Leonildalookedaway，andIfeltshocked，butconcealedmyfeelings。
\"Iaminthesamestateasyou，\"saidI，\"butIwillnottakethetroubleofconvincingyou。\"
\"Thatcan’tbe，\"saidhe；andpassinghishandrapidlyovermeheassuredhimselfthatitwasso。\"It’sastonishing，\"hecried；
\"youmustbeasimpotentasIam。\"
\"IfIwantedtocontrovertthatassertiononeglanceintoLeonilda’seyeswouldbeenough。\"
\"Lookathim，dearestLeonilda，thatImaybeconvinced。\"
Leonildalookedtenderlyatme，andherglanceproducedtheresultIhadexpected。
\"Givemeyourhand，\"saidI，tothepoorduke，andhedidso。
\"Iwasinthewrong，\"heexclaimed，butwhenheendeavouredtobringthesurprisingobjecttolightIresisted。Hepersistedinhisendeavours，andIdeterminedtoplayonhimatrick。ItookLeonilda’shandandpressedmylipstoit，andjustasthedukethoughthehadtriumphedIbesprinkledhim，andwentoffintoaroaroflaughter。Helaughedtoo，andwenttogetanapkin。
Thegirlcouldseenothingofallthis，asitwentonunderthetable；andwhilemyburninglipsrestedonherhand，myeyeswerefixedonhersandourbreathmingled。Thisclosecontacthadenabledmetobaptisetheduke，butwhenshetookinthejokewemadeagroupworthyofthepenofAretin。
Itwasadelightfulbreakfast，thoughwepassedcertainboundswhichdecencyoughttohaveproscribedtous，butLeonildawaswonderfullyinnocentconsideringherposition。Weendedthescenebymutualembraces，andwhenItookmyburninglipsfromLeonilda’sIfeltconsumedwithafirewhichIcouldnotconceal。
WhenweleftItoldthedukethatIwouldseehismistressnomore，unlesshewouldgiveheruptome，declaringthatIwouldmarryherandgiveheradoweroffivethousandducats。
\"Speaktoher，andifsheconsentsIwillnotopposeit。Sheherselfwilltellyouwhatpropertyshehas。\"
Ithenwenttodressfordinner。Ifoundtheduchessinthemidstofalargecircle，andshetoldmekindlythatshewasverysorrytohearofmylosses。
\"Fortuneisthemostfickleofbeings，butIdon’tcomplainofmyloss——nay，whenyouspeakthusIloveit，andIeventhinkthatyouwillmakemewinthisevening。\"
\"Ihopeso，butIamafraidnot；youwillhavetocontendagainstMonteLeone，whoisusuallyverylucky。\"
Inconsideringthematterafterdinner，Ideterminedforthefuturetoplaywithreadymoneyandnotonmywordofhonour，lestIshouldatanytimebecarriedawaybytheexcitementofplayandinducedtostakemorethanIpossessed。Ithought，too，thatthebankermighthavehisdoubtsafterthetwoheavylossesIhadsustained，andIconfessthatIwasalsoactuatedbythegambler’ssuperstitionthatbymakingachangeofanykindonechangestheluck。
IspentfourhoursatthetheatreinLeonilda’sbox，whereIfoundhermoregayandcharmingthanIhadseenherbefore。
\"DearLeonilda，\"Isaid，\"theloveIfeelforyouwillsuffernodelayandnorivals，noteventheslightestinconstancy。IhavetoldthedukethatIamreadytomarryyou，andthatIwillgiveyouadoweroffivethousandducats。\"
\"Whatdidhesay？\"
\"ThatImustaskyou，andthathewouldoffernoopposition。\"
\"ThenweshouldleaveNaplestogether。\"
\"Directly，dearest，andthenceforthdeathalonewouldpartus。\"
\"Wewilltalkofitto—morrow，dearDonGiacomo，andifIcanmakeyouhappyIamsureyouwilldothesamebyme。\"
Asshespokethesedelightfulwordsthedukecamein。
\"DonGiacomoandIaretalkingofmarrying，\"saidshe。
\"Marriage，miacarissima，\"hereplied，\"oughttobewellconsideredbeforehand。\"
\"Yes，whenonehastime；butmydearGiacomocannotwait，andweshallhaveplentyoftimetothinkitoverafterwards。\"
\"Asyouaregoingtomarry，\"saidtheduke，\"youcanputoffyourdeparture，orreturnafterthewedding。\"
\"Icanneitherputitoffnorreturn，mydearduke。Wehavemadeupourminds，andifwerepentwehaveplentyoftimebeforeus。\"
Helaughedandsaidwewouldtalkitovernextday。Igavemyfuturebrideakisswhichshereturnedwithardour，andthedukeandIwenttotheclub，wherewefoundtheDukedeMonteLeonedealing。
\"Mylord，\"saidI，\"Iamunluckyplayingonmywordofhonour，soIhopeyouwillallowmetostakemoney。\"
\"Justasyouplease；itcomestothesamething，butdon’ttroubleyourself。Ihavemadeabankoffourthousandducatsthatyoumaybeabletorecoupyourselfforyourlosses。\"
\"Thanks，Ipromisetobreakitortoloseasmuch。\"
Idrewoutsixthousandducats，gavetwothousandducatstotheDukedeMatalone，andbegantopuntatahundredducats。Afterashorttimethedukeleftthetable，andIfinallysucceededinbreakingthebank。Iwentbacktotheplacebymyself，andwhenI
toldthedukeofmyvictorythenextday，heembracedmewithtearsofjoy，andadvisedmetostakemoneyforthefuture。
AsthePrincessdeValewasgivingagreatsupper，therewasnoplaythatevening。Thiswassomerespite。WecalledonLeonilda，andputtingofftalkingofourmarriagetillthedayafterwespentthetimeinviewingthewondersofnaturearoundNaples。IntheeveningIwasintroducedbyafriendattheprincess’ssupper，andsawallthehighestnobilityoftheplace。
Nextmorningtheduketoldmethathehadsomebusinesstodo，andthatIhadbettergoandseeLeonilda，andthathewouldcallformelateron。IwenttoLeonilda，butasthedukedidnotputinanappearancewecouldnotsettleanythingaboutourmarriage。I
spentseveralhourswithher，butIwasobligedtoobeyhercommands，andcouldonlyshewmyselfamorousinwords。BeforeleavingIrepeatedthatitonlyrestedwithhertouniteourlivesbyindissolubleties，andtoleaveNaplesalmostimmediately。
WhenIsawthedukehesaid，——
\"Well，DonGiacomo，youhavespentallthemorningwithmymistress；doyoustillwishtomarryher？\"
\"Morethanever；whatdoyoumean？\"
\"Nothing；andasyouhavepassedthistrialtowhichIpurposelysubjectedyou，wewilldiscussyouruniontomorrow，andIhopeyouwillmakethischarmingwomanhappy，forshewillbeanexcellentwife。\"
\"Iagreewithyou。\"
WhenwewenttoMonteLeone’sintheevening，wesawabankerwithagooddealofgoldbeforehim。TheduketoldmehewasDonMarcoOttoboni。Hewasafine—lookingman，butheheldthecardssocloselytogetherinhislefthandthatIcouldnotseethem。Thisdidnotinspiremewithconfidence，soIonlypuntedaducatatatime。Iwaspersistentlyunlucky，butIonlylostascoreofducats。Afterfiveorsixdealsthebanker，askedmepolitelywhyIstakedsuchsmallsumsagainsthim。
\"BecauseIcan’tseehalfthepack，\"Ireplied，\"andIamafraidoflosing。\"
Someofthecompanylaughedatmyanswer。
NextnightIbrokethebankheldbythePrincetheCassaro，apleasantandrichnobleman，whoaskedmetogivehimrevenge，andinvitedmetosupperathisprettyhouseatPosilipo，wherehelivedwithavirtuosaofwhomhehadbecomeamorousatPalermo。
HealsoinvitedtheDukedeMataloneandthreeorfourothergentlemen。ThiswastheonlyoccasiononwhichIheldthebankwhileIwasatNaples，andIstakedsixthousandducatsafterwarningtheprincethatasitwastheeveofmydepartureIshouldonlyplayforreadymoney。
Helosttenthousandducats，andonlyrosefromthetablebecausehehadnomoremoney。Everybodylefttheroom，andIshouldhavedonethesameiftheprince’smistresshadnotowedmeahundredducats。Icontinuedtodealinthehopethatshewouldgethermoneyback，butseeingthatshestilllostIputdownthecards，andtoldherthatshemustpaymeatRome。Shewasahandsomeandagreeablewoman，butshedidnotinspiremewithanypassions，nodoubtbecausemymindwasoccupiedwithanother，otherwiseI
shouldhavedrawnabillonsight，andpaidmyselfwithoutmeddlingwithherpurse。Itwastwoo’clockinthemorningwhenI
gottobed。
BothLeonildaandmyselfwishedtoseeCasertabeforeleavingNaples，andthedukesentusthereinacarriagedrawnbysixmules，whichwentfasterthanmosthorses。Leonilda’sgovernessaccompaniedus。
Thedayafter，wesettledtheparticularsofourmarriageinaconversationwhichlastedfortwohours。
\"Leonilda，\"begantheduke，\"hasamother，wholivesatashortdistancefromhere，onanincomeofsixhundredducats，whichI
havegivenherforlife，inreturnforanestatebelongingtoherhusband；butLeonildadoesnotdependonher。Shegaveheruptomesevenyearsago，andIhavegivenheranannuityoffivehundredducats，whichshewillbringtoyou，withallherdiamondsandanextensivetrousseau。Hermothergaveheruptomeentirely，andIgavemywordofhonourtogetheragoodhusband。
Ihavetakenpeculiarcareofhereducation，andashermindhasdevelopedIhaveputheronherguardagainstallprejudices，withtheexceptionofthatwhichbidsawomankeepherselfintactforherfuturehusband。YoumayrestassuredthatyouarethefirstmanwhomLeonilda（whoisadaughtertome）haspressedtoherheart。\"
Ibeggedtheduketogetthecontractready，andtoaddtoherdowerthesumoffivethousandducats，whichIwouldgivehimwhenthedeedwassigned。
\"Iwillmortgagethem，\"saidhe，\"onahousewhichisworthdouble。\"
ThenturningtoLeonilda，whowassheddinghappytears，hesaid，——
\"Iamgoingtosendforyourmother，whowillbedelightedtosignthesettlement，andtomaketheacquaintanceofyourfuturehusband。\"
ThemotherlivedattheMarquisGaliani’s，aday’sjourneyfromNaples。Thedukesaidhewouldsendacarriageforherthenextday，andthatwecouldallsuptogetherthedayafter。
\"Thelawbusinesswillbealldonebythen，andweshallbeabletogotothelittlechurchatPortici，andthepriestwillmarryyou。ThenwewilltakeyourmothertoSt。Agathaanddinewithher，andyoucangoyourwaywithhermaternalblessing。\"
Thisconclusiongavemeaninvoluntaryshudder，andLeonildafellfaintingintheduke’sarms。Hecalledherdearchild，caredforhertenderly，andbroughthertoherself。
Weallhadtowipeoureyes，aswewereallequallyaffected。
Iconsideredmyselfasamarriedmanandunderobligationtoaltermywayofliving，andIstoppedplaying。Ihadwonmorethanfifteenthousandducats，andthissumaddedtowhatIhadbeforeandLeonilda’sdowryshouldhavesufficedforanhonestlivelihood。
Nextday，asIwasatsupperwiththedukeandLeonilda，shesaid，——
\"Whatwillmymothersayto—morrowevening，whensheseesyou？\"
\"Shewillsaythatyouaresillytomarryastrangerwhomyouhaveonlyknownforaweek。Haveyoutoldhermyname，mynation，mycondition，andmyage？\"
\"Iwrotetoherasfollows:
\"’Dearmamma，comedirectlyandsignmymarriagecontractwithagentlemanintroducedtomebytheduke，withwhomIshallbeleavingforRomeonMondaynext。’\"
\"Myletterranthus，\"saidtheduke，\"’Comewithoutdelay，andsignyourdaughter’smarriagecontract，andgiveheryourblessing。Shehaswiselychosenahusbandoldenoughtobeherfather；heisafriendofmine。’\"
\"That’snottrue，\"criedLeonilda，rushingtomyarms，\"shewillthinkyouarereallyold，andIamsorry。\"
\"Isyourmotheranelderlywoman？\"
\"She’sacharmingWoman，\"saidtheduke，\"fullofwit，andnotthirty—eightyet。\"
\"WhathasshegottodowithGaliani？\"
\"Sheisanintimatefriendofthemarchioness’s，andsheliveswiththefamilybutpaysforherboard。\"
Nextmorning，havingsomebusinesswithmybankertoattendto，I
toldthedukethatIshouldnotbeabletoseeLeonildatillsupper—time。Iwentthereateighto’clockandIfoundthethreesittinginfrontofthefire。
\"Hereheis！\"criedtheduke。
Assoonasthemothersawmeshescreamedandfellnearlyfaintingonachair。Ilookedatherfixedlyforaminute，andexclaimed，——
\"DonnaLucrezia！Iamfortunateindeed！\"
\"Letustakebreath，mydearfriend。Comeandsitbyme。Soyouaregoingtomarrymydaughter，areyou？\"
Itookachairandguesseditall。Myhairstoodonend，andI
relapsedintoagloomysilence。
ThestupefiedastonishmentofLeonildaandthedukecannotbedescribed。TheycouldseethatDonnaLucreziaandIkneweachother，buttheycouldnotgetanyfarther。Asformyself，asI
ponderedgloomilyandcomparedLeonilda’sagewiththeperiodatwhichIhadbeenintimatewithLucreziaCastelli，Icouldseethatitwasquitepossiblethatshemightbemydaughter；butItoldmyselfthatthemothercouldnotbecertainofthefact，asatthetimeshelivedwithherhusband，whowasveryfondofherandnotfiftyyearsofage。Icouldbearthesuspensenolonger，so，takingalightandbeggingLeonildaandtheduketoexcuseme，I
askedLucreziatocomeintothenextroomwithme。
Assoonasshewasseated，shedrewmetoherandsaid，——
\"MustIgrievemydearonewhenIhavelovedsowell？Leonildaisyourdaughter，Iamcertainofit。Ialwayslookeduponherasyourdaughter，andmyhusbandknewit，butfarfrombeingangry，heusedtoadoreher。Iwillshewyoutheregisterofherbirth，andyoucancalculateforyourself。MyhusbandwasatRome，anddidnotseemeonce，andmydaughterdidnotcomebeforehertime。
Youmustrememberaletterwhichmymothershouldhavegivenyou，inwhichItoldyouIwaswithchild。ThatwasinJanuary，1744，andinsixmonthsmydaughterwillbeseventeen。MylatehusbandgaveherthenamesofLeonildaGiacominaatthebaptismalfont，andwhenheplayedwithherhealwayscalledherbythelattername。Thisideaofyourmarryingherhorrifiesme，butIcannotopposeit，asIamashamedtotellthereason。Whatdoyouthink？
Haveyoustillthecouragetomarryher？Youseemtohesitate。
Haveyoutakenanyearnestofthemarriage—bed？\"
\"No，dearLucrezia，yourdaughterisaspureasalily。\"
\"Ibreatheagain。\"
\"Ah，yes！butmyheartistornasunder。\"
\"Iamgrievedtoseeyouthus。\"
\"Shehasnolikenesstome。\"
\"Thatprovesnothing；shehastakenafterme。Youareweeping，dearest，youwillbreakmyheart。\"
\"Whowouldnotweepinmyplace？Iwillsendtheduketoyou；hemustknowall。\"
IleftLucrezia，andIbeggedtheduketogoandspeaktoher。
TheaffectionateLeonildacameandsatonmyknee，andaskedmewhatthedreadfulmysterywas。Iwastoomuchaffectedtobeabletoanswerher；shekissedme，andwebegantoweep。WeremainedthussadandsilenttillthereturnofthedukeandDonnaLucrezia，whowastheonlyonetokeepherheadcool。
\"DearLeonilda，saidshe，\"youmustbeletintothesecretofthisdisagreeablemystery，andyourmotheristheproperpersontoenlightenyou。Doyourememberwhatnamemylatehusbandusedtocallyouwhenhepettedyou？\"
\"HeusedtocallmehischarmingGiacomina。\"
\"ThatisM。Casanova’sname；itisthenameofyourfather。Goandkisshim；hisbloodflowsinyourveins；andifhehasbeenyourlover，repentofthecrimewhichwashappilyquiteinvoluntary。\"
Thescenewasapatheticone，andwewerealldeeplymoved。
Leonildaclungtohermother’sknees，andinavoicethatstruggledwithsobsexclaimed，——
\"Ihaveonlyfeltwhatanaffectionatedaughtermightfeelforafather\"
Atthispointsilencefellonus，asilencethatwasonlybrokenbythesobsofthetwowomen，whoheldeachothertightlyembraced；whilethedukeandIsatasmotionlessastwoposts，ourheadsbentandourhandscrossed，withoutasmuchaslookingateachother。
Supperwasserved，andwesatattableforthreehours，talkingsadlyoverthisdramaticrecognition，whichhadbroughtmoregriefthanjoy；andwedepartedatmidnightfullofmelancholy，andhopingthatweshouldbecalmeronthemorrow，andabletotaketheonlystepthatnowremainedtous。
Asweweregoingawaythedukemadeseveralobservationsonwhatmoralphilosopherscallprejudices。Thereisnophilosopherwhowouldmaintainorevenadvancethethesisthattheunionofafatheranddaughterishorriblenaturally，foritisentirelyasocialprejudice；butitissowidespread，andeducationhasgravenitsodeeplyinourhearts，thatonlyamanwhoseheartisutterlydepravedcoulddespiseit。Itistheresultofarespectforthelaws，itkeepsthesocialschemetogether；infact，itisnolongeraprejudice，itisaprinciple。
Iwenttobed，butasusual，aftertheviolentemotionIhadundergone，Icouldnotsleep。TherapidtransitionfromcarnaltopaternallovecastmyphysicalandmentalfacultiesintosuchastateofexcitementthatIcouldscarcelywithstandthefiercestrugglethatwastakingplaceinmyheart。
TowardsmorningIfellasleepforashorttime，andwokeupfeelingasexhaustedastwoloverswhohavebeenspendingalongandvoluptuouswinter’snight。
WhenIgotupItoldthedukethatIintendedtosetoutfromNaplesthenextday；andheobservedthataseverybodyknewIwasontheeveofmydeparture，thishastewouldmakepeopletalk。
\"Comeandhavesomebrothwithme，\"saidhe；\"andfromhenceforthlookuponthismarriageprojectasoneofthemanypranksinwhichyouhaveengaged。Wewillspendthethreeorfourdayspleasantlytogether，andperhapswhenwehavethoughtoverallthisforsometimeweshallendbythinkingitmatterformirthandnotsadness。
Believemethemother’sasgoodasthedaughter；recollectionisoftenbetterthanhope；consoleyourselfwithLucrezia。Idon’tthinkyoucanseeanydifferencebetweenherpresentappearanceandthatofeighteenyearsago，forIdon’tseehowshecaneverhavebeenhandsomerthansheisnow。\"
Thisremonstrancebroughtmetomysenses。IfeltthatthebestthingIcoulddowouldbetoforgettheillusionwhichhadamusedmeforfourorfivedays，andasmyself—esteemwasnotwoundeditoughtnottobeadifficulttask；butyetIwasinloveandunabletosatisfymylove。
Loveisnotlikemerchandise，whereonecansubstituteonethingforanotherwhenonecannothavewhatonewants。Loveisasentiment，onlytheobjectwhohaskindledtheflamecansoothetheheatthereof。
Wewenttocallonmydaughter，thedukeinhisusualmood，butI
lookingpale，depressed，weary，andlikeaboygoingtoreceivetherod。IwasextremelysurprisedwhenIcameintotheroomtofindthemotheranddaughterquitegay，butthishelpedonmycure。Leonildathrewherarmsroundmyneck，callingmedearpapa，andkissingmewithalladaughter’sfreedom。DonnaLucreziastretchedoutherhand，addressingmeasherdearfriend。
Iregardedherattentively，andIwasforcedtoconfessthattheeighteenyearsthathadpassedawayhaddonelittleilltohercharms。Therewasthesamesparklingglance，thatfreshcomplexion，thoseperfectshapes，thosebeautifullips——infine，allthathadcharmedmyyouthfuleyes。
Wemutelycaressedeachother。Leonildagaveandreceivedthetenderestkisseswithoutseemingtonoticewhatdesiresshemightcausetoarise；nodoubtsheknewthatasherfatherIshouldhavestrengthtoresist，andshewasright。Onegetsusedtoeverything，andIwasashamedtobesadanylonger。
ItoldDonnaLucreziaofthecuriouswelcomehersisterhadgivenmeinRome，andshewentoffintopealsoflaughter。WeremindedeachotherofthenightatTivoli，andtheserecollectionssoftenedourhearts。Fromthesesoftenedfeelingstoloveisbutashortway；butneitherplacenortimewereconvenient，sowepretendednottobethinkingofit。
AfterafewmomentsofsilenceItoldherthatifshecaredtocometoRomewithmetopayavisittohersisterAngelique，I
wouldtakeherbacktoNaplesatthebeginningofLent。Shepromisedtoletmeknowwhethershecouldcomeonthefollowingday。
IsatbetweenherandLeonildaatdinner；andasIcouldnolongerthinkofthedaughter，itwasnaturalthatmyoldflameforLucreziashouldrekindle；andwhetherfromtheeffectofhergaietyandbeauty，orfrommyneedofsomeonetolove，orfromtheexcellenceofthewine，Ifoundmyselfinlovewithherbythedessert，andaskedhertotaketheplacewhichherdaughterwastohavefilled。
\"Iwillmarryyou，\"saidI，\"andwewillallofusgotoRomeonMonday，forsinceLeonildaismydaughterIdonotliketoleaveheratNaples。\"
Atthisthethreeguestslookedateachotherandsaidnothing。I
didnotrepeatmyproposal，butledtheconversationtosomeothertopic。
AfterdinnerIfeltsleepyandlaydownonabed，anddidnotwaketilleighto’clock，whentomysurpriseIfoundthatmyonlycompanionwasLucrezia，whowaswriting。Sheheardmestir，andcameuptomeandsaidaffectionately，——
\"Mydearfriend，youhavesleptforfivehours；andasIdidnotliketoleaveyoualoneIwouldnotgowiththedukeandourdaughtertotheopera。\"
Thememoryofformerlovesawakenswhenoneisneartheoncebelovedobject，anddesiresrapidlybecomeirresistibleifthebeautystillremain。Theloversfeelasiftheywereoncemoreinpossessionofablessingwhichbelongstothem，andofwhichtheyhavebeenlongdeprivedbyunfortunateincidents。Thesewereourfeelings，andwithoutdelay，withoutidlediscussion，andaboveall，withoutfalsemodesty，weabandonedourselvestolove，theonlytruesourceofnature。
Inthefirstinterval，Iwasthefirsttobreakthesilence；andifamanisanythingofawit，ishethelesssoatthatdeliciousmomentofreposewhichfollowsonanamorousvictory？
\"Onceagain，then，\"saidI，\"IaminthischarminglandwhichI
enteredforthefirsttimetothenoiseofthedrumandtherattleofmusketshots。\"
Thisremarkmadeherlaugh，andrecalledpasteventstohermemory。WerecollectedwithdelightallthepleasureswehadenjoyedatTestaccio，Frascati，andTivoli。Weremindedeachotheroftheseevents，onlytomakeeachotherlaugh；butwithtwolovers，whatislaughterbutapretextforrenewingthesweetsacrificeofthegoddessofCythera？
Attheendofthesecondact，fulloftheenthusiasmofthefortunatelover，Isaid，——
\"Letusbeunitedforlife；weareofthesameage，weloveeachother，ourmeansaresufficientforus，wemayhopetoliveahappylife，andtodieatthesamemoment。\"
\"Tisthedarlingwishofmyheart，\"Lucreziareplied，\"butletusstayatNaplesandleaveLeonildatotheduke。Wewillseecompany，findheraworthyhusband，andourhappinesswillbecomplete。\"
\"IcannotliveatNaples，dearest，andyouknowthatyourdaughterintendedtoleavewithme。\"
\"Mydaughter！Sayourdaughter。Iseethatyouarestillinlovewithher，anddonotwishtobeconsideredherfather。\"
\"Alas，yes！ButIamsurethatifIlivewithyoumypassionforherwillbestilled，butotherwiseIcannotanswerformyself。I
shallfly，butflightwillnotbringmehappiness。Leonildacharmsmestillmorebyherintelligencethanbyherbeauty。I
wassurethatshelovedmesowellthatIdidnotattempttoseduceher，lesttherebyIshouldweakenmyholdonheraffections；andasIwantedtomakeherhappyIwishedtodeserveheresteem。Ilongedtopossessher，butinalawfulmanner，sothatourrightsshouldhavebeenequal。Wehavecreatedanangel，Lucrezia，andIcannotimaginehowtheduke……\"
\"Thedukeiscompletelyimpotent。DoyouseenowhowIwasabletotrustmydaughtertohiscare？\"
\"Impotent？Ialwaysthoughtsomyself，buthehasason\"
\"Hiswifemightpossiblybeabletoexplainthatmysterytoyou，butyoumaytakeitforgrantedthatthepoordukewilldieavirgininspiteofhimself；andheknowsthataswellasanybody。\"
\"Donotletussayanymoreaboutit，butallowmetotreatyouasatTivoli。\"
\"Notjustnow，asIhearcarriagewheels。\"
Amomentafterthedooropened，andLeonildalaughedheartilytoseehermotherinmyarms，andthrewherselfuponus，coveringuswithkisses。Thedukecameinalittlelater，andwesuppedtogetherverymerrily。HethoughtmethehappiestofmenwhenI
toldhimIwasgoingtopassthenighthonourablywithmywifeanddaughter；andhewasright，forIwassoatthatmoment。
Assoonastheworthymanleftuswewenttobed，buthereImustdrawaveiloverthemostvoluptuousnightIhaveeverspent。IfItoldallIshouldwoundchasteears，and，besides，allthecoloursofthepainterandallthephrasesofthepoetcouldnotdojusticetothedeliriumofpleasure，theecstasy，andthelicensewhichpassedduringthatnight，whiletwowaxlightsburntdimlyonthetablelikecandlesbeforetheshrineofasaint。
Wedidnotleavethestage，whichIwateredwithmyblood，tilllongafterthesunhadrisen。Wewerescarcelydressedwhenthedukearrived。
Leonildagavehimavividdescriptionofournocturnallabours，butinhisunhappystateofimpotencehemusthavebeenthankfulforhisabsence。
IwasdeterminedtostartthenextdaysoastobeatRomeforthelastweekofthecarnivalandIbeggedtheduketoletmegiveLeonildathefivethousandducatswhichwouldhavebeenherdowerifshehadbecomemybride。
\"Assheisyourdaughter，\"saidhe，\"shecanandoughttotakethispresentfromherfather，ifonlyasadowryforherfuturehusband。\"
\"Willyouacceptit，then，mydearLeonilda？\"
\"Yes，papadear，\"shesaid，embracingme，\"ontheconditionthatyouwillpromisetocomeandseemeagainassoonasyouhearofmymarriage。\"
Ipromisedtodoso，andIkeptmyword。
\"Asyouaregoingto—morrow，\"saidtheduke，\"IshallaskallthenobilityofNaplestomeetyouatsupper。InthemeanwhileI
leaveyouwithyourdaughter；weshallseeeachotheragainatsuppertime。\"
HewentoutandIdinedwithmywifeanddaughterinthebestofspirits。IspentalmostthewholeafternoonwithLeonilda，keepingwithintheboundsofdecency，less，perhaps，outofrespecttomorality，thanbecauseofmylaboursofthenightbefore。Wedidnotkisseachothertillthemomentofparting，andIcouldseethatbothmotheranddaughterweregrievedtoloseme。
AfteracarefultoiletteIwenttosupper，andfoundanassemblyofahundredoftheverybestpeopleinNaples。Theduchesswasveryagreeable，andwhenIkissedherhandtotakeleave，shesaid，\"Ihope，DonGiacomo，thatyouhavehadnounpleasantnessduringyourshortstayatNaples，andthatyouwillsometimesthinkofyourvisitwithpleasure。\"
IansweredthatIcouldonlyrecallmyvisitwithdelightafterthekindnesswithwhichshehaddeignedtotreatmethatevening；
and，infact，myrecollectionsofNapleswerealwaysofthehappiestdescription。
AfterIhadtreatedtheduke’sattendantswithgenerosity，thepoornobleman，whomfortunehadfavoured，andwhomnaturehaddeprivedofthesweetestofallenjoyments，camewithmetothedoorofmycarriageandIwentonmyway。
CHAPTERX
MyCarriageBroken——Mariuccia’sWedding—FlightofLordLismore——MyReturntoFlorence，andMyDeparturewiththeCorticelliMySpainiardwasgoingonbeforeusonhorseback，andIwassleepingprofoundlybesideDonCiccioAlfaniinmycomfortablecarriage，drawnbyfourhorses，whenaviolentshockarousedme。
Thecarriagehadbeenoverturnedonthehighway，atmidnight，beyondFrancolisaandfourmilesfromSt。Agatha。
Alfaniwasbeneathmeandutteredpiercingshrieks，forhethoughthehadbrokenhisleftarm。LeDucrodebackandtoldmethatthepostillionshadtakenflight，possiblytogivenoticeofourmishaptohighwaymen，whoareverycommonintheStatesoftheChurchandNaples。
Igotoutofthecarriageeasilyenough，butpooroldAlfani，whowasunwieldlywithfat，badlyhurt，andhalfdeadwithfright，couldnotextricatehimselfwithoutassistance。Ittookusaquarterofanhourtogethimfree。Thepoorwretchamusedmebytheblasphemieswhichhemingledwithprayerstohispatronsaint，St。FrancisofAssisi。
Iwasnotwithoutexperienceofsuchaccidentsandwasnotatallhurt，forone’ssafetydependsagooddealonthepositiononeisin。DonCicciohadprobablyhurthisarmbystretchingitoutjustastheaccidenttookplace。
Itookmysword，mymusket，andmyhorse—pistolsoutofthecarriage，andImadethemandmypocketspistolsreadysoastoofferastiffresistancetothebrigandsiftheycame；andIthentoldLeDuctotakesomemoneyandrideoffandseeifhecouldbringsomepeasantstoourassistance。
DonCicciogroanedovertheaccident，butI，resolvingtosellmymoneyandmylifedearly，madearampartofthecarriageandfourhorses，andstoodsentry，withmyarmsready。
Ithenfeltpreparedforallhazards，andwasquitecalm，butmyunfortunatecompanioncontinuedtopourforthhisgroans，andprayers，andblasphemies，forallthatgoestogetheratNaplesasatRome。Icoulddonothingbutcompassionatehim；butinspiteofmyselfIcouldnothelplaughing，whichseemedtovexthepoorabbe，wholookedforalltheworldlikeadyingdolphinasherestedmotionlessagainstthebank。Hisdistressmaybeimagined，whenthenearesthorseyieldedtothecallofnature，andvoidedovertheunfortunatemanthecontentsofitsbladder。Therewasnothingtobedone，andIcouldnothelproaringwithlaughter。
Nevertheless，astrongnortherlywindrenderedoursituationanextremelyunpleasantone。AttheslightestnoiseIcried，\"Whogoesthere？\"threateningtofireonanyonewhodaredapproach。
Ispenttwohoursinthistragic—comicposition，untilatlastLeDucrodeupandtoldmethatabandofpeasants，allarmedandprovidedwithlanterns，wereapproachingtoourassistance。
Inlessthananhour，thecarriage，thehorses，andAlfaniwereseento。Ikepttwoofthecountry—folktoserveaspostillions，andIsenttheothersawaywellpaidfortheinterruptionoftheirsleep。IreachedSt。Agathaatday—break，andImadethedevil’sownnoiseatthedoorofthepostmaster，callingforanattorneytotakedownmystatement，andthreateningtohavethepostillionswhohadoverturnedanddesertedme，hanged。
Awheelwrightinspectedmycoachandpronouncedtheaxle—treebroken，andtoldmeIshouldhavetoremainforadayatleast。
DonCiccio，whostoodinneedofasurgeon’said，calledontheMarquisGallianiwithouttellingmeanythingaboutit。However，themarquishastenedtobegmetostayathishometillIcouldcontinuemyjourney。Iacceptedtheinvitationwithgreatpleasure，andwiththismyillhumour，whichwasreallyonlytheresultofmydesiretomakeagreatfusslikeagreatman，evaporated。
Themarquisorderedmycarriagetobetakentohiscoach—house，tookmebythearm，andledmetohishouse。Hewasaslearnedashewaspolite，andaperfectNeapolitan——i。e。，devoidofallceremony。Hehadnotthebrilliantwitofhisbrother，whomIhadknownatParisassecretaryofembassyundertheCountCantillanaMontdragon，buthepossessedawell—orderedjudgment，foundedonstudyandtheperusalofancientandmodernclassics。Aboveall，hewasagreatmathematician，andwasthenpreparinganannotatededitionofVitruvius，whichwasafterwardspublished。
Themarquisintroducedmetohiswife，whomIknewastheintimatefriendofmydearLucrezia。Therewassomethingsaint—likeinherexpression，andtoseehersurroundedbyherlittlechildrenwaslikelookingatapictureoftheHolyFamily。
DonCicciowasputtobeddirectly，andasurgeonsentfor，whoconsoledhimbysayingthatitwasonlyasimpleluxation，andthathewouldbewellagaininafewdays。
Atnoonacarriagestoppedatthedoor，andLucreziagotdown。
Sheembracedthemarchioness，andsaidtomeinthemostnaturalmanner，asweshookhands，——
\"Whathappychancebringsyouhear，dearDonGiacomo？\"
ShetoldherfriendthatIwasafriendofherlatehusband’s，andthatshehadrecentlyseenmeagainwithgreatpleasureattheDukedeMatalone’s。
Afterdinner，onfindingmyselfalonewiththischarmingwoman，I
askedherifitwerenotpossibleforustopassahappynighttogether，butsheshewedmethatitwasoutofthequestion，andI
hadtoyield。Irenewedmyoffertomarryher。
\"Buyaproperty，\"saidshe，\"inthekingdomofNaples，andIwillspendtheremainderofmydayswithyou，withoutaskingapriesttogiveushisblessing，unlesswehappentohavechildren。\"
IcouldnotdenythatLucreziaspokeverysensibly，andIcouldeasilyhaveboughtlandinNaples，andlivedcomfortablyonit，buttheideaofbindingmyselfdowntooneplacewassocontrarytomyfeelingsthatIhadthegoodsensetoprefermyvagabondlifetoalltheadvantageswhichourunionwouldhavegivenme，andIdonotthinkthatLucreziaaltogetherdisapprovedofmyresolution。
AftersupperItookleaveofeverybody，andIsetoutatday—breakinordertogettoRomebythenextday。Ihadonlyfifteenstagestodo，andtheroadwasexcellent。
AsweweregettingintoCarillano，Isawoneofthetwo—wheeledcarriages，locallycalledmantice，twohorseswerebeingputintoit，whilemycarriagerequiredfour。Igotout，andonhearingmyselfcalledIturnedround。IwasnotalittlesurprisedtofindthattheoccupantsofthemanticewereayoungandprettygirlandSignoraDiana，thePrincedeSassaro’smistress，whoowedmethreehundredounces。ShetoldmethatshewasgoingtoRome，andthatshewouldbegladifwecouldmakethejourneytogether。
\"Isupposeyoudon’tmindstoppingforthenightatPiperno？\"
\"No，\"saidI，\"Iamafraidthatcan’tbemanaged；Idon’tintendtobreakmyjourney。\"
\"ButyouwouldgettoRomebyto—morrow。\"
\"Iknowthat，butIsleepbetterinmycarriagethaninthebadbedstheygiveyouintheinns。\"
\"Idarenottravelbynight。\"
\"Well，well，madam，IhavenodoubtweshallseeeachotheratRome。\"
\"Youareacruelman。YouseeIhaveonlyastupidservant，andamaidwhoisastimidasIam，besidesitiscoldandmycarriageisopen。Iwillkeepyoucompanyinyours。\"
\"Ireallycan’ttakeyouin，asalltheavailablespaceistakenupbymyoldsecretary，whobrokehisarmyesterday。\"
\"ShallwedinetogetheratTerracino？Wecouldhavealittletalk。\"
\"Certainly。\"
Wemadegoodcheeratthissmalltown，whichisthefrontieroftheStatesoftheChurch。WeshouldnotreachPipernotillfaroninthenight，andtheladyrenewedandredoubledhereffortstokeepmetilldaybreak；butthoughyoungandprettyshedidnottakemyfancy；shewastoofairandtoofat。Buthermaid，whowasaprettybrunette，withadeliciousroundedformandasparklingeye，excitedallmyfeelingsofdesire。Avaguehopeofpossessingthemaidwonmeover，andIendedbypromisingthesignoratosupwithher，andnottocontinuemyjourneywithoutgivingnoticetothelandlord。
WhenwegottoPiperno，IsucceededintellingtheprettymaidthatifshewouldletmehaveherquietlyIwouldnotgoanyfurther。Shepromisedtowaitforme，andallowedmetotakesuchlibertiesasareusuallythesignsofperfectcomplaisance。
Wehadoursupper，andIwishedtheladiesgoodnightandescortedthemtotheirroom，whereItooknoteoftherelativepositionsoftheirbedssothatthereshouldbenomistake。Ileftthemandcamebackinaquarterofanhour。FindingthedooropenIfeltsureofsuccess，andIgotintobed；butasIfoundout，itwasthesignoraandnotthemaidwhoreceivedme。Evidentlythelittlehussyhadtoldhermistressthestory，andthemistresshadthoughtfittotakethemaid’splace。Therewasnopossibilityofmybeingmistaken，forthoughIcouldnotseeIcouldfeel。
ForamomentIwasundecided，shouldIremaininbedandmakethebestofwhatIhadgot，orgoonmywaytoRomeimmediately？Thelattercounselprevailed。IcalledLeDuc，gavemyorders，andstarted，enjoyingthethoughtoftheconfusionofthetwowomen，whomusthavebeeninagreatrageatthefailureoftheirplans。
IsawSignoraDianathreeorfourtimesatRome，andwebowedwithoutspeaking；ifIhadthoughtitlikelythatshewouldpaymethefourhundredlouissheowedmeImighthavetakenthetroubletocallonher，butIknowthatyourstagequeensaretheworstdebtorsintheworld。
Mybrother，theChevalierMengs，andtheAbbeWinckelmannwereallingoodhealthandspirits。Costawasdelightedtoseemeagain。
IsenthimoffdirectlytoHisHoliness’s’scopatoremaggiore’towarnhimthatIwascomingtotakepolentawithhim，andallheneeddowastogetagoodsupperfortwelve。IwassureoffindingMariucciathere，forIknewthatMomolohadnoticedherpresencepleasedme。
Thecarnivalbeganthedayaftermyarrival，andIhiredasuperblandauforthewholeweek。TheRomanlandausseatfourpeopleandhaveahoodwhichmaybeloweredatpleasure。IntheselandausonedrivesalongtheCorsowithorwithoutmasksfromninetotwelveo’clockduringthecarnivaltime。
>FromtimeimmemorialtheCorsoatRomehaspresentedastrangeanddivertingspectacleduringthecarnival。ThehorsesstartfromthePiazzadelPopolo，andgallopalongtotheColumnofTrajan，betweentwolinesofcarriagesdrawnupbesidetwonarrowpavementswhicharecrowdedwithmaskersandpeopleofallclasses。Allthewindowsaredecorated。Assoonasthehorseshavepassedthecarriagesbegintomove，andthemaskersonfootandhorsebackoccupythemiddleofthestreet。Theairisfullofrealandfalsesweetmeats，pamphlets，pasquinades，andpuns。
Throughoutthemob，composedofthebestandworstclassesofRome，libertyreignssupreme，andwhentwelveo’clockisannouncedbythethirdreportofthecannonofSt。AngelotheCorsobeginstoclear，andinfiveminutesyouwouldlookinvainforacarriageoramasker。Thecrowddispersesamongsttheneighbouringstreets，andfillstheoperahouses，thetheatres，therope—dancers’exhibitions，andeventhepuppet—shows。Therestaurantsandtavernsarenotleftdesolate；everywhereyouwillfindcrowdsofpeople，forduringthecarnivaltheRomansonlythinkofeating，drinking，andenjoyingthemselves。
IbankedmymoneywithM。BelloniandgotaletterofcreditonTurin，whereIexpectedtofindtheAbbeGamaandtoreceiveacommissiontorepresentthePortugueseCourtattheCongressofAugsburg，towhichallEuropewaslookingforward，andthenIwenttoinspectmylittleroom，whereIhopedtomeetMariucciathenextday。Ifoundeverythingingoodorder。
IntheeveningMomoloandhisfamilyreceivedmewithjoyfulexclamations。TheeldestdaughtersaidwithasmilethatshewassureshewouldpleasemebysendingforMariuccia。
\"Youareright，\"saidI，\"IshallbedelightedtoseethefairMariuccia。\"
Afewminutesaftersheenteredwithherpuritanicalmother，whotoldmeImustnotbesurprisedtoseeherdaughterbetterdressed，asshewasgoingtobemarriedinafewdays。I
congratulatedher，andMomolo’sdaughtersaskedwhowasthehappyman。Mariucciablushedandsaidmodestly，tooneofthem，——
\"Itissomebodywhomyouknow，Soandso，hesawmehere，andwearegoingtoopenahair—dresser’sshop。\"
\"ThemarriagewasarrangedbygoodFatherSt。Barnabe，\"addedthemother。\"Hehasinhiskeepingmydaughter’sdoweroffourhundredRomancrowns。\"
\"He’sagoodlad，\"saidMomolo。\"Ihaveahighopinionofhim；hewouldhavemarriedoneofmydaughtersifIcouldhavegivenhimsuchadowry。\"
Atthesewordsthegirlinquestionblushedandloweredhereyes。
\"Nevermind，mydear，\"saidI，\"yourturnwillcomeintime。\"
Shetookmywordsasseriouslymeant，andherfacelitupwithjoy。ShethoughtIhadguessedherloveforCosta，andherideawasconfirmedwhenItoldhimtogetmylandauthenextdayandtakeoutallMomolo’sdaughters，wellmasked，asitwouldnotdoforthemtoberecognizedinacarriageImeanttomakeuseofmyself。IalsobadehimhiresomehandsomecostumesfromaJew，andpaidthehire—moneymyself。Thisputthemallinagoodhumour。
\"HowaboutSignoraMaria？\"saidthejealoussister。
\"AsSignoraMariaisgoingtobemarried，\"Ireplied，\"shemustnotbepresentatanyfestivitywithoutherfuturehusband。\"
Themotherapplaudedthisdecisionofmine，andslyMariucciapretendedtofeelmortified。IturnedtoMomoloandbeggedhimtoaskMariuccia’sfuturehusbandtomeetmeatsupper，bywhichI
pleasedhermothergreatly。
Ifeltverytired，andhavingnothingtokeepmeafterseeingMariuccia，Ibeggedthecompanytoexcuseme，andafterwishingthemagoodappetiteIleftthem。
Iwalkedoutnextmorningatanearlyhour。Ihadnoneedofgoingintothechurch，whichIreachedatseveno’clock，forMariucciasawmeatsomedistanceoffandfollowedme，andweweresoonalonetogetherinthelittleroom，whichloveandvoluptuouspleasurehadtransmutedintoasumptuousplace。Wewouldgladlyhavetalkedtoeachother，butaswehadonlyanhourbeforeus，wesettowithouteventakingoffourclothes。Afterthelastkisswhichendedthethirdassault，shetoldmethatshewastobemarriedontheeveofShroveTuesday，andthatallhadbeenarrangedbyherconfessor。ShealsothankedmeforhavingaskedMomolotoinviteherintended。
\"Whenshallweseeeachotheragain，myangel？\"
\"OnSunday，theeveofmywedding，weshallbeabletospendfourhourstogether。\"
\"Delightful！Ipromiseyouthatwhenyouleavemeyouwillbeinsuchastatethatthecaressesofyourhusbandwon’thurtyou。\"
Shesmiledanddeparted，andIthrewmyselfonthebedwhereI
restedforagoodhour。
AsIwasgoinghomeImetacarriageandfourgoingatagreatspeed。Afootmanrodeinfrontofthecarriage，andwithinitI
sawayoungnobleman。Myattentionwasarrestedbytheblueribbononhisbreast。Igazedathim，andhecalledoutmynameandhadthecarriagestopped。IwasextremelysurprisedwhenI
founditwasLordO’Callaghan，whomIhadknownatParisathismother’s，theCountessofLismore，whowasseparatedfromherhusband，andwasthekeptmistressofM。deSt。Aubin，theunworthysuccessorofthegoodandvirtuousFeneloninthearchbishopricofCambrai。However，thearchbishopowedhispromotiontothefactthathewasabastardoftheDucd’Orleans，theFrenchRegent。
LordO’Callaghanwasafine—lookingyoungman，withwitandtalent，buttheslaveofhisunbridledpassionsandofeveryspeciesofvice。Iknewthatifhewerelordinnamehewasnotsoinfortune，andIwasastonishedtoseehimdrivingsuchahandsomecarriage，andstillmoresoathisblueribbon。InafewwordshetoldmethathewasgoingtodinewiththePretender，butthathewouldsupathome。Heinvitedmetocometosupper，andI
accepted。
AfterdinnerItookashortwalk，andthenwenttoenlivenmyselfatthetheatre，whereIsawMomolo’sgirlsstruttingaboutwithCosta；afterwardsIwenttoLordO’Callaghan，andwaspleasantlysurprisedtomeetthepoetPoinsinet。Hewasyoung，short，ugly，fullofpoeticfire，awit，anddramatist。FiveorsixyearslaterthepoorfellowfellintotheGuadalquivirandwasdrowned。
HehadgonetoMadridinthehopeofmakinghisfortune。AsIhadknownhimatParisIaddressedhimasanoldacquaintance。
\"WhatareyoudoingatRome？Where’smyLordO’Callaghan？\"
\"He’sinthenextroom，butashisfatherisdeadhistitleisnowEarlofLismore。YouknowhewasanadherentofthePretender’s。
IleftPariswithhim，wellenoughpleasedatbeingabletocometoRomewithoutitscostingmeanything。\"
\"Thentheearlisarichmannow？\"
\"Notexactly；buthewillbe，asheishisfather’sheir，andtheoldearlleftanimmensefortune。Itistruethatitisallconfiscated，butthatisnothing，ashisclaimsareirresistible。\"
\"Inshort，heisrichinclaimsandrichinthefuture；buthowdidhegethimselfmadeaknightofoneoftheFrenchking’sorders？\"
\"You’rejoking。ThatistheblueribbonoftheOrderofSt。
Michael，ofwhichthelateElectorofColognewasgrandmaster。
Asyouknow，mylordplaysexquisitelyontheviolin，andwhenhewasatBonnheplayedtheElectoraconcertobyTartini。Theprincecouldnotfindwordsinwhichtoexpressthepleasureofmylord’sperformance，andgavehimtheribbonyouhaveseen。\"
\"Afinepresent，doubtless。\"
\"Youdon’tknowwhatpleasureitgavemylord，forwhenwegobacktoPariseverybodywilltakeitfortheOrderoftheHolyGhost。\"
Wepassedintoalargeroom，wherewefoundtheearlwiththepartyhehadaskedtosupper。Assoonashesawmeheembracedme，calledmehisdearfriend，andnamedhisguests。Thereweresevenoreightgirls，allofthempretty，threeorfourcastratiwhoplayedwomen’spartsintheRomantheatre，andfiveorsixabbes，thehusbandofeverywifeandthewivesofeveryhusband，whoboastedoftheirwickedness，andchallengedthegirlstobemoreshamelessthanthey。Thegirlswerenotcommoncourtezans，butpastmistressesofmusic，painting，andviceconsideredasafineart。ThekindofsocietymaybeimaginedwhenIsaythatI
foundmyselfaperfectnoviceamongstthem。
\"Whereareyougoing，prince？\"saidtheearltoarespectable—
lookingmanwhowasmakingforthedoor。
\"Idon’tfeelwell，mylord。IthinkImustgoout。\"
\"Whatprinceisthat？\"saidI。
\"ThePrincedeChimai。Heisasub—deacon，andisendeavouringtogainpermissiontomarry，lesthisfamilyshouldbecomeextinct。\"
\"Iadmirehisprudenceorhisdelicacy，butIamafraidIshouldnotimitatehim。\"
Thereweretwenty—fourofusattable，anditisnoexaggerationtosaythatweemptiedahundredbottlesofthechoicestwines。
Everybodywasdrunk，withtheexceptionofmyselfandthepoetPoinsinet，whohadtakennothingbutwater。Thecompanyrosefromtable，andthenbeganafoulorgywhichIshouldneverhaveconceivedpossible，andwhichnopencoulddescribe，thoughpossiblyaseasonedprofligatemightgetsomeideaofit。
Acastratoandagirlofalmostequalheightproposedtostripinanadjoiningroom，andtolieontheirbacks，inthesamebedwiththeirfacescovered。Theychallengedusalltoguesswhichwaswhich。
Weallwentinandnobodycouldpronouncefromsightwhichwasmaleandwhichwasfemale，soIbettheearlfiftycrownsthatI
wouldpointoutthewoman。
Heacceptedthewager，andIguessedcorrectly，butpaymentwasoutofthequestion。
Thisfirstactoftheorgyendedwiththeprostitutionofthetwoindividuals，whodefiedeverybodytoaccomplishthegreatact。
All，withtheexceptionofPoinsinetandmyself，madetheattempt，buttheireffortswereinvain。
Thesecondactdisplayedfourorfivecouplesreversed，andheretheabbesshone，bothintheactiveandpassivepartsofthislasciviousspectacle。Iwastheonlypersonrespected。
Allatonce，theearl，whohadhithertoremainedperfectlymotionless，attackedthewretchedPoinsinet，whoinvainattemptedtodefendhimself。Hehadtostriplikemylord，whowasasnakedastheothers。Westoodroundinacircle。Suddenlytheearl，takinghiswatch，promisedittothefirstwhosucceededingivingthemasuremarkofsensibility。Thedesireofgainingtheprizeexcitedtheimpurecrowdimmensely，andthecastrati，thegirls，andtheabbesalldidtheirutmost，eachonestrivingtobethefirst。Theyhadtodrawlots。Thispartinterestedmemost，forthroughoutthisalmostincrediblesceneofdebaucheryIdidnotexperiencetheslightestsensation，althoughunderothercircumstancesanyofthegirlswouldhaveclaimedmyhomage，butallIdidwastolaugh，especiallytoseethepoorpoetinterrorofexperiencingthelustoftheflesh，fortheprofligatenoblemansworethatifhemadehimlosehewoulddeliverhimuptothebrutallustofalltheabbes。Heescaped，probablythroughfearoftheconsequences。
Theorgycametoanendwhennobodyhadanyfurtherhopesofgettingthewatch。ThesecretoftheLesbianswasonlyemployed，however，bytheabbesandthecastrata。Thegirls，wishingtobeabletodespisethosewhomadeuseofit，refrainedfromdoingso。
Isuspecttheywereactuatedbyprideratherthanshame，astheymightpossiblyhaveemployeditwithoutsuccess。
Thisviledebauchdisgustedme，andyetgavemeabetterknowledgeofmyself。Icouldnothelpconfessingthatmylifehadbeenendangered，fortheonlyarmIhadwasmysword，butIshouldcertainlyhaveuseditiftheearlhadtriedtotreatmeliketheothers，andashehadtreatedpoorPoinsinet。Ineverunderstoodhowitwasthatherespectedme，forhewasquitedrunk，andinakindofBacchicfury。
AsIleft，Ipromisedtocomeandseehimasoftenashepleased，butIpromisedmyselfnevertosetfootinhishouseagain。
Nextday，hecametoseemeintheafternoon，andaskedmetowalkwithhimtotheVillaMedici。
Icomplimentedhimontheimmensewealthhehadinheritedtoenablehimtolivesosplendidly，buthelaughedandtoldmethathedidnotpossessfiftypiastres，thathisfatherhadleftnothingbutdebts，andthathehimselfalreadyowedthreeorfourthousandcrowns。
\"Iwonderpeoplegiveyoucredit，then。\"
\"TheygivemecreditbecauseeverybodyknowsthatIhavedrawnabillofexchangeonParistothetuneoftwohundredthousandfrancs。Butinfourorfivedaysthebillwillbereturnedprotested，andIamonlywaitingforthattohappentomakemyescape。\"
\"Ifyouarecertainofitsbeingprotested，Iadviseyoutomakeyourescapeto—day；forasitissolargeasumitmaybetakenupbeforeitisdue。\"
\"No，Iwon’tdothat；Ihaveonehopeleft。IhavewrittentotellmymotherthatIshallbeundoneifshedoesnotfurnishthebanker，onwhomIhavedrawnthebill，withsufficientfundsandifshedoesthat，thebillwillbeaccepted。Youknowmymotherisveryfondofme。\"
\"Yes，butIalsoknowthatsheisfarfromrich。\"
\"True，butM。deSt。Aubinisrichenough，andbetweenyouandmeIthinkheismyfather。Meanwhile，mycreditorsarealmostasquietasIam。AllthosegirlsyousawyesterdaywouldgivemealltheyhaveifIaskedthem，astheyareallexpectingmetomakethemahandsomepresentinthecourseoftheweek，butI
won’tabusetheirtrustinme。ButIamafraidIshallbeobligedtocheattheJew，whowantsmetogivehimthreethousandsequinsforthisring，asIknowitisonlyworthonethousand。\"
\"Hewillsendthepoliceafteryou。\"
\"Idefyhimtodowhateverhelikes。\"
Theringwassetwithastraw—coloureddiamondofnineortencarats。Hebeggedmetokeephissecretasweparted。Ididnotfeelanysentimentsofpityforthisextravagantmadman，asIonlysawinhimamanunfortunatebyhisownfault，whosefatewouldprobablymakehimendhisdaysinaprisonunlesshehadthecouragetoblowhisbrainsout。
IwenttoMomolo’sintheevening，andfoundtheintendedhusbandofmyfairMariucciathere，butnottheladyherself。Iheardshehadsentwordtothe’scopatoresantissimo’that，asherfatherhadcomefromPalestrinatobepresentatherwedding，shecouldnotcometosupper。Iadmiredhersubtlety。Ayounggirlhasnoneedofbeinginstructedindiplomacy，natureandherownheartareherteachers，andsheneverblunders。AtsupperIstudiedtheyoungman，andfoundhimeminentlysuitableforMariuccia；hewashandsome，modest，andintelligent，andwhateverhesaidwasspokenfranklyandtothepoint。
HetoldmebeforeMomolo’sdaughter，Tecla，thathewouldhavemarriedherifshehadpossessedmeanstoenablehimtoopenhisshop，andthathehadreasontothankGodforhavingmetMaria，whoseconfessorhadbeensuchatruespiritualfathertoher。I
askedhimwheretheweddingfestivitiesweretotakeplace，andhetoldmetheyweretobeathisfather’shouse，ontheothersideoftheTiber。Ashisfather，whokeptagarden，waspoor，hehadfurnishedhimwithtencrownstodefraytheexpenses。
Iwantedtogivehimthetencrowns，buthowwasItodoit？Itwouldhavebetrayedme。
\"Isyourfather’sgardenaprettyone？\"Iasked。
\"Notexactlypretty，butverywellkept。Asheownstheland，hehasseparatedaplotwhichhewantstosell；itwouldbringintwentycrownsayear，andIshouldbeashappyasacardinalifI
couldbuyit。\"
\"Howmuchwillitcost？\"
\"It’saheavyprice；twohundredcrowns。\"
\"Why，that’scheap！Listentome。Ihavemetyourfuturebrideatthishouse，andIhavefoundherallworthyofhappiness。Shedeservesanhonestyoungfellowlikeyouforahusband。NowwhatwouldyoudosupposingIweretomakeyouapresentoftwohundredcrownstobuythegarden？\"
\"Ishouldputittomywife’sdowry。\"
\"Thenherearethetwohundredcrowns。IshallgivethemtoMomolo，asIdon’tknowyouwellenough，thoughIthinkyouareperfectlytobetrusted。Thegardenisyours，aspartofyourwife’sdowry。\"
Momolotookthemoney，andpromisedtobuythegardenthefollowingday，andtheyoungmansheddingtearsofjoyandgratitudefellonhiskneesandkissedmyhand。Allthegirlswept，asImyselfdid，forthere’sacontagioninsuchhappytears。Nevertheless，theydidnotallproceedfromthesamesource；somewerevirtuousandsomevicious，andtheyoungman’sweretheonlyoneswhosesourcewaspureandunalloyed。Iliftedhimfromtheground，kissedhim，andwishedhimahappymarriage。
Hemadeboldtoaskmetohiswedding，butIrefused，thankinghimkindly。Itoldhimthatifhewantedtopleaseme，hemustcomeandsupatMomolo’sontheeveofhiswedding，andIbeggedthegoodscopatoretoaskMariuccia，herfatherandmotheraswell。I
wassureofseeingherforthelasttimeontheSundaymorning。
Atseveno’clockontheSundaymorningwewereineachother’sarms，withfourhoursbeforeus。Afterthefirstburstofmutualardourshetoldmethatallarrangementshadbeenmadeinherhousetheeveningbefore，inthepresenceofherconfessorandofMomolo；andthatonthereceiptforthetwohundredcrownsbeinghandedinthenotaryhadputthegardenintothesettlement，andthatthegoodfatherhadmadeherapresentoftwentypiastrestowardsdefrayingthenotary’sfeesandtheweddingexpenses。
\"Everythingisforthebest，andIamsureIshallbehappy。Myintendedadoresyou，butyoudidwiselynottoaccepthisinvitation，foryouwouldhavefoundeverythingsopoor，andbesidestonguesmighthavebeensetwaggingtomydisadvantage。\"
\"Youarequiteright，dearest，butwhatdoyouintendtodoifyourhusbandfindsthatthedoorhasbeenopenedbysomeoneelse，forpossiblyheexpectsyoutobeamaid。\"
\"IexpecthewillknownomoreaboutitthanIdidthefirsttimeyouknewme；besides，Idonotfeelthatyouhavedefiledme，andmycleanconsciencewillnotallowmetothinkofthematter；andIamsurethathewillnotthinkofitanymorethanI。\"
\"Yes，butifhedoes？\"
\"Itwouldnotbedelicateonhispart，butwhatshouldpreventmefromreplyingthatIdon’tknowwhathemeans？\"
\"Youareright；that’sthebestway。Buthaveyoutoldyourconfessorofourmutualenjoyment？\"
\"No，forasIdidnotgivemyselfuptoyouwithanycriminalintention，IdonotthinkIhaveoffendedGod。\"
\"Youareanangel，andIadmiretheclearnessofyourreasoning。
Butlistentome；it’spossiblethatyouarealreadywithchild，orthatyoumaybecomesothismorning；promisetonamethechildafterme。\"
\"Iwilldoso。\"
Thefourhoursspedrapidlyaway。Afterthesixthassaultwewereweariedthoughnotsatiated。Wepartedwithtears，andsworetoloveeachotherasbrotherandsistereverafter。
Iwenthome，bathed，sleptanhour，rose，dressed，anddinedpleasantlywiththefamily。IntheeveningItooktheMengsfamilyforadriveinmylandau，andwethenwenttothetheatre，wherethecastratowhoplayedtheprimadonnawasagreatattraction。HewasthefavouritepathicofCardinalBorghese，andsuppedeveryeveningwithhiseminence。
Thiscastratohadafinevoice，buthischiefattractionwashisbeauty。Ihadseenhiminman’sclothesinthestreet，butthoughafine—lookingfellow，hehadnotmadeanyimpressiononme，foronecouldseeatoncethathewasonlyhalfaman，butonthestageinwoman’sdresstheillusionwascomplete；hewasravishing。
Hewasenclosedinacarefully—madecorsetandlookedlikeanymph；andincrediblethoughitmayseem，hisbreastwasasbeautifulasanywoman’s；itwasthemonster’schiefestcharm。
Howeverwelloneknewthefellow’sneutralsex，assoonasonelookedathisbreastonefeltallaglowandquitemadlyamorousofhim。TofeelnothingonewouldhavetobeascoldandimpassiveasaGerman。Ashewalkedtheboards，waitingfortherefrainoftheairhewassinging，therewassomethinggrandlyvoluptuousabouthim；andasheglancedtowardstheboxes，hisblackeyes，atoncetenderandmodest，ravishedtheheart。Heevidentlywishedtofantheflameofthosewholovedhimasaman，andprobablywouldnothavecaredforhimifhehadbeenawoman。