\"WhatareyougoingtodoinRome？\"saidhe，indifferently。
\"IamgoingtobegthePopetousehisinfluenceinmyfavourwiththeStateInquisitorsatVenice。\"
Itwasnotthetruth，butonelieisasgoodasanother，andifI
hadsaidIwasonlygoingforamusement’ssakehewouldnothavebelievedme。Totellthetruthtoanunbelievingmanistoprostitute，tomurderit。Hethenbeggedmetoenterintoacorrespondencewithhim，andasthatboundmetonothingIagreedtodoso。
\"Icangiveyouamarkofmyfriendship，\"saidhe，\"byintroducingyoutotheMarquisdeBotta—Adamo，GovernorofTuscany；heissupposedtobeafriendoftheregent’s。\"
Iacceptedhisoffergratefully，andhebegantosoundmeaboutTherese，butfoundmylipsastightlyclosedasthelidofamiser’scoffer。ItoldhimshewasachildwhenImadetheacquaintanceofherfamilyatBologna，andthattheresemblancebetweenherbrotherandmyselfwasamereaccident——afreakofnature。Hehappenedtocatchsightofawell—writtenmanuscriptonthetable，andaskedmeifthatsuperbwritingwasmysecretary’s。Costa，whowaspresent，answeredinSpanishthathewroteit。Gamaoverwhelmedhimwithcompliments，andbeggedmetosendCostatohimtocopysomeletters。Iguessedthathewantedtopumphimaboutme，andsaidthatIneededhisservicesalltheday。
\"Well，well，saidtheabbe，\"anothertimewilldo。\"Igavehimnoanswer。Suchisthecharacterofthecurious。
Iamnotreferringtothatcuriositywhichdependsontheoccultsciences，andendeavourstopryintothefuture——thedaughterofignoranceandsuperstition，itsvictimsareeitherfoolishorignorant。ButtheAbbeGamawasneither；hewasnaturallycurious，andhisemploymentmadehimstillmoreso，forhewaspaidtofindouteverything。Hewasadiplomatist；ifhehadbeenalittlelowerdowninthesocialscalehewouldhavebeentreatedasaspy。
Heleftmetopaysomecalls，promisingtobebackbydinner—time。
Dr。Vanninibroughtmeanotherservant，ofthesameheightasthefirst，andengagedthatheshouldobeyordersandguessnothing。
Ithankedtheacademicianandinn—keeper，andorderedhimtogetmeasumptuousdinner。
TheCorticelliwasthefirsttoarrive，bringingwithherherbrother，aneffeminate—lookingyoungman，whoplayedtheviolinmoderatelywell，andhermother，whoinformedmethatsheneverallowedherdaughtertodineoutwithoutherselfandherson。
\"Thenyoucantakeherbackagainthisinstant，\"saidI，\"ortakethisducattodinesomewhereelse，asIdon’twantyourcompanyoryourson’s。\"
Shetooktheducat，sayingthatshewassureshewasleavingherdaughteringoodhands。
\"Youmaybesureofthat，\"saidI，\"sobeoff。\"
ThedaughtermadesuchwittyobservationsontheabovedialoguethatIcouldnothelplaughing，andIbegantobeinlovewithher。Shewasonlythirteen，andwassosmallthatshelookedten。
Shewaswell—made，lively，witty，andfairerthanisusualwithItalianwomen，buttothisdayIcannotconceivehowIfellinlovewithher。
Theyoungwantonbeggedmetoprotectheragainstthemanageroftheopera，whowasaJew。Intheagreementshehadmadewithhimhehadengagedtoletherdancea’pasdedeux’inthesecondopera，andhehadnotkepthisword。ShebeggedmetocompeltheJewtofulfilhisengagement，andIpromisedtodoso。
ThenextguestwasRedegonde，whocamefromParma。Shewasatall，handsomewoman，andCostatoldmeshewasthesisterofmynewfootman。AfterIhadtalkedwithherfortwoorthreeminutesIfoundherremarkswellworthyofattention。
ThencametheAbbeGama，whocongratulatedmeonbeingseatedbetweentwoprettygirls。Imadehimtakemyplace，andhebegantoentertainthemasiftothemannerborn；andthoughthegirlswerelaughingathim，hewasnotintheleastdisconcerted。Hethoughthewasamusingthem，andonwatchinghisexpressionIsawthathisself—esteempreventedhimseeingthathewasmakingafoolofhimself；butIdidnotguessthatImightmakethesamemistakeathisage。
Wretchedistheoldmanwhowillnotrecognizehisoldage；
wretchedunlesshelearnthatthesexwhomheseducedsooftenwhenhewasyoungwilldespisehimnowifhestillattemptstogaintheirfavour。
MyfairTherese，withherhusbandandmyson，wasthelasttoarrive。IkissedThereseandthenmyson，andsatdownbetweenthem，whisperingtoTheresethatsuchadearmysterioustrinitymustnotbeparted；atwhichTheresesmiledsweetly。TheabbesatdownbetweenRedegondeandtheCorticelli，andamusedusallthetimebyhisagreeableconversation。
IlaughedinternallywhenIobservedhowrespectfullymynewfootmanchangedhissister’splate，whoappearedvainofhonourstowhichherbrothercouldlaynoclaim。Shewasnotkind；shewhisperedtome，sothathecouldnothear，——
\"Heisagoodfellow，butunfortunatelyheisratherstupid。\"
Ihadputinmypocketasuperbgoldsnuff—box，richlyenamelledandadornedwithaperfectlikenessofmyself。IhadhaditmadeatParis，withtheintentionofgivingittoMadamed’Urfe，andI
hadnotdonesobecausethepainterhadmademetooyoung。IhadfilleditwithsomeexcellentHavanasnuffwhichM。deChavignyhadgivenme，andofwhichTheresewasveryfond；IwaswaitingforhertoaskmeforapinchbeforeIdrewitoutofmypocket。
TheAbbeGama，whohadsomeexceedinglygoodsnuffinanOrigonelabox，sentapinchtoTherese，andshesenthimhersnuffinatortoise—shellboxencrustedwithgoldinarabesques——anexquisitepieceofworkmanship。GamacriticisedTherese’ssnuff，whileI
saidthatIfounditdeliciousbutthatIthoughtIhadsomebettermyself。Itookoutmysnuff—box，andopeningitofferedherapinch。Shedidnotnoticetheportrait，butsheagreedthatmysnuffwasvastlysuperiortohers。
\"Well，wouldyouliketomakeanexchange？\"saidI。\"Certainly，givemesomepaper。\"
\"Thatisnotrequisite；wewillexchangethesnuffandthesnuff—
boxes。\"
Sosaying，IputTherese’sboxinmypocketandgavehermineshut。Whenshesawtheportrait，shegaveacrywhichpuzzledeverybody，andherfirstmotionwastokisstheportrait。
\"Look，\"saidshetoCesarino，\"hereisyourportrait。\"
Cesarinolookedatitinastonishment，andtheboxpassedfromhandtohand。Everybodysaidthatitwasmyportrait，takentenyearsago，andthatitmightpassforalikenessofCesarino。
Theresegotquiteexcited，andswearingthatshewouldneverlettheboxoutofherhandsagain，shewentuptohersonandkissedhimseveraltimes。WhilethiswasgoingonIwatchedtheAbbeGama，andIcouldseethathewasmakinginternalcommentsofhisownonthisaffectingscene。
Theworthyabbewentawaytowardstheevening，tellingmethathewouldexpectmetobreakfastnextmorning。
IspenttherestofthedayinmakinglovetoRedegonde，andTherese，whosawthatIwaspleasedwiththegirl，advisedmetodeclaremyself，andpromisedthatshewouldaskhertothehouseasoftenasIliked。ButTheresedidnotknowher。
NextmorningGamatoldmethathehadinformedMarshalBottathatIwouldcomeandseehim，andhewouldpresentmeatfouro’clock。
Thentheworthyabbe，alwaystheslaveofhiscuriosity，reproachedmeinafriendlymannerfornothavingtoldhimanythingaboutmyfortune。
\"Ididnotthinkitwasworthmentioning，butasyouareinterestedinthesubjectImaytellyouthatmymeansaresmall，butthatIhavefriendswhosepursesarealwaysopentome。\"
\"Ifyouhavetruefriendsyouarearichman，buttruefriendsarescarce。\"
IlefttheAbbeGama，myheadfullofRedegonde，whomIpreferredtotheyoungCorticelli，andIwenttopayheravisit；butwhatareception！Shereceivedmeinaroominwhichwerepresenthermother，heruncle，andthreeorfourdirty，untidylittlemonkeys:
thesewereherbrothers。’
\"Haven’tyouabetterroomtoreceiveyourfriendsin？\"saidI。
\"Ihavenofriends，soIdon’twantaroom。\"
\"Getit，mydear，andyouwillfindthefriendscomefastenough。
Thisisallverywellforyoutowelcomeyourrelationsin，butnotpersonslikemyselfwhocometodohomagetoyourcharmsandyourtalents。\"
\"Sir，\"saidthemother，\"mydaughterhasbutfewtalents，andthinksnothingofhercharms，whicharesmall。\"
\"Youareextremelymodest，andIappreciateyourfeelings；buteverybodydoesnotseeyourdaughterwiththesameeyes，andshepleasedmegreatly。\"
\"Thatisanhonourforher，andwearedulysensibleofit，butnotsoastobeover—proud。Mydaughterwillseeyouasoftenasyouplease，buthere，andinnootherplace。\"
\"ButIamafraidofbeinginthewayhere。\"
\"Anhonestmanisneverintheway。\"
Ifeltashamed，fornothingsoconfoundsalibertineasmodestyinthemouthofpoverty；andnotknowingwhattoanswerItookmyleave。
ItoldThereseofmyunfortunatevisit，andweboth，laughedatit；itwasthebestthingwecoulddo。
\"Ishallbegladtoseeyouattheopera，\"saidshe，\"andyoucangetintomydressing—roomifyougivethedoor—keeperasmallpieceofmoney。\"
TheAbbeGamacameashepromised，totakemetoMarshalBotta，amanofhightalentswhomtheaffairofGenoahadalreadyrenderedfamous。HewasincommandoftheAustrianarmywhenthepeople，growingangryatthesightoftheforeigners，whohadonlycometoputthemundertheAustrianyoke，roseinrevoltandmadethemleavethetown。ThispatrioticriotsavedtheRepublic。Ifoundhiminthemidstofacrowdofladiesandgentlemen，whomhelefttowelcomeme。HetalkedaboutVeniceinawaythatshewedheunderstoodthecountrythoroughly，andIconversedtohimonFrance，and，Ibelieve，satisfiedhim。InhisturnhespokeoftheCourtofRussia，atwhichhewasstayingwhenElizabethPetrovna，whowasstillreigningattheperiodinquestion，soeasilymountedthethroneofherfather，PetertheGreat。\"ItisonlyinRussia，\"saidhe，\"thatpoisonentersintopolitics。\"
Atthetimewhentheoperabeganthemarshallefttheroom，andeverybodywentaway。Onmywaytheabbeassuredme，asamatterofcourse，thatIhadpleasedthegovernor，andIafterwardswenttothetheatre，andobtainedadmissiontoTherese’sdressing—roomforatester。Ifoundherinthehandsofherprettychamber—
maid，andsheadvisedmetogotoRedegonde’sdressing—room，assheplayedaman’spart，andmight，perhaps，allowmetoassistinhertoilette。
Ifollowedheradvice，butthemotherwouldnotletmecomein，asherdaughterwasjustgoingtodress。IassuredherthatIwouldturnmybackallthetimeshewasdressing，andonthisconditionsheletmein，andmademesitdownatatableonwhichstoodamirror，whichenabledmetoseeallRedegonde’smostsecretpartstoadvantage；aboveall，whensheliftedherlegstoputonherbreeches，eithermostawkwardlyormostcleverly，accordingtoherintentions。Shedidnotloseanythingbywhatsheshewed，however，forIwassopleased，thattopossesshercharmsIwouldhavesignedanyconditionsshecaredtoimposeuponme。
\"Redegondemustknow，\"Isaidtomyself，\"thatIcouldseeeverythingintheglass；\"andtheideainflamedme。Ididnotturnroundtillthemothergavemeleave，andIthenadmiredmycharmerasayoungmanoffivefeetone，whoseshapeleftnothingtobedesired。
Redegondewentout，andIfollowedhertothewings。
\"Mydear，\"saidI，\"Iamgoingtotalkplainlytoyou。YouhaveinflamedmypassionsandIshalldieifyoudonotmakemehappy。\"
\"Youdonotsaythatyouwilldieifyouchancetomakemeunhappy。\"
\"Icouldnotsayso，becauseIcannotconceivesuchathingaspossible。Donottriflewithme，dearRedegonde，youmustbeawarethatIsawallinthemirror，andIcannotthinkthatyouaresocruelastoarousemypassionsandthenleavemetodespair。\"
\"Whatcouldyouhaveseen？Idon’tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout。\"
\"Maybe，butknowthatIhaveseenallyourcharms。WhatshallI
dotopossessyou？\"
\"Topossessme？Idon’tunderstandyou，sir；I’manhonestgirl。\"
\"Idaresay；butyouwouldn’tbeanylesshonestaftermakingmehappy。DearRedegonde，donotletmelanguishforyou，buttellmemyfatenowthisinstant。\"
\"Idonotknowwhattotellyou，butyoucancomeandseemewheneveryoulike\"
\"WhenshallIfindyoualone？\"
\"Alone！Iamneveralone。\"
\"Well，well，that’sofnoconsequence；ifonlyyourmotherispresent，thatcomestothesamething。Ifsheissensible，shewillpretendnottoseeanything，andIwillgiveyouahundredducatseachtime。\"
\"Youareeitheramadman，oryoudonotknowwhatsortofpeopleweare。\"
Withthesewordsshewenton，andIproceededtotellTheresewhathadpassed。
\"Begin，\"saidshe，\"byofferingthehundredducatstothemother，andifsherefuses，havenomoretodowiththem，andgoelsewhere。\"
Ireturnedtothedressing—room，whereIfoundthemotheralone，andwithoutanyceremonyspokeasfollows:——
\"Goodevening，madam，Iamastrangerhere；Iamonlystayingaweek，andIaminlovewithyourdaughter。Ifyouliketobeobliging，bringhertosupwithme。Iwillgiveyouahundredsequinseachtime，soyouseemypurseisinyourpower。\"
\"Whomdoyouthinkyouaretalkingto，sir？Iamastonishedatyourimpudence。AskthetownsfolkwhatsortofcharacterIbear，andwhethermydaughterisanhonestgirlornot！andyouwillnotmakesuchproposalsagain。\"
\"Good—bye，madam。\"
\"Good—bye，sir。\"
AsIwentoutImetRedegonde，andItoldherwordforwordtheconversationIhadhadwithhermother。Sheburstoutlaughing。
\"HaveIdonewellorill？\"saidI。
\"Wellenough，butifyoulovemecomeandseeme。\"
\"Seeyouafterwhatyourmothersaid？\"
\"Well，whynot，whoknowsofit？\"
\"Whoknows？Youdon’tknowme，Redegonde。Idonotcaretoindulgemyselfinidlehopes，andIthoughtIhadspokentoyouplainlyenough。\"
Feelingangry，andvowingtohavenomoretodowiththisstrangegirl，IsuppedwithTherese，andspentthreedelightfulhourswithher。Ihadagreatdealofwritingtodothenextdayandkeptindoors，andintheeveningIhadavisitfromtheyoungCorticelli，hermotherandbrother。Shebeggedmetokeepmypromiseregardingthemanagerofthetheatre，whowouldnotletherdancethe’pasdedeux’stipulatedforintheagreement。
\"Comeandbreakfastwithmeto—morrowmorning，\"saidI，\"andI
willspeaktotheIsraeliteinyourpresence——atleastIwilldosoifhecomes。\"
\"Iloveyouverymuch，\"saidtheyoungwanton，\"can’tIstopalittlelongerhere。\"
\"Youmaystopaslongasyoulike，butasIhavegotsomeletterstofinish，Imustaskyoutoexcusemyentertainingyou。\"
\"Oh！justasyouplease。\"
ItoldCostatogivehersomesupper。
Ifinishedmylettersandfeltinclinedforalittleamusement，soImadethegirlsitbymeandproceededtotoywithher，butinsuchawaythathermothercouldmakenoobjection。Allatoncethebrothercameupandtriedtojoininthesport，muchtomyastonishment。
\"Getalongwithyou，\"saidI，\"youarenotagirl。\"
Atthistheyoungscoundrelproceededtoshewmehissex，butinsuchanindecentfashionthathissister，whowassittingonmyknee，burstoutlaughingandtookrefugewithhermother，whowassittingattheotherendoftheroomingratitudeforthegoodsupperIhadgivenher。Irosefrommychair，andaftergivingtheimpudentpederastaboxontheearIaskedthemotherwithwhatintentionsshehadbroughttheyoungrascaltomyhouse。Bywayofreplytheinfamouswomansaid，——
\"He’saprettylad，isn’the？\"
IgavehimaducatfortheblowIhadgivenhim，andtoldthemothertobegone，asshedisgustedme。Thepathictookmyducat，kissedmyhand，andtheyalldeparted。
Iwenttobedfeelingamusedattheincident，andwonderingatthewickednessofamotherwhowouldprostituteherownsontothebasestofvices。
NextmorningIsentandaskedtheJewtocallonme。TheCorticellicamewithhermother，andtheJewsoonafter，justasweweregoingtobreakfast。
Iproceededtoexplainthegrievanceoftheyoungdancer，andI
readtheagreementhehadmadewithher，tellinghimpolitelythatIcouldeasilyforcehimtofulfilit。TheJewputinseveralexcuses，ofwhichtheCorticellidemonstratedthefutility。AtlastthesonofJudahwasforcedtogivein，andpromisedtospeaktotheballet—masterthesameday，inorderthatshemightdancethe’pas’withtheactorshenamed。
\"Andthat，Ihope，willpleaseyourexcellency，\"headded，withalowbow，whichisnotoftenaproofofsincerity，especiallyamongJews。
WhenmyguestshadtakenleaveIwenttotheAbbeGama，todinewithMarshalBottawhohadaskedustodinner。ImadetheacquaintancethereofSirMann，theEnglishambassador，whowastheidolofFlorence，veryrich，ofthemostpleasingmannersalthoughanEnglishman；fullofwit，taste，andagreatloverofthefinearts。Heinvitedmetocomenextdayandseehishouseandgarden。Inthishomehehadmade——furniture，pictures，choicebooks——allshewedthemanofgenius。Hecalledonme，askedmetodinner，andhadthepolitenesstoincludeTherese，herhusband，andCesarinointheinvitation。Afterdinnermysonsatdownattheclavieranddelightedthecompanybyhisexquisiteplaying。
Whileweweretalkingoflikenesses，SirMannshewedussomeminiaturesofgreatbeauty。
Beforeleaving，Theresetoldmethatshehadbeenthinkingseriouslyofme。
\"Inwhatrespect？\"Iasked。
\"IhavetoldRedegondethatIamgoingtocallforher，thatI
willkeephertosupper，andhavehertakenhome。Youmustseethatthislastconditionisproperlycarriedout。Cometosuppertoo，andhaveyourcarriageinwaiting。Ileavetheresttoyou。
Youwillonlybeafewminuteswithher，butthat’ssomething；andthefirststepleadsfar。\"
\"Anexcellentplan。Iwillsupwithyou，andmycarriageshallbeready。Iwilltellyouallaboutitto—morrow。\"
Iwenttothehouseatnineo’clock，andwaswelcomedasanunexpectedguest。ItoldRedegondethatIwasgladtomeether，andsherepliedthatshehadnothopedtohavethepleasureofseeingme。Redegondewastheonlyonewhohadanyappetite；sheatecapitally，andlaughedmerrilyatthestoriesItoldher。
AftersupperThereseaskedherifshewouldliketohaveasedan—
chairsentfor，orifshewouldprefertobetakenbackinmycarriage。
\"Ifthegentlemanwillbesokind，\"saidshe，\"Ineednotsendforachair。\"
IthoughtthisreplyofsuchfavourableomenthatInolongerdoubtedofmysuccess。Aftershehadwishedtheothersgoodnight，shetookmyarm，pressingitasshedidso；wewentdownthestairs，andshegotintothecarriage。Igotinafterher，andonattemptingtositdownIfoundtheplacetaken。
\"Whoisthat？\"Icried。
Redegondeburstoutlaughing，andinformedmeitwashermother。
Iwasdone；Icouldnotsummonupcouragetopassitoffasajest。Suchashockmakesamanstupid；foramomentitnumbsallthementalfaculties，andwoundedself—esteemonlygivesplacetoanger。
Isatdownonthefrontseatandcoldlyaskedthemotherwhyshehadnotcomeuptosupperwithus。Whenthecarriagestoppedattheirdoor，sheaskedmetocomein，butItoldherIwouldrathernot。IfeltthatforalittlemoreIwouldhaveboxedherears，andthemanatthehousedoorlookedverylikeacut—throat。
Ifeltenragedandexcitedphysicallyaswellasmentally，andthoughIhadneverbeentoseetheCorticelli，toldthecoachmantodrivethereimmediately，asIfeltsureoffindingherwelldisposed。Everybodywasgonetobed。IknockedatthedoortillIgotananswer，Igavemyname，andIwasletin，everythingbeingintotaldarkness。Themothertoldmeshewouldlightacandle，andthatifshehadexpectedmeshewouldhavewaitedupinspiteofthecold。IfeltasifIwereinthemiddleofaniceberg。Iheardthegirllaughing，andgoinguptothebedandpassingmyhandoveritIcameacrosssomeplaintokensofthemasculinegender。Ihadgotholdofherbrother。Inthemeanwhilethemotherhadgotacandle，andIsawthegirlwiththebedclothesuptoherchin，for，likeherbrother，shewasasnakedasmyhand。AlthoughnoPuritan，Iwasshocked。
\"Whydoyouallowthishorribleunion？\"Isaidtothemother。
\"Whatharmisthere？Theyarebrotherandsister。\"
\"That’sjustwhatmakesitacriminalmatter。\"
\"Everythingisperfectlyinnocent。\"
\"Possibly；butit’snotagoodplan。’
Thepathicescapedfromthebedandcreptintohismother’s，whilethelittlewantontoldmetherewasreallynoharm，astheyonlylovedeachotherasbrotherandsister，andthatifIwantedhertosleepbyherselfallIhadtodowastogetheranewbed。
Thisspeech，deliveredwitharchsimplicity，inherBolognesejargon，mademelaughwithallmyheart，forintheviolenceofhergesticulationsshehaddisclosedhalfhercharms，andIsawnothingworthlookingat。Inspiteofthat，itwasdoubtlessdecreedthatIshouldfallinlovewithherskin，forthatwasallshehad。
IfIhadbeenaloneIshouldhavebroughtmatterstoacrisisonthespot，butIhadadistastetothepresenceofhermotherandherscoundrellybrother。Iwasafraidlestsomeunpleasantscenesmightfollow。Igavehertenducatstobuyabed，saidgoodnight，andleftthehouse。Ireturnedtomylodging，cursingthetooscrupulousmothersoftheoperagirls。
IpassedthewholeofthenextmorningwithSirMann，inhisgallery，whichcontainedsomeexquisitepaintings，sculptures，mosaics，andengravedgems。Onleavinghim，IcalledonThereseandinformedherofmymisadventureofthenightbefore。Shelaughedheartilyatmystory，andIlaughedtoo，inspiteofafeelingofangerduetomywoundedself—esteem。
\"Youmustconsoleyourself，\"saidshe；\"youwillnotfindmuchdifficultyinfillingtheplaceinyouraffections。\"
\"Ah！whyareyoumarried？\"
\"Well，it’sdone；andthere’snohelpingit。Butlistentome。
Asyoucan’tdowithoutsomeone，takeupwiththeCorticelli；
she’sasgoodasanyotherwoman，andwon’tkeepyouwaitinglong。\"
Onmyreturntomylodging，IfoundtheAbbeGama，whomIhadinvitedtodinner，andheaskedmeifIwouldacceptaposttorepresentPortugalattheapproachingEuropeanCongressatAugsburg。HetoldmethatifIdidtheworkwell，IcouldgetanythingIlikedatLisbon。
\"Iamreadytodomybest，\"saidI；\"youhaveonlytowritetome，andIwilltellyouwheretodirectyourletters。\"Thisproposalmademelongtobecomeadiplomatist。
IntheeveningIwenttotheopera—houseandspoketotheballet—
master，thedancerwhowastotakepartinthe’pasdedeux’，andtotheJew，whotoldmethatmyprot9geeshouldbesatisfiedintwoorthreedays，andthatsheshouldperformherfavourite’pas’
fortherestofthecarnival。IsawtheCorticelli，whotoldmeshehadgotherbed，andaskedmetocometosupper。Iacceptedtheinvitation，andwhentheoperawasoverIwenttoherhouse。
Hermother，feelingsurethatIwouldpaythebill，hadorderedanexcellentsupperforfour，andseveralflasksofthebestFlorencewine。Besidesthat，shegavemeabottleofthewinecalledOleatico，whichIfoundexcellent。ThethreeCorticellisunaccustomedtogoodfareandwine，atelikeatroop，andbegantogetintoxicated。Themotherandsonwenttobedwithoutceremony，andthelittlewantoninvitedmetofollowtheirexample。I
shouldhavelikedtodoso，butIdidnotdare。Itwasverycoldandtherewasnofireintheroom，therewasonlyoneblanketonthebed，andImighthavecaughtabadcold，andIwastoofondofmygoodhealthtoexposemyselftosuchadanger。Ithereforesatisfiedmyselfbytakingheronmyknee，andafterafewpreliminariessheabandonedherselftomytransports，endeavouringtopersuademethatIhadgothermaidenhead。Ipretendedtobelieveher，thoughIcaredverylittlewhetheritweresoornot。
IleftherafterIhadrepeatedthedosethreeorfourtimes，andgaveherfiftysequins，tellinghertogetagoodwaddedcoverletandalargebrazier，asIwantedtosleepwithherthenextnight。
NextmorningIreceivedanextremelyinterestingletterfromGrenoble。M。deValenglardinformedmethatthefairMdlle。
Roman，feelingconvincedthatherhoroscopewouldnevercometrueunlessshewenttoParis，hadgonetothecapitalwithheraunt。
Herdestinywasastrangeone；itdependedonthelikingIhadtakentoherandmyaversiontomarriage，foritlayinmypowertohavemarriedthehandsomestwomaninFrance，andinthatcaseitisnotlikelythatshewouldhavebecomethemistressofLouisXV。WhatstrangewhimcouldhavemademeindicateinherhoroscopethenecessityofherjourneyingtoParis；forevenifthereweresuchascienceasastrologyIwasnoastrologer；infine，herdestinydependedonmyabsurdfancy。Andinhistory，whatanumberofextraordinaryeventswouldneverhavehappenediftheyhadnotbeenpredicted！
IntheeveningIwenttothetheatre，andfoundmyCorticellicladinaprettycloak，whiletheothergirlslookedatmecontemptuously，fortheywereenragedattheplacebeingtaken；
whiletheproudfavouritecaressedmewithanairoftriumphwhichbecamehertoadmiration。
IntheeveningIfoundagoodsupperawaitingme，alargebrazieronthehearth，andawarmcoverletonthebed。Themothershewedmeallthethingsherdaughterhadbought，andcomplainedthatshehadnotgotanyclothesforherbrother。Imadeherhappybygivingherafewlouis。
WhenIwenttobedIdidnotfindmymistressinanyamoroustransports，butinawantonandmerrymood。Shemademelaugh，andassheletmedoasIlikedIwassatisfied。IgaveherawatchwhenIlefther，andpromisedtosupwithheronthefollowingnight。Shewastohavedancedthepasdedeux，andI
wenttoseeherdoit，buttomyastonishmentsheonlydancedwiththeothergirls。
WhenIwenttosupperIfoundherindespair。SheweptandsaidthatImustavengeherontheJew，whohadexcusedhimselfbyputtingthefaultonsomebodyelse，butthathewasaliar。I
promisedeverythingtoquiether，andafterspendingseveralhoursinhercompanyIreturnedhome，determinedtogivetheJewabadquarterofanhour。NextmorningIsentCostatoaskhimtocallonme，buttherascalsentbackwordthathewasnotcoming，andiftheCorticellididnotlikehistheatreshemighttryanother。
Iwasindignant，butIknewthatImustdissemble，soIonlylaughed。Nevertheless，Ihadpronouncedhisdoom，foranItalianneverforgetstoavengehimselfonhisenemy；heknowsitisthepleasureofthegods。
AssoonasCostahadlefttheroom，IcalledLeDucandtoldhimthestory，sayingthatifIdidnottakevengeanceIshouldbedishonoured，andthatitwasonlyhewhocouldprocurethescoundrelagoodthrashingfordaringtoinsultme。
\"Butyouknow，LeDuc，theaffairmustbekeptsecret。\"
\"Ionlywanttwenty—fourhourstogiveyouananswer。\"
Iknewwhathemeant，andIwassatisfied。
NextmorningLeDuctoldmehehadspentthepreviousdayinlearningtheJew’sabodeandhabits，withoutaskinganybodyanyquestions。
\"To—dayIwillnotlethimgooutofmysight。Ishallfindoutatwhathourhereturnshome，andto—morrowyoushallknowtheresults。\"
\"Bediscreet，\"saidI，\"anddon’tletanybodyintoyourplans。\"
\"NotI！\"
Nextday，hetoldmethatiftheJewcamehomeatthesametimeandbythesamewayasbefore，hewouldhaveathrashingbeforehegottobed。
\"Whomhaveyouchosenforthisexpedition？\"
\"Myself。Theseaffairsoughttobekeptsecret，andasecretoughtn’ttobeknowntomorethantwopeople。Iamsurethateverythingwillturnoutwell，butwhenyouaresatisfiedthattheass’shidehasbeenwelltanned，willtherebeanythingtobepickedup？\"
\"Twenty—fivesequins。\"
\"Thatwilldonicely。WhenIhavedonethetrickIshallputonmygreatcoatagainandreturnbythebackdoor。IfnecessaryCostahimselfwillbeabletoswearthatIdidnotleavethehouse，andthatthereforeIcannothavecommittedtheassault。
However，Ishallputmypistolsinmypocketincaseofaccidents，andifanybodytriestoarrestmeIshallknowhowtodefendmyself。\"
NextmorninghecamecoollyintomyroomwhileCostawasputtingonmydressing—gown，andwhenwewerealonehesaid，——
\"Thething’sdone。InsteadoftheJew’srunningawaywhenhereceivedthefirstblowhethrewhimselfontotheground。ThenI
tannedhisskinforhimnicely，butonhearingsomepeoplecomingupIranoff。Idon’tknowwhetherIdidforhim，butIgavehimtwosturdyblowsonthehead。Ishouldbesorryifhewerekilled，asthenhecouldnotseeaboutthedance。\"
Thisjestdidnotarousemymirth；thematterpromisedtobetooserious。
TheresehadaskedmetodinewiththeAbbeGamaandM。Sassi，aworthyman，ifonemayprostitutethenameofmantodescribeabeingwhomcrueltyhasseparatedfromtherestofhumanity；hewasthefirstcastratooftheopera。OfcoursetheJew’smishapwasdiscussed。
\"Iamsorryforhim，\"saidI，\"thoughheisarascallyfellow。\"
\"Iamnotatallsorryforhimmyself，\"saidSassi，\"he’saknave。
Idaresaythateverybodywillbeputtingdownhiswoodenbaptismtomyaccount。\"
\"No，\"saidtheabbe，\"peoplesaythatM。Casanovadidthedeedforgoodreasonsofhisown。\"
\"Itwillbedifficulttopitchontherightman，\"Ianswered，\"therascalhaspushedsomanyworthypeopletoextremitiesthathemusthaveagreatmanythrashingsowinghim。\"
Theconversationthenpassedtoothertopics，andwehadaverypleasantdinner。
InafewdaystheJewlefthisbedwithalargeplasteronhisnose，andalthoughIwasgenerallyregardedastheauthorofhismisfortunethematterwasgraduallyallowedtodrop，astherewereonlyvaguesuspicionstogoupon。ButtheCorticelli，inanecstasyofjoy，wasstupidenoughtotalkasifsheweresureitwasIwhohadavengedher，andshegotintoaragewhenIwouldnotadmitthedeed；but，asmaybeguessed，Iwasnotfoolishenoughtodoso，asherimprudencemighthavebeenahangingmatterforme。
IwaswellenoughamusedatFlorence，andhadnothoughtsofleaving，whenonedayVanninigavemealetterwhichsomeonehadleftforme。Iopeneditinhispresence，andfounditcontainedabillofexchangefortwohundredFlorentinecrownsonSassoSassi。Vanninilookedatitandtoldmeitwasagoodone。I
wentintomyroomtoreadtheletter，andIwasastonishedtofinditsigned\"CharlesIvanoff。\"HedateditfromPistoia，andtoldmethatinhispovertyandmisfortunehehadappealedtoanEnglishmanwhowasleavingFlorenceforLucca，andhadgenerouslygivenhimabillofexchangefortwohundredcrowns，whichhehadwritteninhispresence。Itwasmadepayabletobearer。
\"Idaren’tcashitinFlorence，\"saidhe，\"asIamafraidofbeingarrestedformyunfortunateaffairatGenoa。Ientreatyou，then，tohavepityonme，togetthebillcashed，andtobringmethemoneyhere，thatImaypaymylandlordandgo。\"
Itlookedlikeaverysimplematter，butImightgetintotrouble，forthenotemightbeforged；andevenifitwerenotIshouldbedeclaringmyselfafriendoracorrespondent，atallevents，ofamanwhohadbeenposted。InthisdilemmaItookthepartoftakingthebillofexchangetohiminperson。Iwenttothepostingestablishment，hiredtwohorses，anddrovetoPistoia。
Thelandlordhimselftookmetotherascal’sroom，andleftmealonewithhim。
Ididnotstaymorethanthreeminutes，andallIsaidwasthatasSassiknewmeIdidnotwishhimtothinkthattherewasanykindofconnectionbetweenus。
\"Iadviseyou，\"Isaid，\"togivethebilltoyourlandlord，whowillcashitatM。Sassi’sandbringyouyourchange\"
\"Iwillfollowyouradvice，\"hesaid，andItherewithreturnedtoFlorence。
Ithoughtnomoreofit，butintwodays’timeIreceivedavisitfromM。SassiandthelandlordoftheinnatPistoia。Thebankershewedmethebillofexchange，andsaidthatthepersonwhohadgivenitmehaddeceivedme，asitwasnotinthewritingoftheEnglishmanwhosenameitbore，andthatevenifitwere，theEnglishmannothavinganymoneywithSassicouldnotdrawabillofexchange。
\"Theinn—keeperhere，\"saidhe，\"discountedthebill，theRussianhasgoneoff，andwhenItoldhimthatitwasaforgeryhesaidthatheknewCharlesIvanoffhaditofyou，andthatthushehadmadenodifficultyincashingit；butnowhewantsyoutoreturnhimtwohundredcrowns。\"
\"Thenhewillbedisappointed！\"
ItoldallthecircumstancesoftheaffairtoSassi；Ishewedhimtherascal’sletter；ImadeDr。Vannini，whohadgivenitme，comeup，andhesaidhewasreadytoswearthathehadseenmetakethebillofexchangeoutoftheletter，thathehadexaminedit，andhadthoughtitgood。
Onthisthebankertoldtheinn—keeperthathehadnobusinesstoaskmetopayhimthemoney；buthepersistedinhisdemand，anddaredtosaythatIwasanaccompliceoftheRussian’s。
InmyindignationIranformycane，butthebankerheldmebythearm，andtheimpertinentfellowmadehisescapewithoutathrashing。
\"Youhadarighttobeangry，\"saidM。Sassi，\"butyoumustnottakeanynoticeofwhatthepoorfellowsaysinhisblindrage。\"
Heshookmebythehandandwentout。
Nextdaythechiefofpolice，calledtheauditoratFlorence，sentmeanotebeggingmetocallonhim。Therewasnoroomforhesitation，forasastrangerIfeltthatImightlookonthisinvitationasanintimation。Hereceivedmeverypolitely，buthesaidIshouldhavetorepaythelandlordhistwohundredcrowns，ashewouldnothavediscountedthebillifhehadnotseenmebringit。IrepliedthatasajudgehecouldnotcondemnmeunlesshethoughtmetheRussian’saccomplice，butinsteadofansweringherepeatedthatIwouldhavetopay。
\"Sir，\"Ireplied，\"Iwillnotpay。\"
Herangthebellandbowed，andIlefthim，walkingtowardsthebanker’s，towhomIimpartedtheconversationIhadhadfromtheauditor。Hewasextremelyastonished，andatmyrequestcalledonhimtotryandmakehimlistentoreason。AswepartedItoldhimthatIwasdiningwiththeAbbeGama。
WhenIsawtheabbeItoldhimwhathadhappened，andheutteredaloudexclamationofastonishment。
\"Iforesee，\"hesaid，\"thattheauditorwillnotletgohishold，andifM。SassidoesnotsucceedwithhimIadviseyoutospeaktoMarshalBotta。\"
\"Idon’tthinkthatwillbenecessary；theauditorcan’tforcemetopay。\"
\"Hecandoworse。\"
\"Whatcanhedo？\"。
\"HecanmakeyouleaveFlorence。\"
\"Well，Ishallbeastonishedifheuseshispowerinthiscase，butratherthanpayIwillleavethetown。Letusgotothemarshal。\"
Wecalledonhimatfouro’clock，andwefoundthebankerthere，whohadtoldhimthewholestory。
\"Iamsorrytotellyou，\"saidM。Sassi，\"thatIcoulddonothingwiththeauditor，andifyouwanttoremaininFlorenceyouwillhavetopay。\"
\"IwillleaveassoonasIreceivetheorder，\"saidI；\"andassoonasIreachanotherstateIwillprintthehistoryofthisshamefulperversionofjustice。\"
\"It’sanincredible，amonstroussentence\"saidthemarshal，\"andIamsorryIcannotinterfere。Youarequiteright，\"headded，\"toleavetheplaceratherthanpay。\"
Earlythenextmorningapoliceofficialbroughtmealetterfromtheauditor，informingmethatashecouldnot，fromthenatureofthecase，obligemetopay，hewasforcedtowarnmetoleaveFlorenceinthreedays，andTuscanyinseven。This，headded，hedidinvirtueofhisoffice；butwhenevertheGrandDuke，towhomImightappeal，hadquashedhisjudgmentImightreturn。
Itookapieceofpaperandwroteuponit，\"Yourjudgmentisaniniquitousone，butitshallbeobeyedtotheletter。\"
AtthatmomentIgaveorderstopackupandhaveallinreadinessformydeparture。IspentthreedaysofrespiteinamusingmyselfwithTherese。IalsosawtheworthySirMann，andIpromisedtheCorticellitofetchherinLent，andspendsometimewithherinBologna。TheAbbeGamadidnotleavemysideforthreedays，andshewedhimselfmytruefriend。Itwasakindoftriumphforme；
oneverysideIheardregretsatmydeparture，andcursesoftheauditor。TheMarquisBottaseemedtoapprovemyconductbygivingmeadinner，thetablebeinglaidforthirty，andthecompanybeingcomposedofthemostdistinguishedpeopleinFlorence。Thiswasadelicateattentiononhispart，ofwhichIwasverysensible。
IconsecratedthelastdaytoTherese，butIcouldnotfindanyopportunitytoaskherforalastconsolingembrace，whichshewouldnothaverefusedmeunderthecircumstances，andwhichI
shouldstillfondlyremember。Wepromisedtowriteoftentooneanother，andweembracedeachotherinawaytomakeherhusband’sheartache。NextdayIstartedonmyjourney，andgottoRomeinthirty—sixhours。
ItwasmidnightwhenIpassedunderthePortadelPopolo，foronemayentertheEternalCityatanytime。Iwasthentakentothecustom—house，whichisalwaysopen，andmymailswereexamined。
TheonlythingtheyarestrictaboutatRomeisbooks，asiftheyfearedthelight。Ihadaboutthirtyvolumes，allmoreorlessagainstthePapacy，religion，orthevirtuesinculcatedthereby。
Ihadresolvedtosurrenderthemwithoutanydispute，asIfelttiredandwantedtogotobed，buttheclerktoldmepolitelytocountthemandleavetheminhischargeforthenight，andhewouldbringthemtomyhotelinthemorning。Ididso，andhekepthisword。HewaswellenoughpleasedwhenhetouchedthetwosequinswithwhichIrewardedhim。
IputupattheVilledeParis，inthePiazzadiSpagna。Itisthebestinninthetown。Alltheworld，Ifound，wasdrownedinsleep，butwhentheyletmeintheyaskedmetowaitonthegroundfloorwhileafirewaslightedinmyroom。Alltheseatswerecoveredwithdresses，petticoats，andchemises，andIheardasmallfemininevoicebeggingmetositonherbed。Iapproachedandsawalaughingmouth，andtwoblackeyesshininglikecarbuncles。
\"Whatsplendideyes！\"saidI，\"letmekissthem。\"
Bywayofreplyshehidherheadunderthecoverlet，andIslidahastyhandunderthesheets；butfindingherquitenaked，Idrewitbackandbeggedpardon。Sheputoutherheadagain，andI
thoughtIreadgratitudeformymoderationinhereyes。
\"Whoareyou，myangel？\"
\"IamTherese，theinn—keeper’sdaughter，andthisismysister。\"
Therewasanothergirlbesideher，whomIhadnotseen，asherheadwasunderthebolster。
\"Howoldareyou？\"
\"Nearlyseventeen。\"
\"IhopeIshallseeyouinmyroomto—morrowmorning。\"
\"Haveyouanyladieswithyou？\"
\"No。\"
\"That’sapity，aswenevergotothegentlemen’srooms。\"
\"Lowerthecoverletalittle；Ican’thearwhatyousay。\"
\"It’stoocold。\"
\"DearTherese，youreyesmakemefeelasifIwereinflames。\"
Sheputbackherheadatthis，andIgrewdaring，andaftersundryexperimentsIwasmorethanevercharmedwithher。Icaressedherinasomewhatlivelymanner，anddrewbackmyhand，againapologizingformydaring，andwhensheletmeseeherfaceI
thoughtIsawdelightratherthanangerinhereyesandonhercheeks，andIfelthopefulwithregardtoher。Iwasjustgoingtobeginagain，forIfeltonfire；whenahandsomechambermaidcametotellmethatmyroomwasreadyandmyfirelighted。
\"Farewelltillto—morrow，\"saidItoTherese，butsheonlyansweredbyturningonhersidetogotosleep。
Iwenttobedafterorderingdinnerforoneo’clock，andIslepttillnoon，dreamingofTherese。WhenIwokeup，Costatoldmethathehadfoundoutwheremybrotherlived，andhadleftanoteatthehouse。ThiswasmybrotherJean，thenaboutthirty，andapupilofthefamousRaphaelMengs。ThispainterwasthendeprivedofhispensiononaccountofawarwhichobligedtheKingofPolandtoliveatWarsaw，asthePrussiansoccupiedthewholeelectorateofSaxe。Ihadnotseenmybrotherfortenyears，andIkeptourmeetingasaholiday。Iwassittingdowntotablewhenhecame，andweembracedeachotherwithtransport。Wespentanhourintelling，hehissmalladventures，andImygrandones，andhetoldmethatIshouldnotstayatthehotel，whichwastoodear，butcomeandliveattheChevalierMengs’shouse，whichcontainedanemptyroom，whereIcouldstayatamuchcheaperrate。
\"Astoyourtable，thereisarestaurantinthehousewhereonecangetacapitalmeal。\"
\"Youradviceisexcellent，\"saidI，\"butIhavenotthecouragetofollowit，asIaminlovewithmylandlord’sdaughter；\"andI
toldhimwhathadhappenedthenightbefore。
\"That’samerenothing，\"saidhe，laughing；\"youcancultivateheracquaintancewithoutstayinginthehouse。\"
Iletmyselfbepersuaded，andIpromisedtocometohimthefollowingday；andthenweproceededtotakeawalkaboutRome。
Ihadmanyinterestingmemoriesofmylastvisit，andIwantedtorenewmyacquaintancewiththosewhohadinterestedmeatthathappyagewhensuchimpressionsaresodurablebecausetheytouchtheheartratherthanthemind；butIhadtomakeupmymindtoagoodmanydisappointments，consideringthespaceoftimethathadelapsedsinceIhadbeeninRome。
IwenttotheMinervatofindDonnaCecilia；shewasnomoreinthisworld。IfoundoutwhereherdaughterAngelicalived，andI
wenttoseeher，butshegavemeapoorreception，andsaidthatshereallyscarcelyrememberedme。
\"Icansaythesame，\"Ireplied，\"foryouarenottheAngelicaI
usedtoknow。Good—bye，madam！\"
Thelapseoftimehadnotimprovedherpersonalappearance。I
foundoutalsowheretheprinter’sson，whohadmarriedBarbaruccia，lived，but——Iputoffthepleasureofseeinghimtillanothertime，andalsomyvisittotheReverendFatherGeorgi，whowasamanofgreatreputeinRome。GasparVivaldihadgoneintothecountry。
MybrothertookmetoMadameCherubini。Ifoundhermansiontobeasplendidone，andtheladywelcomedmeintheRomanmanner。I
thoughtherpleasantandherdaughtersstillmoreso，butI
thoughtthecrowdofloverstoolargeandtoomiscellaneous。
Therewastoomuchluxuryandceremony，andthegirls，oneofwhomwasasfairasLovehimself，weretoopolitetoeverybody。Aninterestingquestionwasputtome，towhichIansweredinsuchamannerastoelicitanotherquestion，buttonopurpose。Isawthattherankofmybrother，whohadintroducedme，preventedmybeingthoughtapersonofanyconsequence，andonhearinganabbesay，\"He’sCasanova’sbrother，\"Iturnedtohimandsaid，——
\"That’snotcorrect；youshouldsayCasanova’smybrother。\"
\"Thatcomestothesamething。\"
\"Notatall，mydearabbe。\"
Isaidthesewordsinatonewhichcommandedattention，andanotherabbesaid，——
\"Thegentlemanisquiteright；itdoesnotcometothesamething。\"
Thefirstabbemadenoreplytothis。Theonewhohadtakenmypart，andwasmyfriendfromthatmoment，wasthefamousWinckelmann，whowasunhappilyassassinatedatTriestetwelveyearsafterwards。
WhileIwastalkingtohim，CardinalAlexanderAlbaniarrived。
Winckelmannpresentedmetohiseminence，whowasnearlyblind。
Hetalkedtomeagreatdeal，withoutsayinganythingworthlisteningto。AssoonasheheardthatIwastheCasanovawhohadescapedfromTheLeads，hesaidinasomewhatrudetonethathewonderedIhadthehardihoodtocometoRome，whereontheslightesthintfromtheStateInquisitorsatVenicean’ordinesanctissimo’wouldre—consignmetomyprison。Iwasannoyedbythisunseemlyremark，andrepliedinadignifiedvoice，——
\"ItisnotmyhardihoodincomingtoRomethatyoureminenceshouldwonderat，butamanofanysensewouldwonderattheInquisitorsiftheyhadthehardihoodtoissuean’ordinesanctissimo’againstme；fortheywouldbeperplexedtoallegeanycrimeinmeasapretextforthusinfamouslydeprivingmeofmyliberty。\"
Thisreplysilencedhiseminence。Hewasashamedathavingtakenmeforafool，andtoseethatIthoughthimone。ShortlyafterI
leftandneversetfootinthathouseagain。
TheAbbeWinckelmannwentoutwithmybrotherandmyself，andashecamewithmetomyhotelhedidmethehonourofstayingtosupper。WinckelmannwasthesecondvolumeofthecelebratedAbbedeVoisenon。Hecalledformenextday，andwewenttoVillaAlbanitoseetheChevalierMengs，whowasthenlivingthereandpaintingaceiling。
MylandlordRoland（whoknewmybrother）paidmeavisitatsupper。RolandcamefromAvignonandwasfondofgoodliving。I
toldhimIwassorrytobeleavinghimtostaywithmybrother，becauseIhadfalleninlovewithhisdaughterTherese，althoughI
hadonlyspokentoherforafewminutes，andhadonlyseenherhead。
\"Yousawherinbed，Iwillbet\"
\"Exactly，andIshouldverymuchliketoseetherestofher。
Wouldyoubesokindastoaskhertostepupforafewminutes？\"
\"Withallmyheart。\"
Shecameupstairs，seemingonlytoogladtoobeyherfather’ssummons。Shehadalithe，gracefulfigure，hereyeswereofsurpassingbrilliancy，herfeaturesexquisite，hermouthcharming；
buttakenaltogetherIdidnotlikehersowellasbefore。Inreturn，mypoorbrotherbecameenamouredofhertosuchanextentthatheendedbybecomingherslave。Hemarriedhernextyear，andtwoyearsafterwardshetookhertoDresden。Isawherfiveyearslaterwithaprettybaby；butaftertenyearsofmarriedlifeshediedofconsumption。
IfoundMengsattheVillaAlbani；hewasanindefatigableworker，andextremelyoriginalinhisconceptions。Hewelcomedme，andsaidhewasgladtobeabletolodgemeathishouseinRome，andthathehopedtoreturnhomehimselfinafewdays，withhiswholefamily。
IwasastonishedwiththeVillaAlbani。IthadbeenbuiltbyCardinalAlexander，andhadbeenwhollyconstructedfromantiquematerialstosatisfythecardinal’sloveforclassicart；notonlythestatuesandthevases，butthecolumns，thepedestals——infact，everythingwasGreek。HewasaGreekhimself，andhadaperfectknowledgeofantiquework，andhadcontrivedtospendcomparativelylittlemoneycomparedwiththemasterpiecehehadproduced。Ifasovereignmonarchhadhadavillalikethecardinal’sbuilt，itwouldhavecosthimfiftymillionfrancs，butthecardinalmadeamuchcheaperbargain。
Ashecouldnotgetanyancientceilings，hewasobligedtohavethempainted，andMengswasundoubtedlythegreatestandthemostlaboriouspainterofhisage。Itisagreatpitythatdeathcarriedhimoffinthemidstofhiscareer，asotherwisehewouldhaveenrichedthestoresofartwithnumerousmasterpieces。Mybrotherneverdidanythingtojustifyhistitleofpupilofthisgreatartist。WhenIcometomyvisittoSpainin1767，IshallhavesomemoretosayaboutMengs。
AssoonasIwassettledwithmybrotherIhiredacarriage，acoachman，andafootman，whomIputintofancylivery，andI
calledonMonsignorCornaro，auditorofthe’rota’，withtheintentionofmakingmywayintogoodsociety，butfearinglestheasaVenetianmightgetcompromised，heintroducedmetoCardinalPassionei，whospokeofmetothesovereignpontiff。
BeforeIpassontoanythingelse，Iwillinformmyreadersofwhattookplaceontheoccasionofmysecondvisittothisoldcardinal，agreatenemyoftheJesuits，awit，andmanofletters。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4c——RETURNTONAPLES
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
RETURNTONAPLES
ROME——NAPLES——BOLOGNA
CHAPTERVIII
CardinalPassianei——ThePope——Masiuccia——IArriveAtNaplesCardinalPassioneireceivedmeinalargehallwherehewaswriting。Hebeggedmetowaittillhehadfinished，buthecouldnotaskmetotakeaseatasheoccupiedtheonlychairthathisvastroomcontained。
Whenhehadputdownhispen，herose，cametome，andafterinformingmethathewouldtelltheHolyFatherofmyvisit，headded，——
\"MybrotherCornaromighthavemadeabetterchoice，asheknowsthePopedoesnotlikeme。\"
\"Hethoughtitbettertochoosethemanwhoisesteemedthanthemanwhoismerelyliked。\"
\"Idon’tknowwhetherthePopeesteemsme，butIamsureheknowsIdon’testeemhim。Ibothlikedandesteemedhimbeforehewaspope，andIconcurredinhiselection，butsincehehaswornthetiarait’sadifferentmatter；hehasshewnhimselftoomuchofa’coglione’。\"
\"Theconclaveoughttohavechosenyoureminence。\"
\"No，no；I’maroot—and—branchreformer，andmyhandwouldnothavebeenstayedforfearofthevengeanceoftheguilty，andGodaloneknowswhatwouldhavecomeofthat。TheonlycardinalfittobepopewasTamburini；butitcan’tbehelpednow。Ihearpeoplecoming；good—bye，comeagainto—morrow。\"
WhatadelightfulthingtohaveheardacardinalcallthePopeafool，andnameTamburiniasafitperson。Ididnotloseamomentinnotingthispleasantcircumstancedown:itwastoopreciousamorseltoletslip。ButwhowasTamburini？Ihadneverheardofhim。IaskedWinckelmann，whodinedwithme。
\"He’samandeservingofrespectforhisvirtues，hischaracter，hisfirmness，andhisfarseeingintelligence。HehasneverdisguisedhisopinionoftheJesuits，whomhestylesthefathersofdeceits，intrigues，andlies；andthat’swhatmadePassioneimentionhim。Ithink，withhim，thatTamburiniwouldbeagreatandgoodpope。\"
IwillherenotedownwhatIheardatRomenineyearslaterfromthemouthofatooloftheJesuits。TheCardinalTamburiniwasatthelastgasp，andtheconversationturneduponhim，whensomebodyelsesaid，——
\"ThisBenedictinecardinalisanimpiousfellowafterall；heisonhisdeath—bed，andhehasaskedfortheviaticum，withoutwishingtopurifyhissoulbyconfession。\"
Ididnotmakeanyremark，butfeelingasifIshouldliketoknowthetruthofthematterIaskedsomebodyaboutitnextday，myinformantbeingapersonwhomusthaveknownthetruth，andcouldnothavehadanymotivefordisguisingtherealfactsofthecase。
Hetoldmethatthecardinalhadsaidmassthreedaysbefore，andthatifhehadnotaskedforaconfessoritwasdoubtlessbecausehehadnothingtoconfess。
Unfortunatearetheythatlovethetruth，anddonotseekitoutatitssource。Ihopethereaderwillpardonthisdigression，whichisnotwithoutinterest。
NextdayIwenttoseeCardinalPassionei，whotoldmeIwasquiterighttocomeearly，ashewantedtolearnallaboutmyescapefromTheLeads，ofwhichhehadheardsomewonderfultalestold。
\"Ishallbedelightedtosatisfyyoureminence，butthestoryisalongone。\"
\"Allthebetter；theysayyoutellitwell。\"
\"But，mylord，amItositdownonthefloor？\"
\"No，no；yourdressistoogoodforthat。\"
Heranghisbell，andhavingtoldoneofhisgentlementosendupaseat，aservantbroughtinastool。Aseatwithoutabackandwithoutarms！Itmademequiteangry。Icutmystoryshort，tolditbadly，andhadfinishedinaquarterofanhour。
\"Iwritebetterthanyouspeak，\"saidhe。
\"Mylord，IneverspeakwellexceptwhenIamatmyease。\"
\"Butyouarenotafraidofme？\"
\"No，mylord，atruemanandaphilosophercannevermakemeafraid；butthisstoolofyours……\"
\"Youliketobeatyourease，aboveallthings。\"
\"Takethis，itisthefuneralorationofPrinceEugene；Imakeyouapresentofit。IhopeyouwillapproveofmyLatinity。YoucankissthePope’sfeettomorrowatteno’clock。\"
WhenIgothome，asIreflectedonthecharacterofthisstrangecardinal——awit，haughty，vain，andboastful，Iresolvedtomakehimafinepresent。Itwasthe’Pandectarumliberunicus’whichM。deF。hadgivenmeatBerne，andwhichIdidnotknowwhattodowith。Itwasafoliowellprintedonfinepaper，choicelybound，andinperfectpreservation。Aschieflibrarianthepresentshouldbeavaluableonetohim，allthemoreashehadalargeprivatelibrary，ofwhichmyfriendtheAbbeWinckelmannwaslibrarian。IthereforewroteashortLatinletter，whichI
enclosedinanothertoWinckelmann，whomIbeggedtopresentmyofferingtohiseminence。
Ithoughtitwasasvaluableashisfuneralorationatanyrate，andIhopedthathewouldgivemeamorecomfortablechairforthefuture。
Nextmorning，atthetimeappointed，IwenttoMonteCavallo，whichoughttobecalledMonteCavalli，asitgetsitsnamefromtwofinestatuesofhorsesstandingonapedestalinthemidstofthesquare，wheretheHolyFather’spalaceissituated。
IhadnorealneedofbeingpresentedtothePopebyanyone，asanyChristianisatlibertytogoinwhenheseesthedooropen。
BesidesIhadknownHisHolinesswhenhewasBishopofPadua；butIhadpreferredtoclaimthehonorofbeingintroducedbyacardinal。
AftersalutingtheHeadoftheFaithful，andkissingtheholycrossembroideredonhisholyslipper，thePopeputhisrighthandonmyleftshoulder，andsaidherememberedthatIalwaysforsooktheassemblyatPadua，whenheintonedtheRosary。
\"HolyFather，Ihavemuchworsesinsthanthatonmyconscience，soIcomeprostrateatyourfoottoreceiveyourabsolution。\"
Hethengavemehisbenediction，andaskedmeverygraciouslywhathecoulddoforme。
\"IbegYourHolinesstopleadforme，thatImaybeabletoreturntoVenice。\"
\"Wewillspeakofittotheambassador，andthenwewillspeakagaintoyouonthematter。\"
\"DoyouoftengoandseeCardinalPassionei？\"
\"Ihavebeenthreetimes。HegavemehisfuneralorationonPrinceEugene，andinreturnIsenthimthe’Pandects’。\"
\"Hasheacceptedthem？\"
\"Ithinkso，HolyFather。\"
\"Ifhehas，hewillsendWinckelmanntopayyouforthem。\"
\"Thatwouldbetreatingmelikeabookseller；Iwillnotreceiveanypayment。\"
\"Thenhewillreturnthevolumeofthe’Pandects’；wearesureofit，healwaysdoesso。\"
\"Ifhiseminencereturnsmethe’Pandects’，Iwillreturnhimhisfuneraloration。\"
AtthisthePopelaughedtillhissidesshook。