AsIhadexpected，IfoundMediniandhismistressthere，withtwoforeignladiesandtheirattendantcavaliers，andafine—lookingandwell—dressedVenetian，betweenthirty—fiveandforty，whomIwouldnothaverecognizedifZanovitchhadnottoldmehisname，AloisZen。
\"Zenwasapatricianname，andIfeltobligedtoaskwhattitlesIoughttogivehim。
\"Suchtitlesasoneoldfriendgivesanother，thoughitisverypossibleyoudonotrecollectme，asIwasonlytenyearsoldwhenwesaweachotherlast。\"
ZenthentoldmehewasthesonofthecaptainIhadknownwhenIwasunderarrestatSt。Andrews。
\"That’stwenty—eightyearsago；butIrememberyou，thoughyouhadnothadthesmall—poxinthosedays。\"
Isawthathewasannoyedbythisremark，butitwashisfault，ashehadnobusinesstosaywherehehadknownme，orwhohisfatherwas。
HewasthesonofanobleVenetian——agood—for—nothingineverysenseoftheword。
WhenImethimatFlorencehehadjustcomefromMadrid，wherehehadmadealotofmoneybyholdingabankatfarointhehouseoftheVenetianambassador，MarcoZen。
Iwasgladtomeethim，butIfoundoutbeforethedinnerwasoverthathewascompletelydevoidofeducationandthemannersofagentleman；buthewaswellcontentwiththeonetalenthepossessed，namely，thatofcorrectingthefreaksoffortuneatgamesofchance。Ididnotwaittoseetheonslaughtofthecheatsonthedupes，buttookmyleavewhilethetablewasbeingmadeready。
SuchwasmylifeduringthesevenmonthswhichIspentatFlorence。
AfterthisdinnerIneversawZen，orMedini，orZanovitch，exceptbychanceinthepublicplaces。
HereImustrecountsomeincidentswhichtookplacetowardsthemiddleofDecember。
LordLincoln，ayoungmanofeighteen，fellinlovewithaVenetiandancernamedLamberti，whowasauniversalfavourite。OneverynightwhentheoperawasgiventheyoungEnglishmanmightbeseengoingtohercamerino，andeveryonewonderedwhyhedidnotvisitheratherownhouse，wherehewouldbecertainofagoodwelcome，forhewasEnglish，andthereforerich，young，andhandsome。IbelievehewastheonlysonoftheDukeofNewcastle。
Zanovitchmarkedhimdown，andinashorttimehadbecomeanintimatefriendofthefairLamberti。HethenmadeuptoLordLincoln，andtookhimtothelady’shouse，asapolitemantakesafriendtoseehismistress。
MadameLamberti，whowasincollusionwiththerascal，wasnotniggardlyofherfavourswiththeyoungEnglishman。ShereceivedhimeverynighttosupperwithZanovitchandZen，whohadbeenpresentedbytheSclav，eitherbecauseofhiscapital，orbecauseZanovitchwasnotsoaccomplishedacheat。
Forthefirstfewnightstheytookcaretolettheyoungnoblemanwin。
Astheyplayedaftersupper，andLordLincolnfollowedthenobleEnglishcustomofdrinkingtillhedidnotknowhisrighthandfromhisleft，hewasquiteastonishedonwakingthenextmorningtofindthatluckhadbeenaskindtohimaslove。Thetrapwasbaited，theyounglordnibbled，and，asmaybeexpected，wasfinallycaught。
Zenwontwelvethousandpoundsofhim，andZanovitchlenthimthemoneybyinstallmentsofthreeandfourhundredlouisatatime，astheEnglishmanhadpromisedhistutornottoplay，onhiswordofhonour。
ZanovitchwonfromZenwhatZenwonfromthelord，andsothegamewaskeptuptilltheyoungpigeonhadlosttheenormoussumoftwelvethousandguineas。
LordLincolnpromisedtopaythreethousandguineasthenextday，andsignedthreebillsofexchangeforthreethousandguineaseach，payableinsixmonths，anddrawnonhisLondonbanker。
IheardallaboutthisfromLordLincolnhimselfwhenwemetatBolognathreemonthslater。
ThenextmorningthelittlegamingpartywasthetalkofFlorence。SassoSassi，thebanker，hadalreadypaidZanovitchsixthousandsequinsbymylord’sorders。
Medinicametoseeme，furiousatnothavingbeenaskedtojointheparty，whileIcongratulatedmyselfonmyabsence。Mysurprisemaybeimagined，when，afewdaysafter，apersoncameuptomyroom，andorderedmetoleaveFlorenceinthreedaysandTuscanyinaweek。
Iwaspetrified，andcalledtomylandlordtowitnesstheunrighteousorderIhadreceived。
ItwasDecember28th。Onthesamedate，threeyearsbefore，IhadreceivedorderstoleaveBarcelonainthreedays。
Idressedhastilyandwenttothemagistratetoenquirethereasonformyexile，andonenteringtheroomIfounditwasthesamemanwhohadorderedmetoleaveFlorenceelevenyearsbefore。
Iaskedhimtogivemehisreasons，andherepliedcoldlythatsuchwasthewillofhishighness。
\"Butashishighnessmusthavehisreasons，itseemstomethatIamwithinmyrightsinenquiringwhattheyare。\"
\"Ifyouthinksoyquhadbetterbetakeyourselftotheprince；Iknownothingaboutit。HeleftyesterdayforPisa，wherehewillstaythreedays；youcangothere。\"
\"Willhepayformyjourney？\"
\"Ishoulddoubtit，butyoucanseeforyourself。\"
\"IshallnotgotoPisa，butIwillwritetohishighnessifyouwillpromisetosendontheletter。\"
\"Iwilldosoimmediately，foritismyduty。\"
\"Verygood；youshallhavetheletterbeforenoontomorrow，andbeforeday—breakIshallbeintheStatesoftheChurch。\"
\"There’snoneedforyoutohurryyourself。\"
\"Thereisaverygreathurry。Icannotbreathetheairofacountrywherelibertyisunknownandthesovereignbreakshisword；thatiswhatIamgoingtowritetoyourmaster。\"
AsIwasgoingoutImetMedini，whohadcomeonthesamebusinessasmyself。
Ilaughed，andinformedhimoftheresultsofmyinterview，andhowIhadbeentoldtogotoPisa。
\"What！haveyoubeenexpelled，too？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Whathaveyoudone？\"
\"Nothing。\"
\"NorI。LetusgotoPisa。\"
\"Youcangoifyoulike，butIshallleaveFlorencetonight。\"
WhenIgothomeItoldmylandlordtogetmeacarriageandtoorderfourpost—horsesfornightfall，andIthenwrotethefollowinglettertothegrandduke:
\"MyLord；ThethunderwhichJovehasplacedinyourhandsisonlyfortheguilty；inlaunchingitatmeyouhavedonewrong。SevenmonthsagoyoupromisedthatIshouldremainunmolestedsolongasIobeyedthelaws。
Ihavedonesoscrupulously，andyourlordshiphasthereforebrokenyourword。IammerelywritingtoyoutoletyouknowthatIforgiveyou，andthatIshallnevergiveutterancetoawordofcomplaint。IndeedIwouldwillinglyforgettheinjuryyouhavedoneme，ifitwerenotnecessarythatIshouldremembernevertosetfootinyourrealmsagain。ThemagistratetellsmethatIcangoandseeyouatPisa，butIfearsuchastepwouldseemahardyonetoaprince，whoshouldhearwhatamanhastosaybeforehecondemnshim，andnotafterwards。
\"Iam，etc。\"
WhenIhadfinishedtheletterIsentittothemagistrate，andthenI
beganmypacking。
IwassittingdowntodinnerwhenMedinicameincursingZenandZanovitch，whomheaccusedofbeingtheauthorsofhismisfortune，andofrefusingtogivehimahundredsequins，withoutwhichhecouldnotpossiblygo。
\"WeareallgoingtoPisa，\"saidhe，\"andcannotimaginewhyyoudonotcome，too。\"
\"Verygood，\"Isaid，laughingly，\"butpleasetoleavemenowasIhavetodomypacking。\"
AsIexpected，hewantedmetolendhimsomemoney，butonmygivinghimadirectrefusalhewentaway。
AfterdinnerItookleaveofM。MediciandMadameDennis，thelatterofwhomhadheardthestoryalready。Shecursedthegrandduke，sayingshecouldnotimaginehowhecouldconfoundtheinnocentwiththeguilty。
SheinformedmethatMadameLambertihadreceivedorderstoquit，asalsoahunchbackedVenetianpriest，whousedtogoandseethedancerbuthadneversuppedwithher。Infact，therewasacleansweepofalltheVenetiansinFlorence。
AsIwasreturninghomeImetLordLincoln’sgovernor；whomIhadknownatLausanneelevenyearsbefore。Itoldhimofwhathadhappenedtomethroughhishopefulpupilgettinghimselffleeced。Helaughed，andtoldmethatthegranddukehadadvisedLordLincolnnottopaythemoneyhehadlost，towhichtheyoungmanrepliedthatifhewerenottopayheshouldbedishonouredsincethemoneyhehadlosthadbeenlenttohim。
InleavingFlorenceIwascuredofanunhappylovewhichwoulddoubtlesshavehadfatalconsequencesifIhadstayedon。IhavesparedmyreadersthepainfulstorybecauseIcannotrecallittomymindevennowwithoutbeingcuttotheheart。ThewidowwhomIloved，andtowhomIwassoweakastodisclosemyfeelings，onlyattachedmetohertriumphalcartohumiliateme，forshedisdainedmyloveandmyself。Ipersistedinmycourtship，andnothingbutmyenforcedabsencewouldhavecuredme。
AsyetIhavenotlearntthetruthofthemaximthatoldage，especiallywhendevoidoffortune，isnotlikelytoproveattractivetoyouth。
IleftFlorencepoorerbyahundredsequinsthanwhenIcamethere。I
hadlivedwiththemostcarefuleconomythroughoutthewholeofmystay。
IstoppedatthefirststagewithinthePope’sdominions，andbythelastdaybutoneoftheyearIwassettledatBologna，at\"St。Mark’sHotel。\"
MyfirstvisitwaspaidtoCountMarulli，theFlorentinecharged’affaires。Ibeggedhimtowriteandtellhismaster，that，outofgratitudeformybanishment，Ishouldneverceasetosinghispraises。
Asthecounthadreceivedalettercontaininganaccountofthewholeaffair，hecouldnotquitebelievethatImeantwhatIsaid。
\"Youmaythinkwhatyoulike，\"Iobserved，\"butifyouknewallyouwouldseethathishighnesshasdonemeaverygreatservicethoughquiteuntentionally。\"
HepromisedtolethismasterknowhowIspokeofhim。
OnJanuary1st，1772，IpresentedmyselftoCardinalBraneaforte，thePope’slegate，whomIhadknowntwentyyearsbeforeatParis，whenhehadbeensentbyBenedictXVI。withtheholyswaddlingclothesforthenewly—
bornDukeofBurgundy。WehadmetattheLodgeofFreemasons，forthemembersofthesacredcollegewerebynomeansafraidoftheirownanathemas。WehadalsosomeverypleasantlittlesupperswithprettysinnersincompanywithDonFrancescoSensateandCountRanucci。Inshort，thecardinalwasamanofwit，andwhatiscalledabonvivant。
\"Oh，hereyouare！\"criedhe，whenhesawme；\"Iwasexpectingyou\"
\"Howcouldyou，mylord？WhyshouldIhavecometoBolognaratherthantoanyotherplace？\"
\"Fortworeasons。InthefirstplacebecauseBolognaisbetterthanmanyotherplaces，andbesidesIflattermyselfyouthoughtofme。Butyouneedn’tsayanythinghereaboutthelifeweledtogetherwhenwewereyoungmen。\"
\"Ithasalwaysbeenapleasantrecollectiontome。\"
\"Nodoubt。CountMarullitoldmeyesterdaythatyouspokeveryhighlyofthegrandduke，andyouarequiteright。Youcantalktomeinconfidence；thewallsofthisroomhavenoears。Howmuchdidyougetofthetwelvethousandguineas？\"
Itoldhimthewholestory，andshewedhimacopyoftheletterwhichI
hadwrittentothegrandduke。Helaughed，andsaidhewassorryIhadbeenpunishedfornothing。
WhenheheardIthoughtofstayingsomemonthsatBolognahetoldmethatImightreckononperfectfreedom，andthatassoonasthematterceasedtobecomecommontalkhewouldgivemeopenproofofhisfriendship。
AfterseeingthecardinalIresolvedtocontinueatBolognathekindoflifethatIhadbeenleadingatFlorence。BolognaisthefreesttowninallItaly；commoditiesarecheapandgood，andallthepleasuresoflifemaybehadthereatalowprice。Thetownisafineone，andthestreetsarelinedwitharcades——agreatcomfortinsohotaplace。
Astosociety，Ididnottroublemyselfaboutit。IknewtheBolognese；
thenoblesareproud，rude，andviolent；thelowestorders，knownasthebirichini，areworsethanthelazzaroniofNaples，whilethetradesmenandthemiddleclassesaregenerallyspeakingworthyandrespectablepeople。AtBologna，asatNaples，thetwoextremesofsocietyarecorrupt，whilethemiddleclassesarerespectable，andthedepositoryofvirtue，talents，andlearning。
However，myintentionwastoleavesocietyalone，topassmytimeinstudy，andtomaketheacquaintanceofafewmenofletters，whoareeasilyaccessibleeverywhere。
AtFlorenceignoranceistheruleandlearningtheexception，whileatBolognathetinctureoflettersisalmostuniversal。Theuniversityhasthricetheusualnumberofprofessors；buttheyareallillpaid，andhavetogettheirlivingoutofthestudents，whoarenumerous。PrintingischeaperatBolognathananywhereelse，andthoughtheInquisitionisestablishedtherethepressisalmostentirelyfree。
AlltheexilesfromFlorencereachedBolognafourorfivedaysaftermyself。MadameLambertionlypassedthroughonherwaytoVenice。
ZanovitchandZenstayedfiveorsixdays；buttheywerenolongerinpartnership，havingquarreledoverthesharingofthebooty。
ZanovitchhadrefusedtomakeoneofLordLincoln’sbillsofexchangepayabletoZen，becausehedidnotwishtomakehimselfliableincasetheEnglishmanrefusedtopay。HewantedtogotoEngland，andtoldZenhewasatlibertytodothesame。
TheywenttoMilanwithouthavingpatcheduptheirquarrel，buttheMilaneseGovernmentorderedthemtoleaveLombardy，andIneverheardwhatarrangementstheyfinallycameto。LateronIwasinformedthattheEnglishman’sbillshadallbeensettledtotheuttermostfarthing。
Medini，pennilessasusual，hadtakenuphisabodeinthehotelwhereI
wasstaying，bringingwithhimhismistress，hersister，andhermother，butwithonlyoneservant。HeinformedmethatthegranddukehadrefusedtolistentoanyofthematPisa，wherehehadreceivedasecondordertoleaveTuscany，andsohadbeenobligedtoselleverything。Ofcoursehewantedmetohelphim，butIturnedadeafeartohisentreaties。
Ihaveneverseenthisadventurerwithouthisbeinginadesperatestateofimpecuniosity，buthewouldneverlearntoabatehisluxurioushabits，andalwaysmanagedtofindsomewayorotheroutofhisdifficulties。HewasluckyenoughtofallinwithaFranciscanmonknamedDeDominisatBologna，thesaidmonkbeingonhiswaytoRometosolicitabriefof’laicisation’fromthePope。HefellinlovewithMedini’smistress，whonaturallymadehimpaydearlyforhercharms。
Medinileftattheendofthreeweeks。HewenttoGermany，whereheprintedhisversionofthe\"Henriade，\"havingdiscoveredaMaecenasinthepersonoftheElectorPalatin。AfterthathewanderedaboutEuropefortwelveyears，anddiedinaLondonprisonin1788。
IhadalwayswarnedhimtogiveEnglandawideberth，asIfeltcertainthatifheoncewenttherehewouldnotescapeEnglishboltsandbars，andthatifhegotonthewrongsideoftheprisondoorshewouldnevercomeoutalive。Hedespisedmyadvice，andifhedidsowiththeideaofprovingmealiar，hemadeamistake，forheprovedmetobeaprophet。
Medinihadtheadvantageofhighbirth，agoodeducation，andintelligence；butashewasapoormanwithluxurioustastesheeithercorrectedfortuneatplayorwentintodebt，andwasconsequentlyobligedtobealwaysonthewingtoavoidimprisonment。
Helivedinthiswayforseventyyears，andhemightpossiblybealivenowifhehadfollowedmyadvice。
EightyearsagoCountToriotoldmethathehadseenMediniinaLondonprison，andthatthesillyfellowconfessedhehadonlycometoLondonwiththehopeofprovingmetobealiar。
Medini’sfateshallneverpreventmefromgivinggoodadvicetoapoorwretchonthebrinkoftheprecipice。TwentyyearsagoItoldCagliostro（whocalledhimselfCountPellegriniinthosedays）nottosethisfootinRome，andifhehadfollowedthiscounselhewouldnothavediedmiserablyinaRomanprison。
ThirtyyearsagoawisemanadvisedmetobewarevisitingSpain。Iwent，but，asthereaderknows，Ihadnoreasontocongratulatemyselfonmyvisit。
AweekaftermyarrivalatBologna，happeningtobeintheshopofTartuffi，thebookseller，Imadetheacquaintanceofacross—eyedpriest，whostruckme，afteraquarterofanhour’stalkasamanoflearningandtalent。HepresentedmewithtwoworkswhichhadrecentlybeenissuedbytwooftheyoungprofessorsattheuniversityHetoldmethatIshouldfindthemamusingreading，andhewasright。
Thefirsttreatisecontendedthatwomen’sfaultsshouldbeforgiventhem，sincetheywerereallytheworkofthematrix，whichinfluencedtheminspiteofthemselves。Thesecondtreatisewasacriticismofthefirst。
Theauthorallowedthattheuteruswasananimal，buthedeniedtheallegedinfluence，asnoanatomisthadsucceededindiscoveringanycommunicationbetweenitandthebrain。
Ideterminedtowriteareplytothetwopamphlets，andIdidsointhecourseofthreedays。WhenmyreplywasfinishedIsentittoM。
Dandolo，instructinghimtohavefivehundredcopiesprinted。WhentheyarrivedIgaveabooksellertheagency，andinafortnightIhadmadeahundredsequins。
Thefirstpamphletwascalled\"LuteroPensante，\"thesecondwasinFrenchandborethetitle\"LaForceVitale，\"whileIcalledmyreply\"LanaCaprina。\"Itreatedthematterinaneasyvein，notwithoutsomehintsofdeeplearning，andmadefunofthelucubrationsofthetwophysicians。
MyprefacewasinFrench，butfullofParisianidiomswhichrendereditunintelligibletoallwhohadnotvisitedthegaycapital，andthiscircumstancegainedmeagoodmanyfriendsamongsttheyoungergeneration。
Thesquintingpriest，whosenamewasZacchierdi，introducedmetotheAbbeSeverini，whobecamemyintimatefriendinthecourseoftenortwelvedays。
Thisabbemademeleavetheinn，andgotmetwopleasantroomsinthehouseofaretiredartiste，thewidowofthetenorCarlani。Healsomadearrangementswithapastrycooktosendmemydinnerandsupper。Allthis，plusaservant，onlycostmetensequinsamonth。
Severiniwastheagreeablecauseofmylosingtemporarilymytasteforstudy。Iputbymy\"Iliad，\"feelingsurethatIshouldbeabletofinishitagain。
Severiniintroducedmetohisfamily，andbeforelongIbecameveryintimatewithhim。Ialsobecamethefavouriteofhissister，aladyratherplainthanpretty，thirtyyearsold，butfullofintelligence。
InthecourseofLenttheabbeintroducedmetoallthebestdancersandoperaticsingersinBologna，whichisthenurseryoftheheroinesofthestage。Theymaybehadcheaplyenoughontheirnativesoil。
Everyweekthegoodabbeintroducedmetoafreshone，andlikeatruefriendhewatchedcarefullyovermyfinances。Hewasapoormanhimself，andcouldnotaffordtocontributeanythingtowardstheexpensesofourlittleparties；butastheywouldhavecostmedoublewithouthishelp，thearrangementwasaconvenientoneforbothofus。
AboutthistimetherewasagooddealoftalkaboutaBolognesenobleman，MarquisAlbergatiCapacelli。Hehadmadeapresentofhisprivatetheatretothepublic，andwashimselfanexcellentactor。Hehadmadehimselfnotoriousbyobtainingadivorcefromhiswife，whomhedidnotlike，soastoenablehimtomarryadancer，bywhomhehadtwochildren。
Theamusingpointinthisdivorcewasthatheobtaineditonthepleathathewasimpotent，andsustainedhispleabysubmittingtoanexamination，whichwasconductedasfollows:
Fourskilledandimpartialjudgeshadthemarquisstrippedbeforethem，anddidallintheirpowertoproduceanerection；butsomehoworotherhesucceededinmaintaininghiscomposure，andthemarriagewaspronouncednullandvoidonthegroundofrelativeimpotence，foritwaswellknownthathehadhadchildrenbyanotherwoman。
Ifreasonandnotprejudicehadbeenconsulted，theprocedurewouldhavebeenverydifferent；forifrelativeimpotencewasconsideredasufficientgroundfordivorce，ofwhatusewastheexamination？
Themarquisshouldhaveswornthathecoulddonothingwithhiswife，andiftheladyhadtraversedthisstatementthemarquismighthavechallengedhertoputhimintotherequiredcondition。
Butthedestructionofoldcustomsandoldprejudicesisoftentheworkoflongages。
Ifeltcurioustoknowthischaracter，andwrotetoM。Dandolotogetmealetterofintroductiontothemarquis。
Inaweekmygoodoldfriendsentmethedesiredletter。ItwaswrittenbyanotherVenetian，M。deZaguri，anintimatefriendofthemarquis。
Theletterwasnotsealed，soIreadit。Iwasdelighted；noonecouldhavecommendedapersonunknowntohimselfbutthefriendofafriendinamoredelicatemanner。
IthoughtmyselfboundtowritealetterofthankstoM。Zaguri。IsaidthatIdesiredtoobtainmypardonmorethaneverafterreadinghisletter，whichmademelongtogotoVenice，andmaketheacquaintanceofsuchaworthynobleman。
Ididnotexpectananswer，butIgotone。M。Zagurisaidthatmydesirewassuchaflatteringonetohimself，thathemeanttodohisbesttoobtainmyrecall。
Thereaderwillseethathewassuccessful，butnottillaftertwoyearsofcontinuouseffort。
AlbergatiwasawayfromBolognaatthetime，butwhenhereturnedSeveriniletmeknow，andIcalledatthepalace。Theportertoldmethathisexcellence（allthenoblesareexcellencesatBologna）hadgonetohiscountryhouse，wherehemeanttopassthewholeofthespring。
IntwoorthreedaysIdroveouttohisvilla。Iarrivedatacharmingmansion，andfindingnooneatthedoorIwentupstairs，andenteredalargeroomwhereagentlemanandanexceedinglyprettywomanwerejustsittingdowntodinner。Thedisheshadbeenbroughtin，andtherewereonlytwoplaceslaid。
Imadeapolitebow，andaskedthegentlemanifIhadthehonourofaddressingtheMarquisAlbergati。Herepliedintheaffirmative，whereuponIgavehimmyletterofintroduction。Hetookit，readthesuperscription，andputitinhispocket，tellingmeIwasverykindtohavetakensomuchtrouble，andthathewouldbesuretoreadit。
\"Ithasbeennotroubleatall，\"Ireplied，\"butIhopeyouwillreadtheletter。ItiswrittenbyM。deZaguri，whomIaskedtodomethisservice，asIhavelongdesiredtomakeyourlordship’sacquaintance。\"
Hislordshipsmiledandsaidverypleasantlythathewouldreaditafterdinner，andwouldseewhathecoulddoforhisfriendZaguri。
Ourdialoguewasoverinafewseconds。ThinkinghimextremelyrudeI
turnedmybackandwentdownstairs，arrivingjustintimetopreventthepostilliontakingoutthehorses。Ipromisedhimadoublegratuityifhewouldtakemetosomevillageathand，wherehecouldbaithishorseswhileIbreakfasted。
Justasthepostillionhadgotonhorsebackaservantcamerunningup。
Hetoldmeverypolitelythathisexcellencebeggedmetostepupstairs。
Iputmyhandinmypocketandgavethemanmycardwithmynameandaddress，andtellinghimthatthatwaswhathismasterwanted，Iorderedthepostilliontodriveoffatafullgallop。
Whenwehadgonehalfaleaguewestoppedatagoodinn，andthenproceededonourwaybacktoBologna。
ThesamedayIwrotetoM。deZaguri，anddescribedthewelcomeIhadreceivedatthehandsofthemarquis。IenclosedtheletterinanothertoM。Dandolo，begginghimtoreadit，andtosenditon。IbeggedthenobleVenetiantowritetothemarquisthathavingoffendedmegrievouslyhemustpreparetogivemeduesatisfaction。
Ilaughedwithallmyheartnextdaywhenmylandladygavemeavisitingcardwiththeinscription，GeneraltheMarquisofAlbeygati。Shetoldmethemarquishadcalledonmehimself，andonhearingIwasouthadlefthiscard。
Ibegantolookuponthewholeofhisproceedingsaspuregasconnade，onlylackingthewitofthetrueGascon。IdeterminedtoawaitM。
Zaguri’sreplybeforemakingupmymindastothekindofsatisfactionI
shoulddemand。
WhileIwasinspectingthecard，andwonderingwhatrightthemarquishadtothetitleofgeneral，Severinicamein，andinformedmethatthemarquishadbeenmadeaKnightoftheOrderofSt。StanislasbytheKingofPoland，whohadalsogivenhimthestyleofroyalchamberlain。
\"IsheageneralinthePolishserviceaswell？\"Iasked。
\"Ireallydon’tknow。\"
\"Iunderstanditall，\"Isaidtomyself。\"InPolandachamberlainhastherankofadjutant—general，andthemarquiscallshimselfgeneral。Butgeneralwhat？Theadjectivewithoutasubstantiveisamerecheat。\"
Isawmyopportunity，andwroteacomicdialogue，whichIhadprintedthenextday。Imadeapresentoftheworktoabookseller，andinthreeorfourdayshesoldoutthewholeeditionatabajoccoapiece。
CHAPTERXIX
FarinelloandtheElectressDowagerofSaxony——MadameSlopitz——Nina——
TheMidwife——MadameSoavi——AbbeBolini——MadameViscioletta——
TheSeamstress——TheSorryPleasureofRevenge——SeveriniGoestoNaples——MyDeparture——MarquisMoscaAnyonewhoattacksaproudpersoninacomicveinisalmostsureofsuccess；thelaughisgenerallyonhisside。
Iaskedinmydialoguewhetheritwaslawfulforaprovost—marshaltocallhimselfsimplymarshal，andwhetheralieutenant—colonelhadarighttothetitleofcolonel。Ialsoaskedwhetherthemanwhopreferredtitlesofhonour，forwhichhehadpaidinhardcash，tohisancientandlegitimaterank，couldpassforasage。
Ofcoursethemarquishadtolaughatmydialogue，buthewascalledthegeneraleverafter。HehadplacedtheroyalarmsofPolandoverthegateofhispalace，muchtotheamusementofCountMischinski，thePolishambassadortoBerlin，whohappenedtobepassingthroughBolognaatthattime。
ItoldthePoleofmydisputewiththemadmarquis，andpersuadedhimtopayAlbergatiavisit，leavinghiscard。Theambassadordidso，andthecallwasreturned，butAlbergati’scardsnolongerborethetitleofgeneral。
TheDowagerElectressofSaxonyhavingcometoBologna，Ihastenedtopaymyrespectstoher。ShehadonlycometoseethefamouscatstratoFarinello，whohadleftMadrid，andnowlivedatBolognaingreatcomfort。HeplacedamagnificentcollationbeforetheElectress，andsangasongofhisowncomposition，accompanyinghimselfonthepiano。
TheElectress，whowasanenthusiasticmusician，embracedFarinello，exclaiming，——
\"NowIcandiehappy。\"
Farinello，whowasalsoknownastheChevalierBorschihadreigned，asitwere，inSpaintilltheParmesewifeofPhilipV。hadlaidplotswhichobligedhimtoleavetheCourtafterthedisgraceofEnunada。TheElectressnoticedaportraitofthequeen，andspokeveryhighlyofher，mentioningsomecircumstanceswhichmusthavetakenplaceinthereignofFerdinandVI。
Thefamousmusicianburstintotears，andsaidthatQueenBarbarawasasgoodasElizabethofParmawaswicked。
BorschimighthavebeenseventywhenIsawhimatBologna。Hewasveryrichandintheenjoymentofgoodhealth，andyethewasunhappy，continuallysheddingtearsatthethoughtofSpain。
Ambitionisamorepowerfulpassionthanavarice。Besides，Farinellohadanotherreasonforunhappiness。
Hehadanephewwhowastheheirtoallhiswealth，whomhemarriedtoanobleTuscanlady，hopingtofoundatitledfamily，thoughinanindirectkindofway。Butthismarriagewasatormenttohim，forinhisimpotentoldagehewassounfortunateastofallinlovewithhisniece，andtobecomejealousofhisnephew。Worsethanalltheladygrewtohatehim，andFarinellohadsenthisnephewabroad，whileheneverallowedthewifetogooutofhissight。
LordLincolnarrivedinBolognawithanintroductionforthecardinallegate，whoaskedhimtodinner，anddidmethehonourofgivingmeaninvitationtomeethim。ThecardinalwasthusconvincedthatLordLincolnandIhadnevermet，andthatthegranddukeofTuscanyhadcommittedagreatinjusticeinbanishingme。Itwasonthatoccasionthattheyoungnoblemantoldmehowtheyhadspreadthesnare，thoughhedeniedthathehadbeencheated；hewasfartooproudtoacknowledgesuchathing。HediedofdebaucheryinLondonthreeorfouryearsafter。
IalsosawatBolognatheEnglishmanAstonwithMadameSlopitz，sisteroftheCharmingCailimena。MadameSlopitzwasmuchhandsomerthanhersister。ShehadpresentedAstonwithtwobabesasbeautifulasRaphael’scherubs。
Ispokeofhersistertoher，andfromthewayinwhichIsangherpraisessheguessedthatIhadlovedher。ShetoldmeshewouldbeinFlorenceduringtheCarnivalof1773，butIdidnotseeheragaintilltheyear1776，whenIwasatVenice。
ThedreadfulNinaBergonci，whohadmadeamadmanofCountRicla，andwasthesourceofallmywoesatBarcelona，hadcometoBolognaatthebeginningofLent，occupyingapleasanthousewhichshehadtaken。Shehadcarteblanchewithabanker，andkeptupagreatstate，affirmingherselftobewithchildbytheViceroyofCatalonia，anddemandingthehonourswhichwouldbegiventoaqueenwhohadgraciouslychosenBolognaastheplaceofherconfinement。Shehadaspecialrecommendationtothelegate，whooftenvisitedher，butinthegreatestsecrecy。
Thetimeofherconfinementapproached，andtheinsaneRiclasentoveraconfidentialman，DonMartino，whowasempoweredtohavethechildbaptized，andtorecognizeitasRicla’snaturaloffspring。
Ninamadeashowofhercondition，appearingatthetheatreandinthepublicplaceswithanenormousbelly。ThegreatestnobleofBolognapaidcourttoher，andNinatoldthemthattheymightdoso，butthatshecouldnotguaranteetheirsafetyfromthejealousdaggerofRicla。ShewasimpudentenoughtotellthemwhathappenedtomeatBarcelona，notknowingthatIwasatBologna。
ShewasextremelysurprisedtohearfromCountZini，whoknewme，thatI
inhabitedthesametownasherself。
WhenthecountmetmeheaskedmeiftheBarcelonastorywastrue。Ididnotcaretotakehimintomyconfidence，soIrepliedthatIdidnotknowNina，andthatthestoryhaddoubtlessbeenmadeupbyhertoseewhetherhewouldencounterdangerforhersake。
WhenImetthecardinalItoldhimthewholestory，andhiseminencewasastonishedwhenIgavehimsomeinsightintoNina’scharacter，andinformedhimthatshewasthedaughterofhersisterandhergrandfather。
\"Icouldstakemylife，\"saidI，\"thatNinaisnomorewithchildthanyouare。\"
\"Oh，come！\"saidhe，laughing，\"thatisreallytoostrong；whyshouldn’tshehaveachild？Itisaverysimplematter，itseemstome。PossiblyitmaynotbeRicla’schildbuttherecanbenodoubtthatsheiswithsomebody’schild。Whatobjectcouldshehaveforfeigningpregnancy？\"
\"TomakeherselffamousbydefilingtheCountdeRicla，whowasamodelofjusticeandvirtuebeforeknowingthisMessalina。IfyoureminenceknewthehideouscharacterofNinayouwouldnotwonderatanythingshedid。\"
\"Well，weshallsee。\"
\"Yes。\"
AboutaweeklaterIheardagreatnoiseinthestreet，andonputtingmyheadoutofthewindowIsawawomanstrippedtothewaist，andmountedonanass，beingscourgedbythehangman，andhootedbyamobofallthebiricchiniinBologna。SeverinicameupatthesamemomentandinformedmethatthewomanwasthechiefmidwifeinBologna，andthatherpunishmenthadbeenorderedbythecardinalarchbishop。
\"Itmustbeforsomegreatcrime，\"Iobserved。
\"Nodoubt。ItisthewomanwhowaswithNinathedaybeforeyesterday。\"
\"What！hasNinabeenbroughttobed？\"
\"Yes；butofastill—bornchild。\"
\"Iseeitall。\"
Nextdaythestorywasalloverthetown。
Apoorwomanhadcomebeforethearchbishop，andhadcomplainedbitterlythatthemidwifeTeresahadseducedher，promisingtogivehertwentysequinsifshewouldgiveherafineboytowhomshehadgivenbirthafortnightago。Shewasnotgiventhesumagreedupon，andinherdespairathearingofthedeathofherchildshebeggedforjustice，declaringherselfabletoprovethatthedeadchildsaidtobeNina’swasinrealityherown。
Thearchbishoporderedhischancellortoenquireintotheaffairwiththeutmostsecrecy，andthenproceedtoinstantandsummaryexecution。
AweekafterthisscandalDonMartinoreturnedtoBarcelona；butNinaremainedasimpudentasever，doubledthesizeoftheredcockadeswhichshemadeherservantswear，andsworethatSpainwouldavengeherontheinsolentarchbishop。SheremainedatBolognasixweekslonger，pretendingtobestillsufferingfromtheeffectsofherconfinement。
Thecardinallegate，whowasashamedofhavinghadanythingtodowithsuchanabandonedprostitute，didhisbesttohaveherorderedtoleave。
CountRicla，adupetothelast，gaveheraconsiderableyearlyincomeontheconditionthatsheshouldnevercometoBarcelonaagain；butinayearthecountdied。
Ninadidnotsurvivehimformorethanayear，anddiedmiserablyfromherfearfuldebauchery。ImethermotherandsisteratVenice，andshetoldmethestoryofthelasttwoyearsofherdaughter’slife；butitissosadandsodisgustingatalethatIfeelobligedtoomitit。
Asfortheinfamousmidwife，shefoundpowerfulfriends。
Apamphletappearedinwhichtheanonymousauthordeclaredthatthearchbishophadcommittedagreatwronginpunishingacitizeninsoshamefulamannerwithoutanyoftheproperformalitiesofjustice。Thewritermaintainedthatevenifshewereguiltyshehadbeenunjustlypunished，andshouldappealtoRome。
Theprelate，feelingtheforceoftheseanimadversions，circulatedapamphletinwhichitappearedthatthemidwifehadmadethreepriorappearancesbeforethejudge，andthatshewouldhavebeensenttothegallowslongagoifthearchbishophadnothesitatedtoshamethreeofthenoblestfamiliesinBologna，whosenamesappearedindocumentsinthecustodyofhischancellor。
Hercrimeswereprocuringabortionandkillingerringmothers，substitutingthelivingforthedead，andinonecaseaboyforagirl，thusgivinghimtheenjoymentofpropertywhichdidnotbelongtohim。
Thispamphletoftheprelatereducedthepatronsoftheinfamousmidwifetosilence，forseveralyoungnoblemenwhosemothershadbeenattendedbyherdidnotrelishtheideaoftheirfamilysecretsbeingbroughttolight。
AtBolognaIsawMadameMarucci，whohadbeenexpelledfromSpainforthesamereasonasMadamePelliccia。ThelatterhadretiredtoRome，whileMadameMarucciwasonherwaytoLucca，hernativecountry。
MadameSoavi，aBolognesedancerwhomIhadknownatParmaandParis，cametoBolognawithherdaughterbyM。deMarigni。Thegirl，whosenamewasAdelaide，wasverybeautiful，andhernaturalabilitieshadbeenfosteredbyacarefuleducation。
WhenMadameSoavigottoBolognashemetherhusbandwhomshehadnotseenforfifteenyears。
\"Hereisatreasureforyou，\"saidshe，shewinghimherdaughter。
\"She’scertainlyverypretty，butwhatamItodowithher？Shedoesnotbelongtome。\"
\"Yesshedoes，asIhavegivenhertoyou。Youmustknowthatshehassixthousandfrancsayear，andthatIshallbehercashiertillIgethermarriedtoagooddancer。Iwanthertolearncharacterdancing，andtomakeherappearanceontheboards。Youmusttakeheroutonholidays。\"
\"WhatshallIsayifpeopleaskmewhosheis？\"
\"Saysheisyourdaughter，andthatyouarecertain，becauseyourwifegavehertoyou。\"
\"Ican’tseethat。\"
\"Ah，youhavealwaysstayedathome，andconsequentlyyourwitsarehomely。\"
Iheardthiscuriousdialoguewhichmademelaughthen，andmakesmelaughnowasIwriteit。IofferedtohelpinAdelaide’seducation，butMadameSoavilaughed，andsaid，——
\"Fox，youhavedeceivedsomanytenderpullets，thatIdon’tliketotrustyouwiththisone，forfearofyourmakinghertooprecocious。\"
\"Ididnotthinkofthat，butyouareright。\"
AdelaidebecamethewonderofBologna。
AyearafterIlefttheComteduBarri，brother—in—lawofthefamousmistressofLouisXV。，visitedBologna，andbecamesoamorousofAdelaidethathermothersentheraway，fearinghewouldcarryheroff。
DuBarriofferedherahundredthousandfrancsforthegirl，butsherefusedtheoffer。
IsawAdelaidefiveyearslaterontheboardsofaVenetiantheatre。
WhenIwenttocongratulateher，shesaid，——
\"Mymotherbroughtmeintotheworld，andIthinkshewillsendmeoutofit；thisdancingiskillingme。\"
Inpointoffactthisdelicateflowerfadedanddiedaftersevenyearsoftheseverelifetowhichhermotherhadexposedher。
MadameSoaviwhohadnottakentheprecautiontosettlethesixthousandfrancsonherself，lostallinlosingAdelaide，anddiedmiserablyafterhavingrolledinriches。But，alas！Iamnotthemantoreproachanyoneonthescoreofimprudence。
AtBolognaImetthefamousAfflisio，whohadbeendischargedfromtheimperialserviceandhadturnedmanager。Hewentfrombadtoworse，andfiveorsixyearslatercommittedforgery，wassenttothegalleys，andtheredied。
Iwasalsoimpressedbytheexampleofamanofagoodfamily，whohadoncebeenrich。ThiswasCountFilomarino。Hewaslivingingreatmisery，deprivedoftheuseofallhislimbsbyasuccessionofvenerealcomplaints。Ioftenwenttoseehimtogivehimafewpiecesofmoney，andtolistentohismalevolenttalk，forhistonguewastheonlymemberthatcontinuedactive。Hewasascoundrelandaslanderer，andwrithedunderthethoughtthathecouldnotgotoNaplesandtormenthisrelations，whowereinrealityrespectablepeople，butmonstersaccordingtohisshewing。
MadameSabatini，thedancer，hadreturnedtoBologna，havingmadeenoughmoneytorestuponherlaurels。Shemarriedaprofessorofanatomy，andbroughtallherwealthtohimasadower。Shehadwithherhersister，whowasnotrichandhadnotalents，butwasatthesametimeveryagreeable。
AtthehouseImetanabbe，afineyoungmanofmodestappearance。Thesisterseemedtobedeeplyinlovewithhim，whileheappearedtobegratefulandnothingmore。
ImadesomeremarktothemodestAdonis，andhegavemeaverysensibleanswer。Wewalkedawaytogether，andaftertellingeachotherwhatbroughtustoBolognaweparted，agreeingtomeetagain。
Theabbe，whowastwenty—fourortwenty—fiveyearsold，wasnotinorders，andwastheonlysonofanoblefamilyofNovara，whichwasunfortunatelypooraswellasnoble。
Hehadaveryscantyrevenue，andwasabletolivemorecheaplyatBolognathanNovara，whereeverythingisdear。Besides，hedidnotcareforhisrelations；hehadnofriends，andeverybodytherewasmoreorlessignorant。
TheAbbedeBolini，ashewascalled，wasamanoftranquilmind，livingapeacefulandquietlifeaboveallthings。Helikedletteredmenmorethanletters，anddidnottroubletogainthereputationofawit。Heknewhewasnotafool，andwhenhemixedwithlearnedmenhewasquitecleverenoughtobeagoodlistener。
Bothtemperamentandhispursemadehimtemperateinallthings，andhehadreceivedasoundChristianeducation。Henevertalkedaboutreligion，butnothingscandalizedhim。Heseldompraisedandneverblamed。
Hewasalmostentirelyindifferenttowomen，flyingfromuglywomenandbluestockings，andgratifyingthepassionofprettyonesmoreoutofkindlinessthanlove，forinhisheartheconsideredwomenasmorelikelytomakeamanmiserablethanhappy。Iwasespeciallyinterestedinthislastcharacteristic。
WehadbeenfriendsforthreeweekswhenItookthelibertyofaskinghimhowhereconciledhistheorieswithhisattachmenttoBrigidaSabatini。
Hesuppedwithhereveryevening，andshebreakfastedwithhimeverymorning。WhenIwenttoseehim，shewaseithertherealreadyorcameinbeforemycallwasover。Shebreathedforthloveineveryglance，whiletheabbewaskind，but，inspiteofhispoliteness，evidentlybored。
Brigidalookedwellenough，butshewasatleasttenyearsolderthantheabbe。Shewasverypolitetomeanddidherbesttoconvincemethattheabbewashappyinthepossessionofherheart，andthattheybothenjoyedthedelightsofmutuallove。
ButwhenIaskedhimoverabottleofgoodwineabouthisaffectionforBrigida，hesighed，smiled，blushed，lookeddown，andfinallyconfessedthatthisconnectionwasthemisfortuneofhislife。
\"Misfortune？Doesshemakeyousighinvain？Ifsoyoushouldleaveher，andthusregainyourhappiness。\"
\"HowcanIsigh？Iamnotinlovewithher。Sheisinlovewithme，andtriestomakemeherslave。\"
\"Howdoyoumean？\"
\"Shewantsmetomarryher，andIpromisedtodoso，partlyfromweakness，andpartlyfrompity；andnowsheisinahurry。\"
\"Idaresay；alltheseelderlygirlsareinahurry。\"
\"Everyeveningshetreatsmetotears，supplications，anddespair。Shesummonsmetokeepmypromise，andaccusesmeofdeceivingher，soyoumayimaginethatmysituationisanunhappyone。\"
\"Haveyouanyobligationstowardsher？\"
\"Nonewhatever。Shehasviolatedme，sotospeak，foralltheadvancescamefromher。Shehasonlywhathersistergivesherfromdaytoday，andifshegotmarriedshewouldnotgetthat。\"
\"Haveyougotherwithchild？\"
\"Ihavetakengoodcarenottodoso，andthat’swhathasirritatedher；
shecallsallmylittlestratagemsdetestabletreason。\"
\"Nevertheless，youhavemadeupyourmindtomarryhersoonerorlater？\"
\"I’dassoonhangmyself。IfIgotmarriedtoherIshouldbefourtimesaspoorasIamnow，andallmyrelationsatNovarawouldlaughatmeforbringinghomeawifeofherage。Besides，sheisneitherrichnorwellborn，andatNovaratheydemandtheoneortheother。\"
\"Thenasamanofhonourandasamanofsense，yououghttobreakwithher，andthesoonerthebetter。\"
\"Iknow，butlackingnormalstrengthwhatamItodo？IfIdidnotgoandsupwithherto—night，shewouldinfalliblycomeaftermetoseewhathadhappened。Ican’tlockmydoorinherface，andIcan’ttellhertogoaway。\"
\"No，butneithercangooninthismiserableway。
Youmustmakeupyourmind，andcuttheGordianknot，likeAlexander。\"
\"Ihaven’thissword。\"
\"Iwilllendityou。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"
\"Listentome。Youmustgoandliveinanothertown。Shewillhardlygoafteryouthere，Isuppose。\"
\"Thatisaverygoodplan，butflightisadifficultmatter。\"
\"Difficult？Notatall。DoyoupromisetodowhatItellyou，andI
willarrangeeverythingquitecomfortably。Yourmistresswillnotknowanythingaboutittillshemissesyouatsupper。\"
\"Iwilldowhateveryoutellme，andIshallneverforgetyourkindness；
butBrigidawillgomadwithgrief。\"
\"Wellmyfirstordertoyouisnottogivehergriefasinglethought。
Youhaveonlytoleaveeverythingtome。Wouldyouliketostartto—
morrow？\"
\"To—morrow？\"
\"Yes。Haveyouanydebts？\"
\"No。\"
\"Doyouwantanymoney？\"
\"Ihavesufficient。Buttheideaofleavingtomorrowhastakenmybreathaway。Imusthavethreedaysdelay。\"
\"Whyso？\"
\"Iexpectsomelettersthedayafterto—morrow，andImustwritetomyrelationstotellthemwhereIamgoing。\"
\"Iwilltakechargeofyourlettersandsendthemontoyou。\"
\"WhereshallIbe？\"
\"Iwilltellyouatthemomentofyourdeparture；trustinme。Iwillsendyouatoncewhereyouwillbecomfortable。Allyouhavetodoistoleaveyourtrunkinthehandsofyourlandlord，withordersnottogiveituptoanyonebutmyself。\"
\"Verygood。Iamtogowithoutmytrunk，then。\"
\"Yes。Youmustdinewithmeeverydaytillyougo，andmindnottotellanyonewhatsoeverthatyouintendleavingBologna。\"
\"Iwilltakecarenottodoso。\"
Theworthyyoungfellowlookedquiteradiant。Iembracedhimandthankedhimforputtingsomuchtrustinme。
IfeltproudatthegoodworkIwasabouttoperform，andsmiledatthethoughtofBrigida’sangerwhenshefoundthatherloverhadescaped。
IwrotetomygoodfriendDandolothatinfiveorsixdaysayoungabbewouldpresenthimselfbeforehimbearingaletterfrommyself。IbeggedDandolotogethimacomfortableandcheaplodging，asmyfriendwassounfortunateastobeindifferentlyprovidedwithmoney，thoughanexcellentman。Ithenwrotetheletterofwhichtheabbewastobethebearer。
NextdayBolinitoldmethatBrigidawasfarfromsuspectinghisflight，asowingtohisgaietyatthethoughtoffreedomhehadcontentedhersowellduringthenightshehadpassedwithhimthatshethoughthimasmuchinloveasshewas。
\"Shehasallmylinen，\"headded，\"butIhopetogetagoodpartofitbackunderonepretextoranother，andsheiswelcometotherest。\"
Onthedayappointedhecalledonmeaswehadarrangedthenightbefore，carryingahugecarpetbagcontainingnecessaries。ItookhimtoModenainapostchaise，andtherewedined；afterwardIgavehimaletterforM。Dandolo，promisingtosendonhistrunkthenextday。
HewasdelightedtohearthatVenicewashisdestination，ashehadlongwishedtogothere，andIpromisedhimthatM。DandoloshouldseethathelivedascomfortablyandcheaplyashehaddoneatBologna。
Isawhimoff，andreturnedtoBologna。ThetrunkIdispatchedafterhimthefollowingday。
AsIhadexpected，thepoorvictimappearedbeforemeallintearsthenextday。Ifeltitmydutytopityher；itwouldhavebeencrueltopretendIdidnotknowthereasonforherdespair。Igaveheralongbutkindlysermon，endeavouringtopersuadeherthatIhadactedforthebestinpreventingtheabbemarryingher，assuchastepwouldhaveplungedthembothintomisery。
Thepoorwomanthrewherselfweepingatmyfeet，beggingmetobringherabbeback，andswearingbyallthesaintsthatshewouldnevermentiontheword\"marriage\"again。Bywayofcalmingher，IsaidIwoulddomybesttowinhimover。
Sheaskedwherehewas，andIsaidatVenice；butofcourseshedidnotbelieveme。Therearecircumstanceswhenaclevermandeceivesbytellingthetruth，andsuchalieasthismustbeapprovedbythemostrigorousmoralists。
Twenty—sevenmonthslaterImetBoliniatVenice。Ishalldescribethemeetinginitsproperplace。
Afewdaysafterhehadgone，ImadetheacquaintanceofthefairViscioletta，andfellsoardentlyinlovewithherthatIhadtomakeupmymindtobuyherwithhardcash。ThetimewhenIcouldmakewomenfallinlovewithmewasnomore，andIhadtomakeupmymindeithertodowithoutthemortobuythem。
Icannothelplaughingwhenpeopleaskmeforadvice，asIfeelsocertainthatmyadvicewillnotbetaken。Manisananimalthathastolearnhislessonbyhardexperienceinbattlingwiththestormsoflife。
Thustheworldisalwaysindisorderandalwaysignorant，forthosewhoknowarealwaysinaninfinitesimalproportiontothewhole。
MadameViscioletta，whomIwenttoseeeveryday，treatedmeastheFlorentinewidowhaddone，thoughthewidowrequiredformsandceremonieswhichIcoulddispensewithinthepresenceofthefairViscioletta，whowasnothingelsethanaprofessionalcourtezan，thoughshecalledherselfavirtuosa。
Ihadbesiegedherforthreeweekswithoutanysuccess，andwhenImadeanyattemptssherepulsedmelaughingly。
MonsignorBuoncompagni，thevice—legate，washerloverinsecret，thoughallthetownknewit，butthissortofconventionalsecrecyiscommonenoughinItaly。Asasecclesiastichecouldnotcourtheropenly，butthehussymadenomysterywhateverofhisvisits。
Beinginneedofmoney，andpreferringtogetridofmycarriagethanofanythingelse，IannounceditforsaleatthepriceofthreehundredandfiftyRomancrowns。Itwasacomfortableandhandsomecarriage，andwaswellworththeprice。Iwastoldthatthevice—legateofferedthreehundredcrowns，andIfeltarealpleasureincontradictingmyfavouredrival’sdesires。ItoldthemanthatIhadstatedmypriceandmeanttoadheretoit，asIwasnotaccustomedtobargaining。
Iwenttoseemycarriageatnoononedaytomakesurethatitwasingoodcondition，andmetthevice—legatewhoknewmefrommeetingmeatthelegate’s，andmusthavebeenawarethatIwaspoachingonhispreserves。Hetoldmerudelythatthecarriagewasnotworthmorethanthreehundredcrowns，andthatIoughttobegladoftheopportunityofgettingridofit，asitwasmuchtoogoodforme。
Ihadthestrengthofmindtodespisehisviolence，andtellinghimdrylythatIdidnotchafferIturnedmybackonhimandwentmyway。
NextdaythefairVisciolettawrotemeanotetotheeffectthatshewouldbeverymuchobligedifIwouldletthevice—legatehavethecarriageathisownprice，asshefeltsurehewouldgiveittoher。I
repliedthatIwouldcallonherintheafternoon，andthatmyanswerwoulddependonmywelcome，Iwentinduecourse，andafteralivelydiscussion，shegaveway，andIsignifiedmywillingnesstosellthecarriageforthesumofferedbythevice—legate。
Thenextdayshehadhercarriage，andIhadmythreehundredcrowns，andIlettheproudprelateunderstandthatIhadavengedmyselfforhisrudeness。
AboutthistimeSeverinisucceededinobtainingapositionastutorinanillustriousNeapolitanfamily，andassoonashereceivedhisjourney—
moneyheleftBologna。Ialsohadthoughtsofleavingthetown。
IhadkeptupaninterestingcorrespondencewithM。Zaguri，whohadmadeuphismindtoobtainmyrecallinconcertwithDandolo，whodesirednothingbetter。ZaguritoldmethatifIwantedtoobtainmypardonI
mustcomeandliveasnearaspossibletotheVenetianborders，sothattheStateInquisitorsmightsatisfythemselvesofmygoodconduct。
M。Zuliani，brothertotheDuchessofFiano，gavemethesameadvice，andpromisedtouseallhisinterestinmybehalf。
WiththeideaoffollowingthiscounselIdecidedtosetupmyabodeatTrieste，whereM。Zaguritoldmehehadanintimatefriendtowhomhewouldgivemealetterofintroduction。AsIcouldnotgobylandwithoutpassingthroughtheStatesofVeniceIresolvedtogotoAncona，whenceboatssailtoTriesteeveryday。AsIshouldpassthroughPesaroIaskedmypatrontogivemealetterfortheMarquisMosca，adistinguishedmanofletterswhomIhadlongwishedtoknow。Justthenhewasagooddealtalkedaboutonaccountofatreatiseonalmswhichhehadrecentlypublished，andwhichtheRomancuriahadplacedonthe\"Index。\"
Themarquiswasadevoteeaswellasamanoflearning，andwasimbuedwiththedoctrineofSt。Augustine，whichbecomesJansenismifpushedtoanextremepoint。
IwassorrytoleaveBologna，forIhadspenteightpleasantmonthsthere。IntwodaysIarrivedatPesaroinperfecthealthandwellprovidedforineveryway。
Ileftmyletterwiththemarquis，andhecametoseemethesameday。
Hesaidhishousewouldalwaysbeopentome，andthathewouldleavemeinhiswife’shandstobeintroducedtoeverybodyandeverythingintheplace。Heendedbyaskingmetodinewithhimthefollowingday，addingthatifIcaredtoexaminehislibraryhecouldgivemeanexcellentcupofchocolate。
Iwent，andsawanenormourscollectionofcommentsontheLatinpoetsfromEnniustothepoetsofthetwelfthcenturyofourera。Hehadhadthemallprintedathisownexpenseandathisprivatepress，infourtallfolios，veryaccuratelyprintedbutwithoutelegance。Itoldhimmyopinion，andheagreedthatIwasright。
Thewantofelegancewhichhadsparedhimanoutlayofahundredthousandfrancshaddeprivedhimofaprofitofthreehundredthousand。
Hepresentedmewithacopy，whichhesenttomyinn，withanimmensefoliovolumeentitled\"MarmoraPisaurentia，\"whichIhadnotimetoexamine。
Iwasmuchpleasedwiththemarchioness，whohadthreedaughtersandtwosons，allgood—lookingandwellbred。
Themarchionesswasawomanoftheworld，whileherhusband’sinterestswereconfinedtohisbooks。Thisdifferenceindispositionsometimesgaverisetoaslightelementofdiscord，butastrangerwouldneverhavenoticeditifhehadnotbeentold。
Fiftyyearsagoawisemansaidtome:\"Everyfamilyistroubledbysomesmalltragedy，whichshouldbekeptprivatewiththegreatestcare。Infine，peopleshouldlearntowashtheirdirtylineninprivate。\"
ThemarchionesspaidmegreatattentionduringthefivedaysIspentatPesaro。Inthedayshedrovemefromonecountryhousetoanother，andatnightsheintroducedmetoallthenobilityofthetown。
Themarquismighthavebeenfiftythen。Hewascoldbytemperament，hadnootherpassionbutthatofstudy，andhismoralswerepure。Hehadfoundedanacademyofwhichhewasthepresident。Itsdesignwasafly，inallusiontohisnameMosca，withthewords’demece’，thatistosay，takeaway’c’from’musca’andyouhave’musa’。
Hisonlyfailingwasthatwhichthemonksregardashisfinestquality，hewasreligioustoexcess，andthisexcessofreligionwentbeyondtheboundswhere’nequitconsistererectum’。
Butwhichisthebetter，togobeyondthesebounds，ornottocomeuptothem？Icannotventuretodecidethequestion。Horacesays，——
\"Nullaestmihireligio！\"
anditisthebeginningofanodeinwhichhecondemnsphilosophyforestranginghimfromreligion。
Excessofeverykindisbad。
IleftPesarodelightedwiththegoodcompanyIhadmet，andonlysorryI
hadnotseenthemarquis’sbrotherwhowaspraisedbyeveryone。
CHAPTERXX
AJewNamedMardocheusBecomesMyTravellingCompanion——HePersuadesMetoLodgeinHisHouse——IFallinLoveWithHisDaughterLeah——
AfteraStayofSixWeeksIGotoTriesteSometimeelapsedbeforeIhadtimetoexaminetheMarquisofMosca’scollectionofLatinpoets，amongstwhichthe’Priapeia’foundnoplace。
Nodoubtthisworkborewitnesstohisloveforliteraturebutnottohislearning，fortherewasnothingofhisowninit。Allhehaddonewastoclassifyeachfragmentinchronologicalorder。Ishouldhavelikedtoseenotes，comments，explanations，andsuchlike；buttherewasnothingofthekind。Besides，thetypewasnotelegant，themarginswerepoor，thepapercommon，andmisprintsnotinfrequent。Allthesearebadfaults，especiallyinaworkwhichshouldhavebecomeaclassic。
Consequently，thebookwasnotaprofitableone；andasthemarquiswasnotarichmanhewasoccasionallyreproachedbyhiswifeforthemoneyhehadexpended。
Ireadhistreatiseonalmsgivingandhisapologyforit，andunderstoodagooddealofthemarquis’swayofthinking。IcouldeasilyimaginethathiswritingsmusthavegivengreatoffenceatRome，andthatwithsounderjudgmenthewouldhaveavoidedthisdanger。Ofcoursethemarquiswasreallyintheright，butintheologyoneisonlyintherightwhenRomesaysyes。
Themarquiswasarigorist，andthoughhehadatinctureofJansenismheoftendifferedfromSt。Augustine。
Hedenied，forinstance，thatalmsgivingcouldannulthepenaltyattachedtosin，andaccordingtohimtheonlysortofalmsgivingwhichhadanymeritwasthatprescribedintheGospel:\"Letnotthyrighthandknowwhatthylefthanddoeth。\"
Heevenmaintainedthathewhogavealmssinnedunlessitwasdonewiththegreatestsecrecy，foralmsgiveninpublicaresuretobeaccompaniedbyvanity。
Itmighthavebeenobjectedthatthemeritofalmsliesintheintentionwithwhichtheyaregiven。Itisquitepossibleforagoodmantoslipapieceofmoneyintothepalmofsomemiserablebeingstandinginapublicplace，andyetthismaybedonesolelywiththeideaofrelievingdistresswithoutathoughtoftheonlookers。
AsIwantedtogotoTrieste，ImighthavecrossedthegulfbyasmallboatfromPesaro；agoodwindwasblowing，andIshouldhavegottoTriesteintwelvehours。Thiswasmyproperway，forIhadnothingtodoatAncona，anditwasahundredmileslonger；butIhadsaidIwouldgobyAncona，andIfeltobligedtodoso。
Ihadalwaysastrongtinctureofsuperstition，whichhasexercisedconsiderableinfluenceonmystrangecareer。
LikeSocratesI，too，hadademontowhomIreferredmydoubtfulcounsels，doinghiswill，andobeyingblindlywhenIfeltavoicewithinmetellingmetoforbear。
AhundredtimeshaveIthusfollowedmygenius，andoccasionallyIhavefeltinclinedtocomplainthatitdidnotimpelmetoactagainstmyreasonmorefrequently。WheneverIdidsoIfoundthatimpulsewasrightandreasonwrong，andforallthatIhavestillcontinuedreasoning。