CHAPTERIV
MyAmoursWithDonnaIgnazia——MyImprisonmentAtBuenRetiro——MyTriumph——IAmCommendedtotheVenetianAmbassadorbyOneoftheStateInquisitorsWeenteredtheball—roomandwalkedroundseveraltimes。DonnaIgnaziawasinsuchastateofecstasythatIfelthertrembling，andauguredwellformyamorousprojects。Thoughliberty，nay，license，seemedtoreignsupreme，therewasaguardofsoldiersreadytoarrestthefirstpersonwhocreatedanydisturbance。Wedancedseveralminuetsandsquaredances，andatteno’clockwewentintothesupper—room，ourconversationbeingverylimitedallthewhile，shenotspeakingforfearofencouragingmetoomuch，andIonaccountofmypoorknowledgeoftheSpanishlanguage。Ileftheraloneforamomentaftersupper，andwenttothebox，whereIexpectedtofindMadamePichona，butitwasoccupiedbymaskers，whowereunknowntome，soIrejoinedmypartner，andwewentondancingtheminuetsandquadrillestillthefandangowasannounced。I
tookmyplacewithmypartner，whodanceditadmirably，andseemedastonishedtofindherselfsowellsupportedbyaforeigner。Thisdancehadexcitedbothofus，so，aftertakinghertothebuffetandgivingherthebestwinesandliqueursprocurable，Iaskedherifshewerecontentwithme。IaddedthatIwassodeeplyinlovewithherthatunlessshefoundsomemeansofmakingmehappyIshouldundoubtedlydieoflove。I
assuredherthatIwasreadytofaceallhazards。
\"Bymakingyouhappy，\"shereplied，\"Ishallmakemyselfhappy，too。I
willwritetoyouto—morrow，andyouwillfindthelettersewnintothehoodofmydomino。\"
\"Youwillfindmereadytodoanything，fairIgnazia，ifyouwillgivemehope。\"
Atlasttheballwasover，andwewentoutandgotintothecarriage。
Themotherwokeup，andthecoachmandroveoff，andI，takingthegirl’shands，wouldhavekissedthem。However，sheseemedtosuspectthatIhadotherintentions，andheldmyhandsclaspedsotightlythatIbelieveI
shouldhavefounditahardtasktopullthemaway。InthispositionDonnaIgnaziaproceededtotellhermotherallabouttheball，andthedelightithadgivenher。Shedidnotletgomyhandstillwegottothecorneroftheirstreet，whenthemothercalledouttothecoachmantostop，notwishingtogiveherneighboursoccasionforslanderbystoppinginfrontoftheirownhouse。
ThenextdayIsentforthedomino，andinitIfoundaletterfromDonnaIgnazia，inwhichshetoldmethataDonFranciscodeRamoswouldcallonme，thathewasherlover，andthathewouldinformmehowtorenderherandmyselfhappy。
DonFranciscowastednotime，forthenextmorningateighto’clockmypagesentinhisname。HetoldmethatDonnaIgnazia，withwhomhespokeeverynight，shebeingatherwindowandheinthestreet，hadinformedhimthatsheandIhadbeenattheballtogether。ShehadalsotoldhimthatshefeltsureIhadconceivedafatherlyaffectionforher，andshehadconsequentlyprevaileduponhimtocallonme，beingcertainthatI
wouldtreathimasmyownson。Shehadencouragedhimtoaskmetolendhimahundreddoubloonswhichwouldenablethemtogetmarriedbeforetheendofthecarnival。
\"IamemployedattheMint，\"headded，\"butmypresentsalaryisaverysmallone。IhopeIshallgetanincreasebeforelong，andthenIshallbeinapositiontomakeIgnaziahappy。AllmyrelationsliveatToledo，andIhavenofriendsatMadrid，sowhenwesetupouronlyfriendswillbethefatherandmotherofmywifeandyourself，forIamsureyouloveherlikeadaughter。\"
\"Youhaveprobedmyhearttoitscore，\"Ireplied，\"butjustnowIamawaitingremittances，andhaveverylittlemoneyaboutme。Youmaycountonmydiscretion，andIshallbedelightedtoseeyouwheneveryoucaretocallonme。\"
Thegallantmademeabow，andtookhisdepartureinnogoodhumour。DonFranciscowasayoungmanoftwenty—two，uglyandill—made。Iresolvedtoniptheintrigueinthebud，formyinclinationforDonnaIgnaziawasofthelightestdescription；andIwenttocallonMadamePichona，whohadgivenmesuchapoliteinvitationtocomeandseeher。Ihadmadeenquiriesabouther，andhadfoundoutthatshewasanactressandhadbeenmaderichbytheDukeofMedina—Celi。Thedukehadpaidheravisitinverycoldweather，andfindingherwithoutafire，asshewastoopoortobuycoals，hadsentherthenextdayasilverstove，whichhehadfilledwithahundredthousandpezzosdurosingold，amountingtothreehundredthousandfrancsinFrenchmoney。SincethenMadamePichonalivedathereaseandreceivedgoodcompany。
ShegavemeawarmreceptionwhenIcalledonher，butherlooksweresad。IbeganbysayingthatasIhadnotfoundherinherboxonthelastballnightIhadventuredtocometoenquireafterherhealth。
\"Ididnotgo，\"saidshe，\"foronthatdaydiedmyonlyfriendtheDukeofMedina—Celi。Hewasillforthreedays。\"
\"Isympathisewithyou。Wasthedukeanoldman？\"
\"Hardlysixty。Youhaveseenhim；hedidnotlookhisage。\"
\"WherehaveIseenhim？\"
\"Didhenotbringyoutomybox？\"
\"Youdon’tsayso！HedidnottellmehisnameandIneversawhimbefore。\"
Iwasgrievedtohearofhisdeath；itwasinallprobabilityamisfortuneformeaswellasMadamePichona。Alltheduke’sestatepassedtoasonofmiserlydisposition，whoinhisturnhadasonwhowasbeginningtoevincetheutmostextravagance。
IwastoldthatthefamilyofMedina—Celienjoysthirtytitlesofnobility。
Onedayayoungmancalledonmetoofferme，asaforeigner，hisservicesinacountrywhichheknewthoroughly。
\"IamCountMarazzinidePlaisance，\"hebegan，\"IamnotrichandIhavecometoMadridtotryandmakemyfortune。IhopetoenterthebodyguardofhisCatholicmajesty。IhavebeenindulgingintheamusementsofthetowneversinceIcame。Isawyouattheballwithanunknownbeauty。I
don’taskyoutotellmehername，butifyouarefondofnoveltyIcanintroduceyoutoallthehandsomestgirlsinMadrid。\"
IfmyexperiencehadtaughtmesuchwholesomelessonsasImighthaveexpected，Ishouldhaveshowntheimpudentrascalthedoor。Alas！
Ibegantobewearyofmyexperienceandthefruitsofit；Ibegantofeelthehorrorsofagreatvoid；Ihadneedofsomeslightpassiontowileawaythedrearyhours。IthereforemadethisMercurywelcome，andtoldhimIshouldbeobligedbyhispresentingmetosomebeauties，neithertooeasynortoodifficulttoaccess。
\"Comewithmetotheball，\"herejoined，\"andIwillshewyousomewomenworthyofyourattention。\"
Theballwastotakeplacethesameevening，andIagreed；heaskedmetogivehimsomedinner，andIagreedtothatalso。Afterdinnerhetoldmehehadnomoney，andIwasfoolishenoughtogivehimadoubloon。Thefellow，whowasugly，blindofoneeye，andfullofimpudence，shewedmeascoreofprettywomen，whosehistorieshetoldme，andseeingmetobeinterestedinoneofthemhepromisedtobringhertoaprocuress。Hekepthisword，buthecostmedear；forthegirlonlyservedforanevening’samusement。
TowardstheendofthecarnivalthenobleDonDiego，thefatherofDonnaIgnazia，broughtmemyboots，andthethanksofhiswifeandhimselfforthepleasureIhadgivenherattheball。
\"Sheisasgoodassheisbeautiful，\"saidI，\"shedeservestoprosper，andifIhavenotcalledonheritisonlythatIamanxioustodonothingwhichcouldinjureherreputation。\"
\"Herreputation，SenorCaballero，isaboveallreproach，andIshallbedelightedtoseeyouwheneveryouhonourmewithacall。\"
\"Thecarnivaldrawsneartoitsend，\"Ireplied，\"andifDonnaIgnaziawouldliketogotoanotherballIshallbehappytotakeheragain。\"
\"Youmustcomeandaskheryourself。\"
\"Iwillnotfailtodoso。\"
Iwasanxioustoseehowthepiousgirl，whohadtriedtomakemepayahundreddoubloonsforthechanceofhavingherafterhermarriage，wouldgreetme，soIcalledthesameday。Ifoundherwithhermother，rosaryinhand，whilehernoblefatherwasbotchingoldboots。Ilaughedinwardlyatbeingobligedtogivethetitleofdontoacobblerwhowouldnotmakebootsbecausehewasanhidalgo。Hidalgo，meaningnoble，isderivedfrom’higodealbo’，sonofsomebody，andthepeople，whomthenoblescall’higosdenade’，sonsofnobody，oftenrevengethemselvesbycallingthenobleshideputas，thatistosay，sonsofharlots。
DonnaIgnaziarosepolitelyfromthefloor，whereshewassittingcross—
legged，aftertheMoorishfashion。IhaveseenexaltedladiesinthispositionatMadrid，anditisverycommonintheantechambersoftheCourtandthepalaceofthePrincessoftheAsturias。TheSpanishwomensitinchurchinthesameway，andtherapiditywithwhichtheycanchangethisposturetoakneelingorastandingoneissomethingamazing。
DonnaIgnaziathankedmeforhonouringherwithavisit，addingthatshewouldneverhavegonetotheballifithadnotbeenforme，andthatsheneverhopedtogotoitagain，asIhaddoubtlessfoundsomeoneelsemoreworthyofmyattentions。
\"Ihavenotfoundanyoneworthytobepreferredbeforeyou，\"Ireplied，\"andifyouwouldliketogototheballagainIshouldbemosthappytotakeyou。\"
ThefatherandmotherweredelightedwiththepleasureIwasabouttogivetotheirbeloveddaughter。Astheballwastotakeplacethesameevening，Igavethemotheradoubloontogetamaskanddomino。Shewentonhererrand，and，asDonDiegoalsowentoutonsomebusiness，Ifoundmyselfalonewiththegirl。ItooktheopportunityoftellingherthatifshewilledIwouldbehers，asIadoredher，butthatIcouldnotsighforlong。
\"Whatcanyouask，andwhatcanIoffer，sinceImustkeepmyselfpureformyhusband？\"
\"Youshouldabandonyourselftomewithoutreserve，andyoumaybesurethatIshouldrespectyourinnocence。\"
Ithenproceededtodeliveragentleattack，whichsherepulsed，withaseriousface。Istoppeddirectly，tellingherthatshewouldfindmepoliteandrespectful，butnotintheleastaffectionate，fortherestoftheevening。
Herfacehadblushedavividscarlet，andsherepliedthathersenseofdutyobligedhertorepulsemeinspiteofherself。
Ilikedthismetaphysicallineofargument。IsawthatIhadonlytodestroytheideaofdutyinherandalltherestwouldfollow。WhatI
hadtodowastoenterintoanargument，andtobearawaytheprizedirectlyIsawheratalossforananswer。
\"Ifyourduty，\"Ibegan，\"forcesyoutorepulsemeinspiteofyourself，yourdutyisaburdenonyou。Ifitisaburdenonyou，itisyourenemy，andifitisyourenemywhydoyousufferitthuslightlytogainthevictory？Ifyouwereyourownfriend，youwouldatonceexpelthisinsolentenemyfromyourcoasts。\"
\"Thatmaynotbe。\"
\"Yes，itmay。Onlyshutyoureyes。\"
\"Likethat？\"
\"Yes。\"
Iimmediatelylaidhandsonatenderplace；sherepulsedme，butmoregentlyandnotsoseriouslyasbefore。
\"Youmay，ofcourse，seduceme，\"shesaid，\"butifyoureallylovemeyouwillsparemetheshame。\"
\"DearestIgnazia，thereisnoshameinagirlgivingherselfuptothemansheloves。Lovejustifiesallthings。IfyoudonotlovemeIasknothingofyou。\"
\"ButhowshallIconvinceyouthatIamactuatedbyloveandnotbycomplaisance？\"
\"LeavemetodowhatIlike，andmyself—esteemwillhelpmetobelieveyou。\"
\"ButasIcannotbecertainthatyouwillbelieveme，mydutyplainlypointstoarefusal。\"
\"Verygood，butyouwillmakemesadandcold。\"
\"ThenIshallbesad，too。\"
AttheseencouragingwordsIembracedher，andobtainedsomesolidfavourswithonehardyhand。Shemadenoopposition，andIwaswellpleasedwithwhatIhadgot；andforafirstattemptIcouldnotwellexpectmore。
Atthisjuncturethemothercameinwiththedominosandgloves。I
refusedtoacceptthechange，andwentawaytoreturninmycarriage，asbefore。
Thusthefirststephadbeentaken，andDonnaIgnaziafeltitwouldberidiculousnottojoininwithmyconversationattheballwhichalltendedtoprocuringthepleasureofspendingournightstogether。Shefoundmeaffectionatealltheevening，andatsupperIdidmybesttogethereverythingsheliked。Imadeherseethatthepartshehadatlasttakenwasworthyofpraise，andnotblame。Ifilledherpocketswithsweets，andputintomyownpocketstwobottlesofratafia，whichI
handedovertothemother，whowasasleepinthecarriage。DonnaIgnaziagratefullyrefusedthequadrupleIwishedtogiveher，sayingthatifitwereinmypowertomakesuchpresents，Imightgivethemoneytoherloverwheneverhecalledonme。
\"Certainly，\"Ianswered，\"butwhatshallIsaytopreventhistakingoffence？\"
\"Tellhimthatitisonaccountofwhatheaskedyou。Heispoor，andI
amsureheisindespairatnotseeingmeinthewindowto—night。I
shalltellhimIonlywenttotheballwithyoutopleasemyfather。\"
DonnaIgnazia，amixtureofvoluptuousnessandpiety，likemostSpanishwomen，dancedthefandangowithsomuchfirethatnowordscouldhaveexpressedsowelltheJoysthatwereinstoreforme。Whatadanceitis！Herbosomwasheavingandherbloodallaflame，andyetIwastoldthatforthegreaterpartofthecompanythedancewaswhollyinnocent，anddevoidofanyintention。Ipretendedtobelieveit，butIcertainlydidnot。IgnaziabeggedmetocometomassattheChurchoftheSoledadthenextdayateighto’clock。IhadnotyettoldherthatitwasthereIhadseenherfirst。Shealsoaskedmetocomeandseeherintheevening，andsaidshewouldsendmealetterifwewerenotleftalonetogether。
Islepttillnoon，andwasawokebyMarazzini，whocametoaskmetogivehimsomedinner。Hetoldmehehadseenmewithmyfaircompanionthenightbefore，andthathehadvainlyendeavouredtofindoutwhoshewas。
Iborewiththissingularlymisplacedcuriosity，butwhenitcametohissayingthathewouldhavefollowedusifhehadhadanymoney，Ispoketohiminamannerthatmadehimturnpale。Hebeggedpardon，andpromisedtobridlehiscuriosityforthefuture。HeproposedapartyofpleasurewiththefamouscourtezanSpiletta，whosefavoursweredear，butI
declined，formymindwastakenupwiththefairIgnazia，whomI
consideredaworthysuccessortoCharlotte。
Iwenttothechurch，andshesawmewhenshecamein，followedbythesamecompanionasbefore。
Shekneltdownattwoorthreepacesfromme，butdidnotoncelookinmydirection。Herfriend，ontheotherhand，inspectedmeclosely；sheseemedaboutthesameageasIgnazia，butshewasugly。IalsonoticedDonFrancisco，andasIwasgoingoutofthechurchmyrivalfollowedme，andcongratulatedmesomewhatbitterlyonmygoodfortuneinhavingtakenhismistressasecondtimetotheball。Heconfessedthathehadbeenonourtrackthewholeevening，andthatheshouldhavegoneawaywellenoughpleasedifithadnotbeenforthewayinwhichwedancethefandango。Ifeltthiswasanoccasionforalittlegentlemanagement，andIansweredgood—humouredlythatthelovehethoughthenoticedwaswhollyimaginary，andthathewaswrongtoentertainanysuspicionsastosovirtuousagirlasDonnaIgnazia。AtthesametimeIplacedanounceinhishand，begginghimtotakeitonaccount。Hedidsowithanastonishedstare，and，callingmehisfatherandguardianangel，sworeaneternalgratitude。
IntheeveningIcalledonDonDiego，whereIwasregaledwiththeexcellentratafiaIhadgiventhemother，andthewholefamilybegantospeakoftheobligationsSpainowedtotheCountofAranda。
\"Noexerciseismorehealthfulthandancing，\"saidAntonia，themother，\"andbeforehistimeballswerestrictlyforbidden。Inspiteofthatheishatedforhavingexpelled’lospadresdelacompagniadeJesus’，andforhissumptuaryregulations。Butthepoorblesshisname，forallthemoneyproducedbytheballsgoestothem。\"
\"Andthus，\"saidthefather，\"togototheballistodoapiouswork。\"
\"Ihavetwocousins，\"saidIgnazia，\"whoareperfectangelsofgoodness。
Itoldthemthatyouhadtakenmetotheball；buttheyaresopoorthattheyhavenohopeofgoing。Ifyoulikeyoucanmakethemquitehappybytakingthemonthelastdayofthecarnival。Theballclosesatmidnight，soasnottoprofaneAshWednesday。\"
\"Ishallbehappytoobligeyou，allthemoreasyourladymotherwillnotbeobligedtowaitforusinthecarriage。\"
\"Youareverykind；butIshallhavetointroduceyoutomyaunt；sheissoparticular。Whensheknowsyou，Iamsureshewillconsent，foryouhavealltheairofdiscretion。Goandseeherto—day；shelivesinthenextstreet，andoverherdooryouwillseeanoticethatlaceiswashedwithin。Tellherthatmymothergaveyoutheaddress。To—morrowmorning，aftermass，Iwillseetoeverythingelse，andyoumustcomehereatnoontoagreeastoourmeetingonthelastdayofthecarnival。\"
Ididallthis，andthenextdayIheardthatitwassettled。
\"Iwillhavethedominosreadyatmyhouse，\"Isaid，\"andyoumustcomeinatthebackdoor。Wewilldineinmyroom，mask，andgototheball。
Theeldestofyourcousinsmustbedisguisedasaman。\"
\"Iwon’ttellheranythingaboutthat，forfearshemightthinkitasin，butonceinyourhouseyouwillhavenodifficultyinmanagingher。\"
Theyoungerofthetwocousinswasugly，butlookedlikeawoman，whereastheelderlookedlikeanuglydressedmaninwoman’sclothes。ShemadeanamusingcontrastwithDonnaIgnazia，wholookedmostseductivewhenshelaidasideherairofpiety。
Itookcarethateverythingrequisiteforourdisguisesshouldbeathandinaneighbouringcloset，unbeknowntomyrascallypage。Igavehimapieceofmoneyinthemorning，andtoldhimtospendthelastdayofthecarnivalaccordingtohisowntaste，asIshouldnotrequirehisservicestillnoonthedayafter。
Iorderedagooddinner，andawaitertoserveit，atthetavern，andgotridofMarazzinibygivinghimadoubloon。ItookgreatpainsovertheentertainmentIwastogivethetwocousinsandthefairIgnazia，whomI
hopedthatdaytomakemymistress。Itwasallquiteanoveltyforme；I
hadtodowiththreedevotees，twohideousandthethirdravishinglybeautiful，whohadalreadyhadaforetasteofthejoysinstoreforher。
Theycameatnoon，andforanhourIdiscoursedtotheminamoralandunctuousmanner。Ihadtakencaretoprovidemyselfwithsomeexcellentwine，whichdidnotfailtotakeeffectonthethreegirls，whowerenotaccustomedtoadinnerthatlastedtwohours。Theywerenotexactlyinebriated，buttheirspiritswereworkeduptoapitchtheyhadneverattainedbefore。
Itoldtheeldercousin，whomightbetwenty—fiveyearsold，thatIwasgoingtodisguiseherasaman；consternationappearedonherfeatures，butIhadexpectedasmuch，andDonnaIgnaziatoldhershewasonlytoolucky，andhersisterobservedthatshedidnotthinkitcouldbeasin。
\"Ifitwereasin，\"saidI，\"doyousupposethatIshouldhavesuggestedittoyourvirtuoussister。\"
DonnaIgnazia，whoknewtheLegendariumbyheart，corroboratedmyassertionbysayingthattheblessedSt。Marinahadpassedherwholelifeinman’sclothes；andthissettledthematter。
Ithenburstintoaveryhigh—flowneulogiumofherintellectualcapacity，soastoenlisthervanityinthegoodcause。
\"Comewithme，\"saidI，\"anddoyouladieswaithere；Iwanttoenjoyyoursurprisewhenyouseeherinman’sclothes。\"
Theuglycousinmadeasupremeeffortandfollowedme，andwhenshehaddulyinspectedherdisguiseItoldhertotakeoffherbootsandtoputonwhitestockingsandshoes，ofwhichIhadprovidedseveralpairs。I
satdownbeforeher，andtoldherthatifshesuspectedmeofanydishonourableintentionsshewouldcommitamortalsin，asIwasoldenoughtobeherfather。SherepliedthatshewasagoodChristian，butnotafool。Ifastenedhergartersforher，sayingthatIshouldneverhavesupposedshehadsowell—shapenandsowhitealeg，whichcomplimentmadehersmileinasatisfiedmanner。
AlthoughIhadafineviewofherthighs，Iobservednotracesofablushonherface。Ithengaveherapair，ofmybreeches，whichfittedheradmirably，thoughIwasfiveinchestallerthanshe，butthisdifferencewascompensatedbytheposteriorproportions，withwhich，likemostwomen，shewasbountifullyendowed。Iturnedawaytoletherputthemoninfreedom，and，havinggivenheralinenshirt，shetoldmeshehadfinishedbeforeshehadbuttoneditattheneck。Theremaypossiblyhavebeenalittlecoquetryinthis，asIbuttonedtheshirtforher，andwasthusgratifiedwithasightofhersplendidbreast。Ineednotsaywhethershewaspleasedornotatmyrefrainingfromcomplimentingheruponherfineproportions。WhenhertoilettewasfinishedIsurveyedherfromheadtofoot，andpronouncedhertobeaperfectman，withtheexceptionofoneblemish。
\"Iamsorryforthat。\"
\"Willyouallowmetoarrangeyourshirtsoastoobviateit？\"
\"Ishallbemuchobliged，asIhaveneverdressedinman’sclothesbefore。\"
Ithensatdowninfrontofher，and，afterunbuttoningthefly，arrangedtheshirtinapropermanner。IndoingsoIallowedmyselfsomesmallliberties，butItoyedwithsuchaseriousairthatsheseemedtotakeitallasamatterofcourse。
WhenIhadputonherdominoandmaskIledherforth，andhersisterandDonnaIgnaziacongratulatedheronherdisguise，sayingthatanybodywouldtakeherforaman。
\"Nowit’syourturn，\"Isaidtotheyoungerone。
\"Gowithhim，\"saidtheelder，\"DonJaimeisashonestamanasyouwillfindinSpain。\"
Therewasreallynotmuchtobedonetotheyoungersister，herdisguisebeingsimplyamaskanddomino，butasIwantedtokeepIgnaziaalongtimeImadeherputonwhitestockings，changeherkerchief，andadozenothertrifles。WhenshewasreadyIbroughtherforth，andDonnaIgnazianoticingthatshehadchangedherstockingsandkerchief，askedherwhetherIwereasexpertatdressingaladyasatturningaladyintoagentleman。
\"Idon’tknow，\"shereplied，\"Idideverythingformyself。\"
NextcametheturnofDonDiego’sdaughter，andassoonasIhadherintheclosetIdidmypleasureonher，shesubmittingwithanairthatseemedtosay，\"IonlygiveinbecauseIcan’tresist。\"WishingtosaveherhonourIwithdrewintime，butinthesecondcombatIheldherforhalfanhourtomyarms。However，shewasnaturallyofapassionatedisposition，andnaturehadendowedherwithatemperamentabletoresistthemostvigorousattacks。Whendecencymadeusleavethecloset，sheremarkedtohercousins，\"IthoughtIshouldneverhavedone；Ihadtoalterthewholefitofthedomino。\"
Iadmiredherpresenceofmind。
Atnightfallwewenttotheball，atwhichthefandangomightbedancedadlibitumbyaspecialprivilege，butthecrowdwassogreatthatdancingwasoutofthequestion。Attenwehadsupper，andthenwalkedupanddown，tillallatoncethetwoorchestrasbecamesilent。Weheardthechurchclocksstrikingmidnightthecarnivalwasover，andLenthadbegun。
Thisrapidtransitionfromwantonnesstodevotion，frompaganismtoChristianity，hassomethingstartlingandunnaturalaboutit。Atfifty—
nineminutespasteleventhesensesareallaglow；midnightsounds，andinaminutetheyaresupposedtobebroughtlow，andthehearttobefullofhumblerepentance；itisanabsurdity，animpossibility。
Itookthethreegirlstomyhousetotakeofftheirdominos，andwethenescortedthetwocousinshome。WhenwehadleftthemforafewminutesDonnaIgnaziatoldmethatshewouldlikealittlecoffee。Iunderstoodher，andtookhertomyhouse，feelingsureoftwohoursofmutualpleasure。
Itookhertomyroom，andwasjustgoingouttoorderthecoffeewhenI
metDonFrancisco，whoaskedmeplainlytolethimcomeup，ashehadseenDonnaIgnaziagoinwithme。Ihadsufficientstrengthofmindtoconcealmyrageanddisappointment，andtoldhimtocomein，addingthathismistresswouldbedelightedatthisunexpectedvisit。Iwentupstairs，andhefollowedme，andIshewedhimintotheroom，congratulatingtheladyonthepleasantsurprise。
IexpectedthatshewouldplayherpartaswellasIhadplayedmine，butIwaswrong。Inherrageshetoldhimthatshewouldneverhaveaskedmetogiveheracupofcoffeeifshehadforeseenthispieceofimportunity，addingthatifhehadbeenagentlemanhewouldhaveknownbetterthantointrudehimselfatsuchanhour。
InspiteofmyownangerIfeltthatImusttakethepoordevil’spart；
helookedlikeadogwithatinkettletiedtohistail。ItriedtocalmDonnaIgnazia，tellingherthatDonFranciscohadseenusbyamereaccident，andthatitwasIwhohadaskedhimtocomeupstairs，inthehopeofpleasingher。
DonnaIgnaziafeignedtobepersuadedandaskedherlovertositdown，butshedidnotspeakanotherwordtohim，confiningherremarkstome，sayinghowmuchshehadenjoyedtheball，andhowkindIhadbeentotakehercousins。
Afterhehadtakenacupofcoffee，DonFranciscobadeusagoodnight。
ItoldhimIhopedhewouldcomeandseemebeforeLentwasover，butDonnaIgnaziaonlyvouchsafedhimaslightnod。Whenhehadgoneshesaid，sadlyenough，thatshewassorryhehaddeprivedusbothofourpleasure，andthatshewassureDonFranciscowasstillhangingabouttheplace，andthatshedarednotexposeherselftohisvengeance。\"Sotakemehome，butifyoulovemecomeandseemeagain。Thetrickthestupidfellowhasplayedmeshallcosthimdear。AreyousureIdon’tlovehim？\"
\"Quitecertain，foryoulovemetoowelltoloveanybodyelse。\"
DonnaIgnaziagavemeahastyproofofheraffection，andIescortedherhome，assuringherthatshewouldbethesoleobjectofmythoughtsaslongasIstayedatMadrid。
ThenextdayIdinedwithMengs，andthedayafterthatIwasaccostedinthestreetbyanill—lookingfellow，whobademefollowhimtoacloister，ashehadsomethingofimportancetocommunicatetome。
Assoonashesawthatwewereunobserved，hetoldmethattheAlcaldeMessawasgoingtopaymeavisitthatsamenightwithabandofpolice，\"ofwhom，\"headded，\"Iamone。Heknowsyouhaveconcealedweaponsinyourroom。Heknows，orthinksheknows，certainotherthingswhichauthorizehimtoseizeyourpersonandtotakeyoutotheprisonwherepersonsdestinedforthegalleysarekept。IgiveyouallthiswarningbecauseIbelieveyoutobeamanofhonour。Despisenotmyadvice，butlooktoyourself，andgetintosomeplaceofsecurity。\"
Icreditedwhathetoldme，asthecircumstanceofmyhavingarmswasperfectlytrue，soIgavethemanadoubloon，and，insteadofcallingonDonnaIgnazia，asIintended，Iwentbacktomylodging，andafterputtingtheweaponsundermycloakIwenttoMengs’s，leavingwordatthecaf？tosendmemypageassoonashecameback。InMengs’shouseIwassafe，asitbelongedtotheking。
Thepainterwasanhonestfellow，butproudandsuspiciousinexcess。Hedidnotrefusemeanasylumforthenight，buthetoldmethatImustlookoutforsomeotherrefuge，asthealcaldemusthavesomeotheraccusationagainstme，andthatknowingnothingofthemeritsordemeritsofthecasehecouldnottakeanypartinit。Hegavemearoomandwesuppedtogether，discussingthematterallthetime，Ipersistingthatthepossessionofarmswasmyonlyoffence，andhereplyingthatifitweresoIshouldhaveawaitedthealcaldefearlessly，asitstoodtoreasonthatamanhadarighttokeepdefensiveweaponsinhisownroom。
TothisIansweredthatIhadonlycometohimtoavoidpassingthenightinprison，asIwascertainthatthemanhadtoldmethetruth。
\"To—morrowIshalllookoutforanotherlodging。\"
Iconfessed，however，thatitwouldhavebeenwiserofmetoleavemypistolsandmusketinmyroom。
\"Yes，andyoumighthaveremainedthereyourself。Ididnotthinkyouweresoeasilyfrightened。\"
Aswewerearguingitovermylandlordcameandsaidthatthealcaldewiththirtyconstableshadbeentomyapartmentandhadbrokenopenthedoor。Hehadsearchedeverything，butunsuccessfully，andhadgoneawayaftersealingtheroomanditscontents。Hehadarrestedandimprisonedmypageonthechargeofhavingwarnedme，\"forotherwise，\"hesaid，\"theVenetiangentlemanwouldneverhavegonetothehouseofChevalierMengs，whereheisoutofmypower。\"
AtthisMengsagreedthatIhadbeenrightinbelievingmyinformant’stale，andheaddedthatthefirstthinginthemorningIshouldgoandprotestmyinnocencebeforetheCountofAranda，butheespeciallyurgedonmethedutyofdefendingthepoorpage。Mylandlordwenthisway，andwecontinuedthediscussion，Mengsinsistingonthepage’sinnocence，tillatlastIlostallpatience，andsaid，——
\"Mypagemustbeathorough—pacedscoundrel；themagistrate’sarrestinghimforwarningmeisanabsoluteproofthatheknewofmyapproachingarrest。Whatisaservantwhodoesnotwarnhismasterundersuchcircumstancesbutarascal？IndeedIamabsolutelycertainthathewastheinformer，forhewastheonlypersonwhoknewwherethearmswereconcealed。\"
Mengscouldfindnoanswertothis，andlefttogotobed。Ididthesameandhadanexcellentnight。
EarlythenextmorningthegreatMengssentmelinenandalltherequisitesofthetoilette。Hismaidbroughtmeacupofchocolate，andhiscookcametoaskifIhadpermissiontoeatflesh—meat。Insuchwaysaprincewelcomesaguest，andbidshimstay，butsuchbehaviourinaprivatepersonisequivalenttoahinttogo。Iexpressedmygratitude，andonlyacceptedacupofchocolateandonehandkerchief。
Mycarriagewasatthedoor，andIwasjusttakingleaveofMengswhenanofficerappearedonthescene，andaskedthepainteriftheChevalierdeCasanovawasinhishouse。
\"IamtheChevalierdeCasanova，\"saidI。
\"ThenIhopeyouwillfollowmeofyourownfreewilltotheprisonofBuenRetiro。Icannotuseforcehere，forthishouseistheking’s，butIwarnyouthatinlessthananhourtheChevalierMengswillhaveorderstoturnyouout，andthenyouwillbedraggedtoprison，whichwouldbeunpleasantforyou。Ithereforeadviseyoutofollowmequietly，andtogiveupsuchweaponsasyoumaypossess。\"
\"TheChevalierMengswillgiveyoutheweaponsinquestion。Ihavecarriedthemwithmeforelevenyears；theyaremeanttoprotectmeonthehighways。Iamreadytofollowyou，butfirstallowmetowritefournotes；Ishallnotbehalfanhour。\"
\"Icanneitherallowyoutowaitnortowrite，butyouwillbeatlibertytodosoafteryouhavereachedtheprison。\"
\"Verygood；thenIamreadytofollowyou，forIhavenochoice。IshallrememberSpanishjustice！\"
IembracedMengs，hadtheweaponsputintomycarriage，andgotinwiththeofficer，whoseemedaperfectgentleman。
HetookmetotheCastleofBuenRetiro，formerlyaroyalpalace，andnowaprison。WhenmyconductorhadconsignedmetotheofficerofthewatchIwashandedovertoacorporal，wholedmeintoavasthallonthegroundfloorofthebuilding。Thestenchwasdreadful，andtheprisonerswereaboutthirty，tenofthembeingsoldiers。Thereweretenortwelvelargebeds，somebenches，notables，andnochairs。
Iaskedaguardtogetmesomepens，ink，andpaper，andgavehimaduroforthepurpose。Hetookthecoinsmilingly，andwentaway，buthedidnotreturn。WhenIaskedhisbrethrenwhathadbecomeofhimtheylaughedinmyface。ButwhatsurprisedmethemostwasthesightofmypageandMarazzini，whotoldmeinItalianthathehadbeenthereforthreedays，andthathehadnotwrittentomeashehadapresentimentthatweshouldsoonmeet。Headdedthatinafortnight’stimeweshouldbesentoffunderaheavyescorttoworkinsomefortress，thoughwemightsendourpleastotheGovernment，andmightpossiblybeletoutafterthreeorfouryears’imprisonment。
\"Ihope，\"hesaid，\"nottobecondemnedbeforeIamheard。Thealcaldewillcomeandinterrogateyoutomorrow，andyouranswerswillbetakendown；that’sall。YoumaythenbesenttohardlabourinAfrica。\"
\"Hasyourcasebeenheardyet？\"
\"Theywereatmeaboutitforthreehoursyesterday。\"
\"Whatkindofquestionsdidtheyaskyou？\"
\"Theywishedtoknowwhatbankerfurnishedmewithmoneyformyexpenses。
ItoldthemIhadnotgotabanker，andthatIlivedbyborrowingfrommyfriends，intheexpectationofbecomingoneoftheking’sbody—guard。
TheythenaskedmehowitwasthattheParmeseambassadorknewnothingaboutme，andIrepliedthatIhadneverbeenpresentedtohim。
\"’Withoutthefavourofyourambassador，’theyobjected，’youcouldneverjointheroyalguard，andyoumustbeawareofthat，buttheking’smajestyshallgiveyouemploymentwhereyouwillstandinneedofnocommendation；’andsothealcaldeleftme。IftheVenetianambassadordoesnotinterposeinyourbehalfyouwillbetreatedinthesameway。\"
Iconcealedmyrage，andsatdownonabed，whichIleftafterthreehours，asIfoundmyselfcoveredwiththedisgustingverminwhichseemendemicinSpain。Theverysightofthemmademesick。Istoodupright，motionless，andsilent，devouringthebilewhichconsumedme。
Therewasnogoodintalking；Imustwrite；butwherewasItofindwritingmaterials？However，Iresolvedtowaitinsilence；mytimemustcome，soonerorlater。
AtnoonMarazzinitoldmethatheknewasoldierforwhosetrustworthinesshewouldanswer，andwhowouldgetmemydinnerifIgavehimthemoney。
\"Ihavenoappetite，\"Ireplied，\"andIamnotgoingtogiveafarthingtoanyonetillthestolencrownisrestoredtome。\"
Hemadeanuproaroverthispieceofcheating，butthesoldiersonlylaughedathim。Mypagethenaskedhimtointercedewithme，ashewashungry，andhadnomoneywherewithtobuyfood。
\"Iwillnotgivehimafarthing；heisnolongerinmyservice，andwouldtoGodIhadneverseenhim！\"
Mycompanionsinmiseryproceededtodineonbadgarlicsoupandwretchedbread，washeddownbyplainwater，twopriestsandanindividualwhowasstyledcorregidorexcepted，andtheyseemedtofareverywell。
Atfouro’clockoneofMengs’sservantsbroughtmeadinnerwhichwouldhavesufficedforfour。Hewantedtoleavemethedinnerandcomefortheplatesintheevening；butnotcaringtosharethemealwiththevilemobaroundmeImadehimwaittillIhaddoneandcomeagainatthesametimethenextday，asIdidnotrequireanysupper。Theservantobeyed。
MarazzinisaidrudelythatImightatleasthavekeptthebottleofwine；
butIgavehimnoanswer。
Atfiveo’clockManucciappeared，accompaniedbyaSpanishofficer。
AftertheusualcomplimentshadpassedbetweenusIaskedtheofficerifImightwritetomyfriends，whowouldnotallowmetostaymuchlongerinprisoniftheywereadvisedofmyarrest。
\"Wearenotyrants，\"hereplied；\"youcanwritewhatlettersyoulike。\"
\"Then，\"saidI，\"asthisisafreecountry，isitallowableforasoldierwhohasreceivedcertainmoneystobuycertainarticlestopocketthemoneyandappropriateittohisownuse？\"
\"Whatishisname？\"
Theguardhadbeenrelieved，andnooneseemedtoknowwhoorwherehewas。
\"Ipromiseyou，sir，\"saidtheofficer，\"thatthesoldiershallbepunishedandyourmoneyrestoredtoyou；andinthemeanwhileyoushallhavepens，ink，paper，atable，andacandle，immediately。\"
\"AndI，\"addedManucci，\"promiseyouthatoneoftheambassador’sservantsshallwaitonyouateighto’clocktodeliveranylettersyoumaywrite。
Itookthreecrownsfrommypocket，andtoldmyfellow—prisonersthatthefirsttonamethesoldierwhohaddeceivedmeshouldhavethemoney；
Marazziniwasthefirsttodoso。Theofficermadeanoteoftheman’snamewithasmile；hewasbeginningtoknowme；Ihadspentthreecrownstogetbackone，andcouldnotbeveryavaricious。
Manucciwhisperedtomethattheambassadorwoulddohisbestinaconfidentialwaytogetmyrelease，andthathehadnodoubtofhissuccess。
WhenmyvisitorsweregoneIsatdowntowrite，butIhadneedofallmypatience。TherascallyprisonerscrowdedroundmetoreadwhatIwaswriting，andwhentheycouldnotunderstandittheywereimpudentenoughtoaskmetoexplainittothem。Underthepretextofsnuffingthecandle，theyputitout。However，Iborewithitall。Oneofthesoldierssaidhewouldkeepthemquietforacrown，butIgavehimnoanswer。Inspiteofthehellaroundme，Ifinishedmylettersandsealedthemup。Theywerenostudiedorrhetoricalepistles，butmerelytheexpressionofthefurywithwhichIwasconsumed。
ItoldMocenigothatitwashisdutytodefendasubjectofhisprince，whohadbeenarrestedandimprisonedbyaforeignpoweronanidlepretext。IshewedhimthathemustgivemehisprotectionunlessIwasguilty，andthatIhadcommittednooffenceagainstthelawoftheland。
IremindedhimthatIwasaVenetian，inspiteofmypersecutionatthehandsoftheStateInquisitors，andthatbeingaVenetianIhadarighttocountonhisprotection。
ToDonEmmanueldeRoda，alearnedscholar，andtheministerofjustice，IwrotethatIdidnotaskanyfavourbutonlysimplejustice。
\"ServeGodandyourmaster，\"saidI。\"LethisCatholicmajestysavemefromthehandsoftheinfamousalcaldewhohasarrestedme，anhonestandalaw—abidingman，whocametoSpaintrustinginhisowninnocenceandtheprotectionofthelaws。Thepersonwhowritestoyou，mylord，hasapursefullofdoubloonsinhispocket；hehasalreadybeenrobbed，andfearsassassinationinthefilthydeninwhichhehasbeenimprisoned。\"
IwrotetotheDukeofLossada，requestinghimtoinformthekingthathisservantshadsubjectedtoviletreatmentamanwhoseonlyfaultwasthathehadalittlemoney。IbeggedhimtousehisinfluencewithhisCatholicmajestytoputastoptotheseinfamousproceedings。
ButthemostvigorousletterofallwastheoneIaddressedtotheCountofAranda。ItoldhimplainlythatifthisinfamousactionwentonI
shouldbeforcedtobelievethatitwasbyhisorders，sinceIhadstatedinvainthatIcametoMadridwithanintroductiontohimfromaprincess。
\"Ihavecommittednocrime，\"Isaid；\"whatcompensationamItohavewhenIamreleasedfromthisfilthyandabominableplace？Setmeatlibertyatonce，ortellyourhangmentofinishtheirwork，forIwarnyouthatnooneshalltakemetothegalleysalive。\"
AccordingtomycustomItookcopiesofalltheletters，andIsentthemoffbytheservantwhomtheall—powerfulManuccidespatchedtotheprison。IpassedsuchanightasDantemighthaveimaginedinhisVisionofHell。Allthebedswerefull，andeveniftherehadbeenaspareplaceIwouldnothaveoccupiedit。Iaskedinvainforamattress，buteveniftheyhadbroughtmeone，itwouldhavebeenofnouse，forthewholefloorwasinundated。Therewereonlytwoorthreechamberutensilsforalltheprisoners，andeveryonedischargedhisoccasionsonthefloor。
Ispentthenightonanarrowbenchwithoutaback，restingmyheadonmyhands。
Atseveno’clockthenextmorningManuccicametoseeme；IlookeduponhimasmyProvidence。Ibeggedhimtotakemedowntotheguard—room，andgivemesomerefreshment，forIfeltquiteexhausted。Myrequestwasgranted，andasItoldmysufferingsIhadmyhairdonebyabarber。
Manuccitoldmethatmyletterswouldbedeliveredinthecourseoftheday，andobserved，smilingly，thatmyepistletotheambassadorwasrathersevere。IshewedhimcopiesofthethreeothersIhadwritten，andtheinexperiencedyoungmantoldmethatgentlenesswasthebestwaytoobtainfavours。Hedidnotknowthattherearecircumstancesinwhichaman’spenmustbedippedingall。HetoldmeconfidentiallythattheambassadordinedwithArandathatday，andwouldspeakinmyfavourasaprivateindividual，addingthathewasafraidmyletterwouldprejudicetheproudSpaniardagainstme。
\"AllIaskofyou，\"saidI，\"isnottotelltheambassadorthatyouhaveseentheletterIwrotetotheCountofAranda。\"
Hepromisedhewouldkeepthesecret。
AnhourafterhisdepartureIsawDonnaIgnaziaandherfathercomingin，accompaniedbytheofficerwhohadtreatedmewithsuchconsideration。
Theirvisitcutmetothequick；nevertheless，Ifeltgrateful，foritshewedmethe’goodnessofDonDiego’sheartandtheloveofthefairdevotee。
Igavethemtounderstand，inmybadSpanish，thatIwasgratefulforthehonourtheyhaddonemeinvisitingmeinthisdreadfulsituation。DonnaIgnaziadidnotspeak，sheonlyweptinsilence；butDonDiegogavemeclearlytounderstandthathewouldneverhavecometoseemeunlesshehadfeltcertainthatmyaccusationwasamistakeoraninfamouscalumny。
HetoldmehewassureIshouldbesetfree，andthatpropersatisfactionwouldbegivenme。
\"Ihopeso，\"Ireplied，\"forIamperfectlyinnocentofanyoffence。\"
Iwasgreatlytouchedwhentheworthymanslippedintomyhandsarouleau，tellingmeitcontainedtwelvequadruples，whichIcouldrepayatmyconvenience。
Itwasmorethanathousandfrancs，andmyhairstoodonend。Ipressedhishandwarmly，andwhisperedtohimthatIhadfiftyinmypocket，whichIwasafraidtoshewhim，forfeartherascalsaroundmightrobme。
Heputbackhisrouleau，andbademefarewellintears，andIpromisedtocomeandseehimassoonasIshouldbesetatliberty。
Hehadnotsentinhisname，andashewasverywelldressedhewastakenforamanofimportance。SuchcharactersarenotaltogetherexceptionalinheroicSpain；itisalandofextremes。
AtnoonMengs’sservantcamewithadinnerthatwaschoicerthanbefore，butnotsoplentiful。ThiswasjustwhatIliked。Hewaitedformetofinish，andwentawaywiththeplates，carryingmyheartiestthankstohismaster。
Atoneo’clockanindividualcameuptomeandbademefollowhim。
Hetookmetoasmallroom，whereIsawmycarbineandpistols。InfrontofmewastheAlcaldeMessa，seatedatatablecoveredwithdocuments，andapolicemanstoodoneachsideofhim。Thealcaldetoldmetositdown，andtoanswertrulysuchquestionsasmightbeputtome，warningmethatmyreplieswouldbetakendown。
\"IdonotunderstandSpanishwell，andIshallonlygivewrittenanswerstoanyquestionsthatmaybeaskedofme，inItalian，French，orLatin。\"
Thisreply，whichIutteredinafirmanddeterminedvoice，seemedtpastonishhim。Hespoketomeforanhour，andIunderstoodhimverywell，butheonlygotonereply:
\"Idon’tunderstandwhatyousay。GetajudgewhounderstandsoneofthelanguagesIhavenamed，andIwillwritedownmyanswers。\"
Thealcaldewasenraged，butIdidnotlethisill—humourorhisthreatsdisturbme。
Finallyhegavemeapen，andtoldmetowritemyname，profession，andbusinessinSpaininItalian。Icouldnotrefusehimthispleasure，soI
wroteasfollows:
\"MynameisJacquesCasanova；IamasubjectoftheRepublicofVenice，byprofessionamanofletters，andinrankaKnightoftheGoldenSpur。
Ihavesufficientmeans，andItravelformypleasure。IamknowntotheVenetianambassador，theCountofAranda，thePrincedelaCatolica，theMarquisofMoras，andtheDukeofLossada。IhaveoffendedinnomanneragainstthelawsofhisCatholicmajesty，butinspiteofmyinnocenceI
havebeencastintoadenofthievesandassassinsbymagistrateswhodeserveatentimesgreaterpunishment。SinceIhavenotinfringedthelaws，hisCatholicmajestymustknowthathehasonlyonerightoverme，andthatistoordermetoleavehisrealms，whichorderIamreadytoobey。Myarms，whichIseebeforeme，havetravelledwithmeforthelastelevenyears；Icarrythemtodefendmyselfagainsthighwaymen。
TheywereseenwhenmyeffectswereexaminedattheGateofAlcala，andwerenotconfiscated；whichmakesitplainthattheyhaveservedmerelyasapretextfortheinfamoustreatmenttowhichIhavebeensubjected。\"
AfterIhadwrittenoutthisdocumentIgaveittothealcalde，whocalledforaninterpreter。Whenhehadhaditreadtohimheroseangrilyandsaidtome，——
\"ValgameDios！Youshallsufferforyourinsolence。\"
Withthisthreathewentaway，orderingthatIshouldbetakenbacktoprison。
Ateighto’clockManuccicalledandtoldmethattheCountofArandahadbeenmakingenquiriesaboutmeoftheVenetianambassador，whohadspokenveryhighlyinmyfavour，andexpressedhisregretthathecouldnottakemypartofficiallyonaccountofmybeingindisgracewiththeStateInquisitors。
\"Hehascertainlybeenshamefullyused，\"saidthecount，\"butanintelligentmanshouldnotlosehishead。Ishouldhaveknownnothingaboutit，butforafuriousletterhehaswrittenme；andDonEmmanueldeRodaandtheDukeofLossadahavereceivedepistlesinthesamestyle。Casanovaisintheright，butthatisnotthewaytoaddresspeople。\"
\"IfhereallysaidIwasintheright，thatissufficient。\"
\"Hesaidit，sureenough。\"
\"Thenhemustdomejustice，andastomystyleeveryonehasastyleoftheirown。Iamfurious，andIwrotefuriously。Lookatthisplace；I
havenobed，theflooriscoveredwithfilth，andIamobligedtosleeponanarrowbench。Don’tyouthinkitisnaturalthatIshoulddesiretoeattheheartsofthescoundrelswhohaveplacedmehere？IfIdonotleavethishellbytomorrow，Ishallkillmyself，orgomad。\"
Manucciunderstoodthehorrorsofmysituation。Hepromisedtocomeagainearlythenextday，andadvisedmetoseewhatmoneywoulddotowardsprocuringabed，butIwouldnotlistentohim，forIwassufferingfrominjustice，andwasthereforeobstinate。Besides，thethoughtoftheverminfrightenedme，andIwasafraidformypurseandthejewelsIhadaboutme。
Ispentasecondnightworsethanthefirst，goingtosleepfromsheerexhaustion，onlytoawakeandfindmyselfslippingoffthebench。
Manuccicamebeforeeighto’clock，andmyaspectshockedhim。Hehadcomeinhiscarriage，bringingwithhimsomeexcellentchocolate，whichinsomewayrestoredmyspirits。AsIwasfinishingit，anofficerofhighrank，accompaniedbytwootherofficers，cameinandcalledout，——
\"M。deCasanova！\"
Isteppedforwardandpresentedmyself。
\"Chevalier，\"hebegan，\"theCountofArandaisatthegateoftheprison；
heismuchgrievedatthetreatmentyouhavereceived。Heonlyheardaboutitthroughtheletteryouwrotehimyesterday，andifyouhadwrittensooneryourpainswouldhavebeenshorter。\"
\"Suchwasmyintention，colonel，butasoldier……\"
Iproceededtotellhimthestoryoftheswindlingsoldier，andonhearinghisnamethecolonelcalledthecaptainoftheguard，reprimandedhimseverely，andorderedhimtogivemebackthecrownhimself。Itookthemoneylaughingly，andthecolonelthenorderedthecaptaintofetchtheoffendingsoldier，andtogivehimafloggingbeforeme。
Thisofficer，theemissaryoftheall—powerfulAranda，wasCountRoyas，commandingthegarrisonofBuenRetiro。Itoldhimallthecircumstancesofmyarrest，andofmyimprisonmentinthatfilthyplace。ItoldhimthatifIdidnotgetbackthatdaymyarms，myliberty，andmyhonour，I
shouldeithergomadorkillmyself。
\"Here，\"Isaid，\"Icanneitherrestnorsleep，andamanneedssleepeverynight。Ifyouhadcomealittleearlieryouwouldhaveseenthedisgustingfilthwithwhichthefloorwascovered。\"
TheworthymanwastakenabackwiththeenergywithwhichIspoke。Isawhisfeelings，andhastenedtosay，——
\"Youmustremember，colonel，thatIamsufferingfrominjustice，andaminafuriousrage。Iamamanofhonour，likeyourself，andyoucanimaginetheeffectofsuchtreatmentonme。\"
Manuccitoldhim，inSpanish，thatinmynormalstateIwasagoodfellowenough。Thecolonelexpressedhispityforme，andassuredmethatmyarmsshouldberestoredtome，andmylibertytoo，inthecourseoftheday。
\"Afterwards，\"saidhe，\"youmustgoandthankhisexcellencytheCountofAranda，whocamehereexpresslyforyoursake。Hebademetellyouthatyourreleasewouldbedelayedtilltheafternoon，thatyoumayhavefullsatisfactionfortheaffrontyouhavereceived，ifitisanaffront，forthepenaltiesofthelawonlydishonourtheguilty。InthisinstancetheAlcaldeMessahasbeendeceivedbytherascalwhowasinyourservice。\"
\"Thereheis，\"saidI。\"Begoodenoughtohavehimremoved，orelse，inmyindignation，Imightkillhim。\"
\"Heshallbetakenawaythismoment，\"hereplied。
Thecolonelwentout，andtwominuteslatertwosoldierscameinandtooktherogueawaybetweenthem。Ineversawhimagain，andnevertroubledmyselftoenquirewhathadbecomeofhim。
Thecolonelbeggedmetoaccompanyhimtotheguard—room，toseethethievingsoldierflogged。Manucciwasatmyside，andatsomelittledistancestoodtheCountofAranda，surroundedbyofficers，andaccompaniedbyaroyalguard。
Thebusinesskeptusthereforacoupleofhours。BeforeleavingmethecolonelbeggedmetomeetMengsatdinnerathishouse。
WhenIreturnedtomyfilthyprisonIfoundacleanarm—chair，whichI
wasinformedhadbeenbroughtinforme。Isatdowninitimmediately，andManuccileftme，afterembracingmeagainandagain。Hewasmysincerefriend，andIcanneverforgivemyselfthestupiditywhichmademeoffendhimgrievously。Heneverforgaveme，atwhichIamnotsurprised，butIbelievemyreaderswillagreewithmeinthinkingthathecarriedhisvengeancetoofar。
Afterthescenewhichhadtakenplace，thevilecrowdofprisonersstoodgazingatmeinstupidsilence，andMarazzinicameuptomeandbeggedmetousemyofficesforhim。
Dinnerwasbroughtmeasusual，andatthreeo’clocktheAlcaldeMessaappearedandbeggedmetofollowhim，ashehadreceivedorderstotakemebacktomylodging，wherehehopedIshouldfindeverythinginperfectorder。Atthesametimeheshewedmemyarms，whichoneofhismenwasgoingtobringtomyhouse。Theofficeroftheguardreturnedmemysword，thealcalde，whowasinhisblackcloak，puthimselfonmylefthand，andthusIwasescortedhomewithaguardofthirtyconstables。
Thesealswereremovedfrommyapartment，andafterabriefinspectionI
pronouncedthateverythingwasinperfectorder。
\"Ifyouhadnotarascalandatraitor（whoshallendhisdaysinthegalleys）inyourservice，SenorCaballero，youwouldneverhavewrittendowntheservantsofhisCatholicmajestyasscoundrels。\"
\"SenorAlcalde，myindignationmademewritethesamesentencetofourofhismajesty’sministers。ThenIbelievedwhatIwrote，butIdosonolonger。Letusforgetandforgive；butyoumustconfessthatifIhadnotknownhowtowritealetteryouwouldhavesentmetothegalleys。\"
\"Alas！itisverylikely。\"
IneednotsaythatIhastenedtoremovealltracesofthevileprisonwhereIhadsufferedsomuch。WhenIwasreadytogooutmyfirstgratefulvisitwaspaidtothenoblecobbler。Theworthymanwasproudofthefulfilmentofhisprophecy，andgladtoseemeagain。DonnaIgnaziawaswildwithdelight——perhapsshehadnotbeensosureofmyrelease——andwhenDonDiegoheardofthesatisfactionthathadbeengivenmehesaidthatagrandeeofSpaincouldnothaveaskedformore。I
beggedtheworthypeopletocomeanddinewithme，tellingthemthatI
wouldnamethedayanothertime，andtheyacceptedgladly。
IfeltthatmyloveforDonnaIgnaziahadincreasedimmenselysinceourlastmeeting。
AfterwardsIcalledonMengs，whowithhisknowledgeofSpanishlawexpectednothinglessthantoseeme。Whenheheardofmytriumphantreleaseheoverwhelmedmewithcongratulations。HewasinhisCourtdress——anunusualthingwithhim，andonmyaskinghimthereasonhetoldmethathehadbeentoDonEmmanueldeRoda’stospeakonmybehalf，buthadnotsucceededinobtaininganaudience。HegavemeaVenetianletterwhichhadjustarrivedforme。Iopenedit，andfounditwasfromM。
Dandolo，andcontainedanenclosureforM。deMocenigo。M。Dandolosaidthatonreadingtheenclosedlettertheambassadorwouldhavenomorescruplesaboutintroducingme，asitcontainedarecommendationfromoneoftheInquisitorsonbehalfofthethree。
WhenItoldMengsofthishesaiditwasnowinmypowertomakemyfortuneinSpain，andthatnowwasthetimewhenalltheministerswouldbeonlytooanxioustodosomethingformetomakemeforgetthewrongsI
hadreceived。
\"Iadviseyou，\"hesaid，\"totakethelettertotheambassadorimmediately。Takemycarriage；afterwhatyouhaveundergoneforthelastfewdaysyoucannotbeinawalkinghumour。\"
Ihadneedofrest，andtoldMengsthatIwouldnotsupwithhimthatnight，butwoulddinewithhimthenextday。Theambassadorwasout，soIlefttheletterwithManucci，andthendrovehomeandsleptprofoundlyfortwelvehours。
Manuccicametoseemethenextdayinhighspirits，andtoldmethatM。
GirolamoZulianhadwrittentotheambassadoronbehalfofM。duMula，informinghimthatheneednothesitatetocountenanceme，asanyarticlestheTribunalmighthaveagainstmewereinnodegreeprejudicialtomyhonour。
\"Theambassador，\"hecontinued，\"proposestointroduceyouatCourtnextweek，andhewantsyoutodinewithhimto—day；therewillbeanumerouscompanyatdinner。\"
\"IamengagedtoMengs。\"
\"Nomatter，heshallbeaskedaswell；youmustcome。Considertheeffectofyourpresenceattheambassador’sthedayafteryourtriumph。\"
\"Youareright。GoandaskMengs，andtelltheambassadorthatIhavemuchpleasureinacceptinghisinvitation。\"
CHAPTERV
Campomanes——Olavides——SierraMorena——Aranjuez——Mengs——TheMarquisGrimaldi——Toledo——MadamePelliccia——MyReturntoMadridDifferentcircumstancesinmylifeseemtohavecombinedtorendermesomewhatsuperstitious；itisahumiliatingconfession，andyetImakeit。Butwhocouldhelpit？Amanwhoabandonshimselftohiswhimsandfanciesislikeachildplayingwithabilliardcue。Itmaymakeastrokethatwouldbeanhonourtothemostpractisedandscientificplayer；andsucharethestrangecoincidencesoflifewhich，asIhavesaid，havecausedmetobecomesuperstitious。
Fortune，whichunderthehumblernameofluckseemsbutaword，isaverydivinitywhenitguidesthemostimportantactionsofaman’slife。
Alwaysithasseemedtomethatthisdivinityisnotblind，asthemythologistsaffirm；shehadbroughtmelowonlytoexaltme，andIfoundmyselfinhighplaces，only，asitseems，tobecastintothedepths。
Fortunehasdoneherbesttomakemeregardherasareasoning，almightypower；shehasmademefeelthatthestrengthofmywillisasnothingbeforethismysteriouspower，whichtakesmywillandmouldsit，andmakesitamereinstrumentfortheaccomplishmentofitsdecrees。
IcouldnotpossiblyhavedoneanythinginSpainwithoutthehelpoftherepresentativeofmycountry，andhewouldnothavedaredtodoanythingformewithouttheletterIhadjustgivenhim。Thisletter，initsturn，wouldprobablyhavehadbutslighteffectifithadnotcometohandsosoonaftermyimprisonment，whichhadbecomethetalkofthetown，throughthehandsomesatisfactiontheCountofArandahadgivenme。
Thelettermadetheambassadorsorrythathehadnotinterposedonmybehalf，buthehopedpeoplewouldbelievethatthecountwouldnothaveactedashedidifithadnotbeenforhisinterposition。Hisfavourite，CountManucci，hadcometoaskmetodinner；asithappenedIwasengagedtoMengs，whichobtainedaninvitationforthepainter，andflatteredhisvanityexcessively。Hefanciedthattheinvitationproceededfromgratitude，anditcertainlysmoothedawaythemortificationhehadfeltatseeingmearrestedinhishouse。Heimmediatelywrotetotheeffectthathewouldcalluponmewithhiscarriage。
IcalledontheCountofAranda，whokeptmewaitingforaquarterofanhour，andthencameinwithsomepapersinhishand。Hesmiledwhenhesawme，andsaid，——
\"Yourbusinessisdone。Stay，herearefourletters；takethemandreadthemoveragain。\"
\"WhyshouldIreadthemagain？ThisisthedocumentIgavethealcalde。\"
\"Iknowthat。Read，andconfessthatyoushouldnothavewrittensoviolently，inspiteofthewrongsthatvexedyou。\"
\"Icraveyourpardon，mylord，butamanwhomeditatessuicidedoesnotpickterms。Ibelievedthatyourexcellencywasatthebottomofitall。\"
\"Thenyoudon’tknowme。GoandthankDonEmmanueldeRoda，whowantstoknowyou，andIshallbegladifyouwillcallonceonthealcalde，nottomakehimanapology，foryouowehimnone，butasanactofpolitenesstosalveoverthehardthingsyousaidofhim。IfyouwritethehistoryofPrincessLubomirska，IhopeyouwilltellherthatIdidmybestforyou。\"
IthencalledonColonelRoyas，whotoldmethatIhadmadeagreatmistakeinsayingthatIwassatisfied。
\"WhatcouldIclaim？\"
\"Everything。Dismissalofthealcaldeandcompensationtothetuneoffiftythousandduros。SpainisacountrywhereamanmayspeakoutsaveinthematterswhichtheHolyInquisitionlooksafter。\"
Thiscolonel，nowageneral，isoneofthepleasantestSpaniardsIhaveevermet。
IhadnotlongreturnedtomylodgingwhenMengscalledformeinhiscarriage。Theambassadorgavemeamostgraciousreception，andoverwhelmedMengswithcomplimentsforhavingendeavouredtoshelterme。
AtdinnerItoldthestoryofmysufferingsatBuenRetiro，andtheconversationIhadjusthadwiththeCountofAranda，whohadreturnedmemyletters。Thecompanyexpressedadesiretoseethem，andeveryonegaveanopiniononthematter。
TheguestswereAbbeBigliardi，theFrenchconsul，DonRodriguesdeCampomanes，andthefamousDonPablod’Olavides。Everyonespokehismind，andtheambassadorcondemnedthelettersastooferocious。Ontheotherhand，Campomanesapprovedthem，sayingthattheywerenotabusive，andwerewonderfullyadaptedtomypurpose，namely，toforcethereadertodomepromptjustice，werethereadertobethekinghimself。
OlavidesandBigliardiechoedthissentiment。Mengssidedwiththeambassador，andbeggedmetocomeandlivewithhim，soasnottobeliabletoanymoreinconveniencesfromspyingservants。IdidnotacceptthisinvitationtillIhadbeenpressedforsometime，andInotedtheremarkoftheambassador，whosaidIowedMengsthisreparationfortheindirectaffronthehadreceived。
IwasdelightedtomaketheacquaintanceofCampomanesandOlavides，menofintellectandofastampveryrareinSpain。Theywerenotexactlymenoflearning，buttheywereabovereligiousprejudices，andwerenotonlyfearlessinthrowingpublicscornuponthembutevenlabouredopenlyfortheirdestruction。ItwasCampomaneswhohadfurnishedArandawithallthedamagingmatteragainsttheJesuits。Byacuriouscoincidence，Campomanes，theCountofAranda，andtheGeneraloftheJesuits，wereallsquint—eyed。IaskedCampomaneswhyhehatedtheJesuitssobitterly，andherepliedthathelookedupontheminthesamelightastheotherreligiousorders，whomheconsideredaparasiticalandnoxiousrace，andwouldgladlybanishthemall，notonlyfromthepeninsulabutfromthefaceoftheearth。