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。