesshaughtinessbyhisladywho，withoutanyreason，seemeddisposedtohumiliateme。Myself—lovewasdeeplyhurt，Ihatedher，and，withsuchadispositionofmind，themoreIadmiredtheperfectionofhercharms，themoreIfoundherdeficientinwitandintelligence。Shemighthavemadetheconquestofmyheartwithoutbestowinghersuponme，forallIwantedwasnottobecompelledtohateher，andIcouldnotunderstandwhatpleasureitcouldbeforhertobedetested，whilewithonlyalittlekindnessshecouldhavebeenadored。Icouldnotascribehermannertoaspiritofcoquetry，forIhadnevergivenhertheslightestproofoftheopinionIentertainedofherbeauty，andIcouldnotthereforeattributeherbehaviourtoapassionwhichmighthaverenderedmedisagreeableinhereyes；M。D————R—————seemedtointerestheronlyinaveryslightmanner，andastoherhusband，shecarednothingforhim。Inshort，thatcharmingwomanmademeveryunhappy，andIwasangrywithmyselfbecauseIfeltthat，ifithadnotbeenforthemannerinwhichshetreatedme，Iwouldnothavethoughtofher，andmyvexationwasincreasedbythefeelingofhatredentertainedbymyheartagainsther，afeelingwhichuntilthenIhadneverknowntoexistinme，andthediscoveryofwhichoverwhelmedmewithconfusion。
Onedayagentlemanhandedme，aswewereleavingthedinner—table，arollofgoldthathehadlostupontrust；MadameF————sawit，andshesaidtomeveryabruptly，——
\"Whatdoyoudowithyourmoney？\"
\"Ikeepit，madam，asaprovisionagainstpossiblelosses。\"
\"Butasyoudonotindulgeinanyexpenseitwouldbebetterforyounottoplay；itistimewasted。\"
\"Timegiventopleasureisnevertimelost，madam；theonlytimewhichayoungmanwastesisthatwhichisconsumedinweariness，becausewhenheisapreytoennuiheislikelytofallapreytolove，andtobedespisedbytheobjectofhisaffection。\"
\"Verylikely；butyouamuseyourselfwithhoardingupyourmoney，andshewyourselftobeamiser，andamiserisnotlesscontemptiblethanamaninlove。Whydoyounotbuyyourselfapairofgloves？\"
Youmaybesurethatatthesewordsthelaughterwasallonherside，andmyvexationwasallthegreaterbecauseIcouldnotdenythatshewasquiteright。Itwastheadjutant’sbusinesstogivetheladiesanarmtotheircarriages，anditwasnotpropertofulfilthatdutywithoutgloves。Ifeltmortified，andthereproachofavaricehurtmedeeply。Iwouldathousandtimesratherthatshehadlaidmyerrortoawantofeducation；andyet，sofullofcontradictionsisthehumanheart，insteadofmakingamendsbyadoptinganappearanceofelegancewhichthestateofmyfinancesenabledmetokeepup，I
didnotpurchaseanygloves，andIresolvedtoavoidherandtoabandonhertotheinsipidanddullgallantryofSanzonio，whosportedgloves，butwhoseteethwererotten，whosebreathwasputrid，whoworeawig，andwhosefaceseemedtobecoveredwithshrivelledyellowparchment。
Ispentmydaysinacontinualstateofrageandspite，andthemostabsurdpartofitallwasthatIfeltunhappybecauseIcouldnotcontrolmyhatredforthatwomanwhom，ingoodconscience，Icouldnotfindguiltyofanything。Shehadformeneitherlovenordislike，whichwasquitenatural；butbeingyounganddisposedtoenjoymyselfIhadbecome，withoutanywilfulmaliceonherpart，aneye—soretoherandthebuttofherbanteringjokes，whichmysensitivenessexaggeratedgreatly。ForallthatIhadanardentwishtopunishherandtomakeherrepent。Ithoughtofnothingelse。AtonetimeIwouldthinkofdevotingallmyintelligenceandallmymoneytokindlinganamorouspassioninherheart，andthentorevengemyselfbytreatingherwithcontempt。ButIsoonrealizedtheimpracticabilityofsuchaplan，forevensupposingthatIshouldsucceedinfindingmywaytoherheart，wasIthemantoresistmyownsuccesswithsuchawoman？IcertainlycouldnotflattermyselfthatIwassostrong—minded。ButIwasthepetchildoffortune，andmypositionwassuddenlyaltered。
M。D————R————havingsentmewithdispatchestoM。deCondulmer，captainofa’galeazza’，Ihadtowaituntilmidnighttodeliverthem，andwhenIreturnedIfoundthatM。D————R————hadretiredtohisapartmentforthenight。AssoonashewasvisibleinthemorningIwenttohimtorenderanaccountofmymission。IhadbeenwithhimonlyafewminuteswhenhisvaletbroughtalettersayingthatMadameF————’sadjutantwaswaitingforananswer。M。D————
R—————readthenote，toreittopieces，andinhisexcitementstampedwithhisfootuponthefragments。Hewalkedupanddowntheroomforalittletime，thenwroteananswerandrangfortheadjutant，towhomhedeliveredit。Hethenrecoveredhisusualcomposure，concludedtheperusalofthedispatchsentbyM。deCondulmer，andtoldmetowritealetter。Hewaslookingitoverwhenthevaletcamein，tellingmethatMadameF————desiredtoseeme。M。D————R————toldmethathedidnotrequiremyservicesanymoreforthepresent，andthatImightgo。Ilefttheroom，butI
hadnotgonetenyardswhenhecalledmebacktoremindmethatmydutywastoknownothing；IbeggedtoassurehimthatIwaswellawareofthat。IrantoMadameF—————’shouse，veryeagertoknowwhatshewantedwithme。Iwasintroducedimmediately，andIwasgreatlysurprisedtofindhersittingupinbed，hercountenanceflushedandexcited，andhereyesredfromthetearsshehadevidentlyjustbeenshedding。Myheartwasbeatingquickly，yetI
didnotknowwhy。
\"Praybeseated，\"shesaid，\"Iwishtospeakwithyou。\"
\"Madam，\"Ianswered，\"Iamnotworthyofsogreatafavour，andI
havenotyetdoneanythingtodeserveit；allowmetoremainstanding。\"
Sheverylikelyrecollectedthatshehadneverbeensopolitebefore，anddarednotpressmeanyfurther。Shecollectedherthoughtsforaninstantortwo，andsaidtome:
\"Lasteveningmyhusbandlosttwohundredsequinsupontrustatyourfarobank；hebelievedthatamounttobeinmyhands，andImustthereforegiveittohimimmediately，asheisboundinhonourtopayhislossesto—day。UnfortunatelyIhavedisposedofthemoney，andI
amingreattrouble。IthoughtyoumighttellMarolithatIhavepaidyoutheamountlostbymyhusband。Hereisaringofsomevalue；keepituntilthe1stofJanuary，whenIwillreturnthetwohundredsequinsforwhichIamreadytogiveyoumynoteofhand。\"
\"Iacceptthenoteofhand，madam，butIcannotconsenttodepriveyouofyourring。ImustalsotellyouthatM。F————mustgohimselftothebank，orsendsomeonethere，toredeemhisdebt。Withintenminutesyoushallhavetheamountyourequire。\"
Ileftherwithoutwaitingforananswer，andIreturnedwithinafewminuteswiththetwohundredducats，whichIhandedtoher，andputtinginmypockethernoteofhandwhichshehadjustwritten，I
bowedtotakemyleave，butsheaddressedtomethesepreciouswords:
\"Ibelieve，sir，thatifIhadknownthatyouweresowelldisposedtoobligeme，Icouldnothavemadeupmymindtobegthatservicefromyou。\"
\"Well，madam，forthefuturebequitecertainthatthereisnotamanintheworldcapableofrefusingyousuchaninsignificantservicewheneveryouwillcondescendtoaskforitinperson。\"
\"Whatyousayisverycomplimentary，butItrustnevertofindmyselfagainunderthenecessityofmakingsuchacruelexperiment。\"
IleftMadameF—————，thinkingoftheshrewdnessofheranswer。ShehadnottoldmethatIwasmistaken，asIhadexpectedshewould，forthatwouldhavecausedhersomehumiliation:sheknewthatIwaswithM。D————R—————whentheadjutanthadbroughtherletter，andshecouldnotdoubtthatIwasawareoftherefusalshehadmetwith。
Thefactofhernotmentioningitprovedtomethatshewasjealousofherowndignity；itaffordedmegreatgratification，andIthoughtherworthyofadoration。IsawclearlythatshecouldhavenoloveforM。D————R—————，andthatshewasnotlovedbyhim，andthediscoverymademeleapforjoy。FromthatmomentIfeltIwasinlovewithher，andIconceivedthehopethatshemightreturnmyardentaffection。
ThefirstthingIdid，whenIreturnedtomyroom，wastocrossoutwithinkeverywordofhernoteofhand，excepthername，insuchamannerthatitwasimpossibletoguessatthecontents，andputtingitinanenvelopecarefullysealed，Idepositeditinthehandsofapublicnotarywhostated，inthereceipthegavemeoftheenvelope，thathewoulddeliveritonlytoMadameF—————，wheneversheshouldrequestitsdelivery。
ThesameeveningM。F—————cametothebank，paidme，playedwithcashinhand，andwonsomefiftyducats。WhatcausedmethegreatestsurprisewasthatM。D————R—————continuedtobeverygracioustoMadameF————，andthatsheremainedexactlythesametowardshimassheusedtobebefore。Hedidnotevenenquirewhatshewantedwhenshehadsentforme。Butifshedidnotseemtochangehermannertowardsmymaster，itwasaverydifferentcasewithme，forwhenevershewasoppositetomeatdinner，sheoftenaddressedherselftome，andshethusgavememanyopportunitiesofshewingmyeducationandmywitinamusingstoriesorinremarks，inwhichItookcaretoblendinstructionwithwittyjests。AtthattimeF————hadthegreattalentofmakingotherslaughwhileIkeptaseriouscountenancemyself。IhadlearntthataccomplishmentfromM。deMalipiero，myfirstmasterintheartofgoodbreeding，whousedtosaytome，——
\"Ifyouwishyouraudiencetocry，youmustshedtearsyourself，butifyouwishtomakethemlaughyoumustcontrivetolookasseriousasajudge。\"
IneverythingIdid，ineverywordIuttered，inthepresenceofMadameF————，theonlyaimIhadwastopleaseher，butIdidnotwishhertosupposeso，andIneverlookedatherunlessshespoketome。Iwantedtoforcehercuriosity，tocompelhertosuspectnay，toguessmysecret，butwithoutgivingheranyadvantageoverme:itwasnecessaryformetoproceedbyslowdegrees。Inthemeantime，anduntilIshouldhaveagreaterhappiness，Iwasgladtoseethatmymoney，thatmagictalisman，andmygoodconduct，obtainedmeaconsiderationmuchgreaterthanIcouldhavehopedtoobtaineitherthroughmyposition，orfrommyage，orinconsequenceofanytalentImighthaveshewnintheprofessionIhadadopted。
TowardsthemiddleofNovember，thesoldierwhoactedasmyservantwasattackedwithinflammationofthechest；Igavenoticeofittothecaptainofhiscompany，andhewascarriedtothehospital。OnthefourthdayIwastoldthathewouldnotrecover，andthathehadreceivedthelastsacraments；intheeveningIhappenedtobeathiscaptain’swhenthepriestwhohadattendedhimcametoannouncehisdeath，andtodeliverasmallparcelwhichthedyingmanhadentrustedtohimtobegivenuptohiscaptainonlyafterhisdeath。
Theparcelcontainedabrasssealengravedwithducalarms，acertificateofbaptism，andasheetofpapercoveredwithwritinginFrench。CaptainCamporese，whoonlyspokeItalian，beggedmetotranslatethepaper，thecontentsofwhichwereasfollows:
\"Mywillisthatthispaper，whichIhavewrittenandsignedwithmyownhand，shallbedeliveredtomycaptainonlyafterIhavebreathedmylast:untilthen，myconfessorshallnotmakeanyuseofit，forI
entrustittohishandsonlyunderthesealofconfession。Ientreatmycaptaintohavemeburiedinavaultfromwhichmybodycanbeexhumedincasetheduke，myfather，shouldrequestitsexhumation。
Ientreathimlikewisetoforwardmycertificateofbaptism，thesealwiththearmorialbearingsofmyfamily，andalegalcertificateofmybirthtotheFrenchambassadorinVenice，whowillsendthewholetotheduke，myfather，myrightsofprimogeniturebelonging，aftermydemise，totheprince，mybrother。InfaithofwhichIhavesignedandsealedthesepresents:FrancoisVI。CharlesPhilippeLouisFoucaud，PrincedelaRochefoucault。\"
Thecertificateofbaptism，deliveredatSt。Sulpicegavethesamenames，andthetitleofthefatherwasFrancoisV。ThenameofthemotherwasGabrielleduPlessis。
AsIwasconcludingmytranslationIcouldnothelpburstingintoloudlaughter；butthefoolishcaptain，whothoughtmymirthoutofplace，hurriedouttorenderanaccountoftheaffairtotheproveditore—generale，andIwenttothecoffee—house，notdoubtingforonemomentthathisexcellencywouldlaughatthecaptain，andthatthepost—mortembuffoonerywouldgreatlyamusethewholeofCorfu。