"Farfromit。Itwasalwaysfortunateingoodhealth，andthemasterofmyownpassions；butallIsawinmyequalswasformeagoodschoolinwhichIhaveacquiredtheknowledgeofman，andlearnedtherealroadtohappiness。Thehappiestofmenisnotthemostvoluptuous，buttheonewhoknowshowtochoosethehigheststandardsofvoluptuousness，whichcanbefound，Isayagain，notinthepleasureswhichexciteoursenses，butinthosewhichgivegreaterreposetothesoul。"
　　"Thatisthevoluptuousnesswhichyouconsiderunalloyed。"
　　"Yes，andsuchisthesightofavastprairieallcoveredwithgrass。
　　Thegreencolour，sostronglyrecommendedbyourdivineprophet，strikesmyeyes，andatthesamemomentIfeelthatmysouliswrappedupinacalmsodelightfulthatIfancymyselfnearertheCreator。Ienjoythesamepeace，thesamerepose，whenIamseatedonthebanksofariver，whenIlookuponthewatersoquiet，yetalwaysmoving，whichflowsconstantly，yetneverdisappearsfrommysight，neverlosesanyofitsclearnessinspiteofitsconstantmotion。Itstrikesmeastheimageofmyownexistence，andofthecalmwhichIrequireformylifeinordertoreach，likethewaterI
　　amgazingupon，thegoalwhichIdonotsee，andwhichcanonlybefoundattheotherendofthejourney。"
　　ThusdidtheTurkreason，andwepassedfourhoursinthissortofconversation。Hehadburiedtwowives，andhehadtwosonsandonedaughter。Theeldestson，havingreceivedhispatrimony，hadestablishedhimselfinthecityofSalonica，wherehewasawealthymerchant；theotherwasintheseraglio，intheserviceoftheGrandTurkandhisfortunewasinthehandsofatrustee。Hisdaughter，Zelmi，thenfifteenyearsofage，wastoinheritallhisremainingproperty。Hehadgivenheralltheaccomplishmentswhichcouldministertothehappinessofthemanwhomheavenhaddestinedforherhusband。Weshallhearmoreofthatdaughteranon。Themotherofthethreechildrenwasdead，andfiveyearsprevioustothetimeofmyvisit，Yusufhadtakenanotherwife，anativeofScio，youngandverybeautiful，buthetoldmehimselfthathewasnowtooold，andcouldnothopetohaveanychildbyher。Yethewasonlysixtyyearsofage。BeforeIleft，hemademepromisetospendatleastonedayeveryweekwithhim。
　　Atsupper，Itoldthebailihowpleasantlythedayhadpassed。
　　"Weenvyyou，"theysaid，"theprospectyouhavebeforeyouofspendingagreeablythreeorfourmonthsinthiscountry，while，inourqualityofministers，wemustpineawaywithmelancholy。"
　　Afewdaysafterwards，M。deBonnevaltookmewithhimtodineatIsmail’shouse，whereIsawAsiaticluxuryonagrandscale，buttherewereagreatmanyguests，andtheconversationwasheldalmostentirelyintheTurkishlanguage——acircumstancewhichannoyedmeandM。deBonnevalalso。Ismailsawit，andheinvitedmetobreakfastwheneverIfeltdisposed，assuringmethathewouldhavemuchpleasureinreceivingme。Iacceptedtheinvitation，andIwenttenortwelvedaysafterwards。Whenwereachthatperiodmyreadersmustkindlyaccompanymetothebreakfast。ForthepresentImustreturntoYusufwho，duringmysecondvisit，displayedacharacterwhichinspired，mewiththegreatestesteemandthewarmestaffection。
　　Wehaddinedaloneasbefore，and，conversationhappeningtoturnuponthefinearts，IgavemyopinionupononeofthepreceptsintheKoran，bywhichtheMahometansaredeprivedoftheinnocentenjoymentofpaintingsandstatues。HetoldmethatMahomet，averysagaciouslegislator，hadbeenrightinremovingallimagesfromthesightofthefollowersofIslam。
　　"Recollect，myson，thatthenationstowhichtheprophetbroughttheknowledgeofthetrueGodwereallidolators。Menareweak；ifthedisciplesoftheprophethadcontinuedtoseethesameobjects，theymighthavefallenbackintotheirformererrors。"
　　"Nooneeverworshippedanimageasanimage；thedeityofwhichtheimageisarepresentationiswhatisworshipped。"
　　"Imaygrantthat，butGodcannotbematter，anditisrighttoremovefromthethoughtsofthevulgartheideaofamaterialdivinity。Youaretheonlymen，youChristians，whobelievethatyouseeGod。"
　　"Itistrue，wearesureofit，butobservethatfaithalonegivesusthatcertainty。"
　　"Iknowit；butyouareidolators，foryouseenothingbutamaterialrepresentation，andyetyouhaveacompletecertaintythatyouseeGod，unlessyoushouldtellmethatfaithdisaffirmsit。"
　　"GodforbidIshouldtellyousuchathing！Faith，onthecontrary，affirmsourcertainty。"
　　"WethankGodthatwehavenoneedofsuchself—delusion，andthereisnotonephilosopherintheworldwhocouldprovetomethatyourequireit。"
　　"Thatwouldnotbetheprovinceofphilosophy，dearfather，butoftheology——averysuperiorscience。"
　　"Youarenowspeakingthelanguageofourtheologians，whodifferfromyoursonlyinthis；theyusetheirsciencetomakeclearerthetruthsweoughttoknow，whilstyourtheologianstrytorenderthosetruthsmoreobscure。"
　　"Recollect，dearfather，thattheyaremysteries。"
　　"TheexistenceofGodisasufficientlyimportantmysterytopreventmenfromdaringtoaddanythingtoit。Godcanonlybesimple；anykindofcombinationwoulddestroyHisessence；suchistheGodannouncedbyourprophet，whomustbethesameforallmenandinalltimes。AgreewithmethatwecanaddnothingtothesimplicityofGod。WesaythatGodisone；thatistheimageofsimplicity。YousaythatHeisoneandthreeatthesametime，andsuchadefinitionstrikesusascontradictory，absurd，andimpious。"
　　"Itisamystery。"
　　"DoyoumeanGodorthedefinition？Iamspeakingonlyofthedefinition，whichoughtnottobeamysteryorabsurd。Commonsense，myson，mustconsiderasabsurdanassertionwhichsubstantiallvnonsensical。Provetomethatthreeisnotacompound，thatitcannotbeacompoundandIwillbecomeaChristianatonce。"
　　"Myreligiontellsmetobelievewithoutarguing，andIshudder，mydearYusuf，whenIthinkthat，throughsomespeciousreasoning，I
　　mightbeledtorenouncethecreedofmyfathers。Ifirstmustbeconvincedthattheylivedinerror。Tellmewhether，respectingmyfather’smemory，Ioughttohavesuchagoodopinionofmyselfastositinjudgementoverhim，withtheintentionofgivingmysentenceagainsthim？"
　　MylivelyremonstrancemovedYusufdeeply，butafterafewinstantsofsilencehesaidtome，——
　　"Withsuchfeelings，myson，youaresuretofindgraceintheeyesofGod，andyouare，therefore，oneoftheelect。Ifyouareinerror，Godalonecanconvinceyouofit，fornojustmanonearthcanrefutethesentimentyouhavejustgivenexpressionto。"
　　Wespokeofmanyotherthingsinafriendlymanner，andintheeveningwepartedwiththeoftenrepeatedassuranceofthewarmestaffectionandofthemostperfectdevotion。
　　Butmymindwasfullofourconversation，andasIwentonponderingoverthematter，IthoughtthatYusufmightberightinhisopinionastotheessenceofGod，foritseemedevidentthattheCreatorofallbeingsoughttobeperfectlysimple；butIthoughtatthesametimehowimpossibleitwouldbeforme，becausetheChristianreligionhadmadeamistake，toaccepttheTurkishcreed，whichmightperhapshavejustaconceptionofGod，butwhichcausedmetosmilewhenIrecollectedthatthemanwhohadgivenbirthtoithadbeenanarrantimposter。Ihadnottheslightestidea，however，thatYusufwishedtomakeaconvertofme。
　　ThethirdtimeIdinedwithhimreligionwasagainthesubjectofconversation。
　　"Doyoubelieve，dearfather，thatthereligionofMahometistheonlyoneinwhichsalvationcanbesecured？"
　　"No，mydearson，Iamnotcertainofit，andnomancanhavesuchacertainty；butIamsurethattheChristianreligionisnotthetrueone，becauseitcannotbeuniversal。"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Becausethereisneitherbreadnorwinetobefoundinthree—fourthsoftheworld。ObservethatthepreceptsoftheKorancanbefollowedeverywhere。"
　　Ididnotknowhowtoanswer，andIwouldnotequivocate。
　　"IfGodcannotbematter，"Isaid，"thenHemustbeaspirit？"
　　"WeknowwhatHeisnotbutwedonotknowwhatHeis:mancannotaffirmthatGodisaspirit，becausehecanonlyrealizetheideainanabstractmanner。Godimmaterial；thatistheextentofourknowledgeanditcanneverbegreater。"
　　IwasremindedofPlato，whohadsaidexactlythesameanmostcertainlyYusufneverreadPlato。
　　HeaddedthattheexistenceofGodcouldbeusefulonlytothosewhodidnotentertainadoubtofthatexistence，andthat，asanaturalconsequence，Atheistsmustbethemostmiserableofmen。GodhasmadeinmanHisownimageinorderthat，amongstalltheanimalscreatedbyHim，thereshouldbeonethatcanunderstandandconfesstheexistenceoftheCreator。Withoutman，GodwouldhavenowitnessofHisownglory，andmanmustthereforeunderstandthathisfirstandhighestdutyistoglorifyGodbypractisingjusticeandtrustingtoHisprovidence。
　　"Observe，myson，thatGodneverabandonsthemanwho，inthemidstofmisfortunes，fallsdowninprayerbeforeHim，andthatHeoftenallowsthewretchwhohasnofaithinprayertodiemiserably。"
　　"YetwemeetwithAtheistswhoarefortunateandhappy。"
　　"True；but，inspiteoftheirtranquillity，Ipitythembecausetheyhavenohopebeyondthislife，andareonalevelwithanimals。
　　Besides，iftheyarephilosophers，theymustlingerindarkignorance，and，iftheyneverthink，theyhavenoconsolation，noresource，whenadversityreachesthem。GodhasmademaninsuchamannerthathecannotbehappyunlessheentertainsnodoubtoftheexistenceofhisDivineCreator；inallstationsoflifemanisnaturallypronetobelieveinthatexistence，otherwisemanwouldneverhaveadmittedoneGod，Creatorofallbeingsandofallthings。"
　　"IshouldliketoknowwhyAtheismhasonlyexistedinthesystemsofthelearned，andneverasanationalcreed。"
　　"Becausethepoorfeeltheirwantsmuchmorethantherich，ThereareamongstusagreatmanyimpiousmenwhoderidethetruebelieversbecausetheyhavefaithinthepilgrimagetoMecca。Wretchesthattheyare，theyoughttorespecttheancientcustomswhich，excitingthedevotionofferventsouls，feedreligiousprinciples，andimpartcourageunderallmisfortunes。Withoutsuchconsolation，peoplewouldgivewaytoalltheexcessofdespair。"
　　MuchpleasedwiththeattentionIgavetoallhesaid，Yusufwouldthusyieldtotheinclinationhefelttoinstructme，and，onmyside，feelingmyselfdrawntowardshimbythecharmwhichamiablegoodnessexertsuponallhearts，Iwouldoftengoandspendthedaywithhim，evenwithoutanypreviousinvitation，andYusuf’sfriendshipsoonbecameoneofmymostprecioustreasures。
　　Onemorning，ItoldmyjanissarytotakemetothepalaceofIsmailEffendi，inordertofulfilmypromisetobreakfastwithhim。Hegavemethemostfriendlywelcome，andafteranexcellentbreakfastheinvitedmetotakeawalkinhisgarden。Wefoundthereaprettysummer—housewhichweentered，andIsmailattemptedsomelibertieswhichwerenotatalltomytaste，andwhichIresentedbyrisinginaveryabruptmanner。SeeingthatIwasangry，theTurkaffectedtoapprovemyreserve，andsaidthathehadonlybeenjoking。Ilefthimafterafewminutes，withtheintentionofnotvisitinghimagain，butIwascompelledtodoso，asIwillexplainby—and—by。
　　WhenIsawM。deBonnevalItoldhimwhathadhappenedandhesaidthat，accordingtoTurkishmanners，Ismailhadintendedtogivemeagreatproofofhisfriendship，butthatIneednotbeafraidoftheoffencebeingrepeated。HeaddedthatpolitenessrequiredthatI
　　shouldvisithimagain，andthatIsmailwas，inspiteofhisfailing，aperfectgentleman，whohadathisdisposalthemostbeautifulfemaleslavesinTurkey。
　　Fiveorsixweeksafterthecommencementofourintimacy，YusufaskedmeonedaywhetherIwasmarried。IansweredthatIwasnot；theconversationturneduponseveralmoralquestions，andatlastfelluponchastity，which，inhisopinion，couldbeaccountedavirtueonlyifconsideredfromonepointofview，namely，thatoftotalabstinence，butheaddedthatitcouldnotbeacceptabletoGod；
　　becauseittransgressedagainsttheveryfirstpreceptHehadgiventoman。
　　"Iwouldliketoknow，forinstance，"hesaid，"whatnamecanbegiventothechastityofyourknightsofMalta。Theytakeavowofchastity，butitdoesnotmeanthattheywillrenouncewomenaltogether，theyrenouncemarriageonly。Theirchastity，andthereforechastityingeneral，isviolatedonlybymarriage；yetI
　　observethatmarriageisoneofyoursacraments。Therefore，thoseknightsofMaltapromisenottogivewaytolustfulincontinenceintheonlycaseinwhichGodmightforgiveit，buttheyreservethelicenseofbeinglustfulunlawfullyasoftenastheyplease，andwheneveranopportunitymayofferitself；andthatimmoral，illicitlicenseisgrantedtothemtosuchanextent，thattheyareallowedtoacknowledgelegallyachildwhichcanbeborntothemonlythroughadoublecrime！Themostrevoltingpartofitallisthatthesechildrenofcrime，whoareofcourseperfectlyinnocentthemselves，arecallednaturalchildren，asifchildrenborninwedlockcameintotheworldinanunnaturalmanner！Inoneword，mydearson，thevowofchastityissomuchopposedtoDivinepreceptsandtohumannaturethatitcanbeagreeableneithertoGodnortosociety，nortothosewhopledgethemselvestokeepit，andbeinginsuchoppositiontoeverydivineandhumanlaw，itmustbeacrime。"
　　HeenquiredforthesecondtimewhetherIwasmarried；Irepliedinthenegative，andaddedthatIhadnoideaofevergettingmarried。
　　"What！"heexclaimed；"Imustthenbelievethatyouarenotaperfectman，orthatyouintendtoworkoutyourowndamnation；unlessyoushouldtellmethatyouareaChristianonlyoutwardly。"
　　"Iamamanintheverystrongestsenseoftheword，andIamatrueChristian。ImustevenconfessthatIadorewomen，andthatIhavenottheslightestideaofdeprivingmyselfofthemostdelightfulofallpleasures。"
　　"Accordingtoyourreligion，damnationawaitsyou。"
　　"Ifeelcertainofthecontrary，because，whenweconfessoursins，ourpriestsarecompelledtogiveusabsolution。"
　　"Iknowit，butyoumustagreewithmethatitisabsurdtosupposethatGodwillforgiveacrimewhichyouwould，perhaps，notcommit，ifyoudidnotthinkthat，afterconfession，apriest，amanlikeyou，willgiveyouabsolution。Godforgivesonlytherepentingsinner。"
　　"Nodoubtofit，andconfessionsupposesrepentance；withoutit，absolutionhasnoeffect。"
　　"Isonanismacrimeamongstyou？"
　　"Yes，evengreaterthanlustfulandillegitimatecopulation。"
　　"Iwasawareofit，andithasalwayscausedmegreatsurprise，forthelegislatorwhoenactsalaw，theexecutionofwhichisimpossible，isafool。Amaningoodhealth，ifhecannothaveawoman，mustnecessarilyhaverecoursetoonanism，wheneverimperiousnaturedemandsit，andthemanwho，fromfearofpollutinghissoul，wouldabstainfromit，wouldonlydrawuponhimselfamortaldisease。"
　　"Webelieveexactlythereverse；wethinkthatyoungpeopledestroytheirconstitutions，andshortentheirlivesthroughself—abuse。Inseveralcommunitiestheyarecloselywatched，andareasmuchaspossibledeprivedofeveryopportunityofindulginginthatcrime。"
　　"Thosewhowatchthemareignorantfools，andthosewhopaythewatchersforsuchaserviceareevenmorestupid，becauseprohibitionmustexcitethewishtobreakthroughsuchatyrannicallaw，tosetatnoughtaninterdictionsocontrarytonature。"
　　"Yetitseemstomethatself—abuseinexcessmustbeinjurioustohealth，foritmustweakenandenervate。"
　　"Certainly，becauseexcessineverythingisprejudicialandpernicious；butallsuchexcessistheresultofoursevereprohibition。Ifgirlsarenotinterferedwithinthematterofself—
　　abuse，Idonotseewhyboysshouldbe。"
　　"Becausegirlsareveryfarfromrunningthesamerisk；theydonotloseagreatdealintheactionofself—abuse，andwhattheylosedoesnotcomefromthesamesourcewhenceflowsthegerminalliquidinmen。"
　　"Idonotknow，butwehavesomephysicianswhosaythatchlorosisingirlsistheresultofthatpleasureindulgedintoexcess。"
　　Aftermanysuchconversations，inwhichheseemedtoconsidermeasendowedwithreasonandtalent，evenwhenIwasnotofhisopinion，YusufAlisurprisedmegreatlyonedaybythefollowingproposition:
　　"Ihavetwosonsandadaughter。Inolongerthinkofmysons，becausetheyhavereceivedtheirshareofmyfortune。Asfarasmydaughterisconcernedshewill，aftermydeath，inheritallmypossessions，andIam，besides，inapositionwhileIamalivetopromotethefortuneofthemanwhomaymarryher。FiveyearsagoI
　　tookayoungwife，butshehasnotgivenmeanyprogeny，andIknowtoacertaintythatnooffspringwillblessourunion。Mydaughter，whosenameisZelmi，isnowfifteen；sheishandsome，hereyesareblackandlovelylikehermother’s，herhairisofthecolouroftheraven’swing，hercomplexionisanimatedalabaster；sheistall，wellmade，andofasweetdisposition；Ihavegivenheraneducationwhichwouldmakeherworthyofourmaster，theSultan。ShespeaksGreekandItalianfluently，shesingsdelightfully，andaccompaniesherselfontheharp；shecandrawandembroider，andisalwayscontentedandcheerful。Nolivingmancanboastofhavingseenherfeatures，andshelovesmesodearlythatmywillishers。Mydaughterisatreasure，andIofferhertoyouifyouwillconsenttogoforoneyeartoAdrianopletoresidewitharelativeofmine，whowillteachyouourreligion，ourlanguage，andourmanners。Youwillreturnattheendofoneyear，andassoonasyouhavebecomeaMussulmanmydaughtershallbeyourwife。Youwillfindahousereadyfurnished，slavesofyourown，andanincomewhichwillenableyoutoliveincomfort。Ihavenomoretosayatpresent。Idonotwishyoutoanswermeeitherto—day，orto—morrow，oronanyfixedday。Youwillgivemeyourdecisionwheneveryoufeelyourselfcalleduponbyyourgeniustogiveit，andyouneednotgivemeanyanswerunlessyouacceptmyoffer，for，shouldyourefuseit，itisnotnecessarythatthesubjectshouldbeagainmentioned。Idonotaskyoutogivefullconsiderationtomyproposal，fornowthatIhavethrowntheseedinyoursoulitmustfructify。Withouthurry，withoutdelay，withoutanxiety，youcanbutobeythedecreesofGodandfollowtheimmutabledecisionoffate。SuchasIknowyou，IbelievethatyouonlyrequirethepossessionofZelmitobecompetelyhappy，andthatyouwillbecomeoneofthepillarsoftheOttomanEmpire。"
　　Sayingthosewords，Yusufpressedmeaffectionatelyinhisarms，andleftmebymyselftoavoidanyanswerImightbeinclinedtomake。I
　　wentawayinsuchwonderatallIhadjustheard，thatIfoundmyselfattheVenetianEmbassywithoutknowinghowIhadreachedit。Thebailithoughtmeverypensive，andaskedwhetheranythingwasthematterwithme，butIdidnotfeeldisposedtogratifytheircuriosity。IfoundthatYusufhadindeedspokentruly:hisproposalwasofsuchimportancethatitwasmyduty，notonlynottomentionittoanyone，buteventoabstainfromthinkingitover，untilmymindhadrecovereditscalmsufficientlytogivemetheassurancethatnoexternalconsiderationwouldweighinthebalanceandinfluencemydecision。Ihadtosilenceallmypassions；prejudices，principlesalreadyformed，love，andevenself—interestweretoremaininastateofcompleteinaction。
　　WhenIawokethenextmorningIbegantothinkthematterover，andI
　　soondiscoveredthat，ifIwantedtocometoadecision，Ioughtnottoponderoverit，asthemoreIconsideredthelesslikelyIshouldbetodecide。Thiswastrulyacaseforthe’sequereDeum’oftheStoics。
　　IdidnotvisitYusufforfourdays，andwhenIcalledonhimonthefifthday，wetalkedcheerfullywithoutoncementioninghisproposal，althoughitwasveryevidentthatwewereboththinkingofit。Weremainedthusforafortnight，withouteveralludingtothematterwhichengrossedallourthoughts，butoursilencewasnotcausedbydissimulation，orbyanyfeelingcontrarytoourmutualesteemandfriendship；andonedayYusufsuggestedthatverylikelyIhadcommunicatedhisproposaltosomewisefriend，inordertoobtaingoodadvice。Iimmediatelyassuredhimitwasnotso，andthatinamatterofsodelicateanatureIthoughtIoughtnottoaskanybody’sadvice。
　　"IhaveabandonedmyselftoGod，dearYusuf，and，fullofconfidenceinHim，IfeelcertainthatIshalldecideforthebest，whetherI
　　makeupmymindtobecomeyourson，orbelievethatIoughttoremainwhatIamnow。Inthemeantime，mymindpondersoveritdayandnight，wheneverIamquietandfeelmyselfcomposedandcollected。
　　WhenIcometoadecision，Iwillimpartittoyoualone，andfromthatmomentyoushallhaveovermetheauthorityofafather。"
　　AtthesewordstheworthyYusuf，hiseyeswetwithtears，placedhislefthandovermyhead，andthefirsttwofingersoftherighthandonmyforehead，saying:
　　"Continuetoactinthatway，mydearson，andbecertainthatyoucanneveractwrongly。"
　　"But，"Isaidtohim，"onethingmighthappen，Zelmimightnotacceptme。"
　　"Havenoanxietyaboutthat。Mydaughterlovesyou；she，aswellasmywifeandhernurse，seesyoueverytimethatwedinetogether，andshelistenstoyouwithpleasure。"
　　"Doessheknowthatyouarethinkingofgivinghertomeasmywife？"
　　"SheknowsthatIardentlywishyoutobecomeatruebeliever，soastoenablemetolinkherdestinytoyours。"
　　"Iamgladthatyourhabitsdonotpermityoutoletmeseeher，becauseshemightdazzlemewithherbeauty，andthenpassionwouldsoonhavetoomuchweightinthescale；Icouldnolongerflattermyselfthatmydecisionhadbeentakeninalltheunbiased，purityofmysoul。"
　　Yusufwashighlydelightedathearingmespeakinthatmanner，andI
　　spokeinperfectgoodfaith。ThemereideaofseeingZelmicausedmetoshudder。Ifeltthat，ifIhadfalleninlovewithher，IwouldhavebecomeaMussulmaninordertopossessher，andthatImightsoonhaverepentedsuchastep，forthereligionofMahometpresentedtomyeyesandtomymindnothingbutadisagreeablepicture，aswellforthislifeasforafutureone。Asforwealth，Ididnotthinkitdeservedtheimmensesacrificedemandedfromme。IcouldfindequalwealthinEurope，withoutstampingmyforeheadwiththeshamefulbrandofapostasy。Icareddeeplyfortheesteemofthepersonsofdistinctionwhoknewme，anddidnotwanttorendermyselfunworthyofit。Besides，Ifeltanimmensedesiretoobtainfameamongstcivilizedandpolitenations，eitherinthefineartsorinliterature，orinanyotherhonourableprofession，andIcouldnotreconcilemyselftotheideaofabandoningtomyequalsthetriumphwhichImightwinifIlivedamongstthem。Itseemedtome，andIamstillofthesameopinion，thatthedecisionofwearingtheturbanbefitsonlyaChristiandespairingofhimselfandattheendofhiswits，andfortunatelyIwaslostnotinthatpredicament。MygreatestobjectionwastospendayearinAdrianopletolearnalanguageforwhichIdidnotfeelanyliking，andwhichIshouldthereforehavelearnedbutimperfectly。HowcouldI，atmyage，renouncetheprerogative，sopleasanttomyvanity，ofbeingreputedafinetalker？andIhadsecuredthatreputationwhereverIwasknown。ThenIwouldoftenthinkthatZelmi，theeighthwonderofcreationintheeyesofherfathermightnotappearsuchinmyeyes，anditwouldhavebeenenoughtomakememiserable，forYusufwaslikelytolivetwentyyearslonger，andIfeltthatgratitude，aswellasrespect，wouldneverhavepermittedmetogivethatexcellentmananycauseforunhappinessbyceasingtoshewmyselfadevotedandfaithfulhusbandtohisdaughter。Suchweremythoughts，and，asYusufcouldnotguessthem，itwasuselesstomakeaconfidantofhim。
　　Afewdaysafterwards，IdinedwiththePachaOsmanandmetmyEffendiIsmail。Hewasveryfriendlytome，andIreciprocatedhisattentions，thoughIpaidnoattentiontothereproachesheaddressedtomefornothavingcometobreakfastwithhimforsuchalongtime。
　　IcouldnotrefusetodineathishousewithBonneval，andhetreatedmetoaverypleasingsight；Neapolitanslaves，menandwomen，performedapantomimeandsomeCalabriandances。M。deBonnevalhappenedtomentionthedancecalledforlana，andIsmailexpressingagreatwishtoknowit，ItoldhimthatIcouldgivehimthatpleasureifIhadaVenetianwomantodancewithandafiddlerwhoknewthetime。Itookaviolin，andplayedtheforlana，but，evenifthepartnerhadbeenfound，Icouldnotplayanddanceatthesametime。
　　Ismailwhisperedafewwordstooneofhiseunuchs，whowentoutoftheroomandreturnedsoonwithsomemessagethathedeliveredtohim。TheeffenditoldmethathehadfoundthepartnerIwanted，andIansweredthatthemusiciancouldbehadeasily，ifhewouldsendanotetotheVenetianEmbassy，whichwasdoneatonce。TheBailoDonasentoneofhismenwhoplayedtheviolinwellenoughfordancingpurposes。Assoonasthemusicianwasready，adoorwasthrownopen，andafinelookingwomancamein，herfacecoveredwithablackvelvetmask，suchaswecallmorettainVenice。Theappearanceofthatbeautifulmaskedwomansurprisedanddelightedeveryoneoftheguests，foritwasimpossibletoimagineamoreinterestingobject，notonlyonaccountofthebeautyofthatpartofthefacewhichthemaskleftexposed，butalsofortheeleganceofhershape，theperfectionofherfigure，andtheexquisitetastedisplayedinhercostume。Thenymphtookherplace，Ididthesame，andwedancedtheforlanasixtimeswithoutstopping。
　　Iwasinperspirationandoutofbreath，forthefoylanaisthemostviolentofournationaldances；butmybeautifulpartnerstoodnearmewithoutbetrayingtheslightestfatigue，andseemedtochallengemetoanewperformance。Attheroundofthedance，whichisthemostdifficultstep，sheseemedtohavewings。Iwasastounded，forIhadneverseenanyone，eveninVenice，dancetheforlanasosplendidly。Afterafewminutesrest，ratherashamedofmyfeelingtired，Iwentuptoher，andsaid，’Ancorasei，apoibasta，senonvoletevedermiamorire。’Shewouldhaveansweredmeifshehadbeenable，butsheworeoneofthosecruelmaskswhichforbidspeech。ButapressureofherhandwhichnobodycouldseemademeguessallI
　　wantedtoknow。Themomentwefinisheddancingtheeunuchopenedthedoor，andmylovelypartnerdisappeared。
　　Ismailcouldnotthankmeenough，butitwasIwhoowedhimmythanks，foritwastheonlyrealpleasurewhichIenjoyedinConstantinople。IaskedhimwhethertheladywasfromVenice，butheonlyansweredbyasignificantsmile。
　　"TheworthyIsmail，"saidM。deBonnevaltome，aswewereleavingthehouselateintheevening，"hasbeento—daythedupeofhisvanity，andIhavenodoubtthatheissorryalreadyforwhathehasdone。Tobringouthisbeautifulslavetodancewithyou！Accordingtotheprejudicesofthiscountryitisinjurioustohisdignity，foryouaresuretohavekindledanamorousflameinthepoorgirl’sbreast。Iwouldadviseyoutobecarefulandtokeeponyourguard，becauseshewilltrytogetupsomeintriguewithyou；butbeprudent，forintriguesarealwaysdangerousinTurkey。"
　　Ipromisedtobeprudent，butIdidnotkeepmypromise；for，threeorfourdaysafterwards，anoldslavewomanmetmeinthestreet，andofferedtosellmeforonepiasteratobacco—bagembroideredingold；
　　andassheputitinmyhandshecontrivedtomakemefeelthattherewasaletterinthebag。
　　Iobservedthatshetriedtoavoidtheeyesofthejanissarywhowaswalkingbehindme；Igaveheronepiaster，sheleftme，andI
　　proceededtowardYusuf’shouse。Hewasnotathome，andIwenttohisgardentoreadtheletterwithperfectfreedom。Itwassealedandwithoutanyaddress，andtheslavemighthavemadeamistake；butmycuriositywasexcitedtothehighestpitch；Ibroketheseal，andfoundthefollowingnotewritteningoodenoughItalian:
　　"Shouldyouwishtoseethepersonwithwhomyoudancedtheforlana，takeawalktowardseveninginthegardenbeyondthefountain，andcontrivetobecomeacquaintedwiththeoldservantofthegardenerbyaskingherforsomelemonade。Youmayperchancemanagetoseeyourpartnerintheforlanawithoutrunninganyrisk，evenifyoushouldhappentomeetIsmail；sheisanativeofVenice。Becarefulnottomentionthisinvitationtoanyhumanbeing。"
　　"Iamnotsuchafool，mylovelycountrywoman，"Iexclaimed，asifshehadbeenpresent，andputtheletterinmypocket。Butatthatverymoment，afine—lookingelderlywomancameoutofathicket，pronouncedmyname，andenquiredwhatIwantedandhowIhadseenher。IansweredthatIhadbeenspeakingtothewind，notsupposingthatanyonecouldhearme，andwithoutanymorepreparation，sheabruptlytoldmethatshewasverygladoftheopportunityofspeakingwithme，thatshewasfromRome，thatshehadbroughtupZelmi，andhadtaughthertosingandtoplaytheharp。Shethenpraisedhighlythebeautyandtheexcellentqualitiesofherpupil，sayingthat，ifIsawher，Iwouldcertainlyfallinlovewithher，andexpressinghowmuchsheregrettedthatthelawshouldnotallowit。
　　"Sheseesusatthisverymoment，"sheadded，"frombehindthatgreenwindow—blind，andweloveyoueversinceYusufhasinformedusthatyoumay，perhaps，becomeZelmi’shusband。"
　　"MayImentionourconversationtoYusuf？"Ienquired。
　　"No。"
　　Heransweringinthenegativemademeunderstandthat，ifIhadpressedheralittle，shewouldhaveallowedmetoseeherlovelypupil，andperhapsitwaswiththatintentionthatshehadcontrivedtospeaktome，butIfeltgreatreluctancetodoanythingtodispleasemyworthyhost。Ihadanotherreasonofevengreaterimportance:Iwasafraidofenteringanintricatemazeinwhichthesightofaturbanhoveringovermemademeshudder。
　　Yusufcamehome，andfarfrombeingangrywhenhesawmewiththewoman，heremarkedthatImusthavefoundmuchpleasureinconversingwithanativeofRome，andhecongratulatedmeuponthedelightI
　　musthavefeltindancingwithoneofthebeautiesfromtheharemofthevoluptuousIsmail。
　　"Thenitmustbeapleasureseldomenjoyed，ifitissomuchtalkedof？"
　　"Veryseldomindeed，forthereisamongstusaninvincibleprejudiceagainstexposingourlovelywomentotheeyesofothermen；buteveryonemaydoashepleasesinhisownhouse:Ismailisaveryworthyandaveryintelligentman。"
　　"IstheladywithwhomIdancedknown？"
　　"Ibelievenot。Sheworeamask，andeverybodyknowsthatIsmailpossesseshalfadozenslavesofsurpassingbeauty。"
　　IspentapleasantdaywithYusuf，andwhenIlefthim，IorderedmyjanissarytotakemetoIsmail’s。AsIwasknownbyhisservants，theyallowedmetogoin，andIproceededtothespotdescribedintheletter。Theeunuchcametome，informedmethathismasterwasout，butthathewouldbedelightedtohearofmyhavingtakenawalkinthegarden。ItoldhimthatIwouldlikeaglassoflemonade，andhetookmetothesummerhouse，whereIrecognizedtheoldwomanwhohadsoldmethetobacco—pouch。TheeunuchtoldhertogivemeaglassofsomeliquidwhichIfounddelicious，andwouldnotallowmetogiveheranymoney。Wethenwalkedtogethertowardsthefountain，buthetoldmeabruptlythatweweretogoback，ashesawthreeladiestowhomhepointed，addingthat，forthesakeofdecency，itwasnecessarytoavoidthem。Ithankedhimforhisattentions，leftmycomplimentsforIsmail，andwentawaynotdissatisfiedwithmyfirstattempt，andwiththehopeofbeingmorefortunateanothertime。
　　ThenextmorningIreceivedaletterfromIsmailinvitingmetogofishingwithhimonthefollowingday，andstatingthatheintendedtoenjoythesportbymoonlight。Iimmediatelygavewaytomysuppositions，andIwentsofarastofancythatIsmailmightbecapableofarranginganinterviewbetweenmeandthelovelyVenetian。
　　Ididnotmindhisbeingpresent。IbeggedpermissionofChevalierVeniertostopoutofthepalaceforonenight，buthegranteditwiththegreatestdifficulty，becausehewasafraidofsomeloveaffairandoftheresultsitmighthave。ItookcaretocalmhisanxietyasmuchasIcould，butwithoutacquaintinghimwithallthecircumstancesofthecase，forIthoughtIwaswiseinbeingdiscreet。
　　Iwasexacttotheappointedtime，andIsmailreceivedmewiththeutmostcordiality，butIwassurprisedwhenIfoundmyselfalonewithhimintheboat。Wehadtworowersandamantosteer；wetooksomefish，friedinoil，andateitinthesummer—house。Themoonshonebrightly，andthenightwasdelightful。AlonewithIsmail，andknowinghisunnaturaltastes，Ididnotfeelverycomfortablefor，inspiteofwhatM。deBonnevalhadtoldme，IwasafraidlesttheTurkshouldtakeafancytogivemetoogreataproofofhisfriendship，andIdidnotrelishourtete—a—tete。Butmyfearsweregroundless。
　　"Letusleavethisplacequietly，"saidIsmail，"Ihavejustheardaslightnoisewhichheraldssomethingthatwillamuseus。"
　　Hedismissedhisattendants，andtookmyhand，saying，"Letusgotoasmallroom，thekeyofwhichIluckilyhavewithme，butletusbecarefulnottomakeanynoise。ThatroomhasawindowoverlookingthefountainwhereIthinkthattwoorthreeofmybeautieshavejustgonetobathe。Wewillseethemandenjoyaverypleasingsight，fortheydonotimaginethatanyoneislookingatthem。Theyknowthattheplaceisforbiddentoeverybodyexceptme。"
　　Weenteredtheroom，wewenttothewindow，and，themoonshiningrightoverthebasinofthefountain，wesawthreenymphswho，nowswimming，nowstandingorsittingonthemarblesteps，offeredthemselvestooureyesineverypossibleposition，andinalltheattitudesofgracefulvoluptuousness。Dearreader，Imustnotpaintintoovividcoloursthedetailsofthatbeautifulpicture，butifnaturehasendowedyouwithanardentimaginationandwithequallyardentsenses，youwilleasilyimaginethefearfulhavocwhichthatunique，wonderful，andenchantingsightmusthavemadeuponmypoorbody。
　　Afewdaysafterthatdelightfulfishingandbathingpartybymoonlight，IcalleduponYusufearlyinthemorning；asitwasraining，Icouldnotgotothegarden，andIwentintothedining—
　　room，inwhichIhadneverseenanyone。ThemomentIenteredtheroom，acharmingfemaleformrose，coveringherfeatureswithathickveilwhichfelltothefeet。Aslavewassittingnearthewindow，doingsometambour—work，butshedidnotmove。Iapologized，andturnedtoleavetheroom，buttheladystoppedme，observing，withasweetvoice，thatYusufhadcommandedhertoentertainmebeforegoingout。Sheinvitedmetobeseated，pointingtoarichcushionplacedupontwolargerones，andIobeyed，while，crossingherlegs，shesatdownuponanothercushionoppositetome。IthoughtIwaslookinguponZelmi，andfanciedthatYusufhadmadeuphismindtoshewmethathewasnotlesscourageousthanIsmail。YetIwassurprised，for，bysuchaproceeding，hestronglycontradictedhismaxims，andrantheriskofimpairingtheunbiasedpurityofmyconsentbythrowingloveinthebalance。ButIhadnofearofthat，because，tobecomeenamoured，Ishouldhaverequiredtoseeherface。
　　"Isuppose，"saidtheveiledbeauty，"thatyoudonotknowwhoIam？"
　　"Icouldnotguess，ifItried。"
　　"Ihavebeenforthelastfiveyearsthewifeofyourfriend，andI
　　amanativeofScio。IwasthirteenyearsofagewhenIbecamehiswife。"
　　IwasgreatlyastonishedtofindthatmyMussulmanphilosopherhadgonesofarastoallowmetoconversewithhiswife，butIfeltmoreateaseafterIhadreceivedthatinformation，andfanciedthatI
　　mightcarrytheadventurefurther，butitwouldbenecessarytoseethelady’sface，forafinely—dressedbody，theheadofwhichisnotseen，excitesbutfeebledesires。Thefirelightedbyamorousdesiresislikeafireofstraw；themomentitburnsupitisnearitsend。Ihadbeforemeamagnificentappearance，butIcouldnotseethesouloftheimage，forathickgauzeconcealeditfrommyhungrygaze。Icouldseearmsaswhiteasalabaster，andhandslikethoseofAlcina，’dovenenodoappasiscenevenaaccede’，andmyactiveimaginationfanciedthatalltherestwasinharmonywiththosebeautifulspecimens，forthegracefulfoldsofthemuslin，leavingtheoutlineallitsperfection，hidfrommeonlythelivingsatinofthesurface；therewasnodoubtthateverythingwaslovely，butIwantedtosee，intheexpressionofhereyes，thatallthatmyimaginationcreatedhadlifeandwasendowedwithfeeling。TheOrientalcostumeisabeautifulvarnishplaceduponaporcelainvasetoprotectfromthetouchthecoloursoftheflowersandofthedesign，withoutlesseningthepleasureoftheeyes。Yusuf’swifewasnotdressedlikeasultana；sheworethecostumeofScio，withashortskirtwhichconcealedneithertheperfectionofthelegnortheroundformofthethigh，northevoluptuousplumpfallofthehips，northeslender，well—madewaistencompassedinasplendidbandembroideredinsilverandcoveredwitharabesques。Aboveallthosebeauties，IcouldseetheshapeoftwoglobeswhichApelleswouldhavetakenforthemodelofthoseofhislovelyVenus，andtherapid，inequalmovementofwhichprovedtomethatthoseravishinghillockswereanimated。Thesmallvalleyleftbetweenthem，andwhichmyeyesgreedilyfeastedupon，seemedtomealakeofnectar，inwhichmyburninglipslongedtoquenchtheirthirstwithmoreardourthantheywouldhavedrunkfromthecupofthegods。
　　Enraptured，unabletocontrolmyself，Ithrustmyarmforwardbyamovementalmostindependentofmywill，andmyhand，tooaudacious，wasonthepointofliftingthehatefulveil，butshepreventedmebyraisingherselfquicklyontiptoe，upbraidingmeatthesametimeformyperfidiousboldness，withavoiceascommandingasherattitude。
　　"Dostthoudeserve，"shesaid，"Yusuf’sfriendship，whenthouabusestthesacredlawsofhospitalitybyinsultinghiswife？"
　　"Madam，youmustkindlyforgiveme，forIneverhadanyintentiontoinsultyou。Inmycountrythelowestofmenmayfixhiseyesuponthefaceofaqueen。"
　　"Yes，buthecannottearoffherveil，ifshechoosestowearit。
　　Yusufshallavengeme。"
　　Thethreat，andthetoneinwhichitwaspronounced，frightenedme。
　　Ithrewmyselfatherfeet，andsucceededincalmingheranger。
　　"Takeaseat，"shesaid。
　　Andshesatdownherself，crossingherlegswithsomuchfreedomthatIcaughtaglimpseofcharmswhichwouldhavecausedmetoloseallcontrolovermyselfifthedelightfulsighthadremainedonemomentlongerexposedtomyeyes。IthensawthatIhadgonethewrongwaytowork，andIfeltvexedwithmyself；butitwastoolate。
　　"Artthouexcited？"shesaid。
　　"HowcouldIbeotherwise，"Ianswered，"whenthouartscorchingmewithanardentfire？"
　　Ihadbecomemoreprudent，andIseizedherhandwithoutthinkinganymoreofherface。
　　"Hereismyhusband，"shesaid，andYusufcameintotheroom。Werose，Yusufembracedme，Icomplimentedhim，theslavelefttheroom。
　　Yusufthankedhiswifeforhavingentertainedme，andofferedherhisarmtotakehertoherownapartment。Shetookit，butwhenshereachedthedoor，sheraisedherveil，andkissingherhusbandsheallowedmetoseeherlovelyfaceasifithadbeendoneunwittingly。
　　IfollowedherwithmyeyesaslongasIcould，andYusuf，comingbacktome，saidwithalaughthathiswifehadofferedtodinewithus。
　　"Ithought，"Isaidtohim，"thatIhadZelmibeforeme。"
　　"Thatwouldhavebeentoomuchagainstourestablishedrules。WhatI
　　havedoneisnotmuch，butIdonotknowanhonestmanwhowouldbeboldenoughtobringhisdaughterintothepresenceofastranger。"
　　"Ithinkyourwifemustbehandsome；isshemorebeautifulthanZelmi？"
　　"Mydaughter’sbeautyischeerful，sweet，andgentle；thatofSophiaisproudandhaughty。Shewillbehappyaftermydeath。Themanwhowillmarryherwillfindheravirgin。"
　　IgaveanaccountofmyadventuretoM。deBonneval，somewhatexaggeratingthedangerIhadrunintryingtoraisetheveilofthehandsomedaughterofScio。
　　"Shewaslaughingatyou，"saidthecount，"andyourannodanger。
　　Shefeltverysorry，believeme，tohavetodealwithanovicelikeyou。YouhavebeenplayingthecomedyintheFrenchfashion，whenyououghttohavegonestraighttothepoint。Whatonearthdidyouwanttoseehernosefor？Sheknewverywellthatshewouldhavegainednothingbyallowingyoutoseeher。Yououghttohavesecuredtheessentialpoint。IfIwereyoungIwouldperhapsmanagetogiveherarevenge，andtopunishmyfriendYusuf。YouhavegiventhatlovelywomanapooropinionofItalianvalour。ThemostreservedofTurkishwomenhasnomodestyexceptonherface，and，withherveiloverit，sheknowstoacertaintythatshewillnotblushatanything。IamcertainthatyourbeautykeepsherfacecoveredwheneverourfriendYusufwishestojokewithher。"
　　"Sheisyetavirgin。"
　　"Ratheradifficultthingtoadmit，mygoodfriend；butIknowthedaughtersofScio；theyhaveatalentforcounterfeitingvirginity。"
　　Yusufneverpaidmeasimilarcomplimentagain，andhewasquiteright。
　　Afewdaysafter，IhappenedtobeintheshopofanArmenianmerchant，lookingatsomebeautifulgoods，whenYusufenteredtheshopandpraisedmytaste；but，althoughIhadadmiredagreatmanythings，Ididnotbuy，becauseIthoughttheyweretoodear。IsaidsotoYusuf，butheremarkedthattheywere，onthecontrary，verycheap，andhepurchasedthemall。Wepartedcompanyatthedoor，andthenextmorningIreceivedallthebeautifulthingshehadbought；
　　itwasadelicateattentionofmyfriend，andtopreventmyrefusalofsuchasplendidpresent，hehadenclosedanotestatingthat，onmyarrivalinCorfu，hewouldletmeknowtowhomthegoodsweretobedelivered。HehadthussentmegoldandsilverfiligreesfromDamascus，portfolios，scarfs，belts，handkerchiefsandpipes，thewholeworthfourorfivehundredpiasters。WhenIcalledtothankhim，Icompelledhimtoconfessthatitwasapresentofferedbyhisfriendship。
　　ThedaybeforemydeparturefromConstantinople，theexcellentmanburstintotearsasIbadehimadieu，andmygriefwasasgreatashisown。Hetoldmethat，bynotacceptingtheofferofhisdaughter’shand，IhadsostronglycaptivatedhisesteemthathisfeelingsformecouldnothavebeenwarmerifIhadbecomehisson。
　　WhenIwentonboardshipwiththeBailoJeanDona，Ifoundanothercasegiventomebyhim，containingtwoquintalsofthebestMochacoffee，onehundredpoundsoftobaccoleaves，twolargeflagonsfilled，onewithZabanditobacco，theotherwithcamussa，andamagnificentpipetubeofjessaminewood，coveredwithgoldfiligrane，whichIsoldinCorfuforonehundredsequins。IhadnotitinmypowertogivemygenerousTurkanymarkofmygratitudeuntilI
　　reachedCorfu，butthereIdidnotfailtodoso。Isoldallhisbeautifulpresents，whichmademethepossessorofasmallfortune。
　　IsmailgavemealetterfortheChevalierdeLezze，butIcouldnotforwardittohimbecauseIunfortunatelylostit；hepresentedmewithabarrelofhydromel，whichIturnedlikewiseintomoney。
　　M。deBonnevalgavemealetterforCardinalAcquaviva，whichIsenttoRomewithanaccountofmyjourney，buthiseminencedidnotthinkfittoacknowledgethereceiptofeither。BonnevalmademeapresentoftwelvebottlesofmalmseyfromRagusa，andoftwelvebottlesofgenuinescopolo——agreatrarity，withwhichImadeapresentinCorfuwhichprovedveryusefultome，asthereaderwilldiscover。
　　TheonlyforeignministerIsawmuchinConstantinoplewasthelordmarshalofScotland，thecelebratedKeith，whorepresentedtheKingofPrussia，andwho，sixyearslaterwasofgreatservicetomeinParis。
　　WesailedfromConstantinopleinthebeginningofSeptemberinthesameman—of—warwhichhadbroughtus，andwereachedCorfuinfourteendays。TheBailoDonadidnotland。HehadwithhimeightsplendidTurkishhorses；IsawtwoofthemstillaliveinGoriziaintheyear1773。
　　AssoonasIhadlandedwithmyluggage，andhadengagedarathermeanlodging，IpresentedmyselftoM。AndreDolfin，theproveditore—generale，whopromisedmeagainthatIshouldsoonbepromotedtoalieutenancy。Aftermyvisittohim，IcalleduponM。
　　Camporese，mycaptain，andwaswellreceivedbyhim。Mythirdvisitwastothecommanderofgalleases，M。D————R—————，towhomM。AntonioDolfin，withwhomIhadtravelledfromVenicetoCorfu，hadkindlyrecommendedme。Afterashortconversation，heaskedmeifIwouldremainwithhimwiththetitleofadjutant。Ididnothesitateoneinstant，butaccepted，sayinghowdeeplyhonouredIfeltbyhisoffer，andassuringhimthathewouldalwaysfindmereadytocarryouthisorders。Heimmediatelyhadmetakentomyroom，and，thenextday，Ifoundmyselfestablishedinhishouse。IobtainedfrommycaptainaFrenchsoldiertoserveme，andIwaswellpleasedwhenIfoundthatthemanwasahairdresserbytrade，andagreattalkerbynature，forhecouldtakecareofmybeautifulheadofhair，andI
　　wantedtopractiseFrenchconversation。Hewasagood—for—nothingfellow，adrunkardandadebauchee，apeasantfromPicardy，andhecouldhardlyreadorwrite，butIdidnotmindallthat；allIwantedfromhimwastoserveme，andtotalktome，andhisFrenchwasprettygood。Hewasanamusingrogue，knowingbyheartaquantityoferoticsongsandofsmuttystorieswhichhecouldtellinthemostlaughablemanner。
　　WhenIhadsoldmystockofgoodsfromConstantinople（exceptthewines），Ifoundmyselftheownerofnearlyfivehundredsequins。
　　IredeemedallthearticleswhichIhadpledgedinthehandsofJews，andturnedintomoneyeverythingofwhichIhadnoneed。Iwasdeterminednottoplayanylongerasadupe，buttosecureingamblingalltheadvantageswhichaprudentyoungmancouldobtainwithoutsullyinghishonour。
　　ImustnowmakemyreadersacquaintedwiththesortoflifewewereatthattimeleadinginCorfu。Astothecityitself，Iwillnotdescribeit，becausetherearealreadymanydescriptionsbetterthantheoneIcouldofferinthesepages。
　　WehadtheninCorfuthe’proveditore—generale’whohadsovereignauthority，andlivedinastyleofgreatmagnificence。ThatpostwasthenfilledbyM。AndreDolfin，amansixtyyearsofage，strict，headstrong，andignorant。Henolongercaredforwomen，butlikedtobecourtedbythem。Hereceivedeveryevening，andthesupper—tablewasalwayslaidfortwenty—fourpersons。
　　Wehadthreefield—officersofthemarineswhodiddutyonthegalleys，andthreefield—officersforthetroopsofthelineonboardthemen—of—war。Eachgaleasshadacaptaincalled’sopracomito’，andwehadtenofthosecaptains；wehadlikewisetencommanders，oneforeachman—of—war，includingthree’capidimare’，oradmirals。TheyallbelongedtothenobilityofVenice。TenyoungVenetiannoblemen，fromtwentytotwenty—twoyearsofage，wereatCorfuasmidshipmeninthenavy。Wehad，besides，aboutadozencivilclerksinthepoliceoftheisland，orintheadministrationofjustice，entitled’grandioffcialiditerra’。Thosewhowereblessedwithhandsomewiveshadthepleasureofseeingtheirhousesverymuchfrequentedbyadmirerswhoaspiredtowinthefavoursoftheladies，buttherewasnotmuchheroiclove—making，perhapsforthereasonthatthereweretheninCorfumanyAspasiaswhosefavourscouldbehadformoney。
　　Gamblingwasallowedeverywhere，andthatallabsorbingpassionwasveryprejudicialtotheemotionsoftheheart。
　　TheladywhowasthenmosteminentforbeautyandgallantrywasMadameF————。Herhusband，captainofagalley，hadcometoCorfuwithhertheyearbefore，andmadamhadgreatlyastonishedallthenavalofficers。Thinkingthatshehadtheprivilegeofthechoice，shehadgiventhepreferencetoM。D————R—————，andhaddismissedallthesuitorswhopresentedthemselves。M。F————hadmarriedherontheverydayshehadlefttheconvent；shewasonlyseventeenyearsofagethen，andhehadbroughtheronboardhisgalleyimmediatelyafterthemarriageceremony。
　　Isawherforthefirsttimeatthedinner—tableontheverydayofmyinstallationatM。D————R—————’s，andshemadeagreatimpressionuponme。IthoughtIwasgazingatasupernaturalbeing，soinfinitelyaboveallthewomenIhadeverseen，thatitseemedimpossibletofallinlovewithherSheappearedtomeofanaturedifferentandsogreatlysuperiortominethatIdidnotseethepossibilityofrisinguptoher。IevenwentsofarastopersuademyselfthatnothingbutaPlatonicfriendshipcouldexistbetweenherandM。D————R—————，andthatM。F————wasquiterightnownottoshewanyjealousy。Yet，thatM。F————wasaperfectfool，andcertainlynotworthyofsuchawoman。TheimpressionmadeuponmebyMadameF————wastooridiculoustolastlong，andthenatureofitsoonchanged，butinanovelmanner，atleastasfarasIwasconcerned。
　　MypositionasadjutantprocuredmethehonourofdiningatM。D————
　　R—————’stable，butnothingmore。Theotheradjutant，likeme，anensigninthearmy，butthegreatestfoolIhadeverseen，sharedthathonourwithme。Wewerenot，however，consideredasguests，fornobodyeverspoketous，and，whatismore，nooneeverhonoureduswithalook。Itusedtoputmeinarage。Iknewverywellthatpeopleactedinthatmannerthroughnorealcontemptforus，butitwentveryhardwithme。Icouldverywellunderstandthatmycolleague，Sanzonio，shouldnotcomplainofsuchtreatment，becausehewasablockhead，butIdidnotfeeldisposedtoallowmyselftobeputonaparwithhim。Attheendofeightortendays，MadameF————，nothavingcondescendedtocastoneglanceuponmyperson，begantoappeardisagreeabletome。Ifeltpiqued，vexed，provoked，andthemoresobecauseIcouldnotsupposethattheladyactedinthatmannerwilfullyandpurposely；Iwouldhavebeenhighlypleasediftherehadbeenpremeditationonherpart。IfeltsatisfiedthatIwasanobodyinherestimation，andasIwasconsciousofbeingsomebody，Iwantedhertoknowit。Atlastacircumstanceoffereditselfinwhich，thinkingthatshecouldaddressme，shewascompelledtolookatme。
　　M。D————R—————havingobservedthatavery，veryfineturkeyhadbeenplacedbeforeme，toldmetocarveit，andIimmediatelywenttowork。Iwasnotaskilfulcarver，andMadameF————，laughingatmywantofdexterity，toldmethat，ifIhadnotbeencertainofperformingmytaskwithcredittomyself，Ioughtnottohaveundertakenit。Fullofconfusion，andunabletoanswerherasmyangerprompted，Isatdown，withmyheartoverflowingwithspiteandhatredagainsther。Tocrownmyrage，havingonedaytoaddressme，sheaskedmewhatwasmyname。Shehadseenmeeverydayforafortnight，eversinceIhadbeentheadjutantofM。D————R—————；
　　thereforesheoughttohaveknownmyname。Besides，Ihadbeenveryluckyatthegaming—table，andIhadbecomeratherfamousinCorfu。
　　MyangeragainstMadameFwasatitsheight。
　　IhadplacedmymoneyinthehandsofacertainMaroli，amajorinthearmyandagamesterbyprofession，whoheldthefarobankatthecoffee—house。Wewerepartners；Ihelpedhimwhenhedealt，andherenderedmethesameofficewhenIheldthecards，whichwasoftenthecase，becausehewasnotgenerallyliked。Heusedtoholdthecardsinawaywhichfrightenedthepunters；mymannerswereverydifferent，andIwasverylucky。BesidesIwaseasyandsmilingwhenmybankwaslosing，andIwonwithoutshewinganyavidity，andthatisamannerwhichalwayspleasesthepunters。
　　ThisMaroliwasthemanwhohadwonallmymoneyduringmyfirststayinCorfu，andfinding，whenIreturned，thatIwasresolvednottobedupedanymore，hejudgedmeworthyofsharingthewisemaximswithoutwhichgamblingmustnecessarilyruinallthosewhomeddlewithit。ButasMarolihadwonmyconfidenceonlytoaveryslightextent，Iwasverycareful。Wemadeupouraccountseverynight，assoonasplayingwasover；thecashierkeptthecapitalofthebank，thewinningsweredivided，andeachtookhisshareaway。
　　Luckyatplay，enjoyinggoodhealthandthefriendshipofmycomrades，who，whenevertheopportunityoffered，alwaysfoundmegenerousandreadytoservethem，IwouldhavebeenwellpleasedwithmypositionifIhadbeenalittlemoreconsideredatthetableofM。D————R—————，andtreatedwithlesshaughtinessbyhisladywho，withoutanyreason，seemeddisposedtohumiliateme。Myself—lovewasdeeplyhurt，Ihatedher，and，withsuchadispositionofmind，themoreIadmiredtheperfectionofhercharms，themoreIfoundherdeficientinwitandintelligence。Shemighthavemadetheconquestofmyheartwithoutbestowinghersuponme，forallIwantedwasnottobecompelledtohateher，andIcouldnotunderstandwhatpleasureitcouldbeforhertobedetested，whilewithonlyalittlekindnessshecouldhavebeenadored。Icouldnotascribehermannertoaspiritofcoquetry，forIhadnevergivenhertheslightestproofoftheopinionIentertainedofherbeauty，andIcouldnotthereforeattributeherbehaviourtoapassionwhichmighthaverenderedmedisagreeableinhereyes；M。D————R—————seemedtointerestheronlyinaveryslightmanner，andastoherhusband，shecarednothingforhim。Inshort，thatcharmingwomanmademeveryunhappy，andIwasangrywithmyselfbecauseIfeltthat，ifithadnotbeenforthemannerinwhichshetreatedme，Iwouldnothavethoughtofher，andmyvexationwasincreasedbythefeelingofhatredentertainedbymyheartagainsther，afeelingwhichuntilthenIhadneverknowntoexistinme，andthediscoveryofwhichoverwhelmedmewithconfusion。
　　Onedayagentlemanhandedme，aswewereleavingthedinner—table，arollofgoldthathehadlostupontrust；MadameF————sawit，andshesaidtomeveryabruptly，——
　　"Whatdoyoudowithyourmoney？"
　　"Ikeepit，madam，asaprovisionagainstpossiblelosses。"
　　"Butasyoudonotindulgeinanyexpenseitwouldbebetterforyounottoplay；itistimewasted。"
　　"Timegiventopleasureisnevertimelost，madam；theonlytimewhichayoungmanwastesisthatwhichisconsumedinweariness，becausewhenheisapreytoennuiheislikelytofallapreytolove，andtobedespisedbytheobjectofhisaffection。"
　　"Verylikely；butyouamuseyourselfwithhoardingupyourmoney，andshewyourselftobeamiser，andamiserisnotlesscontemptiblethanamaninlove。Whydoyounotbuyyourselfapairofgloves？"
　　Youmaybesurethatatthesewordsthelaughterwasallonherside，andmyvexationwasallthegreaterbecauseIcouldnotdenythatshewasquiteright。Itwastheadjutant’sbusinesstogivetheladiesanarmtotheircarriages，anditwasnotpropertofulfilthatdutywithoutgloves。Ifeltmortified，andthereproachofavaricehurtmedeeply。Iwouldathousandtimesratherthatshehadlaidmyerrortoawantofeducation；andyet，sofullofcontradictionsisthehumanheart，insteadofmakingamendsbyadoptinganappearanceofelegancewhichthestateofmyfinancesenabledmetokeepup，I
　　didnotpurchaseanygloves，andIresolvedtoavoidherandtoabandonhertotheinsipidanddullgallantryofSanzonio，whosportedgloves，butwhoseteethwererotten，whosebreathwasputrid，whoworeawig，andwhosefaceseemedtobecoveredwithshrivelledyellowparchment。
　　Ispentmydaysinacontinualstateofrageandspite，andthemostabsurdpartofitallwasthatIfeltunhappybecauseIcouldnotcontrolmyhatredforthatwomanwhom，ingoodconscience，Icouldnotfindguiltyofanything。Shehadformeneitherlovenordislike，whichwasquitenatural；butbeingyounganddisposedtoenjoymyselfIhadbecome，withoutanywilfulmaliceonherpart，aneye—soretoherandthebuttofherbanteringjokes，whichmysensitivenessexaggeratedgreatly。ForallthatIhadanardentwishtopunishherandtomakeherrepent。Ithoughtofnothingelse。AtonetimeIwouldthinkofdevotingallmyintelligenceandallmymoneytokindlinganamorouspassioninherheart，andthentorevengemyselfbytreatingherwithcontempt。ButIsoonrealizedtheimpracticabilityofsuchaplan，forevensupposingthatIshouldsucceedinfindingmywaytoherheart，wasIthemantoresistmyownsuccesswithsuchawoman？IcertainlycouldnotflattermyselfthatIwassostrong—minded。ButIwasthepetchildoffortune，andmypositionwassuddenlyaltered。
　　M。D————R————havingsentmewithdispatchestoM。deCondulmer，captainofa’galeazza’，Ihadtowaituntilmidnighttodeliverthem，andwhenIreturnedIfoundthatM。D————R————hadretiredtohisapartmentforthenight。AssoonashewasvisibleinthemorningIwenttohimtorenderanaccountofmymission。IhadbeenwithhimonlyafewminuteswhenhisvaletbroughtalettersayingthatMadameF————’sadjutantwaswaitingforananswer。M。D————
　　R—————readthenote，toreittopieces，andinhisexcitementstampedwithhisfootuponthefragments。Hewalkedupanddowntheroomforalittletime，thenwroteananswerandrangfortheadjutant，towhomhedeliveredit。Hethenrecoveredhisusualcomposure，concludedtheperusalofthedispatchsentbyM。deCondulmer，andtoldmetowritealetter。Hewaslookingitoverwhenthevaletcamein，tellingmethatMadameF————desiredtoseeme。M。D————R————toldmethathedidnotrequiremyservicesanymoreforthepresent，andthatImightgo。Ilefttheroom，butI
　　hadnotgonetenyardswhenhecalledmebacktoremindmethatmydutywastoknownothing；IbeggedtoassurehimthatIwaswellawareofthat。IrantoMadameF—————’shouse，veryeagertoknowwhatshewantedwithme。Iwasintroducedimmediately，andIwasgreatlysurprisedtofindhersittingupinbed，hercountenanceflushedandexcited，andhereyesredfromthetearsshehadevidentlyjustbeenshedding。Myheartwasbeatingquickly，yetI
　　didnotknowwhy。
　　"Praybeseated，"shesaid，"Iwishtospeakwithyou。"
　　"Madam，"Ianswered，"Iamnotworthyofsogreatafavour，andI
　　havenotyetdoneanythingtodeserveit；allowmetoremainstanding。"
　　Sheverylikelyrecollectedthatshehadneverbeensopolitebefore，anddarednotpressmeanyfurther。Shecollectedherthoughtsforaninstantortwo，andsaidtome:
　　"Lasteveningmyhusbandlosttwohundredsequinsupontrustatyourfarobank；hebelievedthatamounttobeinmyhands，andImustthereforegiveittohimimmediately，asheisboundinhonourtopayhislossesto—day。UnfortunatelyIhavedisposedofthemoney，andI
　　amingreattrouble。IthoughtyoumighttellMarolithatIhavepaidyoutheamountlostbymyhusband。Hereisaringofsomevalue；keepituntilthe1stofJanuary，whenIwillreturnthetwohundredsequinsforwhichIamreadytogiveyoumynoteofhand。"
　　"Iacceptthenoteofhand，madam，butIcannotconsenttodepriveyouofyourring。ImustalsotellyouthatM。F————mustgohimselftothebank，orsendsomeonethere，toredeemhisdebt。Withintenminutesyoushallhavetheamountyourequire。"
　　Ileftherwithoutwaitingforananswer，andIreturnedwithinafewminuteswiththetwohundredducats，whichIhandedtoher，andputtinginmypockethernoteofhandwhichshehadjustwritten，I
　　bowedtotakemyleave，butsheaddressedtomethesepreciouswords:
　　"Ibelieve，sir，thatifIhadknownthatyouweresowelldisposedtoobligeme，Icouldnothavemadeupmymindtobegthatservicefromyou。"
　　"Well，madam，forthefuturebequitecertainthatthereisnotamanintheworldcapableofrefusingyousuchaninsignificantservicewheneveryouwillcondescendtoaskforitinperson。"
　　"Whatyousayisverycomplimentary，butItrustnevertofindmyselfagainunderthenecessityofmakingsuchacruelexperiment。"
　　IleftMadameF—————，thinkingoftheshrewdnessofheranswer。ShehadnottoldmethatIwasmistaken，asIhadexpectedshewould，forthatwouldhavecausedhersomehumiliation:sheknewthatIwaswithM。D————R—————whentheadjutanthadbroughtherletter，andshecouldnotdoubtthatIwasawareoftherefusalshehadmetwith。
　　Thefactofhernotmentioningitprovedtomethatshewasjealousofherowndignity；itaffordedmegreatgratification，andIthoughtherworthyofadoration。IsawclearlythatshecouldhavenoloveforM。D————R—————，andthatshewasnotlovedbyhim，andthediscoverymademeleapforjoy。FromthatmomentIfeltIwasinlovewithher，andIconceivedthehopethatshemightreturnmyardentaffection。
　　ThefirstthingIdid，whenIreturnedtomyroom，wastocrossoutwithinkeverywordofhernoteofhand，excepthername，insuchamannerthatitwasimpossibletoguessatthecontents，andputtingitinanenvelopecarefullysealed，Idepositeditinthehandsofapublicnotarywhostated，inthereceipthegavemeoftheenvelope，thathewoulddeliveritonlytoMadameF—————，wheneversheshouldrequestitsdelivery。
　　ThesameeveningM。F—————cametothebank，paidme，playedwithcashinhand，andwonsomefiftyducats。WhatcausedmethegreatestsurprisewasthatM。D————R—————continuedtobeverygracioustoMadameF————，andthatsheremainedexactlythesametowardshimassheusedtobebefore。Hedidnotevenenquirewhatshewantedwhenshehadsentforme。Butifshedidnotseemtochangehermannertowardsmymaster，itwasaverydifferentcasewithme，forwhenevershewasoppositetomeatdinner，sheoftenaddressedherselftome，andshethusgavememanyopportunitiesofshewingmyeducationandmywitinamusingstoriesorinremarks，inwhichItookcaretoblendinstructionwithwittyjests。AtthattimeF————hadthegreattalentofmakingotherslaughwhileIkeptaseriouscountenancemyself。IhadlearntthataccomplishmentfromM。deMalipiero，myfirstmasterintheartofgoodbreeding，whousedtosaytome，——
　　"Ifyouwishyouraudiencetocry，youmustshedtearsyourself，butifyouwishtomakethemlaughyoumustcontrivetolookasseriousasajudge。"
　　IneverythingIdid，ineverywordIuttered，inthepresenceofMadameF————，theonlyaimIhadwastopleaseher，butIdidnotwishhertosupposeso，andIneverlookedatherunlessshespoketome。Iwantedtoforcehercuriosity，tocompelhertosuspectnay，toguessmysecret，butwithoutgivingheranyadvantageoverme:itwasnecessaryformetoproceedbyslowdegrees。Inthemeantime，anduntilIshouldhaveagreaterhappiness，Iwasgladtoseethatmymoney，thatmagictalisman，andmygoodconduct，obtainedmeaconsiderationmuchgreaterthanIcouldhavehopedtoobtaineitherthroughmyposition，orfrommyage，orinconsequenceofanytalentImighthaveshewnintheprofessionIhadadopted。
　　TowardsthemiddleofNovember，thesoldierwhoactedasmyservantwasattackedwithinflammationofthechest；Igavenoticeofittothecaptainofhiscompany，andhewascarriedtothehospital。OnthefourthdayIwastoldthathewouldnotrecover，andthathehadreceivedthelastsacraments；intheeveningIhappenedtobeathiscaptain’swhenthepriestwhohadattendedhimcametoannouncehisdeath，andtodeliverasmallparcelwhichthedyingmanhadentrustedtohimtobegivenuptohiscaptainonlyafterhisdeath。
　　Theparcelcontainedabrasssealengravedwithducalarms，acertificateofbaptism，andasheetofpapercoveredwithwritinginFrench。CaptainCamporese，whoonlyspokeItalian，beggedmetotranslatethepaper，thecontentsofwhichwereasfollows:
　　"Mywillisthatthispaper，whichIhavewrittenandsignedwithmyownhand，shallbedeliveredtomycaptainonlyafterIhavebreathedmylast:untilthen，myconfessorshallnotmakeanyuseofit，forI
　　entrustittohishandsonlyunderthesealofconfession。Ientreatmycaptaintohavemeburiedinavaultfromwhichmybodycanbeexhumedincasetheduke，myfather，shouldrequestitsexhumation。
　　Ientreathimlikewisetoforwardmycertificateofbaptism，thesealwiththearmorialbearingsofmyfamily，andalegalcertificateofmybirthtotheFrenchambassadorinVenice，whowillsendthewholetotheduke，myfather，myrightsofprimogeniturebelonging，aftermydemise，totheprince，mybrother。InfaithofwhichIhavesignedandsealedthesepresents:FrancoisVI。CharlesPhilippeLouisFoucaud，PrincedelaRochefoucault。"
　　Thecertificateofbaptism，deliveredatSt。Sulpicegavethesamenames，andthetitleofthefatherwasFrancoisV。ThenameofthemotherwasGabrielleduPlessis。
　　AsIwasconcludingmytranslationIcouldnothelpburstingintoloudlaughter；butthefoolishcaptain，whothoughtmymirthoutofplace，hurriedouttorenderanaccountoftheaffairtotheproveditore—generale，andIwenttothecoffee—house，notdoubtingforonemomentthathisexcellencywouldlaughatthecaptain，andthatthepost—mortembuffoonerywouldgreatlyamusethewholeofCorfu。