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