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diff --git a/39302-h/39302-h.htm b/39302-h/39302-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f7ea34d --- /dev/null +++ b/39302-h/39302-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,26202 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt 1725-1798 + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoires of Casanova, by +Jacques Casanova de Seingalt + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Memoires of Casanova + The Rare Unabridged London Edition Of 1894, plus An + Unpublished Chapter of History, By Arthur Symons + +Author: Jacques Casanova de Seingalt + +Translator: Arthur Machen + +Release Date: November 2, 2006 [EBook #39302] +Last Updated: December 14, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRES OF CASANOVA *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + <h1> + THE MEMOIRS + </h1> + <br /> + <h3> + OF + </h3> + <br /> + <h1> + JACQUES CASANOVA de SEINGALT <br /> <br /> 1725-1798 + </h1> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="spines (178K)" src="images/spines.jpg" width="100%" /> + </div> + <br /> + <h3> + THE RARE UNABRIDGED LONDON EDITION OF 1894 TRANSLATED BY ARTHUR MACHEN TO + WHICH HAS BEEN ADDED THE CHAPTERS DISCOVERED BY ARTHUR SYMONS. + </h3> + <br /><br /> + <hr /> + <div class="tr"> + [Transcriber’s Note: These memoires were not written for children, they + may outrage readers also offended by Chaucer, La Fontaine, Rabelais and + The Old Testament. D.W.] + </div> + + <br /> <br /> + <hr /> + <br /> <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <br /> + + <br /> <a href="images/cover2.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/cover2th.jpg" width="100%" alt="Bookcover 2 " /> + </div> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2H_4_0001"> <big><b>TO PARIS AND PRISON</b></big> </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2H_4_0002"> <b>EPISODE 6 — PARIS</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2H_4_0012"> <b>EPISODE 7 — VENICE</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2H_4_0019"> <b>EPISODE 8 — CONVENT AFFAIRS</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2H_4_0025"> <b>EPISODE 9 — THE FALSE NUN</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2H_4_0031"> <b>EPISODE 10 — UNDER THE LEADS</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkB2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII </a> + </p> + + + + + + <br /> <br /> + <hr /> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkB2H_4_0001" id="linkB2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TO PARIS AND PRISON + </h2> + <a name="linkB2H_4_0002" id="linkB2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode6" id="linkepisode6"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 6 — PARIS + </h2> + <a name="linkB2HCH0001" id="linkB2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Leave Bologna a Happy Man—The Captain Parts from Us in + Reggio, where I Spend a Delightful Night with Henriette—Our + Arrival in Parma—Henriette Resumes the Costume of a Woman; + Our Mutual Felicity—I Meet Some Relatives of Mine, but Do + not Discover Myself +</pre> + <p> + The reader can easily guess that there was a change as sudden as a + transformation in a pantomime, and that the short but magic sentence, + “Come to Parma,” proved a very fortunate catastrophe, thanks to which I + rapidly changed, passing from the tragic to the gentle mood, from the + serious to the tender tone. Sooth to say, I fell at her feet, and lovingly + pressing her knees I kissed them repeatedly with raptures of gratitude. No + more ‘furore’, no more bitter words; they do not suit the sweetest of all + human feelings! Loving, docile, grateful, I swear never to beg for any + favour, not even to kiss her hand, until I have shewn myself worthy of her + precious love! The heavenly creature, delighted to see me pass so rapidly + from despair to the most lively tenderness, tells me, with a voice the + tone of which breathes of love, to get up from my knees. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure that you love me,” says she, “and be quite certain that I shall + leave nothing undone to secure the constancy of your feelings.” Even if + she had said that she loved me as much as I adored her, she would not have + been more eloquent, for her words expressed all that can be felt. My lips + were pressed to her beautiful hands as the captain entered the room. He + complimented us with perfect good faith, and I told him, my face beaming + with happiness, that I was going to order the carriage. I left them + together, and in a short time we were on our road, cheerful, pleased, and + merry. + </p> + <p> + Before reaching Reggio the honest captain told me that in his opinion it + would be better for him to proceed to Parma alone, as, if we arrived in + that city all together, it might cause some remarks, and people would talk + about us much less if we were without him. We both thought him quite + right, and we immediately made up our minds to pass the night in Reggio, + while the captain would take a post-chaise and go alone to Parma. + According to that arrangement his trunk was transferred to the vehicle + which he hired in Reggio, he bade us farewell and went away, after having + promised to dine with us on the following day in Parma. + </p> + <p> + The decision taken by the worthy Hungarian was, doubtless, as agreeable to + my lovely friend as to me, for our delicacy would have condemned us to a + great reserve in his presence. And truly, under the new circumstances, how + were we to arrange for our lodgings in Reggio? Henriette could not, of + course, share the bed of the captain any more, and she could not have + slept with me as long as he was with us, without being guilty of great + immodesty. We should all three have laughed at that compulsory reserve + which we would have felt to be ridiculous, but we should, for all that, + have submitted to it. Love is the little impudent god, the enemy of + bashfulness, although he may very often enjoy darkness and mystery, but if + he gives way to it he feels disgraced; he loses three-fourths of his + dignity and the greatest portion of his charms. + </p> + <p> + Evidently there could be no happiness for Henriette or for me unless we + parted with the person and even with the remembrance of the excellent + captain. + </p> + <p> + We supped alone. I was intoxicated with a felicity which seemed too + immense, and yet I felt melancholy, but Henriette, who looked sad + likewise, had no reproach to address to me. Our sadness was in reality + nothing but shyness; we loved each other, but we had had no time to become + acquainted. We exchanged only a few words, there was nothing witty, + nothing interesting in our conversation, which struck us both as insipid, + and we found more pleasure in the thoughts which filled our minds. We knew + that we were going to pass the night together, but we could not have + spoken of it openly. What a night! what a delightful creature was that + Henriette whom I have loved so deeply, who has made me so supremely happy! + </p> + <p> + It was only three or four days later that I ventured on asking her what + she would have done, without a groat in her possession, having not one + acquaintance in Parma, if I had been afraid to declare my love, and if I + had gone to Naples. She answered that she would doubtless have found + herself in very great difficulties, but that she had all along felt + certain of my love, and that she had foreseen what had happened. She added + that, being impatient to know what I thought of her, she had asked me to + translate to the captain what she had expressed respecting her resolution, + knowing that he could neither oppose that resolution nor continue to live + with her, and that, as she had taken care not to include me in the prayer + which she had addressed to him through me, she had thought it impossible + that I should fail to ask whether I could be of some service to her, + waiting to take a decision until she could have ascertained the nature of + my feelings towards her. She concluded by telling me that if she had + fallen it was the fault of her husband and of her father-in-law, both of + whom she characterized as monsters rather than men. + </p> + <p> + When we reached Parma, I gave the police the name of Farusi, the same that + I had assumed in Cesena; it was the family name of my mother; while + Henriette wrote down, “Anne D’Arci, from France.” While we were answering + the questions of the officer, a young Frenchman, smart and + intelligent-looking, offered me his services, and advised me not to put up + at the posting-inn, but to take lodgings at D’Andremorit’s hotel, where I + should find good apartments, French cooking, and the best French wines. + </p> + <p> + Seeing that Henriette was pleased with the proposal, I told the young man + to take us there, and we were soon very comfortably lodged. I engaged the + Frenchman by the day, and carefully settled all my arrangements with + D’Andremont. After that I attended to the housing of my carriage. + </p> + <p> + Coming in again for a few minutes, I told Henriette that I would return in + time for dinner, and, ordering the servant to remain in the ante-room, I + went out alone. + </p> + <p> + Parma was then groaning under a new government. I had every reason to + suppose that there were spies everywhere and under every form. I therefore + did not want to have at my heels a valet who might have injured rather + than served me. Though I was in my father’s native city, I had no + acquaintances there, but I knew that I should soon find my way. + </p> + <p> + When I found myself in the streets, I scarcely could believe that I was in + Italy, for everything had a tramontane appearance. I heard nothing but + French and Spanish, and those who did not speak one of those languages + seemed to be whispering to one another. I was going about at random, + looking for a hosier, yet unwilling to enquire where I could find one; at + last I saw what I wanted. + </p> + <p> + I entered the shop, and addressing myself to a stout, good-looking woman + seated behind the counter, I said, + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I wish to make some purchases.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, shall I send for someone speaking French?” + </p> + <p> + “You need not do so, I am an Italian.” + </p> + <p> + “God be praised! Italians are scarce in these days.” + </p> + <p> + “Why scarce?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you not know that Don Philip has arrived, and that his wife, Madame de + France, is on the road?” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you, for it must make trade very good. I suppose that + money is plentiful, and that there is abundance of all commodities.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true, but everything is high in price, and we cannot get + reconciled to these new fashions. They are a bad mixture of French freedom + and Spanish haughtiness which addles our brains. But, sir, what sort of + linen do you require?” + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, I must tell you that I never try to drive a hard + bargain, therefore be careful. If you charge me too much, I shall not come + again. I want some fine linen for twenty-four chemises, some dimity for + stays and petticoats, some muslin, some cambric for pocket-handkerchiefs, + and many other articles which I should be very glad to find in your shop, + for I am a stranger here, and God knows in what hands I am going to trust + myself!” + </p> + <p> + “You will be in honest ones, if you will give me your confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure that you deserve it, and I abandon my interests to you. I want + likewise to find some needlewomen willing to work in the lady’s room, + because she requires everything to be made very rapidly.” + </p> + <p> + “And dresses?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dresses, caps, mantles-in fact, everything, for she is naked.” + </p> + <p> + “With money she will soon have all she wants. Is she young?” + </p> + <p> + “She is four years younger than I. She is my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! may God bless you! Any children?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, my good lady; but they will come, for we do all that is + necessary to have them.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt of it. How pleased I am! Well, sir, I shall send for the + very phoenix of all dressmakers. In the mean time, choose what you + require, it will amuse you.” + </p> + <p> + I took the best of everything and paid, and the dressmaker making her + appearance at that moment I gave my address, requesting that various sorts + of stuff might be sent at once. I told the dressmaker and her daughter, + who had come with her, to follow me and to carry the linen. On my way to + the hotel I bought several pairs of silk stockings, and took with me a + bootmaker who lived close by. + </p> + <p> + Oh, what a delightful moment! Henriette, who had not the slightest idea of + what I had gone out for, looked at everything with great pleasure, yet + without any of those demonstrations which announce a selfish or interested + disposition. She shewed her gratitude only by the delicate praise which + she bestowed upon my taste and upon the quality of the articles I had + purchased. She was not more cheerful on account of my presents, but the + tender affection with which she looked at me was the best proof of her + grateful feelings. + </p> + <p> + The valet I had hired had entered the room with the shoemaker. Henriette + told him quietly to withdraw, and not to come unless he was called. The + dressmaker set to work, the shoemaker took her measure, and I told him to + bring some slippers. He returned in a short time, and the valet came in + again with him without having been called. The shoemaker, who spoke + French, was talking the usual nonsense of dealers, when she interrupted + him to ask the valet, who was standing familiarly in the room, what he + wanted. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, madam, I am only waiting for your orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I not told you that you would be called when your services were + required?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to know who is my master, you or the gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither,” I replied, laughing. “Here are your day’s wages. Be off at + once.” + </p> + <p> + The shoemaker, seeing that Henriette spoke only French, begged to + recommend a teacher of languages. + </p> + <p> + “What country does he belong to?” she enquired. + </p> + <p> + “To Flanders, madam,” answered Crispin, “he is a very learned man, about + fifty years old. He is said to be a good man. He charges three libbre for + each lesson of one hour, and six for two hours, but he requires to be paid + each time.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said Henriette to me, “do you wish me to engage that master?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dearest, it will amuse you.” + </p> + <p> + The shoemaker promised to send the Flemish professor the next morning. + </p> + <p> + The dressmakers were hard at work, the mother cutting and the daughter + sewing, but, as progress could not be too rapid, I told the mother that + she would oblige us if she could procure another seamstress who spoke + French. + </p> + <p> + “You shall have one this very day, sir,” she answered, and she offered me + the services of her own son as a servant, saying that if I took him I + should be certain to have neither a thief nor a spy about me, and that he + spoke French pretty well. Henriette thought we could not do better than + take the young man. Of course that was enough to make me consent at once, + for the slightest wish of the woman we love is our supreme law. The mother + went for him, and she brought back at the same time the half-French + dressmaker. It all amused my goddess, who looked very happy. + </p> + <p> + The young man was about eighteen, pleasant, gentle and modest. I enquired + his name, and he answered that it was Caudagna. + </p> + <p> + The reader may very likely recollect that my father’s native place had + been Parma, and that one of his sisters had married a Caudagna. “It would + be a curious coincidence,” I thought, “if that dressmaker should be my + aunt, and my valet my cousin!” but I did not say it aloud. + </p> + <p> + Henriette asked me if I had any objection to the first dressmaker dining + at our table. + </p> + <p> + “I entreat you, my darling,” I answered, “never, for the future, to ask my + consent in such trifling matters. Be quite certain, my beloved, that I + shall always approve everything you may do.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled and thanked me. I took out my purse, and said to her; + </p> + <p> + “Take these fifty sequins, dearest, to pay for all your small expenses, + and to buy the many trifles which I should be sure to forget.” + </p> + <p> + She took the money, assuring me that she was vastly obliged to me. + </p> + <p> + A short time before dinner the worthy captain made his appearance. + Henriette ran to meet him and kissed him, calling him her dear father, and + I followed her example by calling him my friend. My beloved little wife + invited him to dine with us every day. The excellent fellow, seeing all + the women working busily for Henriette, was highly pleased at having + procured such a good position for his young adventuress, and I crowned his + happiness by telling him that I was indebted to him for my felicity. + </p> + <p> + Our dinner was delicious, and it proved a cheerful meal. I found out that + Henriette was dainty, and my old friend a lover of good wines. I was both, + and felt that I was a match for them. We tasted several excellent wines + which D’Andremont had recommended, and altogether we had a very good + dinner. + </p> + <p> + The young valet pleased me in consequence of the respectful manner in + which he served everyone, his mother as well as his masters. His sister + and the other seamstress had dined apart. + </p> + <p> + We were enjoying our dessert when the hosier was announced, accompanied by + another woman and a milliner who could speak French. The other woman had + brought patterns of all sorts of dresses. I let Henriette order caps, + head-dresses, etc., as she pleased, but I would interfere in the dress + department although I complied with the excellent taste of my charming + friend. I made her choose four dresses, and I was indeed grateful for her + ready acceptance of them, for my own happiness was increased in proportion + to the pleasure I gave her and the influence I was obtaining over her + heart. + </p> + <p> + Thus did we spend the first day, and we could certainly not have + accomplished more. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, as we were alone at supper, I fancied that her lovely face + looked sad. I told her so. + </p> + <p> + “My darling,” she answered, with a voice which went to my heart, “you are + spending a great deal of money on me, and if you do so in the hope of my + loving you more dearly I must tell you it is money lost, for I do not love + you now more than I did yesterday, but I do love you with my whole heart. + All you may do that is not strictly necessary pleases me only because I + see more and more how worthy you are of me, but it is not needed to make + me feel all the deep love which you deserve.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you, dearest, and my happiness is indeed great if you feel that + your love for me cannot be increased. But learn also, delight of my heart, + that I have done it all only to try to love you even more than I do, if + possible. I wish to see you beautiful and brilliant in the attire of your + sex, and if there is one drop of bitterness in the fragrant cup of my + felicity, it is a regret at not being able to surround you with the halo + which you deserve. Can I be otherwise than delighted, my love, if you are + pleased?” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot for one moment doubt my being pleased, and as you have called + me your wife you are right in one way, but if you are not very rich I + leave it to you to judge how deeply I ought to reproach myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my beloved angel! let me, I beg of you, believe myself wealthy, and + be quite certain that you cannot possibly be the cause of my ruin. You + were born only for my happiness. All I wish is that you may never leave + me. Tell me whether I can entertain such a hope.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it myself, dearest, but who can be sure of the future? Are you + free? Are you dependent on anyone?” + </p> + <p> + “I am free in the broadest meaning of that word, I am dependent on no one + but you, and I love to be so.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you, and I am very glad of it, for no one can tear you + from my arms, but, alas! you know that I cannot say the same as you. I am + certain that some persons are, even now, seeking for me, and they will not + find it very difficult to secure me if they ever discover where I am. + Alas! I feel how miserable I should be if they ever succeeded in dragging + me away from you!” + </p> + <p> + “You make me tremble. Are you afraid of such a dreadful misfortune here?” + </p> + <p> + “No, unless I should happen to be seen by someone knowing me.” + </p> + <p> + “Are any such persons likely to be here at present?” + </p> + <p> + “I think not.” + </p> + <p> + “Then do not let our love take alarm, I trust your fears will never be + verified. Only, my darling one, you must be as cheerful as you were in + Cesena.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be more truly so now, dear friend. In Cesena I was miserable; + while now I am happy. Do not be afraid of my being sad, for I am of a + naturally cheerful disposition.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose that in Cesena you were afraid of being caught by the officer + whom you had left in Rome?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; that officer was my father-in-law, and I am quite certain + that he never tried to ascertain where I had gone. He was only too glad to + get rid of me. I felt unhappy because I could not bear to be a charge on a + man whom I could not love, and with whom I could not even exchange one + thought. Recollect also that I could not find consolation in the idea that + I was ministering to his happiness, for I had only inspired him with a + passing fancy which he had himself valued at ten sequins. I could not help + feeling that his fancy, once gratified, was not likely at his time of life + to become a more lasting sentiment, and I could therefore only be a burden + to him, for he was not wealthy. Besides, there was a miserable + consideration which increased my secret sorrow. I thought myself bound in + duty to caress him, and on his side, as he thought that he ought to pay me + in the same money, I was afraid of his ruining his health for me, and that + idea made me very unhappy. Having no love for each other, we allowed a + foolish feeling of regard to make both of us uncomfortable. We lavished, + for the sake of a well-meaning but false decorum, that which belongs to + love alone. Another thing troubled me greatly. I was afraid lest people + might suppose that I was a source of profit to him. That idea made me feel + the deepest shame, yet, whenever I thought of it, I could not help + admitting that such a supposition, however false, was not wanting in + probability. It is owing to that feeling that you found me so reserved + towards you, for I was afraid that you might harbour that fearful idea if + I allowed, you to read in my looks the favourable impression which you had + made on my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it was not owing to a feeling of self-love?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I confess it, for you could but judge me as I deserved. I had been + guilty of the folly now known to you because my father-in-law intended to + bury me in a convent, and that did not suit my taste. But, dearest friend, + you must forgive me if, I cannot confide even to you the history of my + life.” + </p> + <p> + “I respect your secret, darling; you need not fear any intrusion from me + on that subject. All we have to do is to love one another, and not to + allow any dread of the future to mar our actual felicity.” + </p> + <p> + The next day, after a night of intense enjoyment, I found myself more + deeply in love than before, and the next three months were spent by us in + an intoxication of delight. + </p> + <p> + At nine o’clock the next morning the teacher of Italian was announced. I + saw a man of respectable appearance, polite, modest, speaking little but + well, reserved in his answers, and with the manners of olden times. We + conversed, and I could not help laughing when he said, with an air of + perfect good faith, that a Christian could only admit the system of + Copernicus as a clever hypothesis. I answered that it was the system of + God Himself because it was that of nature, and that it was not in Holy + Scripture that the laws of science could be learned. + </p> + <p> + The teacher smiled in a manner which betrayed the Tartufe, and if I had + consulted only my own feelings I should have dismissed the poor man, but I + thought that he might amuse Henriette and teach her Italian; after all it + was what I wanted from him. My dear wife told him that she would give him + six libbre for a lesson of two hours: the libbra of Parma being worth only + about threepence, his lessons were not very expensive. She took her first + lesson immediately and gave him two sequins, asking him to purchase her + some good novels. + </p> + <p> + Whilst my dear Henriette was taking her lesson, I had some conversation + with the dressmaker, in order to ascertain whether she was a relative of + mine. + </p> + <p> + “What does your husband do?” I asked her. + </p> + <p> + “He is steward to the Marquis of Sissa.” + </p> + <p> + “Is your father still alive?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, he is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “What was his family name?” + </p> + <p> + “Scotti.” + </p> + <p> + “Are your husband’s parents still alive?” + </p> + <p> + “His father is dead, but his mother is still alive, and resides with her + uncle, Canon Casanova.” + </p> + <p> + That was enough. The good woman was my Welsh cousin, and her children were + my Welsh nephews. My niece Jeanneton was not pretty; but she appeared to + be a good girl. I continued my conversation with the mother, but I changed + the topic. + </p> + <p> + “Are the Parmesans satisfied with being the subjects of a Spanish prince?” + </p> + <p> + “Satisfied? Well, in that case, we should be easily pleased, for we are + now in a regular maze. Everything is upset, we do not know where we are. + Oh! happy times of the house of Farnese, whither have you departed? The + day before yesterday I went to the theatre, and Harlequin made everybody + roar with laughter. Well, now, fancy, Don Philipo, our new duke, did all + he could to remain serious, and when he could not manage it, he would hide + his face in his hat so that people should not see that he was laughing, + for it is said that laughter ought never to disturb the grave and stiff + countenance of an Infante of Spain, and that he would be dishonoured in + Madrid if he did not conceal his mirth. What do you think of that? Can + such manners suit us? Here we laugh willingly and heartily! Oh! the good + Duke Antonio (God rest his soul!) was certainly as great a prince as Duke + Philipo, but he did not hide himself from his subjects when he was + pleased, and he would sometimes laugh so heartily that he could be heard + in the streets. Now we are all in the most fearful confusion, and for the + last three months no one in Parma knows what’s o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + “Have all the clocks been destroyed?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but ever since God created the world, the sun has always gone down at + half-past five, and at six the bells have always been tolled for the + Angelus. All respectable people knew that at that time the candle had to + be lit. Now, it is very strange, the sun has gone mad, for he sets every + day at a different hour. Our peasants do not know when they are to come to + market. All that is called a regulation but do you know why? Because now + everybody knows that dinner is to be eaten at twelve o’clock. A fine + regulation, indeed! Under the Farnese we used to eat when we were hungry, + and that was much better.” + </p> + <p> + That way of reasoning was certainly singular, but I did not think it + sounded foolish in the mouth of a woman of humble rank. It seems to me + that a government ought never to destroy ancient customs abruptly, and + that innocent errors ought to be corrected only by degrees. + </p> + <p> + Henriette had no watch. I felt delighted at the idea of offering her such + a present, and I went out to purchase one, but after I had bought a very + fine watch, I thought of ear-rings, of a fan, and of many other pretty + nicknacks. Of course I bought them all at once. She received all those + gifts offered by love with a tender delicacy which overjoyed me. She was + still with the teacher when I came back. + </p> + <p> + “I should have been able,” he said to me, “to teach your lady heraldry, + geography, history, and the use of the globes, but she knows that already. + She has received an excellent education.” + </p> + <p> + The teacher’s name was Valentin de la Haye. He told me that he was an + engineer and professor of mathematics. I shall have to speak of him very + often in these Memoirs, and my readers will make his acquaintance by his + deeds better than by any portrait I could give of him, so I will merely + say that he was a true Tartufe, a worthy pupil of Escobar. + </p> + <p> + We had a pleasant dinner with our Hungarian friend. Henriette was still + wearing the uniform, and I longed to see her dressed as a woman. She + expected a dress to be ready for the next day, and she was already + supplied with petticoats and chemises. + </p> + <p> + Henriette was full of wit and a mistress of repartee. The milliner, who + was a native of Lyons, came in one morning, and said in French: + </p> + <p> + “Madame et Monsieur, j’ai l’honneur de vous souhaiter le bonjour.” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said my friend, “do you not say Monsieur et madame?” + </p> + <p> + “I have always heard that in society the precedence is given to the + ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “But from whom do we wish to receive that honour?” + </p> + <p> + “From gentlemen, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you not see that women would render themselves ridiculous if they + did not grant to men the same that they expect from them. If we wish them + never to fail in politeness towards us, we must shew them the example.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” answered the shrewd milliner, “you have taught me an excellent + lesson, and I will profit by it. Monsieur et madame, je suis votre + servante.” + </p> + <p> + This feminine controversy greatly amused me. + </p> + <p> + Those who do not believe that a woman can make a man happy through the + twenty-four hours of the day have never possessed a woman like Henriette. + The happiness which filled me, if I can express it in that manner, was + much greater when I conversed with her even than when I held her in my + arms. She had read much, she had great tact, and her taste was naturally + excellent; her judgment was sane, and, without being learned, she could + argue like a mathematician, easily and without pretension, and in + everything she had that natural grace which is so charming. She never + tried to be witty when she said something of importance, but accompanied + her words with a smile which imparted to them an appearance of trifling, + and brought them within the understanding of all. In that way she would + give intelligence even to those who had none, and she won every heart. + Beauty without wit offers love nothing but the material enjoyment of its + physical charms, whilst witty ugliness captivates by the charms of the + mind, and at last fulfils all the desires of the man it has captivated. + </p> + <p> + Then what was my position during all the time that I possessed my + beautiful and witty Henriette? That of a man so supremely happy that I + could scarcely realize my felicity! + </p> + <p> + Let anyone ask a beautiful woman without wit whether she would be willing + to exchange a small portion of her beauty for a sufficient dose of wit. If + she speaks the truth, she will say, “No, I am satisfied to be as I am.” + But why is she satisfied? Because she is not aware of her own deficiency. + Let an ugly but witty woman be asked if she would change her wit against + beauty, and she will not hesitate in saying no. Why? Because, knowing the + value of her wit, she is well aware that it is sufficient by itself to + make her a queen in any society. + </p> + <p> + But a learned woman, a blue-stocking, is not the creature to minister to a + man’s happiness. Positive knowledge is not a woman’s province. It is + antipathetic to the gentleness of her nature, to the amenity, to the sweet + timidity which are the greatest charms of the fair sex, besides, women + never carry their learning beyond certain limits, and the tittle-tattle of + blue-stockings can dazzle no one but fools. There has never been one great + discovery due to a woman. The fair sex is deficient in that vigorous power + which the body lends to the mind, but women are evidently superior to men + in simple reasoning, in delicacy of feelings, and in that species of merit + which appertains to the heart rather than to the mind. + </p> + <p> + Hurl some idle sophism at a woman of intelligence. She will not unravel + it, but she will not be deceived by it, and, though she may not say so, + she will let you guess that she does not accept it. A man, on the + contrary, if he cannot unravel the sophism, takes it in a literal sense, + and in that respect the learned woman is exactly the same as man. What a + burden a Madame Dacier must be to a man! May God save every honest man + from such! + </p> + <p> + When the new dress was brought, Henriette told me that she did not want me + to witness the process of her metamorphosis, and she desired me to go out + for a walk until she had resumed her original form. I obeyed cheerfully, + for the slightest wish of the woman we love is a law, and our very + obedience increases our happiness. + </p> + <p> + As I had nothing particular to do, I went to a French bookseller in whose + shop I made the acquaintance of a witty hunchback, and I must say that a + hunchback without wit is a rara avis; I have found it so in all countries. + Of course it is not wit which gives the hump, for, thank God, all witty + men are not humpbacked, but we may well say that as a general rule the + hump gives wit, for the very small number of hunchbacks who have little or + no wit only confirms the rule: The one I was alluding to just now was + called Dubois-Chateleraux. He was a skilful engraver, and director of the + Mint of Parma for the Infante, although that prince could not boast of + such an institution. + </p> + <p> + I spent an hour with the witty hunchback, who shewed me several of his + engravings, and I returned to the hotel where I found the Hungarian + waiting to see Henriette. He did not know that she would that morning + receive us in the attire of her sex. The door was thrown open, and a + beautiful, charming woman met us with a courtesy full of grace, which no + longer reminded us of the stiffness or of the too great freedom which + belong to the military costume. Her sudden appearance certainly astonished + us, and we did not know what to say or what to do. She invited us to be + seated, looked at the captain in a friendly manner, and pressed my hand + with the warmest affection, but without giving way any more to that + outward familiarity which a young officer can assume, but which does not + suit a well-educated lady. Her noble and modest bearing soon compelled me + to put myself in unison with her, and I did so without difficulty, for she + was not acting a part, and the way in which she had resumed her natural + character made it easy for me to follow her on that ground. + </p> + <p> + I was gazing at her with admiration, and, urged by a feeling which I did + not take time to analyze, I took her hand to kiss it with respect, but, + without giving me an opportunity of raising it to my lips, she offered me + her lovely mouth. Never did a kiss taste so delicious. + </p> + <p> + “Am I not then always the same?” said she to me, with deep feeling. + </p> + <p> + “No, heavenly creature, and it is so true that you are no longer the same + in my eyes that I could not now use any familiarity towards you. You are + no longer the witty, free young officer who told Madame Querini about the + game of Pharaoh, and about the deposits made to your bank by the captain + in so niggardly a manner that they were hardly worth mentioning.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very true that, wearing the costume of my sex, I should never dare + to utter such words. Yet, dearest friend, it does not prevent my being + your Henriette—that Henriette who has in her life been guilty of + three escapades, the last of which would have utterly ruined me if it had + not been for you, but which I call a delightful error, since it has been + the cause of my knowing you.” + </p> + <p> + Those words moved me so deeply that I was on the point of throwing myself + at her feet, to entreat her to forgive me for not having shewn her more + respect, but Henriette, who saw the state in which I was, and who wanted + to put an end to the pathetic scene, began to shake our poor captain, who + sat as motionless as a statue, and as if he had been petrified. He felt + ashamed at having treated such a woman as an adventuress, for he knew that + what he now saw was not an illusion. He kept looking at her with great + confusion, and bowing most respectfully, as if he wanted to atone for his + past conduct towards her. As for Henriette, she seemed to say to him, but + without the shadow of a reproach; + </p> + <p> + “I am glad that you think me worth more than ten sequins.” + </p> + <p> + We sat down to dinner, and from that moment she did the honours of the + table with the perfect ease of a person who is accustomed to fulfil that + difficult duty. She treated me like a beloved husband, and the captain + like a respected friend. The poor Hungarian begged me to tell her that if + he had seen her, as she was now, in Civita Vecchia, when she came out of + the tartan, he should never have dreamed of dispatching his cicerone to + her room. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! tell him that I do not doubt it. But is it not strange that a poor + little female dress should command more respect than the garb of an + officer?” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do not abuse the officer’s costume, for it is to it that I am + indebted for my happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said, with a loving smile, “as I owe mine to the sbirri of + Cesena.” + </p> + <p> + We remained for a long time at the table, and our delightful conversation + turned upon no other topic than our mutual felicity. If it had not been + for the uneasiness of the poor captain, which at last struck us, we should + never have put a stop either to the dinner or to, our charming prattle. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0002" id="linkB2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Engage a Box at the Opera, in Spite of Henriette’s + Reluctance—M. Dubois Pays Us a Visit and Dines with Us; + My Darling Plays Him a Trick—Henriette Argues on Happiness— + We Call on Dubois, and My Wife Displays Her Marvellous Talent— + M. Dutillot The Court gives a Splendid Entertainment in the + Ducal Gardens—A Fatal Meeting—I Have an Interview with + M. D’Antoine, the Favourite of the Infante of Spain +</pre> + <p> + The happiness I was enjoying was too complete to last long. I was fated to + lose it, but I must not anticipate events. Madame de France, wife of the + Infante Don Philip, having arrived in Parma, the opera house was opened, + and I engaged a private box, telling Henriette that I intended to take her + to the theatre every night. She had several times confessed that she had a + great passion for music, and I had no doubt that she would be pleased with + my proposal. She had never yet seen an Italian opera, and I felt certain + that she wished to ascertain whether the Italian music deserved its + universal fame. But I was indeed surprised when she exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “What, dearest! You wish to go every evening to the opera?” + </p> + <p> + “I think, my love, that, if we did not go, we should give some excuse for + scandal-mongers to gossip. Yet, should you not like it, you know that + there is no need for us to go. Do not think of me, for I prefer our + pleasant chat in this room to the heavenly concert of the seraphs.” + </p> + <p> + “I am passionately fond of music, darling, but I cannot help trembling at + the idea of going out.” + </p> + <p> + “If you tremble, I must shudder, but we ought to go to the opera or leave + Parma. Let us go to London or to any other place. Give your orders, I am + ready to do anything you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, take a private box as little exposed as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “How kind you are!” + </p> + <p> + The box I had engaged was in the second tier, but the theatre being small + it was difficult for a pretty woman to escape observation. + </p> + <p> + I told her so. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think there is any danger,” she answered; “for I have not seen + the name of any person of my acquaintance in the list of foreigners which + you gave me to read.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did Henriette go to the opera. I had taken care that our box should + not be lighted up. It was an opera-buffa, the music of Burellano was + excellent, and the singers were very good. + </p> + <p> + Henriette made no use of her opera-glass except to look on the stage, and + nobody paid any attention to us. As she had been greatly pleased with the + finale of the second act, I promised to get it for her, and I asked Dubois + to procure it for me. Thinking that she could play the harpsichord, I + offered to get one, but she told me that she had never touched that + instrument. + </p> + <p> + On the night of the fourth or fifth performance M. Dubois came to our box, + and as I did not wish to introduce him to my friend, I only asked what I + could do for him. He then handed me the music I had begged him to purchase + for me, and I paid him what it had cost, offering him my best thanks. As + we were just opposite the ducal box, I asked him, for the sake of saying + something, whether he had engraved the portraits of their highnesses. He + answered that he had already engraved two medals, and I gave him an order + for both, in gold. He promised to let me have them, and left the box. + Henriette had not even looked at him, and that was according to all + established rules, as I had not introduced him, but the next morning he + was announced as we were at dinner. M. de la Haye, who was dining with us, + complimented us upon having made the acquaintance of Dubois, and + introduced him to his pupil the moment he came into the room. It was then + right for Henriette to welcome him, which she did most gracefully. + </p> + <p> + After she had thanked him for the ‘partizione’, she begged he would get + her some other music, and the artist accepted her request as a favour + granted to him. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Dubois to me, “I have taken the liberty of bringing the medals + you wished to have; here they are.” + </p> + <p> + On one were the portraits of the Infante and his wife, on the other was + engraved only the head of Don Philip. They were both beautifully engraved, + and we expressed our just admiration. “The workmanship is beyond all + price,” said Henriette, “but the gold can be bartered for other gold.” + “Madam,” answered the modest artist, “the medals weigh sixteen sequins.” + She gave him the amount immediately, and invited him to call again at + dinner-time. Coffee was just brought in at that moment, and she asked him + to take it with us. Before sweetening his cup, she enquired whether he + liked his coffee very sweet. + </p> + <p> + “Your taste, madam,” answered the hunchback, gallantly, “is sure to be + mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have guessed that I always drink coffee without sugar. I am glad + we have that taste in common.” + </p> + <p> + And she gracefully offered him the cup of coffee without sugar. She then + helped De la Haye and me, not forgetting to put plenty of sugar in our + cups, and she poured out one for herself exactly like the one she handed + to Dubois. It was much ado for me not to laugh, for my mischievous + French-woman, who liked her coffee in the Parisian fashion, that is to say + very sweet, was sipping the bitter beverage with an air of delight which + compelled the director of the Mint to smile under the infliction. But the + cunning hunchback was even with her; accepting the penalty of his foolish + compliment, and praising the good quality of the coffee, he boldly + declared that it was the only way to taste the delicious aroma of the + precious berry. + </p> + <p> + When Dubois and De la Haye had left us, we both laughed at the trick. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said I to Henriette, “you will be the first victim of your + mischief, for whenever he dines with us, you must keep up the joke, in + order not to betray yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I can easily contrive to drink my coffee well sweetened, and to make + him drain the bitter cup.” + </p> + <p> + At the end of one month, Henriette could speak Italian fluently, and it + was owing more to the constant practice she had every day with my cousin + Jeanneton, who acted as her maid, than to the lessons of Professor de la + Haye. The lessons only taught her the rules, and practice is necessary to + acquire a language. I have experienced it myself. I learned more French + during the too short period that I spent so happily with my charming + Henriette than in all the lessons I had taken from Dalacqua. + </p> + <p> + We had attended the opera twenty times without making any acquaintance, + and our life was indeed supremely happy. I never went out without + Henriette, and always in a carriage; we never received anyone, and nobody + knew us. Dubois was the only person, since the departure of the good + Hungarian, who sometimes dined with us; I do not reckon De la Haye, who + was a daily guest at our table. Dubois felt great curiosity about us, but + he was cunning and did not shew his curiosity; we were reserved without + affectation, and his inquisitiveness was at fault. One day he mentioned to + us that the court of the Infante of Parma was very brilliant since the + arrival of Madame de France, and that there were many foreigners of both + sexes in the city. Then, turning towards Henriette, he said to her; + </p> + <p> + “Most of the foreign ladies whom we have here are unknown to us.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely, many of them would not shew themselves if they were known.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely, madam, as you say, but I can assure you that, even if their + beauty and the richness of their toilet made them conspicuous, our + sovereigns wish for freedom. I still hope, madam, that we shall have the + happiness of seeing you at the court of the duke.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think so, for, in my opinion, it is superlatively ridiculous for + a lady to go to the court without being presented, particularly if she has + a right to be so.” + </p> + <p> + The last words, on which Henriette had laid a little more stress than upon + the first part of her answer, struck our little hunchback dumb, and my + friend, improving her opportunity, changed the subject of conversation. + </p> + <p> + When he had gone we enjoyed the check she had thus given to the + inquisitiveness of our guest, but I told Henriette that, in good + conscience, she ought to forgive all those whom she rendered curious, + because.... she cut my words short by covering me with loving kisses. + </p> + <p> + Thus supremely happy, and finding in one another constant satisfaction, we + would laugh at those morose philosophers who deny that complete happiness + can be found on earth. + </p> + <p> + “What do they mean, darling—those crazy fools—by saying that + happiness is not lasting, and how do they understand that word? If they + mean everlasting, immortal, unintermitting, of course they are right, but + the life of man not being such, happiness, as a natural consequence, + cannot be such either. Otherwise, every happiness is lasting for the very + reason that it does exist, and to be lasting it requires only to exist. + But if by complete felicity they understand a series of varied and + never-interrupted pleasures, they are wrong, because, by allowing after + each pleasure the calm which ought to follow the enjoyment of it, we have + time to realize happiness in its reality. In other words those necessary + periods of repose are a source of true enjoyment, because, thanks to them, + we enjoy the delight of recollection which increases twofold the reality + of happiness. Man can be happy only when in his own mind he realizes his + happiness, and calm is necessary to give full play to his mind; therefore + without calm man would truly never be completely happy, and pleasure, in + order to be felt, must cease to be active. Then what do they mean by that + word lasting? + </p> + <p> + “Every day we reach a moment when we long for sleep, and, although it be + the very likeness of non-existence, can anyone deny that sleep is a + pleasure? No, at least it seems to me that it cannot be denied with + consistency, for, the moment it comes to us, we give it the preference + over all other pleasures, and we are grateful to it only after it has left + us. + </p> + <p> + “Those who say that no one can be happy throughout life speak likewise + frivolously. Philosophy teaches the secret of securing that happiness, + provided one is free from bodily sufferings. A felicity which would thus + last throughout life could be compared to a nosegay formed of a thousand + flowers so beautifully, so skillfully blended together, that it would look + one single flower. Why should it be impossible for us to spend here the + whole of our life as we have spent the last month, always in good health, + always loving one another, without ever feeling any other want or any + weariness? Then, to crown that happiness, which would certainly be + immense, all that would be wanted would be to die together, in an advanced + age, speaking to the last moment of our pleasant recollections. Surely + that felicity would have been lasting. Death would not interrupt it, for + death would end it. We could not, even then, suppose ourselves unhappy + unless we dreaded unhappiness after death, and such an idea strikes me as + absurd, for it is a contradiction of the idea of an almighty and fatherly + tenderness.” + </p> + <p> + It was thus that my beloved Henriette would often make me spend delightful + hours, talking philosophic sentiment. Her logic was better than that of + Cicero in his Tusculan Disputations, but she admitted that such lasting + felicity could exist only between two beings who lived together, and loved + each other with constant affection, healthy in mind and in body, + enlightened, sufficiently rich, similar in tastes, in disposition, and in + temperament. Happy are those lovers who, when their senses require rest, + can fall back upon the intellectual enjoyments afforded by the mind! Sweet + sleep then comes, and lasts until the body has recovered its general + harmony. On awaking, the senses are again active and always ready to + resume their action. + </p> + <p> + The conditions of existence are exactly the same for man as for the + universe, I might almost say that between them there is perfect identity, + for if we take the universe away, mankind no longer exists, and if we take + mankind away, there is no longer an universe; who could realize the idea + of the existence of inorganic matter? Now, without that idea, ‘nihil est’, + since the idea is the essence of everything, and since man alone has + ideas. Besides, if we abstract the species, we can no longer imagine the + existence of matter, and vice versa. + </p> + <p> + I derived from Henriette as great happiness as that charming woman derived + from me. We loved one another with all the strength of our faculties, and + we were everything to each other. She would often repeat those pretty + lines of the good La, Fontaine: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Soyez-vous l’un a l’autre un monde toujours beau, + Toujours divers, toujours nouveau; + Tenez-vous lieu de tout; comptez pour rien le reste.’ +</pre> + <p> + And we did not fail to put the advice into practice, for never did a + minute of ennui or of weariness, never did the slightest trouble, disturb + our bliss. + </p> + <p> + The day after the close of the opera, Dubois, who was dining with us, said + that on the following day he was entertaining the two first artists, + ‘primo cantatore’ and ‘prima cantatrice’, and added that, if we liked to + come, we would hear some of their best pieces, which they were to sing in + a lofty hall of his country-house particularly adapted to the display of + the human voice. Henriette thanked him warmly, but she said that, her + health being very delicate, she could not engage herself beforehand, and + she spoke of other things. + </p> + <p> + When we were alone, I asked her why she had refused the pleasure offered + by Dubois. + </p> + <p> + “I should accept his invitation,” she answered, “and with delight, if I + were not afraid of meeting at his house some person who might know me, and + would destroy the happiness I am now enjoying with you.” + </p> + <p> + “If you have any fresh motive for dreading such an occurrence, you are + quite right, but if it is only a vague, groundless fear, my love, why + should you deprive yourself of a real and innocent pleasure? If you knew + how pleased I am when I see you enjoy yourself, and particularly when I + witness your ecstacy in listening to fine music!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, darling, I do not want to shew myself less brave than you. We will + go immediately after dinner. The artists will not sing before. Besides, as + he does not expect us, he is not likely to have invited any person curious + to speak to me. We will go without giving him notice of our coming, + without being expected, and as if we wanted to pay him a friendly visit. + He told us that he would be at his country-house, and Caudagna knows where + it is.” + </p> + <p> + Her reasons were a mixture of prudence and of love, two feelings which are + seldom blended together. My answer was to kiss her with as much admiration + as tenderness, and the next day at four o’clock in the afternoon we paid + our visit to M. Dubois. We were much surprised, for we found him alone + with a very pretty girl, whom he presented to us as his niece. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to see you,” he said, “but as I did not expect to see you + I altered my arrangements, and instead of the dinner I had intended to + give I have invited my friends to supper. I hope you will not refuse me + the honour of your company. The two virtuosi will soon be here.” + </p> + <p> + We were compelled to accept his invitation. + </p> + <p> + “Will there be many guests?” I enquired. + </p> + <p> + “You will find yourselves in the midst of people worthy of you,” he + answered, triumphantly. “I am only sorry that I have not invited any + ladies.” + </p> + <p> + This polite remark, which was intended for Henriette, made her drop him a + curtsy, which she accompanied with a smile. I was pleased to read + contentment on her countenance, but, alas! she was concealing the painful + anxiety which she felt acutely. Her noble mind refused to shew any + uneasiness, and I could not guess her inmost thoughts because I had no + idea that she had anything to fear. + </p> + <p> + I should have thought and acted differently if I had known all her + history. Instead of remaining in Parma I should have gone with her to + London, and I know now that she would have been delighted to go there. + </p> + <p> + The two artists arrived soon afterwards; they were the ‘primo cantatore’ + Laschi, and the ‘prima donna’ Baglioni, then a very pretty woman. The + other guests soon followed; all of them were Frenchmen and Spaniards of a + certain age. No introductions took place, and I read the tact of the witty + hunchback in the omission, but as all the guests were men used to the + manners of the court, that neglect of etiquette did not prevent them from + paying every honour to my lovely friend, who received their compliments + with that ease and good breeding which are known only in France, and even + there only in the highest society, with the exception, however, of a few + French provinces in which the nobility, wrongly called good society, shew + rather too openly the haughtiness which is characteristic of that class. + </p> + <p> + The concert began by a magnificent symphony, after which Laschi and + Baglioni sang a duet with great talent and much taste. They were followed + by a pupil of the celebrated Vandini, who played a concerto on the + violoncello, and was warmly applauded. + </p> + <p> + The applause had not yet ceased when Henriette, leaving her seat, went up + to the young artist, and told him, with modest confidence, as she took the + violoncello from him, that she could bring out the beautiful tone of the + instrument still better. I was struck with amazement. She took the young + man’s seat, placed the violoncello between her knees, and begged the + leader of the orchestra to begin the concerto again. The deepest silence + prevailed. I was trembling all over, and almost fainting. Fortunately + every look was fixed upon Henriette, and nobody thought of me. Nor was she + looking towards me, she would not have then ventured even one glance, for + she would have lost courage, if she had raised her beautiful eyes to my + face. However, not seeing her disposing herself to play, I was beginning + to imagine that she had only been indulging in a jest, when she suddenly + made the strings resound. My heart was beating with such force that I + thought I should drop down dead. + </p> + <p> + But let the reader imagine my situation when, the concerto being over, + well-merited applause burst from every part of the room! The rapid change + from extreme fear to excessive pleasure brought on an excitement which was + like a violent fever. The applause did not seem to have any effect upon + Henriette, who, without raising her eyes from the notes which she saw for + the first time, played six pieces with the greatest perfection. As she + rose from her seat, she did not thank the guests for their applause, but, + addressing the young artist with affability, she told him, with a sweet + smile, that she had never played on a finer instrument. Then, curtsying to + the audience, she said, + </p> + <p> + “I entreat your forgiveness for a movement of vanity which has made me + encroach on your patience for half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + The nobility and grace of this remark completely upset me, and I ran out + to weep like a child, in the garden where no one could see me. + </p> + <p> + “Who is she, this Henriette?” I said to myself, my heart beating, and my + eyes swimming with tears of emotion, “what is this treasure I have in my + possession?” + </p> + <p> + My happiness was so immense that I felt myself unworthy of it. + </p> + <p> + Lost in these thoughts which enhanced the pleasure of any tears, I should + have stayed for a long time in the garden if Dubois had not come out to + look for me. He felt anxious about me, owing to my sudden disappearance, + and I quieted him by saying that a slight giddiness had compelled me to + come out to breathe the fresh air. + </p> + <p> + Before re-entering the room, I had time to dry my tears, but my eyelids + were still red. Henriette, however, was the only one to take notice of it, + and she said to me, + </p> + <p> + “I know, my darling, why you went into the garden” + </p> + <p> + She knew me so well that she could easily guess the impression made on my + heart by the evening’s occurrence. + </p> + <p> + Dubois had invited the most amiable noblemen of the court, and his supper + was dainty and well arranged. I was seated opposite Henriette who was, as + a matter of course, monopolizing the general attention, but she would have + met with the same success if she had been surrounded by a circle of ladies + whom she would certainly have thrown into the shade by her beauty, her + wit, and the distinction of her manners. She was the charm of that supper + by the animation she imparted to the conversation. M. Dubois said nothing, + but he was proud to have such a lovely guest in his house. She contrived + to say a few gracious words to everyone, and was shrewd enough never to + utter something witty without making me take a share in it. On my side, I + openly shewed my submissiveness, my deference, and my respect for that + divinity, but it was all in vain. She wanted everybody to know that I was + her lord and master. She might have been taken for my wife, but my + behaviour to her rendered such a supposition improbable. + </p> + <p> + The conversation having fallen on the respective merits of the French and + Spanish nations, Dubois was foolish enough to ask Henriette to which she + gave preference. + </p> + <p> + It would have been difficult to ask a more indiscreet question, + considering that the company was composed almost entirely of Frenchmen and + Spaniards in about equal proportion. Yet my Henriette turned the + difficulty so cleverly that the Frenchmen would have liked to be + Spaniards, and ‘vice versa’. Dubois, nothing daunted, begged her to say + what she thought of the Italians. The question made me tremble. A certain + M. de la Combe, who was seated near me, shook his head in token of + disapprobation, but Henriette did not try to elude the question. + </p> + <p> + “What can I say about the Italians,” she answered, “I know only one? If I + am to judge them all from that one my judgment must certainly be most + favourable to them, but one single example is not sufficient to establish + the rule.” + </p> + <p> + It was impossible to give a better answer, but as my readers may well + imagine, I did not appear to have heard it, and being anxious to prevent + any more indiscreet questions from Dubois I turned the conversation into a + different channel. + </p> + <p> + The subject of music was discussed, and a Spaniard asked Henriette whether + she could play any other instrument besides the violoncello. + </p> + <p> + “No,” she answered, “I never felt any inclination for any other. I learned + the violoncello at the convent to please my mother, who can play it pretty + well, and without an order from my father, sanctioned by the bishop, the + abbess would never have given me permission to practise it.” + </p> + <p> + “What objection could the abbess make?” + </p> + <p> + “That devout spouse of our Lord pretended that I could not play that + instrument without assuming an indecent position.” + </p> + <p> + At this the Spanish guests bit their lips, but the Frenchmen laughed + heartily, and did not spare their epigrams against the over-particular + abbess. + </p> + <p> + After a short silence, Henriette rose, and we all followed her example. It + was the signal for breaking up the party, and we soon took our leave. + </p> + <p> + I longed to find myself alone with the idol of my soul. I asked her a + hundred questions without waiting for the answers. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you were right, my own Henriette, when you refused to go to that + concert, for you knew that you would raise many enemies against me. I am + certain that all those men hate me, but what do I care? You are my + universe! Cruel darling, you almost killed me with your violoncello, + because, having no idea of your being a musician, I thought you had gone + mad, and when I heard you I was compelled to leave the room in order to + weep undisturbed. My tears relieved my fearful oppression. Oh! I entreat + you to tell me what other talents you possess. Tell me candidly, for you + might kill me if you brought them out unexpectedly, as you have done this + evening.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no other accomplishments, my best beloved. I have emptied my bag + all at once. Now you know your Henriette entirely. Had you not chanced to + tell me about a month ago that you had no taste for music, I would have + told you that I could play the violoncello remarkably well, but if I had + mentioned such a thing, I know you well enough to be certain that you + would have bought an instrument immediately, and I could not, dearest, + find pleasure in anything that would weary you.” + </p> + <p> + The very next morning she had an excellent violoncello, and, far from + wearying me, each time she played she caused me a new and greater + pleasure. I believe that it would be impossible even to a man disliking + music not to become passionately fond of it, if that art were practised to + perfection by the woman he adores. + </p> + <p> + The ‘vox humana’ of the violoncello; the king of instruments, went to my + heart every time that my beloved Henriette performed upon it. She knew I + loved to hear her play, and every day she afforded me that pleasure. Her + talent delighted me so much that I proposed to her to give some concerts, + but she was prudent enough to refuse my proposal. But in spite of all her + prudence we had no power to hinder the decrees of fate. + </p> + <p> + The fatal hunchback came the day after his fine supper to thank us and to + receive our well-merited praises of his concert, his supper, and the + distinction of his guests. + </p> + <p> + “I foresee, madam,” he said to Henriette, “all the difficulty I shall have + in defending myself against the prayers of all my friends, who will beg of + me to introduce them to you.” + </p> + <p> + “You need not have much trouble on that score: you know that I never, + receive anyone.” + </p> + <p> + Dubois did not again venture upon speaking of introducing any friend. + </p> + <p> + On the same day I received a letter from young Capitani, in which he + informed me that, being the owner of St. Peter’s knife and sheath, he had + called on Franzia with two learned magicians who had promised to raise the + treasure out of the earth, and that to his great surprise Franzia had + refused to receive him: He entreated me to write to the worthy fellow, and + to go to him myself if I wanted to have my share of the treasure. I need + not say that I did not comply with his wishes, but I can vouch for the + real pleasure I felt in finding that I had succeeded in saving that honest + and simple farmer from the impostors who would have ruined him. + </p> + <p> + One month was gone since the great supper given by Dubois. We had passed + it in all the enjoyment which can be derived both from the senses and the + mind, and never had one single instant of weariness caused either of us to + be guilty of that sad symptom of misery which is called a yawn. The only + pleasure we took out of doors was a drive outside of the city when the + weather was fine. As we never walked in the streets, and never frequented + any public place, no one had sought to make our acquaintance, or at least + no one had found an opportunity of doing so, in spite of all the curiosity + excited by Henriette amongst the persons whom we had chanced to meet, + particularly at the house of Dubois. Henriette had become more courageous, + and I more confident, when we found that she had not been recognized by + any one either at that supper or at the theatre. She only dreaded persons + belonging to the high nobility. + </p> + <p> + One day as we were driving outside the Gate of Colorno, we met the duke + and duchess who were returning to Parma. Immediately after their carriage + another vehicle drove along, in which was Dubois with a nobleman unknown + to us. Our carriage had only gone a few yards from theirs when one of our + horses broke down. The companion of Dubois immediately ordered his + coachman to stop in order to send to our assistance. Whilst the horse was + raised again, he came politely to our carriage, and paid some civil + compliment to Henriette. M. Dubois, always a shrewd courtier and anxious + to shew off at the expense of others, lost no time in introducing him as + M. Dutillot, the French ambassador. My sweetheart gave the conventional + bow. The horse being all right again, we proceeded on our road after + thanking the gentlemen for their courtesy. Such an every-day occurrence + could not be expected to have any serious consequences, but alas! the most + important events are often the result of very trifling circumstances! + </p> + <p> + The next day, Dubois breakfasted with us. He told us frankly that M. + Dutillot had been delighted at the fortunate chance which had afforded him + an opportunity of making our acquaintance, and that he had entreated him + to ask our permission to call on us. + </p> + <p> + “On madam or on me?” I asked at once. + </p> + <p> + “On both.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, but one at a time. Madam, as you know, has her own room and I + have mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but they are so near each other!” + </p> + <p> + “Granted, yet I must tell you that, as far as I am concerned, I should + have much pleasure in waiting upon his excellency if he should ever wish + to communicate with me, and you will oblige me by letting him know it. As + for madam, she is here, speak to her, my dear M. Dubois, for I am only her + very humble servant.” + </p> + <p> + Henriette assumed an air of cheerful politeness, and said to him, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I beg you will offer my thanks to M. Dutillot, and enquire from him + whether he knows me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am certain, madam,” said the hunchback, “that he does not.” + </p> + <p> + “You see he does not know me, and yet he wishes to call on me. You must + agree with me that if I accepted his visits I should give him a singular + opinion of my character. Be good enough to tell him that, although known + to no one and knowing no one, I am not an adventuress, and therefore I + must decline the honour of his visits.” + </p> + <p> + Dubois felt that he had taken a false step, and remained silent. We never + asked him how the ambassador had received our refusal. + </p> + <p> + Three weeks after the last occurrence, the ducal court residing then at + Colorno, a great entertainment was given in the gardens which were to be + illuminated all night. Everybody had permission to walk about the gardens. + Dubois, the fatal hunchback appointed by destiny, spoke so much of that + festival, that we took a fancy to see it. Always the same story of Adam’s + apple. Dubois accompanied us. We went to Colorno the day before the + entertainment, and put up at an inn. + </p> + <p> + In the evening we walked through the gardens, in which we happened to meet + the ducal family and suite. According to the etiquette of the French + court, Madame de France was the first to curtsy to Henriette, without + stopping. My eyes fell upon a gentleman walking by the side of Don Louis, + who was looking at my friend very attentively. A few minutes after, as we + were retracing our steps, we came across the same gentleman who, after + bowing respectfully to us, took Dubois aside. They conversed together for + a quarter of an hour, following us all the time, and we were passing out + of the gardens, when the gentleman, coming forward, and politely + apologizing to me, asked Henriette whether he had the honour to be known + to her. + </p> + <p> + “I do not recollect having ever had the honour of seeing you before.” + </p> + <p> + “That is enough, madam, and I entreat you to forgive me.” + </p> + <p> + Dubois informed us that the gentleman was the intimate friend of the + Infante Don Louis, and that, believing he knew madam, he had begged to be + introduced. Dubois had answered that her name was D’Arci, and that, if he + was known to the lady, he required no introduction. M. d’Antoine said that + the name of D’Arci was unknown to him, and that he was afraid of making a + mistake. “In that state of doubt,” added Dubois, “and wishing to clear it, + he introduced himself, but now he must see that he was mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + After supper, Henriette appeared anxious. I asked her whether she had only + pretended not to know M. d’Antoine. + </p> + <p> + “No, dearest, I can assure you. I know his name which belongs to an + illustrious family of Provence, but I have never seen him before.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he may know you?” + </p> + <p> + “He might have seen me, but I am certain that he never spoke to me, or I + would have recollected him.” + </p> + <p> + “That meeting causes me great anxiety, and it seems to have troubled you.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess it has disturbed my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us leave Parma at once and proceed to Genoa. We will go to Venice as + soon as my affairs there are settled.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear friend, we shall then feel more comfortable. But I do not + think we need be in any hurry.” + </p> + <p> + We returned to Parma, and two days afterwards my servant handed me a + letter, saying that the footman who had brought it was waiting in the + ante-room. + </p> + <p> + “This letter,” I said to Henriette, “troubles me.” + </p> + <p> + She took it, and after she had read it—she gave it back to me, + saying, + </p> + <p> + “I think M. d’Antoine is a man of honour, and I hope that we may have + nothing to fear.” + </p> + <p> + The letter ran as, follows: + </p> + <p> + “Either at your hotel or at my residence, or at any other place you may + wish to appoint, I entreat you, sir, to give me an opportunity of + conversing with you on a subject which must be of the greatest importance + to you. + </p> + <p> + “I have the honour to be, etc. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “D’ANTOINE.” + </pre> + <p> + It was addressed M. Farusi. + </p> + <p> + “I think I must see him,” I said, “but where?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither here nor at his residence, but in the ducal gardens. Your answer + must name only the place and the hour of the meeting.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote to M. d’Antoine that I would see him at half-past eleven in the + ducal gardens, only requesting him to appoint another hour in case mine + was not convenient to him. + </p> + <p> + I dressed myself at once in order to be in good time, and meanwhile we + both endeavoured, Henriette and I, to keep a cheerful countenance, but we + could not silence our sad forebodings. I was exact to my appointment and + found M. d’Antoine waiting for me. As soon as we were together, he said to + me, + </p> + <p> + “I have been compelled, sir, to beg from you the favour of an interview, + because I could not imagine any surer way to get this letter to Madame + d’Arci’s hands. I entreat you to deliver it to her, and to excuse me if I + give it you sealed. Should I be mistaken, my letter will not even require + an answer, but should I be right, Madame d’Arci alone can judge whether + she ought to communicate it to you. That is my reason for giving it to you + sealed. If you are truly her friend, the contents of that letter must be + as interesting to you as to her. May I hope, sir, that you will be good + enough to deliver it to her?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, on my honour I will do it.” + </p> + <p> + We bowed respectfully to each other, and parted company. I hurried back to + the hotel. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0003" id="linkB2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Henriette Receives the Visit of M. d’Antoine—I Accompany Her + as Far as Geneva and Then I Lose Her—I Cross the St. + Bernard, and Return to Parma—A Letter from Henriette— + My Despair—De La Haye Becomes Attached to Me—Unpleasant + Adventure with an Actress and Its Consequences—I Turn a + Thorough Bigot—Bavois—I Mystify a Bragging Officer. +</pre> + <p> + As soon as I had reached our apartment, my heart bursting with anxiety, I + repeated to Henriette every word spoken by M. d’Antoine, and delivered his + letter which contained four pages of writing. She read it attentively with + visible emotion, and then she said, + </p> + <p> + “Dearest friend, do not be offended, but the honour of two families does + not allow of my imparting to you the contents of this letter. I am + compelled to receive M. d’Antoine, who represents himself as being one of + my relatives.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” I exclaimed, “this is the beginning of the end! What a dreadful + thought! I am near the end of a felicity which was too great to last! + Wretch that I have been! Why did I tarry so long in Parma? What fatal + blindness! Of all the cities in the whole world, except France, Parma was + the only one I had to fear, and it is here that I have brought you, when I + could have taken you anywhere else, for you had no will but mine! I am all + the more guilty that you never concealed your fears from me. Why did I + introduce that fatal Dubois here? Ought I not to have guessed that his + curiosity would sooner or later prove injurious to us? And yet I cannot + condemn that curiosity, for it is, alas! a natural feeling. I can only + accuse all the perfections which Heaven has bestowed upon you!—perfections + which have caused my happiness, and which will plunge me in an abyss of + despair, for, alas! I foresee a future of fearful misery.” + </p> + <p> + “I entreat you, dearest, to foresee nothing, and to calm yourself. Let us + avail ourselves of all our reason in order to prove ourselves superior to + circumstances, whatever they may be. I cannot answer this letter, but you + must write to M. d’Antoine to call here tomorrow and to send up his name.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! you compel me to perform a painful task.” + </p> + <p> + “You are my best, my only friend; I demand nothing, I impose no task upon + you, but can you refuse me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, never, no matter what you ask. Dispose of me, I am yours in life and + death.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew what you would answer. You must be with me when M. d’Antoine + calls, but after a few minutes given to etiquette, will you find some + pretext to go to your room, and leave us alone? M. d’Antoine knows all my + history; he knows in what I have done wrong, in what I have been right; as + a man of honour, as my relative, he must shelter me from all affront. He + shall not do anything against my will, and if he attempts to deviate from + the conditions I will dictate to him, I will refuse to go to France, I + will follow you anywhere, and devote to you the remainder of my life. Yet, + my darling, recollect that some fatal circumstances may compel us to + consider our separation as the wisest course to adopt, that we must + husband all our courage to adopt it, if necessary, and to endeavour not to + be too unhappy. + </p> + <p> + “Have confidence in me, and be quite certain that I shall take care to + reserve for myself the small portion of happiness which I can be allowed + to enjoy without the man who alone has won all my devoted love. You will + have, I trust, and I expect it from your generous soul, the same care of + your future, and I feel certain that you must succeed. In the mean time, + let us drive away all the sad forebodings which might darken the hours we + have yet before us.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! why did we not go away immediately after we had met that accursed + favourite of the Infante!” + </p> + <p> + “We might have made matters much worse; for in that case M. d’Antoine + might have made up his mind to give my family a proof of his zeal by + instituting a search to discover our place of residence, and I should then + have been exposed to violent proceedings which you would not have endured. + It would have been fatal to both of us.” + </p> + <p> + I did everything she asked me. From that moment our love became sad, and + sadness is a disease which gives the death-blow to affection. We would + often remain a whole hour opposite each other without exchanging a single + word, and our sighs would be heard whatever we did to hush them. + </p> + <p> + The next day, when M. d’Antoine called, I followed exactly the + instructions she had given me, and for six mortal hours I remained alone, + pretending to write. + </p> + <p> + The door of my room was open, and a large looking-glass allowed us to see + each other. They spent those six hours in writing, occasionally stopping + to talk of I do not know what, but their conversation was evidently a + decisive one. The reader can easily realize how much I suffered during + that long torture, for I could expect nothing but the total wreck of my + happiness. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the terrible M. d’Antoine had taken leave of her, Henriette + came to me, and observing that her eyes were red I heaved a deep sigh, but + she tried to smile. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we go away to-morrow, dearest?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! yes, I am ready. Where do you wish me to take you?” + </p> + <p> + “Anywhere you like, but we must be here in a fortnight.” + </p> + <p> + “Here! Oh, fatal illusion!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! it is so. I have promised to be here to receive the answer to a + letter I have just written. We have no violent proceedings to fear, but I + cannot bear to remain in Parma.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I curse the hour which brought us to this city. Would you like to go + to Milan?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “As we are unfortunately compelled to come back, we may as well take with + us Caudagna and his sister.” + </p> + <p> + “As you please.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me arrange everything. I will order a carriage for them, and they + will take charge of your violoncello. Do you not think that you ought to + let M. d’Antoine know where we are going?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it seems to me, on the contrary, that I need not account to him for + any of my proceedings. So much the worse for him if he should, even for + one moment, doubt my word.” + </p> + <p> + The next morning, we left Parma, taking only what we wanted for an absence + of a fortnight. We arrived in Milan without accident, but both very sad, + and we spent the following fifteen days in constant tete-a-tete, without + speaking to anyone, except the landlord of the hotel and to a dressmaker. + I presented my beloved Henriette with a magnificent pelisse made of lynx + fur—a present which she prized highly. + </p> + <p> + Out of delicacy, she had never enquired about my means, and I felt + grateful to her for that reserve. I was very careful to conceal from her + the fact that my purse was getting very light. When we came back to Parma + I had only three or four hundred sequins. + </p> + <p> + The day after our return M. d’Antoine invited himself to dine with us, and + after we had drunk coffee, I left him alone with Henriette. Their + interview was as long as the first, and our separation was decided. She + informed me of it, immediately after the departure of M. d’Antoine, and + for a long time we remained folded in each other’s arms, silent, and + blending our bitter tears. + </p> + <p> + “When shall I have to part from you, my beloved, alas! too much beloved + one?” + </p> + <p> + “Be calm, dearest, only when we reach Geneva, whither you are going to + accompany me. Will you try to find me a respectable maid by to-morrow? She + will accompany me from Geneva to the place where I am bound to go.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! then, we shall spend a few days more together! I know no one but + Dubois whom I could trust to procure a good femme-de-chambre; only I do + not want him to learn from her what you might not wish him to know.” + </p> + <p> + “That will not be the case, for I will take another maid as soon as I am + in France.” + </p> + <p> + Three days afterwards, Dubois, who had gladly undertaken the commission, + presented to Henriette a woman already somewhat advanced in years, pretty + well dressed and respectable-looking, who, being poor, was glad of an + opportunity of going back to France, her native country. Her husband, an + old military officer, had died a few months before, leaving her totally + unprovided for. Henriette engaged her, and told her to keep herself ready + to start whenever M. Dubois should give her notice. The day before the one + fixed for our departure, M. d’Antoine dined with us, and, before taking + leave of us, he gave Henriette a sealed letter for Geneva. + </p> + <p> + We left Parma late in the evening, and stopped only two hours in Turin, in + order to engage a manservant whose services we required as far as Geneva. + The next day we ascended Mont Cenis in sedan-chairs, and we descended to + the Novalaise in mountain-sledges. On the fifth day we reached Geneva, and + we put up at the Hotel des Balances. The next morning, Henriette gave me a + letter for the banker Tronchin, who, when he had read it, told me that he + would call himself at the hotel, and bring me one thousand louis d’or. + </p> + <p> + I came back and we sat down to dinner. We had not finished our meal when + the banker was announced. He had brought the thousand louis d’or, and told + Henriette that he would give her two men whom he could recommend in every + way. + </p> + <p> + She answered that she would leave Geneva as soon as she had the carriage + which he was to provide for her, according to the letter I had delivered + to him. He promised that everything would be ready for the following day, + and he left us. It was indeed a terrible moment! Grief almost benumbed us + both. We remained motionless, speechless, wrapped up in the most profound + despair. + </p> + <p> + I broke that sad silence to tell her that the carriage which M. Tronchin + would provide could not possibly be as comfortable and as safe as mine, + and I entreated her to take it, assuring her that by accepting it she + would give me a last proof of her affection. + </p> + <p> + “I will take in exchange, my dearest love, the carriage sent by the + banker.” + </p> + <p> + “I accept the change, darling,” she answered, “it will be a great + consolation to possess something which has belonged to you.” + </p> + <p> + As she said these words, she slipped in my pocket five rolls containing + each one hundred louis d’or—a slight consolation for my heart, which + was almost broken by our cruel separation! During the last twenty-four + hours we could boast of no other eloquence but that which finds expression + in tears, in sobs, and in those hackneyed but energetic exclamations, + which two happy lovers are sure to address to reason, when in its + sternness it compels them to part from one another in the very height of + their felicity. Henriette did not endeavour to lure me with any hope for + the future, in order to allay my sorrow! Far from that, she said to me, + </p> + <p> + “Once we are parted by fate, my best and only friend, never enquire after + me, and, should chance throw you in my way, do not appear to know me.” + </p> + <p> + She gave me a letter for M. d’Antoine, without asking me whether I + intended to go back to Parma, but, even if such had not been my intention, + I should have determined at once upon returning to that city. She likewise + entreated me not to leave Geneva until I had received a letter which she + promised to, write to me from the first stage on her journey. She started + at day-break, having with her a maid, a footman on the box of the + carriage, and being preceded by a courier on horseback. I followed her + with my eyes as long as I could, see her carriage, and I was still + standing on the same spot long after my eyes had lost sight of it. All my + thoughts were wrapped up in the beloved object I had lost for ever. The + world was a blank! + </p> + <p> + I went back to my room, ordered the waiter not to disturb me until the + return of the horses which had drawn Henriette’s carriage, and I lay down + on my bed in the hope that sleep would for a time silence a grief which + tears could not drown. + </p> + <p> + The postillion who had driven Henriette did not return till the next day; + he had gone as far as Chatillon. He brought me a letter in which I found + one single word: Adieu! He told me that they had reached Chatillon without + accident, and that the lady had immediately continued her journey towards + Lyons. As I could not leave Geneva until the following day, I spent alone + in my room some of the most melancholy hours of my life. I saw on one of + the panes of glass of a window these words which she had traced with the + point of a diamond I had given her: “You will forget Henriette.” That + prophecy was not likely to afford me any consolation. But had she attached + its full meaning to the word “forget?” No; she could only mean that time + would at last heal the deep wounds of my heart, and she ought not to have + made it deeper by leaving behind her those words which sounded like a + reproach. No, I have not forgotten her, for even now, when my head is + covered with white hair, the recollection of her is still a source of + happiness for my heart! When I think that in my old age I derive happiness + only from my recollections of the past, I find that my long life must have + counted more bright than dark days, and offering my thanks to God, the + Giver of all, I congratulate myself, and confess that life is a great + blessing. + </p> + <p> + The next day I set off again for Italy with a servant recommended by M. + Tronchin, and although the season was not favourable I took the road over + Mont St. Bernard, which I crossed in three days, with seven mules carrying + me, my servant, my luggage, and the carriage sent by the banker to the + beloved woman now for ever lost to me. One of the advantages of a great + sorrow is that nothing else seems painful. It is a sort of despair which + is not without some sweetness. During that journey I never felt either + hunger or thirst, or the cold which is so intense in that part of the Alps + that the whole of nature seems to turn to ice, or the fatigue inseparable + from such a difficult and dangerous journey. + </p> + <p> + I arrived in Parma in pretty good health, and took up my quarters at a + small inn, in the hope that in such a place I should not meet any + acquaintance of mine. But I was much disappointed, for I found in that inn + M. de la Haye, who had a room next to mine. Surprised at seeing me, he + paid me a long compliment, trying to make me speak, but I eluded his + curiosity by telling him that I was tired, and that we would see each + other again. + </p> + <p> + On the following day I called upon M. d’Antoine, and delivered the letter + which Henriette had written to him. He opened it in my presence, and + finding another to my address enclosed in his, he handed it to me without + reading it, although it was not sealed. Thinking, however, that it might + have been Henriette’s intention that he should read it because it was + open, he asked my permission to do so, which I granted with pleasure as + soon as I had myself perused it. He handed it back to me after he had read + it, telling me very feelingly that I could in everything rely upon him and + upon his influence and credit. + </p> + <p> + Here is Henriette’s letter + </p> + <p> + “It is I, dearest and best friend, who have been compelled to abandon you, + but do not let your grief be increased by any thought of my sorrow. Let us + be wise enough to suppose that we have had a happy dream, and not to + complain of destiny, for never did so beautiful a dream last so long! Let + us be proud of the consciousness that for three months we gave one another + the most perfect felicity. Few human beings can boast of so much! Let us + swear never to forget one another, and to often remember the happy hours + of our love, in order to renew them in our souls, which, although divided, + will enjoy them as acutely as if our hearts were beating one against the + other. Do not make any enquiries about me, and if chance should let you + know who I am, forget it for ever. I feel certain that you will be glad to + hear that I have arranged my affairs so well that I shall, for the + remainder of my life, be as happy as I can possibly be without you, dear + friend, by my side. I do not know who you are, but I am certain that no + one in the world knows you better than I do. I shall not have another + lover as long as I live, but I do not wish you to imitate me. On the + contrary I hope that you will love again, and I trust that a good fairy + will bring along your path another Henriette. Farewell . . . farewell.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ...................... +</pre> + <p> + I met that adorable woman fifteen years later; the reader will see where + and how, when we come to that period of my life. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ...................... +</pre> + <p> + I went back to my room, careless of the future, broken down by the deepest + of sorrows, I locked myself in, and went to bed. I felt so low in spirits + that I was stunned. Life was not a burden, but only because I did not give + a thought to life. In fact I was in a state of complete apathy, moral and + physical. Six years later I found myself in a similar predicament, but + that time love was not the cause of my sorrow; it was the horrible and too + famous prison of The Leads, in Venice. + </p> + <p> + I was not much better either in 1768, when I was lodged in the prison of + Buen Retiro, in Madrid, but I must not anticipate events. At the end of + twenty-four hours, my exhaustion was very great, but I did not find the + sensation disagreeable, and, in the state of mind in which I was then, I + was pleased with the idea that, by increasing, that weakness would at last + kill me. I was delighted to see that no one disturbed me to offer me some + food, and I congratulated myself upon having dismissed my servant. + Twenty-four more hours passed by, and my weakness became complete + inanition. + </p> + <p> + I was in that state when De la Haye knocked at my door. I would not have + answered if he had not said that someone insisted upon seeing me. I got + out of bed, and, scarcely able to stand, I opened my door, after which I + got into bed again. + </p> + <p> + “There is a stranger here,” he said, “who, being in want of a carriage, + offers to buy yours” + </p> + <p> + “I do not want to sell it.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me if I have disturbed you, but you look ill.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I wish to be left alone.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with you?” + </p> + <p> + Coming nearer my bed, he took my hand, and found my pulse extremely low + and weak. + </p> + <p> + “What did you eat yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “I have eaten nothing, thank God! for two days.” + </p> + <p> + Guessing the real state of things, De la Haye became anxious, and + entreated me to take some broth. He threw so much kindness, so much + unction, into his entreaties that, through weakness and weariness, I + allowed myself to be persuaded. Then, without ever mentioning the name of + Henriette, he treated me to a sermon upon the life to come, upon the + vanity of the things of this life which we are foolish enough to prefer, + and upon the necessity of respecting our existence, which does not belong + to us. + </p> + <p> + I was listening without answering one word, but, after all, I was + listening, and De la Haye, perceiving his advantage, would not leave me, + and ordered dinner. I had neither the will nor the strength to resist, and + when the dinner was served, I ate something. Then De la Have saw that he + had conquered, and for the remainder of the day devoted himself to amusing + me by his cheerful conversation. + </p> + <p> + The next day the tables were turned, for it was I who invited him to keep + me company and to dine with me. It seemed to me that I had not lost a + particle of my sadness, but life appeared to me once more preferable to + death, and, thinking that I was indebted to him for the preservation of my + life, I made a great friend of him. My readers will see presently that my + affection for him went very far, and they will, like me, marvel at the + cause of that friendship, and at the means through which it was brought + about. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days afterwards, Dubois, who had been informed of everything + by De la Haye, called on me, and persuaded me to go out. I went to the + theatre, where I made the acquaintance of several Corsican officers, who + had served in France, in the Royal Italian regiment. I also met a young + man from Sicily, named Paterno, the wildest and most heedless fellow it + was possible to see. He was in love with an actress who made a fool of + him. He amused me with the enumeration of all her adorable qualities, and + of all the cruelties she was practising upon him, for, although she + received him at all hours, she repulsed him harshly whenever he tried to + steal the slightest favour. In the mean time, she ruined him by making him + pay constantly for excellent dinners and suppers, which were eaten by her + family, but which did not advance him one inch towards the fulfilment of + his wishes. + </p> + <p> + He succeeded at last in exciting my curiosity. I examined the actress on + the stage, and finding that she was not without beauty I expressed a wish + to know her. Paterno was delighted to introduce me to her. + </p> + <p> + I found that she was of tolerably easy virtue, and, knowing that she was + very far from rolling in riches, I had no doubt that fifteen or twenty + sequins would be quite sufficient to make her compliant. I communicated my + thoughts to Paterno, but he laughed and told me that, if I dared to make + such a proposition to her, she would certainly shut her door against me. + He named several officers whom she had refused to receive again, because + they had made similar offers. + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” added the young man, “I wish you would make the attempt, and tell + me the result candidly.” + </p> + <p> + I felt piqued, and promised to do it. + </p> + <p> + I paid her a visit in her dressing-room at the theatre, and as she + happened during our conversation to praise the beauty of my watch, I told + her that she could easily obtain possession of it, and I said at what + price. She answered, according to the catechism of her profession, that an + honourable man had no right to make such an offer to a respectable girl. + </p> + <p> + “I offer only one ducat,” said I, “to those who are not respectable.” + </p> + <p> + And I left her. + </p> + <p> + When I told Paterno what had occurred, he fairly jumped for joy, but I + knew what to think of it all, for ‘cosi sono tutte’, and in spite of all + his entreaties, I declined to be present at his suppers, which were far + from amusing, and gave the family of the actress an opportunity of + laughing at the poor fool who was paying for them. + </p> + <p> + Seven or eight days afterwards, Paterno told me that the actress had + related the affair to him exactly in the same words which I had used, and + she had added that, if I had ceased my visits, it was only because I was + afraid of her taking me at my word in case I should renew my proposal. I + commissioned him to tell her that I would pay her another visit, not to + renew my offer, but to shew my contempt for any proposal she might make me + herself. + </p> + <p> + The heedless fellow fulfilled his commission so well that the actress, + feeling insulted, told him that she dared me to call on her. Perfectly + determined to shew that I despised her, I went to her dressing-room the + same evening, after the second act of a play in which she had not to + appear again. She dismissed those who were with her, saying that she + wanted to speak with me, and, after she had bolted the door, she sat down + gracefully on my knees, asking me whether it was true that I despised her + so much. + </p> + <p> + In such a position a man has not the courage to insult a woman, and, + instead of answering, I set to work at once, without meeting even with + that show of resistance which sharpens the appetite. In spite of that, + dupe as I always was of a feeling truly absurd when an intelligent man has + to deal with such creatures, I gave her twenty sequins, and I confess that + it was paying dearly for very smarting regrets. We both laughed at the + stupidity of Paterno, who did not seem to know how such challenges + generally end. + </p> + <p> + I saw the unlucky son of Sicily the next morning, and I told him that, + having found the actress very dull, I would not see her again. Such was + truly my intention, but a very important reason, which nature took care to + explain to me three days afterwards, compelled me to keep my word through + a much more serious motive than a simple dislike for the woman. + </p> + <p> + However, although I was deeply grieved to find myself in such a + disgraceful position, I did not think I had any right to complain. On the + contrary, I considered that my misfortune to be a just and well-deserved + punishment for having abandoned myself to a Lais, after I had enjoyed the + felicity of possessing a woman like Henriette. + </p> + <p> + My disease was not a case within the province of empirics, and I bethought + myself of confiding in M. de is Haye who was then dining every day with + me, and made no mystery of his poverty. He placed me in the hands of a + skilful surgeon, who was at the same time a dentist. He recognized certain + symptoms which made it a necessity to sacrifice me to the god Mercury, and + that treatment, owing to the season of the year, compelled me to keep my + room for six weeks. It was during the winter of 1749. + </p> + <p> + While I was thus curing myself of an ugly disease, De la Haye inoculated + me with another as bad, perhaps even worse, which I should never have + thought myself susceptible of catching. This Fleming, who left me only for + one hour in the morning, to go—at least he said so—to church + to perform his devotions, made a bigot of me! And to such an extent, that + I agreed with him that I was indeed fortunate to have caught a disease + which was the origin of the faith now taking possession of my soul. I + would thank God fervently and with the most complete conviction for having + employed Mercury to lead my mind, until then wrapped in darkness, to the + pure light of holy truth! There is no doubt that such an extraordinary + change in my reasoning system was the result of the exhaustion brought on + by the mercury. That impure and always injurious metal had weakened my + mind to such an extent that I had become almost besotted, and I fancied + that until then my judgment had been insane. The result was that, in my + newly acquired wisdom, I took the resolution of leading a totally + different sort of life in future. De la Haye would often cry for joy when + he saw me shedding tears caused by the contrition which he had had the + wonderful cleverness to sow in my poor sickly soul. He would talk to me of + paradise and the other world, just as if he had visited them in person, + and I never laughed at him! He had accustomed me to renounce my reason; + now to renounce that divine faculty a man must no longer be conscious of + its value, he must have become an idiot. The reader may judge of the state + to which I was reduced by the following specimen. One day, De la Haye said + to me: + </p> + <p> + “It is not known whether God created the world during the vernal equinox + or during the autumnal one.” + </p> + <p> + “Creation being granted,” I replied, in spite of the mercury, “such a + question is childish, for the seasons are relative, and differ in the + different quarters of the globe.” + </p> + <p> + De la Haye reproached me with the heathenism of my ideas, told me that I + must abandon such impious reasonings.... and I gave way! + </p> + <p> + That man had been a Jesuit. He not only, however, refused to admit it, but + he would not even suffer anyone to mention it to him. This is how he + completed his work of seduction by telling me the history of his life. + </p> + <p> + “After I had been educated in a good school,” he said, “and had devoted + myself with some success to the arts and sciences, I was for twenty years + employed at the University of Paris. Afterwards I served as an engineer in + the army, and since that time I have published several works anonymously, + which are now in use in every boys’ school. Having given up the military + service, and being poor, I undertook and completed the education of + several young men, some of whom shine now in the world even more by their + excellent conduct than by their talents. My last pupil was the Marquis + Botta. Now being without employment I live, as you see, trusting in God’s + providence. Four years ago, I made the acquaintance of Baron Bavois, from + Lausanne, son of General Bavois who commanded a regiment in the service of + the Duke of Modena, and afterwards was unfortunate enough to make himself + too conspicuous. The young baron, a Calvinist like his father, did not + like the idle life he was leading at home, and he solicited me to + undertake his education in order to fit him for a military career. + Delighted at the opportunity of cultivating his fine natural disposition, + I gave up everything to devote myself entirely to my task. I soon + discovered that, in the question of faith, he knew himself to be in error, + and that he remained a Calvinist only out of respect to his family. When I + had found out his secret feelings on that head, I had no difficulty in + proving to him that his most important interests were involved in that + question, as his eternal salvation was at stake. Struck by the truth of my + words, he abandoned himself to my affection, and I took him to Rome, where + I presented him to the Pope, Benedict XIV., who, immediately after the + abjuration of my pupil got him a lieutenancy in the army of the Duke of + Modena. But the dear proselyte, who is only twenty-five years of age, + cannot live upon his pay of seven sequins a month, and since his + abjuration he has received nothing from his parents, who are highly + incensed at what they call his apostacy. He would find himself compelled + to go back to Lausanne, if I did not assist him. But, alas! I am poor, and + without employment, so I can only send him the trifling sums which I can + obtain from the few good Christians with whom I am acquainted. + </p> + <p> + “My pupil, whose heart is full of gratitude, would be very glad to know + his benefactors, but they refuse to acquaint him with their names, and + they are right, because charity, in order to be meritorious, must not + partake of any feeling of vanity. Thank God, I have no cause for such a + feeling! I am but too happy to act as a father towards a young saint, and + to have had a share, as the humble instrument of the Almighty, in the + salvation of his soul. That handsome and good young man trusts no one but + me, and writes to me regularly twice a week. I am too discreet to + communicate his letters to you, but, if you were to read them, they would + make you weep for sympathy. It is to him that I have sent the three gold + pieces which you gave me yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + As he said the last words my converter rose, and went to the window to dry + his tears, I felt deeply moved, and full of admiration for the virtue of + De la Haye and of his pupil, who, to save his soul, had placed himself + under the hard necessity of accepting alms. I cried as well as the + apostle, and in my dawning piety I told him that I insisted not only upon + remaining unknown to his pupil, but also upon ignoring the amount of the + sums he might take out of my purse to forward to him, and I therefore + begged that he would help himself without rendering me any account. De la + Haye embraced me warmly, saying that, by following the precepts of the + Gospel so well, I should certainly win the kingdom of heaven. + </p> + <p> + The mind is sure to follow the body; it is a privilege enjoyed by matter. + With an empty stomach, I became a fanatic; and the hollow made in my brain + by the mercury became the home of enthusiasm. Without mentioning it to De + la Haye, I wrote to my three friends, Messrs. Bragadin and company, + several letters full of pathos concerning my Tartufe and his pupil, and I + managed to communicate my fanaticism to them. You are aware, dear reader, + that nothing is so catching as the plague; now, fanaticism, no matter of + what nature, is only the plague of the human mind. + </p> + <p> + I made my friends to understand that the good of our society depended upon + the admission of these two virtuous individuals. I allowed them to guess + it, but, having myself became a Jesuit, I took care not to say it openly. + It would of course be better if such an idea appeared to have emanated + from those men, so simple, and at the same time so truly virtuous. “It is + God’s will,” I wrote to them (for deceit must always take refuge under the + protection of that sacred name), “that you employ all your influence in + Venice to find an honourable position for M. de la Haye, and to promote + the interests of young M. Bavois in his profession.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Bragadin answered that De la Haye could take up his quarters with us + in his palace, and that Bavois was to write to his protector, the Pope, + entreating His Holiness to recommend him to the ambassador of Venice, who + would then forward that recommendation to the Senate, and that Bavois + could, in that way, feel sure of good employment. + </p> + <p> + The affair of the Patriarchate of Aquileia was at that time under + discussion; the Republic of Venice was in possession of it as well as the + Emperor of Austria, who claimed the ‘jus eligendi’: the Pope Benedict XIV. + had been chosen as arbitrator, and as he had not yet given his decision it + was evident that the Republic would shew very great deference to his + recommendation. + </p> + <p> + While that important affair was enlisting all our sympathies, and while + they were expecting in Venice a letter stating the effect of the Pope’s + recommendation, I was the hero of a comic adventure which, for the sake of + my readers, must not pass unnoticed. + </p> + <p> + At the beginning of April I was entirely cured of my last misfortune. I + had recovered all my usual vigour, and I accompanied my converter to + church every day, never missing a sermon. We likewise spent the evening + together at the cafe, where we generally met a great many officers. There + was among them a Provencal who amused everybody with his boasting and with + the recital of the military exploits by which he pretended to have + distinguished himself in the service of several countries, and principally + in Spain. As he was truly a source of amusement, everybody pretended to + believe him in order to keep up the game. One day as I was staring at him, + he asked me whether I knew him. + </p> + <p> + “By George, sir!”—I exclaimed, “know you! Why, did we not fight side + by side at the battle of Arbela?” + </p> + <p> + At those words everybody burst out laughing, but the boaster, nothing + daunted, said, with animation, + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen, I do not see anything so very laughable in that. I was + at that battle, and therefore this gentleman might very well have remarked + me; in fact, I think I can recollect him.” + </p> + <p> + And, continuing to speak to me, he named the regiment in which we were + brother officers. Of course we embraced one another, congratulating each + other upon the pleasure we both felt in meeting again in Parma. After that + truly comic joke I left the coffee-room in the company of my inseparable + preacher. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, as I was at breakfast with De la Haye, the boasting + Provencal entered my room without taking off his hat, and said, + </p> + <p> + “M. d’Arbela, I have something of importance to tell you; make haste and + follow me. If you are afraid, you may take anyone you please with you. I + am good for half a dozen men.” + </p> + <p> + I left my chair, seized my pistols, and aimed at him. + </p> + <p> + “No one,” I said, with decision, “has the right to come and disturb me in + my room; be off this minute, or I blow your brains out.” + </p> + <p> + The fellow, drawing his sword, dared me to murder him, but at the same + moment De la Haye threw himself between us, stamping violently on the + floor. The landlord came up, and threatened the officer to send for the + police if he did not withdraw immediately. + </p> + <p> + He went away, saying that I had insulted him in public, and that he would + take care that the reparation I owed him should be as public as the + insult. + </p> + <p> + When he had gone, seeing that the affair might take a tragic turn, I began + to examine with De la Haye how it could be avoided, but we had not long to + puzzle our imagination, for in less than half an hour an officer of the + Infante of Parma presented himself, and requested me to repair immediately + to head-quarters, where M. de Bertolan, Commander of Parma, wanted to + speak to me. + </p> + <p> + I asked De la Haye to accompany me as a witness of what I had said in the + coffee-room as well as of what had taken place in my apartment. + </p> + <p> + I presented myself before the commander, whom I found surrounded by + several officers, and, among them, the bragging Provencal. + </p> + <p> + M. de Bertolan, who was a witty man, smiled when he saw me; then, with a + very serious countenance, he said to me, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, as you have made a laughing-stock of this officer in a public place, + it is but right that you should give him publicly the satisfaction which + he claims, and as commander of this city I find myself bound in duty to + ask you for that satisfaction in order to settle the affair amicably.” + </p> + <p> + “Commander,” I answered, “I do not see why a satisfaction should be + offered to this gentleman, for it is not true that I have insulted him by + turning him into ridicule. I told him that I had seen him at the battle of + Arbela, and I could not have any doubt about it when he said that he had + been present at that battle, and that he knew me again.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” interrupted the officer, “but I heard Rodela and not Arbela, and + everybody knows that I fought at Rodela. But you said Arbela, and + certainly with the intention of laughing at me, since that battle has been + fought more than two thousand years ago, while the battle of Rodela in + Africa took place in our time, and I was there under the orders of the + Duke de Mortemar.” + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, sir, you have no right to judge of my intentions, but + I do not dispute your having been present at Rodela, since you say so; but + in that case the tables are turned, and now I demand a reparation from you + if you dare discredit my having been at Arbela. I certainly did not serve + under the Duke de Mortemar, because he was not there, at least to my + knowledge, but I was aid-de-camp of Parmenion, and I was wounded under his + eyes. If you were to ask me to shew you the scar, I could not satisfy you, + for you must understand that the body I had at that time does not exist + any longer, and in my present bodily envelope I am only twenty-three years + old.” + </p> + <p> + “All this seems to me sheer madness, but, at all events, I have witnesses + to prove that you have been laughing at me, for you stated that you had + seen me at that battle, and, by the powers! it is not possible, because I + was not there. At all events, I demand satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I, and we have equal rights, if mine are not even better than + yours, for your witnesses are likewise mine, and these gentlemen will + assert that you said that you had seen me at Rodela, and, by the powers! + it is not possible, for I was not there.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I may have made a mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “So may I, and therefore we have no longer any claim against one another.” + </p> + <p> + The commander, who was biting his lips to restrain his mirth, said to him, + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir, I do not see that you have the slightest right to demand + satisfaction, since this gentleman confesses, like you, that he might have + been mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” remarked the officer, “is it credible that he was at the battle of + Arbela?” + </p> + <p> + “This gentleman leaves you free to believe or not to believe, and he is at + liberty to assert that he was there until you can prove the contrary. Do + you wish to deny it to make him draw his sword?” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid! I would rather consider the affair ended.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen,” said the commander, “I have but one more duty to + perform, and it is to advise you to embrace one another like two honest + men.” + </p> + <p> + We followed the advice with great pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The next day, the Provencal, rather crestfallen, came to share my dinner, + and I gave him a friendly welcome. Thus was ended that comic adventure, to + the great satisfaction of M. de la Haye. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0004" id="linkB2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Receive Good News From Venice, to Which City I Return with + De la Haye and Bavois—My Three Friends Give Me a Warm + Welcome; Their Surprise at Finding Me a Model of Devotion— + Bavois Lures Me Back to My Former Way of Living—De la Haye + a Thorough Hypocrite—Adventure with the Girl Marchetti— + I Win a Prize in the Lottery—I Meet Baletti—De la Haye + Leaves M. de Bragadin’s Palace—My Departure for Paris +</pre> + <p> + Whilst De la Haye was every day gaining greater influence over my weakened + mind, whilst I was every day devoutly attending mass, sermons, and every + office of the Church, I received from Venice a letter containing the + pleasant information that my affair had followed its natural course, + namely, that it was entirely forgotten; and in another letter M. de + Bragadin informed me that the minister had written to the Venetian + ambassador in Rome with instructions to assure the Holy Father that Baron + Bavois would, immediately after his arrival in Venice, receive in the army + of the Republic an appointment which would enable him to live honourably + and to gain a high position by his talents. + </p> + <p> + That letter overcame M. de la Haye with joy, and I completed his happiness + by telling him that nothing hindered me from going back to my native city. + </p> + <p> + He immediately made up his mind to go to Modena in order to explain to his + pupil how he was to act in Venice to open for himself the way to a + brilliant fortune. De la Haye depended on me in every way; he saw my + fanaticism, and he was well aware that it is a disease which rages as long + as the causes from which it has sprung are in existence. As he was going + with me to Venice, he flattered himself that he could easily feed the fire + he had lighted. Therefore he wrote to Bavois that he would join him + immediately, and two days after he took leave of me, weeping abundantly, + praising highly the virtues of my soul, calling me his son, his dear son, + and assuring me that his great affection for me had been caused by the + mark of election which he had seen on my countenance. After that, I felt + my calling and election were sure. + </p> + <p> + A few days after the departure of De la Haye, I left Parma in my carriage + with which I parted in Fusina, and from there I proceeded to Venice. After + an absence of a year, my three friends received me as if I had been their + guardian angel. They expressed their impatience to welcome the two saints + announced by my letters. An apartment was ready for De la Haye in the + palace of M. de Bragadin, and as state reasons did not allow my father to + receive in his own house a foreigner who had not yet entered the service + of the Republic, two rooms had been engaged for Bavois in the + neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + They were thoroughly amazed at the wonderful change which had taken place + in my morals. Every day attending mass, often present at the preaching and + at the other services, never shewing myself at the casino, frequenting + only a certain cafe which was the place of meeting for all men of + acknowledged piety and reserve, and always studying when I was not in + their company. When they compared my actual mode of living with the former + one, they marvelled, and they could not sufficiently thank the eternal + providence of God whose inconceivable ways they admired. They blessed the + criminal actions which had compelled me to remain one year away from my + native place. I crowned their delight by paying all my debts without + asking any money from M. de Bragadin, who, not having given me anything + for one year, had religiously put together every month the sum he had + allowed me. I need not say how pleased the worthy friends were, when they + saw that I had entirely given up gambling. + </p> + <p> + I had a letter from De la Haye in the beginning of May. He announced that + he was on the eve of starting with the son so dear to his heart, and that + he would soon place himself at the disposition of the respectable men to + whom I had announced him. + </p> + <p> + Knowing the hour at which the barge arrived from Modena, we all went to + meet them, except M. de Bragadin, who was engaged at the senate. We + returned to the palace before him, and when he came back, finding us all + together, he gave his new guests the most friendly welcome. De la Haye + spoke to me of a hundred things, but I scarcely heard what he said, so + much was my attention taken up by Bavois. He was so different to what I + had fancied him to be from the impression I had received from De la Haye, + that my ideas were altogether upset. I had to study him; for three days + before I could make up my mind to like him. I must give his portrait to my + readers. + </p> + <p> + Baron Bavois was a young man of about twenty-five, of middle size, + handsome in features, well made, fair, of an equable temper, speaking well + and with intelligence, and uttering his words with a tone of modesty which + suited him exactly. His features were regular and pleasing, his teeth were + beautiful, his hair was long and fine, always well taken care of, and + exhaling the perfume of the pomatum with which it was dressed. That + individual, who was the exact opposite of the man that De la Haye had led + me to imagine, surprised my friends greatly, but their welcome did not in + any way betray their astonishment, for their pure and candid minds would + not admit a judgment contrary to the good opinion they had formed of his + morals. As soon as we had established De la Haye in his beautiful + apartment, I accompanied Bavois to the rooms engaged for him, where his + luggage had been sent by my orders. He found himself in very comfortable + quarters, and being received with distinction by his worthy host, who was + already greatly prejudiced in his favour, the young baron embraced me + warmly, pouring out all his gratitude, and assuring me that he felt deeply + all I had done for him without knowing him, as De la Haye had informed him + of all that had occurred. I pretended not to understand what he was + alluding to, and to change the subject of conversation I asked him how he + intended to occupy his time in Venice until his military appointment gave + him serious duties to perform. “I trust,” he answered, “that we shall + enjoy ourselves in an agreeable way, for I have no doubt that our + inclinations are the same.” + </p> + <p> + Mercury and De la Haye had so completely besotted me that I should have + found some difficulty in understanding these words, however intelligible + they were; but if I did not go any further than the outward signification + of his answer, I could not help remarking that he had already taken the + fancy of the two daughters of the house. They were neither pretty nor + ugly, but he shewed himself gracious towards them like a man who + understands his business. I had, however, already made such great progress + in my mystical education, that I considered the compliments he addressed + to the girls as mere forms of politeness. + </p> + <p> + For the first day, I took my young baron only to the St. Mark’s Square and + to the cafe, where we remained until supper-time, as it had been arranged + that he would take his meals with us. At the supper-table he shewed + himself very witty, and M. Dandolo named an hour for the next day, when he + intended to present him to the secretary for war. In the evening I + accompanied him to his lodging, where I found that the two young girls + were delighted because the young Swiss nobleman had no servant, and + because they hoped to convince him that he would not require one. + </p> + <p> + The next day, a little earlier than the time appointed, I called upon him + with M. Dandolo and M. Barbaro, who were both to present him at the war + office. We found him at his toilet under the delicate hands of the eldest + girl, who was dressing his hair. His room, was fragrant with the perfumes + of his pomatums and scents. This did not indicate a sainted man; yet my + two friends did not feel scandalized, although their astonishment was very + evident, for they had not expected that show of gallantry from a young + neophyte. I was nearly bursting into a loud laugh, when I heard M. Dandolo + remark that, unless we hurried, we would not have time to hear mass, + whereupon Bavois enquired whether it was a festival. M. Dandolo, without + passing any remark, answered negatively, and after that, mass was not + again mentioned. When Bavois was ready, I left them and went a different + way. I met them again at dinner-time, during which the reception given to + the young baron by the secretary was discussed, and in the evening my + friends introduced him to several ladies who were much pleased with him. + In less than a week he was so well known that there was no fear of his + time hanging wearily on his hands, but that week was likewise enough to + give me a perfect insight into his nature and way of thinking. I should + not have required such a long study, if I had not at first begun on a + wrong scent, or rather if my intelligence had not been stultified by my + fanaticism. Bavois was particularly fond of women, of gambling, of every + luxury, and, as he was poor, women supplied him with the best part of his + resources. As to religious faith he had none, and as he was no hypocrite + he confessed as much to me. + </p> + <p> + “How have you contrived,” I said to him one day, “such as you are, to + deceive De la Haye?” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid I should deceive anyone. De la Haye is perfectly well aware of + my system, and of my way of thinking on religious matters, but, being + himself very devout, he entertains a holy sympathy for my soul, and I do + not object to it. He has bestowed many kindnesses upon me, and I feel + grateful to him; my affection for him is all the greater because he never + teases me with his dogmatic lessons or with sermons respecting my + salvation, of which I have no doubt that God, in His fatherly goodness, + will take care. All this is settled between De la Haye and me, and we live + on the best of terms.” + </p> + <p> + The best part of the joke is that, while I was studying him, Bavois, + without knowing it, restored my mind to its original state, and I was + ashamed of myself when I realized that I had been the dupe of a Jesuit who + was an arrant hypocrite, in spite of the character of holiness which he + assumed, and which he could play with such marvellous ability. From that + moment I fell again into all my former practices. But let us return to De + la Haye. + </p> + <p> + That late Jesuit, who in his inmost heart loved nothing but his own + comfort, already advanced in years, and therefore no longer caring for the + fair sex, was exactly the sort of man to please my simpleminded trio of + friends. As he never spoke to them but of God, of His angels, and of + everlasting glory, and as he was always accompanying them to church, they + found him a delightful companion. They longed for the time when he would + discover himself, for they imagined he was at the very least a + Rosicrucian, or perhaps the hermit of Courpegna, who had taught me the + cabalistic science and made me a present of the immortal Paralis. They + felt grieved because the oracle had forbidden them, through my cabalistic + lips, ever to mention my science in the presence of Tartufe. + </p> + <p> + As I had foreseen, that interdiction left me to enjoy as I pleased all the + time that I would have been called upon to devote to their devout + credulity, and besides, I was naturally afraid lest De la Haye, such as I + truly believed him to be, would never lend himself to that trifling + nonsense, and would, for the sake of deserving greater favour at their + hands, endeavour to undeceive them and to take my place in their + confidence. + </p> + <p> + I soon found out that I had acted with prudence, for in less than three + weeks the cunning fox had obtained so great an influence over the mind of + my three friends that he was foolish enough, not only to believe that he + did not want me any more to support his credit with them, but likewise + that he could supplant me whenever he chose. I could see it clearly in his + way of addressing me, as well as in the change in his proceedings. + </p> + <p> + He was beginning to hold with my friends frequent conversations to which I + was not summoned, and he had contrived to make them introduce him to + several families which I was not in the habit of visiting. He assumed his + grand jesuitic airs, and, although with honeyed word he would take the + liberty of censuring me because I sometimes spent a night out, and, as he + would say, “God knows where!” + </p> + <p> + I was particularly vexed at his seeming to accuse me of leading his pupil + astray. He then would assume the tone of a man speaking jestingly, but I + was not deceived. I thought it was time to put an end to his game, and + with that intention I paid him a visit in his bedroom. When I was seated, + I said, + </p> + <p> + “I come, as a true worshipper of the Gospel, to tell you in private + something that, another time, I would say in public.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, my dear friend?” + </p> + <p> + “I advise you for the future not to hurl at me the slightest taunt + respecting the life I am leading with Bavois, when we are in the presence + of my three worthy friends. I do not object to listen to you when we are + alone.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong in taking my innocent jests seriously.” + </p> + <p> + “Wrong or right, that does not matter. Why do you never attack your + proselyte? Be careful for the future, or I might on my side, and only in + jest like you, throw at your head some repartee which you have every + reason to fear, and thus repay you with interest.” + </p> + <p> + And bowing to him I left his room. + </p> + <p> + A few days afterwards I spent a few hours with my friends and Paralis, and + the oracle enjoined them never to accomplish without my advice anything + that might be recommended or even insinuated by Valentine; that was the + cabalistic name of the disciple of Escobar. I knew I could rely upon their + obedience to that order. + </p> + <p> + De la Haye soon took notice of some slight change; he became more + reserved, and Bavois, whom I informed of what I had done, gave me his full + approbation. He felt convinced, as I was, that De la Haye had been useful + to him only through weak or selfish reasons, that is, that he would have + cared little for his soul if his face had not been handsome, and if he had + not known that he would derive important advantages from having caused his + so-called conversion. + </p> + <p> + Finding that the Venetian government was postponing his appointment from + day to day, Bavois entered the service of the French ambassador. The + decision made it necessary for him not only to cease his visits to M. de + Bragadin, but even to give up his intercourse with De la Haye, who was the + guest of that senator. + </p> + <p> + It is one of the strictest laws of the Republic that the patricians and + their families shall not hold any intercourse with the foreign ambassadors + and their suites. But the decision taken by Bavois did not prevent my + friends speaking in his favour, and they succeeded in obtaining employment + for him, as will be seen further on. + </p> + <p> + The husband of Christine, whom I never visited, invited me to go to the + casino which he was in the habit of frequenting with his aunt and his + wife, who had already presented him with a token of their mutual + affection. I accepted his invitation, and I found Christine as lovely as + ever, and speaking the Venetian dialect like her husband. I made in that + casino the acquaintance of a chemist, who inspired me with the wish to + follow a course of chemistry. I went to his house, where I found a young + girl who greatly pleased me. She was a neighbour, and came every evening + to keep the chemist’s elderly wife company, and at a regular hour a + servant called to take her home. I had never made love to her but once in + a trifling sort of way, and in the presence of the old lady, but I was + surprised not to see her after that for several days, and I expressed my + astonishment. The good lady told me that very likely the girl’s cousin, an + abbe, with whom she was residing, had heard of my seeing her every + evening, had become jealous, and would not allow her to come again. + </p> + <p> + “An abbe jealous?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? He never allows her to go out except on Sundays to attend the + first mass at the Church of Santa Maria Mater Domini, close by his + dwelling. He did not object to her coming here, because he knew that we + never had any visitors, and very likely he has heard through the servant + of your being here every evening.” + </p> + <p> + A great enemy to all jealous persons, and a greater friend to my amorous + fancies, I wrote to the young girl that, if she would leave her cousin for + me, I would give her a house in which she should be the mistress, and that + I would surround her with good society and with every luxury to be found + in Venice. I added that I would be in the church on the following Sunday + to receive her answer. + </p> + <p> + I did not forget my appointment, and her answer was that the abbe being + her tyrant, she would consider herself happy to escape out of his + clutches, but that she could not make up her mind to follow me unless I + consented to marry her. She concluded her letter by saying that, in case I + entertained honest intentions towards her, I had only to speak to her + mother, Jeanne Marchetti, who resided in Lusia, a city thirty miles + distant from Venice. + </p> + <p> + This letter piqued my curiosity, and I even imagined that she had written + it in concert with the abbe. Thinking that they wanted to dupe me, and + besides, finding the proposal of marriage ridiculous, I determined on + having my revenge. But I wanted to get to the bottom of it, and I made up + my mind to see the girl’s mother. She felt honoured by my visit, and + greatly pleased when, after I had shewn her her daughter’s letter, I told + her that I wished to marry her, but that I should never think of it as + long as she resided with the abbe. + </p> + <p> + “That abbe,” she said, “is a distant relative. He used to live alone in + his house in Venice, and two years ago he told me that he was in want of a + housekeeper. He asked me to let my daughter go to him in that capacity, + assuring me that in Venice she would have good opportunities of getting + married. He offered to give me a deed in writing stating that, on the day + of her marriage, he would give her all his furniture valued at about one + thousand ducats, and the inheritance of a small estate, bringing one + hundred ducats a year, which he possesses here. It seemed to me a good + bargain, and, my daughter being pleased with the offer, I accepted. He + gave me the deed duly drawn by a notary, and my daughter went with him. I + know that he makes a regular slave of her, but she chose to go. + Nevertheless, I need not tell you that my most ardent wish is to see her + married, for, as long as a girl is without a husband, she is too much + exposed to temptation, and the poor mother cannot rest in peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come to Venice with me. You will take your daughter out of the + abbe’s house, and I will make her my wife. Unless that is done I cannot + marry her, for I should dishonour myself if I received my wife from his + hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! for he is my cousin, although only in the fourth degree, and, + what is more, he is a priest and says the mass every day.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me laugh, my good woman. Everybody knows that a priest says the + mass without depriving himself of certain trifling enjoyments. Take your + daughter with you, or give up all hope of ever seeing her married.” + </p> + <p> + “But if I take her with me, he will not give her his furniture, and + perhaps he will sell his small estate here.” + </p> + <p> + “I undertake to look to that part of the business. I promise to take her + out of his hands, and to make her come back to you with all the furniture, + and to obtain the estate when she is my wife. If you knew me better, you + would not doubt what I say. Come to Venice, and I assure you that you + shall return here in four or five days with your daughter.” + </p> + <p> + She read the letter which had been written to me by her daughter again, + and told me that, being a poor widow, she had not the money necessary to + pay the expenses of her journey to Venice, or of her return to Louisa. + </p> + <p> + “In Venice you shall not want for anything,” I said; “in the mean time, + here are ten sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “Ten sequins! Then I can go with my sister-in-law?” + </p> + <p> + “Come with anyone you like, but let us go soon so as to reach Chiozza, + where we must sleep. To-morrow we shall dine in Venice, and I undertake to + defray all expenses.” + </p> + <p> + We arrived in Venice the next day at ten o’clock, and I took the two women + to Castello, to a house the first floor of which was empty. I left them + there, and provided with the deed signed by the abbe I went to dine with + my three friends, to whom I said that I had been to Chiozza on important + business. After dinner, I called upon the lawyer, Marco de Lesse, who told + me that if the mother presented a petition to the President of the Council + of Ten, she would immediately be invested with power to take her daughter + away with all the furniture in the house, which she could send wherever + she pleased. I instructed him to have the petition ready, saying that I + would come the next morning with the mother, who would sign it in his + presence. + </p> + <p> + I brought the mother early in the morning, and after she had signed the + petition we went to the Boussole, where she presented it to the President + of the Council. In less than a quarter of an hour a bailiff was ordered to + repair to the house of the priest with the mother, and to put her in + possession of her daughter, and of all the furniture, which she would + immediately take away. + </p> + <p> + The order was carried into execution to the very letter. I was with the + mother in a gondola as near as possible to the house, and I had provided a + large boat in which the sbirri stowed all the furniture found on the + premises. When it was all done, the daughter was brought to the gondola, + and she was extremely surprised to see me. Her mother kissed her, and told + her that I would be her husband the very next day. She answered that she + was delighted, and that nothing had been left in her tyrant’s house except + his bed and his clothes. + </p> + <p> + When we reached Castello, I ordered the furniture to be brought out of the + boat; we had dinner, and I told the three women that they must go back to + Lusia, where I would join them as soon as I had settled all my affairs. I + spent the afternoon gaily with my intended. She told us that the abbe was + dressing when the bailiff presented the order of the Council of Ten, with + injunctions to allow its free execution under penalty of death; that the + abbe finished his toilet, went out to say his mass, and that everything + had been done without the slightest opposition. “I was told,” she added, + “that my mother was waiting for me in the gondola, but I did not expect to + find you, and I never suspected that you were at the bottom of the whole + affair.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the first proof I give you of my love.” + </p> + <p> + These words made her smile very pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + I took care to have a good supper and some excellent wines, and after we + had spent two hours at table in the midst of the joys of Bacchus, I + devoted four more to a pleasant tete-a-tete with my intended bride. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, after breakfast, I had the whole of the furniture stowed + in a peotta, which I had engaged for the purpose and paid for beforehand. + I gave ten more sequins to the mother, and sent them away all three in + great delight. The affair was completed to my honour as well as to my + entire satisfaction, and I returned home. + </p> + <p> + The case had made so much noise that my friends could not have remained + ignorant of it; the consequence was that, when they saw me, they shewed + their surprise and sorrow. De la Haye embraced me with an air of profound + grief, but it was a feigned feeling—a harlequin’s dress, which he + had the talent of assuming with the greatest facility. M. de Bragadin + alone laughed heartily, saying to the others that they did not understand + the affair, and that it was the forerunner of something great which was + known only to heavenly spirits. On my side, being ignorant of the opinion + they entertained of the matter, and certain that they were not informed of + all the circumstances, I laughed like M. de Bragadin, but said nothing. I + had nothing to fear, and I wanted to amuse myself with all that would be + said. + </p> + <p> + We sat down to table, and M. Barbaro was the first to tell me in a + friendly manner that he hoped at least that this was not the day after my + wedding. + </p> + <p> + “Then people say that I am married?” + </p> + <p> + “It is said everywhere and by everybody. The members of the Council + themselves believe it, and they have good reason to believe that they are + right.” + </p> + <p> + “To be right in believing such a thing, they ought to be certain of it, + and those gentlemen have no such certainty. As they are not infallible any + more than any one, except God, I tell you that they are mistaken. I like + to perform good actions and to get pleasure for my money, but not at the + expense of my liberty: Whenever you want to know my affairs, recollect + that you can receive information about them only from me, and public + rumour is only good to amuse fools.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said M. Dandolo, “you spent the night with the person who is + represented as your wife?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true, but I have no account to give to anyone respecting what I + have done last night. Are you not of my opinion, M. de la Haye?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would not ask my opinion, for I do not know. But I must say + that public rumour ought not to be despised. The deep affection I have for + you causes me to grieve for what the public voice says about you.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it that those reports do not grieve M. de Bragadin, who has + certainly greater affection for me than you have?” + </p> + <p> + “I respect you, but I have learned at my own expense that slander is to be + feared. It is said that, in order to get hold of a young girl who was + residing with her uncle—a worthy priest, you suborned a woman who + declared herself to be the girl’s mother, and thus deceived the Supreme + Council, through the authority of which she obtained possession of the + girl for you. The bailiff sent by the Council swears that you were in the + gondola with the false mother when the young girl joined her. It is said + that the deed, in virtue of which you caused the worthy ecclesiastic’s + furniture to be carried off, is false, and you are blamed for having made + the highest body of the State a stepping-stone to crime. In fine, it is + said that, even if you have married the girl, and no doubt of it is + entertained, the members of the Council will not be silent as to the + fraudulent means you have had recourse to in order to carry out your + intentions successfully.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a very long speech,” I said to him, coldly, “but learn from me + that a wise man who has heard a criminal accusation related with so many + absurd particulars ceases to be wise when he makes himself the echo of + what he has heard, for if the accusation should turn out to be a calumny, + he would himself become the accomplice of the slanderer.” + </p> + <p> + After that sentence, which brought the blood to the face of the Jesuit, + but which my friends thought very wise, I entreated him, in a meaning + voice, to spare his anxiety about me, and to be quite certain that I knew + the laws of honour, and that I had judgment enough to take care of myself, + and to let foul tongues say what they liked about me, just as I did when I + heard them speak ill of him. + </p> + <p> + The adventure was the talk of the city for five or six days, after which + it was soon forgotten. + </p> + <p> + But three months having elapsed without my having paid any visit to Lusia, + or having answered the letters written to me by the damigella Marchetti, + and without sending her the money she claimed of me, she made up her mind + to take certain proceedings which might have had serious consequences, + although they had none whatever in the end. + </p> + <p> + One day, Ignacio, the bailiff of the dreaded tribunal of the State + inquisitors, presented himself as I was sitting at table with my friends, + De la Haye, and two other guests. He informed me that the Cavaliere + Cantarini dal Zoffo wished to see me, and would wait for me the next + morning at such an hour at the Madonna de l’Orto. I rose from the table + and answered, with a bow, that I would not fail to obey the wishes of his + excellency. The bailiff then left us. + </p> + <p> + I could not possibly guess what such a high dignitary of State could want + with my humble person, yet the message made us rather anxious, for + Cantarini dal Zoffo was one of the Inquisitors, that is to say, a bird of + very ill omen. M. de Bragadin, who had been Inquisitor while he was + Councillor, and therefore knew the habits of the tribunal, told me that I + had nothing to fear. + </p> + <p> + “Ignacio was dressed in private clothes,” he added, “and therefore he did + not come as the official messenger of the dread tribunal. M. Cantarini + wishes to speak to you only as a private citizen, as he sends you word to + call at his palace and not at the court-house. He is an elderly man, + strict but just, to whom you must speak frankly and without equivocating, + otherwise you would make matters worse.” + </p> + <p> + I was pleased with M. de Bragadin’s advice, which was of great use to me. + I called at the appointed time. + </p> + <p> + I was immediately announced, and I had not long to wait. I entered the + room, and his excellency, seated at a table, examined me from head to foot + for one minute without speaking to me; he then rang the bell, and ordered + his servant to introduce the two ladies who were waiting in the next room. + I guessed at once what was the matter, and felt no surprise when I saw the + woman Marchetti and her daughter. His excellency asked me if I knew them. + </p> + <p> + “I must know them, monsignor, as one of them will become my wife when she + has convinced me by her good conduct that she is worthy of that honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Her conduct is good, she lives with her mother at Lusia; you have + deceived her. Why do you postpone your marriage with her? Why do you not + visit her? You never answer her letters, and you let her be in want.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot marry her, your excellency, before I have enough to support her. + That will come in three or four years, thanks to a situation which M. de + Bragadin, my only protector, promises to obtain for me. Until then she + must live honestly, and support herself by working. I will only marry her + when I am convinced of her honesty, and particularly when I am certain + that she has given up all intercourse with the abbe, her cousin in the + fourth degree. I do not visit her because my confessor and my conscience + forbid me to go to her house.” + </p> + <p> + “She wishes you to give her a legal promise of marriage, and + sustentation.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsignor, I am under no obligation to give her a promise of marriage, + and having no means whatever I cannot support her. She must earn her own + living with her mother” + </p> + <p> + “When she lived with her cousin,” said her mother, “she never wanted + anything, and she shall go back to him.” + </p> + <p> + “If she returns to his house I shall not take the trouble of taking her + out of his hands a second time, and your excellency will then see that I + was right to defer my marriage with her until I was convinced of her + honesty.” + </p> + <p> + The judge told me that my presence, was no longer necessary. It was the + end of the affair, and I never heard any more about it. The recital of the + dialogue greatly amused my friends. + </p> + <p> + At the beginning of the Carnival of 1750 I won a prize of three thousand + ducats at the lottery. Fortune made me that present when I did not require + it, for I had held the bank during the autumn, and had won. It was at a + casino where no nobleman dared to present himself, because one of the + partners was an officer in the service of the Duke de Montalegre, the + Spanish Ambassador. The citizens of Venice felt ill at ease with the + patricians, and that is always the case under an aristocratic government, + because equality exists in reality only between the members of such a + government. + </p> + <p> + As I intended to take a trip to Paris, I placed one thousand sequins in M. + de Bragadin’s hands, and with that project in view I had the courage to + pass the carnival without risking my money at the faro-table. I had taken + a share of one-fourth in the bank of an honest patrician, and early in + Lent he handed me a large sum. + </p> + <p> + Towards mid-Lent my friend Baletti returned from Mantua to Venice. He was + engaged at the St. Moses Theatre as ballet-master during the Fair of the + Assumption. He was with Marina, but they did not live together. She made + the conquest of an English Jew, called Mendez, who spent a great deal of + money for her. That Jew gave me good news of Therese, whom he had known in + Naples, and in whose hands he had left some of his spoils. The information + pleased me, and I was very glad to have been prevented by Henriette from + joining Therese in Naples, as I had intended, for I should certainly have + fallen in love with her again, and God knows what the consequences might + have been. + </p> + <p> + It was at that time that Bavois was appointed captain in the service of + the Republic; he rose rapidly in his profession, as I shall mention + hereafter. + </p> + <p> + De la Haye undertook the education of a young nobleman called Felix Calvi, + and a short time afterwards he accompanied him to Poland. I met him again + in Vienna three years later. + </p> + <p> + I was making my preparations to go to the Fair of Reggio, then to Turin, + where the whole of Italy was congregating for the marriage of the Duke of + Savoy with a princess of Spain, daughter of Philip V., and lastly to + Paris, where, Madame la Dauphine being pregnant, magnificent preparations + were made in the expectation of the birth of a prince. Baletti was + likewise on the point of undertaking the same journey. He was recalled by + his parents, who were dramatic artists: his mother was the celebrated + Silvia. + </p> + <p> + Baletti was engaged at the Italian Theatre in Paris as dancer and first + gentleman. I could not choose a companion more to my taste, more + agreeable, or in a better position to procure me numerous advantageous + acquaintances in Paris. + </p> + <p> + I bade farewell to my three excellent friends, promising to return within + two years. + </p> + <p> + I left my brother Francois in the studio of Simonetti, the painter of + battle pieces, known as the Parmesan. I gave him a promise to think of him + in Paris, where, at that time particularly, great talent was always + certain of a high fortune. My readers will see how I kept my word. + </p> + <p> + I likewise left in Venice my brother Jean, who had returned to that city + after having travelled through Italy with Guarienti. He was on the point + of going to Rome, where he remained fourteen years in the studio of + Raphael Mengs. He left Rome for Dresden in 1764, where he died in the year + 1795. + </p> + <p> + Baletti started before me, and I left Venice, to meet him in Reggio, on + the 1st of June, 1750. I was well fitted out, well supplied with money, + and sure not to want for any, if I led a proper life. We shall soon see, + dear reader, what judgment you will pass on my conduct, or rather I shall + not see it, for I know that when you are able to judge, I shall no longer + care for your sentence. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0005" id="linkB2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Stop at Ferrara, Where I Have a Comic Adventure— + My Arrival in Paris +</pre> + <p> + Precisely at twelve o’clock the peotta landed me at Ponte di Lago Oscuro, + and I immediately took a post-chaise to reach Ferrara in time for dinner. + I put up at St. Mark’s Hotel. I was following the waiter up the stairs, + when a joyful uproar, which suddenly burst from a room the door of which + was open, made me curious to ascertain the cause of so much mirth. I + peeped into the room, and saw some twelve persons, men and women, seated + round a well-supplied table. It was a very natural thing, and I was moving + on, when I was stopped by the exclamation, “Ah, here he is!” uttered by + the pretty voice of a woman, and at the same moment, the speaker, leaving + the table, came to me with open arms and embraced me, saying, + </p> + <p> + “Quick, quick, a seat for him near me; take his luggage to his room.” + </p> + <p> + A young man came up, and she said to him, “Well, I told you he would + arrive to-day?” + </p> + <p> + She made me sit near her at the table, after I had been saluted by all the + guests who had risen to do me honour. + </p> + <p> + “My dear cousin,” she said, addressing me, “you must be hungry;” and as + she spoke she squeezed my foot under the table. “Here is my intended + husband whom I beg to introduce to you, as well as my father and + mother-in-law. The other guests round the table are friends of the family. + But, my dear cousin, tell me why my mother has not come with you?” + </p> + <p> + At last I had to open my lips! + </p> + <p> + “Your mother, my dear cousin, will be here in three or four days, at the + latest.” + </p> + <p> + I thought that my newly-found cousin was unknown to me, but when I looked + at her with more attention, I fancied I recollected her features. She was + the Catinella, a dancer of reputation, but I had never spoken to her + before. I easily guessed that she was giving me an impromptu part in a + play of her own composition, and I was to be a ‘deus ex machina’. Whatever + is singular and unexpected has always attracted me, and as my cousin was + pretty, I lent myself most willingly to the joke, entertaining no doubt + that she would reward me in an agreeable manner. All I had to do was to + play my part well, but without implicating myself. Therefore, pretending + to be very hungry, I gave her the opportunity of speaking and of informing + me by hints of what I had to know, in order not to make blunders. + Understanding the reason of my reserve, she afforded me the proof of her + quick intelligence by saying sometimes to one person, sometimes to the + other, everything it was necessary for me to know. Thus I learnt that the + wedding could not take place until the arrival of her mother, who was to + bring the wardrobe and the diamonds of my cousin. I was the precentor + going to Turin to compose the music of the opera which was to be + represented at the marriage of the Duke of Savoy. This last discovery + pleased me greatly, because I saw that I should have no difficulty in + taking my departure the next morning, and I began to enjoy the part I had + to play. Yet, if I had not reckoned upon the reward, I might very well + have informed the honourable company that my false cousin was mad, but, + although Catinella was very near thirty, she was very pretty and + celebrated for her intrigues; that was enough, and she could turn me round + her little finger. + </p> + <p> + The future mother-in-law was seated opposite, and to do me honour she + filled a glass and offered it to me. Already identified with my part in + the comedy, I put forth my hand to take the glass, but seeing that my hand + was somewhat bent, she said to me, + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with your hand, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing serious, madam; only a slight sprain which a little rest will + soon cure.” + </p> + <p> + At these words, Catinella, laughing heartily, said that she regretted the + accident because it would deprive her friends of the pleasure they would + have enjoyed in hearing me play the harpsichord. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to find it a laughing matter, cousin.” + </p> + <p> + “I laugh, because it reminds me of a sprained ankle which I once feigned + to have in order not to dance.” + </p> + <p> + After coffee, the mother-in-law, who evidently understood what was proper, + said that most likely my cousin wanted to talk with me on family matters, + and that we ought to be left alone. + </p> + <p> + Every one of the guests left the room. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was alone with her in my room, which was next to her own she + threw herself on a sofa, and gave way to a most immoderate fit of + laughter. + </p> + <p> + “Although I only know you by name,” she said to me, “I have entire + confidence in you, but you will do well to go away to-morrow. I have been + here for two months without any money. I have nothing but a few dresses + and some linen, which I should have been compelled to sell to defray my + expenses if I had not been lucky enough to inspire the son of the landlord + with the deepest love. I have flattered his passion by promising to become + his wife, and to bring him as a marriage portion twenty thousand crowns’ + worth of diamonds which I am supposed to have in Venice, and which my + mother is expected to bring with her. But my mother has nothing and knows + nothing of the affair, therefore she is not likely to leave Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “But, tell me, lovely madcap, what will be the end of this extravaganza? I + am afraid it will take a tragic turn at the last.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken; it will remain a comedy, and a very amusing one, too. I + am expecting every hour the arrival of Count Holstein, brother of the + Elector of Mainz. He has written to me from Frankfort; he has left that + city, and must by this time have reached Venice. He will take me to the + Fair of Reggio, and if my intended takes it into his head to be angry, the + count will thrash him and pay my bill, but I am determined that he shall + be neither thrashed nor paid. As I go away, I have only to whisper in his + ear that I will certainly return, and it will be all right. I know my + promise to become his wife as soon as I come back will make him happy.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very well! You are as witty as a cousin of Satan, but I shall + not wait your return to marry you; our wedding must take place at once.” + </p> + <p> + “What folly! Well, wait until this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit of it, for I can almost fancy I hear the count’s carriage. If + he should not arrive, we can continue the sport during the night.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you love me?” + </p> + <p> + “To distraction! but what does it matter? However, your excellent comedy + renders you worthy of adoration. Now, suppose we do not waste our time.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right: it is an episode, and all the more agreeable for being + impromptu.” + </p> + <p> + I can well recollect that I found it a delightful episode. Towards evening + all the family joined us again, a walk was proposed, and we were on the + point of going out, when a carriage drawn by six post-horses noisily + entered the yard. Catinella looked through the window, and desired to be + left alone, saying that it was a prince who had come to see her. Everybody + went away, she pushed me into my room and locked me in. I went to the + window, and saw a nobleman four times as big as myself getting out of the + carriage. He came upstairs, entered the room of the intended bride, and + all that was left to me was the consolation of having seized fortune by + the forelock, the pleasure of hearing their conversation, and a convenient + view, through a crevice in the partition, of what Catinella contrived to + do with that heavy lump of flesh. But at last the stupid amusement wearied + me, for it lasted five hours, which were employed in amorous caresses, in + packing Catinella’s rags, in loading them on the carriage, in taking + supper, and in drinking numerous bumpers of Rhenish wine. At midnight the + count left the hotel, carrying away with him the beloved mistress of the + landlord’s son. + </p> + <p> + No one during those long hours had come to my room, and I had not called. + I was afraid of being discovered, and I did not know how far the German + prince would have been pleased if he had found out that he had an + indiscreet witness of the heavy and powerless demonstrations of his + tenderness, which were a credit to neither of the actors, and which + supplied me with ample food for thoughts upon the miseries of mankind. + </p> + <p> + After the departure of the heroine, catching through the crevice a glimpse + of the abandoned lover, I called out to him to unlock my door. The poor + silly fellow told me piteously that, Catinella having taken the key with + her, it would be necessary to break the door open. I begged him to have it + done at once, because I was hungry. As soon as I was out of my prison I + had my supper, and the unfortunate lover kept me company. He told me that + Catinella had found a moment to promise him that she would return within + six weeks, that she was shedding tears in giving him that assurance, and + that she had kissed him with great tenderness. + </p> + <p> + “Has the prince paid her expenses?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. We would not have allowed him to do it, even if he had + offered. My future wife would have felt offended, for you can have no idea + of the delicacy of her feelings.” + </p> + <p> + “What does your father say of her departure?” + </p> + <p> + “My father always sees the worst side of everything; he says that she will + never come back, and my mother shares his opinion rather than mine. But + you, signor maestro, what do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “That if she has promised to return, she will be sure to keep her word.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; for if she did not mean to come back, she would not have given + me her promise.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely; I call that a good argument.” + </p> + <p> + I had for my supper what was left of the meal prepared by the count’s + cook, and I drank a bottle of excellent Rhenish wine which Catinella had + juggled away to treat her intended husband, and which the worthy fellow + thought could not have a better destination than to treat his future + cousin. After supper I took post-horses and continued my journey, assuring + the unhappy, forlorn lover that I would do all I could to persuade my + cousin to come back very soon. I wanted to pay my bill, but he refused to + receive any money. I reached Bologna a few minutes after Catinella, and + put up at the same hotel, where I found an opportunity of telling her all + her lover had said. I arrived in Reggio before her, but I could not speak + to her in that city, for she was always in the company of her potent and + impotent lord. After the fair, during which nothing of importance occurred + to me, I left Reggio with my friend Baletti and we proceeded to Turin, + which I wanted to see, for the first time I had gone to that city with + Henriette I had stopped only long enough to change horses. + </p> + <p> + I found everything beautiful in Turin, the city, the court, the theatre, + and the women, including the Duchess of Savoy, but I could not help + laughing when I was told that the police of the city was very efficient, + for the streets were full of beggars. That police, however, was the + special care of the king, who was very intelligent; if we are to believe + history, but I confess that I laughed when I saw the ridiculous face of + that sovereign. + </p> + <p> + I had never seen a king before in my life, and a foolish idea made me + suppose that a king must be preeminent—a very rare being—by + his beauty and the majesty of his appearance, and in everything superior + to the rest of men. For a young Republican endowed with reason, my idea + was not, after all, so very foolish, but I very soon got rid of it when I + saw that King of Sardinia, ugly, hump-backed, morose and vulgar even in + his manners. I then realized that it was possible to be a king without + being entirely a man. + </p> + <p> + I saw L’Astrua and Gafarello, those two magnificent singers on the stage, + and I admired the dancing of La Geofroi, who married at that time a worthy + dancer named Bodin. + </p> + <p> + During my stay in Turin, no amorous fancy disturbed the peace of my soul, + except an accident which happened to me with the daughter of my + washerwoman, and which increased my knowledge in physics in a singular + manner. That girl was very pretty, and, without being what might be called + in love with her, I wished to obtain her favours. Piqued at my not being + able to obtain an appointment from her, I contrived one day to catch her + at the bottom of a back staircase by which she used to come to my room, + and, I must confess, with the intention of using a little violence, if + necessary. + </p> + <p> + Having concealed myself for that purpose at the time I expected her, I got + hold of her by surprise, and, half by persuasion, half by the rapidity of + my attack, she was brought to a right position, and I lost no time in + engaging in action. But at the first movement of the connection a loud + explosion somewhat cooled my ardour, the more so that the young girl + covered her face with her hands as if she wished to hide her shame. + However, encouraging her with a loving kiss, I began again. But, a report, + louder even than the first, strikes at the same moment my ear and my nose. + I continue; a third, a fourth report, and, to make a long matter short, + each movement gives an explosion with as much regularity as a conductor + making the time for a piece of music! + </p> + <p> + This extraordinary phenomenon, the confusion of the poor girl, our + position—everything, in fact, struck me as so comical, that I burst + into the most immoderate laughter, which compelled me to give up the + undertaking. Ashamed and confused, the young girl ran away, and I did + nothing to hinder her. After that she never had the courage to present + herself before me. I remained seated on the stairs for a quarter of an + hour after she had left me, amused at the funny character of a scene which + even now excites my mirth. I suppose that the young girl was indebted for + her virtue to that singular disease, and most likely, if it were common to + all the fair sex, there would be fewer gallant women, unless we had + different organs; for to pay for one moment of enjoyment at the expense + both of the hearing and of the smell is to give too high a price. + </p> + <p> + Baletti, being in a hurry to reach Paris, where great preparations were + being made for the birth of a Duke of Burgundy—for the duchess was + near the time of her delivery—easily persuaded me to shorten my stay + in Turin. We therefore left that city, and in five days we arrived at + Lyons, where I stayed about a week. + </p> + <p> + Lyons is a very fine city in which at that time there were scarcely three + or four noble houses opened to strangers; but, in compensation, there were + more than a hundred hospitable ones belonging to merchants, manufacturers, + and commission agents, amongst whom was to be found an excellent society + remarkable for easy manners, politeness, frankness, and good style, + without the absurd pride to be met with amongst the nobility in the + provinces, with very few honourable exceptions. It is true that the + standard of good manners is below that of Paris, but one soon gets + accustomed to it. The wealth of Lyons arises from good taste and low + prices, and Fashion is the goddess to whom that city owes its prosperity. + Fashion alters every year, and the stuff, to which the fashion of the day + gives a value equal, say to thirty, is the next year reduced to fifteen or + twenty, and then it is sent to foreign countries where it is bought up as + a novelty. + </p> + <p> + The manufacturers of Lyons give high salaries to designers of talent; in + that lies the secret of their success. Low prices come from competition—a + fruitful source of wealth, and a daughter of Liberty. Therefore, a + government wishing to establish on a firm basis the prosperity of trade + must give commerce full liberty; only being careful to prevent the frauds + which private interests, often wrongly understood, might invent at the + expense of public and general interests. In fact, the government must hold + the scales, and allow the citizens to load them as they please. + </p> + <p> + In Lyons I met the most famous courtezan of Venice. It was generally + admitted that her equal had never been seen. Her name was Ancilla. Every + man who saw her coveted her, and she was so kindly disposed that she could + not refuse her favours to anyone; for if all men loved her one after the + other, she returned the compliment by loving them all at once, and with + her pecuniary advantages were only a very secondary consideration. + </p> + <p> + Venice has always been blessed with courtezans more celebrated by their + beauty than their wit. Those who were most famous in my younger days were + Ancilla and another called Spina, both the daughters of gondoliers, and + both killed very young by the excesses of a profession which, in their + eyes, was a noble one. At the age of twenty-two, Ancilla turned a dancer + and Spina became a singer. Campioni, a celebrated Venetian dancer, + imparted to the lovely Ancilla all the graces and the talents of which her + physical perfections were susceptible, and married her. Spina had for her + master a castrato who succeeded in making of her only a very ordinary + singer, and in the absence of talent she was compelled, in order to get a + living, to make the most of the beauty she had received from nature. + </p> + <p> + I shall have occasion to speak again of Ancilla before her death. She was + then in Lyons with her husband; they had just returned from England, where + they had been greatly applauded at the Haymarket Theatre. She had stopped + in Lyons only for her pleasure, and, the moment she shewed herself, she + had at her feet the most brilliant young men of the town, who were the + slaves of her slightest caprice. Every day parties of pleasure, every + evening magnificent suppers, and every night a great faro bank. The banker + at the gaming table was a certain Don Joseph Marratti, the same man whom I + had known in the Spanish army under the name of Don Pepe il Cadetto, and a + few years afterwards assumed the name of Afflisio, and came to such a bad + end. That faro bank won in a few days three hundred thousand francs. In a + capital that would not have been considered a large sum, but in a + commercial and industrial city like Lyons it raised the alarm amongst the + merchants, and the Ultramontanes thought of taking their leave. + </p> + <p> + It was in Lyons that a respectable individual, whose acquaintance I made + at the house of M. de Rochebaron, obtained for me the favour of being + initiated in the sublime trifles of Freemasonry. I arrived in Paris a + simple apprentice; a few months after my arrival I became companion and + master; the last is certainly the highest degree in Freemasonry, for all + the other degrees which I took afterwards are only pleasing inventions, + which, although symbolical, add nothing to the dignity of master. + </p> + <p> + No one in this world can obtain a knowledge of everything, but every man + who feels himself endowed with faculties, and can realize the extent of + his moral strength, should endeavour to obtain the greatest possible + amount of knowledge. A well-born young man who wishes to travel and know + not only the world, but also what is called good society, who does not + want to find himself, under certain circumstances, inferior to his equals, + and excluded from participating in all their pleasures, must get himself + initiated in what is called Freemasonry, even if it is only to know + superficially what Freemasonry is. It is a charitable institution, which, + at certain times and in certain places, may have been a pretext for + criminal underplots got up for the overthrow of public order, but is there + anything under heaven that has not been abused? Have we not seen the + Jesuits, under the cloak of our holy religion, thrust into the parricidal + hand of blind enthusiasts the dagger with which kings were to be + assassinated! All men of importance, I mean those whose social existence + is marked by intelligence and merit, by learning or by wealth, can be (and + many of them are) Freemasons: is it possible to suppose that such + meetings, in which the initiated, making it a law never to speak, ‘intra + muros’, either of politics, or of religions, or of governments, converse + only concerning emblems which are either moral or trifling; is it possible + to suppose, I repeat, that those meetings, in which the governments may + have their own creatures, can offer dangers sufficiently serious to + warrant the proscriptions of kings or the excommunications of Popes? + </p> + <p> + In reality such proceedings miss the end for which they are undertaken, + and the Pope, in spite of his infallibility, will not prevent his + persecutions from giving Freemasonry an importance which it would perhaps + have never obtained if it had been left alone. Mystery is the essence of + man’s nature, and whatever presents itself to mankind under a mysterious + appearance will always excite curiosity and be sought, even when men are + satisfied that the veil covers nothing but a cypher. + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, I would advise all well-born young men, who intend to + travel, to become Freemasons; but I would likewise advise them to be + careful in selecting a lodge, because, although bad company cannot have + any influence while inside of the lodge, the candidate must guard against + bad acquaintances. + </p> + <p> + Those who become Freemasons only for the sake of finding out the secret of + the order, run a very great risk of growing old under the trowel without + ever realizing their purpose. Yet there is a secret, but it is so + inviolable that it has never been confided or whispered to anyone. Those + who stop at the outward crust of things imagine that the secret consists + in words, in signs, or that the main point of it is to be found only in + reaching the highest degree. This is a mistaken view: the man who guesses + the secret of Freemasonry, and to know it you must guess it, reaches that + point only through long attendance in the lodges, through deep thinking, + comparison, and deduction. He would not trust that secret to his best + friend in Freemasonry, because he is aware that if his friend has not + found it out, he could not make any use of it after it had been whispered + in his ear. No, he keeps his peace, and the secret remains a secret. + </p> + <p> + Everything done in a lodge must be secret; but those who have + unscrupulously revealed what is done in the lodge, have been unable to + reveal that which is essential; they had no knowledge of it, and had they + known it, they certainly would not have unveiled the mystery of the + ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + The impression felt in our days by the non-initiated is of the same nature + as that felt in former times by those who were not initiated in the + mysteries enacted at Eleusis in honour of Ceres. But the mysteries of + Eleusis interested the whole of Greece, and whoever had attained some + eminence in the society of those days had an ardent wish to take a part in + those mysterious ceremonies, while Freemasonry, in the midst of many men + of the highest merit, reckons a crowd of scoundrels whom no society ought + to acknowledge, because they are the refuse of mankind as far as morality + is concerned. + </p> + <p> + In the mysteries of Ceres, an inscrutable silence was long kept, owing to + the veneration in which they were held. Besides, what was there in them + that could be revealed? The three words which the hierophant said to the + initiated? But what would that revelation have come to? Only to dishonour + the indiscreet initiate, for they were barbarous words unknown to the + vulgar. I have read somewhere that the three sacred words of the mysteries + of Eleusis meant: Watch, and do no evil. The sacred words and the secrets + of the various masonic degrees are about as criminal. + </p> + <p> + The initiation in the mysteries of Eleusis lasted nine days. The + ceremonies were very imposing, and the company of the highest. Plutarch + informs us that Alcibiades was sentenced to death and his property + confiscated, because he had dared to turn the mysteries into ridicule in + his house. He was even sentenced to be cursed by the priests and + priestesses, but the curse was not pronounced because one of the + priestesses opposed it, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I am a priestess to bless and not to curse!” + </p> + <p> + Sublime words! Lessons of wisdom and of morality which the Pope despises, + but which the Gospel teaches and which the Saviour prescribes. + </p> + <p> + In our days nothing is important, and nothing is sacred, for our + cosmopolitan philosophers. + </p> + <p> + Botarelli publishes in a pamphlet all the ceremonies of the Freemasons, + and the only sentence passed on him is: + </p> + <p> + “He is a scoundrel. We knew that before!” + </p> + <p> + A prince in Naples, and M. Hamilton in his own house, perform the miracle + of St. Januarius; they are, most likely, very merry over their + performance, and many more with them. Yet the king wears on his royal + breast a star with the following device around the image of St. Januarius: + ‘In sanguine foedus’. In our days everything is inconsistent, and nothing + has any meaning. Yet it is right to go ahead, for to stop on the road + would be to go from bad to worse. + </p> + <p> + We left Lyons in the public diligence, and were five days on our road to + Paris. Baletti had given notice of his departure to his family; they + therefore knew when to expect him. We were eight in the coach and our + seats were very uncomfortable, for it was a large oval in shape, so that + no one had a corner. If that vehicle had been built in a country where + equality was a principle hallowed by the laws, it would not have been a + bad illustration. I thought it was absurd, but I was in a foreign country, + and I said nothing. Besides, being an Italian, would it have been right + for me not to admire everything which was French, and particularly in + France?—Example, an oval diligence: I respected the fashion, but I + found it detestable, and the singular motion of that vehicle had the same + effect upon me as the rolling of a ship in a heavy sea. Yet it was well + hung, but the worst jolting would have disturbed me less. + </p> + <p> + As the diligence undulates in the rapidity of its pace, it has been called + a gondola, but I was a judge of gondolas, and I thought that there was no + family likeness between the coach and the Venetian boats which, with two + hearty rowers, glide along so swiftly and smoothly. The effect of the + movement was that I had to throw up whatever was on my stomach. My + travelling companions thought me bad company, but they did not say so. I + was in France and among Frenchmen, who know what politeness is. They only + remarked that very likely I had eaten too much at my supper, and a + Parisian abbe, in order to excuse me, observed that my stomach was weak. A + discussion arose. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” I said, in my vexation, and rather angrily, “you are all + wrong, for my stomach is excellent, and I have not had any supper.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon an elderly man told me, with a voice full of sweetness, that I + ought not to say that the gentlemen were wrong, though I might say that + they were not right, thus imitating Cicero, who, instead of declaring to + the Romans that Catilina and the other conspirators were dead, only said + that they had lived. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not the same thing?” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, sir, one way of speaking is polite, the other is not.” + And after treating me to a long dissection on politeness, he concluded by + saying, with a smile, “I suppose you are an Italian?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am, but would you oblige me by telling me how you have found it + out?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I guessed it from the attention with which you have listened to my + long prattle.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody laughed, and I, much pleased with his eccentricity, began to + coax him. He was the tutor of a young boy of twelve or thirteen years who + was seated near him. I made him give me during the journey lessons in + French politeness, and when we parted he took me apart in a friendly + manner, saying that he wished to make me a small present. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “You must abandon, and, if I may say so, forget, the particle ‘non’, which + you use frequently at random. ‘Non’ is not a French word; instead of that + unpleasant monosyllable, say, ‘Pardon’. ‘Non’ is equal to giving the lie: + never say it, or prepare yourself to give and to receive sword-stabs every + moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, monsieur, your present is very precious, and I promise you + never to say non again.” + </p> + <p> + During the first fortnight of my stay in Paris, it seemed to me that I had + become the most faulty man alive, for I never ceased begging pardon. I + even thought, one evening at the theatre, that I should have a quarrel for + having begged somebody’s pardon in the wrong place. A young fop, coming to + the pit, trod on my foot, and I hastened to say, + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, pardon me yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “No, yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Yourself!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, let us pardon and embrace one another!” The embrace put a stop + to the discussion. + </p> + <p> + One day during the journey, having fallen asleep from fatigue in the + inconvenient gondola, someone pushed my arm. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir! look at that mansion!” + </p> + <p> + “I see it; what of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I pray you, do you not find it....” + </p> + <p> + “I find nothing particular; and you?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing wonderful, if it were not situated at a distance of forty leagues + from Paris. But here! Ah! would my ‘badauds’ of Parisians believe that + such a beautiful mansion can be found forty leagues distant from the + metropolis? How ignorant a man is when he has never travelled!” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right.” + </p> + <p> + That man was a Parisian and a ‘badaud’ to the backbone, like a Gaul in the + days of Caesar. + </p> + <p> + But if the Parisians are lounging about from morning till night, enjoying + everything around them, a foreigner like myself ought to have been a + greater ‘badaud’ than they! The difference between us was that, being + accustomed to see things such as they are, I was astonished at seeing them + often covered with a mask which changed their nature, while their surprise + often arose from their suspecting what the mask concealed. + </p> + <p> + What delighted me, on my arrival in Paris, was the magnificent road made + by Louis XV., the cleanliness of the hotels, the excellent fare they give, + the quickness of the service, the excellent beds, the modest appearance of + the attendant, who generally is the most accomplished girl of the house, + and whose decency, modest manners, and neatness, inspire the most + shameless libertine with respect. Where is the Italian who is pleased with + the effrontery and the insolence of the hotel-waiters in Italy? In my + days, people did not know in France what it was to overcharge; it was + truly the home of foreigners. True, they had the unpleasantness of often + witnessing acts of odious despotism, ‘lettres de cachet’, etc.; it was the + despotism of a king. Since that time the French have the despotism of the + people. Is it less obnoxious? + </p> + <p> + We dined at Fontainebleau, a name derived from Fontaine-belle-eau; and + when we were only two leagues from Paris we saw a berlin advancing towards + us. As it came near the diligence, my friend Baletti called out to the + postillions to stop. In the berlin was his mother, who offered me the + welcome given to an expected friend. His mother was the celebrated actress + Silvia, and when I had been introduced to her she said to me; + </p> + <p> + “I hope, sir, that my son’s friend will accept a share of our family + supper this evening.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted gratefully, sat down again in the gondola, Baletti got into the + berlin with his mother, and we continued our journey. + </p> + <p> + On reaching Paris, I found a servant of Silvia’s waiting for me with a + coach; he accompanied me to my lodging to leave my luggage, and we + repaired to Baletti’s house, which was only fifty yards distant from my + dwelling. + </p> + <p> + Baletti presented me to his father, who was known under the name of Mario. + Silvia and Mario were the stage names assumed by M. and Madame Baletti, + and at that time it was the custom in France to call the Italian actors by + the names they had on the stage. ‘Bon jour’, Monsieur Arlequin; ‘bon + jour’, Monsieur Pantalon: such was the manner in which the French used to + address the actors who personified those characters on the stage. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0006" id="linkB2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Apprenticeship in Paris—Portraits—Oddities—All Sorts + of Things +</pre> + <p> + To celebrate the arrival of her son, Silvia gave a splendid supper to + which she had invited all her relatives, and it was a good opportunity for + me to make their acquaintance. Baletti’s father, who had just recovered + from a long illness, was not with us, but we had his father’s sister, who + was older than Mario. She was known, under her theatrical name of + Flaminia, in the literary world by several translations, but I had a great + wish to make her acquaintance less on that account than in consequence of + the story, known throughout Italy, of the stay that three literary men of + great fame had made in Paris. Those three literati were the Marquis + Maffei, the Abbe Conti, and Pierre Jacques Martelli, who became enemies, + according to public rumour, owing to the belief entertained by each of + them that he possessed the favours of the actress, and, being men of + learning, they fought with the pen. Martelli composed a satire against + Maffei, in which he designated him by the anagram of Femia. + </p> + <p> + I had been announced to Flaminia as a candidate for literary fame, and she + thought she honoured me by addressing me at all, but she was wrong, for + she displeased me greatly by her face, her manners, her style, even by the + sound of her voice. Without saying it positively, she made me understand + that, being herself an illustrious member of the republic of letters, she + was well aware that she was speaking to an insect. She seemed as if she + wanted to dictate to everybody around her, and she very likely thought + that she had the right to do so at the age of sixty, particularly towards + a young novice only twenty-five years old, who had not yet contributed + anything to the literary treasury. In order to please her, I spoke to her + of the Abbe Conti, and I had occasion to quote two lines of that profound + writer. Madam corrected me with a patronizing air for my pronunciation of + the word ‘scevra’, which means divided, saying that it ought to be + pronounced ‘sceura’, and she added that I ought to be very glad to have + learned so much on the first day of my arrival in Paris, telling me that + it would be an important day in my life. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I came here to learn and not to unlearn. You will kindly allow me + to tell you that the pronunciation of that word ‘scevra’ with a v, and not + ‘sceura’ with a u, because it is a contraction of ‘sceverra’.” + </p> + <p> + “It remains to be seen which of us is wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “You, madam, according to Ariosto, who makes ‘scevra’ rhyme with + ‘persevra’, and the rhyme would be false with ‘sceura’, which is not an + Italian word.” + </p> + <p> + She would have kept up the discussion, but her husband, a man eighty years + of age, told her that she was wrong. She held her tongue, but from that + time she told everybody that I was an impostor. + </p> + <p> + Her husband, Louis Riccoboni, better known as Lelio, was the same who had + brought the Italian company to Paris in 1716, and placed it at the service + of the regent: he was a man of great merit. He had been very handsome, and + justly enjoyed the esteem of the public, in consequence not only of his + talent but also of the purity of his life. + </p> + <p> + During supper my principal occupation was to study Silvia, who then + enjoyed the greatest reputation, and I judged her to be even above it. She + was then about fifty years old, her figure was elegant, her air noble, her + manners graceful and easy; she was affable, witty, kind to everybody, + simple and unpretending. Her face was an enigma, for it inspired everyone + with the warmest sympathy, and yet if you examined it attentively there + was not one beautiful feature; she could not be called handsome, but no + one could have thought her ugly. Yet she was not one of those women who + are neither handsome nor ugly, for she possessed a certain something which + struck one at first sight and captivated the interest. Then what was she? + </p> + <p> + Beautiful, certainly, but owing to charms unknown to all those who, not + being attracted towards her by an irresistible feeling which compelled + them to love her, had not the courage to study her, or the constancy to + obtain a thorough knowledge of her. + </p> + <p> + Silvia was the adoration of France, and her talent was the real support of + all the comedies which the greatest authors wrote for her, especially of, + the plays of Marivaux, for without her his comedies would never have gone + to posterity. Never was an actress found who could replace her, and to + find one it would be necessary that she should unite in herself all the + perfections which Silvia possessed for the difficult profession of the + stage: action, voice, intelligence, wit, countenance, manners, and a deep + knowledge of the human heart. In Silvia every quality was from nature, and + the art which gave the last touch of perfection to her qualities was never + seen. + </p> + <p> + To the qualities which I have just mentioned, Silvia added another which + surrounded her with a brilliant halo, and the absence of which would not + have prevented her from being the shining star of the stage: she led a + virtuous life. She had been anxious to have friends, but she had dismissed + all lovers, refusing to avail herself of a privilege which she could + easily have enjoyed, but which would have rendered her contemptible in her + own estimation. The irreproachable conduct obtained for her a reputation + of respectability which, at her age, would have been held as ridiculous + and even insulting by any other woman belonging to the same profession, + and many ladies of the highest rank honoured her with her friendship more + even than with their patronage. Never did the capricious audience of a + Parisian pit dare to hiss Silvia, not even in her performance of + characters which the public disliked, and it was the general opinion that + she was in every way above her profession. + </p> + <p> + Silvia did not think that her good conduct was a merit, for she knew that + she was virtuous only because her self-love compelled her to be so, and + she never exhibited any pride or assumed any superiority towards her + theatrical sisters, although, satisfied to shine by their talent or their + beauty, they cared little about rendering themselves conspicuous by their + virtue. Silvia loved them all, and they all loved her; she always was the + first to praise, openly and with good faith, the talent of her rivals; but + she lost nothing by it, because, being their superior in talent and + enjoying a spotless reputation, her rivals could not rise above her. + </p> + <p> + Nature deprived that charming woman of ten years of life; she became + consumptive at the age of sixty, ten years after I had made her + acquaintance. The climate of Paris often proves fatal to our Italian + actresses. Two years before her death I saw her perform the character of + Marianne in the comedy of Marivaux, and in spite of her age and declining + health the illusion was complete. She died in my presence, holding her + daughter in her arms, and she was giving her the advice of a tender mother + five minutes before she breathed her last. She was honourably buried in + the church of St. Sauveur, without the slightest opposition from the + venerable priest, who, far from sharing the anti-christain intolerancy of + the clergy in general, said that her profession as an actress had not + hindered her from being a good Christian, and that the earth was the + common mother of all human beings, as Jesus Christ had been the Saviour of + all mankind. + </p> + <p> + You will forgive me, dear reader, if I have made you attend the funeral of + Silvia ten years before her death; believe me I have no intention of + performing a miracle; you may console yourself with the idea that I shall + spare you that unpleasant task when poor Silvia dies. + </p> + <p> + Her only daughter, the object of her adoration, was seated next to her at + the supper-table. She was then only nine years old, and being entirely + taken up by her mother I paid no attention to her; my interest in her was + to come. + </p> + <p> + After the supper, which was protracted to a late hour, I repaired to the + house of Madame Quinson, my landlady, where I found myself very + comfortable. When I woke in the morning, the said Madame Quinson came to + my room to tell me that a servant was outside and wished to offer me his + services. I asked her to send him in, and I saw a man of very small + stature; that did not please me, and I told him so. + </p> + <p> + “My small stature, your honour, will be a guarantee that I shall never + borrow your clothes to go to some amorous rendezvous.” + </p> + <p> + “Your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Any name you please.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean? I want the name by which you are known.” + </p> + <p> + “I have none. Every master I serve calls me according to his fancy, and I + have served more than fifty in my life. You may call me what you like.” + </p> + <p> + “But you must have a family name.” + </p> + <p> + “I never had any family. I had a name, I believe, in my young days, but I + have forgotten it since I have been in service. My name has changed with + every new master.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! I shall call you Esprit.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me a great honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, go and get me change for a Louis.” + </p> + <p> + “I have it, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you are rich.” + </p> + <p> + “At your service, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Where can I enquire about you?” + </p> + <p> + “At the agency for servants. Madame Quinson, besides, can answer your + enquiries. Everybody in Paris knows me.” + </p> + <p> + “That is enough. I shall give you thirty sous a day; you must find your + own clothes: you will sleep where you like, and you must be here at seven + o’clock every morning.” + </p> + <p> + Baletti called on me and entreated me to take my meals every day at his + house. After his visit I told Esprit to take me to the Palais-Royal, and I + left him at the gates. I felt the greatest curiosity about that renowned + garden, and at first I examined everything. I see a rather fine garden, + walks lined with big trees, fountains, high houses all round the garden, a + great many men and women walking about, benches here and there forming + shops for the sale of newspapers, perfumes, tooth-picks, and other + trifles. I see a quantity of chairs for hire at the rate of one sou, men + reading the newspaper under the shade of the trees, girls and men + breakfasting either alone or in company, waiters who were rapidly going up + and down a narrow staircase hidden under the foliage. + </p> + <p> + I sit down at a small table: a waiter comes immediately to enquire my + wishes. I ask for some chocolate made with water; he brings me some, but + very bad, although served in a splendid silver-gilt cup. I tell him to + give me some coffee, if it is good. + </p> + <p> + “Excellent, I made it myself yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday! I do not want it.” + </p> + <p> + “The milk is very good.” + </p> + <p> + “Milk! I never drink any. Make me a cup of fresh coffee without milk.” + </p> + <p> + “Without milk! Well, sir, we never make coffee but in the afternoon. Would + you like a good bavaroise, or a decanter of orgeat?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, give me the orgeat.” + </p> + <p> + I find that beverage delicious, and make up my mind to have it daily for + my breakfast. I enquire from the waiter whether there is any news; he + answers that the dauphine has been delivered of a prince. An abbe, seated + at a table close by, says to him,— + </p> + <p> + “You are mad, she has given birth to a princess.” + </p> + <p> + A third man comes forward and exclaims,— + </p> + <p> + “I have just returned from Versailles, and the dauphine has not been + delivered either of a prince or of a princess.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning towards me, he says that I look like a foreigner, and when I + say that I am an Italian he begins to speak to me of the court, of the + city, of the theatres, and at last he offers to accompany me everywhere. I + thank him and take my leave. The abbe rises at the same time, walks with + me, and tells me the names of all the women we meet in the garden. + </p> + <p> + A young man comes up to him, they embrace one another, and the abbe + presents him to me as a learned Italian scholar. I address him in Italian, + and he answers very wittily, but his way of speaking makes me smile, and I + tell him why. He expressed himself exactly in the style of Boccacio. My + remark pleases him, but I soon prove to him that it is not the right way + to speak, however perfect may have been the language of that ancient + writer. In less than a quarter of an hour we are excellent friends, for we + find that our tastes are the same. + </p> + <p> + My new friend was a poet as I was; he was an admirer of Italian + literature, while I admired the French. + </p> + <p> + We exchanged addresses, and promise to see one another very often. + </p> + <p> + I see a crowd in one corner of the garden, everybody standing still and + looking up. I enquire from my friend whether there is anything wonderful + going on. + </p> + <p> + “These persons are watching the meridian; everyone holds his watch in his + hand in order to regulate it exactly at noon.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there not a meridian everywhere?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but the meridian of the Palais-Royal is the most exact.” + </p> + <p> + I laugh heartily. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you laugh?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it is impossible for all meridians not to be the same. That is + true ‘badauderie’.” + </p> + <p> + My friend looks at me for a moment, then he laughs likewise, and supplies + me with ample food to ridicule the worthy Parisians. We leave the + Palais-Royal through the main gate, and I observe another crowd of people + before a shop, on the sign-board of which I read “At the Sign of the Civet + Cat.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter here?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, indeed, you are going to laugh. All these honest persons are waiting + their turn to get their snuff-boxes filled.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there no other dealer in snuff?” + </p> + <p> + “It is sold everywhere, but for the last three weeks nobody will use any + snuff but that sold at the ‘Civet Cat.’” + </p> + <p> + “Is it better than anywhere else?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it is not as good, but since it has been brought into fashion by + the Duchesse de Chartres, nobody will have any other.” + </p> + <p> + “But how did she manage to render it so fashionable?” + </p> + <p> + “Simply by stopping her carriage two or three times before the shop to + have her snuff-box filled, and by saying aloud to the young girl who + handed back the box that her snuff was the very best in Paris. The + ‘badauds’, who never fail to congregate near the carriage of princes, no + matter if they have seen them a hundred times, or if they know them to be + as ugly as monkeys, repeated the words of the duchess everywhere, and that + was enough to send here all the snuff-takers of the capital in a hurry. + This woman will make a fortune, for she sells at least one hundred crowns’ + worth of snuff every day.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely the duchess has no idea of the good she has done.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite the reverse, for it was a cunning artifice on her part. The + duchess, feeling interested in the newly-married young woman, and wishing + to serve her in a delicate manner, thought of that expedient which has met + with complete success. You cannot imagine how kind Parisians are. You are + now in the only country in the world where wit can make a fortune by + selling either a genuine or a false article: in the first case, it + receives the welcome of intelligent and talented people, and in the + second, fools are always ready to reward it, for silliness is truly a + characteristic of the people here, and, however wonderful it may appear, + silliness is the daughter of wit. Therefore it is not a paradox to say + that the French would be wiser if they were less witty. + </p> + <p> + “The gods worshipped here although no altars are raised for them—are + Novelty and Fashion. Let a man run, and everybody will run after him. The + crowd will not stop, unless the man is proved to be mad; but to prove it + is indeed a difficult task, because we have a crowd of men who, mad from + their birth, are still considered wise. + </p> + <p> + “The snuff of the ‘Civet Cat’ is but one example of the facility with + which the crowd can be attracted to one particular spot. The king was one + day hunting, and found himself at the Neuilly Bridge; being thirsty, he + wanted a glass of ratafia. He stopped at the door of a drinking-booth, and + by the most lucky chance the poor keeper of the place happened to have a + bottle of that liquor. The king, after he had drunk a small glass, fancied + a second one, and said that he had never tasted such delicious ratafia in + his life. That was enough to give the ratafia of the good man of Neuilly + the reputation of being the best in Europe: the king had said so. The + consequence was that the most brilliant society frequented the tavern of + the delighted publican, who is now a very wealthy man, and has built on + the very spot a splendid house on which can be read the following rather + comic motto: ‘Ex liquidis solidum,’ which certainly came out of the head + of one of the forty immortals. Which gods must the worthy tavern-keeper + worship? Silliness, frivolity, and mirth.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” I replied, “that such approval, such ratification of the + opinion expressed by the king, the princes of the blood, etc., is rather a + proof of the affection felt for them by the nation, for the French carry + that affection to such an extent that they believe them infallible.” + </p> + <p> + “It is certain that everything here causes foreigners to believe that the + French people adore the king, but all thinking men here know well enough + that there is more show than reality in that adoration, and the court has + no confidence in it. When the king comes to Paris, everybody calls out, + ‘Vive le Roi!’ because some idle fellow begins, or because some policeman + has given the signal from the midst of the crowd, but it is really a cry + which has no importance, a cry given out of cheerfulness, sometimes out of + fear, and which the king himself does not accept as gospel. He does not + feel comfortable in Paris, and he prefers being in Versailles, surrounded + by twenty-five thousand men who protect him against the fury of that same + people of Paris, who, if ever they became wiser, might very well one day + call out, ‘Death to the King!’ instead of, ‘Long life to the King!’ Louis + XIV. was well aware of it, and several councillors of the upper chamber + lost their lives for having advised the assembling of the states-general + in order to find some remedy for the misfortunes of the country. France + never had any love for any kings, with the exception of St. Louis, of + Louis XII, and of the great and good Henry IV.; and even in the last case + the love of the nation was not sufficient to defend the king against the + dagger of the Jesuits, an accursed race, the enemy of nations as well as + of kings. The present king, who is weak and entirely led by his ministers, + said candidly at the time he was just recovering from illness, ‘I am + surprised at the rejoicings of the people in consequence of my health + being restored, for I cannot imagine why they should love me so dearly.’ + Many kings might repeat the same words, at least if love is to be measured + according to the amount of good actually done. That candid remark of Louis + XV. has been highly praised, but some philosopher of the court ought to + have informed him that he was so much loved because he had been surnamed + ‘le bien aime’.” + </p> + <p> + “Surname or nickname; but are there any philosophers at the court of + France?” + </p> + <p> + “No, for philosophers and courtiers are as widely different as light and + darkness; but there are some men of intelligence who champ the bit from + motives of ambition and interest.” + </p> + <p> + As we were thus conversing, M. Patu (such was the name of my new + acquaintance) escorted me as far as the door of Silvia’s house; he + congratulated me upon being one of her friends, and we parted company. + </p> + <p> + I found the amiable actress in good company. She introduced me to all her + guests, and gave me some particulars respecting every one of them. The + name of Crebillon struck my ear. + </p> + <p> + “What, sir!” I said to him, “am I fortunate enough to see you? For eight + years you have charmed me, for eight years I have longed to know you. + Listen, I beg of you.” + </p> + <p> + I then recited the finest passage of his ‘Zenobie et Rhadamiste’, which I + had translated into blank verse. Silvia was delighted to see the pleasure + enjoyed by Crebillon in hearing, at the age of eighty, his own lines in a + language which he knew thoroughly and loved as much as his own. He himself + recited the same passage in French, and politely pointed out the parts in + which he thought that I had improved on the original. I thanked him, but I + was not deceived by his compliment. + </p> + <p> + We sat down to supper, and, being asked what I had already seen in Paris, + I related everything I had done, omitting only my conversation with Patu. + After I had spoken for a long time, Crebillon, who had evidently observed + better than anyone else the road I had chosen in order to learn the good + as well as the bad qualities by his countrymen, said to me, + </p> + <p> + “For the first day, sir, I think that what you have done gives great hopes + of you, and without any doubt you will make rapid progress. You tell your + story well, and you speak French in such a way as to be perfectly + understood; yet all you say is only Italian dressed in French. That is a + novelty which causes you to be listened to with interest, and which + captivates the attention of your audience; I must even add that your + Franco-Italian language is just the thing to enlist in your favour the + sympathy of those who listen to you, because it is singular, new, and + because you are in a country where everybody worships those two divinities—novelty + and singularity. Nevertheless, you must begin to-morrow and apply yourself + in good earnest, in order to acquire a thorough knowledge of our language, + for the same persons who warmly applaud you now, will, in two or three + months, laugh at you.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it, sir, and that is what I fear; therefore the principal + object of my visit here is to devote myself entirely to the study of the + French language. But, sir, how shall I find a teacher? I am a very + unpleasant pupil, always asking questions, curious, troublesome, + insatiable, and even supposing that I could meet with the teacher I + require, I am afraid I am not rich enough to pay him.” + </p> + <p> + “For fifty years, sir, I have been looking out for a pupil such as you + have just described yourself, and I would willingly pay you myself if you + would come to my house and receive my lessons. I reside in the Marais, Rue + de Douze Portes. I have the best Italian poets. I will make you translate + them into French, and you need not be afraid of my finding you + insatiable.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted with joy. I did not know how to express my gratitude, but both + his offer and the few words of my answer bore the stamp of truth and + frankness. + </p> + <p> + Crebillon was a giant; he was six feet high, and three inches taller than + I. He had a good appetite, could tell a good story without laughing, was + celebrated for his witty repartees and his sociable manners, but he spent + his life at home, seldom going out, and seeing hardly anyone because he + always had a pipe in his mouth and was surrounded by at least twenty cats, + with which he would amuse himself all day. He had an old housekeeper, a + cook, and a man-servant. His housekeeper had the management of everything; + she never allowed him to be in need of anything, and she gave no account + of his money, which she kept altogether, because he never asked her to + render any accounts. The expression of Crebillon’s face was that of the + lion’s or of the cat’s, which is the same thing. He was one of the royal + censors, and he told me that it was an amusement for him. His housekeeper + was in the habit of reading him the works brought for his examination, and + she would stop reading when she came to a passage which, in her opinion, + deserved his censure, but sometimes they were of a different opinion, and + then their discussions were truly amusing. I once heard the housekeeper + send away an author with these words: + </p> + <p> + “Come again next week; we have had no time to examine your manuscript.” + </p> + <p> + During a whole year I paid M. Crebillon three visits every week, and from + him I learned all I know of the French language, but I found it impossible + to get rid of my Italian idioms. I remark that turn easily enough when I + meet with it in other people, but it flows naturally from my pen without + my being aware of it. I am satisfied that, whatever I may do, I shall + never be able to recognize it any more than I can find out in what + consists the bad Latin style so constantly alleged against Livy. + </p> + <p> + I composed a stanza of eight verses on some subject which I do not + recollect, and I gave it to Crebillon, asking him to correct it. He read + it attentively, and said to me, + </p> + <p> + “These eight verses are good and regular, the thought is fine and truly + poetical, the style is perfect, and yet the stanza is bad.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know. I cannot tell you what is wanting. Imagine that you see a + man handsome, well made, amiable, witty-in fact, perfect, according to + your most severe judgment. A woman comes in, sees him, looks at him, and + goes away telling you that the man does not please her. ‘But what fault do + you find in him, madam?’ ‘None, only he does not please me.’ You look + again at the man, you examine him a second time, and you find that, in + order to give him a heavenly voice, he has been deprived of that which + constitutes a man, and you are compelled to acknowledge that a spontaneous + feeling has stood the woman in good stead.” + </p> + <p> + It was by that comparison that Crebillon explained to me a thing almost + inexplicable, for taste and feeling alone can account for a thing which is + subject to no rule whatever. + </p> + <p> + We spoke a great deal of Louis XIV., whom Crebillon had known well for + fifteen years, and he related several very curious anecdotes which were + generally unknown. Amongst other things he assured me that the Siamese + ambassadors were cheats paid by Madame de Maintenon. He told us likewise + that he had never finished his tragedy of Cromwell, because the king had + told him one day not to wear out his pen on a scoundrel. + </p> + <p> + Crebillon mentioned likewise his tragedy of Catilina, and he told me that, + in his opinion, it was the most deficient of his works, but that he never + would have consented, even to make a good tragedy, to represent Caesar as + a young man, because he would in that case have made the public laugh, as + they would do if Madea were to appear previous to her acquaintances with + Jason. + </p> + <p> + He praised the talent of Voltaire very highly, but he accused him of + having stolen from him, Crebillon, the scene of the senate. He, however, + rendered him full justice, saying that he was a true historian, and able + to write history as well as tragedies, but that he unfortunately + adulterated history by mixing with it such a number of light anecdotes and + tales for the sake of rendering it more attractive. According to + Crebillon, the Man with the Iron Mask was nothing but an idle tale, and he + had been assured of it by Louis XIV. himself. + </p> + <p> + On the day of my first meeting with Crebillon at Silvia’s, ‘Cenie’, a play + by Madame de Graffigny, was performed at the Italian Theatre, and I went + away early in order to get a good seat in the pit. + </p> + <p> + The ladies all covered with diamonds, who were taking possession of the + private boxes, engrossed all my interest and all my attention. I wore a + very fine suit, but my open ruffles and the buttons all along my coat + shewed at once that I was a foreigner, for the fashion was not the same in + Paris. I was gaping in the air and listlessly looking round, when a + gentleman, splendidly dressed, and three times stouter than I, came up and + enquired whether I was a foreigner. I answered affirmatively, and he + politely asked me how I liked Paris. I praised Paris very warmly. But at + that moment a very stout lady, brilliant with diamonds, entered the box + near us. Her enormous size astonished me, and, like a fool, I said to the + gentleman: + </p> + <p> + “Who is that fat sow?” + </p> + <p> + “She is the wife of this fat pig.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I beg your pardon a thousand times!” + </p> + <p> + But my stout gentleman cared nothing for my apologies, and very far from + being angry he almost choked with laughter. This was the happy result of + the practical and natural philosophy which Frenchmen cultivate so well, + and which insures the happiness of their existence under an appearance of + frivolity! + </p> + <p> + I was confused, I was in despair, but the stout gentleman continued to + laugh heartily. At last he left the pit, and a minute afterwards I saw him + enter the box and speak to his wife. I was keeping an eye on them without + daring to look at them openly, and suddenly the lady, following the + example of her husband, burst into a loud laugh. Their mirth making me + more uncomfortable, I was leaving the pit, when the husband called out to + me, “Sir! Sir!” + </p> + <p> + “I could not go away without being guilty of impoliteness, and I went up + to their box. Then, with a serious countenance and with great affability, + he begged my pardon for having laughed so much, and very graciously + invited me to come to his house and sup with them that same evening. I + thanked him politely, saying that I had a previous engagement. But he + renewed his entreaties, and his wife pressing me in the most engaging + manner I told them, in order to prove that I was not trying to elude their + invitation, that I was expected to sup at Silvia’s house. + </p> + <p> + “In that case I am certain,” said the gentleman, “of obtaining your + release if you do not object. Allow me to go myself to Silvia.” + </p> + <p> + It would have been uncourteous on my part to resist any longer. He left + the box and returned almost immediately with my friend Baletti, who told + me that his mother was delighted to see me making such excellent + acquaintances, and that she would expect to see me at dinner the next day. + He whispered to me that my new acquaintance was M. de Beauchamp, + Receiver-General of Taxes. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the performance was over, I offered my hand to madame, and we + drove to their mansion in a magnificent carriage. There I found the + abundance or rather the profusion which in Paris is exhibited by the men + of finance; numerous society, high play, good cheer, and open + cheerfulness. The supper was not over till one o’clock in the morning. + Madame’s private carriage drove me to my lodgings. That house offered me a + kind welcome during the whole of my stay in Paris, and I must add that my + new friends proved very useful to me. Some persons assert that foreigners + find the first fortnight in Paris very dull, because a little time is + necessary to get introduced, but I was fortunate enough to find myself + established on as good a footing as I could desire within twenty-four + hours, and the consequence was that I felt delighted with Paris, and + certain that my stay would prove an agreeable one. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Patu called and made me a present of his prose panegyric + on the Marechal de Saxe. We went out together and took a walk in the + Tuileries, where he introduced me to Madame du Boccage, who made a good + jest in speaking of the Marechal de Saxe. + </p> + <p> + “It is singular,” she said, “that we cannot have a ‘De profundis’ for a + man who makes us sing the ‘Te Deum’ so often.” + </p> + <p> + As we left the Tuileries, Patu took me to the house of a celebrated + actress of the opera, Mademoiselle Le Fel, the favourite of all Paris, and + member of the Royal Academy of Music. She had three very young and + charming children, who were fluttering around her like butterflies. + </p> + <p> + “I adore them,” she said to me. + </p> + <p> + “They deserve adoration for their beauty,” I answered, “although they have + all a different cast of countenance.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder! The eldest is the son of the Duke d’Anneci, the second of + Count d’Egmont, and the youngest is the offspring of Maison-Rouge, who has + just married the Romainville.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! pray excuse me, I thought you were the mother of the three.” + </p> + <p> + “You were not mistaken, I am their mother.” + </p> + <p> + As she said these words she looked at Patu, and both burst into hearty + laughter which did not make me blush, but which shewed me my blunder. + </p> + <p> + I was a novice in Paris, and I had not been accustomed to see women + encroach upon the privilege which men alone generally enjoy. Yet + mademoiselle Le Fel was not a bold-faced woman; she was even rather + ladylike, but she was what is called above prejudices. If I had known the + manners of the time better, I should have been aware that such things were + every-day occurrences, and that the noblemen who thus sprinkled their + progeny everywhere were in the habit of leaving their children in the + hands of their mothers, who were well paid. The more fruitful, therefore, + these ladies were, the greater was their income. + </p> + <p> + My want of experience often led me into serious blunders, and Mademoiselle + Le Fel would, I have no doubt, have laughed at anyone telling her that I + had some wit, after the stupid mistake of which I had been guilty. + </p> + <p> + Another day, being at the house of Lani, ballet-master of the opera, I saw + five or six young girls of thirteen or fourteen years of age accompanied + by their mothers, and all exhibiting that air of modesty which is the + characteristic of a good education. I addressed a few gallant words to + them, and they answered me with down-cast eyes. One of them having + complained of the headache, I offered her my smelling-bottle, and one of + her companions said to her, + </p> + <p> + “Very likely you did not sleep well last night.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it is not that,” answered the modest-looking Agnes, “I think I am in + the family-way.” + </p> + <p> + On receiving this unexpected reply from a girl I had taken for a maiden, I + said to her, + </p> + <p> + “I should never have supposed that you were married, madam.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at me with evident surprise for a moment, then she turned + towards her friend, and both began to laugh immoderately. Ashamed, but for + them more than myself, I left the house with a firm resolution never again + to take virtue for granted in a class of women amongst whom it is so + scarce. To look for, even to suppose, modesty, amongst the nymphs of the + green room, is, indeed, to be very foolish; they pride themselves upon + having none, and laugh at those who are simple enough to suppose them + better than they are. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to my friend Patu, I made the acquaintance of all the women who + enjoyed some reputation in Paris. He was fond of the fair sex, but + unfortunately for him he had not a constitution like mine, and his love of + pleasure killed him very early. If he had lived, he would have gone down + to posterity in the wake of Voltaire, but he paid the debt of nature at + the age of thirty. + </p> + <p> + I learned from him the secret which several young French literati employ + in order to make certain of the perfection of their prose, when they want + to write anything requiring as perfect a style as they can obtain, such as + panegyrics, funeral orations, eulogies, dedications, etc. It was by + surprise that I wrested that secret from Patu. + </p> + <p> + Being at his house one morning, I observed on his table several sheets of + paper covered with dode-casyllabic blank verse. + </p> + <p> + I read a dozen of them, and I told him that, although the verses were very + fine, the reading caused me more pain than pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “They express the same ideas as the panegyric of the Marechal de Saxe, but + I confess that your prose pleases me a great deal more.” + </p> + <p> + “My prose would not have pleased you so much, if it had not been at first + composed in blank verse.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you take very great trouble for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “No trouble at all, for I have not the slightest difficulty in writing + that sort of poetry. I write it as easily as prose.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that your prose is better when you compose it from your own + poetry?” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt of it, it is much better, and I also secure the advantage that + my prose is not full of half verses which flow from the pen of the writer + without his being aware of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that a fault?” + </p> + <p> + “A great one and not to be forgiven. Prose intermixed with occasional + verses is worse than prosaic poetry.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it true that the verses which, like parasites, steal into a funeral + oration, must be sadly out of place?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. Take the example of Tacitus, who begins his history of Rome by + these words: ‘Urbem Romam a principio reges habuere’. They form a very + poor Latin hexameter, which the great historian certainly never made on + purpose, and which he never remarked when he revised his work, for there + is no doubt that, if he had observed it, he would have altered that + sentence. Are not such verses considered a blemish in Italian prose?” + </p> + <p> + “Decidedly. But I must say that a great many poor writers have purposely + inserted such verses into their prose, believing that they would make it + more euphonious. Hence the tawdriness which is justly alleged against much + Italian literature. But I suppose you are the only writer who takes so + much pains.” + </p> + <p> + “The only one? Certainly not. All the authors who can compose blank verses + very easily, as I can, employ them when they intend to make a fair copy of + their prose. Ask Crebillon, the Abby de Voisenon, La Harpe, anyone you + like, and they will all tell you the same thing. Voltaire was the first to + have recourse to that art in the small pieces in which his prose is truly + charming. For instance, the epistle to Madame du Chatelet, which is + magnificent. Read it, and if you find a single hemistich in it I will + confess myself in the wrong.” + </p> + <p> + I felt some curiosity about the matter, and I asked Crebillon about it. He + told me that Fatu was right, but he added that he had never practised that + art himself. + </p> + <p> + Patu wished very much to take me to the opera in order to witness the + effect produced upon me by the performance, which must truly astonish an + Italian. ‘Les Fetes Venitiennes’ was the title of the opera which was in + vogue just then—a title full of interest for me. We went for our + forty sous to the pit, in which, although the audience was standing, the + company was excellent, for the opera was the favourite amusement of the + Parisians. + </p> + <p> + After a symphony, very fine in its way and executed by an excellent + orchestra, the curtain rises, and I see a beautiful scene representing the + small St. Mark’s Square in Venice, taken from the Island of St. George, + but I am shocked to see the ducal palace on my left, and the tall steeple + on my right, that is to say the very reverse of reality. I laugh at this + ridiculous mistake, and Patu, to whom I say why I am laughing, cannot help + joining me. The music, very fine although in the ancient style, at first + amused me on account of its novelty, but it soon wearied me. The melopaeia + fatigued me by its constant and tedious monotony, and by the shrieks given + out of season. That melopaeia, of the French replaces—at least they + think so—the Greek melapaeia and our recitative which they dislike, + but which they would admire if they understood Italian. + </p> + <p> + The action of the opera was limited to a day in the carnival, when the + Venetians are in the habit of promenading masked in St. Mark’s Square. The + stage was animated by gallants, procuresses, and women amusing themselves + with all sorts of intrigues. The costumes were whimsical and erroneous, + but the whole was amusing. I laughed very heartily, and it was truly a + curious sight for a Venetian, when I saw the Doge followed by twelve + Councillors appear on the stage, all dressed in the most ludicrous style, + and dancing a ‘pas d’ensemble’. Suddenly the whole of the pit burst into + loud applause at the appearance of a tall, well-made dancer, wearing a + mask and an enormous black wig, the hair of which went half-way down his + back, and dressed in a robe open in front and reaching to his heels. Patu + said, almost reverently, “It is the inimitable Dupres.” I had heard of him + before, and became attentive. I saw that fine figure coming forward with + measured steps, and when the dancer had arrived in front of the stage, he + raised slowly his rounded arms, stretched them gracefully backward and + forward, moved his feet with precision and lightness, took a few small + steps, made some battements and pirouettes, and disappeared like a + butterfly. The whole had not lasted half a minute. The applause burst from + every part of the house. I was astonished, and asked my friend the cause + of all those bravos. + </p> + <p> + “We applaud the grace of Dupres and, the divine harmony of his movements. + He is now sixty years of age, and those who saw him forty years ago say + that he is always the same.” + </p> + <p> + “What! Has he never danced in a different style?” + </p> + <p> + “He could not have danced in a better one, for his style is perfect, and + what can you want above perfection?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, unless it be a relative perfection.” + </p> + <p> + “But here it is absolute. Dupres always does the same thing, and everyday + we fancy we see it for the first time. Such is the power of the good and + beautiful, of the true and sublime, which speak to the soul. His dance is + true harmony, the real dance, of which you have no idea in Italy.” + </p> + <p> + At the end of the second act, Dupres appeared again, still with a mask, + and danced to a different tune, but in my opinion doing exactly the same + as before. He advanced to the very footlights, and stopped one instant in + a graceful attitude. Patu wanted to force my admiration, and I gave way. + Suddenly everyone round me exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Look! look! he is developing himself!” + </p> + <p> + And in reality he was like an elastic body which, in developing itself, + would get larger. I made Patu very happy by telling him that Dupres was + truly very graceful in all his movements. Immediately after him we had a + female dancer, who jumped about like a fury, cutting to right and left, + but heavily, yet she was applauded ‘con furore’. + </p> + <p> + “This is,” said Patu, “the famous Camargo. I congratulate you, my friend, + upon having arrived in Paris in time to see her, for she has accomplished + her twelfth lustre.” + </p> + <p> + I confessed that she was a wonderful dancer. + </p> + <p> + “She is the first artist,” continued my friend, “who has dared to spring + and jump on a French stage. None ventured upon doing it before her, and, + what is more extraordinary, she does not wear any drawers.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, but I saw....” + </p> + <p> + “What? Nothing but her skin which, to speak the truth, is not made of + lilies and roses.” + </p> + <p> + “The Camargo,” I said, with an air of repentance, “does not please me. I + like Dupres much better.” + </p> + <p> + An elderly admirer of Camargo, seated on my left, told me that in her + youth she could perform the ‘saut de basque’ and even the ‘gargouillade’, + and that nobody had ever seen her thighs, although she always danced + without drawers. + </p> + <p> + “But if you never saw her thighs, how do you know that she does not wear + silk tights?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that is one of those things which can easily be ascertained. I see + you are a foreigner, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right.” + </p> + <p> + But I was delighted at the French opera, with the rapidity of the scenic + changes which are done like lightning, at the signal of a whistle—a + thing entirely unknown in Italy. I likewise admired the start given to the + orchestra by the baton of the leader, but he disgusted me with the + movements of his sceptre right and left, as if he thought that he could + give life to all the instruments by the mere motion of his arm. I admired + also the silence of the audience, a thing truly wonderful to an Italian, + for it is with great reason that people complain of the noise made in + Italy while the artists are singing, and ridicule the silence which + prevails through the house as soon as the dancers make their appearance on + the stage. One would imagine that all the intelligence of the Italians is + in their eyes. At the same time I must observe that there is not one + country in the world in which extravagance and whimsicalness cannot be + found, because the foreigner can make comparisons with what he has seen + elsewhere, whilst the natives are not conscious of their errors. + Altogether the opera pleased me, but the French comedy captivated me. + There the French are truly in their element; they perform splendidly, in a + masterly manner, and other nations cannot refuse them the palm which good + taste and justice must award to their superiority. I was in the habit of + going there every day, and although sometimes the audience was not + composed of two hundred persons, the actors were perfect. I have seen ‘Le + Misanthrope’, ‘L’Avare’, ‘Tartufe’, ‘Le Joueur’, ‘Le Glorieux’, and many + other comedies; and, no matter how often I saw them. I always fancied it + was the first time. I arrived in Paris to admire Sarrazin, La Dangeville, + La Dumesnil, La Gaussin, La Clairon, Preville, and several actresses who, + having retired from the stage, were living upon their pension, and + delighting their circle of friends. I made, amongst others, the + acquaintance of the celebrated Le Vasseur. I visited them all with + pleasure, and they related to me several very curious anecdotes. They were + generally most kindly disposed in every way. + </p> + <p> + One evening, being in the box of Le Vasseur, the performance was composed + of a tragedy in which a very handsome actress had the part of a dumb + priestess. + </p> + <p> + “How pretty she is!” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, charming,” answered Le Vasseur, “She is the daughter of the actor + who plays the confidant. She is very pleasant in company, and is an + actress of good promise.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be very happy to make her acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! well; that is not difficult. Her father and mother are very worthy + people, and they will be delighted if you ask them to invite you to + supper. They will not disturb you; they will go to bed early, and will let + you talk with their daughter as long as you please. You are in France, + sir; here we know the value of life, and try to make the best of it. We + love pleasure, and esteem ourselves fortunate when we can find the + opportunity of enjoying life.” + </p> + <p> + “That is truly charming, madam; but how could I be so bold as to invite + myself to supper with worthy persons whom I do not know, and who have not + the slightest knowledge of me?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear me! What are you saying? We know everybody. You see how I treat + you myself. After the performance, I shall be happy to introduce you, and + the acquaintance will be made at once.” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly must ask you to do me that honour, but another time.” + </p> + <p> + “Whenever you like.” + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0007" id="linkB2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Blunders in the French Language, My Success, My Numerous + Acquaintances—Louis XV.—My Brother Arrives in Paris. +</pre> + <p> + All the Italian actors in Paris insisted upon entertaining me, in order to + shew me their magnificence, and they all did it in a sumptuous style. + Carlin Bertinazzi who played Harlequin, and was a great favourite of the + Parisians, reminded me that he had already seen me thirteen years before + in Padua, at the time of his return from St. Petersburg with my mother. He + offered me an excellent dinner at the house of Madame de la Caillerie, + where he lodged. That lady was in love with him. I complimented her upon + four charming children whom I saw in the house. Her husband, who was + present, said to me; + </p> + <p> + “They are M. Carlin’s children.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be, sir, but you take care of them, and as they go by your name, + of course they will acknowledge you as their father.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I should be so legally; but M. Carlin is too honest a man not to + assume the care of his children whenever I may wish to get rid of them. He + is well aware that they belong to him, and my wife would be the first to + complain if he ever denied it.” + </p> + <p> + The man was not what is called a good, easy fellow, far from it; but he + took the matter in a philosophical way, and spoke of it with calm, and + even with a sort of dignity. He was attached to Carlin by a warm + friendship, and such things were then very common in Paris amongst people + of a certain class. Two noblemen, Boufflers and Luxembourg, had made a + friendly exchange of each other’s wives, and each had children by the + other’s wife. The young Boufflers were called Luxembourg, and the young + Luxembourg were called Boufflers. The descendants of those tiercelets are + even now known in France under those names. Well, those who were in the + secret of that domestic comedy laughed, as a matter of course, and it did + not prevent the earth from moving according to the laws of gravitation. + </p> + <p> + The most wealthy of the Italian comedians in Paris was Pantaloon, the + father of Coraline and Camille, and a well-known usurer. He also invited + me to dine with his family, and I was delighted with his two daughters. + The eldest, Coraline, was kept by the Prince of Monaco, son of the Duke of + Valentinois, who was still alive; and Camille was enamoured of the Count + of Melfort, the favourite of the Duchess of Chartres, who had just become + Duchess of Orleans by the death of her father-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Coraline was not so sprightly as Camille, but she was prettier. I began to + make love to her as a young man of no consequence, and at hours which I + thought would not attract attention: but all hours belong by right to the + established lover, and I therefore found myself sometimes with her when + the Prince of Monaco called to see her. At first I would bow to the prince + and withdraw, but afterwards I was asked to remain, for as a general thing + princes find a tete-a-tete with their mistresses rather wearisome. + Therefore we used to sup together, and they both listened, while it was my + province to eat, and to relate stories. + </p> + <p> + I bethought myself of paying my court to the prince, and he received my + advances very well. One morning, as I called on Coraline, he said to me, + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I am very glad to see you, for I have promised the Duchess of Rufe to + present you to her, and we can go to her immediately.” + </p> + <p> + Again a duchess! My star is decidedly in the ascendant. Well, let us go! + We got into a ‘diable’, a sort of vehicle then very fashionable, and at + eleven o’clock in the morning we were introduced to the duchess. + </p> + <p> + Dear reader, if I were to paint it with a faithful pen, my portrait of + that lustful vixen would frighten you. Imagine sixty winters heaped upon a + face plastered with rouge, a blotched and pimpled complexion, emaciated + and gaunt features, all the ugliness of libertinism stamped upon the + countenance of that creature relining upon the sofa. As soon as she sees + me, she exclaims with rapid joy, + </p> + <p> + “Ah! this is a good-looking man! Prince, it is very amiable on your part + to bring him to me. Come and sit near me, my fine fellow!” + </p> + <p> + I obeyed respectfully, but a noxious smell of musk, which seemed to me + almost corpse-like, nearly upset me. The infamous duchess had raised + herself on the sofa and exposed all the nakedness of the most disgusting + bosom, which would have caused the most courageous man to draw back. The + prince, pretending to have some engagement, left us, saying that he would + send his carriage for me in a short time. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were alone, the plastered skeleton thrust its arms forward, + and, without giving me time to know what I was about, the creature gave me + a horrible kiss, and then one of her hands began to stray with the most + bare-faced indecency. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see, my fine cock,” she said, “if you have a fine . . .” + </p> + <p> + I was shuddering, and resisted the attempt. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well! What a baby you are!” said the disgusting Messaline; “are you + such a novice?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam; but....” + </p> + <p> + “But what?” + </p> + <p> + “I have....” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the villain!” she exclaimed, loosing her hold; “what was I going to + expose myself to!” + </p> + <p> + I availed myself of the opportunity, snatched my hat, and took to my + heels, afraid lest the door-keeper should stop me. + </p> + <p> + I took a coach and drove to Coraline’s, where I related the adventure. She + laughed heartily, and agreed with me that the prince had played me a nasty + trick. She praised the presence of mind with which I had invented an + impediment, but she did not give me an opportunity of proving to her that + I had deceived the duchess. + </p> + <p> + Yet I was not without hope, and suspected that she did not think me + sufficiently enamoured of her. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days afterwards, however, as we had supper together and + alone, I told her so many things, and I asked her so clearly to make me + happy or else to dismiss me, that she gave me an appointment for the next + day. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow,” she said, “the prince goes to Versailles, and he will not + return until the day after; we will go together to the warren to hunt + ferrets, and have no doubt we shall come back to Paris pleased with one + another.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right.” + </p> + <p> + The next day at ten o’clock we took a coach, but as we were nearing the + gate of the city a vis-a-vis, with servants in a foreign livery came up + to us, and the person who was in it called out, “Stop! Stop!” + </p> + <p> + The person was the Chevalier de Wurtemburg, who, without deigning to cast + even one glance on me, began to say sweet words to Coraline, and thrusting + his head entirely out of his carriage he whispered to her. She answered + him likewise in a whisper; then taking my hand, she said to me, + laughingly, + </p> + <p> + “I have some important business with this prince; go to the warren alone, + my dear friend, enjoy the hunt, and come to me to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + And saying those words she got out, took her seat in the vis-a-vis, and I + found myself very much in the position of Lot’s wife, but not motionless. + </p> + <p> + Dear reader, if you have ever been in such a predicament you will easily + realize the rage with which I was possessed: if you have never been served + in that way, so much the better for you, but it is useless for me to try + to give you an idea of my anger; you would not understand me. + </p> + <p> + I was disgusted with the coach, and I jumped out of it, telling the driver + to go to the devil. I took the first hack which happened to pass, and + drove straight to Patu’s house, to whom I related my adventure, almost + foaming with rage. But very far from pitying me or sharing my anger, Patu, + much wiser, laughed and said, + </p> + <p> + “I wish with all my heart that the same thing might happen to me; for you + are certain of possessing our beautiful Coraline the very first time you + are with her.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not have her, for now I despise her heartily.” “Your contempt + ought to have come sooner. But, now that is too late to discuss the + matter, I offer you, as a compensation, a dinner at the Hotel du Roule.” + </p> + <p> + “Most decidedly yes; it is an excellent idea. Let us go.” + </p> + <p> + The Hotel du Roule was famous in Paris, and I had not been there yet. The + woman who kept it had furnished the place with great elegance, and she + always had twelve or fourteen well-chosen nymphs, with all the + conveniences that could be desired. Good cooking, good beds, cleanliness, + solitary and beautiful groves. Her cook was an artist, and her wine-cellar + excellent. Her name was Madame Paris; probably an assumed name, but it was + good enough for the purpose. Protected by the police, she was far enough + from Paris to be certain that those who visited her liberally appointed + establishment were above the middle class. Everything was strictly + regulated in her house and every pleasure was taxed at a reasonable + tariff. The prices were six francs for a breakfast with a nymph, twelve + for dinner, and twice that sum to spend a whole night. I found the house + even better than its reputation, and by far superior to the warren. + </p> + <p> + We took a coach, and Patu said to the driver, + </p> + <p> + “To Chaillot.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand, your honour.” + </p> + <p> + After a drive of half an hour, we stopped before a gate on which could be + read, “Hotel du Roule.” + </p> + <p> + The gate was closed. A porter, sporting long mustachioes, came out through + a side-door and gravely examined us. He was most likely pleased with our + appearance, for the gate was opened and we went in. A woman, blind of one + eye, about forty years old, but with a remnant of beauty, came up, saluted + us politely, and enquired whether we wished to have dinner. Our answer + being affirmative, she took us to a fine room in which we found fourteen + young women, all very handsome, and dressed alike in muslin. As we entered + the room, they rose and made us a graceful reverence; they were all about + the same age, some with light hair, some with dark; every taste could be + satisfied. We passed them in review, addressing a few words to each, and + made our choice. The two we chose screamed for joy, kissed us with a + voluptuousness which a novice might have mistaken for love, and took us to + the garden until dinner would be ready. That garden was very large and + artistically arranged to minister to the pleasures of love. Madame Paris + said to us, + </p> + <p> + “Go, gentlemen, enjoy the fresh air with perfect security in every way; my + house is the temple of peace and of good health.” + </p> + <p> + The girl I had chosen was something like Coraline, and that made me find + her delightful. But in the midst of our amorous occupations we were called + to dinner. We were well served, and the dinner had given us new strength, + when our single-eyed hostess came, watch in hand, to announce that time + was up. Pleasure at the “Hotel du Roule” was measured by the hour. + </p> + <p> + I whispered to Patu, and, after a few philosophical considerations, + addressing himself to madame la gouvernante, he said to her, + </p> + <p> + “We will have a double dose, and of course pay double.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite welcome, gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + We went upstairs, and after we had made our choice a second time, we + renewed our promenade in the garden. But once more we were disagreeably + surprised by the strict punctuality of the lady of the house. “Indeed! + this is too much of a good thing, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us go up for the third time, make a third choice, and pass the whole + night here.” + </p> + <p> + “A delightful idea which I accept with all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Does Madame Paris approve our plan?” + </p> + <p> + “I could not have devised a better one, gentlemen; it is a masterpiece.” + </p> + <p> + When we were in the room, and after we had made a new choice, the girls + laughed at the first ones who had not contrived to captivate us, and by + way of revenge these girls told their companions that we were lanky + fellows. + </p> + <p> + This time I was indeed astonished at my own choice. I had taken a true + Aspasia, and I thanked my stars that I had passed her by the first two + times, as I had now the certainty of possessing her for fourteen hours. + That beauty’s name was Saint Hilaire; and under that name she became + famous in England, where she followed a rich lord the year after. At + first, vexed because I had not remarked her before, she was proud and + disdainful; but I soon proved to her that it was fortunate that my first + or second choice had not fallen on her, as she would now remain longer + with me. She then began to laugh, and shewed herself very agreeable. + </p> + <p> + That girl had wit, education and talent-everything, in fact, that is + needful to succeed in the profession she had adopted. During the supper + Patu told me in Italian that he was on the point of taking her at the very + moment I chose her, and the next morning he informed me that he had slept + quietly all night. The Saint Hilaire was highly pleased with me, and she + boasted of it before her companions. She was the cause of my paying + several visits to the Hotel du Roule, and all for her; she was very proud + of my constancy. + </p> + <p> + Those visits very naturally cooled my ardour for Coraline. A singer from + Venice, called Guadani, handsome, a thorough musician, and very witty, + contrived to captivate her affections three weeks after my quarrel with + her. The handsome fellow, who was a man only in appearance, inflamed her + with curiosity if not with love, and caused a rupture with the prince, who + caught her in the very act. But Coraline managed to coax him back, and, a + short time after, a reconciliation took place between them, and such a + good one, that a babe was the consequence of it; a girl, whom the prince + named Adelaide, and to whom he gave a dowry. After the death of his + father, the Duke of Valentinois, the prince left her altogether and + married Mlle. de Brignole, from Genoa. Coraline became the mistress of + Count de la Marche, now Prince de Conti. Coraline is now dead, as well as + a son whom she had by the count, and whom his father named Count de + Monreal. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Dauphine was delivered of a princess, who received the title of + Madame de France. + </p> + <p> + In the month of August the Royal Academy had an exhibition at the Louvre, + and as there was not a single battle piece I conceived the idea of + summoning my brother to Paris. He was then in Venice, and he had great + talent in that particular style. Passorelli, the only painter of battles + known in France, was dead, and I thought that Francois might succeed and + make a fortune. I therefore wrote to M. Grimani and to my brother; I + persuaded them both, but Francois did not come to Paris till the beginning + of the following year. + </p> + <p> + Louis XV., who was passionately fond of hunting, was in the habit of + spending six weeks every year at the Chateau of Fontainebleau. He always + returned to Versailles towards the middle of November. That trip cost him, + or rather cost France, five millions of francs. He always took with him + all that could contribute to the amusement of the foreign ambassadors and + of his numerous court. He was followed by the French and the Italian + comedians, and by the actors and actresses of the opera. + </p> + <p> + During those six weeks Fontainebleau was more brilliant than Versailles; + nevertheless, the artists attached to the theatres were so numerous that + the Opera, the French and Italian Comedies, remained open in Paris. + </p> + <p> + Baletti’s father, who had recovered his health, was to go to Fontainebleau + with Silvia and all his family. They invited me to accompany them, and to + accept a lodging in a house hired by them. + </p> + <p> + It was a splendid opportunity; they were my friends, and I accepted, for I + could not have met with a better occasion to see the court and all the + foreign ministers. I presented myself to M. de Morosini, now Procurator at + St. Mark’s, and then ambassador from the Republic to the French court. + </p> + <p> + The first night of the opera he gave me permission to accompany him; the + music was by Lulli. I had a seat in the pit precisely under the private + box of Madame de Pompadour, whom I did not know. During the first scene + the celebrated Le Maur gave a scream so shrill and so unexpected that I + thought she had gone mad. I burst into a genuine laugh, not supposing that + any one could possibly find fault with it. But a knight of the Order of + the Holy Ghost, who was near the Marquise de Pompadour, dryly asked me + what country I came from. I answered, in the same tone, + </p> + <p> + “From Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been there, and have laughed heartily at the recitative in your + operas.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you, sir, and I feel certain that no one ever thought of + objecting to your laughing.” + </p> + <p> + My answer, rather a sharp one, made Madame de Pompadour laugh, and she + asked me whether I truly came from down there. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by down there?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “Venice, madam, is not down there, but up there.” + </p> + <p> + That answer was found more singular than the first, and everybody in the + box held a consultation in order to ascertain whether Venice was down or + up. Most likely they thought I was right, for I was left alone. + Nevertheless, I listened to the opera without laughing; but as I had a + very bad cold I blew my nose often. The same gentleman addressing himself + again to me, remarked that very likely the windows of my room did not + close well. That gentleman, who was unknown to me was the Marechal de + Richelieu. I told him he was mistaken, for my windows were well + ‘calfoutrees’. Everyone in the box burst into a loud laugh, and I felt + mortified, for I knew my mistake; I ought to have said ‘calfeutrees’. But + these ‘eus’ and ‘ous’ cause dire misery to all foreigners. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour afterwards M. de Richelieu asked me which of the two + actresses pleased me most by her beauty. + </p> + <p> + “That one, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “But she has ugly legs.” + </p> + <p> + “They are not seen, sir; besides, whenever I examine the beauty of a + woman, ‘la premiere chose que j’ecarte, ce sont les jambes’.” + </p> + <p> + That word said quite by chance, and the double meaning of which I did not + understand, made at once an important personage of me, and everybody in + the box of Madame de Pompadour was curious to know me. The marshal learned + who I was from M. de Morosini, who told me that the duke would be happy to + receive me. My ‘jeu de mots’ became celebrated, and the marshal honoured + me with a very gracious welcome. Among the foreign ministers, the one to + whom I attached myself most was Lord Keith, Marshal of Scotland and + ambassador of the King of Prussia. I shall have occasion to speak of him. + </p> + <p> + The day after my arrival in Fontainebleau I went alone to the court, and I + saw Louis XV., the handsome king, go to the chapel with the royal family + and all the ladies of the court, who surprised me by their ugliness as + much as the ladies of the court of Turin had astonished me by their + beauty. Yet in the midst of so many ugly ones I found out a regular + beauty. I enquired who she was. + </p> + <p> + “She is,” answered one of my neighbours, “Madame de Brionne, more + remarkable by her virtue even than by her beauty. Not only is there no + scandalous story told about her, but she has never given any opportunity + to scandal-mongers of inventing any adventure of which she was the + heroine.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps her adventures are not known.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, monsieur! at the court everything is known.” + </p> + <p> + I went about alone, sauntering through the apartments, when suddenly I met + a dozen ugly ladies who seemed to be running rather than walking; they + were standing so badly upon their legs that they appeared as if they would + fall forward on their faces. Some gentleman happened to be near me, + curiosity impelled me to enquire where they were coming from, and where + they were going in such haste. + </p> + <p> + “They are coming from the apartment of the queen who is going to dine, and + the reason why they walk so badly is that their shoes have heels six + inches high, which compel them to walk on their toes and with bent knees + in order to avoid falling on their faces.” + </p> + <p> + “But why do they not wear lower heels?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “What a stupid fashion!” + </p> + <p> + I took a gallery at random, and saw the king passing along, leaning with + one arm on the shoulder of M. d’Argenson. “Oh, base servility!” I thought + to myself. “How can a man make up his mind thus to bear the yoke, and how + can a man believe himself so much above all others as to take such + unwarrantable liberties!” + </p> + <p> + Louis XV. had the most magnificent head it was possible to see, and he + carried it with as much grace as majesty. Never did even the most skilful + painter succeed in rendering justice to the expression of that beautiful + head, when the king turned it on one side to look with kindness at anyone. + His beauty and grace compelled love at once. As I saw him, I thought I had + found the ideal majesty which I had been so surprised not to find in the + king of Sardinia, and I could not entertain a doubt of Madame de Pompadour + having been in love with the king when she sued for his royal attention. I + was greatly mistaken, perhaps, but such a thought was natural in looking + at the countenance of Louis XV. + </p> + <p> + I reached a splendid room in which I saw several courtiers walking about, + and a table large enough for twelve persons, but laid out only for one. + </p> + <p> + “For whom is this table?” + </p> + <p> + “For the queen. Her majesty is now coming in.” + </p> + <p> + It was the queen of France, without rouge, and very simply dressed; her + head was covered with a large cap; she looked old and devout. When she was + near the table, she graciously thanked two nuns who were placing a plate + with fresh butter on it. She sat down, and immediately the courtiers + formed a semicircle within five yards of the table; I remained near them, + imitating their respectful silence. + </p> + <p> + Her majesty began to eat without looking at anyone, keeping her eyes on + her plate. One of the dishes being to her taste, she desired to be helped + to it a second time, and she then cast her eyes round the circle of + courtiers, probably in order to see if among them there was anyone to whom + she owed an account of her daintiness. She found that person, I suppose, + for she said, + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur de Lowendal!” + </p> + <p> + At that name, a fine-looking man came forward with respectful inclination, + and said, + </p> + <p> + “Your majesty?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe this is a fricassee of chickens.” + </p> + <p> + “I am of the same opinion, madam.” + </p> + <p> + After this answer, given in the most serious tone, the queen continued + eating, and the marshal retreated backward to his original place. The + queen finished her dinner without uttering a single word, and retired to + her apartments the same way as she had come. I thought that if such was + the way the queen of France took all her meals, I would not sue for the + honour of being her guest. + </p> + <p> + I was delighted to have seen the famous captain who had conquered + Bergen-op-Zoom, but I regretted that such a man should be compelled to + give an answer about a fricassee of chickens in the serious tone of a + judge pronouncing a sentence of death. + </p> + <p> + I made good use of this anecdote at the excellent dinner Silvia gave to + the elite of polite and agreeable society. + </p> + <p> + A few days afterwards, as I was forming a line with a crowd of courtiers + to enjoy the ever new pleasure of seeing the king go to mass, a pleasure + to which must be added the advantage of looking at the naked and entirely + exposed arms and bosoms of Mesdames de France, his daughters, I suddenly + perceived the Cavamacchia, whom I had left in Cesena under the name of + Madame Querini. If I was astonished to see her, she was as much so in + meeting me in such a place. The Marquis of Saint Simon, premier + ‘gentilhomme’ of the Prince de Conde, escorted her. + </p> + <p> + “Madame Querini in Fontainebleau?” + </p> + <p> + “You here? It reminds me of Queen Elizabeth saying, + </p> + <p> + “‘Pauper ubique facet.’” + </p> + <p> + “An excellent comparison, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “I am only joking, my dear friend; I am here to see the king, who does not + know me; but to-morrow the ambassador will present me to his majesty.” + </p> + <p> + She placed herself in the line within a yard or two from me, beside the + door by which the king was to come. His majesty entered the gallery with + M. de Richelieu, and looked at the so-called Madame Querini. But she very + likely did not take his fancy, for, continuing to walk on, he addressed to + the marshal these remarkable words, which Juliette must have overheard, + </p> + <p> + “We have handsomer women here.” + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon I called upon the Venetian ambassador. I found him in + numerous company, with Madame Querini sitting on his right. She addressed + me in the most flattering and friendly manner; it was extraordinary + conduct on the part of a giddy woman who had no cause to like me, for she + was aware that I knew her thoroughly, and that I had mastered her vanity; + but as I understood her manoeuvring I made up my mind not to disoblige + her, and even to render her all the good offices I could; it was a noble + revenge. + </p> + <p> + As she was speaking of M. Querini, the ambassador congratulated her upon + her marriage with him, saying that he was glad M. Querini had rendered + justice to her merit, and adding, + </p> + <p> + “I was not aware of your marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it took place more than two years since,” said Juliette. + </p> + <p> + “I know it for a fact,” I said, in my turn; “for, two years ago, the lady + was introduced as Madame Querini and with the title of excellency by + General Spada to all the nobility in Cesena, where I was at that time.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt of it,” answered the ambassador, fixing his eyes upon me, + “for Querini has himself written to me on the subject.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes afterwards, as I was preparing to take my leave, the + ambassador, under pretense of some letters the contents of which he wished + to communicate to me, invited me to come into his private room, and he + asked me what people generally thought of the marriage in Venice. + </p> + <p> + “Nobody knows it, and it is even rumoured that the heir of the house of + Querini is on the point of marrying a daughter of the Grimani family; but + I shall certainly send the news to Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “What news?” + </p> + <p> + “That Juliette is truly Madame Querini, since your excellency will present + her as such to Louis XV.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you so?” + </p> + <p> + “She did.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she has altered her mind.” + </p> + <p> + I repeated to the ambassador the words which the king had said to M. de + Richelieu after looking at Juliette. + </p> + <p> + “Then I can guess,” remarked the ambassador, “why Juliette does not wish + to be presented to the king.” + </p> + <p> + I was informed some time afterwards that M. de Saint Quentin, the king’s + confidential minister, had called after mass on the handsome Venetian, and + had told her that the king of France had most certainly very bad taste, + because he had not thought her beauty superior to that of several ladies + of his court. Juliette left Fontainebleau the next morning. + </p> + <p> + In the first part of my Memoirs I have spoken of Juliette’s beauty; she + had a wonderful charm in her countenance, but she had already used her + advantages too long, and her beauty was beginning to fade when she arrived + in Fontainebleau. + </p> + <p> + I met her again in Paris at the ambassador’s, and she told me with a laugh + that she had only been in jest when she called herself Madame Querini, and + that I should oblige her if for the future I would call her by her real + name of Countess Preati. She invited me to visit her at the Hotel de + Luxembourg, where she was staying. I often called on her, for her + intrigues amused me, but I was wise enough not to meddle with them. + </p> + <p> + She remained in Paris four months, and contrived to infatuate M. Ranchi, + secretary of the Venetian Embassy, an amiable and learned man. He was so + deeply in love that he had made up his mind to marry her; but through a + caprice which she, perhaps, regretted afterwards, she ill-treated him, and + the fool died of grief. Count de Canes. ambassador of Maria Theresa, had + some inclination for her, as well as the Count of Zinzendorf. The person + who arranged these transient and short-lived intrigues was a certain + Guasco, an abbe not over-favoured with the gifts of Plutus. He was + particularly ugly, and had to purchase small favours with great services. + </p> + <p> + But the man whom she really wished to marry was Count Saint Simon. He + would have married her if she had not given him false addresses to make + enquiries respecting her birth. The Preati family of Verona denied all + knowledge of her, as a matter of course, and M. de Saint Simon, who, in + spite of all his love, had not entirely lost his senses, had the courage + to abandon her. Altogether, Paris did not prove an ‘el dorado’ for my + handsome countrywoman, for she was obliged to pledge her diamonds, and to + leave them behind her. After her return to Venice she married the son of + the Uccelli, who sixteen years before had taken her out of her poverty. + She died ten years ago. + </p> + <p> + I was still taking my French lessons with my good old Crebillon; yet my + style, which was full of Italianisms, often expressed the very reverse of + what I meant to say. But generally my ‘quid pro quos’ only resulted in + curious jokes which made my fortune; and the best of it is that my + gibberish did me no harm on the score of wit: on the contrary, it procured + me fine acquaintances. + </p> + <p> + Several ladies of the best society begged me to teach them Italian, saying + that it would afford them the opportunity of teaching me French; in such + an exchange I always won more than they did. + </p> + <p> + Madame Preodot, who was one of my pupils, received me one morning; she was + still in bed, and told me that she did not feel disposed to have a lesson, + because she had taken medicine the night previous. Foolishly translating + an Italian idiom, I asked her, with an air of deep interest, whether she + had well ‘decharge’? + </p> + <p> + “Sir, what a question! You are unbearable.” + </p> + <p> + I repeated my question; she broke out angrily again. + </p> + <p> + “Never utter that dreadful word.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong in getting angry; it is the proper word.” + </p> + <p> + “A very dirty word, sir, but enough about it. Will you have some + breakfast?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I thank you. I have taken a ‘cafe’ and two ‘Savoyards’.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me! What a ferocious breakfast! Pray, explain yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I say that I have drunk a cafe and eaten two Savoyards soaked in it, and + that is what I do every morning.” + </p> + <p> + “You are stupid, my good friend. A cafe is the establishment in which + coffee is sold, and you ought to say that you have drunk ‘use tasse de + cafe’” + </p> + <p> + “Good indeed! Do you drink the cup? In Italy we say a ‘caffs’, and we are + not foolish enough to suppose that it means the coffee-house.” + </p> + <p> + “He will have the best of it! And the two ‘Savoyards’, how did you swallow + them?” + </p> + <p> + “Soaked in my coffee, for they were not larger than these on your table.” + </p> + <p> + “And you call these ‘Savoyards’? Say biscuits.” + </p> + <p> + “In Italy, we call them ‘Savoyards’ because they were first invented in + Savoy; and it is not my fault if you imagined that I had swallowed two of + the porters to be found at the corner of the streets—big fellows + whom you call in Paris Savoyards, although very often they have never been + in Savoy.” + </p> + <p> + Her husband came in at that moment, and she lost no time in relating the + whole of our conversation. He laughed heartily, but he said I was right. + Her niece arrived a few minutes after; she was a young girl about fourteen + years of age, reserved, modest, and very intelligent. I had given her five + or six lessons in Italian, and as she was very fond of that language and + studied diligently she was beginning to speak. + </p> + <p> + Wishing to pay me her compliments in Italian, she said to me, + </p> + <p> + “‘Signore, sono in cantata di vi Vader in bona salute’.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, mademoiselle; but to translate ‘I am enchanted’, you must + say ‘ho pacer’, and for to see you, you must say ‘di vedervi’.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought, sir, that the ‘vi’ was to be placed before.” + </p> + <p> + “No, mademoiselle, we always put it behind.” + </p> + <p> + Monsieur and Madame Preodot were dying with laughter; the young lady was + confused, and I in despair at having uttered such a gross absurdity; but + it could not be helped. I took a book sulkily, in the hope of putting a + stop to their mirth, but it was of no use: it lasted a week. That uncouth + blunder soon got known throughout Paris, and gave me a sort of reputation + which I lost little by little, but only when I understood the double + meanings of words better. Crebillon was much amused with my blunder, and + he told me that I ought to have said after instead of behind. Ah! why have + not all languages the same genius! But if the French laughed at my + mistakes in speaking their language, I took my revenge amply by turning + some of their idioms into ridicule. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I once said to a gentleman, “how is your wife?” + </p> + <p> + “You do her great honour, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray tell me, sir, what her honour has to do with her health?” + </p> + <p> + I meet in the Bois de Boulogne a young man riding a horse which he cannot + master, and at last he is thrown. I stop the horse, run to the assistance + of the young man and help him up. + </p> + <p> + “Did you hurt yourself, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, many thanks, sir, au contraire.” + </p> + <p> + “Why au contraire! The deuce! It has done you good? Then begin again, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + And a thousand similar expressions entirely the reverse of good sense. But + it is the genius of the language. + </p> + <p> + I was one day paying my first visit to the wife of President de N——, + when her nephew, a brilliant butterfly, came in, and she introduced me to + him, mentioning my name and my country. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, sir, you are Italian?” said the young man. “Upon my word, you + present yourself so gracefully that I would have betted you were French.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, when I saw you, I was near making the same mistake; I would have + betted you were Italian.” + </p> + <p> + Another time, I was dining at Lady Lambert’s in numerous and brilliant + company. Someone remarked on my finger a cornelian ring on which was + engraved very beautifully the head of Louis XV. My ring went round the + table, and everybody thought that the likeness was striking. + </p> + <p> + A young marquise, who had the reputation of being a great wit, said to me + in the most serious tone, + </p> + <p> + “It is truly an antique?” + </p> + <p> + “The stone, madam, undoubtedly.” + </p> + <p> + Everyone laughed except the thoughtless young beauty, who did not take any + notice of it. Towards the end of the dinner, someone spoke of the + rhinoceros, which was then shewn for twenty-four sous at the St. Germain’s + Fair. + </p> + <p> + “Let us go and see it!” was the cry. + </p> + <p> + We got into the carriages, and reached the fair. We took several turns + before we could find the place. I was the only gentleman; I was taking + care of two ladies in the midst of the crowd, and the witty marquise was + walking in front of us. At the end of the alley where we had been told + that we would find the animal, there was a man placed to receive the money + of the visitors. It is true that the man, dressed in the African fashion, + was very dark and enormously stout, yet he had a human and very masculine + form, and the beautiful marquise had no business to make a mistake. + Nevertheless, the thoughtless young creature went up straight to him and + said, + </p> + <p> + “Are you the rhinoceros, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Go in, madam, go in.” + </p> + <p> + We were dying with laughing; and the marquise, when she had seen the + animal, thought herself bound to apologize to the master; assuring him + that she had never seen a rhinoceros in her life, and therefore he could + not feel offended if she had made a mistake. + </p> + <p> + One evening I was in the foyer of the Italian Comedy, where between the + acts the highest noblemen were in the habit of coming, in order to + converse and joke with the actresses who used to sit there waiting for + their turn to appear on the stage, and I was seated near Camille, + Coraline’s sister, whom I amused by making love to her. A young + councillor, who objected to my occupying Camille’s attention, being a very + conceited fellow, attacked me upon some remark I made respecting an + Italian play, and took the liberty of shewing his bad temper by + criticizing my native country. I was answering him in an indirect way, + looking all the time at Camille, who was laughing. Everybody had + congregated around us and was attentive to the discussion, which, being + carried on as an assault of wit, had nothing to make it unpleasant. + </p> + <p> + But it seemed to take a serious turn when the young fop, turning the + conversation on the police of the city, said that for some time it had + been dangerous to walk alone at night through the streets of Paris. + </p> + <p> + “During the last month,” he added, “the Place de Greve has seen the + hanging of seven men, among whom there were five Italians. An + extraordinary circumstance.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing extraordinary in that,” I answered; “honest men generally + contrive to be hung far away from their native country; and as a proof of + it, sixty Frenchmen have been hung in the course of last year between + Naples, Rome, and Venice. Five times twelve are sixty; so you see that it + is only a fair exchange.” + </p> + <p> + The laughter was all on my side, and the fine councillor went away rather + crestfallen. One of the gentlemen present at the discussion, finding my + answer to his taste, came up to Camille, and asked her in a whisper who I + was. We got acquainted at once. + </p> + <p> + It was M. de Marigni, whom I was delighted to know for the sake of my + brother whose arrival in Paris I was expecting every day. M. de Marigni + was superintendent of the royal buildings, and the Academy of Painting was + under his jurisdiction. I mentioned my brother to him, and he graciously + promised to protect him. Another young nobleman, who conversed with me, + invited me to visit him. It was the Duke de Matalona. + </p> + <p> + I told him that I had seen him, then only a child, eight years before in + Naples, and that I was under great obligations to his uncle, Don Lelio. + The young duke was delighted, and we became intimate friends. + </p> + <p> + My brother arrived in Paris in the spring of 1751, and he lodged with me + at Madame Quinson’s. He began at once to work with success for private + individuals; but his main idea being to compose a picture to be submitted + to the judgment of the Academy, I introduced him to M. de Marigni, who + received him with great distinction, and encouraged him by assuring him of + his protection. He immediately set to work with great diligence. + </p> + <p> + M. de Morosini had been recalled, and M. de Mocenigo had succeeded him as + ambassador of the Republic. M. de Bragadin had recommended me to him, and + he tendered a friendly welcome both to me and to my brother, in whose + favour he felt interested as a Venetian, and as a young artist seeking to + build up a position by his talent. + </p> + <p> + M. de Mocenigo was of a very pleasant nature; he liked gambling although + he was always unlucky at cards; he loved women, and he was not more + fortunate with them because he did not know how to manage them. Two years + after his arrival in Paris he fell in love with Madame de Colande, and, + finding it impossible to win her affections, he killed himself. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Dauphine was delivered of a prince, the Duke of Burgundy, and + the rejoicings indulged in at the birth of that child seem to me + incredible now, when I see what the same nation is doing against the king. + The people want to be free; it is a noble ambition, for mankind are not + made to be the slaves of one man; but with a nation populous, great, + witty, and giddy, what will be the end of that revolution? Time alone can + tell us. + </p> + <p> + The Duke de Matalona procured me the acquaintance of the two princes, Don + Marc Antoine and Don Jean Baptiste Borghese, from Rome, who were enjoying + themselves in Paris, yet living without display. I had occasion to remark + that when those Roman princes were presented at the court of France they + were only styled “marquis.” It was the same with the Russian princes, to + whom the title of prince was refused when they wanted to be presented; + they were called “knees,” but they did not mind it, because that word + meant prince. The court of France has always been foolishly particular on + the question of titles, and is even now sparing of the title of monsieur, + although it is common enough everywhere every man who was not titled was + called Sieur. I have remarked that the king never addressed his bishops + otherwise than as abbes, although they were generally very proud of their + titles. The king likewise affected to know a nobleman only when his name + was inscribed amongst those who served him. + </p> + <p> + Yet the haughtiness of Louis XV. had been innoculated into him by + education; it was not in his nature. When an ambassador presented someone + to him, the person thus presented withdrew with the certainty of having + been seen by the king, but that was all. Nevertheless, Louis XV. was very + polite, particularly with ladies, even with his mistresses, when in + public. Whoever failed in respect towards them in the slightest manner was + sure of disgrace, and no king ever possessed to a greater extent the grand + royal virtue which is called dissimulation. He kept a secret faithfully, + and he was delighted when he knew that no one but himself possessed it. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier d’Eon is a proof of this, for the king alone knew and had + always known that the chevalier was a woman, and all the long discussions + which the false chevalier had with the office for foreign affairs was a + comedy which the king allowed to go on, only because it amused him. + </p> + <p> + Louis XV. was great in all things, and he would have had no faults if + flattery had not forced them upon him. But how could he possibly have + supposed himself faulty in anything when everyone around him repeated + constantly that he was the best of kings? A king, in the opinion of which + he was imbued respecting his own person, was a being of a nature by far + too superior to ordinary men for him not to have the right to consider + himself akin to a god. Sad destiny of kings! Vile flatterers are + constantly doing everything necessary to reduce them below the condition + of man. + </p> + <p> + The Princess of Ardore was delivered about that time of a young prince. + Her husband, the Neapolitan ambassador, entreated Louis XV. to be + god-father to the child; the king consented and presented his god-son with + a regiment; but the mother, who did not like the military career for her + son, refused it. The Marshal de Richelieu told me that he had never known + the king laugh so heartily as when he heard of that singular refusal. + </p> + <p> + At the Duchess de Fulvie’s I made the acquaintance of Mdlle. Gaussin, who + was called Lolotte. She was the mistress of Lord Albemarle, the English + ambassador, a witty and very generous nobleman. One evening he complained + of his mistress praising the beauty of the stars which were shining + brightly over her head, saying that she ought to know he could not give + them to her. If Lord Albemarle had been ambassador to the court of France + at the time of the rupture between France and England, he would have + arranged all difficulties amicably, and the unfortunate war by which + France lost Canada would not have taken place. There is no doubt that the + harmony between two nations depends very often upon their respective + ambassadors, when there is any danger of a rupture. + </p> + <p> + As to the noble lord’s mistress, there was but one opinion respecting her. + She was fit in every way to become his wife, and the highest families of + France did not think that she needed the title of Lady Albemarle to be + received with distinction; no lady considered it debasing to sit near her, + although she was well known as the mistress of the English lord. She had + passed from her mother’s arms to those of Lord Albemarle at the age of + thirteen, and her conduct was always of the highest respectability. She + bore children whom the ambassador acknowledged legally, and she died + Countess d’Erouville. I shall have to mention her again in my Memoirs. + </p> + <p> + I had likewise occasion to become acquainted at the Venetian Embassy with + a lady from Venice, the widow of an English baronet named Wynne. She was + then coming from London with her children, where she had been compelled to + go in order to insure them the inheritance of their late father, which + they would have lost if they had not declared themselves members of the + Church of England. She was on her way back to Venice, much pleased with + her journey. She was accompanied by her eldest daughter—a young girl + of twelve years, who, notwithstanding her youth, carried on her beautiful + face all the signs of perfection. + </p> + <p> + She is now living in Venice, the widow of Count de Rosenberg, who died in + Venice ambassador of the Empress-Queen Maria Theresa. She is surrounded by + the brilliant halo of her excellent conduct and of all her social virtues. + No one can accuse her of any fault, except that of being poor, but she + feels it only because it does not allow her to be as charitable as she + might wish. + </p> + <p> + The reader will see in the next chapter how I managed to embroil myself + with the French police. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0008" id="linkB2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Broil With Parisian Justice—Mdlle. Vesian +</pre> + <a name="linkBimage-0003" id="linkBimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/2c08.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 8 " /> + </div> + <p> + The youngest daughter of my landlady, Mdlle. Quinson, a young girl between + fifteen and sixteen years of age, was in the habit of often coming to my + room without being called. It was not long before I discovered that she + was in love with me, and I should have thought myself ridiculous if I had + been cruel to a young brunette who was piquant, lively, amiable, and had a + most delightful voice. + </p> + <p> + During the first four or five months nothing but childish trifles took + place between us; but one night, coming home very late and finding her + fast asleep on my bed, I did not see the necessity of waking her up, and + undressing myself I lay down beside her.... She left me at daybreak. + </p> + <p> + Mimi had not been gone three hours when a milliner came with a charming + young girl, to invite herself and her friend to breakfast; I thought the + young girl well worth a breakfast, but I was tired and wanted rest, and I + begged them both to withdraw. Soon after they had left me, Madame Quinson + came with her daughter to make my bed. I put my dressing-gown on, and + began to write. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! the nasty hussies!” exclaims the mother. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “The riddle is clear enough, sir; these sheets are spoiled.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry, my dear madam, but change them, and the evil will be + remedied at once.” + </p> + <p> + She went out of the room, threatening and grumbling, + </p> + <p> + “Let them come again, and see if I don’t take care of them!” + </p> + <p> + Mimi remained alone with me, and I addressed her some reproaches for her + imprudence. But she laughed, and answered that Love had sent those women + on purpose to protect Innocence! After that, Mimi was no longer under any + restraint, she would come and share my bed whenever she had a fancy to do + so, unless I sent her back to her own room, and in the morning she always + left me in good time. But at the end of four months my beauty informed me + that our secret would soon be discovered. + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry,” I said to her, “but I cannot help it.” + </p> + <p> + “We ought to think of something.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, do so.” + </p> + <p> + “What can I think of? Well, come what will; the best thing I can do is not + to think of it.” + </p> + <p> + Towards the sixth month she had become so large, that her mother, no + longer doubting the truth, got into a violent passion, and by dint of + blows compelled her to name the father. Mimi said I was the guilty swain, + and perhaps it was not an untruth. + </p> + <p> + With that great discovery Madame Quinson burst into my room in high + dudgeon. She threw herself on a chair, and when she had recovered her + breath she loaded me with insulting words, and ended by telling me that I + must marry her daughter. At this intimation, understanding her object and + wishing to cut the matter short, I told her that I was already married in + Italy. + </p> + <p> + “Then why did you come here and get my daughter with child?” + </p> + <p> + “I can assure you that I did not mean to do so. Besides, how do you know + that I am the father of the child?” + </p> + <p> + “Mimi says so, and she is certain of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate her; but I warn you, madam, that I am ready to swear that + I have not any certainty about it.” + </p> + <p> + “What then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then nothing. If she is pregnant, she will be confined.” + </p> + <p> + She went downstairs, uttering curses and threats: the next day I was + summoned before the commissary of the district. I obeyed the summons, and + found Madame Quinson fully equipped for the battle. The commissary, after + the preliminary questions usual in all legal cases, asked me whether I + admitted myself guilty towards the girl Quinson of the injury of which the + mother, there present personally, complained. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur le Commissaire, I beg of you to write word by word the answer + which I am going to give you.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well.” + </p> + <p> + “I have caused no injury whatever to Mimi, the plaintiff’s daughter, and I + refer you to the girl herself, who has always had as much friendship for + me as I have had for her.” + </p> + <p> + “But she declares that she is pregnant from your doings.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be, but it is not certain.” + </p> + <p> + “She says it is certain, and she swears that she has never known any other + man.” + </p> + <p> + “If it is so, she is unfortunate; for in such a question a man cannot + trust any woman but his own wife.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you give her in order to seduce her?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing; for very far from having seduced her, she has seduced me, and we + agreed perfectly in one moment; a pretty woman does not find it very hard + to seduce me.” + </p> + <p> + “Was she a virgin?” + </p> + <p> + “I never felt any curiosity about it either before or after; therefore, + sir, I do not know.” + </p> + <p> + “Her mother claims reparation, and the law is against you.” + </p> + <p> + “I can give no reparation to the mother; and as for the law I will obey it + when it has been explained to me, and when I am convinced that I have been + guilty against it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are already convinced. Do you imagine that a man who gets an honest + girl with child in a house of which he is an inmate does not transgress + the laws of society?” + </p> + <p> + “I admit that to be the case when the mother is deceived; but when that + same mother sends her daughter to the room of a young man, are we not + right in supposing that she is disposed to accept peacefully all the + accidents which may result from such conduct?” + </p> + <p> + “She sent her daughter to your room only to wait on you.” + </p> + <p> + “And she has waited on me as I have waited on her if she sends her to my + room this evening, and if it is agreeable to Mimi, I will certainly serve + her as well as I can; but I will have nothing to do with her against her + will or out of my room, the rent of which I have always paid punctually.” + </p> + <p> + “You may say what you like, but you must pay the fine.” + </p> + <p> + “I will say what I believe to be just, and I will pay nothing; for there + can be no fine where there is no law transgressed. If I am sentenced to + pay I shall appeal even to the last jurisdiction and until I obtain + justice, for believe me, sir, I know that I am not such an awkward and + cowardly fellow as to refuse my caresses to a pretty woman who pleases me, + and comes to provoke them in my own room, especially when I feel myself + certain of the mother’s agreement.” + </p> + <p> + I signed the interrogatory after I had read it carefully, and went away. + The next day the lieutenant of police sent for me, and after he had heard + me, as well as the mother and the daughter, he acquitted me and condemned + Madame Quinson in costs. But I could not after all resist the tears of + Mimi, and her entreaties for me to defray the expenses of her confinement. + She was delivered of a boy, who was sent to the Hotel Dieu to be brought + up at the nation’s expense. Soon afterwards Mimi ran away from her + mother’s house, and she appeared on the stage at St. Laurent’s Fair. Being + unknown, she had no difficulty in finding a lover who took her for a + maiden. I found her very pretty on the stage. + </p> + <p> + “I did not know,” I said to her, “that you were a musician.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a musician about as much as all my companions, not one of whom knows + a note of music. The girls at the opera are not much more clever, and in + spite of that, with a good voice and some taste, one can sing + delightfully.” + </p> + <p> + I advised her to invite Patu to supper, and he was charmed with her. Some + time afterwards, however, she came to a bad end, and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The Italian comedians obtained at that time permission to perform parodies + of operas and of tragedies. I made the acquaintance at that theatre of the + celebrated Chantilly, who had been the mistress of the Marechal de Saxe, + and was called Favart because the poet of that name had married her. She + sang in the parody of ‘Thetis et Pelee’, by M. de Fontelle, the part of + Tonton, amidst deafening applause. Her grace and talent won the love of a + man of the greatest merit, the Abbe de Voisenon, with whom I was as + intimate as with Crebillon. All the plays performed at the Italian Comedy, + under the name of Madame Favart, were written by the abbe, who became + member of the Academie after my departure from Paris. I cultivated an + acquaintance the value of which I could appreciate, and he honoured me + with his friendship. It was at my suggestions that the Abbe de Voisenon + conceived the idea of composing oratorios in poetry; they were sung for + the first time at the Tuileries, when the theatres were closed in + consequence of some religious festival. That amiable abbe, who had written + several comedies in secret, had very poor health and a very small body; he + was all wit and gracefulness, famous for his shrewd repartees which, + although very cutting, never offended anyone. It was impossible for him to + have any enemies, for his criticism only grazed the skin and never wounded + deeply. One day, as he was returning from Versailles, I asked him the news + of the court. + </p> + <p> + “The king is yawning,” he answered, “because he must come to the + parliament to-morrow to hold a bed of justice.” + </p> + <p> + “Why is it called a bed of justice?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, unless it is because justice is asleep during the + proceedings.” + </p> + <p> + I afterwards met in Prague the living portrait of that eminent writer in + Count Francois Hardig, now plenipotentiary of the emperor at the court of + Saxony. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe de Voisenon introduced me to Fontenelle, who was then + ninety-three years of age. A fine wit, an amiable and learned man, + celebrated for his quick repartees, Fontenelle could not pay a compliment + without throwing kindness and wit into it. I told him that I had come from + Italy on purpose to see him. + </p> + <p> + “Confess, sir,” he said to me, “that you have kept me waiting a very long + time.” + </p> + <p> + This repartee was obliging and critical at the same time, and pointed out + in a delicate and witty manner the untruth of my compliment. He made me a + present of his works, and asked me if I liked the French plays; I told him + that I had seen ‘Thetis et Pelee’ at the opera. That play was his own + composition, and when I had praised it, he told me that it was a ‘tete + pelee’. + </p> + <p> + “I was at the Theatre Francais last night,” I said, “and saw Athalie.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the masterpiece of Racine; Voltaire, has been wrong in accusing me + of having criticized that tragedy, and in attributing to me an epigram, + the author of which has never been known, and which ends with two very + poor lines: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Pour avoir fait pis qu’Esther, + Comment diable as-to pu faire” + </pre> + <p> + I have been told that M. de Fontenelle had been the tender friend of + Madame du Tencin, that M. d’Alembert was the offspring of their intimacy, + and that Le Rond had only been his foster-father. I knew d’Alembert at + Madame de Graffigny’s. That great philosopher had the talent of never + appearing to be a learned man when he was in the company of amiable + persons who had no pretension to learning or the sciences, and he always + seemed to endow with intelligence those who conversed with him. + </p> + <p> + When I went to Paris for the second time, after my escape from The Leads + of Venice, I was delighted at the idea of seeing again the amiable, + venerable Fontenelle, but he died a fortnight after my arrival, at the + beginning of the year 1757. + </p> + <p> + When I paid my third visit to Paris with the intention of ending my days + in that capital, I reckoned upon the friendship of M. d’Alembert, but he + died, like Fontenelle, a fortnight after my arrival, towards the end of + 1783. Now I feel that I have seen Paris and France for the last time. The + popular effervescence has disgusted me, and I am too old to hope to see + the end of it. + </p> + <p> + Count de Looz, Polish ambassador at the French court, invited me in 1751 + to translate into Italian a French opera susceptible of great + transformations, and of having a grand ballet annexed to the subject of + the opera itself. I chose ‘Zoroastre’, by M. de Cahusac. I had to adapt + words to the music of the choruses, always a difficult task. The music + remained very beautiful, of course, but my Italian poetry was very poor. + In spite of that the generous sovereign sent me a splendid gold snuff-box, + and I thus contrived at the same time to please my mother very highly. + </p> + <p> + It was about that time that Mdlle. Vesian arrived in Paris with her + brother. She was quite young, well educated, beautiful, most amiable, and + a novice; her brother accompanied her. Her father, formerly an officer in + the French army, had died at Parma, his native city. Left an orphan + without any means of support, she followed the advice given by her + friends; she sold the furniture left by her father, with the intention of + going to Versailles to obtain from the justice and from the generosity of + the king a small pension to enable her to live. As she got out of the + diligence, she took a coach, and desired to be taken to some hotel close + by the Italian Theatre; by the greatest chance she was brought to the + Hotel de Bourgogne, where I was then staying myself. + </p> + <p> + In the morning I was told that there were two young Italians, brother and + sister, who did not appear very wealthy, in the next room to mine. + Italians, young, poor and newly arrived, my curiosity was excited. I went + to the door of their room, I knocked, and a young man came to open it in + his shirt. + </p> + <p> + “I beg you to excuse me, sir,” he said to me, “if I receive you in such a + state.” + </p> + <p> + “I have to ask your pardon myself. I only come to offer you my services, + as a countryman and as a neighbour.” + </p> + <p> + A mattress on the floor told me where the young man had slept; a bed + standing in a recess and hid by curtains made me guess where the sister + was. I begged of her to excuse me if I had presented myself without + enquiring whether she was up. + </p> + <p> + She answered without seeing me, that the journey having greatly tried her + she had slept a little later than usual, but that she would get up + immediately if I would excuse her for a short time. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to my room, mademoiselle, and I will come back when you send + for me; my room is next door to your own.” + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour after, instead of being sent for, I saw a young and + beautiful person enter my room; she made a modest bow, saying that she had + come herself to return my visit, and that her brother would follow her + immediately. + </p> + <p> + I thanked her for her visit, begged her to be seated, and I expressed all + the interest I felt for her. Her gratitude shewed itself more by the tone + of her voice than by her words, and her confidence being already + captivated she told me artlessly, but not without some dignity, her short + history or rather her situation, and she concluded by these words: + </p> + <p> + “I must in the course of the day find a less expensive lodging, for I only + possess six francs.” + </p> + <p> + I asked her whether she had any letters of recommendation, and she drew + out of her pocket a parcel of papers containing seven or eight + testimonials of good conduct and honesty, and a passport. + </p> + <p> + “Is this all you have, my dear countrywoman?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I intend to call with my brother upon the secretary of war, and I + hope he will take pity on me.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not know anybody here?” + </p> + <p> + “Not one person, sir; you are the first man in France to whom I have + exposed my situation.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a countryman of yours, and you are recommended to me by your + position as well as by your age; I wish to be your adviser, if you will + permit me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir! how grateful I would be!” + </p> + <p> + “Do not mention it. Give me your papers, I will see what is to be done + with them. Do not relate your history to anyone, and do not say one word + about your position. You had better remain at this hotel. Here are two + Louis which I will lend you until you are in a position to return them to + me.” + </p> + <p> + She accepted, expressing her heart-felt gratitude. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle Vesian was an interesting brunette of sixteen. She had a good + knowledge of French and Italian, graceful manners, and a dignity which + endowed her with a very noble appearance. She informed me of her affairs + without meanness, yet without that timidity which seems to arise from a + fear of the person who listens being disposed to take advantage of the + distressing position confided to his honour. She seemed neither humiliated + nor bold; she had hope, and she did not boast of her courage. Her virtue + was by no means ostentatious, but there was in her an air of modesty which + would certainly have put a restraint upon anyone disposed to fail in + respect towards her. I felt the effect of it myself, for in spite of her + beautiful eyes, her fine figure, of the freshness of her complexion, her + transparent skin, her negligee—in one word, all that can tempt a man + and which filled me with burning desires, I did not for one instant lose + control over myself; she had inspired me with a feeling of respect which + helped me to master my senses, and I promised myself not only to attempt + nothing against her virtue, but also not to be the first man to make her + deviate from the right path. I even thought it better to postpone to + another interview a little speech on that subject, the result of which + might be to make me follow a different course. + </p> + <p> + “You are now in a city,” I said to her, “in which your destiny must unfold + itself, and in which all the fine qualities which nature has so + bountifully bestowed upon you, and which may ultimately cause your + fortune, may likewise cause your ruin; for here, by dear countrywoman, + wealthy men despise all libertine women except those who have offered them + the sacrifice of their virtue. If you are virtuous, and are determined + upon remaining so, prepare yourself to bear a great deal of misery; if you + feel yourself sufficiently above what is called prejudice, if, in one + word, you feel disposed to consent to everything, in order to secure a + comfortable position, be very careful not to make a mistake. Distrust + altogether the sweet words which every passionate man will address to you + for the sake of obtaining your favours, for, his passion once satisfied, + his ardour will cool down, and you will find yourself deceived. Be wary of + your adorers; they will give you abundance of counterfeit coin, but do not + trust them far. As far as I am concerned, I feel certain that I shall + never injure you, and I hope to be of some use to you. To reassure you + entirely on my account, I will treat you as if you were my sister, for I + am too young to play the part of your father, and I would not tell you all + this if I did not think you a very charming person.” + </p> + <p> + Her brother joined us as we were talking together. He was a good-looking + young man of eighteen, well made, but without any style about him; he + spoke little, and his expression was devoid of individuality. We + breakfasted together, and having asked him as we were at table for what + profession he felt an inclination, he answered that he was disposed to do + anything to earn an honourable living. + </p> + <p> + “Have you any peculiar talent?” + </p> + <p> + “I write pretty well.” + </p> + <p> + “That is something. When you go out, mistrust everybody; do not enter any + cafe, and never speak to anyone in the streets. Eat your meals in your + room with your sister, and tell the landlady to give you a small closet to + sleep in. Write something in French to-day, let me have it to-morrow + morning, and we will see what can be done. As for you, mademoiselle, my + books are at your disposal, I have your papers; to-morrow I may have some + news to tell you; we shall not see each other again to-day, for I + generally come home very late.” She took a few books, made a modest + reverence, and told me with a charming voice that she had every confidence + in me. + </p> + <p> + Feeling disposed to be useful to her, wherever I went during that day I + spoke of nothing but of her and of her affairs; and everywhere men and + women told me that if she was pretty she could not fail, but that at all + events it would be right for her to take all necessary steps. I received a + promise that the brother should be employed in some office. I thought that + the best plan would be to find some influential lady who would consent to + present Mdlle. Vesian to M. d’Argenson, and I knew that in the mean time I + could support her. I begged Silvia to mention the matter to Madame de + Montconseil, who had very great influence with the secretary of war. She + promised to do so, but she wished to be acquainted with the young girl. + </p> + <p> + I returned to the hotel towards eleven o’clock, and seeing that there was + a light still burning in the room of Mdlle. Vesian I knocked at her door. + She opened it, and told me that she had sat up in the hope of seeing me. I + gave her an account of what I had done. I found her disposed to undertake + all that was necessary, and most grateful for my assistance. She spoke of + her position with an air of noble indifference which she assumed in order + to restrain her tears; she succeeded in keeping them back, but the + moisture in her eyes proved all the efforts she was making to prevent them + from falling. We had talked for two hours, and going from one subject to + another I learned that she had never loved, and that she was therefore + worthy of a lover who would reward her in a proper manner for the + sacrifice of her virtue. It would have been absurd to think that marriage + was to be the reward of that sacrifice; the young girl had not yet made + what is called a false step, but she had none of the prudish feelings of + those girls who say that they would not take such a step for all the gold + in the universe, and usually give way before the slightest attack; all my + young friend wanted was to dispose of herself in a proper and advantageous + manner. + </p> + <p> + I could not help sighing as I listened to her very sensible remarks, + considering the position in which she was placed by an adverse destiny. + Her sincerity was charming to me; I was burning with desire. Lucie of + Pasean came back to my memory; I recollected how deeply I had repented the + injury I had done in neglecting a sweet flower, which another man, and a + less worthy one, had hastened to pluck; I felt myself near a lamb which + would perhaps become the prey of some greedy wolf; and she, with her noble + feelings, her careful education, and a candour which an impure breath + would perhaps destroy for ever, was surely not destined for a lot of + shame. I regretted I was not rich enough to make her fortune, and to save + her honour and her virtue. I felt that I could neither make her mine in an + illegitimate way nor be her guardian angel, and that by becoming her + protector I should do her more harm than good; in one word, instead of + helping her out of the unfortunate position in which she was, I should, + perhaps, only contribute to her entire ruin. During that time I had her + near me, speaking to her in a sentimental way, and not uttering one single + word of love; but I kissed her hand and her arms too often without coming + to a resolution, without beginning a thing which would have too rapidly + come to an end, and which would have compelled me to keep her for myself; + in that case, there would have been no longer any hope of a fortune for + her, and for me no means of getting rid of her. I have loved women even to + madness, but I have always loved liberty better; and whenever I have been + in danger of losing it fate has come to my rescue. + </p> + <p> + I had remained about four hours with Mdlle. Vesian, consumed by the most + intense desires, and I had had strength enough to conquer them. She could + not attribute my reserve to a feeling of modesty, and not knowing why I + did not shew more boldness she must have supposed that I was either ill or + impotent. I left her, after inviting her to dinner for the next day. + </p> + <p> + We had a pleasant dinner, and her brother having gone out for a walk after + our meal we looked together out of the window from which we could see all + the carriages going to the Italian Comedy. I asked her whether she would + like to go; she answered me with a smile of delight, and we started at + once. + </p> + <p> + I placed her in the amphitheatre where I left her, telling her that we + would meet at the hotel at eleven o’clock. I would not remain with her, in + order to avoid the questions which would have been addressed to me, for + the simpler her toilet was the more interesting she looked. + </p> + <p> + After I had left the theatre, I went to sup at Silvia’s and returned to + the hotel. I was surprised at the sight of an elegant carriage; I enquired + to whom it belonged, and I was told that it was the carriage of a young + nobleman who had supped with Mdlle. Vesian. She was getting on. + </p> + <p> + The first thing next morning, as I was putting my head out of the window, + I saw a hackney coach stop at the door of the hotel; a young man, well + dressed in a morning costume, came out of it, and a minute after I heard + him enter the room of Mdlle. Vesian. Courage! I had made up my mind; I + affected a feeling of complete indifference in order to deceive myself. + </p> + <p> + I dressed myself to go out, and while I was at my toilet Vesian came in + and told me that he did not like to go into his sister’s room because the + gentleman who had supped with her had just arrived. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a matter of course,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “He is rich and very handsome. He wishes to take us himself to Versailles, + and promises to procure some employment for me.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you. Who is he?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know.” + </p> + <p> + I placed in an envelope the papers she had entrusted to me, and I handed + them to him to return to his sister. I then went out. When I came home + towards three o’clock, the landlady gave me a letter which had been left + for me by Mdlle. Vesian, who had left the hotel. + </p> + <p> + I went to my room, opened the letter, and read the following lines: + </p> + <p> + “I return the money you have lent me with my best thanks. The Count de + Narbonne feels interested in me, and wishes to assist me and my brother. I + shall inform you of everything, of the house in which he wishes me to go + and live, where he promises to supply me all I want. Your friendship is + very dear to me, and I entreat you not to forget me. My brother remains at + the hotel, and my room belongs to me for the month. I have paid + everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is,” said I to myself, “a second Lucie de Pasean, and I am a second + time the dupe of my foolish delicacy, for I feel certain that the count + will not make her happy. But I wash my hands of it all.” + </p> + <p> + I went to the Theatre Francais in the evening, and enquired about + Narbonne. The first person I spoke to told me, + </p> + <p> + “He is the son of a wealthy man, but a great libertine and up to his neck + in debts.” + </p> + <p> + Nice references, indeed! For a week I went to all the theatres and public + places in the hope of making the acquaintance of the count, but I could + not succeed, and I was beginning to forget the adventure when one morning, + towards eight o’clock Vesian calling on me, told me that his sister was in + her room and wished to speak to me. I followed him immediately. I found + her looking unhappy and with eyes red from crying. She told her brother to + go out for a walk, and when he had gone she spoke to me thus: + </p> + <p> + “M. de Narbonne, whom I thought an honest man, because I wanted him to be + such, came to sit by me where you had left me at the theatre; he told me + that my face had interested him, and he asked me who I was. I told him + what I had told you. You had promised to think of me, but Narbonne told me + that he did not want your assistance, as he could act by himself. I + believed him, and I have been the dupe of my confidence in him; he has + deceived me; he is a villain.” + </p> + <p> + The tears were choking her: I went to the window so as to let her cry + without restraint: a few minutes after, I came back and I sat down by her. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me all, my dear Vesian, unburden your heart freely, and do not think + yourself guilty towards me; in reality I have been wrong more than you. + Your heart would not now be a prey to sorrow if I had not been so + imprudent as to leave you alone at the theatre.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, sir! do not say so; ought I to reproach you because you thought me + so virtuous? Well, in a few words, the monster promised to shew me every + care, every attention, on condition of my giving him an undeniable, proof + of my affection and confidence—namely, to take a lodging without my + brother in the house of a woman whom he represented as respectable. He + insisted upon my brother not living with me, saying that evil-minded + persons might suppose him to be my lover. I allowed myself to be + persuaded. Unhappy creature! How could I give way without consulting you? + He told me that the respectable woman to whom he would take me would + accompany me to Versailles, and that he would send my brother there so + that we should be both presented to the war secretary. After our first + supper he told me that he would come and fetch me in a hackney coach the + next morning. He presented me with two louis and a gold watch, and I + thought I could accept those presents from a young nobleman who shewed so + much interest in me. The woman to whom he introduced me did not seem to me + as respectable as he had represented her to be. I have passed one week + with her without his doing anything to benefit my position. He would come, + go out, return as he pleased, telling me every day that it would be the + morrow, and when the morrow came there was always some impediment. At + last, at seven o’clock this morning, the woman told me that the count was + obliged to go into the country, that a hackney coach would bring me back + to his hotel, and that he would come and see me on his return. Then, + affecting an air of sadness, she told me that I must give her back the + watch because the count had forgotten to pay the watchmaker for it. I + handed it to her immediately without saying a word, and wrapping the + little I possessed in my handkerchief I came back here, where I arrived + half an hour since.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you hope to see him on his return from the country?” + </p> + <p> + “To see him again! Oh, Lord! why have I ever seen him?” + </p> + <p> + She was crying bitterly, and I must confess that no young girl ever moved + me so deeply as she did by the expression of her grief. Pity replaced in + my heart the tenderness I had felt for her a week before. The infamous + proceedings of Narbonne disgusted me to that extent that, if I had known + where to find him alone, I would immediately have compelled him to give me + reparation. Of course, I took good care not to ask the poor girl to give + me a detailed account of her stay in the house of Narbonne’s respectable + procuress; I could guess even more than I wanted to know, and to insist + upon that recital would have humiliated Mdlle. Vesian. I could see all the + infamy of the count in the taking back of the watch which belonged to her + as a gift, and which the unhappy girl had earned but too well. I did all I + could to dry her tears, and she begged me to be a father to her, assuring + me that she would never again do anything to render her unworthy of my + friendship, and that she would always be guided by my advice. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear young friend, what you must do now is not only to forget + the unworthy count and his criminal conduct towards you, but also the + fault of which you have been guilty. What is done cannot be undone, and + the past is beyond remedy; but compose yourself, and recall the air of + cheerfulness which shone on your countenance a week ago. Then I could read + on your face honesty, candour, good faith, and the noble assurance which + arouses sentiment in those who can appreciate its charm. You must let all + those feelings shine again on your features; for they alone can interest + honest people, and you require the general sympathy more than ever. My + friendship is of little importance to you, but you may rely upon it all + the more because I fancy that you have now a claim upon it which you had + not a week ago: Be quite certain, I beg, that I will not abandon you until + your position is properly settled. I cannot at present tell you more; but + be sure that I will think of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my friend! if you promise to think of me, I ask for no more. Oh! + unhappy creature that I am; there is not a soul in the world who thinks of + me.” + </p> + <p> + She was so deeply moved that she fainted away. I came to her assistance + without calling anyone, and when she had recovered her consciousness and + some calm, I told her a hundred stories, true or purely imaginary, of the + knavish tricks played in Paris by men who think of nothing but of + deceiving young girls. I told her a few amusing instances in order to make + her more cheerful, and at last I told her that she ought to be thankful + for what had happened to her with Narbonne, because that misfortune would + give her prudence for the future. + </p> + <p> + During that long tete-a-tete I had no difficulty in abstaining from + bestowing any caresses upon her; I did not even take her hand, for what I + felt for her was a tender pity; and I was very happy when at the end of + two hours I saw her calm and determined upon bearing misfortune like a + heroine. + </p> + <p> + She suddenly rose from her seat, and, looking at me with an air of modest + trustfulness, she said to me, + </p> + <p> + “Are, you particularly engaged in any way to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, be good enough to take me somewhere out of Paris; to some + place where I can breathe the fresh air freely; I shall then recover that + appearance which you think I must have to interest in my favour those who + will see me; and if I can enjoy a quiet sleep throughout the next night I + feel I shall be happy again.” + </p> + <p> + “I am grateful to you for your confidence in me. We will go out as soon as + I am dressed. Your brother will return in the mean time.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind my brother!” + </p> + <p> + “His presence is, on the contrary, of great importance. Recollect, my dear + Vesian, you must make Narbonne ashamed of his own conduct. You must + consider that if he should happen to hear that, on the very day he + abandoned you, you went into the country alone with me, he would triumph, + and would certainly say that he has only treated you as you deserved. But + if you go with your brother and me your countryman, you give no occasion + for slander.” + </p> + <p> + “I blush not to have made that remark myself. We will wait for my + brother’s return.” + </p> + <p> + He was not long in coming back, and having sent for a coach we were on the + point of going, when Baletti called on me. I introduced him to the young + lady, and invited him to join our party. He accepted, and we started. As + my only purpose was to amuse Mdlle. Vesian, I told the coachman to drive + us to the Gros Caillou, where we made an excellent impromptu dinner, the + cheerfulness of the guests making up for the deficiencies of the servants. + </p> + <p> + Vesian, feeling his head rather heavy, went out for a walk after dinner, + and I remained alone with his sister and my friend Baletti. I observed + with pleasure that Baletti thought her an agreeable girl, and it gave me + the idea of asking him to teach her dancing. I informed him of her + position, of the reason which had brought her to Paris, of the little hope + there was of her obtaining a pension from the king, and of the necessity + there was for her to do something to earn a living. Baletti answered that + he would be happy to do anything, and when he had examined the figure and + the general conformation of the young girl he said to her, + </p> + <p> + “I will get Lani to take you for the ballet at the opera.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” I said, “you must begin your lessons tomorrow. Mdlle. Vesian stops + at my hotel.” + </p> + <p> + The young girl, full of wonder at my plan, began to laugh heartily, and + said, + </p> + <p> + “But can an opera dancer be extemporized like a minister of state? I can + dance the minuet, and my ear is good enough to enable me to go through a + quadrille; but with the exception of that I cannot dance one step.” + </p> + <p> + “Most of the ballet girls,” said Baletti, “know no more than you do.” + </p> + <p> + “And how much must I ask from M. Lani? I do not think I can expect much.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing. The ballet girls are not paid.” + </p> + <p> + “Then where is the advantage for me?” she said, with a sigh; “how shall I + live?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not think of that. Such as you are, you will soon find ten wealthy + noblemen who will dispute amongst themselves for the honour of making up + for the absence of salary. You have only to make a good choice, and I am + certain that it will not be long before we see you covered with diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “Now I understand you. You suppose some great lord will keep me?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely; and that will be much better than a pension of four hundred + francs, which you would, perhaps, not obtain without making the same + sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + Very much surprised, she looked at me to ascertain whether I was serious + or only jesting. + </p> + <p> + Baletti having left us, I told her it was truly the best thing she could + do, unless she preferred the sad position of waiting-maid to some grand + lady. + </p> + <p> + “I would not be the ‘femme de chambre’ even of the queen.” + </p> + <p> + “And ‘figurante’ at the opera?” + </p> + <p> + “Much rather.” + </p> + <p> + “You are smiling?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for it is enough to make me laugh. I the mistress of a rich + nobleman, who will cover me with diamonds! Well, I mean to choose the + oldest.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right, my dear; only do not make him jealous.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise you to be faithful to him. But shall he find a situation for my + brother? However, until I am at the opera, until I have met with my + elderly lover, who will give me the means to support myself?” + </p> + <p> + “I, my dear girl, my friend Baletti, and all my friends, without other + interest than the pleasure of serving you, but with the hope that you will + live quietly, and that we shall contribute to your happiness. Are you + satisfied?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so; I have promised myself to be guided entirely by your advice, + and I entreat you to remain always my best friend.” + </p> + <p> + We returned to Paris at night, I left Mdlle. Vesian at the hotel, and + accompanied Baletti to his mother’s. At supper-time, my friend begged + Silvia to speak to M. Lani in favour of our ‘protegee’, Silvia said that + it was a much better plan than to solicit a miserable pension which, + perhaps, would not be granted. Then we talked of a project which was then + spoken of, namely to sell all the appointments of ballet girls and of + chorus singers at the opera. There was even some idea of asking a high + price for them, for it was argued that the higher the price the more the + girls would be esteemed. Such a project, in the midst of the scandalous + habits and manners of the time, had a sort of apparent wisdom; for it + would have ennobled in a way a class of women who with very few exceptions + seem to glory in being contemptible. + </p> + <p> + There were, at that time at the opera, several figurantes, singers and + dancers, ugly rather than plain, without any talent, who, in spite of it + all, lived in great comfort; for it is admitted that at the opera a girl + must needs renounce all modesty or starve. But if a girl, newly arrived + there, is clever enough to remain virtuous only for one month, her fortune + is certainly made, because then the noblemen enjoying a reputation of + wisdom and virtue are the only ones who seek to get hold of her. Those men + are delighted to hear their names mentioned in connection with the + newly-arrived beauty; they even go so far as to allow her a few frolics, + provided she takes pride in what they give her, and provided her + infidelities are not too public. Besides, it is the fashion never to go to + sup with one’s mistress without giving her notice of the intended visit, + and everyone must admit that it is a very wise custom. + </p> + <p> + I came back to the hotel towards eleven o’clock, and seeing that Mdlle. + Vesian’s room was still open I went in. She was in bed. + </p> + <p> + “Let me get up,” she said, “for I want to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not disturb yourself; we can talk all the same, and I think you much + prettier as you are.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad of it.” + </p> + <p> + “What have you got to tell me?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, except to speak of the profession I am going to adopt. I am + going to practice virtue in order to find a man who loves it only to + destroy it.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true; but almost everything is like that in this life. Man always + refers everything to himself, and everyone is a tyrant in his own way. I + am pleased to see you becoming a philosopher.” + </p> + <p> + “How can one become a philosopher?” + </p> + <p> + “By thinking.” + </p> + <p> + “Must one think a long while?” + </p> + <p> + “Throughout life.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is never over?” + </p> + <p> + “Never; but one improves as much as possible, and obtains the sum of + happiness which one is susceptible of enjoying.” + </p> + <p> + “And how can that happiness be felt?” + </p> + <p> + “By all the pleasure which the philosopher can procure when he is + conscious of having obtained them by his own exertions, and especially by + getting rid of the many prejudices which make of the majority of men a + troop of grown-up children.” + </p> + <p> + “What is pleasure? What is meant by prejudices?” + </p> + <p> + “Pleasure is the actual enjoyment of our senses; it is a complete + satisfaction given to all our natural and sensual appetites; and, when our + worn-out senses want repose, either to have breathing time, or to recover + strength, pleasure comes from the imagination, which finds enjoyment in + thinking of the happiness afforded by rest. The philosopher is a person + who refuses no pleasures which do not produce greater sorrows, and who + knows how to create new ones.” + </p> + <p> + “And you say that it is done by getting rid of prejudices? Then tell me + what prejudices are, and what must be done to get rid of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Your question, my dear girl, is not an easy one to answer, for moral + philosophy does not know a more important one, or a more difficult one to + decide; it is a lesson which lasts throughout life. I will tell you in a + few words that we call prejudice every so-called duty for the existence of + which we find no reason in nature.” + </p> + <p> + “Then nature must be the philosopher’s principal study?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed it is; the most learned of philosophers is the one who commits the + fewest errors.” + </p> + <p> + “What philosopher, in your opinion, has committed the smallest quantity of + errors?” + </p> + <p> + “Socrates.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet he was in error sometimes?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, in metaphysics.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! never mind that, for I think he could very well manage without that + study.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken; morals are only the metaphysics of physics; nature is + everything, and I give you leave to consider as a madman whoever tells you + that he has made a new discovery in metaphysics. But if I went on, my + dear, I might appear rather obscure to you. Proceed slowly, think; let + your maxims be the consequence of just reasoning, and keep your happiness + in view; in the end you must be happy.” + </p> + <p> + “I prefer the lesson you have just taught me to the one which M. Baletti + will give me to-morrow; for I have an idea that it will weary me, and now + I am much interested.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that you are interested?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I wish you not to leave me.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly, my dear Vesian, never has a philosopher described sympathy better + than you have just done. How happy I feel! How is it that I wish to prove + it by kissing you?” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt because, to be happy, the soul must agree with the senses.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, my divine Vesian? Your intelligence is charming.” + </p> + <p> + “It is your work, dear friend; and I am so grateful to you that I share + your desires.” + </p> + <p> + “What is there to prevent us from satisfying such natural desires? Let us + embrace one another tenderly.” + </p> + <p> + What a lesson in philosophy! It seemed to us such a sweet one, our + happiness was so complete, that at daybreak we were still kissing one + another, and it was only when we parted in the morning that we discovered + that the door of the room had remained open all night. + </p> + <p> + Baletti gave her a few lessons, and she was received at the opera; but she + did not remain there more than two or three months, regulating her conduct + carefully according to the precepts I had laid out for her. She never + received Narbonne again, and at last accepted a nobleman who proved + himself very different from all others, for the first thing he did was to + make her give up the stage, although it was not a thing according to the + fashion of those days. I do not recollect his name exactly; it was Count + of Tressan or Trean. She behaved in a respectable way, and remained with + him until his death. No one speaks of her now, although she is living in + very easy circumstances; but she is fifty-six, and in Paris a woman of + that age is no longer considered as being among the living. + </p> + <p> + After she left the Hotel de Bourgogne, I never spoke to her. Whenever I + met her covered with jewels and diamonds, our souls saluted each other + with joy, but her happiness was too precious for me to make any attempt + against it. Her brother found a situation, but I lost sight of him. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0009" id="linkB2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Beautiful O-Morphi—The Deceitful Painter—I Practice + Cabalism for the Duchess de Chartres—I Leave Paris—My Stay + in Dresden and My Departure from that City +</pre> + <a name="linkBimage-0004" id="linkBimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/2c09.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 9 " /> + </div> + <p> + I went to St. Lawrence’s Fair with my friend Patu, who, taking it into his + head to sup with a Flemish actress known by the name of Morphi, invited me + to go with him. I felt no inclination for the girl, but what can we refuse + to a friend? I did as he wished. After we had supped with the actress, + Patu fancied a night devoted to a more agreeable occupation, and as I did + not want to leave him I asked for a sofa on which I could sleep quietly + during the night. + </p> + <p> + Morphi had a sister, a slovenly girl of thirteen, who told me that if I + would give her a crown she would abandon her bed to me. I agreed to her + proposal, and she took me to a small closet where I found a straw + palliasse on four pieces of wood. + </p> + <p> + “Do you call this a bed, my child?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no other, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I do not want it, and you shall not have the crown.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you intend undressing yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course.” + </p> + <p> + “What an idea! There are no sheets.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you sleep with your clothes on?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, go to bed as usual, and you shall have the crown.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I want to see you undressed.” + </p> + <p> + “But you won’t do anything to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Not the slightest thing.” + </p> + <p> + She undressed, laid herself on her miserable straw bed, and covered + herself with an old curtain. In that state, the impression made by her + dirty tatters disappeared, and I only saw a perfect beauty. But I wanted + to see her entirely. I tried to satisfy my wishes, she opposed some + resistance, but a double crown of six francs made her obedient, and + finding that her only fault was a complete absence of cleanliness, I began + to wash her with my own hands. + </p> + <p> + You will allow me, dear reader, to suppose that you possess a simple and + natural knowledge, namely, that admiration under such circumstances is + inseparable from another kind of approbation; luckily, I found the young + Morphi disposed to let me do all I pleased, except the only thing for + which I did not care! She told me candidly that she would not allow me to + do that one thing, because in her sister’s estimation it was worth + twenty-five louis. I answered that we would bargain on that capital point + another time, but that we would not touch it for the present. Satisfied + with what I said, all the rest was at my disposal, and I found in her a + talent which had attained great perfection in spite of her precocity. + </p> + <p> + The young Helene faithfully handed to her sister the six francs I had + given her, and she told her the way in which she had earned them. Before I + left the house she told me that, as she was in want of money, she felt + disposed to make some abatement on the price of twenty-five louis. I + answered with a laugh that I would see her about it the next day. I + related the whole affair to Patu, who accused me of exaggeration; and + wishing to prove to him that I was a real connoisseur of female beauty I + insisted upon his seeing Helene as I had seen her. He agreed with me that + the chisel of Praxiteles had never carved anything more perfect. As white + as a lily, Helene possessed all the beauties which nature and the art of + the painter can possibly combine. The loveliness of her features was so + heavenly that it carried to the soul an indefinable sentiment of ecstacy, + a delightful calm. She was fair, but her beautiful blue eyes equalled the + finest black eyes in brilliance. + </p> + <p> + I went to see her the next evening, and, not agreeing about the price, I + made a bargain with her sister to give her twelve francs every time I paid + her a visit, and it was agreed that we would occupy her room until I + should make up my mind to pay six hundred francs. It was regular usury, + but the Morphi came from a Greek race, and was above prejudices. I had no + idea of giving such a large sum, because I felt no wish to obtain what it + would have procured me; what I obtained was all I cared for. + </p> + <p> + The elder sister thought I was duped, for in two months I had paid three + hundred francs without having done anything, and she attributed my reserve + to avarice. Avarice, indeed! I took a fancy to possess a painting of that + beautiful body, and a German artist painted it for me splendidly for six + louis. The position in which he painted it was delightful. She was lying + on her stomach, her arms and her bosom leaning on a pillow, and holding + her head sideways as if she were partly on the back. The clever and + tasteful artist had painted her nether parts with so much skill and truth + that no one could have wished for anything more beautiful; I was delighted + with that portrait; it was a speaking likeness, and I wrote under it, + “O-Morphi,” not a Homeric word, but a Greek one after all, and meaning + beautiful. + </p> + <p> + But who can anticipate the wonderful and secret decrees of destiny! My + friend Patu wished to have a copy of that portrait; one cannot refuse such + a slight service to a friend, and I gave an order for it to the same + painter. But the artist, having been summoned to Versailles, shewed that + delightful painting with several others, and M. de St. Quentin found it so + beautiful that he lost no time in shewing it the king. His Most Christian + Majesty, a great connoisseur in that line, wished to ascertain with his + own eyes if the artist had made a faithful copy; and in case the original + should prove as beautiful as the copy, the son of St. Louis knew very well + what to do with it. + </p> + <p> + M. de St. Quentin, the king’s trusty friend, had the charge of that + important affair; it was his province: He enquired from the painter + whether the original could be brought to Versailles, and the artist, not + supposing there would be any difficulty, promised to attend to it. + </p> + <p> + He therefore called on me to communicate the proposal; I thought it was + delightful, and I immediately told the sister, who jumped for joy. She set + to work cleaning, washing and clothing the young beauty, and two or three + days after they went to Versailles with the painter to see what could be + done. M. de St. Quentin’s valet, having received his instructions from his + master, took the two females to a pavilion in the park, and the painter + went to the hotel to await the result of his negotiation. Half an hour + afterwards the king entered the pavilion alone, asked the young O-Morphi + if she was a Greek woman, took the portrait out of his pocket, and after a + careful examination exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “I have never seen a better likeness.” + </p> + <p> + His majesty then sat down, took the young girl on his knees, bestowed a + few caresses on her, and having ascertained with his royal hand that the + fruit had not yet been plucked, he gave her a kiss. + </p> + <p> + O-Morphi was looking attentively at her master, and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “What are you laughing at?” said the king. + </p> + <p> + “I laugh because you and a crown of six francs are as like as two peas.” + </p> + <p> + That naivete made the king laugh heartily, and he asked her whether she + would like to remain in Versailles. + </p> + <p> + “That depends upon my sister,” answered the child. + </p> + <p> + But the sister hastened to tell the king that she could not aspire to a + greater honour. The king locked them up again in the pavilion and went + away, but in less than a quarter of an hour St. Quentin came to fetch + them, placed the young girl in an apartment under the care of a female + attendant, and with the sister he went to meet at the hotel the German + artist to whom he gave fifty Louis for the portrait, and nothing to + Morphi. He only took her address, promising her that she would soon hear + from him; the next day she received one thousand Louis. The worthy German + gave me twenty-five louis for my portrait, with a promise to make a + careful copy of the one I had given to Patu, and he offered to paint for + me gratuitously the likeness of every girl of whom I might wish to keep a + portrait. + </p> + <p> + I enjoyed heartily the pleasure of the good Fleming, when she found + herself in possession of the thousand gold pieces which she had received. + Seeing herself rich, and considering me as the author of her fortune, she + did not know how to shew me her gratitude. + </p> + <p> + The young and lovely O-Morphi—for the king always called her by that + name—pleased the sovereign by her simplicity and her pretty ways + more even than by her rare beauty—the most perfect, the most + regular, I recollect to have ever seen. He placed her in one of the + apartments of his Parc-dux-cerfs—the voluptuous monarch’s harem, in + which no one could get admittance except the ladies presented at the + court. At the end of one year she gave birth to a son who went, like so + many others, God knows where! for as long as Queen Mary lived no one ever + knew what became of the natural children of Louis XV. + </p> + <p> + O-Morphi fell into disgrace at the end of three years, but the king, as he + sent her away, ordered her to receive a sum of four hundred thousand + francs which she brought as a dowry to an officer from Britanny. In 1783, + happening to be in Fontainebleau, I made the acquaintance of a charming + young man of twenty-five, the offspring of that marriage and the living + portrait of his mother, of the history of whom he had not the slightest + knowledge, and I thought it my duty not to enlighten him. I wrote my name + on his tablets, and I begged him to present my compliments to his mother. + </p> + <p> + A wicked trick of Madame de Valentinois, sister-in-law of the Prince of + Monaco, was the cause of O-Morphi’s disgrace. That lady, who was well + known in Paris, told her one day that, if she wished to make the king very + merry, she had only to ask him how he treated his old wife. Too simple to + guess the snare thus laid out for her, O-Morphi actually asked that + impertinent question; but Louis XV. gave her a look of fury, and + exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “Miserable wretch! who taught you to address me that question?” + </p> + <p> + The poor O-Morphi, almost dead with fright, threw herself on her knees, + and confessed the truth. + </p> + <p> + The king left her and never would see her again. The Countess de + Valentinois was exiled for two years from the court. Louis XV., who knew + how wrongly he was behaving towards his wife as a husband, would not + deserve any reproach at her hands as a king, and woe to anyone who forgot + the respect due to the queen! + </p> + <p> + The French are undoubtedly the most witty people in Europe, and perhaps in + the whole world, but Paris is, all the same, the city for impostors and + quacks to make a fortune. When their knavery is found out people turn it + into a joke and laugh, but in the midst of the merriment another + mountebank makes his appearance, who does something more wonderful than + those who preceded him, and he makes his fortune, whilst the scoffing of + the people is in abeyance. It is the unquestionable effects of the power + which fashion has over that amiable, clever, and lively nation. If + anything is astonishing, no matter how extravagant it may be, the crowd is + sure to welcome it greedily, for anyone would be afraid of being taken for + a fool if he should exclaim, “It is impossible!” Physicians are, perhaps, + the only men in France who know that an infinite gulf yawns between the + will and the deed, whilst in Italy it is an axiom known to everybody; but + I do not mean to say that the Italians are superior to the French. + </p> + <p> + A certain painter met with great success for some time by announcing a + thing which was an impossibility—namely, by pretending that he could + take a portrait of a person without seeing the individual, and only from + the description given. But he wanted the description to be thoroughly + accurate. The result of it was that the portrait did greater honour to the + person who gave the description than to the painter himself, but at + the same time the informer found himself under the obligation of finding + the likeness very good; otherwise the artist alleged the most legitimate + excuse, and said that if the likeness was not perfect the fault was to be + ascribed to the person who had given an imperfect description. + </p> + <p> + One evening I was taking supper at Silvia’s when one of the guests spoke + of that wonderful new artist, without laughing, and with every appearance + of believing the whole affair. + </p> + <p> + “That painter,” added he, “has already painted more than one hundred + portraits, and they are all perfect likenesses.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody was of the same opinion; it was splendid. I was the only one + who, laughing heartily, took the liberty of saying it was absurd and + impossible. The gentleman who had brought the wonderful news, feeling + angry, proposed a wager of one hundred louis. I laughed all the more + because his offer could not be accepted unless I exposed myself to being + made a dupe. + </p> + <p> + “But the portraits are all admirable likenesses.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not believe it, or if they are then there must be cheating + somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + But the gentleman, being bent upon convincing Silvia and me—for she + had taken my part proposed to make us dine with the artist; and we + accepted. + </p> + <p> + The next day we called upon the painter, where we saw a quantity of + portraits, all of which the artist claimed to be speaking likenesses; as + we did not know the persons whom they represented we could not deny his + claim. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Silvia to the artist, “could you paint the likeness of my + daughter without seeing her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam, if you are certain of giving me an exact description of the + expression of her features.” + </p> + <p> + We exchanged a glance, and no more was said about it. The painter told us + that supper was his favourite meal, and that he would be delighted if we + would often give him the pleasure of our company. Like all quacks, he + possessed an immense quantity of letters and testimonials from Bordeaux, + Toulouse, Lyons, Rouen, etc., which paid the highest compliments to the + perfection of his portraits, or gave descriptions for new pictures ordered + from him. His portraits, by the way, had to be paid for in advance. + </p> + <p> + Two or three days afterwards I met his pretty niece, who obligingly + upbraided me for not having yet availed myself of her uncle’s invitation + to supper; the niece was a dainty morsel worthy of a king, and, her + reproaches being very flattering to my vanity I promised I would come the + next day. In less than a week it turned out a serious engagement. I fell + in love with the interesting niece, who, being full of wit and well + disposed to enjoy herself, had no love for me, and granted me no favour. I + hoped, and, feeling that I was caught, I felt it was the only thing I + could do. + </p> + <p> + One day that I was alone in my room, drinking my coffee and thinking of + her, the door was suddenly opened without anyone being announced, and a + young man came in. I did not recollect him, but, without giving me time to + ask any questions, he said to me, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I have had the honour of meeting you at the supper-table of M. + Samson, the painter.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes; I beg you to excuse me, sir, I did not at first recollect you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is natural, for your eyes are always on Mdlle. Samson.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely, but you must admit that she is a charming creature.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no difficulty whatever in agreeing with you; to my misery, I know + it but too well.” + </p> + <p> + “You are in love with her?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, yes! and I say, again, to my misery.” + </p> + <p> + “To your misery? But why, do not you gain her love?” + </p> + <p> + “That is the very thing I have been striving for since last year, and I + was beginning to have some hope when your arrival has reduced me to + despair.” + </p> + <p> + “I have reduced you to despair?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry, but I cannot help it.” + </p> + <p> + “You could easily help it; and, if you would allow me, I could suggest to + you the way in which you could greatly oblige me.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak candidly.” + </p> + <p> + “You might never put your foot in the house again.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a rather singular proposal, but I agree that it is truly the only + thing I can do if I have a real wish to oblige you. Do you think, however, + that in that case you would succeed in gaining her affection?” + </p> + <p> + “Then it will be my business to succeed. Do not go there again, and I will + take care of the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “I might render you that very great service; but you must confess that you + must have a singular opinion of me to suppose that I am a man to do such a + thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I admit that it may appear singular; but I take you for a man + of great sense and sound intellect, and after considering the subject + deeply I have thought that you would put yourself in my place; that you + would not wish to make me miserable, or to expose your own life for a + young girl who can have inspired you with but a passing fancy, whilst my + only wish is to secure the happiness or the misery of my life, whichever + it may prove, by uniting her existence with mine.” + </p> + <p> + “But suppose that I should intend, like you, to ask her in marriage?” + </p> + <p> + “Then we should both be worthy of pity, and one of us would have ceased to + exist before the other obtained her, for as long as I shall live Mdlle. + Samson shall not be the wife of another.” + </p> + <p> + This young man, well-made, pale, grave, as cold as a piece of marble, + madly in love, who, in his reason mixed with utter despair, came to speak + to me in such a manner with the most surprising calm, made me pause and + consider. Undoubtedly I was not afraid, but although in love with Mdlle. + Samson I did not feel my passion sufficiently strong to cut the throat of + a man for the sake of her beautiful eyes, or to lose my own life to defend + my budding affection. Without answering the young man, I began to pace up + and down my room, and for a quarter of an hour I weighed the following + question which I put to myself: Which decision will appear more manly in + the eyes of my rival and will win my own esteem to the deeper degree, + namely to accept coolly his offer to cut one another’s throats, or to + allay his anxiety by withdrawing from the field with dignity? + </p> + <p> + Pride whispered, Fight; Reason said, Compel thy rival to acknowledge thee + a wiser man than he is. + </p> + <p> + “What would you think of me, sir,” I said to him, with an air of decision, + “if I consented to give up my visits to Mdlle. Samson?” + </p> + <p> + “I would think that you had pity on a miserable man, and I say that in + that case you will ever find me ready to shed the last drop of my blood to + prove my deep gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Garnier, I am the only son of M. Garnier, wine merchant in the + Rue de Seine.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, M. Garnier, I will never again call on Mdlle. Samson. Let us be + friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Until death. Farewell, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Adieu, be happy!” + </p> + <p> + Patu came in five minutes after Garnier had left me: I related the + adventure to him, and he thought I was a hero. + </p> + <p> + “I would have acted as you have done,” he observed, “but I would not have + acted like Garnier.” + </p> + <p> + It was about that time that the Count de Melfort, colonel of the Orleans + regiment, entreated me through Camille, Coraline’s sister, to answer two + questions by means of my cabalism. I gave two answers very vague, yet + meaning a great deal; I put them under a sealed envelope and gave them to + Camille, who asked me the next day to accompany her to a place which she + said she could not name to me. I followed her; she took me to the + Palais-Royal, and then, through a narrow staircase, to the apartments of + the Duchess de Chartres. I waited about a quarter of an hour, at the end + of which time the duchess came in and loaded Camille with caresses for + having brought me. Then addressing herself to me, she told me, with + dignity yet very graciously, the difficulty she experienced in + understanding the answers I had sent and which she was holding in her + hand. At first I expressed some perplexity at the questions having + emanated from her royal highness, and I told her afterwards that I + understood cabalism, but that I could not interpret the meaning of the + answers obtained through it, and that her highness must ask new questions + likely to render the answers easier to be understood. She wrote down all + she could not make out and all she wanted to know. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, you must be kind enough to divide the questions, for the + cabalistic oracle never answers two questions at the same time.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, prepare the questions yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Your highness will excuse me, but every word must be written with your + own hand. Recollect, madam, that you will address yourself to a superior + intelligence knowing all your secrets” + </p> + <p> + She began to write, and asked seven or eight questions. She read them over + carefully, and said, with a face beaming with noble confidence, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I wish to be certain that no one shall ever know what I have just + written.” + </p> + <p> + “Your highness may rely on my honour.” + </p> + <p> + I read attentively, and I saw that her wish for secrecy was reasonable, + and that if I put the questions in my pocket I should run the risk of + losing them and implicating myself. + </p> + <p> + “I only require three hours to complete my task,” I said to the duchess, + “and I wish your highness to feel no anxiety. If you have any other + engagement you can leave me here alone, provided I am not disturbed by + anybody. When it is completed, I will put it all in a sealed envelope; I + only want your highness to tell me to whom I must deliver the parcel.” + </p> + <p> + “Either to me or to Madame de Polignac, if you know her.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam, I have the honour to know her.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess handed me a small tinder-box to enable me to light a + wax-candle, and she went away with Camille. I remained alone locked up in + the room, and at the end of three hours, just as I had completed my task, + Madame de Polignac came for the parcel and I left the palace. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess de Chartres, daughter of the Prince of Conti, was twenty-six + years of age. She was endowed with that particular sort of wit which + renders a woman adorable. She was lively, above the prejudices of rank, + cheerful, full of jest, a lover of pleasure, which she preferred to a long + life. “Short and sweet,” were the words she had constantly on her lips. + She was pretty but she stood badly, and used to laugh at Marcel, the + teacher of graceful deportment, who wanted to correct her awkward bearing. + She kept her head bent forward and her feet turned inside when dancing; + yet she was a charming dancer. Unfortunately her face was covered with + pimples, which injured her beauty very greatly. Her physicians thought + that they were caused by a disease of the liver, but they came from + impurity of the blood, which at last killed her, and from which she + suffered throughout her life. + </p> + <p> + The questions she had asked from my oracle related to affairs connected + with her heart, and she wished likewise to know how she could get rid of + the blotches which disfigured her. My answers were rather obscure in such + matters as I was not specially acquainted with, but they were very clear + concerning her disease, and my oracle became precious and necessary to her + highness. + </p> + <p> + The next day, after dinner, Camille wrote me a note, as I expected, + requesting me to give up all other engagements in order to present myself + at five o’clock at the Palais-Royal, in the same room in which the duchess + had already received me the day before. I was punctual. + </p> + <p> + An elderly valet de chambre, who was waiting for me, immediately went to + give notice of my arrival, and five minutes after the charming princess + made her appearance. After addressing me in a very complimentary manner, + she drew all my answers from her pocket, and enquired whether I had any + pressing engagements. + </p> + <p> + “Your highness may be certain that I shall never have any more important + business than to attend to your wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; I do not intend to go out, and we can work.” + </p> + <p> + She then shewed me all the questions which she had already prepared on + different subjects, and particularly those relating to the cure of her + pimples. One circumstance had contributed to render my oracle precious to + her, because nobody could possibly know it, and I had guessed it. Had I + not done so, I daresay it would have been all the same. I had laboured + myself under the same disease, and I was enough of a physician to be aware + that to attempt the cure of a cutaneous disease by active remedies might + kill the patient. + </p> + <p> + I had already answered that she could not get rid of the pimples on her + face in less than a week, but that a year of diet would be necessary to + effect a radical cure. + </p> + <p> + We spent three hours in ascertaining what she was to do, and, believing + implicitly in the power and in the science of the oracle, she undertook to + follow faithfully everything ordered. Within one week all the ugly pimples + had entirely disappeared. + </p> + <p> + I took care to purge her slightly; I prescribed every day what she was to + eat, and forbade the use of all cosmetics; I only advised her to wash + herself morning and evening with plantain water. The modest oracle told + the princess to make use of the same water for her ablutions of every part + of her body where she desired to obtain the same result, and she obeyed + the prescription religiously. + </p> + <p> + I went to the opera on purpose on the day when the duchess shewed herself + there with a smooth and rosy skin. After the opera, she took a walk in the + great alley of the Palais-Royal, followed by the ladies of her suite and + flattered by everybody. She saw me, and honoured me with a smile. I was + truly happy. Camille, Madame de Polignac, and M. de Melfort were the only + persons who knew that I was the oracle of the duchess, and I enjoyed my + success. But the next day a few pimples reappeared on her beautiful + complexion, and I received an order to repair at once to the Palais-Royal. + </p> + <p> + The valet, who did not know me, shewed me into a delightful boudoir near a + closet in which there was a bath. The duchess came in; she looked sad, for + she had several small pimples on the forehead and the chin. She held in + her hand a question for the oracle, and as it was only a short one I + thought it would give her the pleasure of finding the answer by herself. + The numbers translated by the princess reproached her with having + transgressed the regimen prescribed; she confessed to having drunk some + liquors and eaten some ham; but she was astounded at having found that + answer herself, and she could not understand how such an answer could + result from an agglomeration of numbers. At that moment, one of her women + came in to whisper a few words to her; she told her to wait outside, and + turning towards me, she said, + </p> + <p> + “Have you any objection to seeing one of your friends who is as delicate + as discreet?” + </p> + <p> + With these words, she hastily concealed in her pocket all the papers which + did not relate to her disease; then she called out. + </p> + <p> + A man entered the room, whom I took for a stableboy; it was M. de Melfort. + </p> + <p> + “See,” said the princess to him, “M. Casanova has taught me the cabalistic + science.” + </p> + <p> + And she shewed him the answer she had obtained herself. The count could + not believe it. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the duchess to me, “we must convince him. What shall I ask?” + </p> + <p> + “Anything your highness chooses.” + </p> + <p> + She considered for one instant, and, drawing from her pocket a small ivory + box, she wrote, “Tell me why this pomatum has no longer any effect” + </p> + <p> + She formed the pyramid, the columns, and the key, as I had taught her, and + as she was ready to get the answer, I told her how to make the additions + and subtractions which seem to come from the numbers, but which in reality + are only arbitrary; then I told her to interpret the numbers in letters, + and I left the room under some pretext. I came back when I thought that + she had completed her translation, and I found her wrapped in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir!” she exclaimed, “what an answer!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it is not the right one; but that will sometimes happen, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Not the right one, sir? It is divine! Here it is: That pomatum has no + effect upon the skin of a woman who has been a mother.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not see anything extraordinary in that answer, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely, sir, but it is because you do not know that the pomatum in + question was given to me five years ago by the Abbe de Brosses; it cured + me at that time, but it was ten months before the birth of the Duke de + Montpensier. I would give anything in the world to be thoroughly + acquainted with that sublime cabalistic science.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said the count, “is it the pomatum the history of which I know?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely.” + </p> + <p> + “It is astonishing.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish to ask one more question concerning a woman the name of whom I + would rather not give.” + </p> + <p> + “Say the woman whom I have in my thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + She then asked this question: “What disease is that woman suffering from?” + She made the calculation, and the answer which I made her bring forth was + this: “She wants to deceive her husband.” This time the duchess fairly + screamed with astonishment. + </p> + <p> + It was getting very late, and I was preparing to take leave, when M. de + Melfort, who was speaking to her highness, told me that we might go + together. When we were out, he told me that the cabalistic answer + concerning the pomatum was truly wonderful. This was the history of it: + </p> + <p> + “The duchess, pretty as you see her now, had her face so fearfully covered + with pimples that the duke, thoroughly disgusted, had not the courage to + come near her to enjoy his rights as a husband, and the poor princess was + pining with useless longing to become a mother. The Abbe de Brosses cured + her with that pomatum, and her beautiful face having entirely recovered it + original bloom she made her appearance at the Theatre Francais, in the + queen’s box. The Duke de Chartres, not knowing that his wife had gone to + the theatre, where she went but very seldom, was in the king’s box. He did + not recognize the duchess, but thinking her very handsome he enquired who + she was, and when he was told he would not believe it; he left the royal + box, went to his wife, complimented her, and announced his visit for the + very same night. The result of that visit was, nine months afterwards, the + birth of the Duke of Montpensier, who is now five years old and enjoys + excellent health. During the whole of her pregnancy the duchess kept her + face smooth and blooming, but immediately after her delivery the pimples + reappeared, and the pomatum remained without any effect.” + </p> + <p> + As he concluded his explanation, the count offered me a tortoise-shell box + with a very good likeness of her royal highness, and said, + </p> + <p> + “The duchess begs your acceptance of this portrait, and, in case you would + like to have it set she wishes you to make use of this for that purpose.” + </p> + <p> + It was a purse of one hundred Louis. I accepted both, and entreated the + count to offer the expressions of my profound gratitude to her highness. I + never had the portrait mounted, for I was then in want of money for some + other purpose. + </p> + <p> + After that, the duchess did me the honour of sending for me several times; + but her cure remained altogether out of the question; she could not make + up her mind to follow a regular diet. She would sometimes keep me at work + for five or six hours, now in one corner, now in another, going in and out + herself all the time, and having either dinner or supper brought to me by + the old valet, who never uttered a word. + </p> + <p> + Her questions to the oracle alluded only to secret affairs which she was + curious to know, and she often found truths with which I was not myself + acquainted, through the answers. She wished me to teach her the cabalistic + science, but she never pressed her wish upon me. She, however, + commissioned M. de Melfort to tell me that, if I would teach her, she + would get me an appointment with an income of twenty-five thousand francs. + Alas! it was impossible! I was madly in love with her, but I would not for + the world have allowed her to guess my feelings. My pride was the + corrective of my love. I was afraid of her haughtiness humiliating me, and + perhaps I was wrong. All I know is that I even now repent of having + listened to a foolish pride. It is true that I enjoyed certain privileges + which she might have refused me if she had known my love. + </p> + <p> + One day she wished my oracle to tell her whether it was possible to cure a + cancer which Madame de la Popeliniere had in the breast; I took it in my + head to answer that the lady alluded to had no cancer, and was enjoying + excellent health. + </p> + <p> + “How is that?” said the duchess; “everyone in Paris believes her to be + suffering from a cancer, and she has consultation upon consultation. Yet I + have faith in the oracle.” + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards, seeing the Duke de Richelieu at the court, she told him + she was certain that Madame de la Popeliniere was not ill. The marshal, + who knew the secret, told her that she was mistaken; but she proposed a + wager of a hundred thousand francs. I trembled when the duchess related + the conversation to me. + </p> + <p> + “Has he accepted your wages?” I enquired, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “No; he seemed surprised; you are aware that he ought to know the truth.” + </p> + <p> + Three or four days after that conversation, the duchess told me + triumphantly that M. de Richelieu had confessed to her that the cancer was + only a ruse to excite the pity of her husband, with whom Madame de la + Popeliniere wanted to live again on good terms; she added that the marshal + had expressed his willingness to pay one thousand Louis to know how she + had discovered the truth. + </p> + <p> + “If you wish to earn that sum,” said the duchess to me, “I will tell him + all about it.” + </p> + <p> + But I was afraid of a snare; I knew the temper of the marshal, and the + story of the hole in the wall through which he introduced himself into + that lady’s apartment, was the talk of all Paris. M. de la Popeliniere + himself had made the adventure more public by refusing to live with his + wife, to whom he paid an income of twelve thousand francs. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess de Chartres had written some charming poetry on that amusing + affair; but out of her own coterie no one knew it except the king, who was + fond of the princess, although she was in the habit of scoffing at him. + One day, for instance, she asked him whether it was true that the king of + Prussia was expected in Paris. Louis XV. having answered that it was an + idle rumour, + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry,” she said, “for I am longing to see a king.” + </p> + <p> + My brother had completed several pictures and having decided on presenting + one to M. de Marigny, we repaired one morning to the apartment of that + nobleman, who lived in the Louvre, where all the artists were in the habit + of paying their court to him. We were shewn into a hall adjoining his + private apartment, and having arrived early we waited for M. de Marigny. + My brother’s picture was exposed there; it was a battle piece in the style + of Bourguignon. + </p> + <p> + The first person who passed through the room stopped before the picture, + examined it attentively, and moved on, evidently thinking that it was a + poor painting; a moment afterwards two more persons came in, looked at the + picture, smiled, and said, + </p> + <p> + “That’s the work of a beginner.” + </p> + <p> + I glanced at my brother, who was seated near me; he was in a fever. In + less than a quarter of an hour the room was full of people, and the + unfortunate picture was the butt of everybody’s laughter. My poor brother + felt almost dying, and thanked his stars that no one knew him personally. + </p> + <p> + The state of his mind was such that I heartily pitied him; I rose with the + intention of going to some other room, and to console him I told him that + M. de Marigny would soon come, and that his approbation of the picture + would avenge him for the insults of the crowd. Fortunately, this was not + my brother’s opinion; we left the room hurriedly, took a coach, went home, + and sent our servant to fetch back the painting. As soon as it had been + brought back my brother made a battle of it in real earnest, for he cut it + up with a sword into twenty pieces. He made up his mind to settle his + affairs in Paris immediately, and to go somewhere else to study an art + which he loved to idolatry; we resolved on going to Dresden together. + </p> + <p> + Two or three days before leaving the delightful city of Paris I dined + alone at the house of the gate-keeper of the Tuileries; his name was + Conde. After dinner his wife, a rather pretty woman, presented me the + bill, on which every item was reckoned at double its value. I pointed it + out to her, but she answered very curtly that she could not abate one sou. + I paid, and as the bill was receipted with the words ‘femme Conde’, I took + the pen and to the word ‘Conde’ I added ‘labre’, and I went away leaving + the bill on the table. + </p> + <p> + I was taking a walk in the Tuileries, not thinking any more of my female + extortioner, when a small man, with his hat cocked on one side of his head + and a large nosegay in his button-hole, and sporting a long sword, + swaggered up to me and informed me, without any further explanation, that + he had a fancy to cut my throat. + </p> + <p> + “But, my small specimen of humanity,” I said, “you would require to jump + on a chair to reach my throat. I will cut your ears.” + </p> + <p> + “Sacre bleu, monsieur!” + </p> + <p> + “No vulgar passion, my dear sir; follow me; you shall soon be satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + I walked rapidly towards the Porte de l’Etoile, where, seeing that the + place was deserted, I abruptly asked the fellow what he wanted, and why he + had attacked me. + </p> + <p> + “I am the Chevalier de Talvis,” he answered. “You have insulted an honest + woman who is under my protection; unsheath!” + </p> + <p> + With these words he drew his long sword; I unsheathed mine; after a minute + or two I lunged rapidly, and wounded him in the breast. He jumped + backward, exclaiming that I had wounded him treacherously. + </p> + <p> + “You lie, you rascally mannikin! acknowledge it, or I thrust my sword + through your miserable body.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not do it, for I am wounded; but I insist upon having my + revenge, and we will leave the decision of this to competent judges.” + </p> + <p> + “Miserable wrangler, wretched fighter, if you are not satisfied, I will + cut off your ears!” + </p> + <p> + I left him there, satisfied that I had acted according to the laws of the + duello, for he had drawn his sword before me, and if he had not been + skilful enough to cover himself in good time, it was not, of course, my + business to teach him. Towards the middle of August I left Paris with my + brother. I had made a stay of two years in that city, the best in the + world. I had enjoyed myself greatly, and had met with no unpleasantness + except that I had been now and then short of money. We went through Metz, + Mayence, and Frankfort, and arrived in Dresden at the end of the same + month. My mother offered us the most affectionate welcome, and was + delighted to see us again. My brother remained four years in that pleasant + city, constantly engaged in the study of his art, and copying all the fine + paintings of battles by the great masters in the celebrated Electoral + Gallery. + </p> + <p> + He went back to Paris only when he felt certain that he could set + criticism at defiance; I shall say hereafter how it was that we both + reached that city about the same time. But before that period, dear, + reader, you will see what good and adverse fortune did for or against me. + </p> + <p> + My life in Dresden until the end of the carnival in 1753 does not offer + any extraordinary adventure. To please the actors, and especially my + mother, I wrote a kind of melodrama, in which I brought out two + harlequins. It was a parody of the ‘Freres Ennemis’, by Racine. The king + was highly amused at the comic fancies which filled my play, and he made + me a beautiful present. The king was grand and generous, and these + qualities found a ready echo in the breast of the famous Count de Bruhl. I + left Dresden soon after that, bidding adieu to my mother, to my brother + Francois, and to my sister, then the wife of Pierre Auguste, chief player + of the harpsichord at the Court, who died two years ago, leaving his widow + and family in comfortable circumstances. + </p> + <p> + My stay in Dresden was marked by an amorous souvenir of which I got rid, + as in previous similar circumstances, by a diet of six weeks. I have often + remarked that the greatest part of my life was spent in trying to make + myself ill, and when I had succeeded, in trying to recover my health. I + have met with equal success in both things; and now that I enjoy excellent + health in that line, I am very sorry to be physically unable to make + myself ill again; but age, that cruel and unavoidable disease, compels me + to be in good health in spite of myself. The illness I allude to, which + the Italians call ‘mal francais’, although we might claim the honour of + its first importation, does not shorten life, but it leaves indelible + marks on the face. Those scars, less honourable perhaps than those which + are won in the service of Mars, being obtained through pleasure, ought not + to leave any regret behind. + </p> + <p> + In Dresden I had frequent opportunities of seeing the king, who was very + fond of the Count de Bruhl, his minister, because that favourite possessed + the double secret of shewing himself more extravagant even than his + master, and of indulging all his whims. + </p> + <p> + Never was a monarch a greater enemy to economy; he laughed heartily when + he was plundered and he spent a great deal in order to have occasion to + laugh often. As he had not sufficient wit to amuse himself with the + follies of other kings and with the absurdities of humankind, he kept four + buffoons, who are called fools in Germany, although these degraded beings + are generally more witty than their masters. The province of those jesters + is to make their owner laugh by all sorts of jokes which are usually + nothing but disgusting tricks, or low, impertinent jests. + </p> + <p> + Yet these professional buffoons sometimes captivate the mind of their + master to such an extent that they obtain from him very important favours + in behalf of the persons they protect, and the consequence is that they + are often courted by the highest families. Where is the man who will not + debase himself if he be in want? Does not Agamemnon say, in Homer, that in + such a case man must necessarily be guilty of meanness? And Agamemnon and + Homer lived long before our time! It evidently proves that men are at all + times moved by the same motive-namely, self-interest. + </p> + <p> + It is wrong to say that the Count de Bruhl was the ruin of Saxony, for he + was only the faithful minister of his royal master’s inclinations. His + children are poor, and justify their father’s conduct. + </p> + <p> + The court at Dresden was at that time the most brilliant in Europe; the + fine arts flourished, but there was no gallantry, for King Augustus had no + inclination for the fair sex, and the Saxons were not of a nature to be + thus inclined unless the example was set by their sovereign. + </p> + <p> + At my arrival in Prague, where I did not intend to stop, I delivered a + letter I had for Locatelli, manager of the opera, and went to pay a visit + to Madame Morelli, an old acquaintance, for whom I had great affection, + and for two or three days she supplied all the wants of my heart. + </p> + <p> + As I was on the point of leaving Prague, I met in the street my friend + Fabris, who had become a colonel, and he insisted upon my dining with him. + After embracing him, I represented to him, but in vain, that I had made + all my arrangements to go away immediately. + </p> + <p> + “You will go this evening,” he said, “with a friend of mine, and you will + catch the coach.” + </p> + <p> + I had to give way, and I was delighted to have done so, for the remainder + of the day passed in the most agreeable manner. Fabris was longing for + war, and his wishes were gratified two years afterwards; he covered + himself with glory. + </p> + <p> + I must say one word about Locatelli, who was an original character well + worthy to be known. He took his meals every day at a table laid out for + thirty persons, and the guests were his actors, actresses, dancers of both + sexes, and a few friends. He did the honours of his well-supplied board + nobly, and his real passion was good living. I shall have occasion to + mention him again at the time of my journey to St. Petersburg, where I met + him, and where he died only lately at the age of ninety. + </p> + <a name="linkB2H_4_0012" id="linkB2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode7" id="linkepisode7"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 7 — VENICE + </h2> + <a name="linkB2HCH0010" id="linkB2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Stay in Vienna—Joseph II—My Departure for Venice +</pre> + <p> + Arrived, for the first time, in the capital of Austria, at the age of + eight-and-twenty, well provided with clothes, but rather short of money—a + circumstance which made it necessary for me to curtail my expenses until + the arrival of the proceeds of a letter of exchange which I had drawn upon + M. de Bragadin. The only letter of recommendation I had was from the poet + Migliavacca, of Dresden, addressed to the illustrious Abbe Metastasio, + whom I wished ardently to know. I delivered the letter the day after my + arrival, and in one hour of conversation I found him more learned than I + should have supposed from his works. Besides, Metastasio was so modest + that at first I did not think that modesty natural, but it was not long + before I discovered that it was genuine, for when he recited something of + his own composition, he was the first to call the attention of his hearers + to the important parts or to the fine passages with as much simplicity as + he would remark the weak ones. I spoke to him of his tutor Gravina, and as + we were on that subject he recited to me five or six stanzas which he had + written on his death, and which had not been printed. Moved by the + remembrance of his friend, and by the sad beauty of his own poetry, his + eyes were filled with tears, and when he had done reciting the stanzas he + said, in a tone of touching simplicity, ‘Ditemi il vero, si puo air + meglio’? + </p> + <p> + I answered that he alone had the right to believe it impossible. I then + asked him whether he had to work a great deal to compose his beautiful + poetry; he shewed me four or five pages which he had covered with erasures + and words crossed and scratched out only because he had wished to bring + fourteen lines to perfection, and he assured me that he had never been + able to compose more than that number in one day. He confirmed my + knowledge of a truth which I had found out before, namely, that the very + lines which most readers believe to have flowed easily from the poet’s pen + are generally those which he has had the greatest difficulty in composing. + </p> + <p> + “Which of your operas,” I enquired, “do you like best?” + </p> + <p> + “‘Attilio Regolo; ma questo non vuol gia dire che sia il megliore’.” + </p> + <p> + “All your works have been translated in Paris into French prose, but the + publisher was ruined, for it is not possible to read them, and it proves + the elevation and the power of your poetry.” + </p> + <p> + “Several years ago, another foolish publisher ruined himself by a + translation into French prose of the splendid poetry of Ariosto. I laugh + at those who maintain that poetry can be translated into prose.” + </p> + <p> + “I am of your opinion.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are right.” + </p> + <p> + He told me that he had never written an arietta without composing the + music of it himself, but that as a general rule he never shewed his music + to anyone. + </p> + <p> + “The French,” he added, “entertain the very strange belief that it is + possible to adapt poetry to music already composed.” + </p> + <p> + And he made on that subject this very philosophical remark: + </p> + <p> + “You might just as well say to a sculptor, ‘Here is a piece of marble, + make a Venus, and let her expression be shewn before the features are + chiselled.’” + </p> + <p> + I went to the Imperial Library, and was much surprised to meet De la Haye + in the company of two Poles, and a young Venetian whom his father had + entrusted to him to complete his education. I believed him to be in + Poland, and as the meeting recalled interesting recollections I was + pleased to see him. I embraced him repeatedly with real pleasure. + </p> + <p> + He told me that he was in Vienna on business, and that he would go to + Venice during the summer. We paid one another several visits, and hearing + that I was rather short of money he lent me fifty ducats, which I returned + a short time after. He told me that Bavois was already lieutenant-colonel + in the Venetian army, and the news afforded me great pleasure. He had been + fortunate enough to be appointed adjutant-general by M. Morosini, who, + after his return from his embassy in France, had made him Commissary of + the Borders. I was delighted to hear of the happiness and success of two + men who certainly could not help acknowledging me as the original cause of + their good fortune. In Vienna I acquired the certainty of De la Haye being + a Jesuit, but he would not let anyone allude to the subject. + </p> + <p> + Not knowing where to go, and longing for some recreation, I went to the + rehearsal of the opera which was to be performed after Easter, and met + Bodin, the first dancer, who had married the handsome Jeoffroi, whom I had + seen in Turin. I likewise met in the same place Campioni, the husband of + the beautiful Ancilla. He told me that he had been compelled to apply for + a divorce because she dishonoured him too publicly. Campioni was at the + same time a great dancer and a great gambler. I took up my lodgings with + him. + </p> + <p> + In Vienna everything is beautiful; money was then very plentiful, and + luxury very great; but the severity of the empress made the worship of + Venus difficult, particularly for strangers. A legion of vile spies, who + were decorated with the fine title of Commissaries of Chastity, were the + merciless tormentors of all the girls. The empress did not practise the + sublime virtue of tolerance for what is called illegitimate love, and in + her excessive devotion she thought that her persecutions of the most + natural inclinations in man and woman were very agreeable to God. Holding + in her imperial hands the register of cardinal sins, she fancied that she + could be indulgent for six of them, and keep all her severity for the + seventh, lewdness, which in her estimation could not be forgiven. + </p> + <p> + “One can ignore pride,” she would say, “for dignity wears the same garb. + Avarice is fearful, it is true; but one might be mistaken about it, + because it is often very like economy. As for anger, it is a murderous + disease in its excess, but murder is punishable with death. Gluttony is + sometimes nothing but epicurism, and religion does not forbid that sin; + for in good company it is held a valuable quality; besides, it blends + itself with appetite, and so much the worse for those who die of + indigestion. Envy is a low passion which no one ever avows; to punish it + in any other way than by its own corroding venom, I would have to torture + everybody at Court; and weariness is the punishment of sloth. But lust is + a different thing altogether; my chaste soul could not forgive such a sin, + and I declare open war against it. My subjects are at liberty to think + women handsome as much as they please; women may do all in their power to + appear beautiful; people may entertain each other as they like, because I + cannot forbid conversation; but they shall not gratify desires on which + the preservation of the human race depends, unless it is in the holy state + of legal marriage. Therefore, all the miserable creatures who live by the + barter of their caresses and of the charms given to them by nature shall + be sent to Temeswar. I am aware that in Rome people are very indulgent on + that point, and that, in order to prevent another greater crime (which is + not prevented), every cardinal has one or more mistresses, but in Rome the + climate requires certain concessions which are not necessary here, where + the bottle and the pipe replace all pleasures. (She might have added, and + the table, for the Austrians are known to be terrible eaters.) + </p> + <p> + “I will have no indulgence either for domestic disorders, for the moment I + hear that a wife is unfaithful to her husband, I will have her locked up, + in spite of all, in spite of the generally received opinion that the + husband is the real judge and master of his wife; that privilege cannot be + granted in my kingdom where husbands are by far too indifferent on that + subject. Fanatic husbands may complain as much as they please that I + dishonour them by punishing their wives; they are dishonoured already by + the fact of the woman’s infidelity.” + </p> + <p> + “But, madam, dishonour rises in reality only from the fact of infidelity + being made public; besides, you might be deceived, although you are + empress.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that, but that is no business of yours, and I do not grant you the + right of contradicting me.” + </p> + <p> + Such is the way in which Maria Teresa would have argued, and + notwithstanding the principle of virtue from which her argument had + originated, it had ultimately given birth to all the infamous deeds which + her executioners, the Commissaries of Chastity, committed with impunity + under her name. At every hour of the day, in all the streets of Vienna, + they carried off and took to prison the poor girls who happened to live + alone, and very often went out only to earn an honest living. I should + like to know how it was possible to know that a girl was going to some man + to get from him consolations for her miserable position, or that she was + in search of someone disposed to offer her those consolations? Indeed, it + was difficult. A spy would follow them at a distance. The police + department kept a crowd of those spies, and as the scoundrels wore no + particular uniform, it was impossible to know them; as a natural + consequence, there was a general distrust of all strangers. If a girl + entered a house, the spy who had followed her, waited for her, stopped her + as she came out, and subjected her to an interrogatory. If the poor + creature looked uneasy, if she hesitated in answering in such a way as to + satisfy the spy, the fellow would take her to prison; in all cases + beginning by plundering her of whatever money or jewellery she carried + about her person, and the restitution of which could never be obtained. + Vienna was, in that respect a true den of privileged thieves. It happened + to me one day in Leopoldstadt that in the midst of some tumult a girl + slipped in my hand a gold watch to secure it from the clutches of a + police-spy who was pressing upon her to take her up. I did not know the + poor girl, whom I was fortunate enough to see again one month afterwards. + She was pretty, and she had been compelled to more than one sacrifice in + order to obtain her liberty. I was glad to be able to hand her watch back + to her, and although she was well worthy of a man’s attention I did not + ask her for anything to reward my faithfulness. The only way in which + girls could walk unmolested in the streets was to go about with their head + bent down with beads in hand, for in that case the disgusting brood of + spies dared not arrest them, because they might be on their way to church, + and Maria Teresa would certainly have sent to the gallows the spy guilty + of such a mistake. + </p> + <p> + Those low villains rendered a stay in Vienna very unpleasant to + foreigners, and it was a matter of the greatest difficulty to gratify the + slightest natural want without running the risk of being annoyed. One day + as I was standing close to the wall in a narrow street, I was much + astonished at hearing myself rudely addressed by a scoundrel with a round + wig, who told me that, if I did not go somewhere else to finish what I had + begun, he would have me arrested! + </p> + <p> + “And why, if you please?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, on your left, there is a woman who can see you.” + </p> + <p> + I lifted up my head, and I saw on the fourth story, a woman who, with the + telescope she had applied to her eye, could have told whether I was a Jew + or a Christian. I obeyed, laughing heartily, and related the adventure + everywhere; but no one was astonished, because the same thing happened + over and over again every day. + </p> + <p> + In order to study the manners and habits of the people, I took my meals in + all sorts of places. One day, having gone with Campioni to dine at “The + Crawfish,” I found, to my great surprise, sitting at the table d’hote, + that Pepe il Cadetto, whose acquaintance I had made at the time of my + arrest in the Spanish army, and whom I had met afterwards in Venice and in + Lyons, under the name of Don Joseph Marcati. Campioni, who had been his + partner in Lyons, embraced him, talked with him in private, and informed + me that the man had resumed his real name, and that he was now called + Count Afflisio. He told me that after dinner there would be a faro bank in + which I would have an interest, and he therefore requested me not to play. + I accepted the offer. Afflisio won: a captain of the name of Beccaxia + threw the cards at his face—a trifle to which the self-styled count + was accustomed, and which did not elicit any remark from him. When the + game was over, we repaired to the coffee-room, where an officer of + gentlemanly appearance, staring at me, began to smile, but not in an + offensive manner. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I asked him, politely, “may I ask why you are laughing?” + </p> + <p> + “It makes me laugh to see that you do not recognize me.” + </p> + <p> + “I have some idea that I have seen you somewhere, but I could not say + where or when I had that honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Nine years ago, by the orders of the Prince de Lobkowitz, I escorted you + to the Gate of Rimini.” + </p> + <p> + “You are Baron Vais.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely.” + </p> + <p> + We embraced one another; he offered me his friendly services, promising to + procure me all the pleasure he could in Vienna. I accepted gratefully, and + the same evening he presented me to a countess, at whose house I made the + acquaintance of the Abbe Testagrossa, who was called Grosse-Tete by + everybody. He was minister of the Duke of Modem, and great at Court + because he had negotiated the marriage of the arch-duke with Beatrice + d’Este. I also became acquainted there with the Count of Roquendorf and + Count Sarotin, and with several noble young ladies who are called in + Germany frauleins, and with a baroness who had led a pretty wild life, but + who could yet captivate a man. We had supper, and I was created baron. It + was in vain that I observed that I had no title whatever: “You must be + something,” I was told, “and you cannot be less than baron. You must + confess yourself to be at least that, if you wish to be received anywhere + in Vienna.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will be a baron, since it is of no importance.” + </p> + <p> + The baroness was not long before she gave me to understand that she felt + kindly disposed towards me, and that she would receive my attentions with + pleasure; I paid her a visit the very next day. “If you are fond of + cards,” she said, “come in the evening.” At her house I made the + acquaintance of several gamblers, and of three or four frauleins who, + without any dread of the Commissaries of Chastity, were devoted to the + worship of Venus, and were so kindly disposed that they were not afraid of + lowering their nobility by accepting some reward for their kindness—a + circumstance which proved to me that the Commissaries were in the habit of + troubling only the girls who did not frequent good houses. + </p> + <p> + The baroness invited me to introduce, all my friends, so I brought to her + house Vais, Campioni, and Afflisio. The last one played, held the bank, + won; and Tramontini, with whom I had become acquainted, presented him to + his wife, who was called Madame Tasi. It was through her that Afflisio + made the useful acquaintance of the Prince of Saxe-Hildburghausen. This + introduction was the origin of the great fortune made by that contrabrand + count, because Tramontini, who had become his partner in all important + gambling transactions, contrived to obtain for him from the prince the + rank of captain in the service of their imperial and royal majesties, and + in less than three weeks Afflisio wore the uniform and the insignia of his + grade. When I left Vienna he possessed one hundred thousand florins. + Their majesties were fond of gambling but not of punting. The emperor had + a creature of his own to hold the bank. He was a kind, magnificent, but + not extravagant, prince. I saw him in his grand imperial costume, and I + was surprised to see him dressed in the Spanish fashion. I almost fancied + I had before my eyes Charles V. of Spain, who had established that + etiquette which was still in existence, although after him no emperor had + been a Spaniard, and although Francis I. had nothing in common with that + nation. + </p> + <p> + In Poland, some years afterwards, I saw the same caprice at the coronation + of Stanislas Augustus Poniatowski, and the old palatine noblemen almost + broke their hearts at the sight of that costume; but they had to shew as + good a countenance as they could, for under Russian despotism the only + privilege they enjoyed was that of resignation. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor Francis I. was, handsome, and would have looked so under the + hood of a monk as well as under an imperial crown. He had every possible + consideration for his wife, and allowed her to get the state into debt, + because he possessed the art of becoming himself the creditor of the + state. He favoured commerce because it filled his coffers. He was rather + addicted to gallantry, and the empress, who always called him master + feigned not to notice it, because she did not want the world to know that + her charms could no longer captivate her royal spouse, and the more so + that the beauty of her numerous family was generally admired. All the + archduchesses except the eldest seemed to me very handsome; but amongst + the sons I had the opportunity of seeing only the eldest, and I thought + the expression of his face bad and unpleasant, in spite of the contrary + opinion of Abbe Grosse-Tete, who prided himself upon being a good + physiognomist. + </p> + <p> + “What do you see,” he asked me one day, “on the countenance of that + prince?” + </p> + <p> + “Self-conceit and suicide.” + </p> + <p> + It was a prophecy, for Joseph II. positively killed himself, although not + wilfully, and it was his self-conceit which prevented him from knowing it. + He was not wanting in learning, but the knowledge which he believed + himself to possess destroyed the learning which he had in reality. He + delighted in speaking to those who did not know how to answer him, whether + because they were amazed at his arguments, or because they pretended to be + so; but he called pedants, and avoided all persons, who by true reasoning + pulled down the weak scaffolding of his arguments. Seven years ago I + happened to meet him at Luxemburg, and he spoke to me with just contempt + of a man who had exchanged immense sums of money, and a great deal of + debasing meanness against some miserable parchments, and he added,— + </p> + <p> + “I despise men who purchase nobility.” + </p> + <p> + “Your majesty is right, but what are we to think of those who sell it?” + </p> + <p> + After that question he turned his back upon me, and hence forth he thought + me unworthy of being spoken to. + </p> + <p> + The great passion of that king was to see those who listened to him laugh, + whether with sincerity or with affectation, when he related something; he + could narrate well and amplify in a very amusing manner all the + particulars of an anecdote; but he called anyone who did not laugh at his + jests a fool, and that was always the person who understood him best. He + gave the preference to the opinion of Brambilla, who encouraged his + suicide, over that of the physicians who were directing him according to + reason. Nevertheless, no one ever denied his claim to great courage; but + he had no idea whatever of the art of government, for he had not the + slightest knowledge of the human heart, and he could neither dissemble nor + keep a secret; he had so little control over his own countenance that he + could not even conceal the pleasure he felt in punishing, and when he saw + anyone whose features did not please him, he could not help making a wry + face which disfigured him greatly. + </p> + <p> + Joseph II. sank under a truly cruel disease, which left him until the last + moment the faculty of arguing upon everything, at the same time that he + knew his death to be certain. This prince must have felt the misery of + repenting everything he had done and of seeing the impossibility of + undoing it, partly because it was irreparable, partly because if he had + undone through reason what he had done through senselessness, he would + have thought himself dishonoured, for he must have clung to the last to + the belief of the infallibility attached to his high birth, in spite of + the state of languor of his soul which ought to have proved to him the + weakness and the fallibility of his nature. He had the greatest esteem for + his brother, who has now succeeded him, but he had not the courage to + follow the advice which that brother gave him. An impulse worthy of a + great soul made him bestow a large reward upon the physician, a man of + intelligence, who pronounced his sentence of death, but a completely + opposite weakness had prompted him, a few months before, to load with + benefits the doctors and the quack who made him believe that they had + cured him. He must likewise have felt the misery of knowing that he would + not be regretted after his death—a grievous thought, especially for + a sovereign. His niece, whom he loved dearly, died before him, and, if he + had had the affection of those who surrounded him, they would have spared + him that fearful information, for it was evident that his end was near at + hand, and no one could dread his anger for having kept that event from + him. + </p> + <p> + Although very much pleased with Vienna and with the pleasures I enjoyed + with the beautiful frauleins, whose acquaintance I had made at the house + of the baroness, I was thinking of leaving that agreeable city, when Baron + Vais, meeting me at Count Durazzo’s wedding, invited me to join a picnic + at Schoenbrunn. I went, and I failed to observe the laws of temperance; + the consequence was that I returned to Vienna with such a severe + indigestion that in twenty-four hours I was at the point of death. + </p> + <p> + I made use of the last particle of intelligence left in me by the disease + to save my own life. Campioni, Roquendorf and Sarotin were by my bedside. + M. Sarotin, who felt great friendship for me, had brought a physician, + although I had almost positively declared that I would not see one. That + disciple of Sangrado, thinking that he could allow full sway to the + despotism of science, had sent for a surgeon, and they were going to bleed + me against my will. I was half-dead; I do not know by what strange + inspiration I opened my eyes, and I saw a man, standing lancet in hand and + preparing to open the vein. + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” I said. + </p> + <p> + And I languidly withdrew my arm; but the tormentor wishing, as the + physician expressed it, to restore me to life in spite of myself, got hold + of my arm again. I suddenly felt my strength returning. I put my hand + forward, seized one of my pistols, fired, and the ball cut off one of the + locks of his hair. That was enough; everybody ran away, with the exception + of my servant, who did not abandon me, and gave me as much water as I + wanted to drink. On the fourth day I had recovered my usual good health. + </p> + <p> + That adventure amused all the idlers of Vienna for several days, and Abbe + Grosse-Tete assured me that if I had killed the poor surgeon, it would not + have gone any further, because all the witnesses present in my room at the + time would have declared that he wanted to use violence to bleed me, which + made it a case of legitimate self-defence. I was likewise told by several + persons that all the physicians in Vienna were of opinion that if I had + been bled I should have been a dead man; but if drinking water had not + saved me, those gentlemen would certainly not have expressed the same + opinion. I felt, however, that I had to be careful, and not to fall ill in + the capital of Austria, for it was likely that I should not have found a + physician without difficulty. At the opera, a great many persons wished + after that to make my acquaintance, and I was looked upon as a man who had + fought, pistol in hand, against death. A miniature-painter named Morol, + who was subject to indigestions and who was at last killed by one, had + taught me his system which was that, to cure those attacks, all that was + necessary was to drink plenty of water and to be patient. He died because + he was bled once when he could not oppose any resistance. + </p> + <p> + My indigestion reminded me of a witty saying of a man who was not much in + the habit of uttering many of them; I mean M. de Maisonrouge, who was + taken home one day almost dying from a severe attack of indigestion: his + carriage having been stopped opposite the Quinze-Vingts by some + obstruction, a poor man came up and begged alms, saying, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am starving.” + </p> + <p> + “Eh! what are you complaining of?” answered Maisonrouge, sighing deeply; + “I wish I was in your place, you rogue!” + </p> + <p> + At that time I made the acquaintance of a Milanese dancer, who had wit, + excellent manners, a literary education, and what is more—great + beauty. She received very good society, and did the honours of her + drawing-room marvellously well. I became acquainted at her house with + Count Christopher Erdodi, an amiable, wealthy and generous man; and with a + certain Prince Kinski who had all the grace of a harlequin. That girl + inspired me with love, but it was in vain, for she was herself enamoured + of a dancer from Florence, called Argiolini. I courted her, but she only + laughed at me, for an actress, if in love with someone, is a fortress + which cannot be taken, unless you build a bridge of gold, and I was not + rich. Yet I did not despair, and kept on burning my incense at her feet. + She liked my society because she used to shew me the letters she wrote, + and I was very careful to admire her style. She had her own portrait in + miniature, which was an excellent likeness. The day before my departure, + vexed at having lost my time and my amorous compliments, I made up my mind + to steal that portrait—a slight compensation for not having won the + original. As I was taking leave of her, I saw the portrait within my + reach, seized it, and left Vienna for Presburg, where Baron Vais had + invited me to accompany him and several lovely frauleins on a party of + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + When we got out of the carriages, the first person I tumbled upon was the + Chevalier de Talvis, the protector of Madame Conde-Labre, whom I had + treated so well in Paris. The moment he saw me, he came up and told me + that I owed him his revenge. + </p> + <p> + “I promise to give it to you, but I never leave one pleasure for another,” + I answered; “we shall see one another again.” + </p> + <p> + “That is enough. Will you do me the honour to introduce me to these + ladies?” + </p> + <p> + “Very willingly, but not in the street.” + </p> + <p> + We went inside of the hotel and he followed us. Thinking that the man, who + after all was as brave as a French chevalier, might amuse us, I presented + him to my friends. He had been staying at the same hotel for a couple of + days, and he was in mourning. He asked us if we intended to go to the + prince-bishop’s ball; it was the first news we had of it. Vais answered + affirmatively. + </p> + <p> + “One can attend it,” said Talvis, “without being presented, and that is + why we intend to go, for I am not known to anybody here.” + </p> + <p> + He left us, and the landlord, having come in to receive our orders, gave + us some particulars respecting the ball. Our lovely frauleins expressing a + wish to attend it, we made up our minds to gratify them. + </p> + <p> + We were not known to anyone, and were rambling through the apartments, + when we arrived before a large table at which the prince-bishop was + holding a faro bank. The pile of gold that the noble prelate had before + him could not have been less than thirteen or fourteen thousand florins. + The Chevalier de Talvis was standing between two ladies to whom he was + whispering sweet words, while the prelate was shuffling the cards. + </p> + <p> + The prince, looking at the chevalier, took it into his head to ask him, in + a most engaging manner to risk a card. + </p> + <p> + “Willingly, my lord,” said Talvis; “the whole of the bank upon this card.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” answered the prelate, to shew that he was not afraid. + </p> + <p> + He dealt, Talvis won, and my lucky Frenchman, with the greatest coolness, + filled his pockets with the prince’s gold. The bishop, astonished, and + seeing but rather late how foolish he had been, said to the chevalier, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, if you had lost, how would you have managed to pay me?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, that is my business.” + </p> + <p> + “You are more lucky than wise.” + </p> + <p> + “Most likely, my lord; but that is my business.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that the chevalier was on the point of leaving, I followed him, and + at the bottom of the stairs, after congratulating him, I asked him to lend + me a hundred sovereigns. He gave them to me at once, assuring me that he + was delighted to have it in his power to oblige me. + </p> + <p> + “I will give you my bill.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of the sort.” + </p> + <p> + I put the gold into my pocket, caring very little for the crowd of masked + persons whom curiosity had brought around the lucky winner, and who had + witnessed the transaction. Talvis went away, and I returned to the + ball-room. + </p> + <p> + Roquendorf and Sarotin, who were amongst the guests, having heard that the + chevalier had handed me some gold, asked me who he was. I gave them an + answer half true and half false, and I told them that the gold I had just + received was the payment of a sum I had lent him in Paris. Of course they + could not help believing me, or at least pretending to do so. + </p> + <p> + When we returned to the inn, the landlord informed us that the chevalier + had left the city on horseback, as fast as he could gallop, and that a + small traveling-bag was all his luggage. We sat down to supper, and in + order to make our meal more cheerful, I told Vais and our charming + frauleins the manner in which I had known Talvis, and how I had contrived + to have my share of what he had won. + </p> + <p> + On our arrival in Vienna, the adventure was already known; people admired + the Frenchman and laughed at the bishop. I was not spared by public + rumour, but I took no notice of it, for I did not think it necessary to + defend myself. No one knew the Chevalier de Talvis, and the French + ambassador was not even acquainted with his name. I do not know whether he + was ever heard of again. + </p> + <p> + I left Vienna in a post-chaise, after I had said farewell to my friends, + ladies and gentlemen, and on the fourth day I slept in Trieste. The next + day I sailed for Venice, which I reached in the afternoon, two days before + Ascension Day. After an absence of three years I had the happiness of + embracing my beloved protector, M. de Bragadin, and his two inseparable + friends, who were delighted to see me in good health and well equipped. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0011" id="linkB2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Return the Portrait I Had Stolen in Vienna—I Proceed to + Padua—An Adventure on My Way Back, and Its Consequences— + I Meet Therese Imer Again—My Acquaintance With Mademoiselle + C. C. +</pre> + <p> + I found myself again in my native country with that feeling of delight + which is experienced by all true-hearted men, when they see again the + place in which they have received the first lasting impressions. I had + acquired some experience; I knew the laws of honour and politeness; in one + word, I felt myself superior to most of my equals, and I longed to resume + my old habits and pursuits; but I intended to adopt a more regular and + more reserved line of conduct. + </p> + <p> + I saw with great pleasure, as I entered my study, the perfect ‘statu quo’ + which had been preserved there. My papers, covered with a thick layer of + dust, testified well enough that no strange hand had ever meddled with + them. + </p> + <p> + Two days after my arrival, as I was getting ready to accompany the + Bucentoro, on which the Doge was going, as usual, to wed the Adriatic, the + widow of so many husbands, and yet as young as on the first day of her + creation, a gondolier brought me a letter. It was from M. Giovanni + Grimani, a young nobleman, who, well aware that he had no right to command + me, begged me in the most polite manner to call at his house to receive a + letter which had been entrusted to him for delivery in my own hands. I + went to him immediately, and after the usual compliments he handed me a + letter with a flying seal, which he had received the day before. + </p> + <p> + Here are the contents: + </p> + <p> + “Sir, having made a useless search for my portrait after you left, and not + being in the habit of receiving thieves in my apartment, I feel satisfied + that it must be in your possession. I request you to deliver it to the + person who will hand you this letter. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “FOGLIAZZI.” + </pre> + <p> + Happening to have the portrait with me, I took it out of my pocket, and + gave it at once to M. Grimani, who received it with a mixture of + satisfaction and surprise for he had evidently thought that the commission + entrusted to him would be more difficult to fulfil, and he remarked, + </p> + <p> + “Love has most likely made a thief of you but I congratulate you, for your + passion cannot be a very ardent one.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you judge of that?” + </p> + <p> + “From the readiness with which you give up this portrait.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not have given it up so easily to anybody else.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you; and as a compensation I beg you to accept my friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “I place it in my estimation infinitely above the portrait, and even above + the original. May I ask you to forward my answer?” + </p> + <p> + “I promise you to send it. Here is some paper, write your letter; you need + not seal it.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote the following words: + </p> + <p> + “In getting rid of the portrait, Casanova experiences a satisfaction by + far superior to that which he felt when, owing to a stupid fancy, he was + foolish enough to put it in his pocket.” + </p> + <p> + Bad weather having compelled the authorities to postpone the wonderful + wedding until the following Sunday, I accompanied M. de Bragadin, who was + going to Padua. The amiable old man ran away from the noisy pleasures + which no longer suited his age, and he was going to spend in peace the few + days which the public rejoicings would have rendered unpleasant for him in + Venice. On the following Saturday, after dinner, I bade him farewell, and + got into the post-chaise to return to Venice. If I had left Padua two + minutes sooner or later, the whole course of my life would have been + altered, and my destiny, if destiny is truly shaped by fatal combinations, + would have been very different. But the reader can judge for himself. + </p> + <p> + Having, therefore, left Padua at the very instant marked by fatality, I + met at Oriago a cabriolet, drawn at full speed by two post-horses, + containing a very pretty woman and a man wearing a German uniform. Within + a few yards from me the vehicle was suddenly upset on the side of the + river, and the woman, falling over the officer, was in great danger of + rolling into the Brenta. I jumped out of my chaise without even stopping + my postillion, and rushing to the assistance of the lady I remedied with a + chaste hand the disorder caused to her toilet by her fall. + </p> + <p> + Her companion, who had picked himself up without any injury, hastened + towards us, and there was the lovely creature sitting on the ground + thoroughly amazed, and less confused from her fall than from the + indiscretion of her petticoats, which had exposed in all their nakedness + certain parts which an honest woman never shews to a stranger. In the + warmth of her thanks, which lasted until her postillion and mine had + righted the cabriolet, she often called me her saviour, her guardian + angel. + </p> + <p> + The vehicle being all right, the lady continued her journey towards Padua, + and I resumed mine towards Venice, which I reached just in time to dress + for the opera. + </p> + <p> + The next day I masked myself early to accompany the Bucentoro, which, + favoured by fine weather, was to be taken to the Lido for the great and + ridiculous ceremony. The whole affair is under the responsibility of the + admiral of the arsenal, who answers for the weather remaining fine, under + penalty of his head, for the slightest contrary wind might capsize the + ship and drown the Doge, with all the most serene noblemen, the + ambassadors, and the Pope’s nuncio, who is the sponsor of that burlesque + wedding which the Venetians respect even to superstition. To crown the + misfortune of such an accident it would make the whole of Europe laugh, + and people would not fail to say that the Doge of Venice had gone at last + to consummate his marriage. + </p> + <p> + I had removed my mask, and was drinking some coffee under the + ‘procuraties’ of St. Mark’s Square, when a fine-looking female mask struck + me gallantly on the shoulder with her fan. As I did not know who she was I + did not take much notice of it, and after I had finished my coffee I put + on my mask and walked towards the Spiaggia del Sepulcro, where M. de + Bragadin’s gondola was waiting for me. As I was getting near the Ponte del + Paglia I saw the same masked woman attentively looking at some wonderful + monster shewn for a few pence. I went up to her, and asked her why she had + struck me with her fan. + </p> + <p> + “To punish you for not knowing me again after having saved my life.” I + guessed that she was the person I had rescued the day before on the banks + of the Brenta, and after paying her some compliments I enquired whether + she intended to follow the Bucentoro. + </p> + <p> + “I should like it,” she said, “if I had a safe gondola.” + </p> + <p> + I offered her mine, which was one of the largest, and, after consulting a + masked person who accompanied her, she accepted. Before stepping in I + invited them to take off their masks, but they told me that they wished to + remain unknown. I then begged them to tell me if they belonged to the + suite of some ambassador, because in that case I should be compelled, much + to my regret, to withdraw my invitation; but they assured me that they + were both Venetians. The gondola belonging to a patrician, I might have + committed myself with the State Inquisitors-a thing which I wished + particularly to avoid. We were following the Bucentoro, and seated near + the lady I allowed myself a few slight liberties, but she foiled my + intentions by changing her seat. After the ceremony we returned to Venice, + and the officer who accompanied the lady told me that I would oblige them + by dining in their company at “The Savage.” I accepted, for I felt + somewhat curious about the woman. What I had seen of her at the time of + her fall warranted my curiosity. The officer left me alone with her, and + went before us to order dinner. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was alone with her, emboldened by the mask, I told her that I + was in love with her, that I had a box at the opera, which I placed + entirely at her disposal, and that, if she would only give me the hope + that I was not wasting my time and my attentions, I would remain her + humble servant during the carnival. + </p> + <p> + “If you mean to be cruel,” I added, “pray say so candidly.” + </p> + <p> + “I must ask you to tell me what sort of a woman you take me for?” + </p> + <p> + “For a very charming one, whether a princess or a maid of low degree. + Therefore, I hope that you will give me, this very day, some marks of your + kindness, or I must part with you immediately after dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “You will do as you please; but I trust that after dinner you will have + changed your opinion and your language, for your way of speaking is not + pleasant. It seems to me that, before venturing upon such an explanation, + it is necessary to know one another. Do you not think so?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do; but I am afraid of being deceived.” + </p> + <p> + “How very strange! And that fear makes you begin by what ought to be the + end?” + </p> + <p> + “I only beg to-day for one encouraging word. Give it to me and I will at + once be modest, obedient and discreet.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray calm yourself.” + </p> + <p> + We found the officer waiting for us before the door of “The Savage,” and + went upstairs. The moment we were in the room, she took off her mask, and + I thought her more beautiful than the day before. I wanted only to + ascertain, for the sake of form and etiquette, whether the officer was her + husband, her lover, a relative or a protector, because, used as I was to + gallant adventures, I wished to know the nature of the one in which I was + embarking. + </p> + <p> + We sat down to dinner, and the manners of the gentleman and of the lady + made it necessary for me to be careful. It was to him that I offered my + box, and it was accepted; but as I had none, I went out after dinner under + pretence of some engagement, in order to get one at the opera-buffa, where + Petrici and Lasqui were then the shining stars. After the opera I gave + them a good supper at an inn, and I took them to their house in my + gondola. Thanks to the darkness of the night, I obtained from the pretty + woman all the favours which can be granted by the side of a third person + who has to be treated with caution. As we parted company, the officer + said, + </p> + <p> + “You shall hear from me to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Where, and how?” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that.” + </p> + <p> + The next morning the servant announced an officer; it was my man. After we + had exchanged the usual compliments, after I had thanked him for the + honour he had done me the day before, I asked him to tell me his name. He + answered me in the following manner, speaking with great fluency, but + without looking at me: + </p> + <p> + “My name is P—— C——. My father is rich, and enjoys + great consideration at the exchange; but we are not on friendly terms at + present. I reside in St. Mark’s Square. The lady you saw with me was a + Mdlle. O——; she is the wife of the broker C——, and + her sister married the patrician P—— M——. But + Madame C—— is at variance with her husband on my account, as + she is the cause of my quarrel with my father. + </p> + <p> + “I wear this uniform in virtue of a captaincy in the Austrian service, but + I have never served in reality. I have the contract for the supply of oxen + to the City of Venice, and I get the cattle from Styria and Hungary. This + contract gives me a net profit of ten thousand florins a year; but an + unforeseen embarrassment, which I must remedy; a fraudulent bankruptcy, + and some extraordinary expenditure, place me for the present in monetary + difficulties. Four years ago I heard a great deal about you, and wished + very much to make your acquaintance; I firmly believe that it was through + the interference of Heaven that we became acquainted the day before + yesterday. I have no hesitation in claiming from you an important service + which will unite us by the ties of the warmest friendship. Come to my + assistance without running any risk yourself; back these three bills of + exchange. You need not be afraid of having to pay them, for I will leave + in your hands these three other bills which fall due before the first. + Besides, I will give you a mortgage upon the proceeds of my contract + during the whole year, so that, should I fail to take up these bills, you + could seize my cattle in Trieste, which is the only road through which + they can come.” + </p> + <p> + Astonished at his speech and at his proposal, which seemed to me a lure + and made me fear a world of trouble which I always abhorred, struck by the + strange idea of that man who, thinking that I would easily fall into the + snare, gave me the preference over so many other persons whom he certainly + knew better than me, I did not hesitate to tell him that I would never + accept his offer. He then had recourse to all his eloquence to persuade + me, but I embarrassed him greatly by telling him how surprised I was at + his giving me the preference over all his other acquaintances, when I had + had the honour to know him only for two days. + </p> + <p> + “Sir” he said, with barefaced impudence, “having recognised in you a man + of great intelligence, I felt certain that you would at once see the + advantages of my offer, and that you would not raise any objection.” + </p> + <p> + “You must see your mistake by this time, and most likely you will take me + for a fool now you see that I should believe myself a dupe if I accepted.” + </p> + <p> + He left me with an apology for having troubled me, and saying that he + hoped to see me in the evening at St. Mark’s Square, where he would be + with Madame C——, he gave me his address, telling me that he + had retained possession of his apartment unknown to his father. This was + as much as to say that he expected me to return his visit, but if I had + been prudent I should not have done so. + </p> + <p> + Disgusted at the manner in which that man had attempted to get hold of me, + I no longer felt any inclination to try my fortune with his mistress, for + it seemed evident that they were conspiring together to make a dupe of me, + and as I had no wish to afford them that gratification I avoided them in + the evening. It would have been wise to keep to that line of conduct; but + the next day, obeying my evil genius, and thinking that a polite call + could not have any consequences, I called upon him. + </p> + <p> + A servant having taken me to his room, he gave me the most friendly + welcome, and reproached me in a friendly manner for not having shewn + myself the evening before. After that, he spoke again of his affairs, and + made me look at a heap of papers and documents; I found it very wearisome. + </p> + <p> + “If you make up your mind to sign the three bills of exchange,” he said, + “I will take you as a partner in my contract.” + </p> + <p> + By this extraordinary mark of friendship, he was offering me—at + least he said so—an income of five thousand florins a year; but my + only answer was to beg that the matter should never be mentioned again. I + was going to take leave of him, when he said that he wished to introduce + me to his mother and sister. + </p> + <p> + He left the room, and came back with them. The mother was a respectable, + simple-looking woman, but the daughter was a perfect beauty; she literally + dazzled me. After a few minutes, the over-trustful mother begged leave to + retire, and her daughter remained. In less than half an hour I was + captivated; her perfection delighted me; her lively wit, her artless + reasoning, her candour, her ingenuousness, her natural and noble feelings, + her cheerful and innocent quickness, that harmony which arises from + beauty, wit, and innocence, and which had always the most powerful + influence over me—everything in fact conspired to make me the slave + of the most perfect woman that the wildest dreams could imagine. + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. C—— C—— never went out without her mother + who, although very pious, was full of kind indulgence. She read no books + but her father’s—a serious man who had no novels in his library, and + she was longing to read some tales of romance. She had likewise a great + wish to know Venice, and as no one visited the family she had never been + told that she was truly a prodigy of beauty. Her brother was writing while + I conversed with her, or rather answered all the questions which she + addressed to me, and which I could only satisfy by developing the ideas + that she already had, and that she was herself amazed to find in her own + mind, for her soul had until then been unconscious of its own powers. Yet + I did not tell her that she was lovely and that she interested me in the + highest degree, because I had so often said the same to other women, and + without truth, that I was afraid of raising her suspicions. + </p> + <p> + I left the house with a sensation of dreamy sadness; feeling deeply moved + by the rare qualities I had discovered in that charming girl, I promised + myself not to see her again, for I hardly thought myself the man to + sacrifice my liberty entirely and to ask her in marriage, although I + certainly believed her endowed with all the qualities necessary to + minister to my happiness. + </p> + <p> + I had not seen Madame Manzoni since my return to Venice, and I went to pay + her a visit. I found the worthy woman the same as she had always been + towards me, and she gave me the most affectionate welcome. She told me + that Therese Imer, that pretty girl who had caused M. de Malipiero to + strike me thirteen years before, had just returned from Bayreuth, where + the margrave had made her fortune. As she lived in the house opposite, + Madame Manzoni, who wanted to enjoy her surprise, sent her word to come + over. She came almost immediately, holding by the hand a little boy of + eight years—a lovely child—and the only one she had given to + her husband, who was a dancer in Bayreuth. Our surprise at seeing one + another again was equal to the pleasure we experienced in recollecting + what had occurred in our young days; it is true that we had but trifles to + recollect. I congratulated her upon her good fortune, and judging of my + position from external appearances, she thought it right to congratulate + me, but her fortune would have been established on a firmer basis than + mine if she had followed a prudent line of conduct. She unfortunately + indulged in numerous caprices with which my readers will become + acquainted. She was an excellent musician, but her fortune was not + altogether owing to her talent; her charms had done more for her than + anything else. She told me her adventures, very likely with some + restrictions, and we parted after a conversation of two hours. She invited + me to breakfast for the following day. She told me that the margrave had + her narrowly watched, but being an old acquaintance I was not likely to + give rise to any suspicion; that is the aphorism of all women addicted to + gallantry. She added that I could, if I liked, see her that same evening + in her box, and that M. Papafava, who was her god-father, would be glad to + see me. I called at her house early the next morning, and I found her in + bed with her son, who, thanks to the principles in which he had been + educated, got up and left the room as soon as he saw me seated near his + mother’s bed. I spent three hours with her, and I recollect that the last + was delightful; the reader will know the consequence of that pleasant hour + later. I saw her a second time during the fortnight she passed in Venice, + and when she left I promised to pay her a visit in Bayreuth, but I never + kept my promise. + </p> + <p> + I had at that time to attend to the affairs of my posthumous brother, who + had, as he said, a call from Heaven to the priesthood, but he wanted a + patrimony. Although he was ignorant and devoid of any merit save a + handsome face, he thought that an ecclesiastical career would insure his + happiness, and he depended a great deal upon his preaching, for which, + according to the opinion of the women with whom he was acquainted, he had + a decided talent. I took everything into my hands, and I succeeded in + obtaining for him a patrimony from M. Grimani, who still owed us the value + of the furniture in my father’s house, of which he had never rendered any + account. He transferred to him a life-interest in a house in Venice, and + two years afterwards my brother was ordained. But the patrimony was only + fictitious, the house being already mortgaged; the Abbe Grimani was, + however, a kind Jesuit, and those sainted servants of God think that all + is well that ends well and profitably to themselves. I shall speak again + of my unhappy brother whose destiny became involved with mine. + </p> + <p> + Two days had passed since I had paid my visit to P—— C——, + when I met him in the street. He told me that his sister was constantly + speaking of me, that she quoted a great many things which I had told her, + and that his mother was much pleased at her daughter having made my + acquaintance. “She would be a good match for you,” he added, “for she will + have a dowry of ten thousand ducats. If you will call on me to-morrow, we + will take coffee with my mother and sister.” + </p> + <p> + I had promised myself never again to enter his house, but I broke my word. + It is easy enough for a man to forget his promises under such + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + I spent three hours in conversation with the charming girl and when I left + her I was deeply in love. As I went away, I told her that I envied the + destiny of the man who would have her for his wife, and my compliment, the + first she had ever received, made her blush. + </p> + <p> + After I had left her I began to examine the nature of my feelings towards + her, and they frightened me, for I could neither behave towards Mdlle. C—— + C—— as an honest man nor as a libertine. I could not hope to + obtain her hand, and I almost fancied I would stab anyone who advised me + to seduce her. I felt that I wanted some diversion: I went to the + gaming-table. Playing is sometimes an excellent lenitive to calm the mind, + and to smother the ardent fire of love. I played with wonderful luck, and + I was going home with plenty of gold, when in a solitary narrow street I + met a man bent down less by age than by the heavy weight of misery. As I + came near him I recognized Count Bonafede, the sight of whom moved me with + pity. He recognized me likewise. We talked for some time, and at last he + told me the state of abject poverty to which he was reduced, and the great + difficulty he had to keep his numerous family. “I do not blush,” he added, + “in begging from you one sequin which will keep us alive for five or six + days.” I immediately gave him ten, trying to prevent him from lowering + himself in his anxiety to express his gratitude, but I could not prevent + him from shedding tears. As we parted, he told me that what made him most + miserable was to see the position of his daughter, who had become a great + beauty, and would rather die than make a sacrifice of her virtue. “I can + neither support her in those feelings,” he said, with a sigh, “nor reward + her for them.” + </p> + <p> + Thinking that I understood the wishes with which misery had inspired him, + I took his address, and promised to pay him a visit. I was curious to see + what had become of a virtue of which I did not entertain a very high + opinion. I called the next day. I found a house almost bare of furniture, + and the daughter alone—a circumstance which did not astonish me. The + young countess had seen me arrive, and received me on the stairs in the + most amiable manner. She was pretty well dressed, and I thought her + handsome, agreeable, and lively, as she had been when I made her + acquaintance in Fort St. Andre. Her father having announced my visit, she + was in high spirits, and she kissed me with as much tenderness as if I had + been a beloved lover. She took me to her own room, and after she had + informed me that her mother was ill in bed and unable to see me, she gave + way again to the transport of joy which, as she said, she felt in seeing + me again. The ardour of our mutual kisses, given at first under the + auspices of friendship, was not long in exciting our senses to such an + extent that in less than a quarter of an hour I had nothing more to + desire. When it was all over, it became us both, of course, to be, or at + least to appear to be, surprised at what had taken place, and I could not + honestly hesitate to assure the poor countess that it was only the first + token of a constant and true love. She believed it, or she feigned to + believe it, and perhaps I myself fancied it was true—for the moment. + When we had become calm again, she told me the fearful state to which they + were reduced, her brothers walking barefooted in the streets, and her + father having positively no bread to give them. + </p> + <p> + “Then you have not any lover?” + </p> + <p> + “What? a lover! Where could I find a man courageous enough to be my lover + in such a house as this? Am I a woman to sell myself to the first comer + for the sum of thirty sous? There is not a man in Venice who would think + me worth more than that, seeing me in such a place as this. Besides, I was + not born for prostitution.” + </p> + <p> + Such a conversation was not very cheerful; she was weeping, and the + spectacle of her sadness, joined to the picture of misery which surrounded + me, was not at all the thing to excite love. I left her with a promise to + call again, and I put twelve sequins in her hand. She was surprised at the + amount; she had never known herself so rich before. I have always + regretted I did not give her twice as much. + </p> + <p> + The next day P—— C—— called on me, and said + cheerfully that his mother had given permission to her daughter to go to + the opera with him, that the young girl was delighted because she had + never been there before, and that, if I liked, I could wait for them at + some place where they would meet me. + </p> + <p> + “But does your sister know that you intend me to join you?” + </p> + <p> + “She considers it a great pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Does your mother know it?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but when she knows it she will not be angry, for she has a great + esteem for you.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case I will try to find a private box.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; wait for us at such a place.” + </p> + <p> + The scoundrel did not speak of his letters of exchange again, and as he + saw that I was no longer paying my attentions to his mistress, and that I + was in love with his sister, he had formed the fine project of selling her + to me. I pitied the mother and the daughter who had confidence in such a + man; but I had not the courage to resist the temptation. I even went so + far as to persuade myself that as I loved her it was my duty to accept the + offer, in order to save her from other snares; for if I had declined her + brother might have found some other man less scrupulous, and I could not + bear the idea. I thought that in my company her innocence ran no risk. + </p> + <p> + I took a box at the St. Samuel Opera, and I was waiting for them at the + appointed place long before the time. They came at last, and the sight of + my young friend delighted me. She was elegantly masked, and her brother + wore his uniform. In order not to expose the lovely girl to being + recognized on account of her brother, I made them get into my gondola. He + insisted upon being landed near the house of his mistress, who was ill, he + said, and he added that he would soon join us in our box. I was astonished + that C—— C—— did not shew any surprise or + repugnance at remaining alone with me in the gondola; but I did not think + the conduct of her brother extraordinary, for it was evident that it was + all arranged beforehand in his mind. + </p> + <p> + I told C—— C—— that we would remain in the gondola + until the opening of the theatre, and that as the heat was intense she + would do well to take off her mask, which she did at once. The law I had + laid upon myself to respect her, the noble confidence which was beaming on + her countenance and in her looks, her innocent joy—everything + increased the ardour of my love. + </p> + <p> + Not knowing what to say to her, for I could speak to her of nothing but + love—and it was a delicate subject—I kept looking at her + charming face, not daring to let my eyes rest upon two budding globes + shaped by the Graces, for fear of giving the alarm to her modesty. “Speak + to me,” she said at last; “you only look at me without uttering a single + word. You have sacrificed yourself for me, because my brother would have + taken you with him to his lady-love, who, to judge from what he says, must + be as beautiful as an angel.” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen that lady.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose she is very witty.” + </p> + <p> + “She may be so; but I have no opportunity of knowing, for I have never + visited her, and I do not intend ever to call upon her. Do not therefore + imagine, beautiful C—— C——, that I have made the + slightest sacrifice for your sake.” + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid you had, because as you did not speak I thought you were + sad.” + </p> + <p> + “If I do not speak to you it is because I am too deeply moved by your + angelic confidence in me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad it is so; but how could I not trust you? I feel much more + free, much more confident with you than with my brother himself. My mother + says it is impossible to be mistaken, and that you are certainly an honest + man. Besides, you are not married; that is the first thing I asked my + brother. Do you recollect telling me that you envied the fate of the man + who would have me for his wife? Well, at that very moment I was thinking + that your wife would be the happiest woman in Venice.” + </p> + <p> + These words, uttered with the most candid artlessness, and with that tone + of sincerity which comes from the heart, had upon me an effect which it + would be difficult to describe; I suffered because I could not imprint the + most loving kiss upon the sweet lips which had just pronounced them, but + at the same time it caused me the most delicious felicity to see that such + an angel loved me. + </p> + <p> + “With such conformity of feelings,” I said, “we would, lovely C——, + be perfectly happy, if we could be united for ever. But I am old enough to + be your father.” + </p> + <p> + “You my father? You are joking! Do you know that I am fourteen?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know that I am twenty-eight?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, where can you see a man of your age having a daughter of mine? If + my father were like you, he would certainly never frighten me; I could not + keep anything from him.” + </p> + <p> + The hour to go to the theatre had come; we landed, and the performance + engrossed all her attention. Her brother joined us only when it was nearly + over; it had certainly been a part of his calculation. I took them to an + inn for supper, and the pleasure I experienced in seeing the charming girl + eat with a good appetite made me forget that I had had no dinner. I hardly + spoke during the supper, for love made me sick, and I was in a state of + excitement which could not last long. In order to excuse my silence, I + feigned to be suffering from the toothache. + </p> + <p> + After supper, P—— C—— told his sister that I was + in love with her, and that I should certainly feel better if she would + allow me to kiss her. The only answer of the innocent girl was to offer me + her laughing lips, which seemed to call for kisses. I was burning; but my + respect for that innocent and naive young creature was such that I only + kissed her cheek, and even that in a manner very cold in appearance. + </p> + <p> + “What a kiss!” exclaimed P—— C——. “Come, come, a + good lover’s kiss!” + </p> + <p> + I did not move; the impudent fellow annoyed me; but his sister, turning + her head aside sadly, said, + </p> + <p> + “Do not press him; I am not so happy as to please him.” + </p> + <p> + That remark gave the alarm to my love; I could no longer master my + feelings. + </p> + <p> + “What!” I exclaimed warmly, “what! beautiful C——, you do not + condescend to ascribe my reserve to the feeling which you have inspired me + with? You suppose that you do not please me? If a kiss is all that is + needed to prove the contrary to you, oh! receive it now with all the + sentiment that is burning in my heart!” + </p> + <p> + Then folding her in my arms, and pressing her lovingly against my breast, + I imprinted on her mouth the long and ardent kiss which I had so much + wished to give her; but the nature of that kiss made the timid dove feel + that she had fallen into the vulture’s claws. She escaped from my arms, + amazed at having discovered my love in such a manner. Her brother + expressed his approval, while she replaced her mask over her face, in + order to conceal her confusion. I asked her whether she had any longer any + doubts as to my love. + </p> + <p> + “You have convinced me,” she answered, “but, because you have undeceived + me, you must not punish me.” + </p> + <p> + I thought that this was a very delicate answer, dictated by true + sentiment; but her brother was not pleased with it, and said it was + foolish. + </p> + <p> + We put on our masks, left the inn, and after I had escorted them to their + house I went home deeply in love, happy in my inmost soul, yet very sad. + </p> + <p> + The reader will learn in the following chapters the progress of my love + and the adventures in which I found myself engaged. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0012" id="linkB2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Progress of My Intrigue with the Beautiful C. C. +</pre> + <p> + The next morning P—— C—— called on me with an air + of triumph; he told me that his sister had confessed to her mother that we + loved one another, and that if she was ever to be married she would be + unhappy with any other husband. + </p> + <p> + “I adore your sister,” I said to him; “but do you think that your father + will be willing to give her to me?” + </p> + <p> + “I think not; but he is old. In the mean time, love one another. My mother + has given her permission to go to the opera this evening with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, my dear friend, we must go.” + </p> + <p> + “I find myself under the necessity of claiming a slight service at your + hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Dispose of me.” + </p> + <p> + “There is some excellent Cyprus wine to be sold very cheap, and I can + obtain a cask of it against my bill at six months. I am certain of selling + it again immediately with a good profit; but the merchant requires a + guarantee, and he is disposed to accept yours, if you will give it. Will + you be kind enough to endorse my note of hand?” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + I signed my name without hesitation, for where is the man in love who in + such a case would have refused that service to a person who to revenge + himself might have made him miserable? We made an appointment for the + evening, and parted highly pleased with each other. + </p> + <p> + After I had dressed myself, I went out and bought a dozen pairs of gloves, + as many pairs of silk stockings, and a pair of garters embroidered in gold + and with gold clasps, promising myself much pleasure in offering that + first present to my young friend. + </p> + <p> + I need not say that I was exact in reaching the appointed place, but they + were there already, waiting for me. Had I not suspected the intentions of + P—— C——, their coming so early would have been + very flattering to my vanity. The moment I had joined them, P—— + C—— told me that, having other engagements to fulfil, he would + leave his sister with me, and meet us at the theatre in the evening. When + he had gone, I told C—— C—— that we would sail in + a gondola until the opening of the theatre. + </p> + <p> + “No,” she answered, “let us rather go to the Zuecca Garden.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + I hired a gondola and we went to St. Blaze, where I knew a very pretty + garden which, for one sequin, was placed at my disposal for the remainder + of the day, with the express condition that no one else would be allowed + admittance. We had not had any dinner, and after I had ordered a good meal + we went up to a room where we took off our disguises and masks, after + which we went to the garden. + </p> + <p> + My lovely C—— C—— had nothing on but a bodice made + of light silk and a skirt of the same description, but she was charming in + that simple costume! My amorous looks went through those light veils, and + in my imagination I saw her entirely naked! I sighed with burning desires, + with a mixture of discreet reserve and voluptuous love. + </p> + <p> + The moment we had reached the long avenue, my young companion, as lively + as a fawn, finding herself at liberty on the green sward, and enjoying + that happy freedom for the first time in her life, began to run about and + to give way to the spirit of cheerfulness which was natural to her. When + she was compelled to stop for want of breath, she burst out laughing at + seeing me gazing at her in a sort of ecstatic silence. She then challenged + me to run a race; the game was very agreeable to me. I accepted, but I + proposed to make it interesting by a wager. + </p> + <p> + “Whoever loses the race,” I said, “shall have to do whatever the winner + asks.” + </p> + <p> + “Agreed!” + </p> + <p> + We marked the winning-post, and made a fair start. I was certain to win, + but I lost on purpose, so as to see what she would ask me to do. At first + she ran with all her might while I reserved my strength, and she was the + first to reach the goal. As she was trying to recover her breath, she + thought of sentencing me to a good penance: she hid herself behind a tree + and told me, a minute afterwards, that I had to find her ring. She had + concealed it about her, and that was putting me in possession of all her + person. I thought it was a delightful forfeit, for I could easily see that + she had chosen it with intentional mischief; but I felt that I ought not + to take too much advantage of her, because her artless confidence required + to be encouraged. We sat on the grass, I visited her pockets, the folds of + her stays, of her petticoat; then I looked in her shoes, and even at her + garters which were fastened below the knees. Not finding anything, I kept + on my search, and as the ring was about her, I was of course bound to + discover it. My reader has most likely guessed that I had some suspicion + of the charming hiding-place in which the young beauty had concealed the + ring, but before coming to it I wanted to enjoy myself. The ring was at + last found between the two most beautiful keepers that nature had ever + rounded, but I felt such emotion as I drew it out that my hand was + trembling. + </p> + <p> + “What are you trembling for?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Only for joy at having found the ring; you had concealed it so well! But + you owe me a revenge, and this time you shall not beat me.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see.” + </p> + <p> + We began a new race, and seeing that she was not running very fast, I + thought I could easily distance her whenever I liked. I was mistaken. She + had husbanded her strength, and when we had run about two-thirds of the + race she suddenly sprang forward at full speed, left me behind, and I saw + that I had lost. I then thought of a trick, the effect of which never + fails; I feigned a heavy fall, and I uttered a shriek of pain. The poor + child stopped at once, ran back to me in great fright, and, pitying me, + she assisted me to raise myself from the ground. The moment I was on my + feet again, I laughed heartily and, taking a spring forward, I had reached + the goal long before her. + </p> + <p> + The charming runner, thoroughly amazed, said to me, + </p> + <p> + “Then you did not hurt yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “No, for I fell purposely.” + </p> + <p> + “Purposely? Oh, to deceive me! I would never have believed you capable of + that. It is not fair to win by fraud; therefore I have not lost the race.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! yes, you have, for I reached the goal before you.” + </p> + <p> + “Trick for trick; confess that you tried to deceive me at the start.” + </p> + <p> + “But that is fair, and your trick is a very different thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it has given me the victory, and + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Vincasi per fortund o per ingano, + Il vincer sempre fu laudabil cosa”... +</pre> + <p> + “I have often heard those words from my brother, but never from my father. + Well, never mind, I have lost. Give your judgment now, I will obey.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a little. Let me see. Ah! my sentence is that you shall exchange + your garters for mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Exchange our garters! But you have seen mine, they are ugly and worth + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind. Twice every day I shall think of the person I love, and as + nearly as possible at the same hours you will have to think of me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a very pretty idea, and I like it. Now I forgive you for having + deceived me. Here are my ugly garters! Ah! my dear deceiver, how beautiful + yours are! What a handsome present! How they will please my mother! They + must be a present which you have just received, for they are quite new.” + </p> + <p> + “No, they have not been given to me. I bought them for you, and I have + been racking my brain to find how I could make you accept them. Love + suggested to me the idea of making them the prize of the race. You may now + imagine my sorrow when I saw that you would win. Vexation inspired me with + a deceitful stratagem which arose from a feeling you had caused yourself, + and which turned entirely to your honour, for you must admit that you + would have shewn a very hard heart if you had not come to my assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “And I feel certain that you would not have had recourse to that + stratagem, if you could have guessed how deeply it would pain me.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you then feel much interest in me?” + </p> + <p> + “I would do anything in the world to convince you of it. I like my pretty + garters exceedingly; I will never have another pair, and I promise you + that my brother shall not steal them from me.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you suppose him capable of such an action?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! certainly, especially if the fastenings are in gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they are in gold; but let him believe that they are in gilt brass.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you teach me how to fasten my beautiful garters?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I will.” + </p> + <p> + We went upstairs, and after our dinner which we both enjoyed with a good + appetite, she became more lively and I more excited by love, but at the + same time more to be pitied in consequence of the restraint to which I had + condemned myself. Very anxious to try her garters, she begged me to help + her, and that request was made in good faith, without mischievous + coquetry. An innocent young girl, who, in spite of her fifteen years, has + not loved yet, who has not frequented the society of other girls, does not + know the violence of amorous desires or what is likely to excite them. She + has no idea of the danger of a tete-a-tete. When a natural instinct makes + her love for the first time, she believes the object of her love worthy of + her confidence, and she thinks that to be loved herself she must shew the + most boundless trust. + </p> + <p> + Seeing that her stockings were too short to fasten the garter above the + knee, she told me that she would in future use longer ones, and I + immediately offered her those that I had purchased. Full of gratitude she + sat on my knees, and in the effusion of her satisfaction she bestowed upon + me all the kisses that she would have given to her father if he had made + her such a present. I returned her kisses, forcibly keeping down the + violence of my feelings. I only told her that one of her kisses was worth + a kingdom. My charming C—— C—— took off her shoes + and stockings, and put on one of the pairs I had given her, which went + halfway up her thigh. The more innocent I found her to be, the less I + could make up my mind to possess myself of that ravishing prey. + </p> + <p> + We returned to the garden, and after walking about until the evening we + went to the opera, taking care to keep on our masks, because, the theatre + being small, we might easily have been recognized, and my lovely friend + was certain that her father would not allow her to come out again, if he + found out that she had gone to the opera. + </p> + <p> + We were rather surprised not to see her brother. On our left we had the + Marquis of Montalegre, the Spanish ambassador, with his acknowledged + mistress, Mdlle. Bola, and in the box on our right a man and a woman who + had not taken off their masks. Those two persons kept their eyes + constantly fixed upon us, but my young friend did not remark it as her + back was turned towards them. During the ballet, C—— C—— + having left the libretto of the opera on the ledge of the box, the man + with the mask stretched forth his hand and took it. That proved to me that + we were known to him, and I said so to my companion, who turned round and + recognized her brother. The lady who was with him could be no other than + Madame C——. As P—— C—— knew the number + of our box, he had taken the next one; he could not have done so without + some intention, and I foresaw that he meant to make his sister have supper + with that woman. I was much annoyed, but I could not prevent it without + breaking off with him, altogether, and I was in love. + </p> + <p> + After the second ballet, he came into our box with his lady, and after the + usual exchange of compliments the acquaintance was made, and we had to + accept supper at his casino. As soon as the two ladies had thrown off + their masks, they embraced one another, and the mistress of P—— + C—— overwhelmed my young friend with compliments and + attentions. At table she affected to treat her with extreme affability, + and C—— C—— not having any experience of the world + behaved towards her with the greatest respect. I could, however, see that + C——, in spite of all her art, could hardly hide the vexation + she felt at the sight of the superior beauty which I had preferred to her + own charms. P—— C——, who was of an extravagant + gaiety, launched forth in stupid jokes at which his mistress alone + laughed; in my anger, I shrugged my shoulders, and his sister, not + understanding his jests, took no notice of them. Altogether our ‘partie + caree’ was not formed of congenial spirits, and was rather a dull affair. + </p> + <p> + As the dessert was placed on the table, P—— C——, + somewhat excited by the wine he had drunk, kissed his lady-love, and + challenged me to follow his example with his sister. I told him that I + loved Mdlle. C—— C—— truly, and that I would not + take such liberties with her until I should have acquired a legal right to + her favours. P—— C—— began to scoff at what I had + said, but C—— stopped him. Grateful for that mark of + propriety, I took out of my pocket the twelve pairs of gloves which I had + bought in the morning, and after I had begged her acceptance of half a + dozen pairs I gave the other six to my young friend. P—— C—— + rose from the table with a sneer, dragging along with him his mistress, + who had likewise drunk rather freely, and he threw himself on a sofa with + her. The scene taking a lewd turn, I placed myself in such a manner as to + hide them from the view of my young friend, whom I led into the recess of + a window. But I had not been able to prevent C—— C—— + from seeing in a looking-glass the position of the two impudent wretches, + and her face was suffused with blushes; I, however, spoke to her quietly + of indifferent things, and recovering her composure she answered me, + speaking of her gloves, which she was folding on the pier-table. After his + brutal exploit, P—— C—— came impudently to me and + embraced me; his dissolute companion, imitating his example, kissed my + young friend, saying she was certain that she had seen nothing. C—— + C—— answered modestly that she did not know what she could + have seen, but the look she cast towards me made me understand all she + felt. If the reader has any knowledge of the human heart, he must guess + what my feelings were. How was it possible to endure such a scene going on + in the presence of an innocent girl whom I adored, when I had to fight + hard myself with my own burning desires so as not to abuse her innocence! + I was on a bed of thorns! Anger and indignation, restrained by the reserve + I was compelled to adopt for fear of losing the object of my ardent love, + made me tremble all over. The inventors of hell would not have failed to + place that suffering among its torments, if they had known it. The lustful + P—— C—— had thought of giving me a great proof of + his friendship by the disgusting action he had been guilty of, and he had + reckoned as nothing the dishonour of his mistress, and the delicacy of his + sister whom he had thus exposed to prostitution. I do not know how I + contrived not to strangle him. The next day, when he called on me, I + overwhelmed him with the most bitter reproaches, and he tried to excuse + himself by saying that he never would have acted in that manner if he had + not felt satisfied that I had already treated his sister in the + tete-a-tete in the same way that he treated his mistress before us. + </p> + <p> + My love for C—— C—— became every instant more + intense, and I had made up my mind to undertake everything necessary to + save her from the fearful position in which her unworthy brother might + throw her by selling her for his own profit to some man less scrupulous + than I was. It seemed to me urgent. What a disgusting state of things! + What an unheard-of species of seduction! What a strange way to gain my + friendship! And I found myself under the dire necessity of dissembling + with the man whom I despised most in the world! I had been told that he + was deeply in debt, that he had been a bankrupt in Vienna, where he had a + wife and a family of children, that in Venice he had compromised his + father who had been obliged to turn him out of his house, and who, out of + pity, pretended not to know that he had kept his room in it. He had + seduced his wife, or rather his mistress, who had been driven away by her + husband, and after he had squandered everything she possessed, and he + found himself at the end of his wits, he had tried to turn her + prostitution to advantage. His poor mother who idolized him had given him + everything she had, even her own clothes, and I expected him to plague me + again for some loan or security, but I was firmly resolved on refusing. I + could not bear the idea of C—— C—— being the + innocent cause of my ruin, and used as a tool by her brother to keep up + his disgusting life. + </p> + <p> + Moved by an irresistible feeling, by what is called perfect love, I called + upon P—— C—— on the following day, and, after I + had told him that I adored his sister with the most honourable intentions, + I tried to make him realize how deeply he had grieved me by forgetting all + respect, and that modesty which the most inveterate libertine ought never + to insult if he has any pretension to be worthy of respectable society. + </p> + <p> + “Even if I had to give up,” I added, “the pleasure of seeing your angelic + sister, I have taken the firm resolution of not keeping company with you; + but I candidly warn you that I will do everything in my power to prevent + her from going out with you, and from being the victim of some infamous + bargain in your hands.” + </p> + <p> + He excused himself again by saying that he had drunk too much, and that he + did not believe that my love for his sister was such as to despise the + gratification of my senses. He begged my pardon, he embraced me with tears + in his eyes, and I would, perhaps have given way to my own emotion, when + his mother and sister entered the room. They offered me their heart-felt + thanks for the handsome present I had given to the young lady. I told the + mother that I loved her daughter, and that my fondest hope was to obtain + her for my wife. + </p> + <p> + “In the hope of securing that happiness, madam,” I added, “I shall get a + friend to speak to your husband as soon as I shall have secured a position + giving me sufficient means to keep her comfortably, and to assure her + happiness.” + </p> + <p> + So saying I kissed her hand, and I felt so deeply moved that the tears ran + down my cheeks. Those tears were sympathetic, and the excellent woman was + soon crying like me. She thanked me affectionately, and left me with her + daughter and her son, who looked as if he had been changed into a statue. + </p> + <p> + There are a great many mothers of that kind in the world, and very often + they are women who have led a virtuous life; they do not suppose that + deceit can exist, because their own nature understands only what is + upright and true; but they are almost always the victims of their good + faith, and of their trust in those who seem to them to be patterns of + honesty. What I had told the mother surprised the daughter, but her + astonishment was much greater when she heard of what I had said to her + brother. After one moment of consideration, she told him that, with any + other man but me, she would have been ruined; and that, if she had been in + the place of Madame C——, she would never have forgiven him, + because the way he had treated her was as debasing for her as for himself. + P—— C—— was weeping, but the traitor could command + tears whenever he pleased. + </p> + <p> + It was Whit Sunday, and as the theatres were closed he told me that, if I + would be at the same place of Appointment as before, the next day, he + would leave his sister with me, and go by himself with Madame C——, + whom he could not honourably leave alone. + </p> + <p> + “I will give you my key,” he added, “and you can bring back my sister here + as soon as you have supper together wherever you like.” + </p> + <p> + And he handed me his key, which I had not the courage to refuse. After + that he left us. I went away myself a few minutes afterwards, having + previously agreed with C—— C—— that we would go to + the Zuecca Garden on the following day. + </p> + <p> + I was punctual, and love exciting me to the highest degree I foresaw what + would happen on that day. I had engaged a box at the opera, and we went to + our garden until the evening. As it was a holiday there were several small + parties of friends sitting at various tables, and being unwilling to mix + with other people we made up our minds to remain in the apartment which + was given to us, and to go to the opera only towards the end of the + performance. I therefore ordered a good supper. We had seven hours to + spend together, and my charming young friend remarked that the time would + certainly not seem long to us. She threw off her disguise and sat on my + knees, telling me that I had completed the conquest of her heart by my + reserve towards her during the supper with her brother; but all our + conversation was accompanied by kisses which, little by little, were + becoming more and more ardent. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see,” she said to me, “what my brother did to Madame C—— + when she placed herself astride on his knees? I only saw it in the + looking-glass, but I could guess what it was.” + </p> + <p> + “Were you not afraid of my treating you in the same manner?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I can assure you. How could I possibly fear such a thing, knowing how + much you love me? You would have humiliated me so deeply that I should no + longer have loved you. We will wait until we are married, will we not, + dear? You cannot realize the extent of the joy I felt when I heard you + speak to my mother as you did! We will love each other for ever. But will + you explain to me, dearest, the meaning of the words embroidered upon my + garters?” + </p> + <p> + “Is there any motto upon them? I was not aware of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! it is in French; pray read it.” + </p> + <p> + Seated on my knees, she took off one of her garters while I was unclasping + the other, and here are the two lines which I found embroidered on them, + and which I ought to have read before offering them to her: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘En voyant chaque jour le bijou de ma belle, + Vous lui direz qu’Amour veut qu’il lui soit fidele.’ +</pre> + <p> + Those verses, rather free I must confess, struck me as very comic. I burst + out laughing, and my mirth increased when, to please her, I had to + translate their meaning. As it was an idea entirely new to her, I found it + necessary to enter into particulars which lighted an ardent fire in our + veins. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” she observed, “I shall not dare to shew my garters to anybody, and + I am very sorry for it.” + </p> + <p> + As I was rather thoughtful, she added, + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what you are thinking of?” + </p> + <p> + “I am thinking that those lucky garters have a privilege which perhaps I + shall never enjoy. How I wish myself in their place: I may die of that + wish, and die miserable.” + </p> + <p> + “No, dearest, for I am in the same position as you, and I am certain to + live. Besides, we can hasten our marriage. As far as I am concerned, I am + ready to become your wife to-morrow if you wish it. We are both free, and + my father cannot refuse his consent.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, for he would be bound to consent for the sake of his + honour. But I wish to give him a mark of my respect by asking for your + hand, and after that everything will soon be ready. It might be in a week + or ten days.” + </p> + <p> + “So soon? You will see that my father will say that I am too young.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he is right.” + </p> + <p> + “No; I am young, but not too young, and I am certain that I can be your + wife.” + </p> + <p> + I was on burning coals, and I felt that it was impossible for me to resist + any longer the ardent fire which was consuming me. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my best beloved!” I exclaimed, “do you feel certain of my love? Do + you think me capable of deceiving you? Are you sure that you will never + repent being my wife?” + </p> + <p> + “More than certain, darling; for you could not wish to make me unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, let our marriage take place now. Let God alone receive our + mutual pledges; we cannot have a better witness, for He knows the purity + of our intentions. Let us mutually engage our faith, let us unite our + destinies and be happy. We will afterwards legalize our tender love with + your father’s consent and with the ceremonies of the Church; in the mean + time be mine, entirely mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Dispose of me, dearest. I promise to God, I promise to you that, from + this very moment and for ever, I will be your faithful wife; I will say + the same to my father, to the priest who will bless our union—in + fact, to everybody.” + </p> + <p> + “I take the same oath towards you, darling, and I can assure you that we + are now truly married. Come to my arms! Oh, dearest, complete my + felicity!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear! am I indeed so near happiness!” + </p> + <p> + After kissing her tenderly, I went down to tell the mistress of the house + not to disturb us, and not to bring up our dinner until we called for it. + During my short absence, my charming C—— C—— had + thrown herself dressed on the bed, but I told her that the god of love + disapproved of unnecessary veils, and in less than a minute I made of her + a new Eve, beautiful in her nakedness as if she had just come out of the + hands of the Supreme Artist. Her skin, as soft as satin, was dazzlingly + white, and seemed still more so beside her splendid black hair which I had + spread over her alabaster shoulders. Her slender figure, her prominent + hips, her beautifully-modelled bosom, her large eyes, from which flashed + the sparkle of amorous desire, everything about her was strikingly + beautiful, and presented to my hungry looks the perfection of the mother + of love, adorned by all the charms which modesty throws over the + attractions of a lovely woman. + </p> + <p> + Beside myself, I almost feared lest my felicity should not prove real, or + lest it should not be made perfect by complete enjoyment, when mischievous + love contrived, in so serious a moment, to supply me with a reason for + mirth. + </p> + <p> + “Is there by any chance a law to prevent the husband from undressing + himself?” enquired beautiful C—— C——. + </p> + <p> + “No, darling angel, no; and even if there were such a barbarous law, I + would not submit to it.” + </p> + <p> + In one instant, I had thrown off all my garments, and my mistress, in her + turn, gave herself up to all the impulse of natural instinct and + curiosity, for every part of my body was an entirely new thing to her. At + last, as if she had had enough of the pleasure her eyes were enjoying, she + pressed me against her bosom, and exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “Oh! dearest, what a difference between you and my pillow!” + </p> + <p> + “Your pillow, darling? You are laughing; what do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it is nothing but a childish fancy; I am afraid you will be angry.” + </p> + <p> + “Angry! How could I be angry with you, my love, in the happiest moment of + my life?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, for several days past, I could not go to sleep without holding my + pillow in my arms; I caressed it, I called it my dear husband; I fancied + it was you, and when a delightful enjoyment had left me without movement, + I would go to sleep, and in the morning find my pillow still between my + arms.” + </p> + <p> + My dear C—— C—— became my wife with the courage of + a true heroine, for her intense love caused her to delight even in bodily + pain. After three hours spent in delicious enjoyment, I got up and called + for our supper. The repast was simple, but very good. We looked at one + another without speaking, for how could we find words to express our + feelings? We thought that our felicity was extreme, and we enjoyed it with + the certainty that we could renew it at will. + </p> + <p> + The hostess came up to enquire whether we wanted anything, and she asked + if we were not going to the opera, which everybody said was so beautiful. + </p> + <p> + “Have you never been to the opera?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, because it is too dear for people in our position. My daughter has + such a wish to go, that, God forgive me for saying it! she would give + herself, I truly believe, to the man who would take her there once.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be paying very dear for it,” said my little wife, laughing. + “Dearest, we could make her happy at less cost, for that hurts very much.” + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking of it, my love. Here is the key of the box, you can make + them a present of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is the key of a box at the St. Moses Theatre,” she said to the + hostess; “it costs two sequins; go instead of us, and tell your daughter + to keep her rose-bud for something better.” + </p> + <p> + “To enable you to amuse yourself, my good woman; take these two sequins,” + I added. “Let your daughter enjoy herself well.” + </p> + <p> + The good hostess, thoroughly amazed at the generosity of her guests, ran + in a great hurry to her daughter, while we were delighted at having laid + ourselves under the pleasant necessity of again going to bed. She came up + with her daughter, a handsome, tempting blonde, who insisted upon kissing + the hands of her benefactors. + </p> + <p> + “She is going this minute with her lover,” said the mother. “He is waiting + for her; but I will not let her go alone with him, for he is not to be + trusted; I am going with them.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right, my good woman; but when you come back this evening, let + the gondola wait for us; it will take us to Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “What! Do you mean to remain here until we return?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for this is our wedding-day.” + </p> + <p> + “To-day? God bless you!” + </p> + <p> + She then went to the bed, to put it to rights, and seeing the marks of my + wife’s virginity she came to my dear C—— C—— and, + in her joy, kissed her, and immediately began a sermon for the special + benefit of her daughter, shewing her those marks which, in her opinion, + did infinite honour to the young bride: respectable marks, she said, which + in our days the god of Hymen sees but seldom on his altar. + </p> + <p> + The daughter, casting down her beautiful blue eyes, answered that the same + would certainly be seen on her wedding-day. + </p> + <p> + “I am certain of it,” said the mother, “for I never lose sight of thee. Go + and get some water in this basin, and bring it here. This charming bride + must be in need of it.” + </p> + <p> + The girl obeyed. The two women having left us, we went to bed, and four + hours of ecstatic delights passed off with wonderful rapidity. Our last + engagement would have lasted longer, if my charming sweetheart had not + taken a fancy to take my place and to reverse the position. Worn out with + happiness and enjoyment, we were going to sleep, when the hostess came to + tell us that the gondola was waiting for us. I immediately got up to open + the door, in the hope that she would amuse us with her description of the + opera; but she left that task to her daughter, who had come up with her, + and she went down again to prepare some coffee for us. The young girl + assisted my sweetheart to dress, but now and then she would wink at me in + a manner which made me think that she had more experience than her mother + imagined. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more indiscreet than the eyes of my beloved mistress; + they wore the irrefutable marks of her first exploits. It is true that she + had just been fighting a battle which had positively made her a different + being to what she was before the engagement. + </p> + <p> + We took some hot coffee, and I told our hostess to get us a nice dinner + for the next day; we then left in the gondola. The dawn of day was + breaking when we landed at St. Sophia’s Square, in order to set the + curiosity of the gondoliers at fault, and we parted happy, delighted, and + certain that we were thoroughly married. I went to bed, having made up my + mind to compel M. de Bragadin, through the power of the oracle, to obtain + legally for me the hand of my beloved C—— C——. I + remained in bed until noon, and spent the rest of the day in playing with + ill luck, as if Dame Fortune had wished to warn me that she did not + approve of my love. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0013" id="linkB2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Continuation of My Intrigues with C. C.—M. de Bragadin Asks + the Hand of That Young Person for Me—Her Father Refuses, + and Sends Her to a Convent—De la Haye—I Lose All my Money + at the Faro-table—My Partnership with Croce Replenishes My + Purse—Various Incidents +</pre> + <p> + The happiness derived from my love had prevented me from attaching any + importance to my losses, and being entirely engrossed with the thought of + my sweetheart my mind did not seem to care for whatever did not relate to + her. + </p> + <p> + I was thinking of her the next morning when her brother called on me with + a beaming countenance, and said, + </p> + <p> + “I am certain that you have slept with my sister, and I am very glad of + it. She does not confess as much, but her confession is not necessary. I + will bring her to you to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “You will oblige me, for I adore her, and I will get a friend of mine to + ask her in marriage from your father in such a manner that he will not be + able to refuse.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it may be so, but I doubt it. In the mean time, I find myself + compelled to beg another service from your kindness. I can obtain, against + a note of hand payable in six months, a ring of the value of two hundred + sequins, and I am certain to sell it again this very day for the same + amount. That sum is very necessary to me just now, but the jeweller, who + knows you, will not let me have it without your security. Will you oblige + me in this instance? I know that you lost a great deal last night; if you + want some money I will give you one hundred sequins, which you will return + when the note of hand falls due.” + </p> + <p> + How could I refuse him? I knew very well that I would be duped, but I + loved his sister so much: + </p> + <p> + “I am ready,” said I to him, “to sign the note of hand, but you are wrong + in abusing my love for your sister in such a manner.” + </p> + <p> + We went out, and the jeweller having accepted my security the bargain was + completed. The merchant, who knew me only by name, thinking of paying me a + great compliment, told P—— C—— that with my + guarantee all his goods were at his service. I did not feel flattered by + the compliment, but I thought I could see in it the knavery of P—— + C——, who was clever enough to find out, out of a hundred, the + fool who without any reason placed confidence in me when I possessed + nothing. It was thus that my angelic C—— C——, who + seemed made to insure my happiness, was the innocent cause of my ruin. + </p> + <p> + At noon P—— C—— brought his sister; and wishing + most likely to prove his honesty—for a cheat always tries hard to do + that—he gave me back the letter of exchange which I had endorsed for + the Cyprus wine, assuring me likewise that at our next meeting he would + hand me the one hundred sequins which he had promised me. + </p> + <p> + I took my mistress as usual to Zuecca; I agreed for the garden to be kept + closed, and we dined under a vine-arbour. My dear C—— C—— + seemed to me more beautiful since she was mine, and, friendship being + united to love we felt a delightful sensation of happiness which shone on + our features. The hostess, who had found me generous, gave us some + excellent game and some very fine fish; her daughter served us. She also + came to undress my little wife as soon as we had gone upstairs to give + ourselves up to the sweet pleasures natural to a young married couple. + </p> + <p> + When we were alone my loved asked me what was the meaning of the one + hundred sequins which her brother had promised to bring me, and I told her + all that had taken place between him and me. + </p> + <p> + “I entreat you, darling,” she said to me, “to refuse all the demands of my + brother in future; he is, unfortunately, in such difficulties that he + would at the end drag you down to the abyss into which he must fall” + </p> + <p> + This time our enjoyment seemed to us more substantial; we relished it with + a more refined delight, and, so to speak, we reasoned over it. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my best beloved!” she said to me, “do all in your power to render me + pregnant; for in that case my father could no longer refuse his consent to + my marriage, under the pretext of my being too young.” + </p> + <p> + It was with great difficulty that I made her understand that the + fulfilment of that wish, however much I shared it myself, was not entirely + in our power; but that, under the circumstances, it would most probably be + fulfilled sooner or later. + </p> + <p> + After working with all our might at the completion of that great + undertaking, we gave several hours to a profound and delightful repose. As + soon as we were awake I called for candles and coffee, and we set to work + again in the hope of obtaining the mutual harmony of ecstatic enjoyment + which was necessary to insure our future happiness. It was in the midst of + our loving sport that the too early dawn surprised us, and we hurried back + to Venice to avoid inquisitive eyes. + </p> + <p> + We renewed our pleasures on the Friday, but, whatever delight I may feel + now in the remembrance of those happy moments, I will spare my readers the + description of my new enjoyment, because they might not feel interested in + such repetitions. I must therefore only say that, before parting on that + day, we fixed for the following Monday, the last day of the carnival, our + last meeting in the Garden of Zuecca. Death alone could have hindered me + from keeping that appointment, for it was to be the last opportunity of + enjoying our amorous sport. + </p> + <p> + On the Monday morning I saw P—— C——, who confirmed + the appointment for the same hour, and at the place previously agreed + upon, and I was there in good time. In spite of the impatience of a lover, + the first hour of expectation passes rapidly, but the second is mortally + long. Yet the third and the fourth passed without my seeing my beloved + mistress. I was in a state of fearful anxiety; I imagined the most + terrible disasters. It seemed to me that if C—— C—— + had been unable to go out her brother ought to have come to let me know + it. + </p> + <p> + But some unexpected mishap might have detained him, and I could not go and + fetch her myself at her house, even if I had feared nothing else than to + miss them on the road. At last, as the church bells were tolling the + Angelus, C—— C—— came alone, and masked. + </p> + <p> + “I was certain,” she said, “that you were here, and here I am in spite of + all my mother could say. You must be starving. My brother has not put in + an appearance through the whole of this day. Let us go quickly to our + garden, for I am very hungry too, and love will console us for all we have + suffered today.” + </p> + <p> + She had spoken very rapidly, and without giving me time to utter a single + word; I had nothing more to ask her. We went off, and took a gondola to + our garden. The wind was very high, it blew almost a hurricane, and the + gondola having only one rower the danger was great. C—— C——, + who had no idea of it, was playing with me to make up for the restraint + under which she had been all day; but her movements exposed the gondolier + to danger; if he had fallen into the water, nothing could have saved us, + and we would have found death on our way to pleasure. I told her to keep + quiet, but, being anxious not to frighten her, I dared not acquaint her + with the danger we were running. The gondolier, however, had not the same + reasons for sparing her feelings, and he called out to us in a stentorian + voice that, if we did not keep quiet, we were all lost. His threat had the + desired effect, and we reached the landing without mishap. I paid the man + generously, and he laughed for joy when he saw the money for which he was + indebted to the bad weather. + </p> + <p> + We spent six delightful hours in our casino; this time sleep was not + allowed to visit us. The only thought which threw a cloud over our + felicity was that, the carnival being over, we did not know how to + contrive our future meetings. We agreed, however, that on the following + Wednesday morning I should pay a visit to her brother, and that she would + come to his room as usual. + </p> + <p> + We took leave of our worthy hostess, who, entertaining no hope of seeing + us again, expressed her sorrow and overwhelmed us with blessings. I + escorted my darling, without any accident, as far as the door of her + house, and went home. + </p> + <p> + I had just risen at noon, when to my great surprise I had a visit from De + la Haye with his pupil Calvi, a handsome young man, but the very copy of + his master in everything. He walked, spoke, laughed exactly like him; it + was the same language as that of the Jesuits correct but rather harsh + French. I thought that excess of imitation perfectly scandalous, and I + could not help telling De la Haye that he ought to change his pupil’s + deportment, because such servile mimicry would only expose him to bitter + raillery. As I was giving him my opinion on that subject, Bavois made his + appearance, and when he had spent an hour in the company of the young man + he was entirely of the same mind. Calvi died two or three years later. De + la Haye, who was bent upon forming pupils, became, two or three months + after Calvi’s death, the tutor of the young Chevalier de Morosini, the + nephew of the nobleman to whom Bavois was indebted for his rapid fortune, + who was then the Commissioner of the Republic to settle its boundaries + with the Austrian Government represented by Count Christiani. + </p> + <p> + I was in love beyond all measure, and I would not postpone an application + on which my happiness depended any longer. After dinner, and as soon as + everybody had retired, I begged M. de Bragadin and his two friends to + grant me an audience of two hours in the room in which we were always + inaccessible. There, without any preamble, I told them that I was in love + with C—— C——, and determined on carrying her off + if they could not contrive to obtain her from her father for my wife. “The + question at issue,” I said to M. de Bragadin, “is how to give me a + respectable position, and to guarantee a dowry of ten thousand ducats + which the young lady would bring me.” They answered that, if Paralis gave + them the necessary instructions, they were ready to fulfil them. That was + all I wanted. I spent two hours in forming all the pyramids they wished, + and the result was that M. de Bragadin himself would demand in my name the + hand of the young lady; the oracle explaining the reason of that choice by + stating that it must be the same person who would guarantee the dowry with + his own fortune. The father of my mistress being then at his + country-house, I told my friends that they would have due notice of his + return, and that they were to be all three together when M. de Bragadin + demanded the young lady’s hand. + </p> + <p> + Well pleased with what I had done, I called on P—— C—— + the next morning. An old woman, who opened the door for me, told me that + he was not at home, but that his mother would see me. She came immediately + with her daughter, and they both looked very sad, which at once struck me + as a bad sign. C—— C—— told me that her brother + was in prison for debt, and that it would be difficult to get him out of + it because his debts amounted to a very large sum. The mother, crying + bitterly, told me how deeply grieved she was at not being able to support + him in the prison, and she shewed me the letter he had written to her, in + which he requested her to deliver an enclosure to his sister. I asked C—— + C—— whether I could read it; she handed it to me, and I saw + that he begged her to speak to me in his behalf. As I returned it to her, + I told her to write to him that I was not in a position to do anything for + him, but I entreated the mother to accept twenty-five sequins, which would + enable her to assist him by sending him one or two at a time. She made up + her mind to take them only when her daughter joined her entreaties to + mine. + </p> + <p> + After this painful scene I gave them an account of what I had done in + order to obtain the hand of my young sweetheart. Madame C—thanked + me, expressed her appreciation of my honourable conduct, but she told me + not to entertain any hope, because her husband, who was very stubborn in + his ideas, had decided that his daughter should marry a merchant, and not + before the age of eighteen. He was expected home that very day. As I was + taking leave of them, my mistress contrived to slip in my hand a letter in + which she told me that I could safely make use of the key which I had in + my possession, to enter the house at midnight, and that I would find her + in her brother’s room. This news made me very happy, for, notwithstanding + all the doubts of her mother, I hoped for success in obtaining her hand. + </p> + <p> + When I returned home, I told M. de Bragadin of the expected arrival of the + father of my charming C—— C——, and the kind old + man wrote to him immediately in my presence. He requested him to name at + what time he might call on him on important business. I asked M. de + Bragadin not to send his letter until the following day. + </p> + <p> + The reader can very well guess that C—— C—— had + not to wait for me long after midnight. I gained admittance without any + difficulty, and I found my darling, who received me with open arms. + </p> + <p> + “You have nothing to fear,” she said to me; “my father has arrived in + excellent health, and everyone in the house is fast asleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Except Love,” I answered, “which is now inviting us to enjoy ourselves. + Love will protect us, dearest, and to-morrow your father will receive a + letter from my worthy protector.” + </p> + <p> + At those words C—— C—— shuddered. It was a + presentiment of the future. + </p> + <p> + She said to me, + </p> + <p> + “My father thinks of me now as if I were nothing but a child; but his eyes + are going to be opened respecting me; he will examine my conduct, and God + knows what will happen! Now, we are happy, even more than we were during + our visits to Zuecca, for we can see each other every night without + restraint. But what will my father do when he hears that I have a lover?” + </p> + <p> + “What can he do? If he refuses me your hand, I will carry you off, and the + patriarch would certainly marry us. We shall be one another’s for life” + </p> + <p> + “It is my most ardent wish, and to realize it I am ready to do anything; + but, dearest, I know my father.” + </p> + <p> + We remained two hours together, thinking less of our pleasures than of our + sorrow; I went away promising to see her again the next night. The whole + of the morning passed off very heavily for me, and at noon M. de Bragadin + informed me that he had sent his letter to the father, who had answered + that he would call himself on the following day to ascertain M. de + Bragadin’s wishes. At midnight I saw my beloved mistress again, and I gave + her an account of all that had transpired. C—— C—— + told me that the message of the senator had greatly puzzled her father, + because, as he had never had any intercourse with that nobleman, he could + not imagine what he wanted with him. Uncertainty, a sort of anxious dread, + and a confused hope, rendered our enjoyment much less lively during the + two hours which we spent together. I had no doubt that M. Ch. C—— + the father of my young friend, would go home immediately after his + interview with M. de Bragadin, that he would ask his daughter a great many + questions, and I feared lest C—— C——, in her + trouble and confusion, should betray herself. She felt herself that it + might be so, and I could see how painfully anxious she was. I was + extremely uneasy myself, and I suffered much because, not knowing how her + father would look at the matter, I could not give her any advice. As a + matter of course, it was necessary for her to conceal certain + circumstances which would have prejudiced his mind against us; yet it was + urgent to tell him the truth and to shew herself entirely submissive to + his will. I found myself placed in a strange position, and above all, I + regretted having made the all-important application, precisely because it + was certain to have too decisive a result. I longed to get out of the + state of indecision in which I was, and I was surprised to see my young + mistress less anxious than I was. We parted with heavy hearts, but with + the hope that the next night would again bring us together, for the + contrary did not seem to us possible. + </p> + <p> + The next day, after dinner, M. Ch. C—— called upon M. de + Bragadin, but I did not shew myself. He remained a couple of hours with my + three friends, and as soon as he had gone I heard that his answer had been + what the mother had told me, but with the addition of a circumstance most + painful to me—namely, that his daughter would pass the four years + which were to elapse, before she could think of marriage, in a convent. As + a palliative to his refusal he had added, that, if by that time I had a + well-established position in the world, he might consent to our wedding. + </p> + <p> + That answer struck me as most cruel, and in the despair in which it threw + me I was not astonished when the same night I found the door by which I + used to gain admittance to C—— C—— closed and + locked inside. + </p> + <p> + I returned home more dead than alive, and lost twenty-four hours in that + fearful perplexity in which a man is often thrown when he feels himself + bound to take a decision without knowing what to decide. I thought of + carrying her off, but a thousand difficulties combined to prevent the + execution of that scheme, and her brother was in prison. I saw how + difficult it would be to contrive a correspondence with my wife, for I + considered C—— C—— as such, much more than if our + marriage had received the sanction of the priest’s blessing or of the + notary’s legal contract. + </p> + <p> + Tortured by a thousand distressing ideas, I made up my mind at last to pay + a visit to Madame C——. A servant opened the door, and informed + me that madame had gone to the country; she could not tell me when she was + expected to return to Venice. This news was a terrible thunder-bolt to me; + I remained as motionless as a statue; for now that I had lost that last + resource I had no means of procuring the slightest information. + </p> + <p> + I tried to look calm in the presence of my three friends, but in reality I + was in a state truly worthy of pity, and the reader will perhaps realize + it if I tell him that in my despair I made up my mind to call on P—— + C—— in his prison, in the hope that he might give me some + information. + </p> + <p> + My visit proved useless; he knew nothing, and I did not enlighten his + ignorance. He told me a great many lies which I pretended to accept as + gospel, and giving him two sequins I went away, wishing him a prompt + release. + </p> + <p> + I was racking my brain to contrive some way to know the position of my + mistress—for I felt certain it was a fearful one—and believing + her to be unhappy I reproached myself most bitterly as the cause of her + misery. I had reached such a state of anxiety that I could neither eat nor + sleep. + </p> + <p> + Two days after the refusal of the father, M. de Bragadin and his two + friends went to Padua for a month. I had not had the heart to go with + them, and I was alone in the house. I needed consolation and I went to the + gaming-table, but I played without attention and lost a great deal. I had + already sold whatever I possessed of any value, and I owed money + everywhere. I could expect no assistance except from my three kind + friends, but shame prevented me from confessing my position to them. I was + in that disposition which leads easily to self-destruction, and I was + thinking of it as I was shaving myself before a toilet-glass, when the + servant brought to my room a woman who had a letter for me. The woman came + up to me, and, handing me the letter, she said, + </p> + <p> + “Are you the person to whom it is addressed?” + </p> + <p> + I recognized at once a seal which I had given to C—— C——; + I thought I would drop down dead. In order to recover my composure, I told + the woman to wait, and tried to shave myself, but my hand refused to + perform its office. I put the razor down, turned my back on the messenger, + and opening the letter I read the following lines, + </p> + <p> + “Before I can write all I have to say, I must be sure of my messenger. I + am boarding in a convent, and am very well treated, and I enjoy excellent + health in spite of the anxiety of my mind. The superior has been + instructed to forbid me all visitors and correspondence. I am, however, + already certain of being able to write to you, notwithstanding these very + strict orders. I entertain no doubt of your good faith, my beloved + husband, and I feel sure that you will never doubt a heart which is wholly + yours. Trust to me for the execution of whatever you may wish me to do, + for I am yours and only yours. Answer only a few words until we are quite + certain of our messenger. + </p> + <p> + “Muran, June 12th.” + </p> + <p> + In less than three weeks my young friend had become a clever moralist; it + is true that Love had been her teacher, and Love alone can work miracles. + As I concluded the reading of her letter, I was in the state of a criminal + pardoned at the foot of the scaffold. I required several minutes before I + recovered the exercise of my will and my presence of mind. + </p> + <p> + I turned towards the messenger, and asked her if she could read. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir! if I could not read, it would be a great misfortune for me. + There are seven women appointed for the service of the nuns of Muran. One + of us comes in turn to Venice once a week; I come every Wednesday, and + this day week I shall be able to bring you an answer to the letter which, + if you like, you can write now.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you can take charge of the letters entrusted to you by the nuns?” + </p> + <p> + “That is not supposed to be one of our duties but the faithful delivery of + letters being the most important of the commissions committed to our care, + we should not be trusted if we could not read the address of the letters + placed in our hands. The nuns wanted to be sure that we shall not give to + Peter the letter addressed to Paul. The good mothers are always afraid of + our being guilty of such blunders. Therefore I shall be here again, + without fail, this day week at the same hour, but please to order your + servant to wake you in case you should be asleep, for our time is measured + as if it were gold. Above all, rely entirely upon my discretion as long as + you employ me; for if I did not know how to keep a silent tongue in my + head I should lose my bread, and then what would become of me—a + widow with four children, a boy eight years old, and three pretty girls, + the eldest of whom is only sixteen? You can see them when you come to + Muran. I live near the church, on the garden side, and I am always at home + when I am not engaged in the service of the nuns, who are always sending + me on one commission or another. The young lady—I do not know her + name yet, for she has only been one week with us—gave me this + letter, but so cleverly! Oh! she must be as witty as she is pretty, for + three nuns who were there were completely bamboozled. She gave it to me + with this other letter for myself, which I likewise leave in your hands. + Poor child! she tells me to be discreet! She need not be afraid. Write to + her, I entreat you, sir, that she can trust me, and answer boldly. I would + not tell you to act in the same manner with all the other messengers of + the convent, although I believe them to be honest—and God forbid I + should speak ill of my fellow-creature—but they are all ignorant, + you see; and it is certain that they babble, at least, with their + confessors, if with nobody else. As for me, thank God! I know very well + that I need not confess anything but my sins, and surely to carry a letter + from a Christian woman to her brother in Christ is not a sin. Besides, my + confessor is a good old monk, quite deaf, I believe, for the worthy man + never answers me; but that is his business, not mine!” + </p> + <p> + I had not intended to ask her any questions, but if such had been my + intention she would not have given me time to carry it into execution; and + without my asking her anything, she was telling me everything I cared to + know, and she did so in her anxiety for me to avail myself of her services + exclusively. + </p> + <p> + I immediately sat down to write to my dear recluse, intending at first to + write only a few lines, as she had requested me; but my time was too short + to write so little. My letter was a screed of four pages, and very likely + it said less than her note of one short page. I told her her letter had + saved my life, and asked her whether I could hope to see her. I informed + her that I had given a sequin to the messenger, that she would find + another for herself under the seal of my letter, and that I would send her + all the money she might want. I entreated her not to fail writing every + Wednesday, to be certain that her letters would never be long enough to + give me full particulars, not only of all she did, of all she was allowed + to do, but also of all her thoughts respecting her release from + imprisonment, and the overcoming of all the obstacles which were in the + way of our mutual happiness; for I was as much hers as she was mine. I + hinted to her the necessity of gaining the love of all the nuns and + boarders, but without taking them into her confidence, and of shewing no + dislike of her convent life. After praising her for the clever manner in + which she had contrived to write to me, in spite of superior orders, I + made her understand how careful she was to be to avoid being surprised + while she was writing, because in such a case her room would certainly be + searched and all her papers seized. + </p> + <p> + “Burn all my letters, darling,” I added, “and recollect that you must go + to confession often, but without implicating our love. Share with me all + your sorrows, which interest me even more than your joys.” + </p> + <p> + I sealed my letter in such a manner that no one could possibly guess that + there was a sequin hidden under the sealing wax, and I rewarded the woman, + promising her that I would give her the same reward every time that she + brought me a letter from my friend. When she saw the sequin which I had + put in her hand the good woman cried for joy, and she told me that, as the + gates of the convent were never closed for her, she would deliver my + letter the moment she found the young lady alone. + </p> + <p> + Here is the note which C—— C—— had given to the + woman, with the letter addressed to me: + </p> + <p> + “God Himself, my good woman, prompts me to have confidence in you rather + than in anybody else. Take this letter to Venice, and should the person to + whom it is addressed not be in the city, bring it back to me. You must + deliver it to that person himself, and if you find him you will most + likely have an answer, which you must give me, but only when you are + certain that nobody can see you.” + </p> + <p> + If Love is imprudent, it is only in the hope of enjoyment; but when it is + necessary to bring back happiness destroyed by some untoward accident, + Love foresees all that the keenest perspicacity could possibly find out. + The letter of my charming wife overwhelmed me with joy, and in one moment + I passed from a state of despair to that of extreme felicity. I felt + certain that I should succeed in carrying her off even if the walls of the + convent could boast of artillery, and after the departure of the messenger + my first thought was to endeavour to spend the seven days, before I could + receive the second letter, pleasantly. Gambling alone could do it, but + everybody had gone to Padua. I got my trunk ready, and immediately sent it + to the burchiello then ready to start, and I left for Frusina. From that + place I posted, and in less than three hours I arrived at the door of the + Bragadin Palace, where I found my dear protector on the point of sitting + down to dinner. He embraced me affectionately, and seeing me covered with + perspiration he said to me, + </p> + <p> + “I am certain that you are in no hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered, “but I am starving.” + </p> + <p> + I brought joy to the brotherly trio, and I enhanced their happiness when I + told my friends that I would remain six days with them. De la Haye dined + with us on that day; as soon as dinner was over he closeted himself with + M. Dandolo, and for two hours they remained together. I had gone to bed + during that time, but M. Dandolo came up to me and told me that I had + arrived just in time to consult the oracle respecting an important affair + entirely private to himself. He gave me the questions, and requested me to + find the answers. He wanted to know whether he would act rightly if he + accepted a project proposed to him by De la Haye. + </p> + <p> + The oracle answered negatively. + </p> + <p> + M. Dandolo, rather surprised, asked a second question: he wished Paralis + to give his reasons for the denial. + </p> + <p> + I formed the cabalistic pile, and brought out this answer: + </p> + <p> + “I asked Casanova’s opinion, and as I find it opposed to the proposal made + by De la Haye, I do not wish to hear any more about it.” + </p> + <p> + Oh! wonderful power of self-delusion! This worthy man, pleased at being + able to throw the odium of a refusal on me, left me perfectly satisfied. I + had no idea of the nature of the affair to which he had been alluding, and + I felt no curiosity about it; but it annoyed me that a Jesuit should + interfere and try to make my friends do anything otherwise than through my + instrumentality, and I wanted that intriguer to know that my influence was + greater than his own. + </p> + <p> + After that, I dressed, masked myself, and went to the opera, where I sat + down to a faro-table and lost all my money. Fortune was determined to shew + me that it does not always agree with love. My heart was heavy, I felt + miserable; I went to bed. When I woke in the morning, I saw De la Haye + come into my room with a beaming countenance, and, assuming an air of + devoted friendship, he made a great show of his feelings towards me. I + knew what to think of it all, and I waited for the ‘denouement’. + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend,” he said to me at last, “why did you dissuade M. Dandolo + from doing what I had insinuated to him?” + </p> + <p> + “What had you insinuated to him?” + </p> + <p> + “You know well enough.” + </p> + <p> + “If I knew it, I would not ask you” + </p> + <p> + “M. Dandolo himself told me that you had advised him against it.” + </p> + <p> + “Advised against, that may be, but certainly not dissuaded, for if he had + been persuaded in his own mind he would not have asked my advice.” + </p> + <p> + “As you please; but may I enquire your reasons?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me first what your proposal was.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he not told you?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he has; but if you wish to know my reasons, I must hear the whole + affair from your own lips, because M. Dandolo spoke to me under a promise + of secrecy.” + </p> + <p> + “Of what good is all this reserve?” + </p> + <p> + “Everyone has his own principles and his own way of thinking: I have a + sufficiently good opinion of you to believe that you would act exactly as + I do, for I have heard you say that in all secret matters one ought to + guard against surprise.” + </p> + <p> + “I am incapable of taking such an advantage of a friend; but as a general + rule your maxim is a right one; I like prudence. I will tell you the whole + affair. You are aware that Madame Tripolo has been left a widow, and that + M. Dandolo is courting her assiduously, after having done the same for + fourteen years during the life of the husband. The lady, who is still + young, beautiful and lovely, and also is very respectable, wishes to + become his wife. It is to me that she has confided her wishes, and as I + saw nothing that was not praiseworthy, either in a temporal or in a + spiritual point of view, in that union, for after all we are all men, I + took the affair in hand with real pleasure. I fancied even that M. Dandolo + felt some inclination for that marriage when he told me that he would give + me his decision this morning. I am not astonished at his having asked your + advice in such an important affair, for a prudent man is right in asking + the opinion of a wise friend before taking a decisive step; but I must + tell you candidly that I am astonished at your disapproval of such a + marriage. Pray excuse me if, in order to improve by the information, I ask + why your opinion is exactly the reverse of mine.” + </p> + <p> + Delighted at having discovered the whole affair, at having arrived in time + to prevent my friend who was goodness itself contracting an absurd + marriage, I answered the hypocrite that I loved M. Dandolo, that I knew + his temperament, and that I was certain that a marriage with a woman like + Madame Tripolo would shorten his life. + </p> + <p> + “That being my opinion,” I added, “you must admit that as a true friend I + was right in advising him against your proposal. Do you recollect having + told me that you never married for the very same reason? Do you recollect + your strong arguments in favour of celibacy while we were at Parma? + Consider also, I beg, that every man has a certain small stock of + selfishness, and that I may be allowed to have mine when I think that if + M. Dandolo took a wife the influence of that wife would of course have + some weight, and that the more she gained in influence over him the more I + should lose. So you see it would not be natural for me to advise him to + take a step which would ultimately prove very detrimental to my interests. + If you can prove that my reasons are either trifling or sophistical, speak + openly: I will tell M. Dandolo that my mind has changed; Madame Tripolo + will become his wife when we return to Venice. But let me warn you that + thorough conviction can alone move me.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not believe myself clever enough to convince you. I shall write to + Madame Tripolo that she must apply to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not write anything of the sort to that lady, or she will think that + you are laughing at her. Do you suppose her foolish enough to expect that + I will give way to her wishes? She knows that I do not like her.” + </p> + <p> + “How can she possibly know that?” + </p> + <p> + “She must have remarked that I have never cared to accompany M. Dandolo to + her house. Learn from me once for all, that as long as I live with my + three friends they shall have no wife but me. You may get married as soon + as you please; I promise not to throw any obstacle in your way; but if you + wish to remain on friendly terms with me give up all idea of leading my + three friends astray.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very caustic this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I lost all my money last night. + </p> + <p> + “Then I have chosen a bad time. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + From that day, De la Haye became my secret enemy, and to him I was in a + great measure indebted, two years later, for my imprisonment under The + Leads of Venice; not owing to his slanders, for I do not believe he was + capable of that, Jesuit though he was—and even amongst such people + there is sometimes some honourable feeling—but through the mystical + insinuations which he made in the presence of bigoted persons. I must give + fair notice to my readers that, if they are fond of such people, they must + not read these Memoirs, for they belong to a tribe which I have good + reason to attack unmercifully. + </p> + <p> + The fine marriage was never again alluded to. M. Dandolo continued to + visit his beautiful widow every day, and I took care to elicit from + Paralis a strong interdiction ever to put my foot in her house. + </p> + <p> + Don Antonio Croce, a young Milanese whom I had known in Reggio, a + confirmed gambler, and a downright clever hand in securing the favours of + Dame Fortune, called on me a few minutes after De la Haye had retired. He + told me that, having seen me lose all my money the night before, he had + come to offer me the means of retrieving my losses, if I would take an + equal interest with him in a faro bank that he meant to hold at his house, + and in which he would have as punters seven or eight rich foreigners who + were courting his wife. + </p> + <p> + “If you will put three hundred sequins in my bank,” he added, “you shall + be my partner. I have three hundred sequins myself, but that is not enough + because the punters play high. Come and dine at my house, and you will + make their acquaintance. We can play next Friday as there will be no + opera, and you may rely upon our winning plenty of gold, for a certain + Gilenspetz, a Swede, may lose twenty thousand sequins.” + </p> + <p> + I was without any resources, or at all events I could expect no assistance + except from M. de Bragadin upon whom I felt ashamed of encroaching. I was + well aware that the proposal made by Croce was not strictly moral, and + that I might have chosen a more honourable society; but if I had refused, + the purse of Madame Croce’s admirers would not have been more mercifully + treated; another would have profited by that stroke of good fortune. I was + therefore not rigid enough to refuse my assistance as adjutant and my + share of the pie; I accepted Croce’s invitation. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0014" id="linkB2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Get Rich Again—My Adventure At Dolo—Analysis of a Long + Letter From C. C.—Mischievous Trick Played Upon Me By P. + C.—At Vincenza—A Tragi-comedy At the Inn +</pre> + <p> + Necessity, that imperious law and my only excuse, having made me almost + the partner of a cheat, there was still the difficulty of finding the + three hundred sequins required; but I postponed the task of finding them + until after I should have made the acquaintance of the dupes of the + goddess to whom they addressed their worship. Croce took me to the Prato + delta Valle, where we found madame surrounded with foreigners. She was + pretty; and as a secretary of the imperial ambassador, Count Rosemberg, + had attached himself to her, not one of the Venetian nobles dared court + her. Those who interested me among the satellites gravitating around that + star were the Swede Gilenspetz, a Hamburger, the Englishman Mendez, who + has already been mentioned, and three or four others to whom Croce called + my attention. + </p> + <p> + We dined all together, and after dinner there was a general call for a + faro bank; but Croce did not accept. His refusal surprised me, because + with three hundred sequins, being a very skilful player, he had enough to + try his fortune. He did not, however, allow my suspicions to last long, + for he took me to his own room and shewed me fifty pieces of eight, which + were equal to three hundred sequins. When I saw that the professional + gambler had not chosen me as his partner with the intention of making a + dupe of me, I told him that I would certainly procure the amount, and upon + that promise he invited everybody to supper for the following day. We + agreed that we would divide the spoils before parting in the evening, and + that no one should be allowed to play on trust. + </p> + <p> + I had to procure the amount, but to whom could I apply? I could ask no one + but M. de Bragadin. The excellent man had not that sum in his possession, + for his purse was generally empty; but he found a usurer—a species + of animal too numerous unfortunately for young men—who, upon a note + of hand endorsed by him, gave me a thousand ducats, at five per cent. for + one month, the said interest being deducted by anticipation from the + capital. It was exactly the amount I required. I went to the supper; Croce + held the bank until daylight, and we divided sixteen hundred sequins + between us. The game continued the next evening, and Gilenspetz alone lost + two thousand sequins; the Jew Mendez lost about one thousand. Sunday was + sanctified by rest, but on Monday the bank won four thousand sequins. On + the Tuesday we all dined together, and the play was resumed; but we had + scarcely begun when an officer of the podesta made his appearance and + informed Croce that he wanted a little private conversation with him. They + left the room together, and after a short absence Croce came back rather + crestfallen; he announced that by superior orders he was forbidden to hold + a bank at his house. Madame fainted away, the punters hurried out, and I + followed their example, as soon as I had secured one-half of the gold + which was on the table. I was glad enough it was not worse. As I left, + Croce told me that we would meet again in Venice, for he had been ordered + to quit Padua within twenty-four hours. I expected it would be so, because + he was too well known; but his greatest crime, in the opinion of the + podesta, was that he attracted the players to his own house, whilst the + authorities wanted all the lovers of play to lose their money at the + opera, where the bankers were mostly noblemen from Venice. + </p> + <p> + I left the city on horseback in the evening and in very bad weather, but + nothing could have kept me back, because early the next morning I expected + a letter from my dear prisoner. I had only travelled six miles from Padua + when my horse fell, and I found my left leg caught under it. My boots were + soft ones, and I feared I had hurt myself. The postillion was ahead of me, + but hearing the noise made by the fall he came up and disengaged me; I was + not hurt, but my horse was lame. I immediately took the horse of the + postillion, to which I was entitled, but the insolent fellow getting hold + of the bit refused to let me proceed. I tried to make him understand that + he was wrong; but, far from giving way to my arguments, he persisted in + stopping me, and being in a great hurry to continue my journey I fired one + of my pistols in his face, but without touching him. Frightened out of his + wits, the man let go, and I galloped off. When I reached the Dolo, I went + straight to the stables, and I myself saddled a horse which a postillion, + to whom I gave a crown, pointed out to me as being excellent. No one + thought of being astonished at my other postillion having remained behind, + and we started at full speed. It was then one o’clock in the morning; the + storm had broken up the road, and the night was so dark that I could not + see anything within a yard ahead of me; the day was breaking when we + arrived in Fusina. + </p> + <p> + The boatmen threatened me with a fresh storm; but setting everything at + defiance I took a four-oared boat, and reached my dwelling quite safe but + shivering with cold and wet to the skin. I had scarcely been in my room + for a quarter of an hour when the messenger from Muran presented herself + and gave me a letter, telling me that she would call for the answer in two + hours. That letter was a journal of seven pages, the faithful translation + of which might weary my readers, but here is the substance of it: + </p> + <p> + After the interview with M. de Bragadin, the father of C—— C—— + had gone home, had his wife and daughter to his room, and enquired kindly + from the last where she had made my acquaintance. She answered that she + had seen me five or six times in her brother’s room, that I had asked her + whether she would consent to be my wife, and that she had told me that she + was dependent upon her father and mother. The father had then said that + she was too young to think of marriage, and besides, I had not yet + conquered a position in society. After that decision he repaired to his + son’s room, and locked the small door inside as well as the one + communicating with the apartment of the mother, who was instructed by him + to let me believe that she had gone to the country, in case I should call + on her. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards he came to C—— C——, who was + beside her sick mother, and told her that her aunt would take her to a + convent, where she was to remain until a husband had been provided for her + by her parents. She answered that, being perfectly disposed to submit to + his will, she would gladly obey him. Pleased with her ready obedience he + promised to go and see her, and to let his mother visit her likewise, as + soon as her health was better. Immediately after that conversation the + aunt had called for her, and a gondola had taken them to the convent, + where she had been ever since. Her bed and her clothes had been brought to + her; she was well pleased with her room and with the nun to whom she had + been entrusted, and under whose supervision she was. It was by her that + she had been forbidden to receive either letters or visits, or to write to + anybody, under penalty of excommunication from the Holy Father, of + everlasting damnation, and of other similar trifles; yet the same nun had + supplied her with paper, ink and books, and it was at night that my young + friend transgressed the laws of the convent in order to write all these + particulars to me. She expressed her conviction respecting the discretion + and the faithfulness of the messenger, and she thought that she would + remain devoted, because, being poor, our sequins were a little fortune for + her. + </p> + <p> + She related to me in the most assuring manner that the handsomest of all + the nuns in the convent loved her to distraction, gave her a French lesson + twice a-day, and had amicably forbidden her to become acquainted with the + other boarders. That nun was only twenty-two years of age; she was + beautiful, rich and generous; all the other nuns shewed her great respect. + “When we are alone,” wrote my friend, “she kisses me so tenderly that you + would be jealous if she were not a woman.” As to our project of running + away, she did not think it would be very difficult to carry it into + execution, but that it would be better to wait until she knew the locality + better. She told me to remain faithful and constant, and asked me to send + her my portrait hidden in a ring by a secret spring known only to us. She + added that I might send it to her by her mother, who had recovered her + usual health, and was in the habit of attending early mass at her parish + church every day by herself. She assured me that the excellent woman would + be delighted to see me, and to do anything I might ask her. “At all + events,” she concluded, “I hope to find myself in a few months in a + position which will scandalize the convent if they are obstinately bent + upon keeping me here.” + </p> + <p> + I was just finishing my answer when Laura, the messenger, returned for it. + After I had paid the sequin I had promised her, I gave her a parcel + containing sealing-wax, paper, pens, and a tinder-box, which she promised + to deliver to C—— C——. My darling had told her + that I was her cousin, and Laura feigned to believe it. + </p> + <p> + Not knowing what to do in Venice, and believing that I ought for the sake + of my honour to shew myself in Padua, or else people might suppose that I + had received the same order as Croce, I hurried my breakfast, and procured + a ‘bolletta’ from the booking-office for Rome; because I foresaw that the + firing of my pistol and the lame horse might not have improved the temper + of the post-masters; but by shewing them what is called in Italy a + ‘bolletta’, I knew that they could not refuse to supply me with horses + whenever they had any in their stables. As far as the pistol-shot was + concerned I had no fear, for I had purposely missed the insolent + postillion; and even if I had killed him on the spot it would not have + been of much importance. + </p> + <p> + In Fusina I took a two-wheeled chaise, for I was so tired that I could not + have performed the journey on horseback, and I reached the Dolo, where I + was recognized and horses were refused me. + </p> + <p> + I made a good deal of noise, and the post-master, coming out, threatened + to have me arrested if I did not pay him for his dead horse. I answered + that if the horse were dead I would account for it to the postmaster in + Padua, but what I wanted was fresh horses without delay. + </p> + <p> + And I shewed him the dread ‘bolletta’, the sight of which made him lower + his tone; but he told me that, even if he supplied me with horses, I had + treated the postillion so badly that not one of his men would drive me. + “If that is the case,” I answered, “you shall accompany me yourself.” The + fellow laughed in my face, turned his back upon me, and went away. I took + two witnesses, and I called with them at the office of a public notary, + who drew up a properly-worded document, by which I gave notice to the + post-master that I should expect an indemnity of ten sequins for each hour + of delay until I had horses supplied to me. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had been made acquainted with the contents of this, he gave + orders to bring out two restive horses. I saw at once that his intention + was to have me upset along the road, and perhaps thrown into the river; + but I calmly told the postillion that at the very moment my chaise was + upset I would blow his brains out with a pistol-shot; this threat + frightened the man; he took his horses back to the stables, and declared + to his master that he would not drive me. At that very moment a courier + arrived, who called for six carriage horses and two saddle ones. I warned + the post-master that no one should leave the place before me, and that if + he opposed my will there would be a sanguinary contest; in order to prove + that I was in earnest I took out my pistols. The fellow began to swear, + but, everyone saying that he was in the wrong, he disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Five minutes afterwards whom should I see, arriving in a beautiful berlin + drawn by six horses, but Croce with his wife, a lady’s maid, and two + lackeys in grand livery. He alighted, we embraced one another, and I told + him, assuming an air of sadness, that he could not leave before me. I + explained how the case stood; he said I was right, scolded loudly, as if + he had been a great lord, and made everybody tremble. The postmaster had + disappeared; his wife came and ordered the postillions to attend to my + wants. During that time Croce said to me that I was quite right in going + back to Padua, where the public rumour had spread the report of my having + left the city in consequence of an order from the police. He informed me + that the podesta had likewise expelled M. de Gondoin, a colonel in the + service of the Duke of Modena, because he held a faro bank at his house. I + promised him to pay him a visit in Venice in the ensuing week. Croce, who + had dropped from the sky to assist me in a moment of great distress, had + won ten thousand sequins in four evenings: I had received five thousand + for my share; and lost no time in paying my debts and in redeeming all the + articles which I had been compelled to pledge. That scamp brought me back + the smiles of Fortune, and from that moment I got rid of the ill luck + which had seemed to fasten on me. + </p> + <p> + I reached Padua in safety, and the postillion, who very likely out of fear + had driven me in good style, was well pleased with my liberality; it was + the best way of making peace with the tribe. My arrival caused great joy + to my three friends, whom my sudden departure had alarmed, with the + exception of M. de Bragadin, in whose hands I had placed my cash-box the + day before. His two friends had given credence to the general report, + stating that the podesta had ordered me to leave Padua. They forgot that I + was a citizen of Venice, and that the podesta could not pass such a + sentence upon me without exposing himself to legal proceedings. I was + tired, but instead of going to bed I dressed myself in my best attire in + order to go to the opera without a mask. I told my friends that it was + necessary for me to shew myself, so as to give the lie to all that had + been reported about me by slandering tongues. De la Haye said to me, + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted if all those reports are false; but you have no one + to blame but yourself, for your hurried departure gave sufficient cause + for all sorts of surmises.” + </p> + <p> + “And for slander.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be; but people want to know everything, and they invent when + they cannot guess the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “And evil-minded fools lose no time in repeating those inventions + everywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “But there can be no doubt that you wanted to kill the postillion. Is that + a calumny likewise?” + </p> + <p> + “The greatest of all. Do you think that a good shot can miss a man when he + is firing in his very face, unless he does it purposely?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems difficult; but at all events it is certain that the horse is + dead, and you must pay for it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, not even if the horse belonged to you, for the postillion + preceded me. You know a great many things; do you happen to know the + posting regulations? Besides, I was in a great hurry because I had + promised a pretty woman to breakfast with her, and such engagements, as + you are well aware, cannot be broken.” + </p> + <p> + Master de la Haye looked angry at the rather caustic irony with which I + had sprinkled the dialogue; but he was still more vexed when, taking some + gold out of my pocket, I returned to him the sum he had lent me in Vienna. + A man never argues well except when his purse is well filled; then his + spirits are pitched in a high key, unless he should happen to be stupefied + by some passion raging in his soul. + </p> + <p> + M. de Bragadin thought I was quite right to shew myself at the opera + without a mask. + </p> + <p> + The moment I made my appearance in the pit everybody seemed quite + astonished, and I was overwhelmed with compliments, sincere or not. After + the first ballet I went to the card-room, and in four deals I won five + hundred sequins. Starving, and almost dead for want of sleep, I returned + to my friends to boast of my victory. My friend Bavois was there, and he + seized the opportunity to borrow from me fifty sequins, which he never + returned; true, I never asked him for them. + </p> + <p> + My thoughts being constantly absorbed in my dear C—— C——, + I spent the whole of the next day in having my likeness painted in + miniature by a skilful Piedmontese, who had come for the Fair of Padua, + and who in after times made a great deal of money in Venice. When he had + completed my portrait he painted for me a beautiful St. Catherine of the + same size, and a clever Venetian jeweller made the ring, the bezel of + which shewed only the sainted virgin; but a blue spot, hardly visible on + the white enamel which surrounded it, corresponded with the secret spring + which brought out my portrait, and the change was obtained by pressing on + the blue spot with the point of a pin. + </p> + <p> + On the following Friday, as we were rising from the dinner-table, a letter + was handed to me. It was with great surprise that I recognized the writing + of P—— C——. He asked me to pay him a visit at the + “Star Hotel,” where he would give me some interesting information. + Thinking that he might have something to say concerning his sister, I went + to him at once. + </p> + <p> + I found him with Madame C——, and after congratulating him upon + his release from prison I asked him for the news he had to communicate. + </p> + <p> + “I am certain,” he said, “that my sister is in a convent, and I shall be + able to tell you the name of it when I return to Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “You will oblige me,” I answered, pretending not to know anything. + </p> + <p> + But his news had only been a pretext to make me come to him, and his + eagerness to communicate it had a very different object in view than the + gratification of my curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “I have sold,” he said to me, “my privileged contract for three years for + a sum of fifteen thousand florins, and the man with whom I have made the + bargain took me out of prison by giving security for me, and advanced me + six thousand florins in four letters of exchange.” + </p> + <p> + He shewed me the letters of exchange, endorsed by a name which I did not + know, but which he said was a very good one, and he continued, + </p> + <p> + “I intend to buy six thousand florins worth of silk goods from the looms + of Vicenza, and to give in payment to the merchants these letters of + exchange. I am certain of selling those goods rapidly with a profit of ten + per cent. Come with us to Vicenza; I will give you some of my goods to the + amount of two hundred sequins, and thus you will find yourself covered for + the guarantee which you have been kind enough to give to the jeweller for + the ring. We shall complete the transaction within twenty-four hours.” + </p> + <p> + I did not feel much inclination for the trip, but I allowed myself to be + blinded by the wish to cover the amount which I had guaranteed, and which + I had no doubt I would be called upon to pay some day or other. + </p> + <p> + “If I do not go with him,” I said to myself “he will sell the goods at a + loss of twenty-five per cent., and I shall get nothing.” + </p> + <p> + I promised to accompany him. He shewed me several letters of + recommendation for the best houses in Vicenza, and our departure was fixed + for early the next morning. I was at the “Star Hotel” by daybreak. A + carriage and four was ready; the hotel-keeper came up with his bill, and P—— + C—— begged me to pay it. The bill amounted to five sequins; + four of which had been advanced in cash by the landlord to pay the driver + who had brought them from Fusina. I saw that it was a put-up thing, yet I + paid with pretty good grace, for I guessed that the scoundrel had left + Venice without a penny. We reached Vicenza in three hours, and we put up + at the “Cappello,” where P—— C—— ordered a good + dinner before leaving me with the lady to call upon the manufacturers. + </p> + <p> + When the beauty found herself alone with me, she began by addressing + friendly reproaches to me. + </p> + <p> + “I have loved you,” she said, “for eighteen years; the first time that I + saw you we were in Padua, and we were then only nine years old.” + </p> + <p> + I certainly had no recollection of it. She was the daughter of the + antiquarian friend of M. Grimani, who had placed me as a boarder with the + accursed Sclavonian woman. I could not help smiling, for I recollected + that her mother had loved me. + </p> + <p> + Shop-boys soon began to make their appearance, bringing pieces of goods, + and the face of Madame C—— brightened up. In less than two + hours the room was filled with them, and P—— C—— + came back with two merchants, whom he had invited to dinner. Madame + allured them by her pretty manners; we dined, and exquisite wines were + drunk in profusion. In the afternoon fresh goods were brought in; P—— + C—— made a list of them with the prices; but he wanted more, + and the merchants promised to send them the next day, although it was + Sunday. Towards the evening several counts arrived, for in Vicenza every + nobleman is a count. P—— C—— had left his letters + of recommendation at their houses. We had a Count Velo, a Count Sesso, a + Count Trento—all very amiable companions. They invited us to + accompany them to the casino, where Madame C—— shone by her + charms and her coquettish manners. After we had spent two hours in that + place, P—— C—— invited all his new friends to + supper, and it was a scene of gaiety and profusion. The whole affair + annoyed me greatly, and therefore I was not amiable; the consequence was + that no one spoke to me. I rose from my seat and went to bed, leaving the + joyous company still round the festive board. In the morning I came + downstairs, had my breakfast, and looked about me. The room was so full of + goods that I did not see how P—— C—— could + possibly pay for all with his six thousand florins. He told me, however, + that his business would be completed on the morrow, and that we were + invited to a ball where all the nobility would be present. The merchants + with whom he had dealt came to dine with us, and the dinner was remarkable + for its extreme profusion. + </p> + <p> + We went to the ball; but I soon got very weary of it, for every body was + speaking to Madame C—— and to P—— C——, + who never uttered a word with any meaning, but whenever I opened my lips + people would pretend not to hear me. I invited a lady to dance a minuet; + she accepted, but she looked constantly to the right or to the left, and + seemed to consider me as a mere dancing machine. A quadrille was formed, + but the thing was contrived in such a manner as to leave me out of it, and + the very lady who had refused me as a partner danced with another + gentleman. Had I been in good spirits I should certainly have resented + such conduct, but I preferred to leave the ball-room. I went to bed, + unable to understand why the nobility of Vicenza treated me in such a way. + Perhaps they neglected me because I was not named in the letters of + introduction given to P—— C——, but I thought that + they might have known the laws of common politeness. I bore the evil + patiently, however, as we were to leave the city the next day. + </p> + <p> + On Monday, the worthy pair being tired, they slept until noon, and after + dinner P—— C—— went out to pay for the goods. + </p> + <p> + We were to go away early on the Tuesday, and I instinctively longed for + that moment. The counts whom P—— C—— had invited + were delighted with his mistress, and they came to supper; but I avoided + meeting them. + </p> + <p> + On the Tuesday morning I was duly informed that breakfast was ready, but + as I did not answer the summons quickly enough the servant came up again, + and told me that my wife requested me to make haste. Scarcely had the word + “wife” escaped his lips than I visited the cheek of the poor fellow with a + tremendous smack, and in my rage kicked him downstairs, the bottom of + which he reached in four springs, to the imminent risk of his neck. + Maddened with rage I entered the breakfast-room, and addressing myself to + P—— C——, I asked him who was the scoundrel who had + announced me in the hotel as the husband of Madame C——. He + answered that he did not know; but at the same moment the landlord came + into the room with a big knife in his hand, and asked me why I had kicked + his servant down the stairs. I quickly drew a pistol, and threatening him + with it I demanded imperatively from him the name of the person who had + represented me as the husband of that woman. + </p> + <p> + “Captain P—— C——,” answered the landlord, “gave + the names, profession, etc., of your party.” + </p> + <p> + At this I seized the impudent villain by the throat, and pinning him + against the wall with a strong hand I would have broken his head with the + butt of my pistol, if the landlord had not prevented me. Madame had + pretended to swoon, for those women can always command tears or fainting + fits, and the cowardly P—— C—— kept on saying, + </p> + <p> + “It is not true, it is not true!” + </p> + <p> + The landlord ran out to get the hotel register, and he angrily thrust it + under the nose of the coward, daring him to deny his having dictated: + Captain P—— C——, with M. and Madame Casanova. The + scoundrel answered that his words had certainly not been heard rightly, + and the incensed landlord slapped the book in his face with such force + that he sent him rolling, almost stunned, against the wall. + </p> + <p> + When I saw that the wretched poltroon was receiving such degrading + treatment without remembering that he had a sword hanging by his side, I + left the room, and asked the landlord to order me a carriage to take me to + Padua. + </p> + <p> + Beside myself with rage, blushing for very shame, seeing but too late the + fault I had committed by accepting the society of a scoundrel, I went up + to my room, and hurriedly packed up my carpet-bag. I was just going out + when Madame C—— presented herself before me. + </p> + <p> + “Begone, madam,” I said to her, “or, in my rage, I might forget the + respect due to your sex.” + </p> + <p> + She threw herself, crying bitterly, on a chair, entreated me to forgive + her, assuring me that she was innocent, and that she was not present when + the knave had given the names. The landlady, coming in at that moment, + vouched for the truth of her assertion. My anger began to abate, and as I + passed near the window I saw the carriage I had ordered waiting for me + with a pair of good horses. I called for the landlord in order to pay + whatever my share of the expense might come to, but he told me that as I + had ordered nothing myself I had nothing to pay. Just at that juncture + Count Velo came in. + </p> + <p> + “I daresay, count,” I said, “that you believe this woman to be my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a fact known to everybody in the city.” + </p> + <p> + “Damnation! And you have believed such a thing, knowing that I occupy this + room alone, and seeing me leave the ball-room and the supper-table + yesterday alone, leaving her with you all!” + </p> + <p> + “Some husbands are blessed with such easy dispositions!” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think I look like one of that species, and you are not a judge + of men of honour, let us go out, and I undertake to prove it to you.” + </p> + <p> + The count rushed down the stairs and out of the hotel. The miserable C—— + was choking, and I could not help pitying her; for a woman has in her + tears a weapon which through my life I have never known to resist. I + considered that if I left the hotel without paying anything, people might + laugh at my anger and suppose that I had a share in the swindle; I + requested the landlord to bring me the account, intending to pay half of + it. He went for it, but another scene awaited me. Madame C——, + bathed in tears, fell on her knees, and told me that if I abandoned her + she was lost, for she had no money and nothing to leave as security for + her hotel bill. + </p> + <p> + “What, madam! Have you not letters of exchange to the amount of six + thousand florins, or the goods bought with them?” + </p> + <p> + “The goods are no longer here; they have all been taken away, because the + letters of exchange, which you saw, and which we considered as good as + cash, only made the merchants laugh; they have sent for everything. Oh! + who could have supposed it?” + </p> + <p> + “The scoundrel! He knew it well enough, and that is why he was so anxious + to bring me here. Well, it is right that I should pay the penalty of my + own folly.” + </p> + <p> + The bill brought by the landlord amounted to forty sequins, a very high + figure for three days; but a large portion of that sum was cash advanced + by the landlord, I immediately felt that my honour demanded that I should + pay the bill in full; and I paid without any hesitation, taking care to + get a receipt given in the presence of two witnesses. I then made a + present of two sequins to the nephew of the landlord to console him for + the thrashing he had received, and I refused the same sum to the wretched + C——, who had sent the landlady to beg it for her. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended that unpleasant adventure, which taught me a lesson, and a + lesson which I ought not to have required. Two or three weeks later, I + heard that Count Trento had given those two miserable beings some money to + enable them to leave the city; as far as I was concerned, I would not have + anything to do with them. A month afterwards P—— C—— + was again arrested for debt, the man who had been security for him having + become a bankrupt. He had the audacity to write a long letter to me, + entreating me to go and see him, but I did not answer him. I was quite as + inflexible towards Madame C——, whom I always refused to see. + She was reduced to great poverty. + </p> + <p> + I returned to Padua, where I stopped only long enough to take my ring and + to dine with M. de Bragadin, who went back to Venice a few days + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + The messenger from the convent brought me a letter very early in the + morning; I devoured its contents; it was very loving, but gave no news. In + my answer I gave my dear C—— C—— the particulars + of the infamous trick played upon me by her villainous brother, and + mentioned the ring, with the secret of which I acquainted her. + </p> + <p> + According to the information I had received from C—— C——, + I placed myself, one morning, so as to see her mother enter the church, + into which I followed her. Kneeling close to her, I told her that I wished + to speak with her, and she followed me to the cloister. I began by + speaking a few consoling words; then I told her that I would remain + faithful to her daughter, and I asked her whether she visited her. + </p> + <p> + “I intend,” she said, “to go and kiss my dear child next Sunday, and I + shall of course speak of you with her, for I know well enough that she + will be delighted to have news of you; but to my great regret I am not at + liberty to tell you where she is.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish you to tell me, my good mother, but allow me to send her + this ring by you. It is the picture of her patroness, and I wish you to + entreat her to wear it always on her finger; tell her to look at the image + during her daily prayers, for without that protection she can never become + my wife. Tell her that, on my side, I address every day a credo to St. + James.” + </p> + <p> + Delighted with the piety of my feelings and with the prospect of + recommending this new devotion to her daughter, the good woman promised to + fulfil my commission. I left her, but not before I had placed in her hand + ten sequins which I begged her to force upon her daughter’s acceptance to + supply herself with the trifles she might require. She accepted, but at + the same time she assured me that her father had taken care to provide her + with all necessaries. The letter which I received from C—— C——, + on the following Wednesday, was the expression of the most tender + affection and the most lively gratitude. She said that the moment she was + alone nothing could be more rapid than the point of the pin which made St. + Catherine cut a somersault, and presented to her eager eyes the beloved + features of the being who was the whole world to her. “I am constantly + kissing you,” she added, “even when some of the nuns are looking at me, + for whenever they come near me I have only to let the top part of the ring + fall back and my dear patroness takes care to conceal everything. All the + nuns are highly pleased with my devotion and with the confidence I have in + the protection of my blessed patroness, whom they think very much like me + in the face.” It was nothing but a beautiful face created by the fancy of + the painter, but my dear little wife was so lovely that beauty was sure to + be like her. + </p> + <p> + She said, likewise, that the nun who taught her French had offered her + fifty sequins for the ring on account of the likeness between her and the + portrait of the saint, but not out of veneration for her patroness, whom + she turned into ridicule as she read her life. She thanked me for the ten + sequins I had sent her, because, her mother having given them to her in + the presence of several of the sisters, she was thus enabled to spend a + little money without raising the suspicions of those curious and + inquisitive nuns. She liked to offer trifling presents to the other + boarders, and the money allowed her to gratify that innocent taste. + </p> + <p> + “My mother,” added she, “praised your piety very highly; she is delighted + with your feelings of devotion. Never mention again, I beg, the name of my + unworthy brother.” + </p> + <p> + For five or six weeks her letters were full of the blessed St. Catherine, + who caused her to tremble with fear every time she found herself compelled + to trust the ring to the mystic curiosity of the elderly nuns, who, in + order to see the likeness better through their spectacles, brought it + close to their eyes, and rubbed the enamel. “I am in constant fear,” C—— + C—— wrote, “of their pressing the invisible blue spot by + chance. What would become of me, if my patroness, jumping up, discovered + to their eyes a face—very divine, it is true, but which is not at + all like that of a saint? Tell me, what could I do in such a case?” + </p> + <p> + One month after the second arrest of P—— C——, the + jeweller, who had taken my security for the ring, called on me for payment + of the bill. I made an arrangement with him; and on condition of my giving + him twenty sequins, and leaving him every right over the debtor, he + exonerated me. From his prison the impudent P—— C—— + harassed me with his cowardly entreaties for alms and assistance. + </p> + <p> + Croce was in Venice, and engrossed a great share of the general attention. + He kept a fine house, an excellent table, and a faro bank with which he + emptied the pockets of his dupes. Foreseeing what would happen sooner or + later, I had abstained from visiting him at his house, but we were + friendly whenever we met. His wife having been delivered of a boy, Croce + asked me to stand as god-father, a favour which I thought I could grant; + but after the ceremony and the supper which was the consequence of it, I + never entered the house of my former partner, and I acted rightly. I wish + I had always been as prudent in my conduct. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0015" id="linkB2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Croce Is Expelled From Venice—Sgombro—His Infamy and + Death—Misfortune Which Befalls My Dear C. C.—I Receive An + Anonymous Letter From a Nun, and Answer It—An Amorous + Intrigue +</pre> + <p> + My former partner was, as I have said before, a skilful and experienced + hand at securing the favours of Fortune; he was driving a good trade in + Venice, and as he was amiable, and what is called in society a gentleman, + he might have held that excellent footing for a long time, if he had been + satisfied with gambling; for the State Inquisitors would have too much to + attend to if they wished to compel fools to spare their fortunes, dupes to + be prudent, and cheats not to dupe the fools; but, whether through the + folly of youth or through a vicious disposition, the cause of his exile + was of an extraordinary and disgusting nature. + </p> + <p> + A Venetian nobleman, noble by birth, but very ignoble in his propensities, + called Sgombro, and belonging to the Gritti family, fell deeply in love + with him, and Croce, either for fun or from taste, shewed himself very + compliant. Unfortunately the reserve commanded by common decency was not a + guest at their amorous feats, and the scandal became so notorious that the + Government was compelled to notify to Croce the order to quit the city, + and to seek his fortune in some other place. + </p> + <p> + Some time afterwards the infamous Sgombro seduced his own two sons, who + were both very young, and, unfortunately for him, he put the youngest in + such a state as to render necessary an application to a surgeon. The + infamous deed became publicly known, and the poor child confessed that he + had not had the courage to refuse obedience to his father. Such obedience + was, as a matter of course, not considered as forming a part of the duties + which a son owes to his father, and the State Inquisitors sent the + disgusting wretch to the citadel of Cataro, where he died after one year + of confinement. + </p> + <p> + It is well known that the air of Cataro is deadly, and that the Tribunal + sentences to inhale it only such criminals as are not judged publicly for + fear of exciting too deeply the general horror by the publication of the + trial. + </p> + <p> + It was to Cataro that the Council of Ten sent, fifteen years ago, the + celebrated advocate Cantarini, a Venetian nobleman, who by his eloquence + had made himself master of the great Council, and was on the point of + changing the constitution of the State. He died there at the end of the + year. As for his accomplices, the Tribunal thought that it was enough to + punish the four or five leaders, and to pretend not to know the others, + who through fear of punishment returned silently to their allegiance. + </p> + <p> + That Sgombro, of whom I spoke before, had a charming wife who is still + alive, I believe. Her name was Cornelia Gitti; she was as celebrated by + her wit as by her beauty, which she kept in spite of her years. Having + recovered her liberty through the death of her husband, she knew better + than to make herself a second time the prisoner of the Hymenean god; she + loved her independence too much; but as she loved pleasure too, she + accepted the homage of the lovers who pleased her taste. + </p> + <p> + One Monday, towards the end of July, my servant woke me at day-break to + tell me that Laura wished to speak to me. I foresaw some misfortune, and + ordered the servant to shew her in immediately. These are the contents of + the letter which she handed to me: + </p> + <p> + “My dearest, a misfortune has befallen me last evening, and it makes me + very miserable because I must keep it a secret from everyone in the + convent. I am suffering from a very severe loss of blood, and I do not + know what to do, having but very little linen. Laura tells me I shall + require a great deal of it if the flow of blood continues. I can take no + one into my confidence but you, and I entreat you to send me as much linen + as you can. You see that I have been compelled to make a confidante of + Laura, who is the only person allowed to enter my room at all times. If I + should die, my dear husband, everybody in the convent would, of course, + know the cause of my death; but I think of you, and I shudder. What will + you do in your grief? Ah, darling love! what a pity!” + </p> + <p> + I dressed myself hurriedly, plying Laura with questions all the time. She + told me plainly that it was a miscarriage, and that it was necessary to + act with great discretion in order to save the reputation of my young + friend; that after all she required nothing but plenty of linen, and that + it would be nothing. Commonplace words of consolation, which did not allay + the fearful anxiety under which I was labouring. I went out with Laura, + called on a Jew from whom I bought a quantity of sheets and two hundred + napkins, and, putting it all in a large bag, I repaired with her to Muran. + On our way there I wrote in pencil to my sweetheart, telling her to have + entire confidence in Laura, and assuring her that I would not leave Muran + until all danger had passed. Before we landed, Laura told me that, in + order not to be remarked, I had better conceal myself in her house. At any + other time it would have been shutting up the wolf in the sheep-fold. She + left me in a miserable-looking small room on the ground floor, and + concealing about herself as much linen as she could she hurried to her + patient, whom she had not seen since the previous evening. I was in hopes + that she would find her out of danger, and I longed to see her come back + with that good news. + </p> + <p> + She was absent about one hour, and when she returned her looks were sad. + She told me that my poor friend, having lost a great deal of blood during + the night, was in bed in a very weak state, and that all we could do was + to pray to God for her, because, if the flooding of the blood did not stop + soon, she could not possibly live twenty-four hours. + </p> + <p> + When I saw the linen which she had concealed under her clothes to bring it + out, I could not disguise my horror, and I thought the sight would kill + me. I fancied myself in a slaughter-house! Laura, thinking of consoling + me, told me that I could rely upon the secret being well kept. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! what do I care!” I exclaimed. “Provided she lives, let the whole + world know that she is my wife!” + </p> + <p> + At any other time, the foolishness of poor Laura would have made me laugh; + but in such a sad moment I had neither the inclination nor the courage to + be merry. + </p> + <p> + “Our dear patient,” added Laura, “smiled as she was reading your letter, + and she said that, with you so near her, she was certain not to die.” + </p> + <p> + Those words did me good, but a man needs so little to console him or to + soothe his grief. + </p> + <p> + “When the nuns are at their dinner,” said Laura, “I will go back to the + convent with as much linen as I can conceal about me, and in the mean time + I am going to wash all this.” + </p> + <p> + “Has she had any visitors?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! all the convent; but no one has any suspicion of the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “But in such hot weather as this she can have only a very light blanket + over her, and her visitors must remark the great bulk of the napkins.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no fear of that, because she is sitting up in her bed.” + </p> + <p> + “What does she eat?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, for she must not eat.” + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards Laura went out, and I followed her. I called upon a + physician, where I wasted my time and my money, in order to get from him a + long prescription which was useless, for it would have put all the convent + in possession of the secret, or, to speak more truly, her secret would + have been known to the whole world, for a secret known to a nun soon + escapes out of the convent’s walls. Besides, the physician of the convent + himself would most likely have betrayed it through a spirit of revenge. + </p> + <p> + I returned sadly to my miserable hole in Laura’s house. Half an hour + afterwards she came to me, crying bitterly, and she placed in my hands + this letter, which was scarcely legible: + </p> + <p> + “I have not strength enough to write to you, my darling; I am getting + weaker and weaker; I am losing all my blood, and I am afraid there is no + remedy. I abandon myself to the will of God, and I thank Him for having + saved me from dishonour. Do not make yourself unhappy. My only consolation + is to know that you are near me. Alas! if I could see you but for one + moment I would die happy.” + </p> + <p> + The sight of a dozen napkins brought by Laura made me shudder, and the + good woman imagined that she afforded me some consolation by telling me + that as much linen could be soaked with a bottle of blood. My mind was not + disposed to taste such consolation; I was in despair, and I addressed to + myself the fiercest reproaches, upbraiding myself as the cause of the + death of that adorable creature. I threw myself on the bed, and remained + there, almost stunned, for more than six hours, until Laura’s return from + the convent with twenty napkins entirely soaked. Night had come on, and + she could not go back to her patient until morning. I passed a fearful + night without food, without sleep, looking upon myself with horror, and + refusing all the kind attentions that Laura’s daughters tried to shew me. + </p> + <p> + It was barely daylight when Laura same to announce to me, in the saddest + tone, that my poor friend did not bleed any more. I thought she was dead, + and I screamed loudly, + </p> + <p> + “Oh! she is no more!” + </p> + <p> + “She is still breathing, sir; but I fear she will not outlive this day, + for she is worn out. She can hardly open her eyes, and her pulse is + scarcely to be felt.” + </p> + <p> + A weight was taken off me; I was instinctively certain that my darling was + saved. + </p> + <p> + “Laura,” I said, “this is not bad news; provided the flooding has ceased + entirely, all that is necessary is to give her some light food.” + </p> + <p> + “A physician has been sent for. He will prescribe whatever is right, but + to tell you the truth I have not much hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Only give me the assurance that she is still alive.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she is, I assure you; but you understand very well that she will not + tell the truth to the doctor, and God knows what he will order. I + whispered to her not to take anything, and she understood me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are the best of women. Yes, if she does not die from weakness before + to-morrow, she is saved; nature and love will have been her doctors.” + </p> + <p> + “May God hear you! I shall be back by twelve.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not before?” + </p> + <p> + “Because her room will be full of people.” + </p> + <p> + Feeling the need of hope, and almost dead for want of food, I ordered some + dinner, and prepared a long letter for my beloved mistress, to be + delivered to her when she was well enough to read it. The instants given + to repentance are very sad, and I was truly a fit subject for pity. I + longed to see Laura again, so as to hear what the doctor had said. I had + very good cause for laughing at all sorts of oracles, yet through some + unaccountable weakness I longed for that of the doctor; I wanted, before + all, to find it a propitious one. + </p> + <p> + Laura’s young daughters waited upon me at dinner; I could not manage to + swallow a mouthful, but it amused me to see the three sisters devour my + dinner at the first invitation I gave them. The eldest sister, a very fine + girl, never raised her large eyes once towards me. The two younger ones + seemed to me disposed to be amiable, but if I looked at them it was only + to feed my despair and the cruel pangs of repentance. + </p> + <p> + At last Laura, whom I expected anxiously, came back; she told me that the + dear patient remained in the same state of debility; the doctor had been + greatly puzzled by her extreme weakness because he did not know to what + cause to attribute it. Laura added, + </p> + <p> + “He has ordered some restoratives and a small quantity of light broth; if + she can sleep, he answers for her life. He has likewise desired her to + have someone to watch her at night, and she immediately pointed her finger + at me, as if she wished me to undertake that office. Now, I promise you + never to leave her either night or day, except to bring you news.” + </p> + <p> + I thanked her, assuring her that I would reward her generously. I heard + with great pleasure that her mother had paid her a visit, and that she had + no suspicion of the real state of things, for she had lavished on her the + most tender caresses. + </p> + <p> + Feeling more at ease I gave six sequins to Laura, one to each of her + daughters, and ate something for my supper: I then laid myself down on one + of the wretched beds in the room. As soon as the two younger sisters saw + me in bed, they undressed themselves without ceremony, and took possession + of the second bed which was close by mine. Their innocent confidence + pleased me. The eldest sister, who most likely had more practical + experience, retired to the adjoining room; she had a lover to whom she was + soon to be married. This time, however, I was not possessed with the evil + spirit of concupiscence, and I allowed innocence to sleep peacefully + without attempting anything against it. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning Laura was the bearer of good news. She came in with + a cheerful air to announce that the beloved patient had slept well, and + that she was going back soon to give her some soup. I felt an almost + maddening joy in listening to her, and I thought the oracle of AEsculapius + a thousand times more reliable than that of Apollo. But it was not yet + time to exult in our victory, for my poor little friend had to recover her + strength and to make up for all the blood she had lost; that could be done + only by time and careful nursing. I remained another week at Laura’s + house, which I left only after my dear C—— C—— had + requested me to do so in a letter of four pages. Laura, when I left, wept + for joy in seeing herself rewarded by the gift of all the fine linen I had + bought for my C—— C——, and her daughters were + weeping likewise, most probably because, during the ten days I had spent + near them, they had not obtained a single kiss from me. + </p> + <p> + After my return to Venice, I resumed my usual habits; but with a nature + like mine how could I possibly remain satisfied without positive love? My + only pleasure was to receive a letter from my dear recluse every + Wednesday, who advised me to wait patiently rather than to attempt + carrying her off. Laura assured me that she had become more lovely than + ever, and I longed to see her. An opportunity of gratifying my wishes soon + offered itself, and I did not allow it to escape. There was to be a taking + of the veil—a ceremony which always attracts a large number of + persons. On those occasions the nuns always received a great many + visitors, and I thought that the boarders were likely to be in the parlour + on such an occasion. I ran no risk of being remarked any more than any + other person, for I would mingle with the crowd. I therefore went without + saying anything about it to Laura, and without acquainting my dear little + wife of my intentions. I thought I would fall, so great was my emotion, + when I saw her within four yards from me, and looking at me as if she had + been in an ecstatic state. I thought her taller and more womanly, and she + certainly seemed to me more beautiful than before. I saw no one but her; + she never took her eyes off me, and I was the last to leave that place + which on that day struck me as being the temple of happiness. + </p> + <p> + Three days afterwards I received a letter from her. She painted with such + vivid colours the happiness she had felt in seeing me, that I made up my + mind to give her that pleasure as often as I could. I answered at once + that I would attend mass every Sunday at the church of her convent. It + cost me nothing: I could not see her, but I knew that she saw me herself, + and her happiness made me perfectly happy. I had nothing to fear, for it + was almost impossible that anyone could recognize me in the church which + was attended only by the people of Muran. + </p> + <p> + After hearing two or three masses, I used to take a gondola, the gondolier + of which could not feel any curiosity about me. Yet I kept on my guard, + for I knew that the father of C—— C—— wanted her + to forget me, and I had no doubt he would have taken her away, God knew + where if he had had the slightest suspicion of my being acquainted with + the place where he had confined her. + </p> + <p> + Thus I was reasoning in my fear to lose all opportunity of corresponding + with my dear C—— C——, but I did not yet know the + disposition and the shrewdness of the sainted daughters of the Lord. I did + not suppose that there was anything remarkable in my person, at least for + the inmates of a convent; but I was yet a novice respecting the curiosity + of women, and particularly of unoccupied hearts; I had soon occasion to be + convinced. + </p> + <p> + I had executed my Sunday manoeuvering only for a month or five weeks, when + my dear C—— C—— wrote me jestingly that I had + become a living enigma for all the convent, boarders and nuns, not even + excepting the old ones. They all expected me anxiously; they warned each + other of my arrival, and watched me taking the holy water. They remarked + that I never cast a glance toward the grating, behind which were all the + inmates of the convent; that I never looked at any of the women coming in + or going out of the church. The old nuns said that I was certainly + labouring under some deep sorrow, of which I had no hope to be cured + except through the protection of the Holy Virgin, and the young ones + asserted that I was either melancholy or misanthropic. + </p> + <p> + My dear wife, who knew better than the others, and had no occasion to lose + herself in suppositions, was much amused, and she entertained me by + sending me a faithful report of it all. I wrote to her that, if she had + any fear of my being recognized I would cease my Sunday visits to the + church. She answered that I could not impose upon her a more cruel + privation, and she entreated me to continue my visits. I thought it would + be prudent, however, to abstain from calling at Laura’s house, for fear of + the chattering nuns contriving to know it, and discovering in that manner + a great deal more than I wished them to find out. But that existence was + literally consuming me by slow degrees, and could not last long. Besides, + I was made to have a mistress, and to live happily with her. Not knowing + what to do with myself, I would gamble, and I almost invariably won; but, + in spite of that, weariness had got hold of me and I was getting thinner + every day. + </p> + <p> + With the five thousand sequins which my partner Croce had won for me in + Padua I had followed M. Bragadin’s advice. I had hired a casino where I + held a faro bank in partnership with a matador, who secured me against the + frauds of certain noblemen—tyrants, with whom a private citizen is + always sure to be in the wrong in my dear country. + </p> + <p> + On All Saints’ Day, in the year 1753, just as, after hearing mass, I was + going to step into a gondola to return to Venice, I saw a woman, somewhat + in Laura’s style who, passing near me, looked at me and dropped a letter. + I picked it up, and the woman, seeing me in possession of the epistle, + quietly went on. The letter had no address, and the seal represented a + running knot. I stepped hurriedly into the gondola, and as soon as we were + in the offing I broke the seal. I read the following words. + </p> + <p> + “A nun, who for the last two months and a half has seen you every Sunday + in the church of her convent, wishes to become acquainted with you. A + pamphlet which you have lost, and which chance has thrown into her hands, + makes her believe that you speak French; but, if you like it better, you + can answer in Italian, because what she wants above all is a clear and + precise answer. She does not invite you to call for her at the parlour of + the convent, because, before you place yourself under the necessity of + speaking to her, she wishes you to see her, and for that purpose she will + name a lady whom you can accompany to the parlour. That lady shall not + know you and need not therefore introduce you, in case you should not wish + to be known. + </p> + <p> + “Should you not approve of that way to become acquainted, the nun will + appoint a certain casino in Muran, in which you will find her alone, in + the evening, any night you may choose. You will then be at liberty either + to sup with her, or to retire after an interview of a quarter of an hour, + if you have any other engagements. + </p> + <p> + “Would you rather offer her a supper in Venice? Name the night, the hour, + the place of appointment, and you will see her come out of a gondola. Only + be careful to be there alone, masked and with a lantern. + </p> + <p> + “I feel certain that you will answer me, and that you will guess how + impatiently I am waiting for your letter. I entreat you, therefore, to + give it to-morrow to the same woman through whom you will receive mine! + you will find her one hour before noon in the church of St. Cancian, near + the first altar on the right. + </p> + <p> + “Recollect that, if I did not suppose you endowed with a noble soul and a + high mind, I could never have resolved on taking a step which might give + you an unfavorable opinion of my character” + </p> + <p> + The tone of that letter, which I have copied word by word, surprised me + even more than the offer it contained. I had business to attend to, but I + gave up all engagements to lock myself in my room in order to answer it. + Such an application betokened an extravagant mind, but there was in it a + certain dignity, a singularity, which attracted me. I had an idea that the + writer might be the same nun who taught French to C—— C——. + She had represented her friend in her letters as handsome, rich, gallant, + and generous. My dear wife had, perhaps, been guilty of some indiscretion. + A thousand fancies whirled through my brain, but I would entertain only + those which were favourable to a scheme highly pleasing to me. Besides, my + young friend had informed me that the nun who had given her French lessons + was not the only one in the convent who spoke that language. I had no + reason to suppose that, if C—— C—— had made a + confidante of her friend, she would have made a mystery of it to me. But, + for all that, the nun who had written to me might be the beautiful friend + of my dear little wife, and she might also turn out to be a different + person; I felt somewhat puzzled. Here is, however, the letter which I + thought I could write without implicating myself: + </p> + <p> + “I answer in French, madam, in the hope that my letter will have the + clearness and the precision of which you give me the example in yours. + </p> + <p> + “The subject is highly interesting and of the highest importance, + considering all the circumstances. As I must answer without knowing the + person to whom I am writing, you must feel, madam, that, unless I should + possess a large dose of vanity, I must fear some mystification, and my + honour requires that I should keep on my guard. + </p> + <p> + “If it is true that the person who has penned that letter is a respectable + woman, who renders me justice in supposing me endowed with feeling as + noble as her own, she will find, I trust, that I could not answer in any + other way than I am doing now. + </p> + <p> + “If you have judged me worthy, madam, of the honour which you do me by + offering me your acquaintance, although your good opinion can have been + formed only from my personal appearance, I feel it my duty to obey you, + even if the result be to undeceive you by proving that I had unwittingly + led you into a mistaken appreciation of my person. + </p> + <p> + “Of the three proposals which you so kindly made in your letter, I dare + not accept any but the first, with the restriction suggested by your + penetrating mind. I will accompany to the parlour of your convent a lady + who shall not know who I am, and, consequently, shall have no occasion to + introduce me. + </p> + <p> + “Do not judge too severely, madam, the specious reasons which compel me + not to give you my name, and receive my word of honour that I shall learn + yours only to render you homage. If you choose to speak to me, I will + answer with the most profound respect. Permit me to hope that you will + come to the parlour alone. I may mention that I am a Venetian, and + perfectly free. + </p> + <p> + “The only reason which prevents me from choosing one of the two other + arrangements proposed by you, either of which would have suited me better + because they greatly honour me, is, allow me to repeat it, a fear of being + the victim of a mystification; but these modes of meeting will not be lost + when you know me and when I have seen you. I entreat you to have faith in + my honour, and to measure my patience by your own. Tomorrow, at the same + place and at the same hour, I shall be anxiously expecting your answer.” + </p> + <p> + I went to the place appointed, and having met the female Mercury I gave + her my letter with a sequin, and I told her that I would come the next day + for the answer. We were both punctual. As soon as she saw me, she handed + me back the sequin which I had given her the day before, and a letter, + requesting me to read it and to let her know whether she was to wait for + an answer. Here is the exact copy of the letter: + </p> + <p> + “I believe, sir, that I have not been mistaken in anything. Like you, I + detest untruth when it can lead to important consequences, but I think it + a mere trifle when it can do no injury to anyone. Of my three proposals + you have chosen the one which does the greatest honour to your + intelligence, and, respecting the reasons which induce you to keep your + incognito, I have written the enclosed to the Countess of S——, + which I request you to read. Be kind enough to seal it before delivery of + it to her. You may call upon her whenever convenient to yourself. She will + name her own hour, and you will accompany her here in her gondola. The + countess will not ask you any questions, and you need not give her any + explanation. There will be no presentation; but as you will be made + acquainted with my name, you can afterwards call on me here, masked, + whenever you please, and by using the name of the countess. In that way we + shall become acquainted without the necessity of disturbing you, or of + your losing at night some hours which may be precious to you. I have + instructed my servant to wait for your answer in case you should be known + to the countess and object to her. If you approve of the choice I have + made of her, tell the messenger that there is no answer.” + </p> + <p> + As I was an entire stranger to the countess, I told the woman that I had + no answer to give, and she left me. + </p> + <p> + Here are the contents of the note addressed by the nun to the countess, + and which I had to deliver to her: + </p> + <p> + “I beg of you, my dear friend, to pay me a visit when you are at leisure, + and to let the masked gentleman-bearer of this note know the hour, so that + he can accompany you. He will be punctual. Farewell. You will much oblige + your friend.” + </p> + <p> + That letter seemed to me informed by a sublime spirit of intrigue; there + was in it an appearance of dignity which captivated me, although I felt + conscious that I was playing the character of a man on whom a favour + seemed to be bestowed. + </p> + <p> + In her last letter, my nun, pretending not to be anxious to know who I + was, approved of my choice, and feigned indifference for nocturnal + meetings; but she seemed certain that after seeing her I would visit her. + I knew very well what to think of it all, for the intrigue was sure to + have an amorous issue. Nevertheless, her assurance, or rather confidence, + increased my curiosity, and I felt that she had every reason to hope, if + she were young and handsome. I might very well have delayed the affair for + a few days, and have learned from C—— C—— who that + nun could be; but, besides the baseness of such a proceeding, I was afraid + of spoiling the game and repenting it afterwards. I was told to call on + the countess at my convenience, but it was because the dignity of my nun + would not allow her to shew herself too impatient; and she certainly + thought that I would myself hasten the adventure. She seemed to me too + deeply learned in gallantry to admit the possibility of her being an + inexperienced novice, and I was afraid of wasting my time; but I made up + my mind to laugh at my own expense if I happened to meet a superannuated + female. It is very certain that if I had not been actuated by curiosity I + should not have gone one step further, but I wanted to see the countenance + of a nun who had offered to come to Venice to sup with me. Besides, I was + much surprised at the liberty enjoyed by those sainted virgins, and at the + facility with which they could escape out of their walls. + </p> + <p> + At three o’clock I presented myself before the countess and delivered the + note, and she expressed a wish to see me the next day at the same hour. We + dropped a beautiful reverence to one another, and parted. She was a + superior woman, already going down the hill, but still very handsome. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, being Sunday, I need not say that I took care to attend + mass at the convent, elegantly dressed, and already unfaithful—at + least in idea—to my dear C—— C——, for I was + thinking of being seen by the nun, young or old, rather than of shewing + myself to my charming wife. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon I masked myself again, and at the appointed time I + repaired to the house of the countess who was waiting for me. We went in a + two-oared gondola, and reached the convent without having spoken of + anything but the weather. When we arrived at the gate, the countess asked + for M—— M——. I was surprised by that name, for the + woman to whom it belonged was celebrated. We were shewn into a small + parlour, and a few minutes afterwards a nun came in, went straight to the + grating, touched a spring, and made four squares of the grating revolve, + which left an opening sufficiently large to enable the two friends to + embrace. The ingenious window was afterwards carefully closed. The opening + was at least eighteen inches wide, and a man of my size could easily have + got through it. The countess sat opposite the nun, and I took my seat a + little on one side so as to be able to observe quietly and at my ease one + of the most beautiful women that it was possible to see. I had no doubt + whatever of her being the person mentioned by my dear C—— C—— + as teaching her French. Admiration kept me in a sort of ecstacy, and I + never heard one word of their conversation; the beautiful nun, far from + speaking to me, did not even condescend to honour me with one look. She + was about twenty-two or twenty-three years of age, and the shape of her + face was most beautiful. Her figure was much above the ordinary height, + her complexion rather pale, her appearance noble, full of energy, but at + the same time reserved and modest; her eyes, large and full, were of a + lovely blue; her countenance was soft and cheerful; her fine lips seemed + to breathe the most heavenly voluptuousness, and her teeth were two rows + of the most brilliant enamel. Her head-dress did not allow me to see her + hair, but if she had any I knew by the colour of her eyebrows that it was + of a beautiful light brown. Her hand and her arm, which I could see as far + as the elbow, were magnificent; the chisel of Praxiteles never carved + anything more grace fully rounded and plump, I was not sorry to have + refused the two rendezvous which had been offered to me by the beauty, for + I was sure of possessing her in a few days, and it was a pleasure for me + to lay my desires at her feet. I longed to find myself alone with her near + that grating, and I would have considered it an insult to her if, the very + next day, I had not come to tell her how fully I rendered to her charms + the justice they deserved. She was faithful to her determination not to + look at me once, but after all I was pleased with her reserve. All at once + the two friends lowered their voices, and out of delicacy I withdrew + further. Their private conversation lasted about a quarter of an hour, + during which I pretended to be intently looking at a painting; then they + kissed one another again by the same process as at the beginning of the + interview; the nun closed the opening, turned her back on us, and + disappeared without casting one glance in my direction. + </p> + <p> + As we were on our way back to Venice, the countess, tired perhaps of our + silence, said to me, with a smile, + </p> + <p> + “M—— M—— is beautiful and very witty.” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen her beauty, and I believe in her wit.” + </p> + <p> + “She did not address one word to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I had refused to be introduced to her, and she punished me by pretending + not to know that I was present.” + </p> + <p> + The countess made no answer, and we reached her house without exchanging + another word. At her door a very ceremonious curtesy, with these words, + “Adieu, sir!” warned me that I was not to go any further. I had no wish to + do so, and went away dreaming and wondering at the singularity of the + adventure, the end of which I longed to see. + </p> + <a name="linkB2H_4_0019" id="linkB2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode8" id="linkepisode8"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 8 — CONVENT AFFAIRS + </h2> + <a name="linkB2HCH0016" id="linkB2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Countess Coronini—A Lover’s Pique—Reconciliation—The + First Meeting—A Philosophical Parenthesis +</pre> + <p> + My beautiful nun had not spoken to me, and I was glad of it, for I was so + astonished, so completely under the spell of her beauty, that I might have + given her a very poor opinion of my intelligence by the rambling answers + which I should very likely have given to her questions. I knew her to be + certain that she had not to fear the humiliation of a refusal from me, but + I admired her courage in running the risk of it in her position. I could + hardly understand her boldness, and I could not conceive how she contrived + to enjoy so much liberty. A casino at Muran! the possibility of going to + Venice to sup with a young man! It was all very surprising, and I decided + in my own mind that she had an acknowledged lover whose pleasure it was to + make her happy by satisfying her caprices. It is true that such a thought + was rather unpleasant to my pride, but there was too much piquancy in the + adventure, the heroine of it was too attractive, for me to be stopped by + any considerations. I saw very well that I was taking the high road to + become unfaithful to my dear C—— C——, or rather + that I was already so in thought and will, but I must confess that, in + spite of all my love for that charming child, I felt no qualms of + conscience. It seemed to me that an infidelity of that sort, if she ever + heard of it, would not displease her, for that short excursion on strange + ground would only keep me alive and in good condition for her, because it + would save me from the weariness which was surely killing me. + </p> + <p> + I had been presented to the celebrated Countess Coronini by a nun, a + relative of M. Dandolo. That countess, who had been very handsome and was + very witty, having made up her mind to renounce the political intrigues + which had been the study of her whole life, had sought a retreat in the + Convent of St. Justine, in the hope of finding in that refuge the calm + which she wanted, and which her disgust of society had rendered necessary + to her. As she had enjoyed a very great reputation, she was still visited + at the convent by all the foreign ambassadors and by the first noblemen of + Venice; inside of the walls of her convent the countess was acquainted + with everything that happened in the city. She always received me very + kindly, and, treating me as a young man, she took pleasure in giving me, + every time I called on her, very agreeable lessons in morals. Being quite + certain to find out from her, with a little manoeuvering, something + concerning M—— M——, I decided on paying her a + visit the day after I had seen the beautiful nun. + </p> + <p> + The countess gave me her usual welcome, and, after the thousand nothings + which it is the custom to utter in society before anything worth saying is + spoken, I led the conversation up to the convents of Venice. We spoke of + the wit and influence of a nun called Celsi, who, although ugly, had an + immense credit everywhere and in everything. We mentioned afterwards the + young and lovely Sister Michali, who had taken the veil to prove to her + mother that she was superior to her in intelligence and wit. After + speaking of several other nuns who had the reputation of being addicted to + gallantry, I named M—— M——, remarking that most + likely she deserved that reputation likewise, but that she was an enigma. + The countess answered with a smile that she was not an enigma for + everybody, although she was necessarily so for most people. + </p> + <p> + “What is incomprehensible,” she said, “is the caprice that she took + suddenly to become a nun, being handsome, rich, free, well-educated, full + of wit, and, to my knowledge, a Free-thinker. She took the veil without + any reason, physical or moral; it was a mere caprice.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you believe her to be happy, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, unless she has repented her decision, or if she does not repent it + some day. But if ever she does, I think she will be wise enough never to + say so to anyone.” + </p> + <p> + Satisfied by the mysterious air of the countess that M—— M—— + had a lover, I made up my mind not to trouble myself about it, and having + put on my mask I went to Muran in the afternoon. When I reached the gate + of the convent I rang the bell, and with an anxious heart I asked for M—— + M—— in the name of Madame de S——. The small + parlour being closed, the attendant pointed out to me the one in which I + had to go. I went in, took off my mask, and sat down waiting for my + divinity. + </p> + <p> + My heart was beating furiously; I was waiting with great impatience; yet + that expectation was not without charm, for I dreaded the beginning of the + interview. An hour passed pretty rapidly, but I began then to find the + time rather long, and thinking that, perhaps, the attendant had not + rightly understood me, I rang the bell, and enquired whether notice of my + visit had being given to Sister M—— M——. A voice + answered affirmatively. I took my seat again, and a few minutes afterwards + an old, toothless nun came in and informed me that Sister M—— + M—— was engaged for the whole day. Without giving me time to + utter a single word, the woman left the parlour. This was one of those + terrible moments to which the man who worships at the shrine of the god of + love is exposed! They are indeed cruel moments; they bring fearful sorrow, + they may cause death. + </p> + <p> + Feeling myself disgraced, my first sensation was utter contempt for + myself, an inward despair which was akin to rage; the second was + disdainful indignation against the nun, upon whom I passed the severe + judgment which I thought she deserved, and which was the only way I had to + soothe my grief. Such behaviour proclaimed her to be the most impudent of + women, and entirely wanting in good sense; for the two letters she had + written to me were quite enough to ruin her character if I had wished to + revenge myself, and she evidently could not expect anything else from me. + She must have been mad to set at defiance my revengeful feelings, and I + should certainly have thought that she was insane if I had not heard her + converse with the countess. + </p> + <p> + Time, they say, brings good counsel; it certainly brings calm, and cool + reflection gives lucidity to the mind. At last I persuaded myself that + what had occurred was after all in no way extraordinary, and that I would + certainly have considered it at first a very common occurrence if I had + not been dazzled by the wonderful beauty of the nun, and blinded by my own + vanity. As a very natural result I felt that I was at liberty to laugh at + my mishap, and that nobody could possibly guess whether my mirth was + genuine or only counterfeit. Sophism is so officious! + </p> + <p> + But, in spite of all my fine arguments, I still cherished the thought of + revenge; no debasing element, however, was to form part of it, and being + determined not to leave the person who had been guilty of such a bad + practical joke the slightest cause of triumph, I had the courage not to + shew any vexation. She had sent word to me that she was engaged; nothing + more natural; the part I had to play was to appear indifferent. “Most + likely she will not be engaged another time,” I said to myself, “but I + defy her to catch me in the snare again. I mean to shew her that I only + laugh at her uncivil behaviour.” Of course I intended to send back her + letters, but not without the accompaniment of a billet-doux, the gallantry + of which was not likely to please her. + </p> + <p> + The worse part of the affair for me was to be compelled to go to her + church; because, supposing her not to be aware of my going there for C—— + C——, she might imagine that the only object of my visits was + to give her the opportunity of apologizing for her conduct and of + appointing a new meeting. I wanted her to entertain no doubt of my utter + contempt for her person, and I felt certain that she had proposed the + other meetings in Venice and at the casino of Muran only to deceive me + more easily. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed with a great thirst for revenge, I fell asleep thinking of + it, and I awoke with the resolution of quenching it. I began to write, + but, as I wished particularly that my letter should not show the pique of + the disappointed lover, I left it on my table with the intention of + reading it again the next day. It proved a useful precaution, for when I + read it over, twenty-four hours afterwards, I found it unworthy of me, and + tore it to pieces. It contained some sentences which savoured too much of + my weakness, my love, and my spite, and which, far from humiliating her, + would only have given her occasion to laugh at me. + </p> + <p> + On the Wednesday after I had written to C—— C—— + that very serious reasons compelled me to give up my visits to the church + of her convent, I wrote another letter to the nun, but on Thursday it had + the same fate as the first, because upon a second perusal I found the same + deficiencies. It seemed to me that I had lost the faculty of writing. Ten + days afterwards I found out that I was too deeply in love to have the + power of expressing myself in any other way than through the feelings of + my heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sincerium est nisi vas, quodcunque infundis acescit.’ + </p> + <p> + The face of M—— M—— had made too deep an + impression on me; nothing could possibly obliterate it except the + all-powerful influence of time. + </p> + <p> + In my ridiculous position I was sorely tempted to complain to Countess S——; + but I am happy to say I was prudent enough not to cross the threshold of + her door. At last I bethought myself that the giddy nun was certainly + labouring under constant dread, knowing that I had in my possession her + two letters, with which I could ruin her reputation and cause the greatest + injury to the convent, and I sent them back to her with the following + note, after I had kept them ten days: + </p> + <p> + “I can assure you, madam, that it was owing only to forgetfulness that I + did not return your two letters which you will find enclosed. I have never + thought of belying my own nature by taking a cowardly revenge upon you, + and I forgive you most willingly the two giddy acts of which you have been + guilty, whether they were committed thoughtlessly or because you wanted to + enjoy a joke at my expense. Nevertheless, you will allow me to advise you + not to treat any other man in the same way, for you might meet with one + endowed with less delicacy. I know your name, I know who you are, but you + need not be anxious; it is exactly as if I did not know it. You may, + perhaps, care but little for my discretion, but if it should be so I + should greatly pity you. + </p> + <p> + “You may be aware that I shall not shew myself again at your church; but + let me assure you that it is not a sacrifice on my part, and that I can + attend mass anywhere else. Yet I must tell you why I shall abstain from + frequenting the church of your convent. It is very natural for me to + suppose that to the two thoughtless acts of which you have been guilty, + you have added another not less serious, namely, that of having boasted of + your exploits with the other nuns, and I do not want to be the butt of + your jokes in cell or parlour. Do not think me too ridiculous if, in spite + of being five or six years older than you, I have not thrown off all + feelings of self-respect, or trodden under my feet all reserve and + propriety; in one word, if I have kept some prejudices, there are a few + which in my opinion ought never to be forgotten. Do not disdain, madam, + the lesson which I take the liberty to teach you, as I receive in the + kindest spirit the one which you have given me, most likely only for the + sake of fun, but by which I promise you to profit as long as I live.” + </p> + <p> + I thought that, considering all circumstances, my letter was a very genial + one; I made up my parcel, put on my mask, and looked out for a porter who + could have no knowledge of me; I gave him half a sequin, and I promised + him as much more when he could assure me that he had faithfully delivered + my letter at the convent of Muran. I gave him all the necessary + instructions, and cautioned him to go away the very moment he had + delivered the letter at the gate of the convent, even if he were told to + wait. I must say here that my messenger was a man from Forli, and that the + Forlanese were then the most trustworthy men in Venice; for one of them to + be guilty of a breach of trust was an unheard-of thing. Such men were + formerly the Savoyards, in Paris; but everything is getting worse in this + world. + </p> + <p> + I was beginning to forget the adventure, probably because I thought, + rightly or wrongly, that I had put an insurmountable barrier between the + nun and myself, when, ten days after I had sent my letter, as I was coming + out of the opera, I met my messenger, lantern in hand. I called him, and + without taking off my mask I asked him whether he knew me. He looked at + me, eyed me from head to foot, and finally answered that he did not. + </p> + <p> + “Did you faithfully carry the message to Muran?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir! God be praised! I am very happy to see you again, for I have an + important communication to make to you. I took your letter, delivered it + according to your instructions, and I went away as soon as it was in the + hands of the attendant, although she requested me to wait. When I returned + from Muran I did not see you, but that did not matter. On the following + day, one of my companions, who happened to be at the gate of the convent + when I delivered your letter, came early in the morning to tell me to go + to Muran, because the attendant wanted particularly to speak to me. I went + there, and after waiting for a few minutes I was shewn into the parlour, + where I was kept for more than an hour by a nun as beautiful as the light + of day, who asked me a thousand questions for the purpose of ascertaining, + if not who you are, at least where I should be likely to find you. You + know that I could not give her any satisfactory information. She then left + the parlour, ordering me to wait, and at the end of two hours she came + back with a letter which she entrusted to my hands, telling me that, if I + succeeded in finding you out and in bringing her an answer, she would give + me two sequins. In the mean time I was to call at the convent every day, + shew her the letter, and receive forty sons every time. Until now I have + earned twenty crowns, but I am afraid the lady will get tired of it, and + you can make me earn two sequins by answering a line.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the letter?” + </p> + <p> + “In my room under lock and key, for I am always afraid of losing it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how can I answer?” + </p> + <p> + “If you will wait for me here, you shall have the letter in less than a + quarter of an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not wait, because I do not care about the letter. But tell me how + you could flatter the nun with the hope of finding me out? You are a + rogue, for it is not likely that she would have trusted you with the + letter if you had not promised her to find me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not a rogue, for I have done faithfully what you told me; but it is + true that I gave her a description of your coat, your buckles, and your + figure, and I can assure you that for the last ten days I have examined + all the masks who are about your size, but in vain. Now I recognize your + buckles, but I do not think you have the same coat. Alas, sir! it will not + cost you much to write only one line. Be kind enough to wait for me in the + coffee-house close by.” + </p> + <p> + I could not resist my curiosity any longer, and I made up my mind not to + wait for him but to accompany him as far as his house. I had only to + write, “I have received the letter,” and my curiosity was gratified and + the Forlanese earned his two sequins. I could afterwards change my buckles + and my mask, and thus set all enquiries at defiance. + </p> + <p> + I therefore followed him to his door; he went in and brought me the + letter. I took him to an inn, where I asked for a room with a good fire, + and I told my man to wait. I broke the seal of the parcel—a rather + large one, and the first papers that I saw were the two letters which I + had sent back to her in order to allay her anxiety as to the possible + consequences of her giddiness. + </p> + <p> + The sight of these letters caused me such a palpitation of the heart that + I was compelled to sit down: it was a most evident sign of my defeat. + Besides these two letters I found a third one signed “S.” and addressed to + M—— M——. I read the following lines: + </p> + <p> + “The mask who accompanied me back to my house would not, I believe, have + uttered a single word, if I had not told him that the charms of your witty + mind were even more bewitching than those of your person; and his answer + was, ‘I have seen the one, and I believe in the other.’ I added that I did + not understand why you had not spoken to him, and he said, with a smile, + ‘I refused to be presented to her, and she punished me for it by not + appearing to know that I was present.’ These few words were all our + dialogue. I intended to send you this note this morning, but found it + impossible. Adieu.” + </p> + <p> + After reading this note, which stated the exact truth, and which could be + considered as proof, my heart began to beat less quickly. Delighted at + seeing myself on the point of being convicted of injustice, I took + courage, and I read the following letter: + </p> + <p> + “Owing to an excusable weakness, feeling curious to know what you would + say about me to the countess after you had seen me, I took an opportunity + of asking her to let me know all you said to her on the following day at + latest, for I foresaw that you would pay me a visit in the afternoon. Her + letter, which I enclose, and which I beg you to read, did not reach me + till half an hour after you had left the convent. + </p> + <p> + “This was the first fatality. + </p> + <p> + “Not having received that letter when you called, I had not the courage to + see you. This absurd weakness on my part was the second fatality, but the + weakness you will; I hope; forgive. I gave orders to the lay-sister to + tell you that I was ill for the whole day; a very legitimate excuse; + whether true or false, for it was an officious untruth, the correction of + which, was to be found in the words: for the whole day. You had already + left the convent, and I could not possibly send anyone to run after you, + when the old fool informed me of her having told you that I was engaged. + </p> + <p> + “This was the third fatality. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot imagine what I had a mind to do and to say to that foolish + sister; but here one must say or do nothing; one must be patient and + dissemble, thanking God when mistakes are the result of ignorance and not + of wickedness—a very common thing in convents. I foresaw at once, at + least partly; what would happen; and what has actually, happened; for no + reasonable being could, I believe, have foreseen it all. I guessed that, + thinking yourself the victim of a joke, you would be incensed, and I felt + miserable, for I did not see any way of letting you know the truth before + the following Sunday. My heart longed ardently for that day. Could I + possibly imagine that you would take a resolution not to come again to + our church! I tried to be patient until that Sunday; but when I found + myself disappointed in my hope, my misery became unbearable, and it will + cause my death if you refuse to listen to my justification. Your letter + has made me completely unhappy, and I shall not resist my despair if you + persist in the cruel resolve expressed by your unfeeling letter. You have + considered yourself trifled with; that is all you can say; but will this + letter convince you of your error? And even believing yourself deceived in + the most scandalous manner, you must admit that to write such an awful + letter you must have supposed me an abominable wretch—a monster, + such as a woman of noble birth and of refined education cannot possibly + be. I enclose the two letters you sent back to me, with the idea of + allaying my fears which you cruelly supposed very different to what they + are in reality. I am a better physiognomist than you, and you must be + quite certain that I have not acted thoughtlessly, for I never thought you + capable, I will not say of crime, but even of an indelicate action. You + must have read on my features the signs only of giddy impudence, and that + is not my nature. You may be the cause of my death, you will certainly + make me miserable for the remainder of my life, if you do not justify + yourself; on my side I think the justification is complete. + </p> + <p> + “I hope that, even if you feel no interest in my life, you will think that + you are bound in honour to come and speak to me. Come yourself to recall + all you have written; it is your duty, and I deserve it. If you do not + realize the fatal effect produced upon me by your letter, I must indeed + pity you, in spite of my misery, for it proves that you have not the + slightest knowledge of the human heart. But I feel certain that you will + come back, provided the man to whom I trust this letter contrives to find + you. Adieu! I expect life or death from you.” + </p> + <p> + I did not require to read that letter twice; I was ashamed and in despair. + M—— M—— was right. I called the Forlanese, + enquired from him whether he had spoken to her in the morning, and whether + she looked ill. He answered that he had found her looking more unhappy + every day, and that her eyes were red from weeping. + </p> + <p> + “Go down again and wait,” I said to him. + </p> + <p> + I began to write, and I had not concluded my long screed before the dawn + of day; here are, word by word, the contents of the letter which I wrote + to the noblest of women, whom in my unreasonable spite I had judged so + wrongly. + </p> + <p> + “I plead guilty, madam; I cannot possibly justify myself, and I am + perfectly convinced of your innocence. I should be disconsolate if I did + not hope to obtain pardon, and you will not refuse to forgive me if you + are kind enough to recollect the cause of my guilt. I saw you; I was + dazzled, and I could not realize a happiness which seemed to me a dream; I + thought myself the prey of one of those delightful illusions which vanish + when we wake up. The doubt under which I was labouring could not be + cleared up for twenty-four hours, and how could I express my feverish + impatience as I was longing for that happy moment! It came at last! and my + heart, throbbing with desire and hope, was flying towards you while I was + in the parlour counting the minutes! Yet an hour passed almost rapidly, + and not unnaturally, considering my impatience and the deep impression I + felt at the idea of seeing you. But then, precisely at the very moment + when I believed myself certain that I was going to gaze upon the beloved + features which had been in one interview indelibly engraved upon my heart, + I saw the most disagreeable face appear, and a creature announced that you + were engaged for the whole day, and without giving me time to utter one + word she disappeared! You may imagine my astonishment and... the rest. The + lightning would not have produced upon me a more rapid, a more terrible + effect! If you had sent me a line by that sister—a line from your + hand—I would have gone away, if not pleased, at least submissive and + resigned. + </p> + <p> + “But that was a fourth fatality which you have forgotten to add to your + delightful and witty justification. Thinking myself scoffed at, my + self-love rebelled, and indignation for the moment silenced love. Shame + overwhelmed me! I thought that everybody could read on my face all the + horror in my heart, and I saw in you, under the outward appearance of an + angel, nothing but a fearful daughter of the Prince of Darkness. My mind + was thoroughly upset, and at the end of eleven days I lost the small + portion of good sense that was left in me—at least I must suppose + so, as it is then that I wrote to you the letter of which you have so good + a right to complain, and which at that time seemed to me a masterpiece of + moderation. + </p> + <p> + “But I hope it is all over now, and this very day at eleven o’clock you + will see me at your feet—tender, submissive and repentant. You will + forgive me, divine woman, or I will myself avenge you for the insult I + have hurled at you. The only thing which I dare to ask from you as a great + favour is to burn my first letter, and never to mention it again. I sent + it only after I had written four, which I destroyed one after the other: + you may therefore imagine the state of my heart. + </p> + <p> + “I have given orders to my messenger to go to your convent at once, so + that my letter can be delivered to you as soon as you wake in the morning. + He would never have discovered me, if my good angel had not made me go up + to him at the door of the opera-house. But I shall not require his + services any more; do not answer me, and receive all the devotion of a + heart which adores you.” + </p> + <p> + When my letter was finished, I called my Forlanese, gave him one sequin, + and I made him promise me to go to Muran immediately, and to deliver my + letter only to the nun herself. As soon as he had gone I threw myself on + my bed, but anxiety and burning impatience would not allow me to sleep. + </p> + <p> + I need not tell the reader who knows the state of excitement under which I + was labouring, that I was punctual in presenting myself at the convent. I + was shewn into the small parlour where I had seen her for the first time, + and she almost immediately made her entrance. As soon as I saw her near + the grating I fell on my knees, but she entreated me to rise at once as I + might be seen. Her face was flushed with excitement, and her looks seemed + to me heavenly. She sat down, and I took a seat opposite to her. We + remained several minutes motionless, gazing at each other without + speaking, but I broke the silence by asking her, in a voice full of love + and anxiety, whether I could hope to obtain my pardon. She gave me her + beautiful hand through the grating, and I covered it with tears and + kisses. + </p> + <p> + “Our acquaintance,” she said, “has begun with a violent storm; let us hope + that we shall now enjoy it long in perfect and lasting calm. This is the + first time that we speak to one another, but what has occurred must be + enough to give us a thorough knowledge of each other. I trust that our + intimacy will be as tender as sincere, and that we shall know how to have + a mutual indulgence for our faults.” + </p> + <p> + “Can such an angel as you have any?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my friend! who is without them?” + </p> + <p> + “When shall I have the happiness of convincing you of my devotion with + complete freedom and in all the joy of my heart?” + </p> + <p> + “We will take supper together at my casino whenever you please, provided + you give me notice two days beforehand; or I will go and sup with you in + Venice, if it will not disturb your arrangements.” + </p> + <p> + “It would only increase my happiness. I think it right to tell you that I + am in very easy circumstances, and that, far from fearing expense, I + delight in it: all I possess belongs to the woman I love.” + </p> + <p> + “That confidence, my dear friend, is very agreeable to me, the more so + that I have likewise to tell you that I am very rich, and that I could not + refuse anything to my lover.” + </p> + <p> + “But you must have a lover?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; it is through him that I am rich, and he is entirely my master. I + never conceal anything from him. The day after to-morrow, when I am alone + with you, I will tell you more.” + </p> + <p> + “But I hope that your lover....” + </p> + <p> + “Will not be there? Certainly not. Have you a mistress?” + </p> + <p> + “I had one, but, alas! she has been taken from me by violent means, and + for the last six months I have led a life of complete celibacy.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you love her still?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot think of her without loving her. She has almost as great charms, + as great beauty, as you have; but I foresee that you will make me forget + her.” + </p> + <p> + “If your happiness with her was complete, I pity you. She has been + violently taken from you, and you shun society in order to feed your + sorrow. I have guessed right, have I not? But if I happen to take + possession of her place in your heart, no one, my sweet friend, shall turn + me out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But what will your lover say?” + </p> + <p> + “He will be delighted to see me happy with such a lover as you. It is in + his nature.” + </p> + <p> + “What an admirable nature! Such heroism is quite beyond me!” + </p> + <p> + “What sort of a life do you lead in Venice?” + </p> + <p> + “I live at the theatres, in society, in the casinos, where I fight against + fortune sometimes with good sometimes with bad success.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you visit the foreign ambassadors?” + </p> + <p> + “No, because I am too much acquainted with the nobility; but I know them + all.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you know them if you do not see them?” + </p> + <p> + “I have known them abroad. In Parma the Duke de Montalegre, the Spanish + ambassador; in Vienna I knew Count Rosemberg; in Paris, about two years + ago, the French ambassador.” + </p> + <p> + “It is near twelve o’clock, my dear friend; it is time for us to part. + Come at the same hour the day after tomorrow, and I will give you all the + instructions which you will require to enable you to come and sup with + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course.” + </p> + <p> + “May I venture to ask you for a pledge? The happiness which you promise me + is so immense!” + </p> + <p> + “What pledge do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “To see you standing before that small window in the grating with + permission for me to occupy the same place as Madame de S——.” + </p> + <p> + She rose at once, and, with the most gracious smile, touched the spring; + after a most expressive kiss, I took leave of her. She followed me with + her eyes as far as the door, and her loving gaze would have rooted me to + the spot if she had not left the room. + </p> + <p> + I spent the two days of expectation in a whirl of impatient joy, which + prevented me from eating and sleeping; for it seemed to me that no other + love had ever given me such happiness, or rather that I was going to be + happy for the first time. + </p> + <p> + Irrespective of birth, beauty, and wit, which was the principal merit of + my new conquest, prejudice was there to enhance a hundredfold my felicity, + for she was a vestal: it was forbidden fruit, and who does not know that, + from Eve down to our days, it was that fruit which has always appeared the + most delicious! I was on the point of encroaching upon the rights of an + all-powerful husband; in my eyes M—— M—— was above + all the queens of the earth. + </p> + <p> + If my reason had not been the slave of passion, I should have known that + my nun could not be a different creature from all the pretty women whom I + had loved for the thirteen years that I had been labouring in the fields + of love. But where is the man in love who can harbour such a thought? If + it presents itself too often to his mind, he expels it disdainfully! M—— + M—— could not by any means be otherwise than superior to all + other women in the wide world. + </p> + <p> + Animal nature, which chemists call the animal kingdom, obtains through + instinct the three various means necessary for the perpetuation of its + species. + </p> + <p> + There are three real wants which nature has implanted in all human + creatures. They must feed themselves, and to prevent that task from being + insipid and tedious they have the agreeable sensation of appetite, which + they feel pleasure in satisfying. They must propagate their respective + species; an absolute necessity which proves the wisdom of the Creator, + since without reproduction all would be annihilated—by the constant + law of degradation, decay and death. And, whatever St. Augustine may say, + human creatures would not perform the work of generation if they did not + find pleasure in it, and if there was not in that great work an + irresistible attraction for them. In the third place, all creatures have a + determined and invincible propensity to destroy their enemies; and it is + certainly a very wise ordination, for that feeling of self-preservation + makes it a duty for them to do their best for the destruction of whatever + can injure them. + </p> + <p> + Each species obeys these laws in its own way. The three sensations: + hunger, desire, and hatred—are in animals the satisfaction of + habitual instinct, and cannot be called pleasures, for they can be so only + in proportion to the intelligence of the individual. Man alone is gifted + with the perfect organs which render real pleasure peculiar to him; + because, being endowed with the sublime faculty of reason, he foresees + enjoyment, looks for it, composes, improves, and increases it by thought + and recollection. I entreat you, dear reader, not to get weary of + following me in my ramblings; for now that I am but the shadow of the once + brilliant Casanova, I love to chatter; and if you were to give me the + slip, you would be neither polite nor obliging. + </p> + <p> + Man comes down to the level of beasts whenever he gives himself up to the + three natural propensities without calling reason and judgment to his + assistance; but when the mind gives perfect equilibrium to those + propensities, the sensations derived from them become true enjoyment, an + unaccountable feeling which gives us what is called happiness, and which + we experience without being able to describe it. + </p> + <p> + The voluptuous man who reasons, disdains greediness, rejects with contempt + lust and lewdness, and spurns the brutal revenge which is caused by a + first movement of anger: but he is dainty, and satisfies his appetite only + in a manner in harmony with his nature and his tastes; he is amorous, but + he enjoys himself with the object of his love only when he is certain that + she will share his enjoyment, which can never be the case unless their + love is mutual; if he is offended, he does not care for revenge until he + has calmly considered the best means to enjoy it fully. If he is sometimes + more cruel than necessary, he consoles himself with the idea that he has + acted under the empire of reason; and his revenge is sometimes so noble + that he finds it in forgiveness. Those three operations are the work of + the soul which, to procure enjoyment for itself, becomes the agent of our + passions. We sometimes suffer from hunger in order to enjoy better the + food which will allay it; we delay the amorous enjoyment for the sake of + making it more intense, and we put off the moment of our revenge in order + to make it more certain. It is true, however, that one may die from + indigestion, that we allow ourselves to be often deceived in love, and + that the creature we want to annihilate often escapes our revenge; but + perfection cannot be attained in anything, and those are risks which we + run most willingly. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0017" id="linkB2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Continuation of the Last Chapter—My First Assignation With + M. M.—Letter From C. C.—My Second Meeting With the Nun At + My Splendid Casino In Venice—I Am Happy +</pre> + <p> + There is nothing, there can be nothing, dearer to a thinking being than + life; yet the voluptuous men, those who try to enjoy it in the best + manner, are the men who practise with the greatest perfection the + difficult art of shortening life, of driving it fast. They do not mean to + make it shorter, for they would like to perpetuate it in the midst of + pleasure, but they wish enjoyment to render its course insensible; and + they are right, provided they do not fail in fulfilling their duties. Man + must not, however, imagine that he has no other duties but those which + gratify his senses; he would be greatly mistaken, and he might fall the + victim of his own error. I think that my friend Horace made a mistake when + he said to Florus: + </p> + <p> + ‘Nec metuam quid de me judicet heres, Quod non plura datis inveniet.’ + </p> + <p> + The happiest man is the one who knows how to obtain the greatest sum of + happiness without ever failing in the discharge of his duties, and the + most unhappy is the man who has adopted a profession in which he finds + himself constantly under the sad necessity of foreseeing the future. + </p> + <p> + Perfectly certain that M—— M—— would keep her + word, I went to the convent at ten o’clock in the morning, and she joined + me in the parlour as soon as I was announced. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” she exclaimed, “are you ill?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I may well look so, for the expectation of happiness wears me + out. I have lost sleep and appetite, and if my felicity were to be + deferred my life would be the forfeit.” + </p> + <p> + “There shall be no delay, dearest; but how impatient you are! Let us sit + down. Here is the key of my casino. You will find some persons in it, + because we must be served; but nobody will speak to you, and you need not + speak to anyone. You must be masked, and you must not go there till two + hours after sunset; mind, not before. Then go up the stairs opposite the + street-door, and at the top of those stairs you will see, by the light of + a lamp, a green door which you will open to enter the apartment which you + will find lighted. You will find me in the second room, and in case I + should not be there you will wait for me a few minutes; you may rely upon + my being punctual. You can take off your mask in that room, and make + yourself comfortable; you will find some books and a good fire.” + </p> + <p> + The description could not be clearer; I kissed the hand which was giving + me the key of that mysterious temple, and I enquired from the charming + woman whether I should see her in her conventual garb. + </p> + <p> + “I always leave the convent with it,” she said, “but I have at the casino + a complete wardrobe to transform myself into an elegant woman of the + world, and even to disguise myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will do me the favour to remain in the dress of a nun.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, I beg?” + </p> + <p> + “I love to see you in that dress.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! ah! I understand. You fancy that my head is shaved, and you are + afraid. But comfort yourself, dear friend, my wig is so beautifully made + that it defies detection; it is nature itself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear! what are you saying? The very name of wig is awful. But no, you + may be certain that I will find you lovely under all circumstances. I only + entreat you not to put on that cruel wig in my presence. Do I offend you? + Forgive me; I am very sorry to have mentioned that subject. Are you sure + that no one can see you leave the convent?” + </p> + <p> + “You will be sure of it yourself when you have gone round the island and + seen the small door on the shore. I have the key of a room opening on the + shore, and I have every confidence in the sister who serves me.” + </p> + <p> + “And the gondola?” + </p> + <p> + “My lover himself answers for the fidelity of the gondoliers.” + </p> + <p> + “What a man that lover is! I fancy he must be an old man.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken; if he were old, I should be ashamed. He is not forty, + and he has everything necessary to be loved—beauty, wit, sweet + temper, and noble behaviour.” + </p> + <p> + “And he forgives your amorous caprices?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by caprices? A year ago he obtained possession of me, + and before him I had never belonged to a man; you are the first who + inspired me with a fancy. When I confessed it to him he was rather + surprised, then he laughed, and read me a short lecture upon the risk I + was running in trusting a man who might prove indiscreet. He wanted me to + know at least who you were before going any further, but it was too late. + I answered for your discretion, and of course I made him laugh by my being + so positively the guarantee of a man whom I did not know.” + </p> + <p> + “When did you confide in him?” + </p> + <p> + “The day before yesterday, and without concealing anything from him. I + have shewn him my letters and yours; he thinks you are a Frenchman, + although you represent yourself as a Venetian. He is very curious to know + who you are, but you need not be afraid; I promise you faithfully never to + take any steps to find it out myself.” + </p> + <p> + “And I promise you likewise not to try to find out who is this wonderful + man as wonderful as you are yourself. I am very miserable when I think of + the sorrow I have caused you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not mention that subject any more; when I consider the matter, I see + that only a conceited man would have acted differently.” + </p> + <p> + Before leaving her, she granted me another token of her affection through + the little window, and her gaze followed me as far as the door. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, at the time named by her, I repaired to the casino, and + obeying all her instructions I reached a sitting-room in which I found my + new conquest dressed in a most elegant costume. The room was lighted up by + girandoles, which were reflected by the looking-glasses, and by four + splendid candlesticks placed on a table covered with books. M—— + M—— struck me as entirely different in her beauty to what she + had seemed in the garb of a nun. She wore no cap, and her hair was + fastened behind in a thick twist; but I passed rapidly over that part of + her person, because I could not bear the idea of a wig, and I could not + compliment her about it. I threw myself at her feet to shew her my deep + gratitude, and I kissed with rapture her beautiful hands, waiting + impatiently for the amorous contest which I was longing for; but M—— + M—— thought fit to oppose some resistance. Oh, how sweet they + are! those denials of a loving mistress, who delays the happy moment only + for the sake of enjoying its delights better! As a lover respectful, + tender, but bold, enterprising, certain of victory, I blended delicately + the gentleness of my proceedings with the ardent fire which was consuming + me; and stealing the most voluptuous kisses from the most beautiful mouth + I felt as if my soul would burst from my body. We spent two hours in the + preliminary contest, at the end of which we congratulated one another, on + her part for having contrived to resist, on mine for having controlled my + impatience. + </p> + <p> + Wanting a little rest, and understanding each other as if by a natural + instinct, she said to me, + </p> + <p> + “My friend, I have an appetite which promises to do honour to the supper; + are you able to keep me good company?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I said, knowing well what I could do in that line, “yes, I can; and + afterwards you shall judge whether I am able to sacrifice to Love as well + as to Comus.” + </p> + <p> + She rang the bell, and a woman, middle-aged but well-dressed and + respectable-looking, laid out a table for two persons; she then placed on + another table close by all that was necessary to enable us to do without + attendance, and she brought, one after the other, eight different dishes + in Sevres porcelain placed on silver heaters. It was a delicate and + plentiful supper. + </p> + <p> + When I tasted the first dish I at once recognized the French style of + cooking, and she did not deny it. We drank nothing but Burgundy and + Champagne. She dressed the salad cleverly and quickly, and in everything + she did I had to admire the graceful ease of her manners. It was evident + that she owed her education to a lover who was a first-rate connoisseur. I + was curious to know him, and as we were drinking some punch I told her + that if she would gratify my curiosity in that respect I was ready to tell + her my name. + </p> + <p> + “Let time, dearest,” she answered, “satisfy our mutual curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— had, amongst the charms and trinkets + fastened to the chain of her watch, a small crystal bottle exactly similar + to one that I wore myself. I called her attention to that fact, and as + mine was filled with cotton soaked in otto of roses I made her smell it. + </p> + <p> + “I have the same,” she observed. + </p> + <p> + And she made me inhale its fragrance. + </p> + <p> + “It is a very scarce perfume,” I said, “and very expensive.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; in fact it cannot be bought.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true; the inventor of that essence wears a crown; it is the King of + France; his majesty made a pound of it, which cost him thirty thousand + crowns.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine was a gift presented to my lover, and he gave it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame de Pompadour sent a small phial of it to M. de Mocenigo, the + Venetian ambassador in Paris, through M. de B——, now French + ambassador here.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him?” + </p> + <p> + “I have had the honour to dine with him on the very day he came to take + leave of the ambassador by whom I had been invited. M. de B—— + is a man whom fortune has smiled upon, but he has captivated it by his + merit; he is not less distinguished by his talents than by his birth; he + is, I believe, Count de Lyon. I recollect that he was nicknamed ‘Belle + Babet,’ on account of his handsome face. There is a small collection of + poetry written by him which does him great honour.” + </p> + <p> + It was near midnight; we had made an excellent supper, and we were near a + good fire. Besides, I was in love with a beautiful woman, and thinking + that time was precious—I became very pressing; but she resisted. + </p> + <p> + “Cruel darling, have you promised me happiness only to make me suffer the + tortures of Tantalus? If you will not give way to love, at least obey the + laws of nature after such a delicious supper, go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sleepy?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am not; but it is late enough to go to bed. Allow me to + undress you; I will remain by your bedside, or even go away if you wish + it.” + </p> + <p> + “If you were to leave me, you would grieve me.” + </p> + <p> + “My grief would be as great as yours, believe me, but if I remain what + shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + “We can lie down in our clothes on this sofa.” + </p> + <p> + “With our clothes! Well, let it be so; I will let you sleep, if you wish + it; but you must forgive me if I do not sleep myself; for to sleep near + you and without undressing would be impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a little.” + </p> + <p> + She rose from her seat, turned the sofa crosswise, opened it, took out + pillows, sheets, blankets, and in one minute we had a splendid bed, wide + and convenient. She took a large handkerchief, which she wrapped round my + head, and she gave me another, asking me to render her the same service. I + began my task, dissembling my disgust for the wig, but a precious + discovery caused me the most agreeable surprise; for, instead of the wig, + my, hands found the most magnificent hair I had ever seen. I uttered a + scream of delight and admiration which made her laugh, and she told me + that a nun was under no other obligation than to conceal her hair, from + the uninitiated. Thereupon she pushed me adroitly, and made me fall on + the sofa. I got up again, and, having thrown off my clothes as quick as + lightning I threw myself on her rather than near her. She was very strong; + and folding me in her arms she thought that I ought to forgive her for all + the torture she was condemning me to. I had not obtained any essential + favour; I was burning, but I was trying to master my impatience, for I did + not think that I had yet the right to be exacting. I contrived to undo + five or six bows of ribbons, and satisfied, with her not opposing any + resistance in that quarter my heart throbbed with pleasure, and I + possessed myself of the most beautiful bosom, which I smothered under my + kisses. But her favours went no further; and my excitement increasing in + proportion to the new perfections I discovered in her, I doubled my + efforts; all in vain. At last, compelled to give way to fatigue, I fell + asleep in her arms, holding her tightly, against me. A noisy chime of + bells woke us. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Let us get up, dearest; it is time for me to return to the convent.” + </p> + <p> + “Dress yourself, and let me have the pleasure of seeing you in the garb of + a saint, since you are going away a virgin.” + </p> + <p> + “Be satisfied for this time, dearest, and learn from me how to practice + abstinence; we shall be happier another time. When I have gone, if you + have nothing to hurry you, you can rest here.” + </p> + <p> + She rang the bell, and the same woman who had appeared in the evening, and + was most likely the secret minister and the confidante of her amorous + mysteries, came in. After her hair had been dressed, she took off her + gown, locked up her jewellery in her bureau, put on the stays of a nun, in + which she hid the two magnificent globes which had been during that + fatiguing night the principal agents of my happiness, and assumed her + monastic robes. The woman having gone out to call the gondoliers, M—— + M—— kissed me warmly and tenderly, and said to me, + </p> + <p> + “I expect to see you the day after to-morrow, so as to hear from you which + night I am to meet you in Venice; and then, my beloved lover, you shall be + happy and I too. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Pleased without being satisfied, I went to bed and slept soundly until + noon. + </p> + <p> + I left the casino without seeing anyone, and being well masked I repaired + to the house of Laura, who gave me a letter from my dear C—— C——. + Here is a copy of it: + </p> + <p> + “I am going to give you, my best beloved, a specimen of my way of + thinking; and I trust that, far from lowering me in your estimation, you + will judge me, in spite of my youth, capable of keeping a secret and + worthy of being your wife. Certain that your heart is mine, I do not blame + you for having made a mystery of certain things, and not being jealous of + what can divert your mind and help you to bear patiently our cruel + separation, I can only delight in whatever procures you some pleasure. + Listen now. Yesterday, as I was going along one of the halls, I dropped a + tooth-pick which I held in my hand, and to get it again, I was compelled + to displace a stool which happened to be in front of a crack in the + partition. I have already become as curious as a nun—a fault very + natural to idle people—I placed my eye against the small opening, + and whom did I see? You in person, my darling, conversing in the most + lively manner with my charming friend, Sister M—— M——. + It would be difficult for you to imagine my surprise and joy. But those + two feelings gave way soon to the fear of being seen and of exciting the + curiosity of some inquisitive nun. I quickly replaced the stool, and I + went away. Tell me all, dearest friend, you will make me happy. How could + I cherish you with all my soul, and not be anxious to know the history of + your adventure? Tell me if she knows you, and how you have made her + acquaintance. She is my best friend, the one of whom I have spoken so + often to you in my letters, without thinking it necessary to tell you her + name. She is the friend who teaches me French, and has lent me books which + gave me a great deal of information on a matter generally little known to + women. If it had not been for her, the cause of the accident which has + been so near costing me my life, would have been discovered. She gave me + sheets and linen immediately; to her I owe my honour; but she has + necessarily learned in that way that I have a lover, as I know that she + has one; but neither of us has shewn any anxiety to know the secrets of + the other. Sister M—— M—— is a rare woman. I feel + certain, dearest, that you love one another; it cannot be otherwise since + you are acquainted; but as I am not jealous of that affection, I deserve + that you should tell me all. I pity you both, however; for all you may do + will, I fear, only irritate your passion. Everyone in the convent thinks + that you are ill, and I am longing to see you. Come, at least, once. + Adieu!” + </p> + <p> + The letter of C—— C—— inspired me with the deepest + esteem for her, but it caused me great anxiety, because, although I felt + every confidence in my dear little wife, the small crack in the wall might + expose M—— M—— and myself to the inquisitive looks + of other persons. Besides, I found myself compelled to deceive that + amiable, trusting friend, and to tell a falsehood, for delicacy and honour + forbade me to tell her the truth. I wrote to her immediately that her + friendship for M—— M—— made it her duty to warn + her friend at once that she had seen her in the parlour with a masked + gentleman. I added that, having heard a great deal of M—— M——‘s + merit, and wishing to make her acquaintance, I had called on her under an + assumed name; that I entreated her not to tell her friend who I was, but + she might say that she had recognized in me the gentleman who attended + their church. I assured her with barefaced impudence that there was no + love between M—— M—— and me, but without + concealing that I thought her a superior woman. + </p> + <p> + On St. Catherine’s Day, the patroness of my dear C—— C——, + I bethought myself of affording that lovely prisoner the pleasure of + seeing me. As I was leaving the church after mass, and just as I was going + to take a gondola, I observed that a man was following me. It looked + suspicious, and I determined to ascertain whether I was right. The man + took a gondola and followed mine. It might have been purely accidental; + but, keeping on my guard for fear of surprise, I alighted in Venice at the + Morosini Palace; the fellow alighted at the same place; his intentions + were evident. I left the palace, and turning towards the Flanders Gate I + stopped in a narrow street, took my knife in my hand, waited for the spy, + seized him by the collar, and pushing him against the wall with the knife + at his throat I commanded him to tell me what business he had with me. + Trembling all over he would have confessed everything, but unluckily + someone entered the street. The spy escaped and I was no wiser, but I had + no doubt that for the future that fellow at least would keep at a + respectful distance. It shewed me how easy it would be for an obstinate + spy to discover my identity, and I made up my mind never to go to Muran + but with a mask, or at night. + </p> + <p> + The next day I had to see my beautiful nun in order to ascertain which day + she would sup with me in Venice, and I went early to the convent. She did + not keep me waiting, and her face was radiant with joy. She complimented + me upon my having resumed my attendance at their church; all the nuns had + been delighted to see me again after an absence of three weeks. + </p> + <p> + “The abbess,” she said, “told me how glad she was to see you, and that she + was certain to find out who you are.” + </p> + <p> + I then related to her the adventure of the spy, and we both thought that + it was most likely the means taken by the sainted woman to gratify her + curiosity about me. + </p> + <p> + “I have resolved not to attend your church any more.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be a great deprivation to me, but in our common interest I can + but approve your resolution.” + </p> + <p> + She related the affair of the treacherous crack in the partition, and + added, + </p> + <p> + “It is already repaired, and there is no longer any fear in that quarter. + I heard of it from a young boarder whom I love dearly, and who is much + attached to me. I am not curious to know her name, and she has never + mentioned it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, darling angel, tell me whether my happiness will be postponed.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but only for twenty-four hours; the new professed sister has invited + me to supper in her room, and you must understand I cannot invent any + plausible excuse for refusing her invitation.” + </p> + <p> + “You would not, then, tell her in confidence the very legitimate obstacle + which makes me wish that the new sisters never take supper?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not: we never trust anyone so far in a convent. Besides, + dearest, such an invitation cannot be declined unless I wish to gain a + most bitter enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Could you not say that you are ill?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but then the visits!” + </p> + <p> + “I understand; if you should refuse, the escape might be suspected.” + </p> + <p> + “The escape! impossible; here no one admits the possibility of breaking + out of the convent.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are the only one able to perform that miracle?” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure of that; but, as is always the case, it is gold which + performs that miracle.” + </p> + <p> + “And many others, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! the time has gone by for them! But tell me, my love, where will you + wait for me to-morrow, two hours after the setting of the sun?” + </p> + <p> + “Could I not wait for you at your casino?” + </p> + <p> + “No, because my lover will take me himself to Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “Your lover?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, himself.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it is true.” + </p> + <p> + “I can wait for you in St. John and St. Paul’s Square behind the pedestal + of the statue of Bartholomew of Bergamo.” + </p> + <p> + “I have never seen either the square or the statue except in engravings; + it is enough, however, and I will not fail. Nothing but very stormy + weather could prevent me from coming to a rendezvous for which my heart is + panting.” + </p> + <p> + “And if the weather were bad?” + </p> + <p> + “Then, dearest, there would be nothing lost; and you would come here again + in order to appoint another day.” + </p> + <p> + I had no time to lose, for I had no casino. I took a second rower so as to + reach St. Mark’s Square more rapidly, and I immediately set to work + looking for what I wanted. When a mortal is so lucky as to be in the good + graces of the god Plutus, and is not crackbrained, he is pretty sure to + succeed in everything: I had not to search very long before I found a + casino suiting my purpose exactly. It was the finest in the neighbourhood + of Venice, but, as a natural consequence, it was likewise the most + expensive. It had belonged to the English ambassador, who had sold it + cheap to his cook before leaving Venice. The owner let it to me until + Easter for one hundred sequins, which I paid in advance on condition that + he would himself cook the dinners and the suppers I might order. + </p> + <p> + I had five rooms furnished in the most elegant style, and everything + seemed to be calculated for love, pleasure, and good cheer. The service of + the dining-room was made through a sham window in the wall, provided with + a dumb-waiter revolving upon itself, and fitting the window so exactly + that master and servants could not see each other. The drawing-room was + decorated with magnificent looking-glasses, crystal chandeliers, + girandoles in gilt, bronze, and with a splendid pier-glass placed on a + chimney of white marble; the walls were covered with small squares of real + china, representing little Cupids and naked amorous couples in all sorts + of positions, well calculated to excite the imagination; elegant and very + comfortable sofas were placed on every side. Next to it was an octagonal + room, the walls, the ceiling, and the floor of which were entirely covered + with splendid Venetian glass, arranged in such a manner as to reflect on + all sides every position of the amorous couple enjoying the pleasures of + love. Close by was a beautiful alcove with two secret outlets; on the + right, an elegant dressing-room, on the left, a boudoir which seemed to + have been arranged by the mother of Love, with a bath in Carrara marble. + Everywhere the wainscots were embossed in ormolu or painted with flowers + and arabesques. + </p> + <p> + After I had given my orders for all the chandeliers to be filled with wax + candles, and the finest linen to be provided wherever necessary, I ordered + a most delicate and sumptuous supper for two, without regard to expense, + and especially the most exquisite wines. I then took possession of the key + of the principal entrance, and warned the master that I did not want to be + seen by anyone when I came in or went out. + </p> + <p> + I observed with pleasure that the clock in the alcove had an alarum, for I + was beginning, in spite of love, to be easily influenced by the power of + sleep. + </p> + <p> + Everything being arranged according to my wishes, I went, as a careful and + delicate lover, to purchase the finest slippers I could find, and a cap in + Alencon point. + </p> + <p> + I trust my reader does not think me too particular; let him recollect that + I was to receive the most accomplished of the sultanas of the master of + the universe, and I told that fourth Grace that I had a casino. Was I to + begin by giving her a bad idea of my truthfulness? At the appointed time, + that is two hours after sunset, I repaired to my palace; and it would be + difficult to imagine the surprise of his honour the French cook, when he + saw me arrive alone. Not finding all the chandeliers lighted-up as I had + ordered, I scolded him well, giving him notice that I did not like to + repeat an order. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not fail; sir, another time, to execute your commands.” + </p> + <p> + “Let the supper be served.” + </p> + <p> + “Your honour ordered it for two.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for two; and, this time, be present during my supper, so that I can + tell you which dishes I find good or bad.” + </p> + <p> + The supper came through the revolving dumb-waiter in very good order, two + dishes at a tune. I passed some remarks upon everything; but, to tell the + truth, everything was excellent: game, fish, oysters, truffles, wine, + dessert, and the whole served in very fine Dresden china and silver-gilt + plate. + </p> + <p> + I told him that he had forgotten hard eggs, anchovies, and prepared + vinegar to dress a salad. He lifted his eyes towards heaven, as if to + plead guilty, to a very heinous crime. + </p> + <p> + After a supper which lasted two hours, and during which I must certainly + have won the admiration of my host, I asked him to bring me the bill. He + presented it to me shortly afterwards, and I found it reasonable. I then + dismissed him, and lay down in the splendid bed in the alcove; my + excellent supper brought on very soon the most delicious sleep which, + without the Burgundy and the Champagne, might very likely not have visited + me, if I had thought that the following night would see me in the same + place, and in possession of a lovely divinity. It was broad day-light when + I awoke, and after ordering the finest fruit and some ices for the evening + I left the casino. In order to shorten a day which my impatient desires + would have caused me to find very long, I went to the faro-table, and I + saw with pleasure that I was as great a favourite with fortune as with + love. Everything proceeded according to my wishes, and I delighted in + ascribing my happy success to the influence of my nun. + </p> + <p> + I was at the place of meeting one hour before the time appointed, and + although the night was cold I did not feel it. Precisely as the hour + struck I saw a two-oared gondola reach the shore and a mask come out of + it, speak a few words to the gondolier, and take the direction of the + statue. My heart was beating quickly, but seeing that it was a man I + avoided him, and regretted not having brought my pistols. The mask, + however, turning round the statue, came up to me with outstretched hands; + I then recognized my angel, who was amused at my surprise and took my arm. + Without speaking we went towards St. Mark’s Square, and reached my casino, + which was only one hundred yards from the St. Moses Theatre. + </p> + <p> + I found everything in good order; we went upstairs and I threw off my mask + and my disguise; but M—— M—— took delight in + walking about the rooms and in examining every nook of the charming place + in which she was received. Highly gratified to see me admire the grace of + her person, she wanted me likewise to admire in her attire the taste and + generosity of her lover. She was surprised at the almost magic spell + which, although she remained motionless, shewed her lovely person in a + thousand different manners. Her multiplied portraits, reproduced by the + looking-glasses, and the numerous wax candles disposed to that effect, + offered to her sight a spectacle entirely new to her, and from which she + could not withdraw her eyes. Sitting down on a stool I contemplated her + elegant person with rapture. A coat of rosy velvet, embroidered with gold + spangles, a vest to match, embroidered likewise in the richest fashion, + breeches of black satin, diamond buckles, a solitaire of great value on + her little finger, and on the other hand a ring: such was her toilet. Her + black lace mask was remarkable for its fineness and the beauty of the + design. To enable me to see her better she stood before me. I looked in + her pockets, in which I found a gold snuff-box, a sweetmeat-box adorned + with pearls, a gold case, a splendid opera-glass, handkerchiefs of the + finest cambric, soaked rather than perfumed with the most precious + essences. I examined attentively the richness and the workmanship of her + two watches, of her chains, of her trinkets, brilliant with diamonds. The + last article I found was a pistol; it was an English weapon of fine steel, + and of the most beautiful finish. + </p> + <p> + “All I see, my divine angel, is not worthy of you; yet I cannot refrain + from expressing my admiration for the wonderful, I might almost say + adorable, being who wants to convince you that you are truly his + mistress.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what he said when I asked him to bring me to Venice, and to leave + me. ‘Amuse yourself,’ he said, ‘and I hope that the man whom you are going + to make happy will convince you that he is worthy of it.’” + </p> + <p> + “He is indeed an extraordinary man, and I do not think there is another + like him. Such a lover is a unique being; and I feel that I could not be + like him, as deeply as I fear to be unworthy of a happiness which dazzles + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to leave you, and to take off these clothes alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Do anything you please.” + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour afterwards my mistress came back to me. Her hair was + dressed like a man’s; the front locks came down her cheeks, and the black + hair, fastened with a knot of blue ribbon, reached the bend of her legs; + her form was that of Antinous; her clothes alone, being cut in the French + style, prevented the illusion from being complete. I was in a state of + ecstatic delight, and I could not realize my happiness. + </p> + <p> + “No, adorable woman,” I exclaimed, “you are not made for a mortal, and I + do not believe that you will ever be mine. At the very moment of + possessing you some miracle will wrest you from my arms. Your divine + spouse, perhaps, jealous of a simple mortal, will annihilate all my hope. + It is possible that in a few minutes I shall no longer exist.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you mad, dearest? I am yours this very instant, if you wish it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if I wish it! Although fasting, come! Love and happiness will be my + food!” + </p> + <p> + She felt cold, we sat near the fire; and unable to master my impatience I + unfastened a diamond brooch which pinned her ruffle. Dear reader, there + are some sensations so powerful and so sweet that years cannot weaken the + remembrance of them. My mouth had already covered with kisses that + ravishing bosom; but then the troublesome corset had not allowed me to + admire all its perfection. Now I felt it free from all restraint and from + all unnecessary support; I have never seen, never touched, anything more + beautiful, and the two magnificent globes of the Venus de Medicis, even if + they had been animated by the spark of life given by Prometheus, would + have yielded the palm to those of my divine nun. + </p> + <p> + I was burning with ardent desires, and I would have satisfied them on the + spot, if my adorable mistress had not calmed my impatience by these simple + words: + </p> + <p> + “Wait until after supper.” + </p> + <p> + I rang the bell; she shuddered. + </p> + <p> + “Do not be anxious, dearest.” + </p> + <p> + And I shewed her the secret of the sham window. + </p> + <p> + “You will be able to tell your lover that no one saw you.” + </p> + <p> + “He will appreciate your delicate attention, and that will prove to him + that you are not a novice in the art of love. But it is evident that I am + not the only one who enjoys with you the delights of this charming + residence.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong, believe me: you are the first woman I have seen here. You + are not, adorable creature, my first love, but you shall be the last.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be happy if you are faithful. My lover is constant, kind, gentle + and amiable; yet my heart has ever been fancy-free with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then his own heart must be the same; for if his love was of the same + nature as mine you would never have made me happy.” + </p> + <p> + “He loves me as I love you; do you believe in my love for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I want to believe in it; but you would not allow me to....” + </p> + <p> + “Do not say any more; for I feel that I could forgive you in anything, + provided you told me all. The joy I experience at this moment is caused + more by the hope I have of gratifying your desires than by the idea that I + am going to pass a delightful night with you. It will be the first in my + life.” + </p> + <p> + “What! Have you never passed such a night with your lover?” + </p> + <p> + “Several; but friendship, compliance, and gratitude, perhaps, were then + the only contributors to our pleasures; the most essential—love—was + never present. In spite of that, my lover is like you; his wit is lively, + very much the same as yours, and, as far as his features are concerned, he + is very handsome; yet it is not you. I believe him more wealthy than you, + although this casino almost convinces me that I am mistaken, but what does + love care for riches? Do not imagine that I consider you endowed with less + merit than he, because you confess yourself incapable of his heroism in + allowing me to enjoy another love. Quite the contrary; I know that you + would not love me as you do, if you told me that you could be as indulgent + as he is for one of my caprices.” + </p> + <p> + “Will he be curious to hear the particulars of this night?” + </p> + <p> + “Most likely he will think that he will please me by asking what has taken + place, and I will tell him everything, except such particulars as might + humiliate him.” + </p> + <p> + After the supper, which she found excellent, she made some punch, and she + was a very good hand at it. But I felt my impatience growing stronger + every moment, and I said, + </p> + <p> + “Recollect that we have only seven hours before us, and that we should be + very foolish to waste them in this room.” + </p> + <p> + “You reason better than Socrates,” she answered, “and your eloquence has + convinced me. Come!” + </p> + <p> + She led me to the elegant dressing-room, and I offered her the fine + night-cap which I had bought for her, asking her at the same time to dress + her hair like a woman. She took it with great pleasure, and begged me to + go and undress myself in the drawing-room, promising to call me as soon as + she was in bed. + </p> + <p> + I had not long to wait: when pleasure is waiting for us, we all go quickly + to work. I fell into her arms, intoxicated with love and happiness, and + during seven hours I gave her the most positive proofs of my ardour and of + the feelings I entertained for her. It is true that she taught me nothing + new, materially speaking, but a great deal in sighs, in ecstasies, in + enjoyments which can have their full development only in a sensitive soul + in the sweetest of all moments. I varied our pleasures in a thousand + different ways, and I astonished her by making her feel that she was + susceptible of greater enjoyment than she had any idea of. At last the + fatal alarum was heard: we had to stop our amorous transports; but before + she left my arms she raised her eyes towards heaven as if to thank her + Divine Master for having given her the courage to declare her passion to + me. + </p> + <p> + We dressed ourselves, and observing that I put the lace night-cap in her + pocket she assured me that she would keep it all her life as a witness of + the happiness which overwhelmed her. After drinking a cup of coffee we + went out, and I left her at St. John and St. Paul’s Square, promising to + call on her the day after the morrow; I watched her until I saw her safe + in her gondola, and I then went to bed. Ten hours of profound sleep + restored me to my usual state of vigour. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0018" id="linkB2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Visit to the Convent and Conversation With M. M.—A Letter + from Her, and My Answer—Another Interview At the Casino of + Muran In the Presence of Her Lover +</pre> + <p> + According to my promise, I went to see M—— M—— two + days afterwards, but as soon as she came to the parlour she told me that + her lover had said he was coming, and that she expected him every minute, + and that she would be glad to see me the next day. I took leave of her, + but near the bridge I saw a man, rather badly masked, coming out of a + gondola. I looked at the gondolier, and I recognized him as being in the + service of the French ambassador. “It is he,” I said to myself, and + without appearing to observe him I watched him enter the convent. I had no + longer any doubt as to his identity, and I returned to Venice delighted at + having made the discovery, but I made up my mind not to say anything to my + mistress. + </p> + <p> + I saw her on the following day, and we, had a long conversation together, + which I am now going to relate. + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” she said to me, “came yesterday in order to bid farewell to + me until the Christmas holidays. He is going to Padua, but everything has + been arranged so that we can sup at his casino whenever we wish.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not in Venice?” + </p> + <p> + “He has begged me not to go there during his absence. He is wise and + prudent; I could not refuse his request.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right. When shall we sup together?” + </p> + <p> + “Next Sunday, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “If I like is not the right expression, for I always like. On Sunday, + then, I will go to the casino towards nightfall, and wait for you with a + book. Have you told your friend that you were not very uncomfortable in my + small palace?” + </p> + <p> + “He knows all about it, but, dearest, he is afraid of one thing—he + fears a certain fatal plumpness....” + </p> + <p> + “On my life, I never thought of that! But, my darling, do you not run the + same risk with him?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you. Then we must be very prudent for the future. I believe + that, nine days before Christmas, the mask is no longer allowed, and then + I shall have to go to your casino by water, otherwise, I might easily be + recognized by the same spy who has already followed me once.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that idea proves your prudence, and I can easily, shew you the + place. I hope you will be able to come also during Lent, although we are + told that at that time God wishes us to mortify our senses. Is it not + strange that there is a time during which God wants us to amuse ourselves + almost to frenzy, and another during which, in order to please Him, we + must live in complete abstinence? What is there in common between a yearly + observance and the Deity, and how can the action of the creature have any + influence over the Creator, whom my reason cannot conceive otherwise than + independent? It seems to me that if God had created man with the power of + offending Him, man would be right in doing everything that is forbidden to + him, because the deficiencies of his organization would be the work of the + Creator Himself. How can we imagine God grieved during Lent?” + </p> + <p> + “My beloved one, you reason beautifully, but will you tell me where you + have managed, in a convent, to pass the Rubicon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. My friend has given me some good books which I have read with deep + attention, and the light of truth has dispelled the darkness which blinded + my eyes. I can assure you that, when I look in my own heart, I find myself + more fortunate in having met with a person who has brought light to my + mind than miserable at having taken the veil; for the greatest happiness + must certainly consist in living and in dying peacefully—a happiness + which can hardly be obtained by listening to all the idle talk with which + the priests puzzle our brains.” + </p> + <p> + “I am of your opinion, but I admire you, for it ought to be the work of + more than a few months to bring light to a mind prejudiced as yours was.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no doubt that I should have seen light much sooner if I had not + laboured under so many prejudices. There was in my mind a curtain dividing + truth from error, and reason alone could draw it aside, but that poor + reason—I had been taught to fear it, to repulse it, as if its bright + flame would have devoured, instead of enlightening me. The moment it was + proved to me that a reasonable being ought to be guided only by his own + inductions I acknowledged the sway of reason, and the mist which hid truth + from me was dispelled. The evidence of truth shone before my eyes, + nonsensical trifles disappeared, and I have no fear of their resuming + their influence over my mind, for every day it is getting stronger; and I + may say that I only began to love God when my mind was disabused of + priestly superstitions concerning Him.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you; you have been more fortunate than I, for you have + made more progress in one year than I have made in ten.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you did not begin by reading the writings of Lord Bolingbroke? Five + or six months ago, I was reading La Sagesse, by Charron, and somehow or + other my confessor heard of it; when I went to him for confession, he took + upon himself to tell me to give up reading that book. I answered that my + conscience did not reproach me, and that I could not obey him. ‘In that + case,’ replied he, ‘I will not give you absolution.’ ‘That will not + prevent me from taking the communion,’ I said. This made him angry, and, + in order to know what he ought to do, he applied to Bishop Diedo. His + eminence came to see me, and told me that I ought to be guided by my + confessor. I answered that we had mutual duties to perform, and that the + mission of a priest in the confessional was to listen to me, to impose a + reasonable penance, and to give me absolution; that he had not even the + right of offering me any advice if I did not ask for it. I added that the + confessor being bound to avoid scandal, if he dared to refuse me the + absolution, which, of course, he could do, I would all the same go to the + altar with the other nuns. The bishop, seeing that he was at his wits’ + end, told the priest to abandon me to my conscience. But that was not + satisfactory to me, and my lover obtained a brief from the Pope + authorizing me to go to confession to any priest I like. All the sisters + are jealous of the privilege, but I have availed myself of it only once, + for the sake of establishing a precedent and of strengthening the right by + the fact, for it is not worth the trouble. I always confess to the same + priest, and he has no difficulty in giving me absolution, for I only tell + him what I like.” + </p> + <p> + “And for the rest you absolve yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “I confess to God, who alone can know my thoughts and judge the degree of + merit or of demerit to be attached to my actions.” + </p> + <p> + Our conversation shewed me that my lovely friend was what is called a + Free-thinker; but I was not astonished at it, because she felt a greater + need of peace for her conscience than of gratification for her senses. + </p> + <p> + On the Sunday, after dinner, I took a two-oared gondola, and went round + the island of Muran to reconnoitre the shore, and to discover the small + door through which my mistress escaped from the convent. I lost my trouble + and my time, for I did not become acquainted with the shore till the + octave of Christmas, and with the small door six months afterwards. I + shall mention the circumstance in its proper place. + </p> + <p> + As soon as it was time, I repaired to the temple, and while I was waiting + for the idol I amused myself in examining the books of a small library in + the boudoir. They were not numerous, but they were well chosen and worthy + of the place. I found there everything that has been written against + religion, and all the works of the most voluptuous writers on pleasure; + attractive books, the incendiary style of which compels the reader to seek + the reality of the image they represent. Several folios, richly bound, + contained nothing but erotic engravings. Their principal merit consisted + much more in the beauty of the designs, in the finish of the work, than in + the lubricity of the positions. I found amongst them the prints of the + Portier des Chartreux, published in England; the engravings of Meursius, + of Aloysia Sigea Toletana, and others, all very beautifully done. A great + many small pictures covered the walls of the boudoir, and they were all + masterpieces in the same style as the engravings. + </p> + <p> + I had spent an hour in examining all these works of art, the sight of + which had excited me in the most irresistible manner, when I saw my + beautiful mistress enter the room, dressed as a nun. Her appearance was + not likely to act as a sedative, and therefore, without losing any time in + compliments, I said to her, + </p> + <p> + “You arrive most opportunely. All these erotic pictures have fired my + imagination, and it is in your garb of a saint that you must administer + the remedy that my love requires.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me put on another dress, darling, it will not take more than five + minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “Five minutes will complete my happiness, and then you can attend to your + metamorphosis.” + </p> + <p> + “But let me take off these woollen robes, which I dislike.” + </p> + <p> + “No; I want you to receive the homage of my love in the same dress which + you had on when you gave birth to it.” + </p> + <p> + She uttered in the humblest manner a ‘fiat voluntas tua’, accompanied by + the most voluptuous smile, and sank on the sofa. For one instant we forgot + all the world besides. After that delightful ecstacy I assisted her to + undress, and a simple gown of Indian muslin soon metamorphosed my lovely + nun into a beautiful nymph. + </p> + <p> + After an excellent supper, we agreed not to meet again till the first day + of the octave. She gave me the key of the gate on the shore, and told me + that a blue ribbon attached to the window over the door would point it out + by day, so as to prevent my making a mistake at night. I made her very + happy by telling her that I would come and reside in her casino until the + return of her friend. During the ten days that I remained there, I saw her + four times, and I convinced her that I lived only for her. + </p> + <p> + During my stay in the casino I amused myself in reading, in writing to C—— + C——, but my love for her had become a calm affection. The + lines which interested me most in her letters were those in which she + mentioned her friend. She often blamed me for not having cultivated the + acquaintance of M—— M——, and my answer was that I + had not done so for fear of being known. I always insisted upon the + necessity of discretion. + </p> + <p> + I do not believe in the possibility of equal love being bestowed upon two + persons at the same time, nor do I believe it possible to keep love to a + high degree of intensity if you give it either too much food or none at + all. That which maintained my passion for M—— M —— + in a state of great vigour was that I could never possess her without + running the risk of losing her. + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible,” I said to her once, “that some time or other one of + the nuns should not want to speak to you when you are absent?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” she answered, “that cannot happen, because there is nothing more + religiously respected in a convent than the right of a nun to deny + herself, even to the abbess. A fire is the only circumstance I have to + fear, because in that case there would be general uproar and confusion, + and it would not appear natural that a nun should remain quietly locked up + in her cell in the midst of such danger; my escape would then be + discovered. I have contrived to gain over the lay-sister and the gardener, + as well as another nun, and that miracle was performed by my cunning + assisted by my lover’s gold. + </p> + <p> + “He answers for the fidelity of the cook and his wife who take care of the + casino. He has likewise every confidence in the two gondoliers, although + one of them is sure to be a spy of the State Inquisitors.” + </p> + <p> + On Christmas Eve she announced the return of her lover, and she told him + that on St. Stephen’s Day she would go with him to the opera, and that + they would afterwards spend the night together. + </p> + <p> + “I shall expect you, my beloved one,” she added, “on the last day of the + year, and here is a letter which I beg you not to read till you get home.” + </p> + <p> + As I had to move in order to make room for her lover, I packed my things + early in the morning, and, bidding farewell to a place in which during ten + days I had enjoyed so many delights, I returned to the Bragadin Palace, + where I read the following letter: + </p> + <p> + “You have somewhat offended me, my own darling, by telling me, respecting + the mystery which I am bound to keep on the subject of my lover, that, + satisfied to possess my heart, you left me mistress of my mind. That + division of the heart and of the mind appears to me a pure sophism, and if + it does not strike you as such you must admit that you do not love me + wholly, for I cannot exist without mind, and you cannot cherish my heart + if it does not agree with my mind. If your love cannot accept a different + state of things it does not excel in delicacy. However, as some + circumstance might occur in which you might accuse me of not having acted + towards you with all the sincerity that true love inspires, and that it + has a right to demand, I have made up my mind to confide to you a secret + which concerns my friend, although I am aware that he relies entirely upon + my discretion. I shall certainly be guilty of a breach of confidence, but + you will not love me less for it, because, compelled to choose between you + two, and to deceive either one or the other, love has conquered + friendship; do not punish me for it, for it has not been done blindly, and + you will, I trust, consider the reasons which have caused the scale to + weigh down in your favour. + </p> + <p> + “When I found myself incapable of resisting my wish to know you and to + become intimate with you, I could not gratify that wish without taking my + friend into my confidence, and I had no doubt of his compliance. He + conceived a very favourable opinion of your character from your first + letter, not only because you had chosen the parlour of the convent for our + first interview, but also because you appointed his casino at Muran + instead of your own. But he likewise begged of me to allow him to be + present at our first meeting-place, in a small closet—a true + hiding-place, from which one can see and hear everything without being + suspected by those in the drawing-room. You have not yet seen that + mysterious closet, but I will shew it to you on the last day of the year. + Tell me, dearest, whether I could refuse that singular request to the man + who was shewing me such compliant kindness? I consented, and it was + natural for me not to let you know it. You are therefore aware now that my + friend was a witness of all we did and said during the first night that we + spent together, but do not let that annoy you, for you pleased him in + everything, in your behaviour towards me as well as in the witty sayings + which you uttered to make me laugh. I was in great fear, when the + conversation turned upon him, lest you would say something which might + hurt his self-love, but, very fortunately, he heard only the most + flattering compliments. Such is, dearest love, the sincere confession of + my treason, but as a wise lover you will forgive me because it has not + done you the slightest harm. My friend is extremely curious to ascertain + who you are. But listen to me, that night you were natural and thoroughly + amiable, would you have been the same, if you had known that there was a + witness? It is not likely, and if I had acquainted you with the truth, you + might have refused your consent, and perhaps you would have been right. + </p> + <p> + “Now that we know each other, and that you entertain no doubt, I trust, of + my devoted love, I wish to ease my conscience and to venture all. Learn + then, dearest, that on the last day of the year, my friend will be at the + casino, which he will leave only the next morning. You will not see him, + but he will see us. As you are supposed not to know anything about it, you + must feel that you will have to be natural in everything, otherwise, he + might guess that I have betrayed the secret. It is especially in your + conversation that you must be careful. My friend possesses every virtue + except the theological one called faith, and on that subject you can say + anything you like. You will be at liberty to talk literature, travels, + politics, anything you please, and you need not refrain from anecdotes. In + fact you are certain of his approbation. + </p> + <p> + “Now, dearest, I have only this to say. Do you feel disposed to allow + yourself to be seen by another man while you are abandoning yourself to + the sweet voluptuousness of your senses? That doubt causes all my anxiety, + and I entreat from you an answer, yes or no. Do you understand how painful + the doubt is for me? I expect not to close my eyes throughout the night, + and I shall not rest until I have your decision. In case you should object + to shew your tenderness in the presence of a third person, I will take + whatever determination love may suggest to me. But I hope you will + consent, and even if you were not to perform the character of an ardent + lover in a masterly manner, it would not be of any consequence. I will let + my friend believe that your love has not reached its apogee” + </p> + <p> + That letter certainly took me by surprise, but all things considered, + thinking that my part was better than the one accepted by the lover, I + laughed heartily at the proposal. I confess, however, that I should not + have laughed if I had not known the nature of the individual who was to be + the witness of my amorous exploits. Understanding all the anxiety of my + friend, and wishing to allay it, I immediately wrote to her the following + lines: + </p> + <p> + “You wish me, heavenly creature, to answer you yes or no, and I, full of + love for you, want my answer to reach you before noon, so that you may + dine in perfect peace. + </p> + <p> + “I will spend the last night of the year with you, and I can assure you + that the friend, to whom we will give a spectacle worthy of Paphos and + Amathos, shall see or hear nothing likely to make him suppose that I am + acquainted with his secret. You may be certain that I will play my part + not as a novice but as a master. If it is man’s duty to be always the + slave of his reason; if, as long as he has control over himself, he ought + not to act without taking it for his guide, I cannot understand why a man + should be ashamed to shew himself to a friend at the very moment that he + is most favoured by love and nature. + </p> + <p> + “Yet I confess that you would have been wrong if you had confided the + secret to me the first time, and that most likely I should then have + refused to grant you that mark of my compliance, not because I loved you + less then than I do now, but there are such strange tastes in nature that + I might have imagined that your lover’s ruling taste was to enjoy the + sight of an ardent and frantic couple in the midst of amorous connection, + and in that case, conceiving an unfavourable opinion of you, vexation + might have frozen the love you had just sent through my being. Now, + however, the case is very different. I know all I possess in you, and, + from all you have told me of your lover, I am well disposed towards him, + and I believe him to be my friend. If a feeling of modesty does not deter + you from shewing yourself tender, loving, and full of amorous ardour with + me in his presence, how could I be ashamed, when, on the contrary, I ought + to feel proud of myself? I have no reason to blush at having made a + conquest of you, or at shewing myself in those moments during which I + prove the liberality with which nature has bestowed upon me the shape and + the strength which assure such immense enjoyment to me, besides the + certainty that I can make the woman I love share it with me. I am aware + that, owing to a feeling which is called natural, but which is perhaps + only the result of civilization and the effect of the prejudices inherent + in youth, most men object to any witness in those moments, but those who + cannot give any good reasons for their repugnance must have in their + nature something of the cat. At the same time, they might have some + excellent reasons, without their thinking themselves bound to give them, + except to the woman, who is easily deceived. I excuse with all my heart + those who know that they would only excite the pity of the witnesses, but + we both have no fear of that sort. All you have told me of your friend + proves that he will enjoy our pleasures. But do you know what will be the + result of it? The intensity of our ardour will excite his own, and he will + throw himself at my feet, begging and entreating me to give up to him the + only object likely to calm his amorous excitement. What could I do in that + case? Give you up? I could hardly refuse to do so with good grace, but I + would go away, for I could not remain a quiet spectator. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, my darling love; all will be well, I have no doubt. Prepare + yourself for the athletic contest, and rely upon the fortunate being who + adores you.” + </p> + <p> + I spent the six following days with my three worthy friends, and at the + ‘ridotto’, which at that time was opened on St. Stephen’s Day. As I could + not hold the cards there, the patricians alone having the privilege of + holding the bank, I played morning and evening, and I constantly lost; for + whoever punts must lose. But the loss of the four or five thousand sequins + I possessed, far from cooling my love, seemed only to increase its ardour. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the year 1774 the Great Council promulgated a law forbidding + all games of chance, the first effect of which was to close the ‘ridotto’. + This law was a real phenomenon, and when the votes were taken out of the + urn the senators looked at each other with stupefaction. They had made the + law unwittingly, for three-fourths of the voters objected to it, and yet + three-fourths of the votes were in favour of it. People said that it was a + miracle of St. Mark’s, who had answered the prayers of Monsignor Flangini, + then censor-in-chief, now cardinal, and one of the three State + Inquisitors. + </p> + <p> + On the day appointed I was punctual at the place of rendezvous, and I had + not to wait for my mistress. She was in the dressing-room, where she had + had time to attend to her toilet, and as soon as she heard me she came to + me dressed with the greatest elegance. + </p> + <p> + “My friend is not yet at his post,” she said to me, “but the moment he is + there I will give you a wink.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the mysterious closet?” + </p> + <p> + “There it is. Look at the back of this sofa against the wall. All those + flowers in relief have a hole in the centre which communicates with the + closet behind that wall. There is a bed, a table, and everything necessary + to a person who wants to spend the night in amusing himself by looking at + what is going on in this room. I will shew it to you whenever you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it arranged by your lover’s orders?” + </p> + <p> + “No, for he could not foresee that he would use it.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand that he may find great pleasure in such a sight, but being + unable to possess you at the very moment nature will make you most + necessary to him, what will he do?” + </p> + <p> + “That is his business. Besides, he is at liberty to go away when he has + had enough of it, or to sleep if he has a mind to, but if you play your + part naturally he will not feel any weariness.” + </p> + <p> + “I will be most natural, but I must be more polite.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no politeness, I beg, for if you are polite, goodbye to nature. Where + have you ever seen, I should like to know, two lovers, excited by all the + fury of love, think of politeness?” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, darling, but I must be more delicate.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, delicacy can do no harm, but no more than usual. Your letter + greatly pleased me, you have treated the subject like a man of + experience.” + </p> + <p> + I have already stated that my mistress was dressed most elegantly, but I + ought to have added that it was the elegance of the Graces, and that it + did not in any way prevent ease and simplicity. I only wondered at her + having used some paint for the face, but it rather pleased me because she + had applied it according to the fashion of the ladies of Versailles. The + charm of that style consists in the negligence with which the paint is + applied. The rouge must not appear natural; it is used to please the eyes + which see in it the marks of an intoxication heralding the most amorous + fury. She told me that she had put some on her face to please her + inquisitive friend, who was very fond of it. + </p> + <p> + “That taste,” I said, “proves him to be a Frenchman.” + </p> + <p> + As I was uttering these words, she made a sign to me; the friend was at + his post, and now the play began. + </p> + <p> + “The more I look at you, beloved angel, the more I think you worthy of my + adoration.” + </p> + <p> + “But are you not certain that you do not worship a cruel divinity?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and therefore I do not offer my sacrifices to appease you, but to + excite you. You shall feel all through the night the ardour of my + devotion.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not find me insensible to your offerings.” + </p> + <p> + “I would begin them at once, but I think that, in order to insure their + efficiency, we ought to have supper first. I have taken nothing to-day but + a cup of chocolate and a salad of whites of eggs dressed with oil from + Lucca and Marseilles vinegar.” + </p> + <p> + “But, dearest, it is folly! you must be ill?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am just now, but I shall be all right when I have distilled the + whites of eggs, one by one, into your amorous soul.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not think you required any such stimulants.” + </p> + <p> + “Who could want any with you? But I have a rational fear, for if I + happened to prime without being able to fire, I would blow my brains out.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear browny, it would certainly be a misfortune, but there would be no + occasion to be in despair on that account.” + </p> + <p> + “You think that I would only have to prime again.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course.” + </p> + <p> + While we were bantering in this edifying fashion, the table had been laid, + and we sat down to supper. She ate for two and I for four, our excellent + appetite being excited by the delicate cheer. A sumptuous dessert was + served in splendid silver-gilt plate, similar to the two candlesticks + which held four wax candles each. Seeing that I admired them, she said: + </p> + <p> + “They are a present from my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a magnificent present, has he given you the snuffers likewise?” + </p> + <p> + “No” + </p> + <p> + “It is a proof that your friend is a great nobleman.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” + </p> + <p> + “Because great lords have no idea of snuffing the candle.” + </p> + <p> + “Our candles have wicks which never require that operation.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! Tell me who has taught you French.” + </p> + <p> + “Old La Forest. I have been his pupil for six years. He has also taught me + to write poetry, but you know a great many words which I never heard from + him, such as ‘a gogo, frustratoire, rater, dorloter’. Who taught you these + words?” + </p> + <p> + “The good company in Paris, and women particularly.” + </p> + <p> + We made some punch, and amused ourselves in eating oysters after the + voluptuous fashion of lovers. We sucked them in, one by one, after placing + them on the other’s tongue. Voluptuous reader, try it, and tell me whether + it is not the nectar of the gods! + </p> + <p> + At last, joking was over, and I reminded her that we had to think of more + substantial pleasures. “Wait here,” she said, “I am going to change my + dress. I shall be back in one minute.” Left alone, and not knowing what to + do, I looked in the drawers of her writing-table. I did not touch the + letters, but finding a box full of certain preservative sheaths against + the fatal and dreaded plumpness, I emptied it, and I placed in it the + following lines instead of the stolen goods: + </p> + <pre> + ‘Enfants de L’Amitie, ministres de la Peur, + Je suis l’Amour, tremblez, respectez le voleur! + Et toi, femme de Dieu, ne crains pas d’etre mere; + Carsi to le deviens, Dieu seal sera le pere. + + S’il est dit cependant que tu veux le barren, + Parle; je suis tout pret, je me ferai chatrer.’ + </pre> + <p> + My mistress soon returned, dressed like a nymph. A gown of Indian muslin, + embroidered with gold lilies, spewed to admiration the outline of her + voluptuous form, and her fine lace-cap was worthy of a queen. I threw + myself at her feet, entreating her not to delay my happiness any longer. + </p> + <p> + “Control your ardour a few moments,” she said, “here is the altar, and in + a few minutes the victim will be in your arms.” + </p> + <p> + “You will see,” she added, going to her writing-table, “how far the + delicacy and the kind attention of my friend can extend.” + </p> + <p> + She took the box and opened it, but instead of the pretty sheaths that she + expected to see, she found my poetry. After reading it aloud, she called + me a thief, and smothering me with kisses she entreated me to give her + back what I had stolen, but I pretended not to understand. She then read + the lines again, considered for one moment, and under pretence of getting + a better pen, she left the room, saying, + </p> + <p> + “I am going to pay you in your own coin.” + </p> + <p> + She came back after a few minutes and wrote the following six lines: + </p> + <pre> + ‘Sans rien oter au plaisir amoureux, + L’objet de ton larcin sert a combier nos voeux. + A l’abri du danger, mon ame satisfaite + Savoure en surete parfaite; + Et si tu veux jauer avec securite, + Rends-moi mon doux ami, ces dons de l’amitie. + </pre> + <p> + After this I could not resist any longer, and I gave her back those + objects so precious to a nun who wants to sacrifice on the altar of Venus. + </p> + <p> + The clock striking twelve, I shewed her the principal actor who was + longing to perform, and she arranged the sofa, saying that the alcove + being too cold we had better sleep on it. But the true reason was that, to + satisfy the curious lover, it was necessary for us to be seen. + </p> + <p> + Dear reader, a picture must have shades, and there is nothing, no matter + how beautiful in one point of view, that does not require to be sometimes + veiled if you look at it from a different one. In order to paint the + diversified scene which took place between me and my lovely mistress until + the dawn of day, I should have to use all the colours of Aretino’s + palette. I was ardent and full of vigour, but I had to deal with a strong + partner, and in the morning, after the last exploit, we were positively + worn out; so much so that my charming nun felt some anxiety on my account. + It is true that she had seen my blood spurt out and cover her bosom during + my last offering; and as she did not suspect the true cause of that + phenomenon, she turned pale with fright. I allayed her anxiety by a + thousand follies which made her laugh heartily. I washed her splendid + bosom with rosewater, so as to purify it from the blood by which it had + been dyed for the first time. She expressed a fear that she had swallowed + a few drops, but I told her that it was of no consequence, even if were + the case. She resumed the costume of a nun, and entreating me to lie down + and to write to her before returning to Venice, so as to let her know how + I was, she left the casino. + </p> + <p> + I had no difficulty in obeying her, for I was truly in great need of rest. + I slept until evening. As soon as I awoke, I wrote to her that my health + was excellent, and that I felt quite inclined to begin our delightful + contest all over again. I asked her to let me know how she was herself, + and after I had dispatched my letter I returned to Venice. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0019" id="linkB2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Give My Portrait to M. M.—A Present From Her—I Go to the + Opera With Her—She Plays At the Faro Table and Replenishes + My Empty Purse—Philosophical Conversation With M. M.— + A Letter From C. C.—She Knows All—A Ball At the Convent; My + Exploits In the Character of Pierrot—C. C. Comes to the + Casino Instead of M. M.—I Spend the Night With Her In A + Very Silly Way. +</pre> + <p> + My dear M—— M—— had expressed a wish to have my + portrait, something like the one I had given to C—— C——, + only larger, to wear it as a locket. The outside was to represent some + saint, and an invisible spring was to remove the sainted picture and + expose my likeness. I called upon the artist who had painted the other + miniature for me, and in three sittings I had what I wanted. He afterwards + made me an Annunciation, in which the angel Gabriel was transformed into a + dark-haired saint, and the Holy Virgin into a beautiful, + light-complexioned woman holding her arms towards the angel. The + celebrated painter Mengs imitated that idea in the picture of the + Annunciation which he painted in Madrid twelve years afterwards, but I do + not know whether he had the same reasons for it as my painter. That + allegory was exactly of the same size as my portrait, and the jeweller who + made the locket arranged it in such a manner that no one could suppose the + sacred image to be there only for the sake of hiding a profane likeness. + </p> + <p> + The end of January, 1754, before going to the casino, I called upon Laura + to give her a letter for C—— C——, and she handed + me one from her which amused me. My beautiful nun had initiated that young + girl, not only into the mysteries of Sappho, but also in high metaphysics, + and C—— C—— had consequently become a Freethinker. + She wrote to me that, objecting to give an account of her affairs to her + confessor, and yet not wishing to tell him falsehoods, she had made up her + mind to tell him nothing. + </p> + <p> + “He has remarked,” she added, “that perhaps I do not confess anything to + him because I did not examine my conscience sufficiently, and I answered + him that I had nothing to say, but that if he liked I would commit a few + sins for the purpose of having something to tell him in confession.” + </p> + <p> + I thought this reply worthy of a thorough sophist, and laughed heartily. + </p> + <p> + On the same day I received the following letter from my adorable nun “I + write to you from my bed, dearest browny, because I cannot remain standing + on my feet. I am almost dead. But I am not anxious about it; a little rest + will make me all right, for I eat well and sleep soundly. You have made me + very happy by writing to me that your bleeding has not had any evil + consequences, and I give you fair notice that I shall have the proof of it + on Twelfth Night, at least if you like; that is understood, and you will + let me know. In case you should feel disposed to grant me that favour, my + darling, I wish to go to the opera. At all events, recollect that I + positively forbid the whites of eggs for the future, for I would rather + have a little less enjoyment and more security respecting your health. In + future, when you go to the casino of Muran, please to enquire whether + there is anybody there, and if you receive an affirmative answer, go away. + My friend will do the same. In that manner you will not run the risk of + meeting one another, but you need not observe these precautions for long, + if you wish, for my friend is extremely fond of you, and has a great + desire to make your acquaintance. He has told me that, if he had not seen + it with his own eyes, he never would have believed that a man could run + the race that you ran so splendidly the other night, but he says that, by + making love in that manner, you bid defiance to death, for he is certain + that the blood you lost comes from the brain. But what will he say when he + hears that you only laugh at the occurrence? I am going to make you very + merry: he wants to eat the salad of whites of eggs, and he wants me to ask + you for some of your vinegar, because there is none in Venice. He said + that he spent a delightful night, in spite of his fear of the evil + consequences of our amorous sport, and he has found my own efforts + superior to the usual weakness of my sex. That may be the case, dearest + browny, but I am delighted to have done such wonders, and to have made + such trial of my strength. Without you, darling of my heart, I should have + lived without knowing myself, and I wonder whether it is possible for + nature to create a woman who could remain insensible in your arms, or + rather one who would not receive new life by your side. It is more than + love that I feel for you, it is idolatry; and my mouth, longing to meet + yours, sends forth thousands of kisses which are wasted in the air. I am + panting for your divine portrait, so as to quench by a sweet illusion the + fire which devours my amorous lips. I trust my likeness will prove equally + dear to you, for it seems to me that nature has created us for one + another, and I curse the fatal instant in which I raised an invincible + barrier between us. You will find enclosed the key of my bureau. Open it, + and take a parcel on which you will see written, ‘For my darling.’ It is a + small present which my friend wishes me to offer you in exchange for the + beautiful night-cap that you gave me. Adieu.” + </p> + <p> + The small key enclosed in the letter belonged to a bureau in the boudoir. + Anxious to know the nature of the present that she could offer me at the + instance of her friend, I opened the bureau, and found a parcel containing + a letter and a morocco-leather case. + </p> + <p> + The letter was as follows: + </p> + <p> + “That which will, I hope, render this present dear to you is the portrait + of a woman who adores you. Our friend had two of them, but the great + friendship he entertains towards you has given him the happy idea of + disposing of one in your favour. This box contains two portraits of me, + which are to be seen in two different ways: if you take off the bottom + part, of the case in its length, you will see me as a nun; and if you + press on the corner, the top will open and expose me to your sight in a + state of nature. It is not possible, dearest, that a woman can ever have + loved you as I do. Our friend excites my passion by the flattering opinion + that he entertains of you. I cannot decide whether I am more fortunate in + my friend or in my lover, for I could not imagine any being superior to + either one or the other.” + </p> + <p> + The case contained a gold snuff-box, and a small quantity of Spanish snuff + which had been left in it proved that it had been used. I followed the + instructions given in the letter, and I first saw my mistress in the + costume of a nun, standing and in half profile. The second secret spring + brought her before my eyes, entirely naked, lying on a mattress of black + satin, in the position of the Madeleine of Coreggio. She was looking at + Love, who had the quiver at his feet, and was gracefully sitting on the + nun’s robes. It was such a beautiful present that I did not think myself + worthy of it. I wrote to M—— M—— a letter in which + the deepest gratitude was blended with the most exalted love. The drawers + of the bureau contained all her diamonds and four purses full of sequins. + I admired her noble confidence in me. I locked the bureau, leaving + everything undisturbed, and returned to Venice. If I had been able to + escape out of the capricious clutches of fortune by giving up gambling, my + happiness would have been complete. + </p> + <p> + My own portrait was set with rare perfection, and as it was arranged to be + worn round the neck I attached it to six yards of Venetian chain, which + made it a very handsome present. The secret was in the ring to which it + was suspended, and it was very difficult to discover it. To make the + spring work and expose my likeness it was necessary to pull the ring with + some force and in a peculiar manner. Otherwise, nothing could be seen but + the Annunciation; and it was then a beautiful ornament for a nun. + </p> + <p> + On Twelfth Night, having the locket and chain in my pocket, I went early + in the evening to watch near the fine statue erected to the hero Colleoni + after he had been poisoned, if history does not deceive us. ‘Sit divus, + modo non vivus’, is a sentence from the enlightened monarch, which will + last as long as there are monarchs on earth. + </p> + <p> + At six o’clock precisely my mistress alighted from the gondola, well + dressed and well masked, but this time in the garb of a woman. We went to + the Saint Samuel opera, and after the second ballet we repaired to the + ‘ridotto’, where she amused herself by looking at all the ladies of the + nobility who alone had the right to walk about without masks. After + rambling about for half an hour, we entered the hall where the bank was + held. She stopped before the table of M. Mocenigo, who at that time was + the best amongst all the noble gamblers. As nobody was playing, he was + carelessly whispering to a masked lady, whom I recognized as Madame Marina + Pitani, whose adorer he was. + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— enquired whether I wanted to play, and as + I answered in the negative she said to me, + </p> + <p> + “I take you for my partner.” + </p> + <p> + And without waiting for my answer she took a purse, and placed a pile of + gold on a card. The banker without disturbing himself shuffled the cards, + turned them up, and my friend won the paroli. The banker paid, took + another pack of cards, and continued his conversation with his lady, + shewing complete indifference for four hundred sequins which my friend had + already placed on the same card. The banker continuing his conversations, + M—— M—— said to me, in excellent French, + </p> + <p> + “Our stakes are not high enough to interest this gentleman; let us go.” + </p> + <p> + I took up the gold, which I put in my pocket, without answering M. de + Mocenigo, who said to me: + </p> + <p> + “Your mask is too exacting.” + </p> + <p> + I rejoined my lovely gambler, who was surrounded. We stopped soon + afterwards before the bank of M. Pierre Marcello, a charming young man, + who had near him Madame Venier, sister of the patrician Momolo. My + mistress began to play, and lost five rouleaux of gold one after the + other. Having no more money, she took handfuls of gold from my pocket, and + in four or five deals she broke the bank. She went away, and the noble + banker, bowing, complimented her upon her good fortune. After I had taken + care of all the gold she had won, I gave her my arm, and we left the + ‘ridotto’, but remarking that a few inquisitive persons were following us, + I took a gondola which landed us according to my instructions. One can + always escape prying eyes in this way in Venice. + </p> + <p> + After supper I counted our winnings, and I found myself in possession of + one thousand sequins as my share. I rolled the remainder in paper, and my + friend asked me to put it in her bureau. I then took my locket and threw + it over her neck; it gave her the greatest delight, and she tried for a + long time to discover the secret. At last I showed it her, and she + pronounced my portrait an excellent likeness. + </p> + <p> + Recollecting that we had but three hours to devote to the pleasures of + love, I entreated her to allow me to turn them to good account. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said, “but be prudent, for our friend pretends that you might + die on the spot.” + </p> + <p> + “And why does he not fear the same danger for you, when your ecstasies are + in reality much more frequent than mine?” + </p> + <p> + “He says that the liquor distilled by us women does not come from the + brain, as is the case with men, and that the generating parts of woman + have no contact with her intellect. The consequence of it, he says, is + that the child is not the offspring of the mother as far as the brain, the + seat of reason, is concerned, but of the father, and it seems to me very + true. In that important act the woman has scarcely the amount of reason + that she is in need of, and she cannot have any left to enable her to give + a dose to the being she is generating.” “Your friend is a very learned + man. But do you know that such a way of arguing opens my eyes singularly? + It is evident that, if that system be true, women ought to be forgiven for + all the follies which they commit on account of love, whilst man is + inexcusable, and I should be in despair if I happened to place you in a + position to become a mother.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall know before long, and if it should be the case so much the + better. My mind is made up, and my decision taken.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is that decision?” + </p> + <p> + “To abandon my destiny entirely to you both. I am quite certain that + neither one nor the other would let me remain at the convent.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a fatal event which would decide our future destinies. I + would carry you off, and take you to England to marry you.” + </p> + <p> + “My friend thinks that a physician might be bought, who, under the pretext + of some disease of his own invention, would prescribe to me to go + somewhere to drink the waters—a permission which the bishop might + grant. At the watering-place I would get cured, and come back here, but I + would much rather unite our destinies for ever. Tell me, dearest, could + you manage to live anywhere as comfortably as you do here?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! my love, no, but with you how could I be unhappy? But we will + resume that subject whenever it may be necessary. Let us go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. If I have a son my friend wishes to act towards him as a father.” + </p> + <p> + “Would he believe himself to be the father?” + </p> + <p> + “You might both of you believe it, but some likeness would soon enlighten + me as to which of you two was the true father.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. If, for instance, the child composed poetry, then you would suppose + that he was the son of your friend.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that my friend can write poetry?” + </p> + <p> + “Admit that he is the author of the six lines which you wrote in answer to + mine.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot possibly admit such a falsehood, because, good or bad, they were + of my own making, and so as to leave you no doubt let me convince you of + it at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind! I believe you, and let us go to bed, or Love will call + out the god of Parnassus.” + </p> + <p> + “Let him do it, but take this pencil and write; I am Apollo, you may be + Love.” + </p> + <p> + ‘Je ne me battrai pas; je te cede la place. Si Venus est ma soeur, L’Amour + est de ma race. Je sais faire des vers. Un instant de perdu N’offense pas + L’Amour, si je l’ai convaincu. + </p> + <p> + “It is on my knees that I entreat your pardon, my heavenly friend, but how + could I expect so much talent in a young daughter of Venice, only + twenty-two years of age, and, above all, brought up in a convent?” + </p> + <p> + “I have a most insatiate desire to prove myself more and more worthy of + you. Did you think I was prudent at the gaming-table?” + </p> + <p> + “Prudent enough to make the most intrepid banker tremble.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not always play so well, but I had taken you as a partner, and I + felt I could set fortune at defiance. Why would you not play?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I had lost four thousand sequins last week and I was without + money, but I shall play to-morrow, and fortune will smile upon me. In the + mean time, here is a small book which I have brought from your boudoir: + the postures of Pietro Aretino; I want to try some of them.” + </p> + <p> + “The thought is worthy of you, but some of these positions could not be + executed, and others are insipid.” + </p> + <p> + “True, but I have chosen four very interesting ones.” + </p> + <p> + These delightful labours occupied the remainder of the night until the + alarum warned us that it was time to part. I accompanied my lovely nun as + far as her gondola, and then went to bed; but I could not sleep. I got up + in order to go and pay a few small debts, for one of the greatest + pleasures that a spendthrift can enjoy is, in my opinion, to discharge + certain liabilities. The gold won by my mistress proved lucky for me, for + I did not pass a single day of the carnival without winning. + </p> + <p> + Three days after Twelfth Night, having paid a visit to the casino of Muran + for the purpose of placing some gold in M—— M—— ‘s + bureau, the door-keeper handed me a letter from my nun. Laura had, a few + minutes before, delivered me one from C—— C——. + </p> + <p> + My new mistress, after giving me an account of her health, requested me to + enquire from my jeweller whether he had not by chance made a ring having + on its bezel a St. Catherine which, without a doubt, concealed another + portrait; she wished to know the secret of that ring. “A young boarder,” + she added, “a lovely girl, and my friend, is the owner of that ring. There + must be a secret, but she does not know it.” I answered that I would do + what she wished. But here is the letter of C—— C——. + It was rather amusing, because it placed me in a regular dilemma; it bore + a late date, but the letter of M—— M—— had been + written two days before it. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! how truly happy I am, my beloved husband! You love Sister M—— + M——, my dear friend. She has a locket as big as a ring, and + she cannot have received it from anyone but you. I am certain that your + dear likeness is to be found under the Annunciation. I recognized the + style of the artist, and it is certainly the same who painted the locket + and my ring. I am satisfied that Sister M—— M—— has received + that present from you. I am so pleased to know all that I would not run + the risk of grieving her by telling her that I knew her secret, but my + dear friend, either more open or more curious, has not imitated my + reserve. She told me that she had no doubt of my St. Catherine concealing + the portrait of my lover. Unable to say anything better, I told her that + the ring was in reality a gift from my lover, but that I had no idea of + his portrait being concealed inside of it. ‘If it is as you say,’ observed + M—— M——, ‘and if you have no objection, I will try + to find out the secret, and afterwards I will let you know mine.’ Being + quite certain that she would not discover it, I gave her my ring, saying + that, if she could find out the secret, I should be very much pleased. + </p> + <p> + “Just as that moment my aunt paid me a visit, and I left my ring in the + hands of M—— M——, who returned it to me after + dinner, assuring me that, although she had not been able to find out the + secret, she was certain there was one. I promise you that she shall never + hear anything about it from me, because if she saw your portrait, she + would guess everything, and then I should have to tell her who you are. I + am sorry to be compelled to conceal anything from her, but I am very glad + you love one another. I pity you both, however, with all my heart, because + I know that you are obliged to make love through a grating in that horrid + parlour. How I wish, dearest, I could give you my place! I would make two + persons happy at the same time! Adieu!” + </p> + <p> + I answered that she had guessed rightly, that the locket of her friend was + a present from me and contained my likeness, but that she was to keep the + secret, and to be certain that my friendship for M—— M—— + interfered in no way with the feeling which bound me to her for ever. I + certainly was well aware that I was not behaving in a straightforward + manner, but I endeavoured to deceive myself, so true it is that a woman, + weak as she is, has more influence by the feeling she inspires than man + can possibly have with all his strength. At all events, I was foolishly + trying to keep up an intrigue which I knew to be near its denouement + through the intimacy that had sprung up between these two friendly rivals. + </p> + <p> + Laura having informed me that there was to be on a certain day a ball in + the large parlour of the convent, I made up my mind to attend it in such a + disguise that my two friends could not recognize me. I decided upon the + costume of a Pierrot, because it conceals the form and the gait better + than any other. I was certain that my two friends would be behind the + grating, and that it would afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing + them together and of comparing them. In Venice, during the carnival, that + innocent pleasure is allowed in convents. The guests dance in the parlour, + and the sisters remain behind the grating, enjoying the sight of the ball, + which is over by sunset. Then all the guests retire, and the poor nuns are + for a long time happy in the recollection of the pleasure enjoyed by their + eyes. The ball was to take place in the afternoon of the day appointed for + my meeting with M—— M——, in the evening at the + casino of Muran, but that could not prevent me from going to the ball; + besides, I wanted to see my dear C—— C——. + </p> + <p> + I have said before that the dress of a Pierrot is the costume which + disguises the figure and the gait most completely. It has also the + advantage, through a large cap, of concealing the hair, and the white + gauze which covers the face does not allow the colour of the eyes or of + the eyebrows to be seen, but in order to prevent the costume from + hindering the movements of the mask, he must not wear anything underneath, + and in winter a dress made of light calico is not particularly agreeable. + I did not, however, pay any attention to that, and taking only a plate of + soup I went to Muran in a gondola. I had no cloak, and—in my pockets + I had nothing but my handkerchief, my purse, and the key of the casino. + </p> + <p> + I went at once to the convent. The parlour was full, but thanks to my + costume of Pierrot, which was seen in Venice but very seldom, everybody + made room for me. I walked on, assuming the gait of a booby, the true + characteristic of my costume, and I stopped near the dancers. After I had + examined the Pantaloons, Punches, Harlequins, and Merry Andrews, I went + near the grating, where I saw all the nuns and boarders, some seated, some + standing, and, without appearing to, notice any of them in particular, I + remarked my two friends together, and very intent upon the dancers. I then + walked round the room, eyeing everybody from head to foot, and calling the + general attention upon myself. + </p> + <p> + I chose for my partner in the minuet a pretty girl dressed as a Columbine, + and I took her hand in so awkward a manner and with such an air of + stupidity that everybody laughed and made room for us. My partner danced + very well according to her costume, and I kept my character with such + perfection that the laughter was general. After the minuet I danced twelve + forlanas with the greatest vigour. Out of breath, I threw myself on a + sofa, pretending to go to sleep, and the moment I began to snore everybody + respected the slumbers of Pierrot. The quadrille lasted one hour, and I + took no part in it, but immediately after it, a Harlequin approached me + with the impertinence which belongs to his costume, and flogged me with + his wand. It is Harlequin’s weapon. In my quality of Pierrot I had no + weapons. I seized him round the waist and carried him round the parlour, + running all the time, while he kept on flogging me. I then put him down. + Adroitly snatching his wand out of his hand, I lifted his Columbine on my + shoulders, and pursued him, striking him with the wand, to the great + delight and mirth of the company. The Columbine was screaming because she + was afraid of my tumbling down and of shewing her centre of gravity to + everybody in the fall. She had good reason to fear, for suddenly a foolish + Merry Andrew came behind me, tripped me up, and down I tumbled. Everybody + hooted Master Punch. I quickly picked myself up, and rather vexed I began + a regular fight with the insolent fellow. He was of my size, but awkward, + and he had nothing but strength. I threw him, and shaking him vigorously + on all sides I contrived to deprive him of his hump and false stomach. The + nuns, who had never seen such a merry sight, clapped their hands, + everybody laughed loudly, and improving my opportunity I ran through the + crowd and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + I was in a perspiration, and the weather was cold; I threw myself into a + gondola, and in order not to get chilled I landed at the ‘ridotto’. I had + two hours to spare before going to the casino of Muran, and I longed to + enjoy the astonishment of my beautiful nun when she saw M. Pierrot + standing before her. I spent those two hours in playing at all the banks, + winning, losing, and performing all sorts of antics with complete freedom, + being satisfied that no one could recognize me; enjoying the present, + bidding defiance to the future, and laughing at all those reasonable + beings who exercise their reason to avoid the misfortunes which they fear, + destroying at the same time the pleasure that they might enjoy. + </p> + <p> + But two o’clock struck and gave me warning that Love and Comus were + calling me to bestow new delights upon me. With my pockets full of gold + and silver, I left the ridotto, hurried to Muran, entered the sanctuary, + and saw my divinity leaning against the mantelpiece. She wore her convent + dress. I come near her by stealth, in order to enjoy her surprise. I look + at her, and I remain petrified, astounded. + </p> + <p> + The person I see is not M—— M—— + </p> + <p> + It is C—— C——, dressed as a nun, who, more + astonished even than myself, does not utter one word or make a movement. I + throw myself in an arm-chair in order to breathe and to recover from my + surprise. The sight of C—— C—— had annihilated me, + and my mind was as much stupefied as my body. I found myself in an + inextricable maze. + </p> + <p> + It is M—— M——, I said to myself, who has played + that trick upon me, but how has she contrived to know that I am the lover + of C—— C——? Has C—— C—— + betrayed my secret? But if she has betrayed it, how could M—— + M—— deprive herself of the pleasure of seeing me, and consent + to her place being taken by her friend and rival? That cannot be a mark of + kind compliance, for a woman never carries it to such an extreme. I see in + it only a mark of contempt—a gratuitous insult. + </p> + <p> + My self-love tried hard to imagine some reason likely to disprove the + possibility of that contempt, but in vain. Absorbed in that dark + discontent, I believed myself wantonly trifled with, deceived, despised, + and I spent half an hour silent and gloomy, staring at C—— C——, + who scarcely dared to breathe, perplexed, confused, and not knowing in + whose presence she was, for she could only know me as the Pierrot whom she + had seen at the ball. + </p> + <p> + Deeply in love with M—— M——, and having come to + the casino only for her, I did not feel disposed to accept the exchange, + although I was very far from despising C—— C——, + whose charms were as great, at least, as those of M—— M——. + I loved her tenderly, I adored her, but at that moment it was not her whom + I wanted, because at first her presence had struck me as a mystification. + It seemed to me that if I celebrated the return of C—— C—— + in an amorous manner, I would fail in what I owed to myself, and I thought + that I was bound in honour not to lend myself to the imposition. Besides, + without exactly realizing that feeling, I was not sorry to have it in my + power to reproach M—— M—— with an indifference + very strange in a woman in love, and I wanted to act in such a manner that + she should not be able to say that she had procured me a pleasure. I must + add that I suspected M—— M—— to be hiding in the + secret closet, perhaps with her friend. + </p> + <p> + I had to take a decision, for I could not pass the whole night in my + costume of Pierrot, and without speaking. At first I thought of going + away, the more so that both C—— C—— and her friend + could not be certain that I and Pierrot were the same individual, but I + soon abandoned the idea with horror, thinking of the deep sorrow which + would fill the loving soul of C—— C—— if she ever + heard I was the Pierrot. I almost fancied that she knew it already, and I + shared the grief which she evidently would feel in that case. I had + seduced her. I had given her the right to call me her husband. These + thoughts broke my heart. + </p> + <p> + If M—— M—— is in the closet, said I to myself, she + will shew herself in good time. With that idea, I took off the gauze which + covered my features. My lovely C—— C—— gave a deep + sigh, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I breathe again! it could not be anyone but you, my heart felt it. You + seemed surprised when you saw me, dearest; did you not know that I was + waiting for you?” + </p> + <p> + “I had not the faintest idea of it.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are angry, I regret it deeply, but I am innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “My adored friend, come to my arms, and never suppose that I can be angry + with you. I am delighted to see you; you are always my dear wife: but I + entreat you to clear up a cruel doubt, for you could never have betrayed + my secret.” + </p> + <p> + “I! I would never have been guilty of such a thing, even if death had + stared me in the face.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, how did you come here? How did your friend contrive to discover + everything? No one but you could tell her that I am your husband. Laura + perhaps....’ + </p> + <p> + “No, Laura is faithful, dearest, and I cannot guess how it was.” + </p> + <p> + “But how could you be persuaded to assume that disguise, and to come here? + You can leave the convent, and you have never apprised me of that + important circumstance.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you suppose that I would not have told you all about it, if I had + ever left the convent, even once? I came out of it two hours ago, for the + first time, and I was induced to take that step in the simplest, the most + natural manner.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me all about it, my love. I feel extremely curious.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad of it, and I would conceal nothing from you. You know how + dearly M—— M—— and I love each other. No intimacy + could be more tender than ours; you can judge of it by what I told you in + my letters. Well, two days ago, my dear friend begged the abbess and my + aunt to allow me to sleep in her room in the place of the lay-sister, who, + having a very bad cold, had carried her cough to the infirmary. The + permission was granted, and you cannot imagine our pleasure in seeing + ourselves at liberty, for the first time, to sleep in the same bed. + To-day, shortly after you had left the parlour, where you so much amused + us, without our discovering that the delightful Pierrot was our friend, my + dear M—— M—— retired to her room and I followed + her. The moment we were alone she told me that she wanted me to render her + a service from which depended our happiness. I need not tell you how + readily I answered that she had only to name it. Then she opened a drawer, + and much to my surprise she dressed me in this costume. She was laughing; + and I did the same without suspecting the end of the joke. When she saw me + entirely metamorphosed into a nun, she told me that she was going to trust + me with a great secret, but that she entertained no fear of my discretion. + ‘Let me tell you, dearest friend,’ she said to me, ‘that I was on the + point of going out of the convent, to return only tomorrow morning. I + have, however, just decided that you shall go instead. You have nothing to + fear and you do not require any instructions, because I know that you will + meet with no difficulty. In an hour, a lay-sister will come here, I will + speak a few words apart to her, and she will tell you to follow her. You + will go out with her through the small gate and across the garden as far + as the room leading out to the low shore. There you will get into the + gondola, and say to the gondolier these words: ‘To the casino.’ You will + reach it in five minutes; you will step out and enter a small apartment, + where you will find a good fire; you will be alone, and you will wait.’ + ‘For whom? I enquired. ‘For nobody. You need not know any more: you may + only be certain that nothing unpleasant will happen to you; trust me for + that. You will sup at the casino, and sleep, if you like, without being + disturbed. Do not ask any questions, for I cannot answer them. Such is, my + dear husband, the whole truth. Tell me now what I could do after that + speech of my friend, and after she had received my promise to do whatever + she wished. Do not distrust what I tell you, for my lips cannot utter a + falsehood. I laughed, and not expecting anything else but an agreeable + adventure, I followed the lay-sister and soon found myself here. After a + tedious hour of expectation, Pierrot made his appearance. Be quite certain + that the very moment I saw you my heart knew who it was, but a minute + after I felt as if the lightning had struck me when I saw you step back, + for I saw clearly enough that you did not expect to find me. Your gloomy + silence frightened me, and I would never have dared to be the first in + breaking it; the more so that, in spite of the feelings of my heart, I + might have been mistaken. The dress of Pierrot might conceal some other + man, but certainly no one that I could have seen in this place without + horror. Recollect that for the last eight months I have been deprived of + the happiness of kissing you, and now that you must be certain of my + innocence, allow me to congratulate you upon knowing this casino. You are + happy, and I congratulate you with all my heart. M—— M—— + is, after me, the only woman worthy of your love, the only one with whom I + could consent to share it. I used to pity you, but I do so no longer, and + your happiness makes me happy. Kiss me now.” + </p> + <p> + I should have been very ungrateful, I should, even have been cruel, if I + had not then folded in my arms with the warmth of true love the angel of + goodness and beauty who was before me, thanks to the most wonderful effort + of friendship. + </p> + <p> + After assuring her that I no longer entertained any doubt of her + innocence, I told her that I thought the behaviour of her friend very + ambiguous. I said that, notwithstanding the pleasure I felt in seeing her, + the trick played upon me by her friend was a very bad one, that it could + not do otherwise than displease me greatly, because it was an insult to + me. + </p> + <p> + “I am not of your opinion,” replied C—— C——. + </p> + <p> + “My dear M—— M—— has evidently contrived, somehow + or other, to discover that, before you were acquainted with her, you were + my lover. She thought very likely that you still loved me, and she + imagined, for I know her well, that she could not give us a greater proof + of her love than by procuring us, without forewarning us, that which two + lovers fond of each other must wish for so ardently. She wished to make us + happy, and I cannot be angry with her for it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right to think so, dearest, but my position is very different + from yours. You have not another lover; you could not have another; but I + being free and unable to see you, have not found it possible to resist the + charms of M—— M——. I love her madly; she knows it, + and, intelligent as she is, she must have meant to shew her contempt for + me by doing what she has done. I candidly confess that I feel hurt in the + highest degree. If she loved me as I love her, she never could have sent + you here instead of coming herself.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think so, my beloved friend. Her soul is as noble as her heart + is generous; and just in the same manner that I am not sorry to know that + you love one another and that you make each other happy, as this beautiful + casino proves to me, she does not regret our love, and she is, on the + contrary, delighted to shew us that she approves of it. Most likely she + meant to prove that she loved you for your own sake, that your happiness + makes her happy, and that she is not jealous of her best friend being her + rival. To convince you that you ought not to be angry with her for having + discovered our secret, she proves, by sending me here in her place, that + she is pleased to see your heart divided between her and me. You know very + well that she loves me, and that I am often either her wife or her + husband, and as you do not object to my being your rival and making her + often as happy as I can, she does not want you either to suppose that her + love is like hatred, for the love of a jealous heart is very much like + it.” + </p> + <p> + “You plead the cause of your friend with the eloquence of an angel, but, + dear little wife, you do not see the affair in its proper light. You have + intelligence and a pure soul, but you have not my experience. M—— + M——‘s love for me has been nothing but a passing fancy, and + she knows that I am not such an idiot as to be deceived by all this + affair. I am miserable, and it is her doing.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I should be right if I complained of her also, because she makes me + feel that she is the mistress of my lover, and she shews me that, after + seducing him from me, she gives him back to me without difficulty. Then + she wishes me to understand that she despises also my tender affection for + her, since she places me in a position to shew that affection for another + person.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, dearest, you speak without reason, for the relations between you two + are of an entirely different nature. Your mutual love is nothing but + trifling nonsense, mere illusion of the senses. The pleasures which you + enjoy together are not exclusive. To become jealous of one another it + would be necessary that one of you two should feel a similar affection for + another woman but M—— M—— could no more be angry + at your having a lover than you could be so yourself if she had one; + provided, however, that the lover should not belong to the other” + </p> + <p> + “But that is precisely our case, and you are mistaken. We are not angry at + your loving us both equally. Have I not written to you that I would most + willingly give you my place near M—— M——? Then you + must believe that I despise you likewise?” + </p> + <p> + “My darling, that wish of yours to give me up your place, when you did not + know that I was happy with M—— M——, arose from + your friendship rather than from your love, and for the present I must be + glad to see that your friendship is stronger than your love, but I have + every reason to be sorry when M—— M—— feels the + same. I love her without any possibility of marrying her. Do you + understand me, dearest? As for you, knowing that you must be my wife, I am + certain of our love, which practice will animate with new life. It is not + the same with M—— M——; that love cannot spring up + again into existence. Is it not humiliating for me to have inspired her + with nothing but a passing fancy? I understand your adoration for her very + well. She has initiated you into all her mysteries, and you owe her + eternal friendship and everlasting gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + It was midnight, and we went on wasting our time in this desultory + conversation, when the prudent and careful servant brought us an excellent + supper. I could not touch anything, my heart was too full, but my dear + little wife supped with a good appetite. I could not help laughing when I + saw a salad of whites of eggs, and C—— C—— thought + it extraordinary because all the yolks had been removed. In her innocence, + she could not understand the intention of the person who had ordered the + supper. As I looked at her, I was compelled to acknowledge that she had + improved in beauty; in fact C—— C—— was remarkably + beautiful, yet I remained cold by her side. I have always thought that + there is no merit in being faithful to the person we truly love. + </p> + <p> + Two hours before day-light we resumed our seats near the fire, and C—— + C——, seeing how dull I was, was delicately attentive to me. + She attempted no allurement, all her movements wore the stamp of the most + decent reserve, and her conversation, tender in its expressions and + perfectly easy, never conveyed the shadow of a reproach for my coolness. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of our long conversation, she asked me what she should say + to her friend on her return to the convent. + </p> + <p> + “My dear M—— M—— expects to see me full of joy and + gratitude for the generous present she thought she was making me by giving + me this night, but what shall I tell her?” + </p> + <p> + “The whole truth. Do not keep from her a single word of our conversation, + as far as your memory will serve you, and tell her especially that she has + made me miserable for a long time.” + </p> + <p> + “No, for I should cause her too great a sorrow; she loves you dearly, and + cherishes the locket which contains your likeness. I mean, on the + contrary, to do all I can to bring peace between you two, and I must + succeed before long, because my friend is not guilty of any wrong, and you + only feel some spite, although with no cause. I will send you my letter by + Laura, unless you promise me to go and fetch it yourself at her house.” + </p> + <p> + “Your letters will always be dear to me, but, mark my words, M—— + M—— will not enter into any explanation. She will believe you + in everything, except in one.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you mean our passing a whole night together as innocently as if + we were brother and sister. If she knows you as well as I do, she will + indeed think it most wonderful.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, you may tell her the contrary, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of the sort. I hate falsehoods, and I will certainly never utter + one in such a case as this; it would be very wrong. I do not love you less + on that account, my darling, although, during this long night, you have + not condescended to give me the slightest proof of your love.” + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, dearest, I am sick from unhappiness. I love you with my whole + soul, but I am in such a situation that....” + </p> + <p> + “What! you are weeping, my love! Oh! I entreat you, spare my heart! I am + so sorry to have told you such a thing, but I can assure you I never meant + to make you unhappy. I am sure that in a quarter of an hour M—— + M—— will be crying likewise.” + </p> + <p> + The alarum struck, and, having no longer any hope of seeing M—— + M—— come to justify herself, I kissed C—— C——. + I gave her the key of the casino, requesting her to return it for me to M—— + M——, and my young friend having gone back to the convent, I + put on my mask and left the casino. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0020" id="linkB2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Am in Danger of Perishing in the Lagunes—Illness—Letters + from C. C. and M. M.—The Quarrel is Made Up—Meeting at the + Casino of Muran—I Learn the Name of M. M.‘s Friend, and + Consent to Give Him A Supper at My Casino in the Company of + Our Common Mistress +</pre> + <p> + The weather was fearful. The wind was blowing fiercely, and it was + bitterly cold. When I reached the shore, I looked for a gondola, I called + the gondoliers, but, in contravention to the police regulations, there was + neither gondola nor gondolier. What was I to do? Dressed in light linen, I + was hardly in a fit state to walk along the wharf for an hour in such + weather. I should most likely have gone back to the casino if I had had + the key, but I was paying the penalty of the foolish spite which had made + me give it up. The wind almost carried me off my feet, and there was no + house that I could enter to get a shelter. + </p> + <p> + I had in my pockets three hundred philippes that I had won in the evening, + and a purse full of gold. I had therefore every reason to fear the thieves + of Muran—a very dangerous class of cutthroats, determined murderers + who enjoyed and abused a certain impunity, because they had some + privileges granted to them by the Government on account of the services + they rendered in the manufactories of looking-glasses and in the + glassworks which are numerous on the island. In order to prevent their + emigration, the Government had granted them the freedom of Venice. I + dreaded meeting a pair of them, who would have stripped me of everything, + at least. I had not, by chance, with me the knife which all honest men + must carry to defend their lives in my dear country. I was truly in an + unpleasant predicament. + </p> + <p> + I was thus painfully situated when I thought I could see a light through + the crevices of a small house. I knocked modestly against the shutter. A + voice called out: + </p> + <p> + “Who is knocking?” + </p> + <p> + And at the same moment the shutter was pushed open. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” asked a man, rather astonished at my costume. + </p> + <p> + I explained my predicament in a few words, and giving him one sequin I + begged his permission to shelter myself under his roof. Convinced by my + sequin rather than my words, he opened the door, I went in, and promising + him another sequin for his trouble I requested him to get me a gondola to + take me to Venice. He dressed himself hurriedly, thanking God for that + piece of good fortune, and went out assuring me that he would soon get me + a gondola. I remained alone in a miserable room in which all his family, + sleeping together in a large, ill-looking bed, were staring at me in + consequence of my extraordinary costume. In half an hour the good man + returned to announce that the gondoliers were at the wharf, but that they + wanted to be paid in advance. I raised no objection, gave a sequin to the + man for his trouble, and went to the wharf. + </p> + <p> + The sight of two strong gondoliers made me get into the gondola without + anxiety, and we left the shore without being much disturbed by the wind, + but when we had gone beyond the island, the storm attacked us with such + fury that I thought myself lost, for, although a good swimmer, I was not + sure I had strength enough to resist the violence of the waves and swim to + the shore. I ordered the men to go back to the island, but they answered + that I had not to deal with a couple of cowards, and that I had no + occasion to be afraid. I knew the disposition of our gondoliers, and I + made up my mind to say no more. + </p> + <p> + But the wind increased in violence, the foaming waves rushed into the + gondola, and my two rowers, in spite of their vigour and of their courage, + could no longer guide it. We were only within one hundred yards of the + mouth of the Jesuits’ Canal, when a terrible gust of wind threw one of the + ‘barcarols’ into the sea; most fortunately he contrived to hold by the + gondola and to get in again, but he had lost his oar, and while he was + securing another the gondola had tacked, and had already gone a + considerable distance abreast. The position called for immediate decision, + and I had no wish to take my supper with Neptune. I threw a handful of + philippes into the gondola, and ordered the gondoliers to throw overboard + the ‘felce’ which covered the boat. The ringing of money, as much as the + imminent danger, ensured instant obedience, and then, the wind having less + hold upon us, my brave boatmen shewed AEolus that their efforts could + conquer him, for in less than five minutes we shot into the Beggars’ + Canal, and I reached the Bragadin Palace. I went to bed at once, covering + myself heavily in order to regain my natural heat, but sleep, which alone + could have restored me to health, would not visit me. + </p> + <p> + Five or six hours afterwards, M. de Bragadin and his two inseparable + friends paid me a visit, and found me raving with fever. That did not + prevent my respectable protector from laughing at the sight of the costume + of Pierrot lying on the sofa. After congratulating me upon having escaped + with my life out of such a bad predicament, they left me alone. In the + evening I perspired so profusely that my bed had to be changed. The next + day my fever and delirium increased, and two days after, the fever having + abated, I found myself almost crippled and suffering fearfully with + lumbago. I felt that nothing could relieve me but a strict regimen, and I + bore the evil patiently. + </p> + <p> + Early on the Wednesday morning, Laura, the faithful messenger, called on + me; I was still in my bed: I told her that I could neither read nor write, + and I asked her to come again the next day. She placed on the table, near + my bed, the parcel she had for me, and she left me, knowing what had + occurred to me sufficiently to enable her to inform C—— C—— + of the state in which I was. + </p> + <p> + Feeling a little better towards the evening, I ordered my servant to lock + me in my room, and I opened C—— C——‘s letter. The + first thing I found in the parcel, and which caused me great pleasure, was + the key of the casino which she returned to me. I had already repented + having given it up, and I was beginning to feel that I had been in the + wrong. It acted like a refreshing balm upon me. The second thing, not less + dear after the return of the precious key, was a letter from M—— + M——, the seal of which I was not long in breaking, and I read + the following lines: + </p> + <p> + “The particulars which you have read, or which you are going to read, in + the letter of my friend, will cause you, I hope, to forget the fault which + I have committed so innocently, for I trusted, on the contrary, that you + would be very happy. I saw all and heard all, and you would not have gone + away without the key if I had not, most unfortunately, fallen asleep an + hour before your departure. Take back the key and come to the casino + to-morrow night, since Heaven has saved you from the storm. Your love may, + perhaps, give you the right to complain, but not to ill-treat a woman who + certainly has not given you any mark of contempt.” + </p> + <p> + I afterwards read the letter of my dear C—— C——, + and I will give a copy of it here, because I think it will prove + interesting: + </p> + <p> + “I entreat you, dear husband, not to send back this key, unless you have + become the most cruel of men, unless you find pleasure in tormenting two + women who, love you ardently, and who love you for yourself only. Knowing + your excellent heart, I trust you will go to the casino to-morrow evening + and make it up with M—— M——, who cannot go there + to-night. You will see that you are in the wrong, dearest, and that, far + from despising you, my dear friend loves you only. In the mean time, let + me tell you what you are not acquainted with, and what you must be anxious + to know. + </p> + <p> + “Immediately after you had gone away in that fearful storm which caused me + such anguish, and just as I was preparing to return to the convent, I was + much surprised to see standing before me my dear M—— M——, + who from some hiding-place had heard all you had said. She had several + times been on the point of shewing herself, but she had always been + prevented by the fear of coming out of season, and thus stopping a + reconciliation which she thought was inevitable between two fond lovers. + Unfortunately, sleep had conquered her before your departure, and she only + woke when the alarum struck, too late to detain you, for you had rushed + with the haste of a man who is flying from some terrible danger. As soon + as I saw her, I gave her the key, although I did not know what it meant, + and my friend, heaving a deep sigh, told me that she would explain + everything as soon as we were safe in her room. We left the casino in a + dreadful storm, trembling for your safety, and not thinking of our own + danger. As soon as we were in the convent I resumed my usual costume, and + M—— M—— went to bed. I took a seat near her, and + this is what she told me. ‘When you left your ring in my hands to go to + your aunt, who had sent for you, I examined it with so much attention that + at last I suspected the small blue spot to be connected with the secret + spring; I took a pin, succeeded in removing the top part, and I cannot + express the joy I felt when I saw that we both loved the same man, but no + more can I give you an idea of my sorrow when I thought that I was + encroaching upon your rights. Delighted, however, with my discovery, I + immediately conceived a plan which would procure you the pleasure of + supping with him. I closed the ring again and returned it to you, telling + you at the same time that I had not been able to discover anything. I was + then truly the happiest of women. Knowing your heart, knowing that you + were aware of the love of your lover for me, since I had innocently shewed + you his portrait, and happy in the idea that you were not jealous of me, I + would have despised myself if I had entertained any feelings different + from your own, the more so that your rights over him were by far stronger + than mine. As for the mysterious manner in which you always kept from me + the name of your husband, I easily guessed that you were only obeying his + orders, and I admired your noble sentiments and the goodness of your + heart. In my opinion your lover was afraid of losing us both, if we found + out that neither the one nor the other of us possessed his whole heart. I + could not express my deep sorrow when I thought that, after you had seen + me in possession of his portrait, you continued to act in the same manner + towards me, although you could not any longer hope to be the sole object + of his love. Then I had but one idea; to prove to both of you that M—— + M—— is worthy of your affection, of your friendship, of your + esteem. I was indeed thoroughly happy when I thought that the felicity of + our trio would be increased a hundredfold, for is it not an unbearable + misery to keep a secret from the being we adore? I made you take my place, + and I thought that proceeding a masterpiece. You allowed me to dress you + as a nun, and with a compliance which proves your confidence in me you + went to my casino without knowing where you were going. As soon as you had + landed, the gondola came back, and I went to a place well known to our + friend from which, without being seen, I could follow all your movements + and hear everything you said. I was the author of the play; it was natural + that I should witness it, the more so that I felt certain of seeing and + hearing nothing that would not be very agreeable to me. I reached the + casino a quarter of an hour after you, and I cannot tell you my delightful + surprise when I saw that dear Pierrot who had amused us so much, and whom + we had not recognized. But I was fated to feel no other pleasure than that + of his appearance. Fear, surprise, and anxiety overwhelmed me at once when + I saw the effect produced upon him by the disappointment of his + expectation, and I felt unhappy. Our lover took the thing wrongly, and he + went away in despair; he loves me still, but if he thinks of me it is only + to try to forget me. Alas! he will succeed but too soon! By sending back + that key he proves that he will never again go to the casino. Fatal night! + When my only wish was to minister to the happiness of three persons, how + is it that the very reverse of my wish has occurred? It will kill me, dear + friend, unless you contrive to make him understand reason, for I feel that + without him I cannot live. You must have the means of writing to him, you + know him, you know his name. In the name of all goodness, send back this + key to him with a letter to persuade him to come to the casino to-morrow + or on the following day, if it is only to speak to me; and I hope to + convince him of my love and my innocence. Rest to-day, dearest, but + to-morrow write to him, tell him the whole truth; take pity on your poor + friend, and forgive her for loving your lover. I shall write a few lines + myself; you will enclose them in your letter. It is my fault if he no + longer loves you; you ought to hate me, and yet you are generous enough to + love me. I adore you; I have seen his tears, I have seen how well his soul + can love; I know him now. I could not have believed that men were able to + love so much. I have passed a terrible night. Do not think I am angry, + dear friend, because you confided to him that we love one another like two + lovers; it does not displease me, and with him it was no indiscretion, + because his mind is as free of prejudices as his heart is good.’ + </p> + <p> + “Tears were choking her. I tried to console her, and I most willingly + promised her to write to you. She never closed her eyes throughout that + day, but I slept soundly for four hours. + </p> + <p> + “When we got up we found the convent full of bad news, which interested us + a great deal more than people imagined. It was reported that, an hour + before daybreak, a fishing-boat had been lost in the lagune, that two + gondolas had been capsized, and that the people in them had perished. You + may imagine our anguish! We dared not ask any questions, but it was just + the hour at which you had left me, and we entertained the darkest + forebodings. We returned to our room, where M—— M—— + fainted away. More courageous than she is, I told her that you were a good + swimmer, but I could not allay her anxiety, and she went to bed with a + feverish chill. Just at that moment, my aunt, who is of a very cheerful + disposition, came in, laughing, to tell us that during the storm the + Pierrot who had made us laugh so much had had a narrow escape of being + drowned. ‘Ah! the poor Pierrot!’ I exclaimed, ‘tell us all about him, dear + aunt. I am very glad he was saved. Who is he? Do you know?’ ‘Oh! yes,’ she + answered, ‘everything is known, for he was taken home by our gondoliers. + One of them has just told me that Pierrot, having spent the night at the + Briati ball, did not find any gondola to return to Venice, and that our + gondoliers took him for a sequin. One of the men fell into the sea, but + then the brave Pierrot, throwing handfuls of silver upon the ‘Zenia’ + pitched the ‘felce’ over board, and the wind having less hold they reached + Venice safely through the Beggars’ Canal. This morning the lucky + gondoliers divided thirty philippes which they found in the gondola, and + they have been fortunate enough to pick up their ‘felce’. Pierrot will + remember Muran and the ball at Briati. The man says that he is the son of + M. de Bragadin, the procurator’s brother. He was taken to the palace of + that nobleman nearly dead from cold, for he was dressed in light calico, + and had no cloak.’ + </p> + <p> + “When my aunt had left us, we looked at one another for several minutes + without uttering a word, but we felt that the good news had brought back + life to us. M—— M—— asked me whether you were + really the son of M, de Bragadin. ‘It might be so,’ I said to her, ‘but + his name does not shew my lover to be the bastard of that nobleman, and + still less his legitimate child, for M. de Bragadin was never married.’ ‘I + should be very sorry,’ said M—— M——, ‘if he were + his son.’ I thought it right, then, to tell her your true name, and of the + application made to my father by M. de Bragadin for my hand, the + consequence of which was that I had been shut up in the convent. + Therefore, my own darling, your little wife has no longer any secret to + keep from M—— M——, and I hope you will not accuse + me of indiscretion, for it is better that our dear friend should know all + the truth than only half of it. We have been greatly amused, as you may + well suppose, by the certainty with which people say that you spent all + the night at the Briati ball. When people do not know everything, they + invent, and what might be is often accepted in the place of what is in + reality; sometimes it proves very fortunate. At all events the news did a + great deal of good to my friend, who is now much better. She has had an + excellent night, and the hope of seeing you at the casino has restored all + her beauty. She has read this letter three or four times, and has + smothered me with kisses. I long to give her the letter which you are + going to write to her. The messenger will wait for it. Perhaps I shall see + you again at the casino, and in a better temper, I hope. Adieu.” + </p> + <p> + It did not require much argument to conquer me. When I had finished the + letter, I was at once the admirer of C—— C—— and + the ardent lover of M—— M——. But, alas! although + the fever had left me, I was crippled. Certain that Laura would come again + early the next morning, I could not refrain from writing to both of them a + short letter, it is true, but long enough to assure them that reason had + again taken possession of my poor brain. I wrote to C—— C—— + that she had done right in telling her friend my name, the more so that, + as I did not attend their church any longer, I had no reason to make a + mystery of it. In everything else I freely acknowledged myself in the + wrong, and I promised her that I would atone by giving M—— M—— + the strongest possible proofs of my repentance as soon as I could go again + to her casino. + </p> + <p> + This is the letter that I wrote to my adorable nun: + </p> + <p> + “I gave C—— C—— the key of your casino, to be + returned to you, my own charming friend, because I believed myself trifled + with and despised, of malice aforethought, by the woman I worship. In my + error I thought myself unworthy of presenting myself before your eyes, + and, in spite of love, horror made me shudder. Such was the effect + produced upon me by an act which would have appeared to me admirable, if + my self-love had not blinded me and upset my reason. But, dearest, to + admire it it would have been necessary for my mind to be as noble as + yours, and I have proved how far it is from being so. I am inferior to you + in all things, except in passionate love, and I will prove it to you at + our next meeting, when I will beg on my knees a generous pardon. Believe + me, beloved creature, if I wish ardently to recover my health, it is only + to have it in my power to prove by my love a thousand times increased, how + ashamed I am of my errors. My painful lumbago has alone prevented me from + answering your short note yesterday, to express to you my regrets, and the + love which has been enhanced in me by your generosity, alas! so badly + rewarded. I can assure you that in the lagunes, with death staring me in + the face, I regretted no one but you, nothing but having outraged you. But + in the fearful danger then threatening me I only saw a punishment from + Heaven. If I had not cruelly sent back to you the key of the casino, I + should most likely have returned there, and should have avoided the sorrow + as well as the physical pains which I am now suffering as an expiation. I + thank you a thousand times for having recalled me to myself, and you may + be certain that for the future I will keep better control over myself; + nothing shall make me doubt your love. But, darling, what do you say of C—— + C——? Is she not an incarnate angel who can be compared to no + one but you? You love us both equally. I am the only one weak and faulty, + and you make me ashamed of myself. Yet I feel that I would give my life + for her as well as for you. I feel curious about one thing, but I cannot + trust it to paper. You will satisfy that curiosity the first time I shall + be able to go to the casino before two days at the earliest. I will let + you know two days beforehand. In the mean time, I entreat you to think a + little of me, and to be certain of my devoted love. Adieu.” + </p> + <p> + The next morning Laura found me sitting up in bed, and in a fair way to + recover my health. I requested her to tell C—— C—— + that I felt much better, and I gave her the letter I had written. She had + brought me one from my dear little wife, in which I found enclosed a note + from M—— M——. Those two letter were full of tender + expressions of love, anxiety for my health, and ardent prayers for my + recovery. + </p> + <p> + Six days afterwards, feeling much stronger, I went to Muran, where the + keeper of the casino handed me a letter from M—— M——. + She wrote to me how impatient she was for my complete recovery, and how + desirous she was to see me in possession of her casino, with all the + privileges which she hoped I would retain for ever. + </p> + <p> + “Let me know, I entreat you,” she added, “when we are likely to meet + again, either at Muran or in Venice, as you please. Be quite certain that + whenever we meet we shall be alone and without a witness.” + </p> + <p> + I answered at once, telling her that we would meet the day after the + morrow at her casino, because I wanted to receive her loving absolution in + the very spot where I had outraged the most generous of women. + </p> + <p> + I was longing to see her again, for I was ashamed of my cruel injustice + towards her, and panting to atone for my wrongs. Knowing her disposition, + and reflecting calmly upon what had taken place, it was now evident to me + that what she had done, very far from being a mark of contempt, was the + refined effort of a love wholly devoted to me. Since she had found out + that I was the lover of her young friend, could she imagine that my heart + belonged only to herself? In the same way that her love for me did not + prevent her from being compliant with the ambassador, she admitted the + possibility of my being the same with C—— C——. She + overlooked the difference of constitution between the two sexes, and the + privileges enjoyed by women. + </p> + <p> + Now that age has whitened my hair and deadened the ardour of my senses, my + imagination does not take such a high flight, and I think differently. I + am conscious that my beautiful nun sinned against womanly reserve and + modesty, the two most beautiful appanages of the fair sex, but if that + unique, or at least rare, woman was guilty of an eccentricity which I then + thought a virtue, she was at all events exempt from that fearful venom + called jealousy—an unhappy passion which devours the miserable being + who is labouring under it, and destroys the love that gave it birth. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards, on the 4th of February, 1754, I had the supreme + felicity of finding myself again alone with my beloved mistress. She wore + the dress of a nun. As we both felt guilty, the moment we saw each other, + by a spontaneous movement, we fell both on our knees, folded in each + other’s arms. We had both ill-treated Love; she had treated him like a + child, I had adored him after the fashion of a Jansenist. But where could + we have found the proper language for the excuses we had to address to + each other for the mutual forgiveness we had to entreat and to grant? + Kisses—that mute, yet expressive language, that delicate, voluptuous + contact which sends sentiment coursing rapidly through the veins, which + expresses at the same time the feeling of the heart and the impressions of + the mind—that language was the only one we had recourse to, and + without having uttered one syllable, dear reader, oh, how well we agreed! + </p> + <p> + Both overwhelmed with emotion, longing to give one another some proofs of + the sincerity of our reconciliation and of the ardent fire which was + consuming us, we rose without unclasping our arms, and falling (a most + amorous group!) on the nearest sofa, we remained there until the heaving + of a deep sigh which we would not have stopped, even if we had known that + it was to be the last! + </p> + <p> + Thus was completed our happy reconciliation, and the calm infused into the + soul by contentment, burst into a hearty laugh when we noticed that I had + kept on my cloak and my mask. After we had enjoyed our mirth, I unmasked + myself, and I asked her whether it was quite true that no one had + witnessed our reconciliation. + </p> + <p> + She took up one of the candlesticks, and seizing my hand: + </p> + <p> + “Come,” she said. + </p> + <p> + She led me to the other end of the room, before a large cupboard which I + had already suspected of containing the secret. She opened it, and when + she had moved a sliding plank I saw a door through which we entered a + pretty closet furnished with everything necessary to a person wishing to + pass a few hours there. Near the sofa was a sliding panel. M—— + M—— removed it, and through twenty holes placed at a distance + from each other I saw every part of the room in which nature and love had + performed for our curious friend a play in six acts, during which I did + not think he had occasion to be dissatisfied with the actors. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said M—— M——, “I am going to satisfy the + curiosity which you were prudent enough not to trust to paper.” + </p> + <p> + “But you cannot guess....” + </p> + <p> + “Silence, dearest! Love would not be of divine origin did he not possess + the faculty of divination. He knows all, and here is the proof. Do you not + wish to know whether my friend was with me during the fatal night which + has cost me so many tears?” + </p> + <p> + “You have guessed rightly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, he was with me, and you must not be angry, for you then + completed your conquest of him. He admired your character, your love, your + sentiments, your honesty. He could not help expressing his astonishment at + the rectitude of my instinct, or his approval of the passion I felt for + you. It was he who consoled me in the morning assuring me that you would + certainly come back to me as soon as you knew my real feelings, the + loyalty of my intentions and my good faith.” + </p> + <p> + “But you must often have fallen asleep, for unless excited by some + powerful interest, it is impossible to pass eight hours in darkness and in + silence.” + </p> + <p> + “We were moved by the deepest interest: besides, we were in darkness only + when we kept these holes open. The plank was on during our supper, and we + were listening in religious silence to your slightest whisper. The + interest which kept my friend awake was perhaps greater than mine. He told + me that he never had had before a better opportunity of studying the human + heart, and that you must have passed the most painful night. He truly + pitied you. We were delighted with C—— C——, for it + is indeed wonderful that a young girl of fifteen should reason as she did + to justify my conduct, without any other weapons but those given her by + nature and truth; she must have the soul of an angel. If you ever marry + her, you will have the most heavenly wife. I shall of course feel + miserable if I lose her, but your happiness will make amends for all. Do + you know, dearest, that I cannot understand how you could fall in love + with me after having known her, any more than I can conceive how she does + not hate me ever since she has discovered that I have robbed her of your + heart. My dear C—— C—— has truly something divine + in her disposition. Do you know why she confided to you her barren loves + with me? Because, as she told me herself, she wished to ease her + conscience, thinking that she was in some measure unfaithful to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Does she think herself bound to be entirely faithful to me, with the + knowledge she has now of my own unfaithfulness?” + </p> + <p> + “She is particularly delicate and conscientious, and though she believes + herself truly your wife, she does not think that she has any right to + control your actions, but she believes herself bound to give you an + account of all she does.” + </p> + <p> + “Noble girl!” + </p> + <p> + The prudent wife of the door-keeper having brought the supper, we sat down + to the well-supplied table. M—— M—— remarked that + I had become much thinner. + </p> + <p> + “The pains of the body do not fatten a man,” I said, “and the sufferings + of the mind emaciate him. But we have suffered sufficiently, and we must + be wise enough never to recall anything which can be painful to us.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right, my love; the instants that man is compelled to give + up to misfortune or to suffering are as many moments stolen from his life, + but he doubles his existence when he has the talent of multiplying his + pleasures, no matter of what nature they may be.” + </p> + <p> + We amused ourselves in talking over past dangers, Pierrot’s disguise, and + the ball at Briati, where she had been told that another Pierrot had made + his appearance. + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— wondered at the extraordinary effect of a + disguise, for, said she to me: + </p> + <p> + “The Pierrot in the parlour of the convent seemed to me taller and thinner + than you. If chance had not made you take the convent gondola, if you had + not had the strange idea of assuming the disguise of Pierrot, I should not + have known who you were, for my friends in the convent would not have been + interested in you. I was delighted when I heard that you were not a + patrician, as I feared, because, had you been one, I might in time have + run some great danger.” + </p> + <p> + I knew very well what she had to fear, but pretending complete ignorance: + </p> + <p> + “I cannot conceive,” I said, “what danger you might run on account of my + being a patrician.” + </p> + <p> + “My darling, I cannot speak to you openly, unless you give me your word to + do what I am going to ask you.” + </p> + <p> + “How could I hesitate, my love, in doing anything to please you, provided + my honour is not implicated? Have we not now everything in common? Speak, + idol of my heart, tell me your reasons, and rely upon my love; it is the + guarantee of my ready compliance in everything that can give you + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. I want you to give a supper in your casino to me and my + friend, who is dying to make your acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “And I foresee that after supper you will leave me to go with him.” + </p> + <p> + “You must feel that propriety compels me to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Your friend already knows, I suppose, who I am?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought it was right to tell him, because if I had not told him he + could not have entertained the hope of supping with you, and especially at + your house.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand. I guess your friend is one of the foreign ambassadors.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely.” + </p> + <p> + “But may I hope that he will so far honour me as to throw up his + incognito?” + </p> + <p> + “That is understood. I shall introduce him to you according to accepted + forms, telling his name and his political position.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is all for the best, darling. How could you suppose that I would + have any difficulty in procuring you that pleasure, when on the contrary, + nothing could please me more myself? Name the day, and be quite certain + that I shall anxiously look for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have been sure of your compliance, if you had not given me cause + to doubt it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a home-thrust, but I deserve it.” + </p> + <p> + “And I hope it will not make you angry. Now I am happy. Our friend is M. + de Bernis, the French ambassador. He will come masked, and as soon as he + shews his features I shall present him to you. Recollect that you must + treat him as my lover, but you must not appear to know that he is aware of + our intimacy.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand that very well, and you shall have every reason to be + pleased with my urbanity. The idea of that supper is delightful to me, and + I hope that the reality will be as agreeable. You were quite right, my + love, to dread my being a patrician, for in that case the + State-Inquisitors, who very often think of nothing but of making a show of + their zeal, would not have failed to meddle with us, and the mere idea of + the possible consequences makes me shudder. I under The Leads—you + dishonoured—the abbess—the convent! Good God! Yes, if you had + told me what you thought, I would have given you my name, and I could have + done so all the more easily that my reserve was only caused by the fear of + being known, and of C—— C—— being taken to another + convent by her father. But can you appoint a day for the supper? I long to + have it all arranged.” + </p> + <p> + “To-day is the fourth; well, then, in four days.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be the eighth?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly so. We will go to your casino after the second ballet. Give me + all necessary particulars to enable us to find the house without enquiring + from anyone.” + </p> + <p> + I sat down and I wrote down the most exact particulars to find the casino + either by land or by water. Delighted with the prospect of such a party of + pleasure, I asked my mistress to go to bed, but I remarked to her that, + being convalescent and having made a hearty supper, I should be very + likely to pay my first homages to Morpheus. Yielding to the circumstances, + she set the alarum for ten o’clock, and we went to bed in the alcove. As + soon as we woke up, Love claimed our attention and he had no cause of + complaint, but towards midnight we fell asleep, our lips fastened + together, and we found ourselves in that position in the morning when we + opened our eyes. Although there was no time to lose, we could not make up + our minds to part without making one more offering to Venus. + </p> + <p> + I remained in the casino after the departure of my divinity, and slept + until noon. As soon as I had dressed myself, I returned to Venice, and my + first care was to give notice to my cook, so that the supper of the 8th of + February should be worthy of the guests and worthy of me. + </p> + <a name="linkB2H_4_0025" id="linkB2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode9" id="linkepisode9"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 9 — THE FALSE NUN + </h2> + <a name="linkB2HCH0021" id="linkB2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Supper at My Casino With M. M. and M. de Bernis, the French + Ambassador—A Proposal from M. M.; I Accept It— + Consequences—C. C. is Unfaithful to Me, and I Cannot + Complain +</pre> + <p> + I felt highly pleased with the supper-party I had arranged with M—— + M——, and I ought to have been happy. Yet I was not so; but + whence came the anxiety which was a torment to me? Whence? From my fatal + habit of gambling. That passion was rooted in me; to live and to play were + to me two identical things, and as I could not hold the bank I would go + and punt at the ridotto, where I lost my money morning and night. That + state of things made me miserable. Perhaps someone will say to me: + </p> + <p> + “Why did you play, when there was no need of it, when you were in want of + nothing, when you had all the money you could wish to satisfy your + fancies?” + </p> + <p> + That would be a troublesome question if I had not made it a law to tell + the truth. Well, then, dear inquisitive reader, if I played with almost + the certainty of losing, although no one, perhaps, was more sensible than + I was to the losses made in gambling, it is because I had in me the evil + spirit of avarice; it is because I loved prodigality, and because my heart + bled when I found myself compelled to spend any money that I had not won + at the gaming-table. It is an ugly vice, dear reader, I do not deny it. + However, all I can say is that, during the four days previous to the + supper, I lost all the gold won for me by M—— M—— + </p> + <p> + On the anxiously-expected day I went to my casino, where at the appointed + hour M—— M—— came with her friend, whom she + introduced to me as soon as he had taken off his mask. + </p> + <p> + “I had an ardent wish, sir,” said M. de Bernis to me, “to renew + acquaintance with you, since I heard from madame that we had known each + other in Paris.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he looked at me attentively, as people will do when they + are trying to recollect a person whom they have lost sight of. I then told + him that we had never spoken to one another, and that he had not seen + enough of me to recollect my features now. + </p> + <p> + “I had the honour,” I added, “to dine with your excellency at M. de + Mocenigo’s house, but you talked all the time with Marshal Keith, the + Prussian ambassador, and I was not fortunate enough to attract your + attention. As you were on the point of leaving Paris to return to Venice, + you went away almost immediately after dinner, and I have never had the + honour of seeing you since that time.” + </p> + <p> + “Now I recollect you,” he answered, “and I remember asking whether you + were not the secretary of the embassy. But from this day we shall not + forget each other again, for the mysteries which unite us are of a nature + likely to establish a lasting intimacy between us.” + </p> + <p> + The amiable couple were not long before they felt thoroughly at ease, and + we sat down to supper, of which, of course, I did the honours. The + ambassador, a fine connoisseur in wines, found mine excellent, and was + delighted to hear that I had them from Count Algarotti, who was reputed as + having the best cellar in Venice. + </p> + <p> + My supper was delicate and abundant, and my manners towards my handsome + guests were those of a private individual receiving his sovereign and his + mistress. I saw that M—— M—— was charmed with the + respect with which I treated her, and with my conversation, which + evidently interested the ambassador highly. The serious character of a + first meeting did not prevent the utterance of witty jests, for in that + respect M. de Bernis was a true Frenchman. I have travelled much, I have + deeply studied men, individually and in a body, but I have never met with + true sociability except in Frenchmen; they alone know how to jest, and it + is rare, delicate, refined jesting, which animates conversation and makes + society charming. + </p> + <p> + During our delightful supper wit was never wanting, and the amiable M—— + M—— led the conversation to the romantic combination which had + given her occasion to know me. Naturally, she proceeded to speak of my + passion for C—— C——, and she gave such an + interesting description of that young girl that the ambassador listened + with as much attention as if he had never seen the object of it. But that + was his part, for he was not aware that I had been informed of his having + witnessed from his hiding-place my silly interview with C—— C——. + He told M—— M—— that he would have been delighted + if she had brought her young friend to sup with us. + </p> + <p> + “That would be running too great a risk,” answered the cunning nun, “but + if you approve of it,” she added, looking at me, “I can make you sup with + her at my casino, for we sleep in the same room.” + </p> + <p> + That offer surprised me much, but it was not the moment to shew it, so I + replied: + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible, madam, to add anything to the pleasure of your society, + yet I confess I should be pleased if you could contrive to do us that + great favour.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will think of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” observed the ambassador, “if I am to be one of the party, I think + it would be right to apprize the young lady of it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not necessary, for I will write to her to agree to whatever madam + may propose to her. I will do so to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I begged the ambassador to prepare himself with a good stock of indulgence + for a girl of fifteen who had no experience of the world. In the course of + the evening I related the history of O-Morphi, which greatly amused him. + He entreated me to let him see her portrait. He informed me that she was + still an inmate of the ‘Parc-aux-cerfs’, where she continued to be the + delight of Louis XV., to whom she had given a child. My guests left me + after midnight, highly pleased, and I remained alone. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, faithful to the promise I had made to my beautiful nun, + I wrote to C—— C—— without informing her that + there would be a fourth person at the projected supper, and having given + my note to Laura I repaired to Muran, where I found the following letter + from M—— M—— : + </p> + <p> + “I could not sleep soundly, my love, if I did not ease my conscience of an + unpleasant weight. Perhaps you did not approve of the ‘partie carree’ with + our young friend, and you may not have objected out of mere politeness. + Tell me the truth, dearest, for, should you not look forward to that + meeting with pleasure, I can contrive to undo it without implicating you + in any way; trust me for that. If, however, you have no objection to the + party, it will take place as agreed. Believe me, I love your soul more + than your heart—I mean than your person. Adieu.” + </p> + <p> + Her fear was very natural, but out of shamefacedness I did not like to + retract. M—— M—— knew me well, and as a skilful + tactician she attacked my weak side. + </p> + <p> + Here is my answer: + </p> + <p> + “I expected your letter, my best beloved, and you cannot doubt it, + because, as you know me thoroughly, you must be aware that I know you as + well. Yes, I know your mind, and I know what idea you must entertain of + mine, because I have exposed to you all my weakness and irritability by my + sophisms. I do penance for it, dearest, when I think that having raised + your suspicions your tenderness for me must have been weakened. Forget my + visions, I beg, and be quite certain that for the future my soul will be + in unison with yours. The supper must take place, it will be a pleasure + for me, but let me confess that in accepting it I have shewn myself more + grateful than polite. C—— C—— is a novice, and I + am not sorry to give her an opportunity of seeing the world. In what + school could she learn better than yours? Therefore I recommend her to + you, and you will please me much by continuing to shew your care and + friendship towards her, and by increasing, if possible, the sum of your + goodness. I fear that you may entice her to take the veil, and if she did + I would never console myself. Your friend has quite captivated me; he is a + superior man, and truly charming.” + </p> + <p> + Thus did I wittingly deprive myself of the power of drawing back, but I + was able to realize the full force of the situation. I had no difficulty + in guessing that the ambassador was in love with C—— C——, + and that he had confessed as much to M—— M——, who, + not being in a position to object to it, was compelled to shew herself + compliant, and to assist him in everything that could render his passion + successful. She could certainly not do anything without my consent, and + she had evidently considered the affair too delicate to venture upon + proposing the party point-blank to me. They had, no doubt, put their heads + together, so that by bringing the conversation on that subject I should + find myself compelled, for the sake of politeness and perhaps of my inward + feelings, to fall into the snare. The ambassador, whose profession it was + to carry on intrigues skilfully, had succeeded well, and I had taken the + bait as he wished. There was nothing left for me but to put a good face on + the matter, not only so as not to shew myself a very silly being, but also + in order not to prove myself shamefully ungrateful towards a man who had + granted me unheard-of privileges. Nevertheless, the consequence of it all + was likely to be some coolness in my feelings towards both my mistresses. + M—— M—— had become conscious of this after she had + returned to the convent, and wishing to screen herself from all + responsibility she had lost no time in writing to me that she would cause + the projected supper to be abandoned, in case I should disapprove of it, + but she knew very well that I would not accept her offer. Self-love is a + stronger passion even than jealousy; it does not allow a man who has some + pretension to wit to shew himself jealous, particularly towards a person + who is not tainted by that base passion, and has proved it. + </p> + <p> + The next day, having gone early to the casino, I found the ambassador + already there, and he welcomed me in the most friendly manner. He told me + that, if he had known me in Paris he would have introduced me at the + court, where I should certainly have made my fortune. Now, when I think of + that, I say to myself, “That might have been the case, but of what good + would it have been to me?” Perhaps I should have fallen a victim of the + Revolution, like so many others. M. de Bernis himself would have been one + of those victims if Fate had not allowed him to die in Rome in 1794. He + died there unhappy, although wealthy, unless his feelings had undergone a + complete change before his death, and I do not believe it. + </p> + <p> + I asked him whether he liked Venice, and he answered that he could not do + otherwise than like that city, in which he enjoyed excellent health, and + in which, with plenty of money, life could be enjoyed better than anywhere + else. + </p> + <p> + “But I do not expect,” he added, “to be allowed to keep this embassy very + long. Be kind enough to let that remain between us. I do not wish to make + M—— M—— unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + We were conversing in all confidence when M—— M—— + arrived with her young friend, who showed her surprise at seeing another + man with me, but I encouraged her by the most tender welcome; and she + recovered all her composure when she saw the delight of the stranger at + being answered by her in good French. It gave us both an opportunity of + paying the warmest compliments to the mistress who had taught her so well. + </p> + <p> + C—— C—— was truly charming; her looks, bright and + modest at the same time, seemed to say to me, “You must belong to me.” I + wished to see her shine before our friends; and I contrived to conquer a + cowardly feeling of jealousy which, in spite of myself, was beginning to + get hold of me. I took care to make her talk on such subjects as I knew to + be familiar to her. I developed her natural intelligence, and had the + satisfaction of seeing her admired. + </p> + <p> + Applauded, flattered, animated by the satisfaction she could read in my + eyes, C—— C—— appeared a prodigy to M. de Bernis, + and, oh! what a contradiction of the human heart! I was pleased, yet I + trembled lest he should fall in love with her! What an enigma! I was + intent myself upon a work which would have caused me to murder any man who + dared to undertake it. + </p> + <p> + During the supper, which was worthy of a king, the ambassador treated C—— + C—— with the most delicate attentions. Wit, cheerfulness, + decent manners, attended our delightful party, and did not expel the + gaiety and the merry jests with which a Frenchman knows how to season + every conversation. + </p> + <p> + An observing critic who, without being acquainted with us, wished to guess + whether love was present at our happy party, might have suspected, + perhaps, but he certainly could not have affirmed, that it was there. M—— + M—— treated the ambassador as a friend. She shewed no other + feeling towards me than that of deep esteem, and she behaved to C—— + C—— with the tender affection of a sister. M. de Bernis was + kind, polite, and amiable with M—— M——, but he + never ceased to take the greatest interest in every word uttered by C—— + C——, who played her part to perfection, because she had only + to follow her own nature, and, that nature being beautiful, C—— + C—— could not fail to be most charming. + </p> + <p> + We had passed five delightful hours, and the ambassador seemed more + pleased even than any of us. M—— M—— had the air + of a person satisfied with her own work, and I was playing the part of an + approving spectator. C—— C—— looked highly pleased + at having secured the general approbation, and there was, perhaps, a + slight feeling of vanity in her arising from the special attention which + the ambassador had bestowed on her. She looked at me, smiling, and I could + easily understand the language of her soul, by which she wished to tell me + that she felt perfectly well the difference between the society in which + she was then, and that in which her brother had given us such a disgusting + specimen of his depravity. + </p> + <p> + After midnight it was time to think of our departure, and M. de Bernis + undertook all the complimentary part. Thanking M—— M—— + for the most agreeable supper he had ever made in his life, he contrived + to make her offer a repetition of it for two days afterwards, and he asked + me, for the sake of appearance, whether I should not find as much delight + in that second meeting as himself. Could he have any doubt of my answering + affirmatively? I believe not, for I had placed myself under the necessity + of being compliant. All being agreed, we parted company. + </p> + <p> + The next day, when I thought of that exemplary supper, I had no difficulty + in guessing what the ultimate result would be. The ambassador owed his + great fortune entirely to the fair sex, because he possessed to the + highest degree the art of coddling love; and as his nature was eminently + voluptuous he found his advantage in it, because he knew how to call + desires into existence, and this procured him enjoyments worthy of his + delicate taste. I saw that he was deeply in love with C—— C——, + and I was far from supposing him the man to be satisfied with looking at + her lovely eyes. He certainly had some plan arranged, and M—— + M——, in spite of all her honesty, was the prime manager of it. + I knew that she would carry it on with such delicate skill that I should + not see any evidence of it. Although I did not feel disposed to shew more + compliance than was strictly just, I foresaw that in the end I should be + the dupe, and my poor C—— C—— the victim, of a + cunningly-contrived trick. I could not make up my mind either to consent + with a good grace, or to throw obstacles in the way, and, believing my + dear little wife incapable of abandoning herself to anything likely to + displease me, I allowed myself to be taken off my guard, and to rely upon + the difficulty of seducing her. Stupid calculation! Self-love and + shamefacedness prevented me from using my common sense. At all events, + that intrigue kept me in a state of fever because I was afraid of its + consequences, and yet curiosity mastered me to such an extent that I was + longing for the result. I knew very well that a second edition of the + supper did not imply that the same play would be performed a second time, + and I foresaw that the changes would be strongly marked. But I thought + myself bound in honour not to retract. I could not lead the intrigue, but + I believed myself sufficiently skilful to baffle all their manoeuvrings. + </p> + <p> + After all those considerations, however, considerations which enabled me + to assume the countenance of false bravery, the inexperience of C—— + C——, who, in spite of all the knowledge she had lately + acquired, was only a novice, caused me great anxiety. It was easy to abuse + her natural wish to be polite, but that fear gave way very soon before the + confidence I had in M—— M—— s delicacy. I thought + that, having seen how I had spent six hours with that young girl, knowing + for a certainty that I intended to marry her, M—— M—— + would never be guilty of such base treason. All these thoughts, worthy + only of a weak and bashful jealousy, brought no conclusive decision. I had + to follow the current and watch events. + </p> + <p> + At the appointed time I repaired to the casino, where I found my two + lovely friends sitting by the fire. + </p> + <p> + “Good evening, my two divinities, where is our charming Frenchman?” + </p> + <p> + “He has not arrived yet,” answered M—— M——, “but + he will doubtless soon be here.” + </p> + <p> + I took off my mask, and sitting between them, I gave them a thousand + kisses, taking good care not to shew any preference, and although I knew + that they were aware of the unquestionable right I had upon both of them, + I kept within the limits of the utmost decency. I congratulated them upon + the mutual inclination they felt for each other, and I saw that they were + pleased not to have to blush on that account. + </p> + <p> + More than one hour was spent in gallant and friendly conversation, without + my giving any satisfaction to my burning desires. M—— M—— + attracted me more than C—— C——, but I would not + for the world have offended the charming girl. M—— M—— + was beginning to shew some anxiety about the absence of M. de Bernis, when + the door-keeper brought her a note from him. + </p> + <p> + “A courier,” he wrote, “who arrived two hours ago, prevents my being happy + to-night, for I am compelled to pass it in answering the dispatches I have + received. I trust that you will forgive and pity me. May I hope that you + will kindly grant me on Friday the pleasure of which I am so unfortunately + deprived to-day? Let me know your answer by to-morrow. I wish ardently, in + that case, to find you with the same guests, to whom I beg you will + present my affectionate compliments.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said M—— M——, “it is not his fault. We + will sup without him. Will you come on Friday?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, with the greatest pleasure. But what is the matter with you, dear C—— + C——? You look sad.” + </p> + <p> + “Sad, no, unless it should be for the sake of my friend, for I have never + seen a more polite and more obliging gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, dear, I am glad he has rendered you so sensible.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean? Could anyone be insensible to his merit?” + </p> + <p> + “Better still, but I agree with you. Only tell me if you love him?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, even if I loved him, do you think I would go and tell him? Besides, + I am certain that he loves my friend.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she sat down on M—— M——‘s knee, calling + her her own little wife, and my two beauties began to bestow on one + another caresses which made me laugh heartily. Far from troubling their + sport, I excited them, in order to enjoy a spectacle with which I had long + been acquainted. + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— took up a book full of the most lascivious + engravings, and said, with a significant glance in my direction: + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish me to have a fire lighted in the alcove?” + </p> + <p> + I understood her, and replied: + </p> + <p> + “You would oblige me, for the bed being large we can all three sleep + comfortably in it.” + </p> + <p> + I guessed that she feared my suspecting the ambassador of enjoying from + the mysterious closet the sight of our amorous trio, and she wished to + destroy that suspicion by her proposal. + </p> + <p> + The table having been laid in front of the alcove, supper was served, and + we all did honour to it. We were all blessed with a devouring appetite. + While M—— M—— was teaching her friend how to mix + punch, I was admiring with delight the progress made in beauty by C—— + C——. + </p> + <p> + “Your bosom,” I said to her, “must have become perfect during the last + nine months.” + </p> + <p> + “It is like mine,” answered M—— M——, “would you + like to see for yourself?” + </p> + <p> + Of course I did not refuse. M—— M—— unlaced her + friend, who made no resistance, and performing afterwards the same office + upon herself, in less than two minutes I was admiring four rivals + contending for the golden apple like the three goddesses, and which would + have set at defiance the handsome Paris himself to adjudge the prize + without injustice. Need I say what an ardent fire that ravishing sight + sent coursing through my veins? I placed immediately on the table the + Academie des Dames, and pointed out a certain position to M—— + M——, who, understanding my wishes, said to C—— C—— + : + </p> + <p> + “Will you, darling, represent that group with me?” + </p> + <p> + A look of compliance was C—— C——‘s only answer; + she was not yet inured to amorous pleasures as much as her lovely teacher. + While I was laughing with delight, the two friends were getting ready, and + in a few minutes we were all three in bed, and in a state of nature. At + first, satisfied with enjoying the sight of the barren contest of my two + bacchanalians, I was amused by their efforts and by the contrast of + colours, for one was dark and the other fair, but soon, excited myself, + and consumed by all the fire of voluptuousness, I threw myself upon them, + and I made them, one after the other, almost faint away from the excess of + love and enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + Worn out and satiated with pleasure, I invited them to take some rest. We + slept until we were awakened by the alarum, which I had taken care to set + at four o’clock. We were certain of turning to good account the two hours + we had then to spare before parting company, which we did at the dawn of + day, humiliated at having to confess our exhaustion, but highly pleased + with each other, and longing for a renewal of our delightful pleasures. + </p> + <p> + The next day, however, when I came to think of that rather too lively + night, during which, as is generally the case, Love had routed Reason, I + felt some remorse. M—— M—— wanted to convince me + of her love, and for that purpose she had combined all the virtues which I + attached to my own affection—namely, honour, delicacy, and truth, + but her temperament, of which her mind was the slave, carried her towards + excess, and she prepared everything in order to give way to it, while she + awaited the opportunity of making me her accomplice. She was coaxing love + to make it compliant, and to succeed in mastering it, because her heart, + enslaved by her senses, never reproached her. She likewise tried to + deceive herself by endeavouring to forget that I might complain of having + been surprised. She knew that to utter such a complaint I would have to + acknowledge myself weaker or less courageous than she was, and she relied + upon my being ashamed to make such a confession. I had no doubt whatever + that the absence of the ambassador had been arranged and concerted + beforehand. I could see still further, for it seemed evident to me that + the two conspirators had foreseen that I would guess the artifice, and + that, feeling stung to the quick, in spite of all my regrets, I would not + shew myself less generous than they had been themselves. The ambassador + having first procured me a delightful night, how could I refuse to let him + enjoy as pleasant a one? My friends had argued very well, for, in spite of + all the objections of my mind, I saw that I could not on my side put any + obstacle in their way. C—— C—— was no impediment + to them. They were certain of conquering her the moment she was not + hindered by my presence. It rested entirely with M—— M——, + who had perfect control over her. Poor girl! I saw her on the high road to + debauchery, and it was my own doing! I sighed when I thought how little I + had spared them in our last orgie, and what would become of me if both of + them should happen to be, by my doing, in such a position as to be + compelled to run away from the convent? I could imagine both of them + thrown upon my hands, and the prospect was not particularly agreeable. It + would be an ‘embarras de richesse’. In this miserable contest between + reason and prejudice, between nature and sentiment, I could not make up my + mind either to go to the supper or to remain absent from it. “If I go,” + said I to myself, “that night will pass with perfect decency, but I shall + prove myself very ridiculous, jealous, ungrateful, and even wanting in + common politeness: if I remain absent, C—— C—— is + lost, at least, in my estimation, for I feel that my love will no longer + exist, and then good-bye to all idea of a marriage with her.” In the + perplexity of mind in which I found myself, I felt a want of something + more certain than mere probabilities to base my decision upon. I put on my + mask, and repaired to the mansion of the French ambassador. I addressed + myself to the gate-keeper, saying that I had a letter for Versailles, and + that I would thank him to deliver it to the courier when he went back to + France with his excellency’s dispatches. + </p> + <p> + “But, sir,” answered the man, “we have not had a special courier for the + last two months.” + </p> + <p> + “What? Did not a special cabinet messenger arrive here last night?” + </p> + <p> + “Then he must have come in through the garret window or down the chimney, + for, on the word of an honest man, none entered through the gate.” + </p> + <p> + “But the ambassador worked all night?” + </p> + <p> + “That may be, sir, but not here, for his excellency dined with the Spanish + ambassador, and did not return till very late.” + </p> + <p> + I had guessed rightly. I could no longer entertain any doubt. It was all + over; I could not draw back without shame. C—— C—— + must resist, if the game was distasteful to her; no violence would of + course be offered to her. The die was cast! + </p> + <p> + Towards evening I went to the casino of Muran, and wrote a short note to M—— + M——, requesting her to excuse me if some important business of + M. de Bragadin’s prevented me from spending the night with her and with + our two friends, to whom I sent my compliments as well as my apologies. + After that I returned to Venice, but in rather an unpleasant mood; to + divert myself I went to the gaming table, and lost all night. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards, being certain that a letter from M—— M—— + awaited me at Muran, I went over, and the door-keeper handed me a parcel + in which I found a note from my nun and a letter from C—— C——, + for everything was now in common between them. + </p> + <p> + Here is C—— C——‘s letter” + </p> + <p> + “We were very sorry, dearest friend, when we heard that we should not have + the happiness of seeing you. My dear M—— M——‘s + friend came shortly afterwards, and when he read your note he likewise + expressed his deep regret. We expected to have a very dull supper, but the + witty sayings of that gentleman enlivened us and you cannot imagine of + what follies we were guilty after partaking of some champagne punch. Our + friend had become as gay as ourselves, and we spent the night in trios, + not very fatiguing, but very pleasant. I can assure you that that man + deserves to be loved, but he must acknowledge himself inferior to you in + everything. Believe me, dearest, I shall ever love you, and you must for + ever remain the master of my heart.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of all my vexation, that letter made me laugh, but the note of M—— + M—— was much more singular. Here are the contents of it: + </p> + <p> + “I am certain, my own beloved, that you told a story out of pure + politeness, but you had guessed that I expected you to do so. You have + made our friend a splendid present in exchange for the one he made you + when he did not object to his M—— M—— bestowing + her heart upon you. You possess that heart entirely, dearest, and you + would possess it under all circumstances, but how sweet it is to flavour + the pleasures of love with the charms of friendship! I was sorry not to + see you, but I knew that if you had come we would not have had much + enjoyment; for our friend, notwithstanding all his wit, is not exempt from + some natural prejudices. As for C—— C——, her mind + is now quite as free of them as our own, and I am glad she owes it to me. + You must feel thankful to me for having completed her education, and for + rendering her in every way worthy of you. I wish you had been hiding in + the closet, where I am certain you would have spent some delightful hours. + On Wednesday next I shall be yours, and all alone with you in your casino + in Venice; let me know whether you will be at the usual hour near the + statue of the hero Colleoni. In case you should be prevented, name any + other day.” + </p> + <p> + I had to answer those two letters in the same spirit in which they had + been written, and in spite of all the bitter feelings which were then + raging in my heart, my answers were to be as sweet as honey. I was in need + of great courage, but I said to myself: “George Dandin, tu las voulu!” I + could not refuse to pay the penalty of my own deeds, and I have never been + able to ascertain whether the shame I felt was what is called + shamefacedness. It is a problem which I leave to others. + </p> + <p> + In my letter to C—— C—— I had the courage, or the + effrontery, to congratulate her, and to encourage her to imitate M—— + M——, the best model, I said, I could propose to her. + </p> + <p> + I wrote to my nun that I would be punctual at the appointment near the + statue, and amidst many false compliments, which ought to have betrayed + the true state of my heart, I told her that I admired the perfect + education she had given to C—— C——, but that I + congratulated myself upon having escaped the torture I should have + suffered in the mysterious observatory, for I felt that I could not have + borne it. + </p> + <p> + On the Wednesday I was punctual at the rendezvous, and I had not to wait + long for M—— M——, who came disguised in male + attire. “No theatre to-night,” she said to me; “let us go to the + ‘ridotto’, to lose or double our money.” She had six hundred sequins. I + had about one hundred. Fortune turned her back upon us, and we lost all. I + expected that we would then leave that cutthroat place, but M—— + M——, having left me for a minute, came back with three hundred + sequins which had been given to her by her friend, whom she knew where to + find. That money given by love or by friendship brought her luck for a + short time, and she soon won back all we had lost, but in our greediness + or imprudence we continued to play, and finally we lost our last sequin. + </p> + <p> + When we could play no longer, M—— M—— said to me, + </p> + <p> + “Now that we need not fear thieves, let us go to our supper.” + </p> + <p> + That woman, religious and a Free-thinker, a libertine and gambler, was + wonderful in all she did. She had just lost five hundred pounds, and she + was as completely at her ease as if she had won a very large sum. It is + true that the money she had just lost had not cost her much. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were alone, she found me sad and low-spirited, although I + tried hard not to appear so, but, as for her, always the same, she was + handsome, brilliant, cheerful, and amorous. + </p> + <p> + She thought she would bring back my spirits by giving me the fullest + particulars of the night she had passed with C—— C—— + and her friend, but she ought to have guessed that she was going the wrong + way. That is a very common error, it comes from the mind, because people + imagine that what they feel themselves others must feel likewise. + </p> + <p> + I was on thorns, and I tried everything to avoid that subject, and to lead + the conversation into a different channel, for the amorous particulars, on + which she was dwelling with apparent delight, vexed me greatly, and spite + causing coldness, I was afraid of not playing my part very warmly in the + amorous contest which was at hand. When a lover doubts his own strength, + he may almost always be sure that he will fail in his efforts. + </p> + <p> + After supper we went to bed in the alcove, where the beauty, the mental + and physical charms, the grace and the ardour of my lovely nun, cast all + my bad temper to the winds, and soon restored me to my usual good-spirits. + The nights being shorter we spent two hours in the most delightful + pleasures, and then parted, satisfied and full of love. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving, M—— M—— asked me to go to her + casino, to take some money and to play, taking her for my partner. I did + so. I took all the gold I found, and playing the martingale, and doubling + my stakes continuously, I won every day during the remainder of the + carnival. I was fortunate enough never to lose the sixth card, and, if I + had lost it, I should have been without money to play, for I had two + thousand sequins on that card. I congratulated myself upon having + increased the treasure of my dear mistress, who wrote to me that, for the + sake of civility, we ought to have a supper ‘en partie carree’ on Shrove + Monday. I consented. + </p> + <p> + That supper was the last I ever had in my life with C—— C——. + She was in excellent spirits, but I had made up my mind, and as I paid all + my attentions to M—— M——, C—— C—— + imitated my example without difficulty, and she devoted herself wholly to + her new lover. + </p> + <p> + Foreseeing that we would, a little later, be all of us in each other’s + way, I begged M—— M—— to arrange everything so + that we could be apart, and she contrived it marvellously well. + </p> + <p> + After supper, the ambassador proposed a game of faro, which our beauties + did not know; he called for cards, and placed one hundred Louis on the + table before him; he dealt, and took care to make C—— C—— + win the whole of that sum. It was the best way to make her accept it as + pin-money. The young girl, dazzled by so much gold, and not knowing what + to do with it, asked her friend to take care of it for her until such time + as she should leave the convent to get married. + </p> + <p> + When the game was over, M—— M—— complained of a + headache, and said that she would go to bed in the alcove: she asked me to + come and lull her to sleep. We thus left the new lovers free to be as gay + as they chose. Six hours afterwards, when the alarum warned us that it was + time to part, we found them asleep in each other’s embrace. I had myself + passed an amorous and quiet night, pleased with M—— M——, + and with out giving one thought to C—— C——. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0022" id="linkB2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + M. De Bernis Goes Away Leaving Me the Use of His Casino—His + Good Advice: How I Follow It—Peril of M. M. and Myself—Mr. + Murray, the English Ambassador—Sale of the Casino and End + of Our Meetings—Serious Illness of M. M.—Zorzi and + Condulmer—Tonnie +</pre> + <a name="linkBimage-0005" id="linkBimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/2c22.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 22 " /> + </div> + <p> + Though the infidelities of C—— C—— made me look at + her with other eyes than before, and I had now no intention of making her + the companion of my life, I could not help feeling that it had rested with + me to stop her on the brink of the stream, and I therefore considered it + my duty always to be her friend. + </p> + <p> + If I had been more logical, the resolution I took with respect to her + would doubtless have been of another kind. I should have said to myself: + After seducing her, I myself have set the example of infidelity; I have + bidden her to follow blindly the advice of her friend, although I knew + that the advice and the example of M—— M—— would end in + her ruin; I had insulted, in the most grievous manner, the delicacy of my + mistress, and that before her very eyes, and after all this how could I + ask a weak woman to do what a man, priding himself on his strength, would + shrink from attempting? I should have stood self-condemned, and have felt + that it was my duty to remain the same to her, but flattering myself that + I was overcoming mere prejudices, I was in fact that most degraded of + slaves, he who uses his strength to crush the weak. + </p> + <p> + The day after Shrove Tuesday, going to the casino of Muran, I found there + a letter from M—— M——, who gave me two pieces of + bad news: that C—— C—— had lost her mother, and + that the poor girl was in despair; and that the lay-sister, whose rheum + was cured, had returned to take her place. Thus C—— C—— + was deprived of her friend at a time when she would have given her + consolation, of which she stood in great need. C—— C——, + it seemed, had gone to share the rooms of her aunt, who, being very fond + of her, had obtained permission from the superior. This circumstance would + prevent the ambassador taking any more suppers with her, and I should have + been delighted if chance had put this obstacle in his path a few days + sooner. + </p> + <p> + All these misfortunes seemed of small account compared with what I was + afraid of, for C—— C—— might have to pay the price + for her pleasures, and I so far regarded myself as the origin of her + unhappiness as to feel bound never to abandon her, and this might have + involved me in terrible complications. + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— asked me to sup with her and her lover on + the following Monday. I went and found them both sad—he for the loss + of his new mistress, and she because she had no longer a friend to make + the seclusion of the convent pleasant. + </p> + <p> + About midnight M. de Bemis left us, saying in a melancholy manner that he + feared he should be obliged to pass several months in Vienna on important + diplomatic business. Before parting we agreed to sup together every + Friday. + </p> + <p> + When we were alone M—— M—— told me that the + ambassador would be obliged to me if in the future I would come to the + casino two hours later. I understood that the good-natured and witty + profligate had a very natural prejudice against indulging his amorous + feelings except when he was certain of being alone. + </p> + <p> + M. de Bemis came to all our suppers till he left for Vienna, and always + went away at midnight. He no longer made use of his hiding-place, partly + because we now only lay in the recess, and partly because, having had time + to make love before my arrival, his desires were appeased. M—— + M—— always found me amorous. My love, indeed, was even hotter + than it had been, since, only seeing her once a week and remaining + faithful to her, I had always an abundant harvest to gather in. C—— + C——‘s letters which she brought to me softened me to tears, + for she said that after the loss of her mother she could not count upon + the friendship of any of her relations. She called me her sole friend, her + only protector, and in speaking of her grief in not being able to see me + any more whilst she remained in the convent, she begged me to remain + faithful to her dear friend. + </p> + <p> + On Good Friday, when I got to the casino, I found the lovers over-whelmed + with grief. Supper was served, but the ambassador, downcast and absent, + neither ate nor spoke; and M—— M—— was like a + statue that moves at intervals by some mechanism. Good sense and ordinary + politeness prevented me from asking any questions, but on M—— + M—— leaving us together, M. de Bemis told me that she was + distressed, and with reason, since he was obliged to set out for Vienna + fifteen days after Easter. “I may tell you confidentially,” he added, + “that I believe I shall scarcely be able to return, but she must not be + told, as she would be in despair.” M—— M—— came + back in a few minutes, but it was easy to see that she had been weeping. + </p> + <p> + After some commonplace conversation, M. de Bernis, seeing M—— + M—— still low-spirited, said, + </p> + <p> + “Do not grieve thus, sweetheart, go I must, but my return is a matter of + equal certainty when I have finished the important business which summons + me to Vienna. You will still have the casino, but, dearest, both + friendship and prudence make me advise you not to come here in my absence, + for after I have left Venice I cannot depend upon the faith of the + gondoliers in my service, and I suspect our friend here cannot flatter + himself on his ability to get reliable ones. I may also tell you that I + have strong reasons for suspecting that our intercourse is known to the + State Inquisitors, who conceal their knowledge for political reasons, but + I fancy the secret would soon come to light when I am no longer here, and + when the nun who connives at your departure from the convent knows that it + is no longer for me that you leave it. The only people whom I would trust + are the housekeeper and his wife. I shall order them, before I go, to look + upon our friend here as myself, and you can make your arrangements with + them. I trust all will go well till my return, if you will only behave + discreetly. I will write to you under cover of the housekeeper, his wife + will give you my letters as before, and in the same way you may reply. I + must needs go, dearest one, but my heart is with you, and I leave you, + till my return, in the hands of a friend, whom I rejoice to have known. He + loves you, he has a heart and knowledge of the world, and he will not let + you make any mistakes.” + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— was so affected by what the ambassador had + said that she entreated us to let her go, as she wished to be alone and to + lie down. As she went we agreed to sup together on the following Thursday. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were alone the ambassador impressed me with the absolute + necessity of concealing from her that he was going to return no more. “I + am going,” said he, “to work in concert with the Austrian cabinet on a + treaty which will be the talk of Europe. I entreat you to write to me + unreservedly, and as a friend, and if you love our common mistress, have a + care for her honour, and above all have the strength of mind to resist all + projects which are certain to involve you in misfortune, and which will be + equally fatal to both. You know what happened to Madame de Riva, a nun in + the convent of St.——. She had to disappear after it became + known that she was with child, and M. de Frulai, my predecessor, went mad, + and died shortly after. J. J. Rousseau told me that he died of poison, but + he is a visionary who sees the black side of everything. For my part, I + believe that he died of grief at not being able to do anything for the + unfortunate woman, who afterwards procured a dispensation from her vows + from the Pope, and having got married is now living at Padua without any + position in society. + </p> + <p> + “Let the prudent and loyal friend master the lover: go and see M—— + M—— sometimes in the parlour of the convent, but not here, or + the boatmen will betray you. The knowledge which we both have that the + girls are in a satisfactory condition is a great alleviation to my + distress, but you must confess that you have been very imprudent. You have + risked a terrible misfortune; consider the position you would have been + in, for I am sure you would not have abandoned her. She had an idea that + the danger might be overcome by means of drugs but I convinced her that + she was mistaken. In God’s name, be discreet in the future, and write to + me fully, for I shall always be interested in her fate, both from duty and + sentiment.” + </p> + <p> + We returned together to Venice, where we separated, and I passed the rest + of the night in great distress. In the morning I wrote to the fair + afflicted, and whilst endeavouring to console her to the best of my + ability, I tried to impress on her the necessity for prudence and the + avoidance of such escapades as might eventually ruin us. + </p> + <p> + Next day I received her reply, every word of which spelt despair. Nature + had given her a disposition which had become so intensified by indulgence + that the cloister was unbearable to her, and I foresaw the hard fights I + should have to undergo. + </p> + <p> + We saw each other the Thursday after Easter, and I told her that I should + not come to the casino before midnight. She had had four hours to pass + with her lover in tears and regrets, amongst which she had often cursed + her cruel fate and the foolish resolution which made her take the veil. We + supped together, and although the meal was a rich and delicate one we did + it little honour. When we had finished, the ambassador left, entreating me + to remain, which I did, without thinking at all of the pleasures of a + party of two, for Love lighteth not his torch at the hearts of two lovers + who are full of grief and sorrow. M—— M—— had + grown thin, and her condition excited my pity and shut out all other + feelings. I held her a long time in my arms, covering her with tender and + affectionate kisses, but I shewed no intention of consoling her by + amusements in which her spirit could not have taken part. She said, before + we parted, that I had shewn myself a true lover, and she asked me to + consider myself from henceforth as her only friend and protector. + </p> + <p> + Next week, when we were together as usual, M. de Bemis called the + housekeeper just before supper, and in his presence executed a deed in my + behalf, which he made him sign. In this document he transferred to me all + rights over the contents of the casino, and charged him to consider me in + all things as his master. + </p> + <p> + We arranged to sup together two days after, to make our farewells, but on + my arrival I found by herself, standing up, and pale as death, or rather + as white as a statue of Carrara marble. + </p> + <p> + “He is gone,” she said, “and he leaves me to your care. Fatal being, whom + perchance I shall see no more, whom I thought I loved but as a friend, now + you are lost to me I see my mistake. Before I knew him I was not happy, + but neither was I unhappy as I now am.” + </p> + <p> + I passed the whole night beside her, striving by the most delicate + attentions to soften her grief, but without success. Her character, as + abandoned to sorrow as to pleasure, was displayed to me during that long + and weary night. She told me at what hour I should come to the convent + parlour, the next day, and on my arrival I was delighted to find her not + quite so sad. She shewed me a letter which her lover had written to her + from Trevisa, and she then told me that I must come and see her twice a + week, warning me that she would be accompanied sometimes by one nun and + sometimes by another, for she foresaw that my visits would become the talk + of the convent, when it became known that I was the individual who used to + go to mass at their church. She therefore told me to give in another name, + to prevent C—— C——‘s aunt from becoming + suspicious. + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” she added, “this will not prevent my coming alone when I + have any matter of importance to communicate to you. Promise me, + sweetheart, to sup and sleep at the casino at least once a week, and write + me a note each time by the housekeeper’s wife.” + </p> + <p> + I made no difficulty in promising her that much. + </p> + <p> + We thus passed a fortnight quietly enough, as she was happy again, and her + amorous inclinations had returned in full force. About this time she gave + me a piece of news which delighted me—namely, that C—— C—— + had no longer anything to fear. + </p> + <p> + Full of amorous wishes and having to be content with the teasing pleasure + of seeing one another through a wretched grating, we racked our brains to + find out some way to be alone together to do what we liked, without any + risk. + </p> + <p> + “I am assured,” she said, “of the good faith of the gardener’s sister. I + can go out and come in without fear of being seen, for the little door + leading to the convent is not overlooked by any window—indeed it is + thought to be walled up. Nobody can see me crossing the garden to the + little stream, which is considered unnavigable. All we want is a one-oared + gondola, and I cannot believe that with the help of money you will be + unable to find a boatman on whom we may rely.” + </p> + <p> + I understood from these expressions that she suspected me of becoming cold + towards her, and this suspicion pierced me to the heart. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” said I, “I will be the boatman myself. I will come to the quay, + pass by the little door, and you shall lead me to your room where I will + pass the whole night with you, and the day, too, if you think you can hide + me.” + </p> + <p> + “That plan,” said she, “makes me shudder. I tremble at the danger to which + you might be exposed. No, I should be too unfortunate if I were to be the + cause of your misfortune, but, as you can row, come in the boat, let me + know the time as closely as possible; the trusty woman will be on the + watch, and I will not keep you four minutes waiting. I will get into the + boat, we will go to our beloved casino, and then we shall be happy without + fearing anything.” + </p> + <p> + “I will think it over” + </p> + <p> + The way I took to satisfy her was as follows: I bought a small boat, and + without telling her I went one night all by myself round the island to + inspect the walls of the convent on the side of the lagune. With some + difficulty I made out a little door, which I judged to be the only one by + which she could pass, but to go from there to the casino was no small + matter, since one was obliged to fetch a wide course, and with one oar I + could not do the passage in less than a quarter of an hour, and that with + much toil. Nevertheless, feeling sure of success, I told my pretty nun of + the plan, and never was news received with so much pleasure. We set our + watches together, and fixed our meeting for the Friday following. + </p> + <p> + On the day appointed, an hour before sunset, I betook myself to St. + Francis de la Vigne, where I kept my boat, and having set it in order and + dressed myself as a boatman, I got upon the poop and held a straight + course for the little door, which opened the moment I arrived. M—— + M—— came out wrapped in a cloak, and someone shutting the door + after her she got on board my frail bark, and in a quarter of an hour we + were at the casino. M—— M—— made haste to go in, + but I stayed to belay my boat with a lock and chain against thieves, who + pass the night pleasantly by stealing whatever they can lay hands on. + </p> + <p> + Though I had rowed easily enough, I was in a bath of perspiration, which, + however, by no means hindered my charming mistress from falling on my + neck; the pleasure of meeting seemed to challenge her love, and, proud of + what I had done, I enjoyed her transports. + </p> + <p> + Not dreaming that I should have any occasion for a change of linen, I had + brought none with me, but she soon found a cure for this defect; for after + having undressed me she dried me lovingly, gave me one of her smocks, and + I found myself dressed to admiration. + </p> + <p> + We had been too long deprived of our amorous pleasures to think of taking + supper before we had offered a plenteous sacrifice to love. We spent two + hours in the sweetest of intoxications, our bliss seeming more acute than + at our first meeting. In spite of the fire which consumed me, in spite of + the ardour of my mistress, I was sufficiently master of myself to + disappoint her at the critical moment, for the picture which our friend + had drawn was always before my eyes. M—— M——, + joyous and wanton, having me for the first time in the character of + boatman, augmented our delights by her amorous caprices, but it was + useless for her to try to add fuel to my flame, since I loved her better + than myself. + </p> + <p> + The night was short, for she was obliged to return at three in the + morning, and it struck one as we sat down to table. As the climax of ill + luck a storm came on whilst we were at supper. Our hair stood on end; our + only hope was founded in the nature of these squalls, which seldom last + more than an hour. We were in hopes, also, that it would not leave behind + it too strong a wind, as is sometimes the case, for though I was strong + and sturdy I was far from having the skill or experience of a professional + boatman. + </p> + <p> + In less than half an hour the storm became violent, one flash of lightning + followed another, the thunder roared, and the wind grew to a gale. Yet + after a heavy rain, in less than an hour, the sky cleared, but there was + no moon, it being the day after the Ascension. Two o’clock stuck. I put my + head out at the window, but perceive that a contrary gale is blowing. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Ma tiranno del mar Libecchio resta.’ +</pre> + <p> + This Libecchio which Ariosto calls—and with good reason—the + tyrant of the sea, is the southwesterly wind, which is commonly called + ‘Garbin’ at Venice. I said nothing, but I was frightened. I told my + sweetheart that we must needs sacrifice an hour of pleasure, since + prudence would have it so. + </p> + <p> + “Let us set out forthwith, for if the gale gets stronger I shall not be + able to double the island.” + </p> + <p> + She saw my advice was not to be questioned, and taking the key of her + strong box, whence she desired to get some money, she was delighted to + find her store increased fourfold. She thanked me for having told her + nothing about it, assuring me she would have of me nothing but my heart, + and following me she got into my boat and lay down at full length so as + not to hinder its motion, I got upon the poop, as full of fear as courage, + and in five minutes I had the good luck to double the point. But there it + was that the tyrant was waiting for me, and it was not long before I felt + that my strength would not outlast that of the winds. I rowed with all my + strength, but all I could do was to prevent my boat from going back. For + half an hour I was in this pitiful state, and I felt my strength failing + without daring to say a word. I was out of breath, but could not rest a + moment, since the least relaxation would have let the boat slip a far way + back, and this would have been a distance hard to recover. M—— + M—— lay still and silent, for she perceived I had no breath + wherewith to answer her. I began to give ourselves up as lost. + </p> + <p> + At that instant I saw in the distance a barque coming swiftly towards us. + What a piece of luck! I waited till she caught us up, for if I had not + done so I should not have been able to make myself heard, but as soon as I + saw her at my left hand, twelve feet off, I shouted, “Help! I will give + two sequins!” + </p> + <p> + They lowered sail and came towards me, and on their hailing me I asked for + a man to take us to the opposite point of the island. They asked a sequin + in advance, I gave it them, and promised the other to the man who would + get on my poop and help me to make the point. In less than ten minutes we + were opposite to the little stream leading to the convent, but the secret + of it was too dear to be hazarded, so as soon as we reached the point I + paid my preserver and sent him back. Henceforth the wind was in our + favour, and we soon got to the little door, where M—— M—— + landed, saying to me, “Go and sleep in the casino.” I thought her advice + wise, and I followed it, and having the wind behind me I got to the casino + without trouble, and slept till broad day. As soon as I had risen I wrote + to my dear mistress that I was well, and that we should see each other at + the grating. Having taken my boat back to St. Francis, I put on my mask + and went to Liston. + </p> + <p> + In the morning M—— M—— came to the grating by + herself, and we made all such observations as our adventures of the night + would be likely to suggest, but in place of deciding to follow the advice + which prudence should have given us-namely, not to expose ourselves to + danger for the future, we thought ourselves extremely prudent in resolving + that if we were again threatened by a storm we would set out as soon as we + saw it rising. All the same we had to confess that if chance had not + thrown the barque in our way we should have been obliged to return to the + casino, for M—— M—— could not have got to the + convent, and how could she ever have entered its walls again? I should + have been forced to leave Venice with her, and that for ever. My life + would have been finally and irretrievably linked with hers, and, without + doubt, the various adventures which at the age of seventy-two years impel + me to write these Memoirs, would never have taken place. + </p> + <p> + For the next three months we continued to meet each other once a week, + always amorous, and never disturbed by the slightest accidents. + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— could not resist giving the ambassador a + full account of our adventures, and I had promised to write to him, and + always to write the whole truth. He replied by congratulating us on our + good fortune, but he prophesied inevitable disaster if we had not the + prudence to stop our intercourse. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Murray, the English ambassador, a witty and handsome man, and a great + amateur of the fair sex, wine, and good cheer, then kept the fair Ancilla, + who introduced me to him. This fine fellow became my friend in much the + same way as M. de Bernis, the only difference being that the Frenchman + liked to look on while the Englishman preferred to give the show. I was + never unwelcome at their amorous battles, and the voluptuous Ancilla was + delighted to have me for a witness. I never gave them the pleasure of + mingling in the strife. I loved M—— M——, but I + should avow that my fidelity to her was not entirely dependent on my love. + Though Ancilla was handsome she inspired me with repugnance, for she was + always hoarse, and complained of a sharp pain in the throat, and though + her lover kept well, I was afraid of her, and not without cause, for the + disease which ended the days of Francis I. of France brought her to the + grave in the following autumn. A quarter of an hour before she died, her + brave Briton, yielding to the lascivious requests of this new Messalina, + offered in my presence the last sacrifice, in spite of a large sore on her + face which made her look hideous. + </p> + <p> + This truly heroic action was known all over the town, and it was Murray + himself who made it known, citing me as his witness. + </p> + <p> + This famous courtezan, whose beauty was justly celebrated, feeling herself + eaten away by an internal disease, promised to give a hundred louis to a + doctor named Lucchesi, who by dint of mercury undertook to cure her, but + Ancilla specified on the agreement that she was not to pay the aforesaid + sum till Lucchesi had offered with her an amorous sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + The doctor having done his business as well as he could wished to be paid + without submitting to the conditions of the treaty, but Ancilla held her + ground, and the matter was brought before a magistrate. + </p> + <p> + In England, where all agreements are binding, Ancilla would have won her + case, but at Venice she lost it. + </p> + <p> + The judge, in giving sentence, said a condition, criminal per se, not + fulfilled, did not invalidate an agreement—a sentence abounding in + wisdom, especially in this instance. + </p> + <p> + Two months before this woman had become disgusting, my friend M. Memmo, + afterwards procurator, asked me to take him to her house. In the height of + the conversation, what should come but a gondola, and we saw Count + Rosemberg, the ambassador from Vienna, getting out of it. M. Memmo was + thunderstruck (for a Venetian noble conversing with a foreign ambassador + becomes guilty of treason to the state), and ran in hot haste from + Ancilla’s room, I after him, but on the stair he met the ambassador, who, + seeing his distress, burst into a laugh, and passed on. I got directly + into M. Memmo’s gondola, and we went forthwith to M. Cavalli, secretary to + the State Inquisitors. M. Memmo could have taken no better course to avoid + the troublesome consequences which this fatal meeting might have had, and + he was very glad that I was with him to testify to his innocence and to + the harmlessness of the occurrence. + </p> + <p> + M. Cavalli received M. Memmo with a smile, and told him he did well to + come to confession without wasting any time. M. Memmo, much astonished at + this reception, told him the brief history of the meeting, and the + secretary replied with a grave air that he had no doubt as to the truth of + his story, as the circumstances were in perfect correspondence with what + he knew of the matter. + </p> + <p> + We came away extremely puzzled at the secretary’s reply, and discussed the + subject for some time, but then we came to the conclusion that M. Cavalli + could have had no positive knowledge of the matter before we came, and + that he only spoke as he did from the instinct of an Inquisitor, who likes + it to be understood that nothing is hid from him for a moment. + </p> + <p> + After the death of Ancilla, Mr. Murray remained without a titular + mistress, but, fluttering about like a butterfly, he had, one after + another, the prettiest girls in Venice. This good-natured Epicurean set + out for Constantinople two years later, and was for twenty years the + ambassador of the Court of St. James at the Sublime Porte. He returned to + Venice in 1778 with the intention of ending his days there, far from + affairs of state, but he died in the lazaretto eight days before the + completion of his quarantine. + </p> + <p> + At play fortune continued to favour me; my commerce with M—— M—— + could not be discovered now that I was my own waterman; and the nuns who + were in the secret were too deeply involved not to keep it. I led them a + merry life, but I foresaw that as soon as M. de Bernis decided to let M—— + M—— know that he would not return to Venice, he would recall + his people, and we should then have the casino no longer. I knew, besides, + that when the rough season came on it would be impossible for me by myself + to continue our voyages. + </p> + <p> + The first Monday in October, when the theatres are opened and masks may be + worn, I went to St. Francis to get my boat, and thence to Muran for my + mistress, afterwards making for the casino. The nights were now long + enough for us to have ample time for enjoyment, so we began by making an + excellent supper, and then devoted ourselves to the worship of Love and + Sleep. Suddenly, in the midst of a moment of ecstasy, I heard a noise in + the direction of the canal, which aroused my suspicions, and I rushed to + the window. What was my astonishment and anger to see a large boat taking + mine in tow! Nevertheless, without giving way to my passion, I shouted to + the robbers that I would give them ten sequins if they would be kind + enough to return me my boat. + </p> + <p> + A shout of laughter was all the reply they made, and not believing what I + said they continued their course. What was I to do? I dared not cry, “Stop + thief!” and not being endued with the power of walking on the water + dry-footed, I could not give chase to the robbers. I was in the utmost + distress, and for the moment M—— M—— shewed signs + of terror, for she did not see how I could remedy this disaster. + </p> + <p> + I dressed myself hastily, giving no more thoughts to love, my only comfort + being that I had still two hours to get the indispensable boat, should it + cost me a hundred sequins. I should have been in no perplexity if I had + been able to take one, but the gondoliers would infallibly make + proclamation over the whole of Muran that they had taken a nun to such a + convent, and all would have been lost. + </p> + <p> + The only way, then, that was open to me was either to buy a boat or to + steal one. I put my pistols and dagger in my pocket, took some money, and + with an oar on my shoulder set out. + </p> + <p> + The robbers had filed the chain of my boat with a silent file; this I + could not do, and I could only reckon on having the good luck to find a + boat moored with cords. + </p> + <p> + Coming to the large bridge I saw boats and to spare, but there were people + on the quay, and I would not risk taking one. Seeing a tavern open at the + end of the quay I ran like a madman, and asked if there were any boatmen + there; the drawer told me there were two, but that they were drunk. I came + up to them, and said, “Who will take me to Venice for eighty sous?” + </p> + <p> + “I,” and “I”; and they began to quarrel as to who should go. I quieted + them by giving forty sous to the more drunken of the two, and I went out + with the other. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were on our way, I said, + </p> + <p> + “You are too drunk to take me, lend me your boat, and I will give it you + back to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will deposit ten sequins, but your boat is not worth that. Who will be + your surety?” + </p> + <p> + He took me back to the tavern, and the drawer went bail for him. Well + pleased, I took my man to the boat, and having furnished it with a second + oar and two poles he went away, chuckling at having made a good bargain, + while I was as glad to have had the worst of it. I had been an hour away, + and on entering the casino found my dear M—— M—— + in an agony, but as soon as she saw my beaming face all the laughter came + back on hers. I took her to the convent, and then went to St. Francis, + where the keeper of the boathouse looked as if he thought me a fool, when + I told him that I had trucked away my boat for the one I had with me. I + put on my mask, and went forthwith to my lodging and to bed, for these + annoyances had been too much for me. + </p> + <p> + About this time my destiny made me acquainted with a nobleman called Mark + Antony Zorzi, a man of parts and famous for his skill in writing verses in + the Venetian dialect. Zorzi, who was very fond of the play, and desired to + offer a sacrifice to Thalia, wrote a comedy which the audience took the + liberty of hissing; but having persuaded himself that his piece only + failed through the conspiracies of the Abbe Chiari, who wrote for the + Theatre of St. Angelo, he declared open war against all the abbe’s plays. + </p> + <p> + I felt no reluctance whatever to visit M. Zorzi, for he possessed an + excellent cook and a charming wife. He knew that I did not care for Chiari + as an author, and M. Zorzi had in his pay people who, without pity, rhyme, + or reason, hissed all the compositions of the ecclesiastical playwright. + My part was to criticise them in hammer verses—a kind of doggerel + then much in fashion, and Zorzi took care to distribute my lucubrations + far and wide. These manoeuvres made me a powerful enemy in the person of + M. Condulmer, who liked me none the better for having all the appearance + of being in high favour with Madame Zorzi, to whom before my appearance he + had paid diligent court. This M. Condulmer was to be excused for not + caring for me, for, having a large share in the St. Angelo Theatre, the + failure of the abbe’s pieces was a loss to him, as the boxes had to be let + at a very low rent, and all men are governed by interested motives. + </p> + <p> + This M. Condulmer was sixty years old, but with all the greenness of youth + he was still fond of women, gaming, and money, and he was, in fact, a + money-lender, but he knew how to pass for a saint, as he took care to go + to mass every morning at St. Mark’s, and never omitted to shed tears + before the crucifix. The following year he was made a councillor, and in + that capacity he was for eight months a State Inquisitor. Having thus + attained this diabolically-eminent, or eminently-diabolical, position, he + had not much difficulty in shewing his colleagues the necessity of putting + me under The Leads as a disturber of the peace of the Republic. In the + beginning of the winter the astounding news of the treaty between France + and Austria was divulged—a treaty by which the political balance was + entirely readjusted, and which was received with incredulity by the + Powers. The whole of Italy had reason to rejoice, for the treaty guarded + that fair land from becoming the theatre of war on the slightest + difference which might arise between the two Powers. What astonished the + most acute was that this wonderful treaty was conceived and carried out by + a young ambassador who had hitherto been famed only as a wit. The first + foundations had been laid in 1750 by Madame de Pompadour, Count Canes (who + was created a prince), and M. l’Abbe de Bernis, who was not known till the + following year, when the king made him ambassador to Venice. The House of + Bourbon and the House of Hapsburg had been foes for two hundred and forty + years when this famous treaty was concluded, but it only lasted for forty + years, and it is not likely that any treaty will last longer between two + courts so essentially opposed to one another. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe de Bernis was created minister for foreign affairs some time + after the ratification of the treaty; three years after he re-established + the parliament, became a cardinal, was disgraced, and finally sent to + Rome, where he died. ‘Mors ultimo linea rerum est’. + </p> + <p> + Affairs fell out as I had foreseen, for nine months after he left Venice + he conveyed to M—— M—— the news of his recall, + though he did it in the most delicate manner. Nevertheless, M—— + M—— felt the blow so severely that she would very possibly + have succumbed, had I not been preparing her for it in every way I could + think of. M. de Bernis sent me all instructions. + </p> + <p> + He directed that all the contents of the casino should be sold and the + proceeds given to M—— M——, with the exception of + the books and prints which the housekeeper was ordered to bring to Paris. + It was a nice breviary for a cardinal, but would to God they had nothing + worse! + </p> + <p> + Whilst M—— M—— abandoned herself to grief I + carried out the orders of M. de Bernis, and by the middle of January we + had no longer a casino. She kept by her two thousand sequins and her + pearls, intending to sell them later on to buy herself an annuity. + </p> + <p> + We were now only able to see each other at the grating; and soon, worn + with grief, she fell dangerously ill, and on the 2nd of February I + recognized in her features the symptoms of approaching death. She sent me + her jewel-case, with all her diamonds and nearly all her money, all the + scandalous books she possessed, and all her letters, telling me that if + she did not die I was to return her the whole, but that all belonged to me + if, as she thought, she should succumb to the disease. She also told me + that C—— C—— was aware of her state, and asked me + to take pity on her and write to her, as my letters were her only comfort, + and that she hoped to have strength to read them till her latest breath. + </p> + <p> + I burst into tears, for I loved her passionately, and I promised her to + come and live in Muran until she recovered her health. + </p> + <p> + Having placed the property in a gondola, I went to the Bragadin Palace to + deposit it, and then returned to Muran to get Laura to find me a furnished + room where I could live as I liked. “I know of a good room, with meals + provided,” she said; “you will be quite comfortable and will get it + cheaply, and if you like to pay in advance, you need not even say who you + are. The old man to whom the house belongs lives on the ground floor; he + will give you all the keys and if you like you need see no one.” + </p> + <p> + She gave me the address, and I went there on the spot, and having found + everything to my liking I paid a month in advance and the thing was done. + It was a little house at the end of a blind alley abutting on the canal. I + returned to Laura’s house to tell her that I wanted a servant to get my + food and to make my bed, and she promised to get me one by the next day. + </p> + <p> + Having set all in order for my new lodging, I returned to Venice and + packed my mails as if I were about to make a long journey. After supper I + took leave of M. de Bragadin and of his two friends, telling them that I + was going to be away for several weeks on important business. + </p> + <p> + Next day, going to my new room, I was surprised to find there Tonine, + Laura’s daughter, a pretty girl not more than fifteen years old, who told + me with a blush, but with more spirit than I gave her credit for, that she + would serve me as well as her mother would have done. + </p> + <p> + I was in too much distress to thank Laura for this pretty present, and I + even determined that her daughter should not stay in my service. We know + how much such resolutions are commonly worth. In the meanwhile I was kind + to the girl: “I am sure,” I said, “of your goodwill, but I must talk to + your mother. I must be alone,” I added, “as I have to write all day, and I + shall not take anything till the evening.” She then gave me a letter, + begging pardon for not having given it me sooner. “You must never forget + to deliver messages,” I said, “for if you had waited any longer before + bringing me this letter, it might have had the most serious consequences.” + She blushed, begged pardon, and went out of the room. The letter was from + C—— C——, who told me that her friend was in bed, + and that the doctor had pronounced her illness to be fever. I passed the + rest of the day in putting my room in order, and in writing to C—— + C—— and her suffering friend. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening Tonine brought in the candles, and told me that my supper + was ready. “Follow me,” I said. Seeing that she had only laid supper for + one—a pleasing proof of her modesty, I told her to get another knife + and fork, as I wished her always to take her meals with me. I can give no + account of my motives. I only wished to be kind to her, and I did + everything in good faith. By and by, reader, we shall see whether this is + not one of the devices by which the devil compasses his ends. + </p> + <p> + Not having any appetite, I ate little, but I thought everything good with + the exception of the wine; but Tonine promised to get some better by the + next day, and when supper was over she went to sleep in the ante-room. + </p> + <p> + After sealing my letters, wishing to know whether the outer door was + locked, I went out and saw Tonine in bed, sleeping peacefully, or + pretending to do so. I might have suspected her thoughts, but I had never + been in a similar situation, and I measured the extremity of my grief by + the indifference with which I looked at this girl; she was pretty, but for + all that I felt that neither she nor I ran any risk. + </p> + <p> + Next day, waking very early, I called her, and she came in neatly dressed. + I gave her my letter to C—— C——, which enclosed + the letter to M—— M——, telling her to take it to + her mother and then to return to make my coffee. + </p> + <p> + “I shall dine at noon, Tonine,” I said, “take care to get what is + necessary in good time.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I prepared yesterday’s supper myself, and if you like I can cook all + your meals.” + </p> + <p> + “I am satisfied with your abilities, go on, and here is a sequin for + expenses.” + </p> + <p> + “I still have a hundred and twenty sous remaining from the one you gave me + yesterday, and that will be enough.” + </p> + <p> + “No, they are for yourself, and I shall give you as much every day.” + </p> + <p> + Her delight was so great that I could not prevent her covering my hand + with kisses. I took care to draw it back and not to kiss her in return, + for I felt as if I should be obliged to laugh, and this would have + dishonoured my grief. + </p> + <p> + The second day passed like the first. Tonine was glad that I said no more + about speaking to her mother, and drew the conclusion that her services + were agreeable to me. Feeling tired and weak, and fearing that I should + not wake early enough to send the letter to the convent, but not wishing + to rouse Tonine if she were asleep, I called her softly. She rose + immediately and came into my room with nothing on but a slight petticoat. + Pretending to see nothing, I gave her my letter, and told her to take it + to her mother in the morning before she came into my room. She went out, + saying that my instructions should be carried out, but as soon as she was + gone I could not resist saying to myself that she was very pretty; and I + felt both sad and ashamed at the reflection that this girl could very + easily console me. I hugged my grief, and I determined to separate myself + from a being who made me forget it. + </p> + <p> + “In the morning,” I said, “I will tell Laura to get me something less + seducing;” but the night brought counsel, and in the morning I put on the + armour of sophism, telling myself that my weakness was no fault of the + girl’s, and that it would therefore be unjust to punish her for it. We + shall see, dear reader, how all this ended. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0023" id="linkB2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Continues the Preceding Chapter—M. M. Recovers—I Return to + Venice—Tonine Consoles Me—Decrease of My Love For M. M.— + Doctor Righelini—Curious Conversation With Him—How This + Conversation Affected M. M.—Mr. Murray Undeceived and + Avenged +</pre> + <a name="linkBimage-0006" id="linkBimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/2c23.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 23 " /> + </div> + <p> + Tontine had what is called tact and common sense, and thinking these + qualities were required in our economy she behaved with great delicacy, + not going to bed before receiving my letters, and never coming into my + room except in a proper dress, and all this pleased me. For a fortnight M—— + M—— was so ill that I expected every moment to hear the news + of her death. On Shrove Tuesday C—— C—— wrote that + her friend was not strong enough to read my letter, and that she was going + to receive ‘extreme unction’. This news so shocked me that I could not + rise, and passed the whole day in weeping and writing, Tonine not leaving + me till midnight. I could not sleep. On Ash Wednesday I got a letter, in + which C—— C—— told me that the doctor had no hopes + for her friend, and that he only gave her a fortnight to live. A low fever + was wasting her away, her weakness was extreme, and she could scarcely + swallow a little broth. She had also the misfortune to be harassed by her + confessor, who made her foretaste all the terrors of death. I could only + solace my grief by writing, and Tonine now and again made bold to observe + that I was cherishing my grief, and that it would be the death of me. I + knew myself that I was making my anguish more poignant, and that keeping + to my bed, continued writing, and no food, would finally drive me mad. I + had told my grief to poor Tonine, whose chief duty was to wipe away my + tears. She had compassion on me. + </p> + <p> + A few days later, after assuring C—— C—— that if + our friend died I should not survive her, I asked her to tell M—— + M—— that if she wanted me to take care of my life she must + promise to let me carry her off on her recovery. + </p> + <p> + “I have,” I said, “four thousand sequins and her diamonds, which are worth + six thousand; we should, therefore, have a sufficient sum to enable us to + live honourably in any part of Europe.” + </p> + <p> + C—— C—— wrote to me on the following day, and said + that my mistress, after hearing my letter read, had fallen into a kind of + convulsion, and, becoming delirious, she talked incessantly in French for + three whole hours in a fashion which would have made all the nuns take to + their heels, if they had understood her. I was in despair, and was nearly + raving as wildly as my poor nun. Her delirium lasted three days, and as + soon as she got back her reason she charged her young friend to tell me + that she was sure to get well if I promised to keep to my word, and to + carry her off as soon as her health would allow. I hastened to reply that + if I lived she might be sure my promise would be fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + Thus continuing to deceive each other in all good faith, we got better, + for every letter from C—— C——, telling me how the + convalescence of her friend was progressing, was to me as balm. And as my + mind grew more composed my appetite also grew better, and my health + improving day by day, I soon, though quite unconsciously, began to take + pleasure in the simple ways of Tonine, who now never left me at night + before she saw that I was asleep. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of March M—— M—— wrote to me + herself, saying that she believed herself out of danger, and that by + taking care she hoped to be able to leave her room after Easter. I replied + that I should not leave Muran till I had the pleasure of seeing her at the + grating, where, without hurrying ourselves, we could plan the execution of + our scheme. + </p> + <p> + It was now seven weeks since M. de Bragadin had seen me, and thinking that + he would be getting anxious I resolved to go and see him that very day. + Telling Tonine that I should not be back till the evening, I started for + Venice without a cloak, for having gone to Muran masked I had forgotten to + take one. I had spent forty-eight days without going out of my room, + chiefly in tears and distress, and without taking any food. I had just + gone through an experience which flattered my self-esteem. I had been + served by a girl who would have passed for a beauty anywhere in Europe. + She was gentle, thoughtful, and delicate, and without being taxed with + foppishness I think I may say that, if she was not in love with me, she + was at all events inclined to please me to the utmost of her ability; for + all that I had been able to withstand her youthful charms, and I now + scarcely dreaded them. Seeing her every day, I had dispersed my amorous + fancies, and friendship and gratitude seemed to have vanquished all other + feelings, for I was obliged to confess that this charming girl had + lavished on me the most tender and assiduous care. + </p> + <p> + She had passed whole nights on a chair by my bedside, tending me like a + mother, and never giving me the slightest cause for complaint. + </p> + <p> + Never had I given her a kiss, never had I allowed myself to undress in her + presence, and never (with one exception) had she come into my room without + being properly dressed. For all that, I knew that I had fought a battle, + and I felt inclined to boast at having won the victory. There was only one + circumstance that vexed me—namely, that I was nearly certain that + neither M. M. nor C. C. would consider such continence to be within the + bounds of possibility, if they heard of it, and that Laura herself, to + whom her daughter would tell the whole story, would be sceptical, though + she might out of kindness pretend to believe it all. + </p> + <p> + I got to M. de Bragadin’s just as the soup was being served. He welcomed + me heartily, and was delighted at having foreseen that I should thus + surprise them. Besides my two other old friends, there were De la Haye, + Bavois, and Dr. Righelini at table. + </p> + <p> + “What! you without a cloak!” said M. Dandolo. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I; “for having gone out with my mask on I forgot to bring + one.” + </p> + <p> + At this they laughed, and, without putting myself out, I sat down. No one + asked where I had been so long, for it was understood that that question + should be left to me to answer or not. Nevertheless, De la Haye, who was + bursting with curiosity, could not refrain from breaking some jests on me. + </p> + <p> + “You have got so thin,” said he, “that uncharitable people will be rather + hard on you.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust they will not say that I have been passing my time with the + Jesuits.” + </p> + <p> + “You are sarcastic. They may say, perhaps, that you have passed your time + in a hot-house under the influence of Mercury.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid, sir, for to escape this hasty judgment I shall go back + this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, I am quite sure you will not.” + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, sir,” said I, with a bantering tone, “that I deem your + opinion of too much consequence not to be governed by it.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that I was in earnest, my friends were angry with him; and the + Aristarchus was in some confusion. + </p> + <p> + Righelini, who was one of Murray’s intimate friends, said to me in a + friendly way that he had been longing to tell Murray of my re-appearance, + and of the falsity of all the reports about me. + </p> + <p> + “We will go to sup with him,” said I, “and I will return after supper.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that M. de Bragadin and his two friends were uneasy about me, I + promised to dine with them on April 25th, St. Mark’s Day. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Mr. Murray saw me, he fell on my neck and embraced me. He + introduced me to his wife, who asked me to supper with great politeness. + After Murray had told me the innumerable stories which had been made about + my disappearance, he asked me if I knew a little story by the Abbe Chiari, + which had come out at the end of the carnival. As I said that I knew + nothing about it, he gave me a copy, telling me that I should like it. He + was right. It was a satire in which the Zorzi clique was pulled to pieces, + and in which I played a very poor part. I did not read it till some time + after, and in the mean time put it in my pocket. After a very good supper + I took a gondola to return to Muran. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight and very dark, so that I did not perceive the gondola to + be ill covered and in wretched order. A fine rain was falling when I got + in, and the drops getting larger I was soon wet to the skin. No great harm + was done, as I was close to my quarters. I groped my way upstairs and + knocked at the door of the ante-room, where Tonine, who had not waited for + me, was sleeping. Awake in a moment she came to open the door in her + smock, and without a light. As I wanted one, I told her to get the flint + and steel, which she did, warning me in a modest voice that she was not + dressed. “That’s of no consequence,” said I, “provided you are covered.” + She said no more, and soon lighted a candle, but she could not help + laughing when she saw me dripping wet. + </p> + <p> + “I only want you, my dear,” said I, “to dry my hair.” She quickly set to + work with powder and powder-puff in hand, but her smock was short and + loose at the top, and I repented, rather too late, that I had not given + her time to dress. I felt that all was lost, all the more as having to use + both her hands she could not hold her smock and conceal two swelling + spheres more seductive than the apples of the Hesperides. How could I help + seeing them? I shut my eyes and, said “For shame!” but I gave in at last, + and fixed such a hungry gaze upon poor Tonine that she blushed. “Come,” + said I, “take your smock between your teeth and then I shall see no more.” + But it was worse than before, and I had only added fuel to the fire; for, + as the veil was short, I could see the bases and almost the frieze of two + marble columns; and at this sight I gave a voluptuous cry. Not knowing how + to conceal everything from my gaze, Tonine let herself fall on the sofa, + and I, my passions at fever-heat, stood beside her, not knowing what to + do. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she said, “shall I go and dress myself and then do your hair?” + </p> + <p> + “No, come and sit on my knee, and cover my eyes with your hands.” She came + obediently, but the die was cast, and my resistance overcome. I clasped + her between my arms, and without any more thoughts of playing at blind + man’s buff I threw her on the bed and covered her with kisses. And as I + swore that I would always love her, she opened her arms to receive me in a + way that shewed how long she had been waiting for this moment. + </p> + <p> + I plucked the rose, and then, as ever, I thought it the rarest I had ever + gathered since I had laboured in the harvest of the fruitful fields of + love. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke in the morning I found myself more deeply in love with Tonine + than I had been with any other woman. She had got up without waking me, + but as soon as she heard me stirring she came, and I tenderly chid her for + not waiting for me to give her good morrow. Without answering she gave me + M—— M——‘s letter. I thanked her, but putting the + letter on one side I took her in my arms, and set her by my side. “What a + wonder!” cried Tonine. “You are not in a hurry to read that letter! + Faithless man, why did you not let me cure you six weeks ago. How lucky I + am; thanks to the rain! I do not blame you, dear, but love me as you love + her who writes to you every day, and I shall be satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know who she is?” + </p> + <p> + “She lives in a boarding-house, and is as beautiful as an angel; but she + is there, and I am here. You are my master, and I will be your servant as + long as you like.” + </p> + <p> + I was glad to leave her in error, and swore an ever-lasting love; but + during our conversation she had let herself drop down in the bottom of the + bed, and I entreated her to lie down again; but she said that on the + contrary it was time for me to get up for dinner, for she wanted to give + me a dainty meal cooked in the Venetian manner. + </p> + <p> + “Who is the cook?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I am, and I have been using all my skill on it since five, when I got + up.” + </p> + <p> + “What time is it now, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Past one.” + </p> + <p> + The girl astonished me. She was no longer the shy Tonine of last night; + she had that exultant air which happiness bestows, and the look of + pleasure which the delights of love give to a young beauty. I could not + understand how I had escaped from doing homage to her beauty when I first + saw her at her mother’s house. But I was then too deeply in love with C—— + C——; I was in too great distress; and, moreover, Tonine was + then unformed. I got up, and making her bring me a cup of coffee I asked + her to keep the dinner back for a couple of hours. + </p> + <p> + I found M—— M——‘s letter affectionate, but not so + interesting as it would have been the day before. I set myself to answer + it, and was almost thunderstruck to find the task, for the first time, a + painful one. However, my short journey to Venice supplied me with talk + which covered four pages. + </p> + <p> + I had an exquisite dinner with my charming Tonine. Looking at her as at + the same time my wife, my mistress, and my housekeeper, I was delighted to + find myself made happy at such a cheap rate. We spent the whole day at the + table talking of our love, and giving each other a thousand little marks + of it; for there is no such rich and pleasant matter for conversation as + when they who talk are parties to an amorous suit. She told with charming + simplicity that she knew perfectly well that she could not make me amorous + of her, because I loved another, and that her only hope was therefore in a + surprise, and that she had foreseen the happy moment when I told her that + she need not dress herself to light a candle. + </p> + <p> + Tonine was naturally quick-witted, but she did not know either how to read + or to write. She was enchanted to see herself become rich (for she thought + herself so) without a soul at Muran being able to breathe a word against + her honour. I passed three weeks in the company of this delightful girl—weeks + which I still reckon among the happiest of my life; and what embitters my + old age is that, having a heart as warm as ever, I have no longer the + strength necessary to secure a single day as blissful as those which I + owed to this charming girl. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of April I saw M. M. at the grating, looking thin and much + changed, but out of danger. I therefore returned to Venice. In my + interview, calling my attachment and tender feelings to my aid, I + succeeded in behaving myself in such wise that she could not possibly + detect the change which a new love had worked in my heart. I shall be, I + trust, easily believed when I say that I was not imprudent enough to let + her suspect that I had given up the idea of escaping with her, upon which + she counted more than ever. I was afraid lest she should fall ill again, + if I took this hope away from her. I kept my casino, which cost me little, + and as I went to see M. M. twice a week I slept there on those occasions, + and made love with my dashing Tonine. + </p> + <p> + Having kept my word with my friends by dining with them on St. Mark’s Day, + I went with Dr. Righelini to the parlour of the Vierges to see the taking + of the veil. + </p> + <p> + The Convent of the Vierges is within the jurisdiction of the Doge, whom + the nuns style “Most Serene Father.” They all belong to the first families + in Venice. + </p> + <p> + While I was praising the beauty of Mother M—— E—— + to Dr. Righelini, he whispered to me that he could get her me for a money + payment, if I were curious in the matter. A hundred sequins for her and + ten sequins for the go-between was the price fixed on. He assured me that + Murray had had her, and could have her again. Seeing my surprise, he added + that there was not a nun whom one could not have by paying for her: that + Murray had the courage to disburse five hundred sequins for a nun of Muran—a + rare beauty, who was afterwards the mistress of the French ambassador. + </p> + <p> + Though my passion for M—— M—— was on the wane, I + felt my heart gripped as by a hand of ice, and it was with the greatest + difficulty that I made no sign. Notwithstanding, I took the story for an + atrocious calumny, but yet the matter was too near my heart for me to + delay in bringing it to light at the earliest opportunity. I therefore + replied to Righelini in the calmest manner possible, that one or two nuns + might be had for money, but that it could happen very rarely on account of + the difficulties in most convents. + </p> + <p> + “As for the nun of Muran, justly famous for her beauty, if she be M—— + M——, nun of the convent..., I not only disbelieve that Murray + ever had her, but I am sure she was never the French ambassador’s + mistress. If he knew her it could only have been at the grating, where I + really cannot say what happens.” + </p> + <p> + Righelini, who was an honourable and spirited man, answered me coldly that + the English ambassador was a man of his word, and that he had the story + from his own lips. + </p> + <p> + “If Mr. Murray,” he continued, “had not told it me under the seal of + secrecy I would make him tell it you himself. I shall be obliged if you + will take care that he never knows I told you of it.” + </p> + <p> + “You may rely on my discretion.” + </p> + <p> + The same evening, supping at Murray’s casino with Righelini, having the + matter at heart, and seeing before me the two men who could clear up + everything to my satisfaction, I began to speak with enthusiasm of the + beauty of M—— E——, whom I had seen at the Vierges. + </p> + <p> + Here the ambassador struck in, taking the ball on the hop: + </p> + <p> + “Between friends,” said he, “you can get yourself the enjoyment of those + charms, if you are willing to sacrifice a sum of money—not too much, + either, but you must have the key.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you have it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am sure; and had less trouble than you might suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are sure; I congratulate you, and doubt no more. I envy your + fortune, for I don’t believe a more perfect beauty could be found in all + the convents of Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “There you are wrong. Mother M—— M——, at—— + in Muran, is certainly handsomer.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard her talked of and I have seen her once, but I do not think + it possible that she can be procured for money.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” said he, laughing, “and when I think I mostly have good + reasons.” + </p> + <p> + “You surprise me; but all the same I don’t mind betting you are deceived.” + </p> + <p> + “You would lose. As you have only seen her once, I suppose you would not + recognize her portrait?” + </p> + <p> + “I should, indeed, as her face left a strong impression on my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute.” + </p> + <p> + He got up from the table, went out, and returned a minute after with a box + containing eight or ten miniatures, all in the same style, namely, with + hair in disorder and bare necks. + </p> + <p> + “These,” said I, “are rare charms, with which you have doubtless a near + acquaintance?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and if you recognize any of them be discreet.” + </p> + <p> + “You need not be afraid. Here are three I recognize, and this looks like M—— + M——; but confess that you may have been deceived—at + least, that you did not have her in the convent or here, for there are + women like her.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you think I have been deceived? I have had her here in her + religious habit, and I have spent a whole night with her; and it was to + her individually that I sent a purse containing five hundred sequins. I + gave fifty to the good procurer.” + </p> + <p> + “You have, I suppose, visited her in the parlour, after having her here?” + </p> + <p> + “No, never, as she was afraid her titular lover might hear of it. You know + that was the French ambassador.” + </p> + <p> + “But she only saw him in the parlour.” + </p> + <p> + “She used to go to his house in secular dress whenever he wanted her. I + was told that by the man who brought her here.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you had her several times?” + </p> + <p> + “Only once and that was enough, but I can have her whenever I like for a + hundred sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “All that may be the truth, but I would wager five hundred sequins that + you have been deceived.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have your answer in three days.” + </p> + <p> + I was perfectly certain, I repeat, that the whole affair was a piece of + knavery; but it was necessary to have it proved, and I shuddered when the + thought came into my head that after all it might be a true story. In this + case I should have been freed from a good many obligations, but I was + strongly persuaded of her innocence. At all events, if I were to find her + guilty (which was amongst possible occurrences), I resigned myself to lose + five hundred sequins as the price of this horrible discovery and addition + to my experience of life. I was full of restless anguish—the worst, + perhaps, of the torments of the mind. If the honest Englishman had been + the victim of a mystification, or rather knavery, my regard for M—— + M——‘s honour compelled me to find a way to undeceive him + without compromising her; and such was my plan, and thus fortune favoured + me. Three or four days after, Mr. Murray told the doctor that he wished to + see me. We went to him, and he greeted me thus: + </p> + <p> + “I have won; for a hundred sequins I can have the fair nun! + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said I, “there go my five hundred sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “No, not five hundred, my dear fellow, for I should be ashamed to win so + much of you, but the hundred she would cost me. If I win, you shall pay + for my pleasure, and if I lose I shall give her nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “How is the problem to be solved?” “My Mercury tells me that we must wait + for a day when masks are worn. He is endeavouring at present to find out a + way to convince both of us; for otherwise neither you nor I would feel + compelled to pay the wager, and if I really have M. M. my honour would not + allow me to let her suspect that I had betrayed the secret.” + </p> + <p> + “No, that would be an unpardonable crime. Hear my plan, which will satisfy + us both; for after it has been carried out each of us will be sure that he + has fairly won or fairly lost. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as you have possessed yourself of the real or pretended nun, + leave her on some pretext, and meet me in a place to be agreed upon. We + will then go together to the convent, and I will ask for M. M. + </p> + <p> + “Will seeing her and speaking to her convince you that the woman you have + left at home is a mere impostor?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly, and I shall pay my wager with the greatest willingness.” + </p> + <p> + “I may say the same. If, when I summon M. M. to the parlour, the + lay-sister tells us she is ill or busy, we will go, and the wager will be + yours; you will sup with the fair, and I will go elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it; but since all this will be at nighttime, it is possible that + when you ask for her, the sister will tell you that no one can be seen at + such an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall lose.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite sure, then, that if she be in the convent she will come + down?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s my business. I repeat, if you don’t speak to her, I shall hold + myself to have lost a hundred sequins, or a thousand if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “One can’t speak plainer than that, my dear fellow, and I thank you + beforehand.” + </p> + <p> + “The only thing I ask you is to come sharp to time; and not to come too + late for a convent.” + </p> + <p> + “Will an hour after sunset suit you?” + </p> + <p> + “Admirably.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall also make it my business to compel my masked mistress to stop + where she is, even though it be M. M. herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Some won’t have long to wait, if you will take her to a casino which I + myself possess at Muran, and where I secretly keep a girl of whom I am + amorous. I will take care that she shall not be there on the appointed + day, and I will give you the key of the casino. I shall also see that you + find a delicate cold supper ready.” + </p> + <p> + “That is admirable, but I must be able to point out the place to my + Mercury.” + </p> + <p> + “True! I will give you a supper to-morrow, the greatest secrecy to be + observed between us. We will go to my casino in a gondola, and after + supper we will go out by the street door; thus you will know the way by + land and water. You will only have to tell the procurer the name of the + canal and of the house, and on the day fixed you shall have the key. You + will only find there an old man who lives on the ground floor, and he will + see neither those who go out nor those who come in. My sweetheart will see + nothing and will not be seen; and all, trust me, will turn out well.” + </p> + <p> + “I begin to think that I have lost my bet,” said the Englishman, who was + delighted with the plan; “but it matters not, I can gaily encounter either + loss or gain.” We made our appointment for the next day, and separated. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning I went to Muran to warn Tonine that I was going + to sup with her, and to bring two of my friends; and as my English friend + paid as great court to Bacchus as to Cupid, I took care to send my little + housekeeper several bottles of excellent wine. + </p> + <p> + Charmed with the prospect of doing the honours of the table, Tonine only + asked me if my friends would go away after supper. I said yes, and this + reply made her happy; she only cared for the dessert. + </p> + <p> + After leaving her I went to the convent and passed an hour with M. M. in + the parlour. I was glad to see that she was getting back her health and + her beauty every day, and having complimented her upon it I returned to + Venice. In the evening my two friends kept their appointments to the + minute, and we went to my little casino at two hours after sunset. + </p> + <p> + Our supper was delicious, and my Tonine charmed me with the gracefulness + of her carriage. I was delighted to see Righelini enchanted, and the + ambassador dumb with admiration. When I was in love I did not encourage my + friends to cajole my sweetheart, but I became full of complaisance when + time had cooled the heat of my passion. + </p> + <p> + We parted about midnight, and having taken Mr. Murray to the spot where I + was to wait for him on the day of trial, I returned to compliment my + charming Tonine as she deserved. She praised my two friends, and could not + express her surprise at seeing our English friend going away, fresh and + nimble on his feet, notwithstanding his having emptied by himself six + bottles of my best wine. Murray looked like a fine Bacchus after Rubens. + </p> + <p> + On Whit Sunday Righelini came to tell me that the English ambassador had + made all arrangements with the pretended procurer of M. M. for Whit + Tuesday. I gave him the keys of my abode at Muran, and told him to assure + Murray that I would keep the appointment at the exact time arranged upon. + </p> + <p> + My impatience brought on palpitation of the heart, which was extremely + painful, and I passed the two nights without closing an eye; for although + I was convinced of M—— M——‘s innocence, my + agitation was extreme. But whence all this anxiety? Merely from a desire + to see the ambassador undeceived. M. M. must in his eyes have seemed a + common prostitute, and the moment in which he would be obliged to confess + himself the victim of roguery would re-establish the honour of the nun. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Murray was as impatient as myself, with this difference, that whereas + he, looking upon the adventure as a comic one, only laughed, I who found + it too tragic shuddered with indignation. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday morning I went to Muran to tell Tonine to get a cold supper + after my instruction, to lay the table for two, to get wax lights ready, + and having sent in several bottles of wine I bade her keep to the room + occupied by the old landlord, and not to come out till the people who were + coming in the evening were gone. She promised to do so, and asked no + questions. After leaving her I went to the convent parlour, and asked to + see M—— M——. Not expecting to see me, she asked me + why I had not gone to the pageant of the Bucentaur, which, the weather + being favourable, would set out on this day. I do not know what I + answered, but I know that she found my words little to the purpose. I came + at last to the important point, and told her I was going to ask a favour + of her, on which my peace of mind depended, but which she must grant + blindly without asking any questions. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what I am to do, sweetheart,” said she, “and be sure I will + refuse nothing which may be in my power.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be here this evening an hour after sunset, and ask for you at + this grating; come. I shall be with another man, to whom I beg of you to + say a few words of politeness; you can then leave us. Let us find some + pretext to justify the unseasonable hour.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do what you ask, but you cannot imagine how troublesome it is in a + convent, for at six o’clock the parlours are shut up and the keys are + taken to the abbess’ room. However, as you only want me for five minutes, + I will tell the abbess that I am expecting a letter from my brother, and + that it can be sent to me on this evening only. You must give me a letter + that the nun who will be with me may be able to say that I have not been + guilty of deception.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not come alone, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I should not dare even to ask for such a privilege.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but try to come with some old nun who is short-sighted.” + </p> + <p> + “I will keep the light in the background.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do not do so, my beloved; on the contrary, place it so that you may + be distinctly seen.” + </p> + <p> + “All this is very strange, but I have promised passive obedience, and I + will come down with two lights. May I hope that you will explain this + riddle to me at your next interview?” + </p> + <p> + “By to-morrow, at latest, you shall know the whole story.” + </p> + <p> + “My curiosity will prevent me from sleeping.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, dear heart; sleep peacefully, and be sure of my gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + The reader will think that after this conversation my heart was perfectly + at rest; but how far was I from resting! I returned to Venice, tortured + lest I should be told in the evening at the door of the cathedral, where + we were to meet, that the nun had been obliged to put off her appointment. + If that had happened, I should not have exactly suspected M—— + M——, but the ambassador would have thought that I had caused + the scheme to miscarry. It is certain that in that case I should not have + taken my man to the parlour, but should have gone there sadly by myself. + </p> + <p> + I passed the whole day in these torments, thinking it would never come to + an end, and in the evening I put a letter in my pocket, and went to my + post at the hour agreed upon. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, Murray kept the appointment exactly. + </p> + <p> + “Is the nun there?” said I, as soon as he was near me. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear fellow. We will go, if you like, to the parlour; but you + will find that we shall be told she is ill or engaged. If you like, the + bet shall be off.” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid, my dear fellow! I cling to that hundred ducats. Let us be + gone.” + </p> + <p> + We presented ourselves at the wicket, and I asked for M—— M——, + and the doorkeeper made me breathe again by saying that I was expected. I + entered the parlour with my English friend, and saw that it was lighted by + four candles. I cannot recall these moments without being in love with + life. I take note not only of my noble mistress’s innocence, but also of + the quickness of her wit. Murray remained serious, without a smile on his + face. Full of grace and beauty, M—— M—— came into + the room with a lay-sister, each of them holding a candlestick. She paid + me a compliment in good French; I gave her the letter, and looking at the + address and the seal she put it in her pocket. After thanking me and + saying she would reply in due course, she turned towards my companion: + </p> + <p> + “I shall, perhaps, make you lose the first act of the opera,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “The pleasure of seeing you, madam, is worth all the operas in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “You are English, I think?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “The English are now the greatest people in the world, because they are + free and powerful. Gentlemen, I wish you a very good evening.” + </p> + <p> + I had never seen M—— M—— looking so beautiful as + then, and I went out of the parlour ablaze with love, and glad as I had + never been before. I walked with long strides towards my casino, without + taking notice of the ambassador, who did not hurry himself in following + me; I waited for him at my door. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said I, “are you convinced now that you have been cheated?” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, we have time enough to talk about that. Let us go upstairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I come?” + </p> + <p> + “Do. What do you think I could do by myself for four hours with that + creature who is waiting for me? We will amuse ourselves with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Had we not better turn her out?” + </p> + <p> + “No; her master is coming for her at two o’clock in the morning. She would + go and warn him, and he would escape my vengeance. We will throw them both + out of the window.” + </p> + <p> + “Be moderate, for M—— M—— s honour depends on the + secrecy we observe. Let us go upstairs. We shall have some fun. I should + like to see the hussy.” + </p> + <p> + Murray was the first to enter the room. As soon as the girl saw me, she + threw her handkerchief over her face, and told the ambassador that such + behaviour was unworthy of him. He made no answer. She was not so tall as M—— + M——, and she spoke bad French. + </p> + <p> + Her cloak and mask were on the bed, but she was dressed as a nun. As I + wanted to see her face, I politely asked her to do me the favour of + shewing it. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know you,” said she; “who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “You are in my house, and don’t know who I am?” + </p> + <p> + “I am in your house because I have been betrayed. I did not think that I + should have to do with a scoundrel.” + </p> + <p> + At this word Murray commanded her to be silent, calling her by the name of + her honourable business; and the slut got up to take her cloak, saying she + would go. Murray pushed her back, and told her that she would have to wait + for her worthy friend, warning her to make no noise if she wanted to keep + out of prison. + </p> + <p> + “Put me in prison!” + </p> + <p> + With this she directed her hand towards her dress, but I rushed forward + and seized one hand while Murray mastered the other. We pushed her back on + a chair while we possessed ourselves of the pistols she carried in her + pockets. + </p> + <p> + Murray tore away the front of her holy habit, and I extracted a stiletto + eight inches long, the false nun weeping bitterly all the time. + </p> + <p> + “Will you hold your tongue, and keep quiet till Capsucefalo comes,” said + the ambassador, “or go to prison?” + </p> + <p> + “If I keep quiet what will become of me?” + </p> + <p> + “I promise to let you go.” + </p> + <p> + “With him?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then, I will keep quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you got any more weapons?” + </p> + <p> + Hereupon the slut took off her habit and her petticoat, and if we had + allowed her she would have soon been in a state of nature, no doubt in the + expectation of our passions granting what our reason refused. I was much + astonished to find in her only a false resemblance to M.M. I remarked as + much to the ambassador, who agreed with me, but made me confess that most + men, prepossessed with the idea that they were going to see M. M., would + have fallen into the same trap. In fact, the longing to possess one’s self + of a nun who has renounced all the pleasures of the world, and especially + that of cohabitation with the other sex, is the very apple of Eve, and is + more delightful from the very difficulty of penetrating the convent + grating. + </p> + <p> + Few of my readers will fail to testify that the sweetest pleasures are + those which are hardest to be won, and that the prize, to obtain which one + would risk one’s life, would often pass unnoticed if it were freely + offered without difficulty or hazard. + </p> + <p> + In the following chapter, dear reader, you will see the end of this + farcical adventure. In the mean time, let us take a little breath. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0024" id="linkB2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Pleasant Ending of the Adventure of the False Nun—M. M. + Finds Out That I Have a Mistress—She is Avenged on the + Wretch Capsucefalo—I Ruin Myself at Play, and at the + Suggestion of M. M. I Sell all Her Diamonds, One After + Another—I Hand Over Tonine to Murray, Who Makes Provision + for Her—Her Sister Barberine Takes Her Place. +</pre> + <p> + “How did you make this nice acquaintance?” I asked the ambassador. + </p> + <p> + “Six months ago,” he replied, “while standing at the convent gate with Mr. + Smith, our consul, in whose company I had been to see some ceremony or + other, I remarked to him, as we were talking over some nuns we had + noticed, ‘I would gladly give five hundred sequins for a few hours of + Sister M—— M——‘s company.’ Count Capsucefalo heard + what I said, but made no remark. Mr. Smith answered that one could only + see her at the grating as did the ambassador of France, who often came to + visit her. Capsucefalo called on me the next morning, and said that if I + had spoken in good faith he was sure he could get me a night with the nun + in whatever place I liked, if she could count on my secrecy. ‘I have just + been speaking to her,’ said he, ‘and on my mentioning your name she said + she had noticed you with Mr. Smith, and vowed she would sup with you more + for love than money. ‘I,’ said the rascal, ‘am the only man she trusts, + and I take her to the French ambassador’s casino in Venice whenever she + wants to go there. You need not be afraid of being cheated, as you will + give the money to her personally when you have possessed yourself of her.’ + With this he took her portrait from his pocket and shewed it me; and here + it is. I bought it of him two days after I believed myself to have spent a + night with the charming nun, and a fortnight after our conversation. This + beauty here came masked in a nun’s habit, and I was fool enough to think I + had got a treasure. I am vexed with myself for not having suspected the + cheat—at all events, when I saw her hair, as I know that nuns’ hair + should be cut short. But when I said something about it to the hussy, she + told me they were allowed to keep their hair under their caps, and I was + weak enough to believe her.” + </p> + <p> + I knew that on this particular Murray had not been deceived, but I did not + feel compelled to tell him so then and there. + </p> + <p> + I held the portrait Murray had given me in my hand, and compared it with + the face before me. In the portrait the breast was bare, and as I was + remarking that painters did those parts as best they could, the impudent + wench seized the opportunity to shew me that the miniature was faithful to + nature. I turned my back upon her with an expression of contempt which + would have mortified her, if these creatures were ever capable of shame. + As we talked things over, I could not help laughing at the axiom, Things + which are equal to the same thing are equal to one another, for the + miniature was like M. M. and like the courtezan, and yet the two women + were not like each other. Murray agreed with me, and we spent an hour in a + philosophical discussion on the matter. As the false M. M. was named + Innocente, we expressed a wish to know how her name agreed with her + profession, and how the knave had induced her to play the part she had + taken; and she told us the following story: + </p> + <p> + “I have known Count Capsucefalo for two years, and have found him useful, + for, though he has given me no money, he has made me profit largely + through the people he has introduced to me. About the end of last autumn + he came to me one day, and said that if I could make up as a nun with some + clothes he would get me, and in that character pass a night with an + Englishman, I should be the better by five hundred sequins. ‘You need not + be afraid of anything,’ said he, ‘as I myself will take you to the casino + where the dupe will be awaiting you, and I will come and take you back to + your imaginary convent towards the end of the night. He shewed me how I + must behave, and told me what to reply if my lover asked any questions + about the discipline of the convent. + </p> + <p> + “I liked the plot, gentlemen, and I told him I was ready to carry it out. + And be pleased to consider that there are not many women of my profession + who would hesitate over a chance of getting five hundred sequins. Finding + the scheme both agreeable and profitable, I promised to play my part with + the greatest skill. The bargain was struck, and he gave me full + instructions as to my dialogue. He told me that the Englishman could only + talk about my convent and any lovers I might have had; that on the latter + point I was to cut him short, and to answer with a laugh that I did not + know what he was talking about, and even to tell him that I was a nun in + appearance only, and that in the course of toying I might let him see my + hair. ‘That,’ said Capsucefalo, ‘won’t prevent him from thinking you a nun—yes! + and the very nun he is amorous of, for he will have made up his mind that + you cannot possibly be anyone else.’ Seizing the point of the jest, I did + not take the trouble to find out the name of the nun I was to represent, + nor the convent whence I was to come; the only thing in my head was the + five hundred sequins. So little have I troubled about aught else that, + though I passed a delicious night with you, and found you rather worthy of + being paid for than paying, I have not ascertained who and what you are, + and I don’t know at this moment to whom I am speaking. You know what a + night I had; I have told you it was delicious, and I was happy in the idea + that I was going to have another. You have found everything out. I am + sorry, but I am not afraid of anything, since I can put on any disguise I + like, and can’t prevent my lovers taking me for a saint if they like to do + so. You have found weapons in my possession, but everyone is allowed to + bear arms in self-defence. I plead not guilty on all counts.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know me?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “No, but I have often seen you passing under my window. I live at St. + Roch, near the bridge.” + </p> + <p> + The way in which the woman told her yarn convinced us that she was an + adept in the science of prostitution, but we thought Capsucefalo, in spite + of the count, worthy of the pillory. The girl was about ten years older + than M. M., she was pretty, but light-complexioned, while my beautiful nun + had fine dark brown hair and was at least three inches taller. + </p> + <p> + After twelve o’clock we sat down to supper, and did honour to the + excellent meal which my dear Antoinette had prepared for us. We were cruel + enough to leave the poor wretch without offering her so much as a glass of + wine, but we thought it our duty. + </p> + <p> + While we were talking, the jolly Englishman made some witty comments on my + eagerness to convince him that he had not enjoyed M. M.‘s favours. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t believe,” said he, “that you have shewn so much interest without + being in love with the divine nun.” + </p> + <p> + I answered by saying that if I were her lover I was much to be pitied in + being condemned to go to the parlour, and no farther. + </p> + <p> + “I would gladly give a hundred guineas a month,” said he, “to have the + privilege of visiting her at the grating.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he gave me my hundred sequins, complimenting me on my success, + and I slipped them forthwith into my pocket. + </p> + <p> + At two o’clock in the morning we heard a soft knock on the street door. + </p> + <p> + “Here is our friend,” I said, “be discreet, and you will see that he will + make a full confession.” + </p> + <p> + He came in and saw Murray and the lady, but did not discover that a third + party was present till he heard the ante-room door being locked. He turned + round and saw me, and as he knew me, merely said, without losing + countenance: + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are here; you know, of course, that the secret must be kept?” + </p> + <p> + Murray laughed and calmly asked him to be seated, and he enquired, with + the lady’s pistols in his hands, where he was going to take her before + day-break. + </p> + <p> + “Home.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you may be mistaken, as it is very possible that when you leave + this place you will both of you be provided with a bed in prison.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am not afraid of that happening; the thing would make too much + noise, and the laugh would not be on your side. Come,” said he to his + mate, “put on your cloak and let us be off.” + </p> + <p> + The ambassador, who like an Englishman kept quite cool the whole time, + poured him out a glass of Chambertin, and the blackguard drank his health. + Murray seeing he had on a fine ring set with brilliants, praised it, and + shewing some curiosity to see it more closely he drew it off the fellow’s + finger, examined it, found it without flaw, and asked how much it was + worth. Capsucefalo, a little taken aback, said it cost him four hundred + sequins. + </p> + <p> + “I will hold it as a pledge for that sum,” said the ambassador, putting + the ring into his pocket. The other looked chop-fallen, and Murray + laughing at his retiring manners told the girl to put on her cloak and to + pack off with her worthy acolyte. She did so directly, and with a low bow + they disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, nun procurer!” said the ambassador, but the count made no + answer. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they were gone I thanked Murray warmly for the moderation he + had shewn, as a scandal would have only injured three innocent people. + </p> + <p> + “Be sure,” said he, “that the guilty parties shall be punished without + anyone’s knowing the reason” + </p> + <p> + I then made Tonine come upstairs, and my English friend offered her a + glass of wine, which she declined with much modesty and politeness. Murray + looked at her with flaming glances, and left after giving me his heartiest + thanks. + </p> + <p> + Poor little Tonine had been resigned, and obedient for many hours, and she + had good cause to think I had been unfaithful to her; however, I gave her + the most unmistakable proofs of my fidelity. We stayed in bed for six + hours, and rose happy in the morning. + </p> + <p> + After dinner I hurried off to my noble M—— M——, + and told her the whole story. She listened eagerly, her various feelings + flitting across her face. Fear, anger, wrath, approval of my method of + clearing up my natural suspicions, joy at discovering me still her lover—all + were depicted in succession in her glance, and in the play of her + features, and in the red and white which followed one another on her + cheeks and forehead. She was delighted to hear that the masker who was + with me in the parlour was the English ambassador, but she became nobly + disdainful when I told her that he would gladly give a hundred guineas a + month for the pleasure of visiting her in the parlour. She was angry with + him for fancying that she had been in his power, and for finding a + likeness between her and a portrait, when, so she said, there was no + likeness at all; I had given her the portrait. She added, with a shrewd + smile, that she was sure I had not let my little maid see the false nun, + as she might have been mistaken. + </p> + <p> + “You know, do you, that I have a young servant?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and a pretty one, too. She is Laura’s daughter, and if you love her + I am very glad, and so is C—— C——. I hope you will + let me have a sight of her. C—— C—— has seen her + before.” + </p> + <p> + As I saw that she knew too much for me to be able to deceive her, I took + my cue directly and told her in detail the history of my amours. She + shewed her satisfaction too openly not to be sincere. Before I left her + she said her honour obliged her to get Capsucefalo assassinated, for the + wretch had wronged her beyond pardon. By way of quieting her I promised + that if the ambassador did not rid us of him within the week I would + charge myself with the execution of our common vengeance. + </p> + <p> + About this time died Bragadin the procurator, brother of my patron, + leaving M. de Bragadin sufficiently well off. However, as the family + threatened to become extinct, he desired a woman who had been his + mistress, and of whom he had had a natural son, to become his wife. By + this marriage the son would have become legitimate, and the family renewed + again. The College of Cardinals would have recognized the wife for a small + fee, and all would have gone admirably. + </p> + <p> + The woman wrote to me, asking me to call on her; and I was going to, + curious to know what a woman, whom I did not know from Adam, could want + with me, when I received a summons from M. de Bragadin. He begged me to + ask Paralis if he ought to follow De la Haye’s advice in a matter he had + promised not to confide to me, but of which the oracle must be informed. + The oracle, naturally opposed to the Jesuit, told him to consult his own + feelings and nothing else. After this I went to the lady. + </p> + <p> + She began by telling me the whole story. She introduced her son to me, and + told me that if the marriage could be performed, a deed would be delivered + in my favour by which, at the death of M. de Bragadin, I should become + entitled to an estate worth five thousand crowns per annum. + </p> + <p> + As I guessed without much trouble that this was the same matter which De + la Haye had proposed to M. de Bragadin, I answered without hesitation that + since De la Haye was before me I could do nothing, and thereupon made her + my bow. + </p> + <p> + I could not help wondering at this Jesuit’s continually intriguing to + marry my old friends without my knowledge. Two years ago, if I had not set + my face against it, he would have married M. Dandolo. I cared not a whit + whether the family of Bragadin became extinct or not, but I did care for + the life of my benefactor, and was quite sure that marriage would shorten + it by many years; he was already sixty-three, and had recovered from a + serious apoplectic stroke. + </p> + <p> + I went to dine with Lady Murray (English-women who are daughters of lords + keep the title), and after dinner the ambassador told me that he had told + M. Cavalli the whole story of the false nun, and that the secretary had + informed him, the evening before, that everything had been done to his + liking. Count Capsucefalo had been sent to Cephalonia, his native country, + with the order never to return to Venice, and the courtezan had + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The fine part, or rather the fearful part, about these sentences is that + no one ever knows the reason why or wherefore, and that the lot may fall + on the innocent as well as the guilty. M. M. was delighted with the event, + and I was more pleased than she, for I should have been sorry to have been + obliged to soil my hands with the blood of that rascally count. + </p> + <p> + There are seasons in the life of men which may be called ‘fasti’ and + ‘nefasti’; I have proved this often in my long career, and on the strength + of the rubs and struggles I have had to encounter. I am able, as well as + any man, to verify the truth of this axiom. I had just experienced a run + of luck. Fortune had befriended me at play, I had been happy in the + society of men, and from love I had nothing to ask; but now the reverse of + the medal began to appear. Love was still kind, but Fortune had quite left + me, and you will soon see, reader, that men used me no better than the + blind goddess. Nevertheless, since one’s fate has phases as well as the + moon, good follows evil as disasters succeed to happiness. + </p> + <p> + I still played on the martingale, but with such bad luck that I was soon + left without a sequin. As I shared my property with M. M. I was obliged to + tell her of my losses, and it was at her request that I sold all her + diamonds, losing what I got for them; she had now only five hundred + sequins by her. There was no more talk of her escaping from the convent, + for we had nothing to live on! I still gamed, but for small stakes, + waiting for the slow return of good luck. + </p> + <p> + One day the English ambassador, after giving me a supper at his casino + with the celebrated Fanny Murray, asked me to let him sup at my casino at + Muran, which I now only kept up for the sake of Tonine. I granted him the + favour, but did not imitate his generosity. He found my little mistress + smiling and polite, but always keeping within the bounds of decency, from + which he would have very willingly excused her. The next morning he wrote + to me as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I am madly in love with Tonine. If you like to hand her over to me I will + make the following provision for her: I will set her up in a suitable + lodging which I will furnish throughout, and which I will give to her with + all its contents, provided that I may visit her whenever I please, and + that she gives me all the rights of a fortunate lover. I will give her a + maid, a cook, and thirty sequins a month as provision for two people, + without reckoning the wine, which I will procure myself. Besides this I + will give her a life income of two hundred crowns per annum, over which + she will have full control after living with me for a year. I give you a + week to send your answer.” + </p> + <p> + I replied immediately that I would let him know in three days whether his + proposal were accepted, for Tonine had a mother of whom she was fond, and + she would possibly not care to do anything without her consent. I also + informed him that in all appearance the girl was with child. + </p> + <p> + The business was an important one for Tonine. I loved her, but I knew + perfectly well that we could not pass the rest of our lives together, and + I saw no prospect of being able to make her as good a provision as that + offered by the ambassador. Consequently I had no doubts on the question, + and the very same day I went to Muran and told her all. + </p> + <p> + “You wish to leave me, then,” said she, in tears. + </p> + <p> + “I love you, dearest, and what I propose ought to convince you of my + love.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so; I cannot serve two masters.” + </p> + <p> + “You will only serve your new lover, sweetheart. I beg of you to reflect + that you will have a fine dowry, on the strength of which you may marry + well; and that however much I love you I cannot possibly make so good a + provision for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me to-day for tears and reflection, and come to supper with me + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I did not fail to keep the appointment. + </p> + <p> + “I think your English friend is a very pretty man,” she said, “and when he + speaks in the Venetian dialect it makes me die with laughter. If my mother + agrees, I might, perhaps, force myself to love him. Supposing we did not + agree we could part at the end of a year, and I should be the richer by an + income of two hundred crowns.” + </p> + <p> + “I am charmed with the sense of your arguments; speak about it to your + mother.” + </p> + <p> + “I daren’t, sweetheart; this kind of thing is too delicate to be discussed + between a mother and her daughter speak to her yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, indeed.” + </p> + <p> + Laura, whom I had not seen since she had given me her daughter, asked for + no time to think it over, but full of glee told me that now her daughter + would be able to soothe her declining years, and that she would leave + Muran of which she was tired. She shewed me a hundred and thirty sequins + which Tonine had gained in my service, and which she had placed in her + hands. + </p> + <p> + Barberine, Tonine’s younger sister, came to kiss my hand. I thought her + charming, and I gave her all the silver in my pocket. I then left, telling + Laura that I should expect her at my house. She soon followed me, and gave + her child a mother’s blessing, telling her that she and her family could + go and live in Venice for sixty sous a day. Tonine embraced her, and told + her that she should have it. + </p> + <p> + This important affair having been managed to everybody’s satisfaction, I + went to see M—— M——, who came into the parlour + with C—— C——, whom I found looking sad, though + prettier than ever. She was melancholy, but none the less tender. She + could not stay for more than a quarter of an hour for fear of being seen, + as she was forbidden ever to go into the parlour. I told M. M. the story + of Tonine, who was going to live with Murray in Venice; she was sorry to + hear it, “for,” said she, “now that you have no longer any attraction at + Muran, I shall see you less than ever.” I promised to come and see her + often, but vain promises! The time was near which parted us for ever. + </p> + <p> + The same evening I went to tell the good news to my friend Murray. He was + in a transport of joy, and begged me to come and sup with him at his + casino the day after next, and to bring the girl with me, that the + surrender might be made in form. I did not fail him, for once the matter + was decided, I longed to bring it to an end. In my presence he assigned to + her the yearly income for her life of two hundred Venetian ducats, and by + a second deed he gave her all the contents of the house with which he was + going to provide her, provided always that she lived with him for a year. + He allowed her to receive me as a friend, also to receive her mother and + sisters, and she was free to go and see them when she would. Tonine threw + her arms about his neck, and assured him that she would endeavour to + please him to the utmost of her ability. “I will see him,” said she, + pointing to me, “but as his friend he shall have nothing more from me.” + Throughout this truly affecting scene she kept back her tears, but I could + not conceal mine. Murray was happy, but I was not long a witness of his + good fortune, the reason of which I will explain a little later. + </p> + <p> + Three days afterwards Laura came to me, told me that she was living in + Venice, and asked me to take her to her daughter’s. I owed this woman too + much to refuse her, and I took her there forthwith. Tonine gave thanks to + God, and also to me, and her mother took up the song, for they were not + quite sure whether they were more indebted to God or to me. Tonine was + eloquent in her praise of Murray, and made no complaint at my not having + come to see her, at which I was glad. As I was going Laura asked me to + take her back in my gondola, and as we had to pass by the house in which + she lived she begged me to come in for a moment, and I could not hurt her + feelings by refusing. I owe it to my honour to remark here that I was thus + polite without thinking that I should see Barberine again. + </p> + <p> + This girl, as pretty as her sister, though in another style, began by + awakening my curiosity—a weakness which usually renders the + profligate man inconstant. If all women were to have the same features, + the same disposition, and the same manners, men would not only never be + inconstant, but would never be in love. Under that state of things one + would choose a wife by instinct and keep to her till death, but our world + would then be under a different system to the present. Novelty is the + master of the soul. We know that what we do not see is very nearly the + same as what we have seen, but we are curious, we like to be quite sure, + and to attain our ends we give ourselves as much trouble as if we were + certain of finding some prize beyond compare. + </p> + <p> + Barberine, who looked upon me as an old friend—for her mother had + accustomed her to kiss my hand whenever I went there, who had undressed + more than once in my presence without troubling about me, who knew I had + made her sister’s fortune and the family fortune as well, and thought + herself prettier than Tonine because her skin was fairer, and because she + had fine black eyes, desiring to take her sister’s place, knew that to + succeed she must take me by storm. Her common sense told her that as I + hardly ever came to the house, I should not be likely to become amorous of + her unless she won me by storm; and to this end she shewed the utmost + complaisance when she had the chance, so that I won her without any + difficulty. All this reasoning came from her own head, for I am sure her + mother gave her no instructions. Laura was a mother of a kind common the + world over, but especially in Italy. She was willing to take advantage of + the earnings of her daughters, but she would never have induced them to + take the path of evil. There her virtue stopped short. + </p> + <p> + After I had inspected her two rooms and her little kitchen, and had + admired the cleanness which shone all around, Barberine asked me if I + would like to see their small garden. + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure,” I replied, “for a garden is a rarity in Venice.” + </p> + <p> + Her mother told her to give me some figs if there were any ripe ones. The + garden consisted of about thirty square feet, and grew only salad herbs + and a fine fig tree. It had not a good crop, and I told her that I could + not see any figs. + </p> + <p> + “I can see some at the top,” said Barberine, “and I will gather them if + you will hold me the ladder.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, climb away; I will hold it quite firmly.” + </p> + <p> + She stepped up lightly, and stretching out an arm to get at some figs to + one side of her, she put her body off its balance, holding on to the + ladder with the other hand. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Barberine, what do you think I can see?” + </p> + <p> + “What you have often seen with my sister.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true! but you are prettier than she is.” + </p> + <p> + The girl made no reply, but, as if she could not reach the fruit, she put + her foot on a high branch, and spewed me the most seductive picture. I was + in an ecstasy, and Barberine, who saw it, did not hurry herself. At last I + helped her to come down, and letting my hand wander indiscreetly, I asked + her if the fruit I held had been plucked, and she kept me a long time + telling me it was quite fresh. I took her within my arms, and already her + captive, I pressed her amorously to my heart, printing on her lips a fiery + kiss, which she gave me back with as much ardour. + </p> + <p> + “Will you give me what I have caught, dearest?” + </p> + <p> + “My mother is going to Muran to-morrow, and she will stay there all the + day; if you come, there is nothing I will refuse you.” + </p> + <p> + When speech like this proceeds from a mouth still innocent, the man to + whom it is addressed ought to be happy, for desires are but pain and + torment, and enjoyment is sweet because it delivers us from them. This + shews that those who prefer a little resistance to an easy conquest are in + the wrong; but a too easy conquest often points to a depraved nature, and + this men do not like, however depraved they themselves may be. + </p> + <p> + We returned to the house, and I gave Barberine a tender kiss before + Laura’s eyes, telling her that she had a very jewel in her daughter—a + compliment which made her face light up with pleasure. I gave the dear + girl ten sequins, and I went away congratulating myself, but cursing my + luck at not being able to make as good provision for Barberine as Murray + had made for her sister. + </p> + <p> + Tonine had told me that for manners’ sake I should sup once with her. I + went the same evening and found Righelini and Murray there. The supper was + delicious, and I was delighted with the excellent understanding the two + lovers had already come to. I complimented the ambassador on the loss of + one of his tastes, and he told me he should be very sorry at such a loss, + as it would warn him of his declining powers. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said I, “you used to like to perform the mysterious sacrifice of + Love without a veil.” + </p> + <p> + “It was not I but Ancilla who liked it, and as I preferred pleasing her to + pleasing myself, I gave in to her taste without any difficulty.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted with your answer, as I confess it would cost me something + to be the witness of your exploits with Tonine.” + </p> + <p> + Having casually remarked that I had no longer a house in Muran, Righelini + told me that if I liked he could get me a delightful house at a low rent + on the Tondamente Nuovo. + </p> + <p> + As this quarter facing north, and as agreeable in summer as disagreeable + in winter, was opposite to Muran, where I should have to go twice a week, + I told the doctor I should be glad to look at the house. + </p> + <p> + I took leave of the rich and fortunate ambassador at midnight, and before + passing the day with my new prize I went to sleep so as to be fresh and + capable of running a good course. + </p> + <p> + I went to Barberine at an early hour, and as soon as she saw me she said, + </p> + <p> + “My mother will not be back till the evening, and my brother will take his + dinner at the school. Here is a fowl, a ham, some cheese, and two bottles + of Scopolo wine. We will take our mess whenever you like.” + </p> + <p> + “You astonish me, sweetheart, for how did you manage to get such a good + dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “We owe it to my mother, so to her be the praise.” + </p> + <p> + “You have told her, then, what we are going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not I, for I know nothing about it; but I told her you were coming to + see me, and at the same time I gave her the ten sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did your mother say?” + </p> + <p> + “She said she wouldn’t be sorry if you were to love me as you loved my + sister.” + </p> + <p> + “I love you better, though I love her well.” + </p> + <p> + “You love her? Why have you left her, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not left her, for we supped together yesterday evening; but we no + longer live together as lovers, that is all. I have yielded her up to a + rich friend of mine, who has made her fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “That is well, though I don’t understand much about these affairs. I hope + you will tell Tonine that I have taken her place, and I should be very + pleased if you would let her know that you are quite sure you are my first + lover.” + </p> + <p> + “And supposing the news vexes her?” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better. Will you do it for me? it’s the first favour I have + asked of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise to do so.” + </p> + <p> + After this rapid dialogue we took breakfast, and then, perfectly agreed, + we went to bed, rather as if we were about to sacrifice to Hymen than to + love. + </p> + <p> + The game was new to Barberine, and her transports, her green notions—which + she told me openly—her inexperience, or rather her awkwardness, + enchanted me. I seemed for the first time to pluck the fruit of the tree + of knowledge, and never had I tasted fruit so delicious. My little maid + would have been ashamed to let me see how the first thorn hurt her, and to + convince me that she only smelt the rose, she strove to make me think she + experienced more pleasure than is possible in a first trial, always more + or less painful. She was not yet a big girl, the roses on her swelling + breasts were as yet but buds, and she was a woman only in her heart. + </p> + <p> + After more than one assault delivered and sustained with spirit, we got up + for dinner, and after we had refreshed ourselves we mounted once more the + altar of love, where we remained till the evening. Laura found us dressed + and well pleased with each other on her return. I made Barberine another + present of twenty sequins, I swore to love her always, and went on my way. + At the time I certainly meant to keep to my oath, but that which destiny + had in store for me could not be reconciled with these promises which + welled forth from my soul in a moment of excitement. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Righelini took me to see the lodging he had spoken to me + about. I liked it and took it on the spot, paying the first quarter in + advance. The house belonged to a widow with two daughters, the elder of + whom had just been blooded. Righelini was her doctor, and had treated her + for nine months without success. As he was going to pay her a visit I went + in with him, and found myself in the presence of a fine waxen statue. + Surprise drew from me these words: + </p> + <p> + “She is pretty, but the sculptor should give her some colour.” + </p> + <p> + On which the statue smiled in a manner which would have been charming if + her lips had but been red. + </p> + <p> + “Her pallor,” said Righelini, “will not astonish you when I tell you she + has just been blooded for the hundred and fourth time.” + </p> + <p> + I gave a very natural gesture of surprise. + </p> + <p> + This fine girl had attained the age of eighteen years without experiencing + the monthly relief afforded by nature, the result being that she felt a + deathly faintness three or four times a week, and the only relief was to + open the vein. + </p> + <p> + “I want to send her to the country,” said the doctor, “where pure and + wholesome air, and, above all, more exercise, will do her more good than + all the drugs in the world.” + </p> + <p> + After I had been told that my bed should be made ready by the evening, I + went away with Righelini, who told me that the only cure for the girl + would be a good strong lover. + </p> + <p> + “But my dear doctor,” said I, “can’t you make your own prescription?” + </p> + <p> + “That would be too risky a game, for I might find myself compelled to + marry her, and I hate marriage like the devil.” + </p> + <p> + Though I was no better inclined towards marriage than the doctor, I was + too near the fire not to get burnt, and the reader will see in the next + chapter how I performed the miraculous cure of bringing the colours of + health into the cheeks of this pallid beauty. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0025" id="linkB2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Fair Invalid I Cure Her—A Plot Formed to Ruin Me—What + Happened at the House of the Young Countess Bonafede—The + Erberia—Domiciliary Visit—My Conversation with M. de + Bragadin—I Am Arrested by Order of the State Inquisitors. +</pre> + <p> + After leaving Dr. Righelini I went to sup with M. de Bragadin, and gave + the generous and worthy old man a happy evening. This was always the case; + I made him and his two good friends happy whenever I took meals with them. + </p> + <p> + Leaving them at an early hour, I went to my lodging and was greatly + surprised to find my bedroom balcony occupied. A young lady of an + exquisite figure rose as soon as she saw me, and gracefully asked me + pardon for the liberty she had taken. + </p> + <p> + “I am,” she said, “the statue you saw this morning. We do not light the + candles in the evening for fear of attracting the gnats, but when you want + to go to bed we will shut the door and go away. I beg to introduce you to + my younger sister, my mother has gone to bed.” + </p> + <p> + I answered her to the effect that the balcony was always at her service, + and that since it was still early I begged their permission to put on my + dressing-gown and to keep them company. Her conversation was charming; she + made me spend two most delightful hours, and did not leave me till twelve + o’clock. Her younger sister lighted me a candle, and as they went they + wished me a good night. + </p> + <p> + I lay down full of this pretty girl, and I could not believe that she was + really ill. She spoke to the point, she was cheerful, clever, and full of + spirits. I could not understand how it came to pass that she had not been + already cured in a town like Venice, if her cure was really only to be + effected in the manner described by Dr. Righelini; for in spite of her + pallor she seemed to me quite fair enough to charm a lover, and I believed + her to be spirited enough to determine to take the most agreeable medicine + a doctor can prescribe. + </p> + <p> + In the morning I rang the bell as I was getting up, and the younger sister + came into my room, and said that as they kept no servant she had come to + do what I wanted. I did not care to have a servant when I was not at M. de + Bragadin’s, as I found myself more at liberty to do what I liked. After + she had done me some small services, I asked her how her sister was. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said she, “for her pale complexion is not an illness, and she + only suffers when her breath fails her. She has a very good appetite, and + sleeps as well as I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom do I hear playing the violin?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s the dancing master giving my sister a lesson.” + </p> + <p> + I hurried over my dressing that I might see her; and I found her charming, + though her old dancing master allowed her to turn in her toes. All that + this young and beautiful girl wanted was the Promethean spark, the colour + of life; her whiteness was too like snow, and was distressing to look at. + </p> + <p> + The dancing master begged me to dance a minuet with his pupil, and I + assented, asking him to play larghissimo. “The signorina would find it too + tiring,” said he; but she hastened to answer that she did not feel weak, + and would like to dance thus. She danced very well, but when we had done + she was obliged to throw herself in a chair. “In future, my dear master,” + said she, “I will only dance like that, for I think the rapid motion will + do me good.” + </p> + <p> + When the master was gone, I told her that her lessons were too short, and + that her master was letting her get into bad habits. I then set her feet, + her shoulders, and her arms in the proper manner. I taught her how to give + her hand gracefully, to bend her knees in time; in fine, I gave her a + regular lesson for an hour, and seeing that she was getting rather tired I + begged her to sit down, and I went out to pay a visit to M. M. + </p> + <p> + I found her very sad, for C—— C——‘s father was + dead, and they had taken her out of the convent to marry her to a lawyer. + Before leaving C—— C—— had left a letter for me, + in which she said that if I would promise to marry her at some time + suitable to myself, she would wait for me, and refuse all other offers. I + answered her straightforwardly that I had no property and no prospects, + that I left her free, advising her not to refuse any offer which might be + to her advantage. + </p> + <p> + In spite of this dismissal C—— C—— did not marry N—— + till after my flight from The Leads, when nobody expected to see me again + in Venice. I did not see her for nineteen years, and then I was grieved to + find her a widow, and poorly off. If I went to Venice now I should not + marry her, for at my age marriage is an absurdity, but I would share with + her my little all, and live with her as with a dear sister. + </p> + <p> + When I hear women talking about the bad faith and inconstancy of men, and + maintaining that when men make promises of eternal constancy they are + always deceivers, I confess that they are right, and join in their + complaints. Still it cannot be helped, for the promises of lovers are + dictated by the heart, and consequently the lamentations of women only + make me want to laugh. Alas! we love without heeding reason, and cease to + love in the same manner. + </p> + <p> + About this time I received a letter from the Abbe de Bernis, who wrote + also to M—— M——. He told me that I ought to do my + utmost to make our nun take a reasonable view of things, dwelling on the + risks I should run in carrying her off and bringing her to Paris, where + all his influence would be of no avail to obtain for us that safety so + indispensable to happiness. I saw M—— M——; we + shewed each other our letters, she had some bitter tears, and her grief + pierced me to the heart. I still had a great love for her in spite of my + daily infidelities, and when I thought of those moments in which I had + seen her given over to voluptuousness I could not help pitying her fate as + I thought of the days of despair in store for her. But soon after this an + event happened which gave rise to some wholesome reflections. One day, + when I had come to see her, she said, + </p> + <p> + “They have just been burying a nun who died of consumption the day before + yesterday in the odour of sanctity. She was called ‘Maria Concetta.’ She + knew you, and told C—— C—— your name when you used + to come to mass on feast days. C—— C—— begged her + to be discreet, but the nun told her that you were a dangerous man, whose + presence should be shunned by a young girl. C—— C—— + told me all this after the mask of Pierrot.” + </p> + <p> + “What was this saint’s name when she was in the world?” + </p> + <p> + “Martha.” + </p> + <p> + “I know her.” + </p> + <p> + I then told M—— M—— the whole history of my loves + with Nanette and Marton, ending with the letter she wrote me, in which she + said that she owed me, indirectly, that eternal salvation to which she + hoped to attain. + </p> + <p> + In eight or ten days my conversation with my hostess’ daughter—conversation + which took place on the balcony, and which generally lasted till midnight—and + the lesson I gave her every morning, produced the inevitable and natural + results; firstly, that she no longer complained of her breath failing, + and, secondly, that I fell in love with her. Nature’s cure had not yet + relieved her, but she no longer needed to be let blood. Righelini came to + visit her as usual, and seeing that she was better he prophesied that + nature’s remedy, without which only art could keep her alive, would make + all right before the autumn. Her mother looked upon me as an angel sent by + God to cure her daughter, who for her part shewed me that gratitude which + with women is the first step towards love. I had made her dismiss her old + dancing master, and I had taught her to dance with extreme grace. + </p> + <p> + At the end of these ten or twelve days, just as I was going to give her + her lesson, her breath failed instantaneously, and she fell back into my + arms like a dead woman. I was alarmed, but her mother, who had become + accustomed to see her thus, sent for the surgeon, and her sister unlaced + her. I was enchanted with her exquisite bosom, which needed no colouring + to make it more beautiful. I covered it up, saying that the surgeon would + make a false stroke if he were to see her thus uncovered; but feeling that + I laid my hand upon her with delight, she gently repulsed me, looking at + me with a languishing gaze which made the deepest impression on me. + </p> + <p> + The surgeon came and bled her in the arm, and almost instantaneously she + recovered full consciousness. At most only four ounces of blood were taken + from her, and her mother telling me that this was the utmost extent to + which she was blooded, I saw it was no such matter for wonder as Righelini + represented it, for being blooded twice a week she lost three pounds of + blood a month, which she would have done naturally if the vessels had not + been obstructed. + </p> + <p> + The surgeon had hardly gone out of the door when to my astonishment she + told me that if I would wait for her a moment she would come back and + begin her dancing. This she did, and danced as if there had been nothing + the matter. + </p> + <p> + Her bosom, on which two of my senses were qualified to give evidence, was + the last stroke, and made me madly in love with her. I returned to the + house in the evening, and found her in her room with the sister. She told + me that she was expecting her god-father, who was an intimate friend of + her father’s, and had come every evening to spend an hour with her for the + last eighteen years. + </p> + <p> + “How old is he?” + </p> + <p> + “He is over fifty.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he a married man?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, his name is Count S——. He is as fond of me as a father + would be, and his affection has continued the same since my childhood. + Even his wife comes to see me sometimes, and to ask me to dinner. Next + autumn I am going into the country with her, and I hope the fresh air will + do me good. My god-father knows you are staying with us and is satisfied. + He does not know you, but if you like you can make his acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + I was glad to hear all this, as I gained a good deal of useful information + without having to ask any awkward questions. The friendship of this Greek + looked very like love. He was the husband of Countess S——, who + had taken me to the convent at Muran two years before. + </p> + <p> + I found the count a very polite man. He thanked me in a paternal manner + for my kindness to his daughter, and begged me to do him the honour of + dining with him on the following day, telling me that he would introduce + me to his wife. I accepted his invitation with pleasure, for I was fond of + dramatic situations, and my meeting with the countess promised to be an + exciting one. This invitation bespoke the courteous gentleman, and I + charmed my pretty pupil by singing his praises after he had gone. + </p> + <p> + “My god-father,” said she, “is in possession of all the necessary + documents for withdrawing from the house of Persico our family fortune, + which amounts to forty thousand crowns. A quarter of this sum belongs to + me, and my mother has promised my sister and myself to share her dowry + between us.” + </p> + <p> + I concluded from this that she would bring her husband fifteen thousand + Venetian ducats. + </p> + <p> + I guessed that she was appealing to me with her fortune, and wished to + make me in love with her by shewing herself chary of her favours; for + whenever I allowed myself any small liberties, she checked me with words + of remonstrance to which I could find no answer. I determined to make her + pursue another course. + </p> + <p> + Next day I took her with me to her god-father’s without telling her that I + knew the countess. I fancied the lady would pretend not to know me, but I + was wrong, as she welcomed me in the handsomest manner as if I were an old + friend. This, no doubt, was a surprise for the count, but he was too much + a man of the world to, shew any astonishment. He asked her when she had + made my acquaintance, and she, like a woman of experience, answered + without the slightest hesitation that we had seen each other two years ago + at Mira. The matter was settled, and we spent a very pleasant day. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening I took the young lady in my gondola back to the house, but + wishing to shorten the journey I allowed myself to indulge in a few + caresses. I was hurt at being responded to by reproaches, and for that + reason, as soon as she had set foot on her own doorstep, instead of + getting out I went to Tonine’s house, and spent nearly the whole night + there with the ambassador, who came a little after me. Next day, as I did + not get up till quite late, there was no dancing lesson, and when I + excused myself she told me not to trouble any more about it. In the + evening I sat on the balcony far into the night, but she did not come. + Vexed at this air of indifference I rose early in the morning and went + out, not returning till nightfall. She was on the balcony, but as she kept + me at a respectful distance I only talked to her on commonplace subjects. + In the morning I was roused by a tremendous noise. I got up, and hurriedly + putting on my dressing-gown ran into her room to see what was the matter, + only to find her dying. I had no need to feign an interest in her, for I + felt the most tender concern. As it was at the beginning of July it was + extremely hot, and my fair invalid was only covered by a thin sheet. She + could only speak to me with her eyes, but though the lids were lowered she + looked upon me so lovingly! I asked her if she suffered from palpitations, + and laying my hand upon her heart I pressed a fiery kiss upon her breast. + This was the electric spark, for she gave a sigh which did her good. She + had not strength to repulse the hand which I pressed amorously upon her + heart, and becoming bolder I fastened my burning lips upon her languid + mouth. I warmed her with my breath, and my audacious hand penetrated to + the very sanctuary of bliss. She made an effort to push me back, and told + me with her eyes, since she could not speak, how insulted she felt. I drew + back my hand, and at that moment the surgeon came. Hardly was the vein + opened when she drew a long breath, and by the time the operation was over + she wished to get up. I entreated her to stay in bed, and her mother added + her voice to mine; at last I persuaded her, telling her that I would not + leave her for a second, and that I would have my dinner by her bedside. + She then put on a corset and asked her sister to draw a sarcenet coverlet + over her, as her limbs could be seen as plainly as through a crape veil. + </p> + <p> + Having given orders for my dinner, I sat down by her bedside, burning with + love, and taking her hand and covering it with kisses I told her that I + was sure she would get better if she would let herself love. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” she said, “whom shall I love, not knowing whether I shall be loved + in return?” + </p> + <p> + I did not leave this question unanswered, and continuing the amorous + discourse with animation I won a sigh and a lovelorn glance. I put my hand + on her knee, begging her to let me leave it there, and promising to go no + farther, but little by little I attained the center, and strove to give + her some pleasant sensations. + </p> + <p> + “Let me alone,” said she, in a sentimental voice, drawing away, “‘tis + perchance the cause of my illness.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sweetheart,” I replied, “that cannot be.” And my mouth stopped all + her objections upon her lips. + </p> + <p> + I was enchanted, for I was now in a fair way, and I saw the moment of + bliss in the distance, feeling certain that I could effect a cure if the + doctor was not mistaken. I spared her all indiscreet questions out of + regard for her modesty; but I declared myself her lover, promising to ask + nothing of her but what was necessary to feed the fire of my love. They + sent me up a very good dinner, and she did justice to it; afterwards + saying that she was quite well she got up, and I went away to dress myself + for going out. I came back early in the evening, and found her on my + balcony. There, as I sat close to her looking into her face, speaking by + turns the language of the eyes and that of sighs, fixing my amorous gaze + upon those charms which the moonlight rendered sweeter, I made her share + in the fire which consumed me; and as I pressed her amorously to my bosom + she completed my bliss with such warmth that I could easily see that she + thought she was receiving a favour and not granting one. I sacrificed the + victim without staining the altar with blood. + </p> + <p> + Her sister came to tell her that it grew late. + </p> + <p> + “Do you go to bed,” she answered; “the fresh air is doing me good, and I + want to enjoy it a little longer.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were alone we went to bed together as if we had been doing + it for a whole year, and we passed a glorious night, I full of love and + the desire of curing her, and she of tender and ardent voluptuousness. At + day-break she embraced me, her eyes dewy with bliss, and went to lie down + in her own bed. I, like her, stood in need of a rest, and on that day + there was no talk of a dancing lesson. In spite of the fierce pleasure of + enjoyment and the transports of this delightful girl, I did not for a + moment lay prudence aside. We continued to pass such nights as these for + three weeks, and I had the pleasure of seeing her thoroughly cured. I + should doubtless have married her, if an event had not happened to me + towards the end of the month, of which I shall speak lower down. + </p> + <p> + You will remember, dear reader, about a romance by the Abbe Chiari, a + satirical romance which Mr. Murray had given me, and in which I fared + badly enough at the author’s hands I had small reason to be pleased with + him, and I let him know my opinion in such wise that the abbe who dreaded + a caning, kept upon his guard. About the same time I received an anonymous + letter, the writer of which told me that I should be better occupied in + taking care of myself than in thoughts of chastising the abbe, for I was + threatened by an imminent danger. Anonymous letter-writers should be held + in contempt, but one ought to know how, on occasion, to make the best of + advice given in that way. I did nothing, and made a great mistake. + </p> + <p> + About the same time a man named Manuzzi, a stone setter for his first + trade, and also a spy, a vile agent of the State Inquisitors—a man + of whom I knew nothing—found a way to make my acquaintance by + offering to let me have diamonds on credit, and by this means he got the + entry of my house. As he was looking at some books scattered here and + there about the room, he stopped short at the manuscripts which were on + magic. Enjoying foolishly enough, his look of astonishment, I shewed him + the books which teach one how to summon the elementary spirits. My readers + will, I hope, do me the favour to believe that I put no faith in these + conjuring books, but I had them by me and used to amuse myself with them + as one does amuse one’s self with the multitudinous follies which proceed + from the heads of visionaries. A few days after, the traitor came to see + me and told me that a collector, whose name he might not tell me, was + ready to give me a thousand sequins for my five books, but that he would + like to examine them first to see if they were genuine. As he promised to + let me have them back in twenty-four hours, and not thinking much about + the matter, I let him have them. He did not fail to bring them back the + next day, telling me that the collector thought them forgeries. I found + out, some years after, that he had taken them to the State Inquisitors, + who thus discovered that I was a notable magician. + </p> + <p> + Everything that happened throughout this fatal month tended to my ruin, + for Madame Memmo, mother of Andre, Bernard, and Laurent Memmo, had taken + it into her head that I had inclined her sons to atheistic opinions, and + took counsel with the old knight Antony Mocenigo, M. de Bragadin’s uncle, + who was angry with me, because, as he said, I had conspired to seduce his + nephew. The matter was a serious one, and an auto-da-fe was very possible, + as it came under the jurisdiction of the Holy Office—a kind of wild + beast, with which it is not good to quarrel. Nevertheless, as there would + be some difficulty in shutting me up in the ecclesiastical prisons of the + Holy Office, it was determined to carry my case before the State + Inquisitors, who took upon themselves the provisional duty of putting a + watch upon my manner of living. + </p> + <p> + M. Antony Condulmer, who as a friend of Abbe Chiari’s was an enemy of + mine, was then an Inquisitor of State, and he took the opportunity of + looking upon me in the light of a disturber of the peace of the + commonwealth. A secretary of an embassy, whom I knew some years after, + told me that a paid informer, with two other witnesses, also, doubtless, + in the pay of this grand tribunal, had declared that I was guilty of only + believing in the devil, as if this absurd belief, if it were possible, did + not necessarily connote a belief in God! These three honest fellows + testified with an oath that when I lost money at play, on which occasion + all the faithful are wont to blaspheme, I was never heard to curse the + devil. I was further accused of eating meat all the year round, of only + going to hear fine masses, and I was vehemently suspected of being a + Freemason. It was added that I frequented the society of foreign + ministers, and that living as I did with three noblemen, it was certain + that I revealed, for the large sums which I was seen to lose, as many + state secrets as I could worm out of them. + </p> + <p> + All these accusations, none of which had any foundation in fact, served + the Tribunal as a pretext to treat me as an enemy of the commonwealth and + as a prime conspirator. For several weeks I was counselled by persons whom + I might have trusted to go abroad whilst the Tribunal was engaged on my + case. This should have been enough, for the only people who can live in + peace at Venice are those whose existence the Tribunal is ignorant of, but + I obstinately despised all these hints. If I had listened to the indirect + advice which was given me, I should have become anxious, and I was the + sworn foe of all anxiety. I kept saying to myself, “I feel remorse for + nothing and I am therefore guilty of nothing, and the innocent have + nothing to fear.” I was a fool, for I argued as if I had been a free man + in a free country. I must also confess that what to a great extent kept me + from thinking of possible misfortune was the actual misfortune which + oppressed me from morning to night. I lost every day, I owed money + everywhere, I had pawned all my jewels, and even my portrait cases, taking + the precaution, however, of removing the portraits, which with my + important papers and my amorous letters I had placed in the hands of + Madame Manzoni. I found myself avoided in society. An old senator told me, + one day, that it was known that the young Countess Bonafede had become mad + in consequence of the love philtres I had given her. She was still at the + asylum, and in her moments of delirium she did nothing but utter my name + with curses. I must let my readers into the secret of this small history. + </p> + <p> + This young Countess Bonafede, to whom I had given some sequins a few days + after my return to Venice, thought herself capable of making me continue + my visits, from which she had profited largely. Worried by her letters I + went to see her several times, and always left her a few sequins, but with + the exception of my first visit I was never polite enough to give her any + proofs of my affection. My coldness had baulked all her endeavours for a + year, when she played a criminal part, of which, though I was never able + absolutely to convict her, I had every reason to believe her guilty. + </p> + <p> + She wrote me a letter, in which she importuned me to come and see her at a + certain hour on important business. + </p> + <p> + My curiosity, as well as a desire to be of service to her, took me there + at the appointed time; but as soon as she saw me she flung her arms round + my neck, and told me that the important business was love. This made me + laugh heartily, and I was pleased to find her looking neater than usual, + which, doubtless, made me find her looking prettier. She reminded me of + St. Andre, and succeeded so well in her efforts that I was on the point of + satisfying her desires. I took off my cloak, and asked her if her father + were in. She told me he had gone out. Being obliged to go out for a + minute, in coming back I mistook the door, and I found myself in the next + room, where I was much astonished to see the count and two + villainous-looking fellows with him. + </p> + <p> + “My dear count,” I said, “your daughter has just told me that you were + out.” + </p> + <p> + “I myself told her to do so, as I have some business with these gentlemen, + which, however, can wait for another day.” + </p> + <p> + I would have gone, but he stopped me, and having dismissed the two men he + told me that he was delighted to see me, and forthwith began the tale of + his troubles, which were of more than one kind. The State Inquisitors had + stopped his slender pension, and he was on the eve of seeing himself + driven out with his family into the streets to beg his bread. He said that + he had not been able to pay his landlord anything for three years, but if + he could pay only a quarter’s rent, he would obtain a respite, or if he + persisted in turning him out, he could make a night-flitting of it, and + take up his abode somewhere else. As he only wanted twenty ducats, I took + out six sequins and gave them to him. He embraced me, and shed tears of + joy; then, taking his poor cloak, he called his daughter, told her to keep + me company, and went out. + </p> + <p> + Alone with the countess, I examined the door of communication between the + two rooms and found it slightly open. + </p> + <p> + “Your father,” I said, “would have surprised me, and it is easy to guess + what he would have done with the two sbirri who were with him. The plot is + clear, and I have only escaped from it by the happiest of chances.” + </p> + <p> + She denied, wept, called God to witness, threw herself on her knees; but I + turned my head away, and taking my cloak went away without a word. She + kept on writing to me, but her letters remained unanswered, and I saw her + no more. + </p> + <p> + It was summer-time, and between the heat, her passions, hunger, and + wretchedness, her head was turned, and she became so mad that she went out + of the house stark naked, and ran up and down St. Peter’s Place, asking + those who stopped her to take her to my house. This sad story went all + over the town and caused me a great deal of annoyance. The poor wretch was + sent to an asylum, and did not recover her reason for five years. When she + came out she found herself reduced to beg her bread in the streets, like + all her brothers, except one, whom I found a cadet in the guards of the + King of Spain twelve years afterwards. + </p> + <p> + At the time of which I am speaking all this had happened a year ago, but + the story was dug up against me, and dressed out in the attire of fiction, + and thus formed part of those clouds which were to discharge their thunder + upon me to my destruction. + </p> + <p> + In the July of 1755 the hateful court gave Messer-Grande instructions to + secure me, alive or dead. In this furious style all orders for arrests + proceeding from the Three were issued, for the least of their commands + carried with it the penalty of death. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days before the Feast of St. James, my patron saint, M—— + M—— made me a present of several ells of silver lace to trim a + sarcenet dress which I was going to wear on the eve of the feast. I went + to see her, dressed in my fine suit, and I told her that I should come + again on the day following to ask her to lend me some money, as I did not + know where to turn to find some. She was still in possession of the five + hundred sequins which she had put aside when I had sold her diamonds. + </p> + <p> + As I was sure of getting the money in the morning I passed the night at + play, and I lost the five hundred sequins in advance. At day-break, being + in need of a little quiet, I went to the Erberia, a space of ground on the + quay of the Grand Canal. Here is held the herb, fruit, and flower market. + </p> + <p> + People in good society who come to walk in the Erberia at a rather early + hour usually say that they come to see the hundreds of boats laden with + vegetables, fruit and flowers, which hail from the numerous islands near + the town; but everyone knows that they are men and women who have been + spending the night in the excesses of Venus or Bacchus, or who have lost + all hope at the gaming-table, and come here to breath a purer air and to + calm their minds. The fashion of walking in this place shews how the + character of a nation changes. The Venetians of old time who made as great + a mystery of love as of state affairs, have been replaced by the modern + Venetians, whose most prominent characteristic is to make a mystery of + nothing. Those who come to the Erberia with women wish to excite the envy + of their friends by thus publishing their good fortune. Those who come + alone are on the watch for discoveries, or on the look-out for materials + to make wives or husbands jealous, the women only come to be seen, glad to + let everybody know that they are without any restraint upon their actions. + There was certainly no question of smartness there, considering the + disordered style of dress worn. The women seemed to have agreed to shew + all the signs of disorder imaginable, to give those who saw them something + to talk about. As for the men, on whose arms they leaned, their careless + and lounging airs were intended to give the idea of a surfeit of pleasure, + and to make one think that the disordered appearance of their companions + was a sure triumph they had enjoyed. In short it was the correct thing to + look tired out, and as if one stood in need of sleep. + </p> + <p> + This veracious description, reader, will not give you a very high opinion + of the morals of my dear fellow citizens; but what object should I have at + my age for deceiving? Venice is not at the world’s end, but is well enough + known to those whose curiosity brings them into Italy; and everyone can + see for himself if my pictures are overdrawn. + </p> + <p> + After walking up and down for half an hour, I came away, and thinking the + whole house still a-bed I drew my key out to open the door, but what was + my astonishment to find it useless, as the door was open, and what is + more, the lock burst off. I ran upstairs, and found them all up, and my + landlady uttering bitter lamentations. + </p> + <p> + “Messer-Grande,” she told me, “has entered my house forcibly, accompanied + by a band of sbirri. He turned everything upside down, on the pretext that + he was in search of a portmanteau full of salt—a highly contraband + article. He said he knew that a portmanteau had been landed there the + evening before, which was quite true; but it belonged to Count S——, + and only contained linen and clothes. Messer-Grande, after inspecting it, + went out without saying a word.” + </p> + <p> + He had also paid my room a visit. She told me that she must have some + reparation made her, and thinking she was in the right I promised to speak + to M. de Bragadin on the matter the same day. Needing rest above all + things, I lay down, but my nervous excitement, which I attributed to my + heavy losses at play, made me rise after three or four hours, and I went + to see M. de Bragadin, to whom I told the whole story begging him to press + for some signal amends. I made a lively representation to him of all the + grounds on which my landlady required proportionate amends to be made, + since the laws guaranteed the peace of all law-abiding people. + </p> + <p> + I saw that the three friends were greatly saddened by what I said, and the + wise old man, quietly but sadly, told me that I should have my answer + after dinner. + </p> + <p> + De la Haye dined with us, but all through the meal, which was a melancholy + one, he spoke not a word. His silence should have told me all, if I had + not been under the influence of some malevolent genii who would not allow + me to exercise my common sense: as to the sorrow of my three friends, I + put that down to their friendship for me. My connection with these worthy + men had always been the talk of the town, and as all were agreed that it + could not be explained on natural grounds, it was deemed to be the effect + of some sorcery exercised by me. These three men were thoroughly religious + and virtuous citizens; I was nothing if not irreligious, and Venice did + not contain a greater libertine. Virtue, it was said, may have compassion + on vice, but cannot become its friend. + </p> + <p> + After dinner M. de Bragadin took me into his closet with his two friends, + from whom he had no secrets. He told me with wonderful calmness that + instead of meditating vengeance on Messer-Grande I should be thinking of + putting myself in a place of safety. “The portmanteau,” said he, “was a + mere pretext; it was you they wanted and thought to find. Since your good + genius has made them miss you, look out for yourself; perhaps by to-morrow + it may be too late. I have been a State Inquisitor for eight months, and I + know the way in which the arrests ordered by the court are carried out. + They would not break open a door to look for a box of salt. Indeed, it is + possible that they knew you were out, and sought to warn you to escape in + this manner. Take my advice, my dear son, and set out directly for Fusina, + and thence as quickly as you can make your way to Florence, where you can + remain till I write to you that you may return with safety. If you have no + money I will give you a hundred sequins for present expenses. Believe me + that prudence bids you go.” + </p> + <p> + Blinded by my folly, I answered him that being guilty of nothing I had + nothing to fear, and that consequently, although I knew his advice was + good, I could not follow it. + </p> + <p> + “The high court,” said he, “may deem you guilty of crimes real or + imaginary; but in any case it will give you no account of the accusations + against you. Ask your oracle if you shall follow my advice or not.” I + refused because I knew the folly of such a proceeding, but by way of + excuse I said that I only consulted it when I was in doubt. Finally, I + reasoned that if I fled I should be shewing fear, and thus confessing my + guilt, for an innocent man, feeling no remorse, cannot reasonably be + afraid of anything. + </p> + <p> + “If secrecy,” said I, “is of the essence of the Court, you cannot possibly + judge, after my escape, whether I have done so rightly or wrongly. The + same reasons, which, according to your excellence, bid me go, would forbid + my return. Must I then say good-bye for ever to my country, and all that + is dear to me?” As a last resource he tried to persuade me to pass the + following day and night, at least, at the palace. I am still ashamed of + having refused the worthy old man to whom I owed so much this favour; for + the palace of a noble is sacred to the police who dare not cross its + threshold without a special order from the Tribunal, which is practically + never given; by yielding to his request I should have avoided a grievous + misfortune, and spared the worthy old man some acute grief. + </p> + <p> + I was moved to see M. de Bragadin weeping, and perhaps I might have + granted to his tears that which I had obstinately refused to his arguments + and entreaties. “For Heaven’s sake!” said I, “spare me the harrowing sight + of your tears.” In an instant he summoned all his strength to his + assistance, made some indifferent remarks, and then, with a smile full of + good nature, he embraced me, saying, “Perhaps I may be fated never to see + you again, but ‘Fata viam invenient’.” + </p> + <p> + I embraced him affectionately, and went away, but his prediction was + verified, for I never saw him again; he died eleven years afterwards. I + found myself in the street without feeling the slightest fear, but I was + in a good deal of trouble about my debts. I had not the heart to go to + Muran to take away from M. M. her last five hundred sequins, which sum I + owed to the man who won it from me in the night; I preferred asking him to + wait eight days, and I did so. After performing this unpleasant piece of + business I returned home, and, having consoled my landlady to the utmost + of my power, I kissed the daughter, and lay down to sleep. The date was + July 25th, 1755. + </p> + <p> + Next morning at day-break who should enter my room but the awful + Messer-Grande. To awake, to see him, and to hear him asking if I were + Jacques Casanova, was the work of a moment. At my “yes, I am Casanova,” he + told me to rise, to put on my clothes, to give him all the papers and + manuscripts in my possession, and to follow him. + </p> + <p> + “On whose authority do you order me to do this?” + </p> + <p> + “By the authority of the Tribunal.” + </p> + <a name="linkB2H_4_0031" id="linkB2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode10" id="linkepisode10"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 10 — UNDER THE LEADS + </h2> + <a name="linkB2HCH0026" id="linkB2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Under The Leads—The Earthquake +</pre> + <p> + What a strange and unexplained power certain words exercise upon the soul! + I, who the evening before so bravely fortified myself with my innocence + and courage, by the word tribunal was turned to a stone, with merely the + faculty of passive obedience left to me. + </p> + <p> + My desk was open, and all my papers were on a table where I was accustomed + to write. + </p> + <p> + “Take them,” said I, to the agent of the dreadful Tribunal, pointing to + the papers which covered the table. He filled a bag with them, and gave it + to one of the sbirri, and then told me that I must also give up the bound + manuscripts which I had in my possession. I shewed him where they were, + and this incident opened my eyes. I saw now, clearly enough, that I had + been betrayed by the wretch Manuzzi. The books were, “The Key of Solomon + the King,” “The Zecorben,” a “Picatrix,” a book of “Instructions on the + Planetary Hours,” and the necessary incantations for conversing with + demons of all sorts. Those who were aware that I possessed these books + took me for an expert magician, and I was not sorry to have such a + reputation. + </p> + <p> + Messer-Grande took also the books on the table by my bed, such as + Petrarch, Ariosto, Horace. “The Military Philosopher” (a manuscript which + Mathilde had given me), “The Porter of Chartreux,” and “The Aretin,” which + Manuzzi had also denounced, for Messer-Grande asked me for it by name. + This spy, Manuzzi, had all the appearance of an honest man—a very + necessary qualification for his profession. His son made his fortune in + Poland by marrying a lady named Opeska, whom, as they say, he killed, + though I have never had any positive proof on the matter, and am willing + to stretch Christian charity to the extent of believing he was innocent, + although he was quite capable of such a crime. + </p> + <p> + While Messer-Grande was thus rummaging among my manuscripts, books and + letters, I was dressing myself in an absent-minded manner, neither + hurrying myself nor the reverse. I made my toilette, shaved myself, and + combed my hair; putting on mechanically a laced shirt and my holiday suit + without saying a word, and without Messer-Grande—who did not let me + escape his sight for an instant—complaining that I was dressing + myself as if I were going to a wedding. + </p> + <p> + As I went out I was surprised to see a band of forty men-at-arms in the + ante-room. They had done me the honour of thinking all these men necessary + for my arrest, though, according to the axiom ‘Ne Hercules quidem contra + duos’, two would have been enough. It is curious that in London, where + everyone is brave, only one man is needed to arrest another, whereas in my + dear native land, where cowardice prevails, thirty are required. The + reason is, perhaps, that the coward on the offensive is more afraid than + the coward on the defensive, and thus a man usually cowardly is + transformed for the moment into a man of courage. It is certain that at + Venice one often sees a man defending himself against twenty sbirri, and + finally escaping after beating them soundly. I remember once helping a + friend of mine at Paris to escape from the hands of forty bum-bailiffs, + and we put the whole vile rout of them to flight. + </p> + <p> + Messer-Grande made me get into a gondola, and sat down near me with an + escort of four men. When we came to our destination he offered me coffee, + which I refused; and he then shut me up in a room. I passed these four + hours in sleep, waking up every quarter of an hour to pass water—an + extraordinary occurrence, as I was not at all subject to stranguary; the + heat was great, and I had not supped the evening before. I have noticed at + other times that surprise at a deed of oppression acts on me as a powerful + narcotic, but I found out at the time I speak of that great surprise is + also a diuretic. I make this discovery over to the doctors, it is possible + that some learned man may make use of it to solace the ills of humanity. I + remember laughing very heartily at Prague six years ago, on learning that + some thin-skinned ladies, on reading my flight from The Leads, which was + published at that date, took great offence at the above account, which + they thought I should have done well to leave out. I should have left it + out, perhaps, in speaking to a lady, but the public is not a pretty woman + whom I am intent on cajoling, my only aim is to be instructive. Indeed, I + see no impropriety in the circumstance I have narrated, which is as common + to men and women as eating and drinking; and if there is anything in it to + shock too sensitive nerves, it is that we resemble in this respect the + cows and pigs. + </p> + <p> + It is probable that just as my overwhelmed soul gave signs of its failing + strength by the loss of the thinking faculty, so my body distilled a great + part of those fluids which by their continual circulation set the thinking + faculty in motion. Thus a sudden shock might cause instantaneous death, + and send one to Paradise by a cut much too short. + </p> + <p> + In course of time the captain of the men-at-arms came to tell me that he + was under orders to take me under the Leads. Without a word I followed + him. We went by gondola, and after a thousand turnings among the small + canals we got into the Grand Canal, and landed at the prison quay. After + climbing several flights of stairs we crossed a closed bridge which forms + the communication between the prisons and the Doge’s palace, crossing the + canal called Rio di Palazzo. On the other side of this bridge there is a + gallery which we traversed. We then crossed one room, and entered another, + where sat an individual in the dress of a noble, who, after looking + fixedly at me, said, “E quello, mettetelo in deposito.” + </p> + <p> + This man was the secretary of the Inquisitors, the prudent Dominic + Cavalli, who was apparently ashamed to speak Venetian in my presence as he + pronounced my doom in the Tuscan language. + </p> + <p> + Messer-Grande then made me over to the warden of The Leads, who stood by + with an enormous bunch of keys, and accompanied by two guards, made me + climb two short flights of stairs, at the top of which followed a passage + and then another gallery, at the end of which he opened a door, and I + found myself in a dirty garret, thirty-six feet long by twelve broad, + badly lighted by a window high up in the roof. I thought this garret was + my prison, but I was mistaken; for, taking an enormous key, the gaoler + opened a thick door lined with iron, three and a half feet high, with a + round hole in the middle, eight inches in diameter, just as I was looking + intently at an iron machine. This machine was like a horse shoe, an inch + thick and about five inches across from one end to the other. I was + thinking what could be the use to which this horrible instrument was put, + when the gaoler said, with a smile, + </p> + <p> + “I see, sir, that you wish to know what that is for, and as it happens I + can satisfy your curiosity. When their excellencies give orders that + anyone is to be strangled, he is made to sit down on a stool, the back + turned to this collar, and his head is so placed that the collar goes + round one half of the neck. A silk band, which goes round the other half, + passes through this hole, and the two ends are connected with the axle of + a wheel which is turned by someone until the prisoner gives up the ghost, + for the confessor, God be thanked! never leaves him till he is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “All this sounds very ingenious, and I should think that it is you who + have the honour of turning the wheel.” + </p> + <p> + He made no answer, and signing to me to enter, which I did by bending + double, he shut me up, and afterwards asked me through the grated hole + what I would like to eat. + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t thought anything about it yet,” I answered. And he went away, + locking all the doors carefully behind him. + </p> + <p> + Stunned with grief, I leant my elbows on the top of the grating. It was + crossed, by six iron bars an inch thick, which formed sixteen square + holes. This opening would have lighted my cell, if a square beam + supporting the roof which joined the wall below the window had not + intercepted what little light came into that horrid garret. After making + the tour of my sad abode, my head lowered, as the cell was not more than + five and a half feet high, I found by groping along that it formed + three-quarters of a square of twelve feet. The fourth quarter was a kind + of recess, which would have held a bed; but there was neither bed, nor + table, nor chair, nor any furniture whatever, except a bucket—the + use of which may be guessed, and a bench fixed in the wall a foot wide and + four feet from the ground. On it I placed my cloak, my fine suit, and my + hat trimmed with Spanish paint and adorned with a beautiful white feather. + The heat was great, and my instinct made me go mechanically to the + grating, the only place where I could lean on my elbows. I could not see + the window, but I saw the light in the garret, and rats of a fearful size, + which walked unconcernedly about it; these horrible creatures coming close + under my grating without shewing the slightest fear. At the sight of these + I hastened to close up the round hole in the middle of the door with an + inside shutter, for a visit from one of the rats would have frozen my + blood. I passed eight hours in silence and without stirring, my arms all + the time crossed on the top of the grating. + </p> + <p> + At last the clock roused me from my reverie, and I began to feel restless + that no one came to give me anything to eat or to bring me a bed whereon + to sleep. I thought they might at least let me have a chair and some bread + and water. I had no appetite, certainly; but were my gaolers to guess as + much? And never in my life had I been so thirsty. I was quite sure, + however, that somebody would come before the close of the day; but when I + heard eight o’clock strike I became furious, knocking at the door, + stamping my feet, fretting and fuming, and accompanying this useless + hubbub with loud cries. After more than an hour of this wild exercise, + seeing no one, without the slightest reason to think I could be heard, and + shrouded in darkness, I shut the grating for fear of the rats, and threw + myself at full length upon the floor. So cruel a desertion seemed to me + unnatural, and I came to the conclusion that the Inquisitors had sworn my + death. My investigation as to what I had done to deserve such a fate was + not a long one, for in the most scrupulous examination of my conduct I + could find no crimes. I was, it is true, a profligate, a gambler, a bold + talker, a man who thought of little besides enjoying this present life, + but in all that there was no offence against the state. Nevertheless, + finding myself treated as a criminal, rage and despair made me express + myself against the horrible despotism which oppressed me in a manner which + I will leave my readers to guess, but which I will not repeat here. But + notwithstanding my brief and anxiety, the hunger which began to make + itself felt, and the thirst which tormented me, and the hardness of the + boards on which I lay, did not prevent exhausted nature from reasserting + her rights; I fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + My strong constitution was in need of sleep; and in a young and healthy + subject this imperious necessity silences all others, and in this way + above all is sleep rightly termed the benefactor of man. + </p> + <p> + The clock striking midnight awoke me. How sad is the awaking when it makes + one regret one’s empty dreams. I could scarcely believe that I had spent + three painless hours. As I lay on my left side, I stretched out my right + hand to get my handkerchief, which I remembered putting on that side. I + felt about for it, when—heavens! what was my surprise to feel + another hand as cold as ice. The fright sent an electric shock through me, + and my hair began to stand on end. + </p> + <p> + Never had I been so alarmed, nor should I have previously thought myself + capable of experiencing such terror. I passed three or four minutes in a + kind of swoon, not only motionless but incapable of thinking. As I got + back my senses by degrees, I tried to make myself believe that the hand I + fancied I had touched was a mere creature of my disordered imagination; + and with this idea I stretched out my hand again, and again with the same + result. Benumbed with fright, I uttered a piercing cry, and, dropping the + hand I held, I drew back my arm, trembling all over. + </p> + <p> + Soon, as I got a little calmer and more capable of reasoning, I concluded + that a corpse had been placed beside me whilst I slept, for I was certain + it was not there when I lay down. + </p> + <p> + “This,” said I, “is the body of some strangled wretch, and they would thus + warn me of the fate which is in store for me.” + </p> + <p> + The thought maddened me; and my fear giving place to rage, for the third + time I stretched my arm towards the icy hand, seizing it to make certain + of the fact in all its atrocity, and wishing to get up, I rose upon my + left elbow, and found that I had got hold of my other hand. Deadened by + the weight of my body and the hardness of the boards, it had lost warmth, + motion, and all sensation. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the humorous features in this incident, it did not cheer me + up, but, on the contrary, inspired me with the darkest fancies. I saw that + I was in a place where, if the false appeared true, the truth might appear + false, where understanding was bereaved of half its prerogatives, where + the imagination becoming affected would either make the reason a victim to + empty hopes or to dark despair. I resolved to be on my guard; and for the + first time in my life, at the age of thirty, I called philosophy to my + assistance. I had within me all the seeds of philosophy, but so far I had + had no need for it. + </p> + <p> + I am convinced that most men die without ever having thought, in the + proper sense of the word, not so much for want of wit or of good sense, + but rather because the shock necessary to the reasoning faculty in its + inception has never occurred to them to lift them out of their daily + habits. + </p> + <p> + After what I had experienced, I could think of sleep no more, and to get + up would have been useless as I could not stand upright, so I took the + only sensible course and remained seated. I sat thus till four o’clock in + the morning, the sun would rise at five, and I longed to see the day, for + a presentiment which I held infallible told me that it would set me again + at liberty. I was consumed with a desire for revenge, nor did I conceal it + from myself. I saw myself at the head of the people, about to exterminate + the Government which had oppressed me; I massacred all the aristocrats + without pity; all must be shattered and brought to the dust. I was + delirious; I knew the authors of my misfortune, and in my fancy I + destroyed them. I restored the natural right common to all men of being + obedient only to the law, and of being tried only by their peers and by + laws to which they have agreed-in short, I built castles in Spain. Such is + man when he has become the prey of a devouring passion. He does not + suspect that the principle which moves him is not reason but wrath, its + greatest enemy. + </p> + <p> + I waited for a less time than I had expected, and thus I became a little + more quiet. At half-past four the deadly silence of the place—this + hell of the living—was broken by the shriek of bolts being shot back + in the passages leading to my cell. + </p> + <p> + “Have you had time yet to think about what you will take to eat?” said the + harsh voice of my gaoler from the wicket. + </p> + <p> + One is lucky when the insolence of a wretch like this only shews itself in + the guise of jesting. I answered that I should like some rice soup, a + piece of boiled beef, a roast, bread, wine, and water. I saw that the lout + was astonished not to hear the lamentations he expected. He went away and + came back again in a quarter of an hour to say that he was astonished I + did not require a bed and the necessary pieces of furniture, “for” said + he, “if you flatter yourself that you are only here for a night, you are + very much mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “Then bring me whatever you think necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “Where shall I go for it? Here is a pencil and paper; write it down.” + </p> + <p> + I shewed him by writing where to go for my shirts, stockings, and clothes + of all sorts, a bed, table, chair, the books which Messer-Grande had + confiscated, paper, pens, and so forth. On my reading out the list to him + (the lout did not know how to read) he cried, “Scratch out,” said he, + “scratch out books, paper, pens, looking-glass and razors, for all that is + forbidden fruit here, and then give me some money to get your dinner.” I + had three sequins so I gave him one, and he went off. He spent an hour in + the passages engaged, as I learnt afterwards, in attending on seven other + prisoners who were imprisoned in cells placed far apart from each other to + prevent all communication. + </p> + <p> + About noon the gaoler reappeared followed by five guards, whose duty it + was to serve the state prisoners. He opened the cell door to bring in my + dinner and the furniture I had asked for. The bed was placed in the + recess; my dinner was laid out on a small table, and I had to eat with an + ivory spoon he had procured out of the money I had given him; all forks, + knives, and edged tools being forbidden. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what you would like for to-morrow,” said he, “for I can only come + here once a day at sunrise. The Lord High Secretary has told me to inform + you that he will send you some suitable books, but those you wish for are + forbidden.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank him for his kindness in putting me by myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so, but you make a mistake in jesting thus.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t jest at all, for I think truly that it is much better to be alone + than to mingle with the scoundrels who are doubtless here.” + </p> + <p> + “What, sir! scoundrels? Not at all, not at all. They are only respectable + people here, who, for reasons known to their excellencies alone, have to + be sequestered from society. You have been put by yourself as an + additional punishment, and you want me to thank the secretary on that + account?” + </p> + <p> + “I was not aware of that.” + </p> + <p> + The fool was right, and I soon found it out. I discovered that a man + imprisoned by himself can have no occupations. Alone in a gloomy cell + where he only sees the fellow who brings his food once a day, where he + cannot walk upright, he is the most wretched of men. He would like to be + in hell, if he believes in it, for the sake of the company. So strong a + feeling is this that I got to desire the company of a murderer, of one + stricken with the plague, or of a bear. The loneliness behind the prison + bars is terrible, but it must be learnt by experience to be understood, + and such an experience I would not wish even to my enemies. To a man of + letters in my situation, paper and ink would take away nine-tenths of the + torture, but the wretches who persecuted me did not dream of granting me + such an alleviation of my misery. + </p> + <p> + After the gaoler had gone, I set my table near the grating for the sake of + the light, and sat down to dinner, but I could only swallow a few + spoonfuls of soup. Having fasted for nearly forty-eight hours, it was not + surprising that I felt ill. I passed the day quietly enough seated on my + sofa, and proposing myself to read the “suitable books” which they had + been good enough to promise me. I did not shut my eyes the whole night, + kept awake by the hideous noise made by the rats, and by the deafening + chime of the clock of St. Mark’s, which seemed to be striking in my room. + This double vexation was not my chief trouble, and I daresay many of my + readers will guess what I am going to speak of-namely, the myriads of + fleas which held high holiday over me. These small insects drank my blood + with unutterable voracity, their incessant bites gave me spasmodic + convulsions and poisoned my blood. + </p> + <p> + At day-break, Lawrence (such was the gaoler’s name) came to my cell and + had my bed made, and the room swept and cleansed, and one of the guards + gave me water wherewith to wash myself. I wanted to take a walk in the + garret, but Lawrence told me that was forbidden. He gave me two thick + books which I forbore to open, not being quite sure of repressing the + wrath with which they might inspire me, and which the spy would have + infallibly reported to his masters. After leaving me my fodder and two cut + lemons he went away. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was alone I ate my soup in a hurry, so as to take it hot, and + then I drew as near as I could to the light with one of the books, and was + delighted to find that I could see to read. I looked at the title, and + read, “The Mystical City of Sister Mary of Jesus, of Agrada.” I had never + heard of it. The other book was by a Jesuit named Caravita. This fellow, a + hypocrite like the rest of them, had invented a new cult of the “Adoration + of the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This, according to the + author, was the part of our Divine Redeemer, which above all others should + be adored; a curious idea of a besotted ignoramus, with which I got + disgusted at the first page, for to my thinking the heart is no more + worthy a part than the lungs, stomach; or any other of the inwards. The + “Mystical City” rather interested me. + </p> + <p> + I read in it the wild conceptions of a Spanish nun, devout to + superstition, melancholy, shut in by convent walls, and swayed by the + ignorance and bigotry of her confessors. All these grotesque, monstrous, + and fantastic visions of hers were dignified with the name of revelations. + The lover and bosom-friend of the Holy Virgin, she had received + instructions from God Himself to write the life of His divine mother; the + necessary information was furnished her by the Holy Ghost. + </p> + <p> + This life of Mary began, not with the day of her birth, but with her + immaculate conception in the womb of Anne, her mother. This Sister Mary of + Agrada was the head of a Franciscan convent founded by herself in her own + house. After telling in detail all the deeds of her divine heroine whilst + in her mother’s womb, she informs us that at the age of three she swept + and cleansed the house with the assistance of nine hundred servants, all + of whom were angels whom God had placed at her disposal, under the command + of Michael, who came and went between God and herself to conduct their + mutual correspondence. + </p> + <p> + What strikes the judicious reader of the book is the evident belief of the + more than fanatical writer that nothing is due to her invention; + everything is told in good faith and with full belief. The work contains + the dreams of a visionary, who, without vanity but inebriated with the + idea of God, thinks to reveal only the inspirations of the Divine Spirit. + </p> + <p> + The book was published with the permission of the very holy and very + horrible Inquisition. I could not recover from my astonishment! Far from + its stirring up in my breast a holy and simple zeal of religion, it + inclined me to treat all the mystical dogmas of the Faith as fabulous. + </p> + <p> + Such works may have dangerous results; for example, a more susceptible + reader than myself, or one more inclined to believe in the marvellous, + runs the risk of becoming as great a visionary as the poor nun herself. + </p> + <p> + The need of doing something made me spend a week over this masterpiece of + madness, the product of a hyper-exalted brain. I took care to say nothing + to the gaoler about this fine work, but I began to feel the effects of + reading it. As soon as I went off to sleep I experienced the disease which + Sister Mary of Agrada had communicated to my mind weakened by melancholy, + want of proper nourishment and exercise, bad air, and the horrible + uncertainty of my fate. The wildness of my dreams made me laugh when I + recalled them in my waking moments. If I had possessed the necessary + materials I would have written my visions down, and I might possibly have + produced in my cell a still madder work than the one chosen with such + insight by Cavalli. + </p> + <p> + This set me thinking how mistaken is the opinion which makes human + intellect an absolute force; it is merely relative, and he who studies + himself carefully will find only weakness. I perceived that though men + rarely become mad, still such an event is well within the bounds of + possibility, for our reasoning faculties are like powder, which, though it + catches fire easily, will never catch fire at all without a spark. The + book of the Spanish nun has all the properties necessary to make a man + crack-brained; but for the poison to take effect he must be isolated, put + under the Leads, and deprived of all other employments. + </p> + <p> + In November, 1767, as I was going from Pampeluna to Madrid, my coachman, + Andrea Capello, stopped for us to dine in a town of Old Castille. So + dismal and dreary a place did I find it that I asked its name. How I + laughed when I was told that it was Agrada! + </p> + <p> + “Here, then,” I said to myself, “did that saintly lunatic produce that + masterpiece which but for M. Cavalli I should never have known.” + </p> + <p> + An old priest, who had the highest possible opinion of me the moment I + began to ask him about this truthful historian of the mother of Christ, + shewed me the very place where she had written it, and assured me that the + father, mother, sister, and in short all the kindred of the blessed + biographer, had been great saints in their generation. He told me, and + spoke truly, that the Spaniards had solicited her canonization at Rome, + with that of the venerable Palafox. This “Mystical City,” perhaps, gave + Father Malagrida the idea of writing the life of St. Anne, written, also, + at the dictation of the Holy Ghost, but the poor devil of a Jesuit had to + suffer martyrdom for it—an additional reason for his canonization, + if the horrible society ever comes to life again, and attains the + universal power which is its secret aim. + </p> + <p> + At the end of eight or nine days I found myself moneyless. Lawrence asked + me for some, but I had not got it. + </p> + <p> + “Where can I get some?” + </p> + <p> + “Nowhere.” + </p> + <p> + What displeased this ignorant and gossiping fellow about me was my silence + and my laconic manner of talking. + </p> + <p> + Next day he told me that the Tribunal had assigned me fifty sous per diem + of which he would have to take charge, but that he would give me an + account of his expenditure every month, and that he would spend the + surplus on what I liked. + </p> + <p> + “Get me the Leyden Gazette twice a week.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t do that, because it is not allowed by the authorities.” + </p> + <p> + Sixty-five livres a month was more than I wanted, since I could not eat + more than I did: the great heat and the want of proper nourishment had + weakened me. It was in the dog-days; the strength of the sun’s rays upon + the lead of the roof made my cell like a stove, so that the streams of + perspiration which rolled off my poor body as I sat quite naked on my + sofa-chair wetted the floor to right and left of me. + </p> + <p> + I had been in this hell-on-earth for fifteen days without any secretion + from the bowels. At the end of this almost incredible time nature + re-asserted herself, and I thought my last hour was come. The + haemorrhoidal veins were swollen to such an extent that the pressure on + them gave me almost unbearable agony. To this fatal time I owe the + inception of that sad infirmity of which I have never been able to + completely cure myself. The recurrence of the same pains, though not so + acute, remind me of the cause, and do not make my remembrance of it any + the more agreeable. This disease got me compliments in Russia when I was + there ten years later, and I found it in such esteem that I did not dare + to complain. The same kind of thing happened to me at Constantinople, when + I was complaining of a cold in the head in the presence of a Turk, who was + thinking, I could see, that a dog of a Christian was not worthy of such a + blessing. + </p> + <p> + The same day I sickened with a high fever and kept my bed. I said nothing + to Lawrence about it, but the day after, on finding my dinner untouched, + he asked me how I was. + </p> + <p> + “Very well.” + </p> + <p> + “That can’t be, sir, as you have eaten nothing. You are ill, and you will + experience the generosity of the Tribunal who will provide you, without + fee or charge, with a physician, surgeon, and all necessary medicines.” + </p> + <p> + He went out, returning after three hours without guards, holding a candle + in his hand, and followed by a grave-looking personage; this was the + doctor. I was in the height of the fever, which had not left me for three + days. He came up to me and began to ask me questions, but I told him that + with my confessor and my doctor I would only speak apart. The doctor told + Lawrence to leave the room, but on the refusal of that Argus to do so, he + went away saying that I was dangerously ill, possibly unto death. For this + I hoped, for my life as it had become was no longer my chiefest good. I + was somewhat glad also to think that my pitiless persecutors might, on + hearing of my condition, be forced to reflect on the cruelty of the + treatment to which they had subjected me. + </p> + <p> + Four hours afterwards I heard the noise of bolts once more, and the doctor + came in holding the candle himself. Lawrence remained outside. I had + become so weak that I experienced a grateful restfulness. Kindly nature + does not suffer a man seriously ill to feel weary. I was delighted to hear + that my infamous turnkey was outside, for since his explanation of the + iron collar I had looked an him with loathing. + </p> + <p> + In a quarter of an hour I had told the doctor all. + </p> + <p> + “If we want to get well,” said he, “we must not be melancholy.” + </p> + <p> + “Write me the prescription, and take it to the only apothecary who can + make it up. M. Cavalli is the bad doctor who exhibited ‘The Heart of + Jesus,’ and ‘The Mystical City.’” + </p> + <p> + “Those two preparations are quite capable of having brought on the fever + and the haemorrhoids. I will not forsake you” + </p> + <p> + After making me a large jug of lemonade, and telling the to drink + frequently, he went away. I slept soundly, dreaming fantastic dreams. + </p> + <p> + In he morning the doctor came again with Lawrence and a surgeon, who bled + me. The doctor left me some medicine which he told me to take in the + evening, and a bottle of soap. “I have obtained leave,” said he, “for you + to move into the garret where the heat is less, and the air better than + here.” + </p> + <p> + “I decline the favour, as I abominate the rats, which you know nothing + about, and which would certainly get into my bed.” + </p> + <p> + “What a pity! I told M. Cavalli that he had almost killed you with his + books, and he has commissioned me to take them back, and to give you + Boethius; and here it is.” + </p> + <p> + “I am much obliged to you. I like it better than Seneca, and I am sure it + will do me good.” + </p> + <p> + “I am leaving you a very necessary instrument, and some barley water for + you to refresh yourself with.” + </p> + <p> + He visited me four times, and pulled me through; my constitution did the + rest, and my appetite returned. At the beginning of September I found + myself, on the whole, very well, suffering from no actual ills except the + heat, the vermin, and weariness, for I could not be always reading + Boethius. + </p> + <p> + One day Lawrence told me that I might go out of my cell to wash myself + whilst the bed was being made and the room swept. I took advantage of the + favour to walk up and down for the ten minutes taken by these operations, + and as I walked heard the rats were alarmed and dared not shew themselves. + On the same day Lawrence gave me an account of my money, and brought + himself in as my debtor to the amount of thirty livres, which however, I + could not put into my pocket. I left the money in his hands, telling him + to lay it out on masses on my behalf, feeling sure that he would make + quite a different use of it, and he thanked me in a tone that persuaded me + he would be his own priest. I gave him the money every month, and I never + saw a priest’s receipt. Lawrence was wise to celebrate the sacrifice at + the tavern; the money was useful to someone at all events. + </p> + <p> + I lived from day to day, persuading myself every night that the next day I + should be at liberty; but as I was each day deceived, I decided in my poor + brain that I should be set free without fail on the 1st of October, on + which day the new Inquisitors begin their term of office. According to + this theory, my imprisonment would last as long as the authority of the + present Inquisitors, and thus was explained the fact that I had seen + nothing of the secretary, who would otherwise have undoubtedly come to + interrogate, examine, and convict me of my crimes, and finally to announce + my doom. All this appeared to me unanswerable, because it seemed natural, + but it was fallacious under the Leads, where nothing is done after the + natural order. I imagined the Inquisitors must have discovered my + innocence and the wrong they had done me, and that they only kept me in + prison for form’s sake, and to protect their repute from the stain of + committing injustice; hence I concluded that they would give me my freedom + when they laid down their tyrannical authority. My mind was so composed + and quiet that I felt as if I could forgive them, and forget the wrong + that they had done me. “How can they leave me here to the mercy of their + successors,” I thought, “to whom they cannot leave any evidence capable of + condemning me?” I could not believe that my sentence had been pronounced + and confirmed, without my being told of it, or of the reasons by which my + judges had been actuated. I was so certain that I had right on my side, + that I reasoned accordingly; but this was not the attitude I should have + assumed towards a court which stands aloof from all the courts in the + world for its unbounded absolutism. To prove anyone guilty, it is only + necessary for the Inquisitors to proceed against him; so there is no need + to speak to him, and when he is condemned it would be useless to announce + to the prisoner his sentence, as his consent is not required, and they + prefer to leave the poor wretch the feeling of hope; and certainly, if he + were told the whole process, imprisonment would not be shortened by an + hour. The wise man tells no one of his business, and the business of the + Tribunal of Venice is only to judge and to doom. The guilty party is not + required to have any share in the matter; he is like a nail, which to be + driven into a wall needs only to be struck. + </p> + <p> + To a certain extent I was acquainted with the ways of the Colossus which + was crushing me under foot, but there are things on earth which one can + only truly understand by experience. If amongst my readers there are any + who think such laws unjust, I forgive them, as I know they have a strong + likeness to injustice; but let me tell them that they are also necessary, + as a tribunal like the Venetian could not subsist without them. Those who + maintain these laws in full vigour are senators, chosen from amongst the + fittest for that office, and with a reputation for honour and virtue. + </p> + <p> + The last day of September I passed a sleepless night, and was on thorns to + see the dawn appear, so sure was I that that day would make me free. The + reign of those villains who had made me a captive drew to a close; but the + dawn appeared, Lawrence came as usual, and told me nothing new. For five + or six days I hovered between rage and despair, and then I imagined that + for some reasons which to me were unfathomable they had decided to keep me + prisoner for the remainder of my days. This awful idea only made me laugh, + for I knew that it was in my power to remain a slave for no long time, but + only till I should take it into my own hands to break my prison. I knew + that I should escape or die: ‘Deliberata morte ferocior’. + </p> + <p> + In the beginning of November I seriously formed the plan of forcibly + escaping from a place where I was forcibly kept. I began to rack my brains + to find a way of carrying the idea into execution, and I conceived a + hundred schemes, each one bolder than the other, but a new plan always + made me give up the one I was on the point of accepting. + </p> + <p> + While I was immersed in this toilsome sea of thought, an event happened + which brought home to me the sad state of mind I was in. + </p> + <p> + I was standing up in the garret looking towards the top, and my glance + fell on the great beam, not shaking but turning on its right side, and + then, by slow and interrupted movement in the opposite direction, turning + again and replacing itself in its original position. As I lost my balance + at the same time, I knew it was the shock of an earthquake. Lawrence and + the guards, who just then came out of my room, said that they too, had + felt the earth tremble. In such despair was I that this incident made me + feel a joy which I kept to myself, saying nothing. Four or five seconds + after the same movement occurred, and I could not refrain from saying, + </p> + <p> + “Another, O my God! but stronger.” + </p> + <p> + The guards, terrified with what they thought the impious ravings of a + desperate madman, fled in horror. + </p> + <p> + After they were gone, as I was pondering the matter over, I found that I + looked upon the overthrow of the Doge’s palace as one of the events which + might lead to liberty; the mighty pile, as it fell, might throw me safe + and sound, and consequently free, on St. Mark’s Place, or at the worst it + could only crush me beneath its ruins. Situated as I was, liberty reckons + for all, and life for nothing, or rather for very little. Thus in the + depths of my soul I began to grow mad. + </p> + <p> + This earthquake shock was the result of those which at the same time + destroyed Lisbon. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0027" id="linkB2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Various Adventures—My Companions—I Prepare to Escape— + Change of Cell +</pre> + <p> + To make the reader understand how I managed to escape from a place like + the Leads, I must explain the nature of the locality. + </p> + <p> + The Leads, used for the confinement of state prisoners, are in fact the + lofts of the ducal palace, and take their name from the large plates of + lead with which the roof is covered. One can only reach them through the + gates of the palace, the prison buildings, or by the bridge of which I + have spoken called the Bridge of Sighs. It is impossible to reach the + cells without passing through the hall where the State Inquisitors hold + their meetings, and their secretary has the sole charge of the key, which + he only gives to the gaoler for a short time in the early morning whilst + he is attending to the prisoners. This is done at day-break, because + otherwise the guards as they came and went would be in the way of those + who have to do with the Council of Ten, as the Council meets every day in + a hall called The Bussola, which the guards have to cross every time they + go to the Leads. + </p> + <p> + The prisons are under the roof on two sides of the palace; three to the + west (mine being among the number) and four to the east. On the west the + roof looks into the court of the palace, and on the east straight on to + the canal called Rio di Palazzo. On this side the cells are well lighted, + and one can stand up straight, which is not the case in the prison where I + was, which was distinguished by the name of ‘Trave’, on account of the + enormous beam which deprived me of light. The floor of my cell was + directly over the ceiling of the Inquisitors’ hall, where they commonly + met only at night after the sitting of the Council of Ten of which the + whole three are members. + </p> + <p> + As I knew my ground and the habits of the Inquisitors perfectly well, the + only way to escape—the only way at least which I deemed likely to + succeed—was to make a hole in the floor of my cell; but to do this + tools must be obtained—a difficult task in a place where all + communication with the outside world was forbidden, where neither letters + nor visits were allowed. To bribe a guard a good deal of money would be + necessary, and I had none. And supposing that the gaoler and his two + guards allowed themselves to be strangled—for my hands were my only + weapons—there was always a third guard on duty at the door of the + passage, which he locked and would not open till his fellow who wished to + pass through gave him the password. In spite of all these difficulties my + only thought was how to escape, and as Boethius gave me no hints on this + point I read him no more, and as I was certain that the difficulty was + only to be solved by stress of thinking I centered all my thoughts on this + one object. + </p> + <p> + It has always been my opinion that when a man sets himself determinedly to + do something, and thinks of nought but his design, he must succeed despite + all difficulties in his path: such an one may make himself Pope or Grand + Vizier, he may overturn an ancient line of kings—provided that he + knows how to seize on his opportunity, and be a man of wit and + pertinacity. To succeed one must count on being fortunate and despise all + ill success, but it is a most difficult operation. + </p> + <p> + Towards the middle of November, Lawrence told me that Messer-Grande had a + prisoner in his hands whom the new secretary, Businello, had ordered to be + placed in the worst cell, and who consequently was going to share mine. He + told me that on the secretary’s reminding him that I looked upon it as a + favour to be left alone, he answered that I had grown wiser in the four + months of my imprisonment. I was not sorry to hear the news or that there + was a new secretary. This M. Pierre Businello was a worthy man whom I knew + at Paris. He afterwards went to London as ambassador of the Republic. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon I heard the noise of the bolts, and presently Lawrence + and two guards entered leading in a young man who was weeping bitterly; + and after taking off his handcuffs they shut him up with me, and went out + without saying a word. I was lying on my bed, and he could not see me. I + was amused at his astonishment. Being, fortunately for himself, seven or + eight inches shorter than I, he was able to stand upright, and he began to + inspect my arm-chair, which he doubtless thought was meant for his own + use. Glancing at the ledge above the grating he saw Boethius, took it up, + opened it, and put it down with a kind of passion, probably because being + in Latin it was of no use to him. Continuing his inspection of the cell he + went to the left, and groping about was much surprised to find clothes. He + approached the recess, and stretching out his hand he touched me, and + immediately begged my pardon in a respectful manner. I asked him to sit + down and we were friends. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I am Maggiorin, of Vicenza. My father, who was a coachman, kept me at + school till I was eleven, by which time I had learnt to read and write; I + was afterwards apprenticed to a barber, where I learnt my business + thoroughly. After that I became valet to the Count of X—. I had + been in the service of the nobleman for two years when his daughter came + from the convent. It was my duty to do her hair, and by degrees I fell in + love with her, and inspired her with a reciprocal passion. After having + sworn a thousand times to exist only for one another, we gave ourselves up + to the task of shewing each other marks of our affection, the result of + which was that the state of the young countess discovered all. An old and + devoted servant was the first to find out our connection and the condition + of my mistress, and she told her that she felt in duty bound to tell her + father, but my sweetheart succeeded in making her promise to be silent, + saying that in the course of the week she herself would tell him through + her confessor. She informed me of all this, and instead of going to + confession we prepared for flight. She had laid hands on a good sum of + money and some diamonds which had belonged to her mother, and we were to + set out for Milan to-night. But to-day the count called me after dinner, + and giving me a letter, he told me to start at once and to deliver it with + my own hand to the person to whom it was addressed at Venice. He spoke to + me so kindly and quietly that I had not the slightest suspicion of the + fate in store for me. I went to get my cloak, said good-bye to my little + wife, telling her that I should soon return. Seeing deeper below the + surface than I, and perchance having a presentiment of my misfortune, she + was sick at heart. I came here in hot haste, and took care to deliver the + fatal letter. They made me wait for an answer, and in the mean time I went + to an inn; but as I came out I was arrested and put in the guard-room, + where I was kept till they brought me here. I suppose, sir, I might + consider the young countess as my wife?” + </p> + <p> + “You make a mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “But nature—— ” + </p> + <p> + “Nature, when a man listens to her and nothing else, takes him from one + folly to another, till she puts him under the Leads.” + </p> + <p> + “I am under the Leads, then, am I?” + </p> + <p> + “As I am.” + </p> + <p> + The poor young man shed some bitter tears. He was a well-made lad, open, + honest, and amorous beyond words. I secretly pardoned the countess, and + condemned the count for exposing his daughter to such temptation. A + shepherd who shuts up the wolf in the fold should not complain if his + flock be devoured. In all his tears and lamentations he thought not of + himself but always of his sweetheart. He thought that the gaoler would + return and bring him some food and a bed; but I undeceived him, and + offered him a share of what I had. His heart, however, was too full for + him to eat. In the evening I gave him my mattress, on which he passed the + night, for though he looked neat and clean enough I did not care to have + him to sleep with me, dreading the results of a lover’s dreams. He neither + understood how wrongly he had acted, nor how the count was constrained to + punish him publicly as a cloak to the honour of his daughter and his + house. The next day he was given a mattress and a dinner to the value of + fifteen sous, which the Tribunal had assigned to him, either as a favour + or a charity, for the word justice would not be appropriate in speaking of + this terrible body. I told the gaoler that my dinner would suffice for the + two of us, and that he could employ the young man’s allowance in saying + masses in his usual manner. He agreed willingly, and having told him that + he was lucky to be in my company, he said that we could walk in the garret + for half an hour. I found this walk an excellent thing for my health and + my plan of escape, which, however, I could not carry out for eleven months + afterwards. At the end of this resort of rats, I saw a number of old + pieces of furniture thrown on the ground to the right and left of two + great chests, and in front of a large pile of papers sewn up into separate + volumes. I helped myself to a dozen of them for the sake of the reading, + and I found them to be accounts of trials, and very diverting; for I was + allowed to read these papers, which had once contained such secrets. I + found some curious replies to the judges’ questions respecting the + seduction of maidens, gallantries carried a little too far by persons + employed in girls’ schools, facts relating to confessors who had abused + their penitents, schoolmasters convicted of pederasty with their pupils, + and guardians who had seduced their wards. Some of the papers dating two + or three centuries back, in which the style and the manners illustrated + gave me considerable entertainment. Among the pieces of furniture on the + floor I saw a warming-pan, a kettle, a fire-shovel, a pair of tongs, some + old candle-sticks, some earthenware pots, and even a syringe. From this I + concluded that some prisoner of distinction had been allowed to make use + of these articles. But what interested me most was a straight iron bar as + thick as my thumb, and about a foot and a half long. However, I left + everything as it was, as my plans had not been sufficiently ripened by + time for me to appropriate any object in particular. + </p> + <p> + One day towards the end of the month my companion was taken away, and + Lawrence told me that he had been condemned to the prisons known as The + Fours, which are within the same walls as the ordinary prisons, but belong + to the State Inquisitors. Those confined in them have the privilege of + being able to call the gaoler when they like. The prisons are gloomy, but + there is an oil lamp in the midst which gives the necessary light, and + there is no fear of fire as everything is made of marble. I heard, a long + time after, that the unfortunate Maggiorin was there for five years, and + was afterwards sent to Cerigo for ten. I do not know whether he ever came + from there. He had kept me good company, and this I discovered as soon as + he was gone, for in a few days I became as melancholy as before. + Fortunately, I was still allowed my walk in the garret, and I began to + examine its contents with more minuteness. One of the chests was full of + fine paper, pieces of cardboard, uncut pens, and clews of pack thread; the + other was fastened down. A piece of polished black marble, an inch thick, + six inches long, and three broad, attracted my attention, and I possessed + myself of it without knowing what I was going to do with it, and I + secreted it in my cell, covering it up with my shirts. + </p> + <p> + A week after Maggiorin had gone, Lawrence told me that in all probability + I should soon get another companion. This fellow Lawrence, who at bottom + was a mere gabbling fool, began to get uneasy at my never asking him any + questions. This fondness for gossip was not altogether appropriate to his + office, but where is one to find beings absolutely vile? There are such + persons, but happily they are few and far between, and are not to be + sought for in the lower orders. Thus my gaoler found himself unable to + hold his tongue, and thought that the reason I asked no questions must be + that I thought him incapable of answering them; and feeling hurt at this, + and wishing to prove to me that I made a mistake, he began to gossip + without being solicited. + </p> + <p> + “I believe you will often have visitors,” said he, “as the other six cells + have each two prisoners, who are not likely to be sent to the Fours.” I + made him no reply, but he went on, in a few seconds, “They send to the + Fours all sorts of people after they have been sentenced, though they know + nothing of that. The prisoners whom I have charge of under the Leads are + like yourself, persons of note, and are only guilty of deeds of which the + inquisitive must know nothing. If you knew, sir, what sort of people + shared your fate, you would be astonished, It’s true that you are called a + man of parts; but you will pardon me.... You know that all men of parts + are treated well here. You take me, I see. Fifty sous a day, that’s + something. They give three livres to a citizen, four to a gentleman, and + eight to a foreign count. I ought to know, I think, as everything goes + through my hands.” + </p> + <p> + He then commenced to sing his own praises, which consisted of negative + clauses. + </p> + <p> + “I’m no thief, nor traitor, nor greedy, nor malicious, nor brutal, as all + my predecessors were, and when I have drunk a pint over and above I am all + the better for it. If my father had sent me to school I should have learnt + to read and write, and I might be Messer-Grande to-day, but that’s not my + fault. M. Andre Diedo has a high opinion of me. My wife, who cooks for you + every day, and is only twenty-four, goes to see him when she will, and he + will have her come in without ceremony, even if he be in bed, and that’s + more than he’ll do for a senator. I promise you you will be always having + the new-comers in your cell, but never for any length of time, for as soon + as the secretary has got what he wants to know from them, he sends them to + their place—to the Fours, to some fort, or to the Levant; and if + they be foreigners they are sent across the frontier, for our Government + does not hold itself master of the subjects of other princes, if they be + not in its service. The clemency of the Court is beyond compare; there’s + not another in the world that treats its prisoners so well. They say it’s + cruel to disallow writing and visitors; but that’s foolish, for what are + writing and company but waste of time? You will tell me that you have + nothing to do, but we can’t say as much.” + </p> + <p> + Such was, almost word for word, the first harangue with which the fellow + honoured me, and I must say I found it amusing. I saw that if the man had + been less of a fool he would most certainly have been more of a scoundrel. + </p> + <p> + The next day brought me a new messmate, who was treated as Maggiorin had + been, and I thus found it necessary to buy another ivory spoon, for as the + newcomers were given nothing on the first day of their imprisonment I had + to do all the honours of the cell. + </p> + <p> + My new mate made me a low bow, for my beard, now four inches long, was + still more imposing than my figure. Lawrence often lent me scissors to cut + my nails, but he was forbidden, under pain of very heavy punishment, to + let me touch my beard. I knew not the reason of this order, but I ended by + becoming used to my beard as one gets used to everything. + </p> + <p> + The new-comer was a man of about fifty, approaching my size, a little + bent, thin, with a large mouth, and very bad teeth. He had small grey eyes + hidden under thick eyebrows of a red colour, which made him look like an + owl; and this picture was set off by a small black wig, which exhaled a + disagreeable odour of oil, and by a dress of coarse grey cloth. He + accepted my offer of dinner, but was reserved, and said not a word the + whole day, and I was also silent, thinking he would soon recover the use + of his tongue, as he did the next day. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning he was given a bed and a bag full of linen. The + gaoler asked him, as he had asked me, what he would have for dinner, and + for money to pay for it. + </p> + <p> + “I have no money.” + </p> + <p> + “What! a moneyed man like you have no money?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t a sou.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; in that case I will get you some army biscuit and water, + according to instructions.” + </p> + <p> + He went out, and returned directly afterwards with a pound and a half of + biscuit, and a pitcher, which he set before the prisoner, and then went + away. + </p> + <p> + Left alone with this phantom I heard a sigh, and my pity made me break the + silence. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t sigh, sir, you shall share my dinner. But I think you have made a + great mistake in coming here without money.” + </p> + <p> + “I have some, but it does not do to let those harpies know of it.” + </p> + <p> + “And so you condemn yourself to bread and water. Truly a wise proceeding! + Do you know the reason of your imprisonment?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, and I will endeavour in a few words to inform you of it.” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Squaldo Nobili. My father was a countryman who had me taught + reading and writing, and at his death left me his cottage and the small + patch of ground belonging to it. I lived in Friuli, about a day’s journey + from the Marshes of Udine. As a torrent called Corno often damaged my + little property, I determined to sell it and to set up in Venice, which I + did ten years ago. I brought with me eight thousand livres in fair + sequins, and knowing that in this happy commonwealth all men enjoyed the + blessings of liberty, I believed that by utilizing my capital I might make + a little income, and I began to lend money, on security. Relying on my + thrift, my judgment, and my, knowledge of the world, I chose this business + in preference to all others. I rented a small house in the neighbourhood + of the Royal Canal, and having furnished it I lived there in comfort by + myself; and in the course of two years I found I had made a profit of ten + thousand livres, though I had expended two thousand on household expenses + as I wished to live in comfort. In this fashion I saw myself in a fair way + of making a respectable fortune in time; but one, day, having lent a Jew + two sequins upon some books, I found one amongst them called ‘La Sagesse,’ + by Charron. It was then I found out how good a thing it is to be able to + read, for this book, which you, sir, may not have read, contains all that + a man need know—purging him of all the prejudices of his childhood. + With Charron good-bye to hell and all the empty terrors of a future life; + one’s eyes are opened, one knows the way to bliss, one becomes wise + indeed. Do you, sir, get this book, and pay no heed to those foolish + persons who would tell you this treasure is not to be approached.” + </p> + <p> + This curious discourse made me know my man. As to Charron, I had read the + book though I did not know it had been translated into Italian. The author + who was a great admirer of Montaigne thought to surpass his model, but + toiled in vain. He is not much read despite the prohibition to read his + works, which should have given them some popularity. He had the impudence + to give his book the title of one of Solomon’s treatises—a + circumstance which does not say much for his modesty. My companion went on + as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Set free by Charron from any scruples I still might have, and from those + false ideas so hard to rid one’s self of, I pushed my business in such + sort, that at the end of six years I could lay my hand on ten thousand + sequins. There is no need for you to be astonished at that, as in this + wealthy city gambling, debauchery, and idleness set all the world awry and + in continual need of money; so do the wise gather what the fool drops. + </p> + <p> + “Three years ago a certain Count Seriman came and asked me to take from + him five hundred sequins, to put them in my business, and to give him half + profits. All he asked for was an obligation in which I promised to return + him the whole sum on demand. At the end of a year I sent him seventy-five + sequins, which made fifteen per cent. on his money; he gave me a receipt + for it, but was ill pleased. He was wrong, for I was in no need of money, + and had not used his for business purposes. At the end of the second year, + out of pure generosity, I sent him the same amount; but we came to a + quarrel and he demanded the return of the five hundred sequins. + ‘Certainly,’ I said, ‘but I must deduct the hundred and fifty you have + already received.’ Enraged at this he served me with a writ for the + payment of the whole sum. A clever lawyer undertook my defence and was + able to gain me two years. Three months ago I was spoken to as to an + agreement, and I refused to hear of it, but fearing violence I went to the + Abbe Justiniani, the Spanish ambassador’s secretary, and for a small sum + he let me a house in the precincts of the Embassy, where one is safe from + surprises. I was quite willing to let Count Seriman have his money, but I + claimed a reduction of a hundred sequins on account of the costs of the + lawsuit. A week ago the lawyers on both sides came to me. I shewed them a + purse of two hundred and fifty sequins, and told them they might take it, + but not a penny more. They went away without saying a word, both wearing + an ill-pleased air, of which I took no notice. Three days ago the Abbe + Justiniani told me that the ambassador had thought fit to give permission + to the State Inquisitors to send their men at once to my house to make + search therein. I thought the thing impossible under the shelter of a + foreign ambassador, and instead of taking the usual precautions, I waited + the approach of the men-at-arms, only putting my money in a place of + safety. At daybreak Messer-Grande came to the house, and asked me for + three hundred and fifty sequins, and on my telling him that I hadn’t a + farthing he seized me, and here I am.” + </p> + <p> + I shuddered, less at having such an infamous companion than at his + evidently considering me as his equal, for if he had thought of me in any + other light he would certainly not have told me this long tale, doubtless + in the belief that I should take his part. In all the folly about Charron + with which he tormented me in the three days we were together, I found by + bitter experience the truth of the Italian proverb: ‘Guardati da colui che + non ha letto che un libro solo’. By reading the work of the misguided + priest he had become an Atheist, and of this he made his boast all the day + long. In the afternoon Lawrence came to tell him to come and speak with + the secretary. He dressed himself hastily, and instead of his own shoes he + took mine without my seeing him. He came back in half an hour in tears, + and took out of his shoes two purses containing three hundred and fifty + sequins, and, the gaoler going before, he went to take them to the + secretary. A few moments afterwards he returned, and taking his cloak went + away. Lawrence told me that he had been set at liberty. I thought, and + with good reason, that, to make him acknowledge his debt and pay it, the + secretary had threatened him with the torture; and if it were only used in + similar cases, I, who detest the principle of torture, would be the first + to proclaim its utility. + </p> + <p> + On New Year’s Day, 1733, I received my presents. Lawrence brought me a + dressing-gown lined with foxskin, a coverlet of wadded silk, and a + bear-skin bag for me to put my legs in, which I welcomed gladly, for the + coldness was unbearable as the heat in August. Lawrence told me that I + might spend to the amount of six sequins a month, that I might have what + books I liked, and take in the newspaper, and that this present came from + M. de Bragadin. I asked him for a pencil, and I wrote upon a scrap of + paper: “I am grateful for the kindness of the Tribunal and the goodness of + M. de Bragadin.” + </p> + <p> + The man who would know what were my feelings at all this must have been in + a similar situation to my own. In the first gush of feeling I forgave my + oppressors, and was on the point of giving up the idea of escape; so + easily shall you move a man that you have brought low and overwhelmed with + misfortune. Lawrence told me that M. de Bragadin had come before the three + Inquisitors, and that on his knees, and with tears in his eyes, he had + entreated them to let him give me this mark of his affection if I were + still in the land of the living; the Inquisitors were moved, and were not + able to refuse his request. + </p> + <p> + I wrote down without delay the names of the books I wanted. + </p> + <p> + One fine morning, as I was walking in the garret, my eyes fell on the iron + bar I have mentioned, and I saw that it might very easily be made into a + defensive or offensive weapon. I took possession of it, and having hidden + it under my dressing-gown I conveyed it into my cell. As soon as I was + alone, I took the piece of black marble, and I found that I had to my hand + an excellent whetstone; for by rubbing the bar with the stone I obtained a + very good edge. + </p> + <p> + My interest roused in this work in which I was but an apprentice, and in + the fashion in which I seemed likely to become possessed of an instrument + totally prohibited under the Leads, impelled, perhaps, also by my vanity + to make a weapon without any of the necessary tools, and incited by my + very difficulties (for I worked away till dark without anything to hold my + whetstone except my left hand, and without a drop of oil to soften the + iron), I made up my mind to persevere in my difficult task. My saliva + served me in the stead of oil, and I toiled eight days to produce eight + edges terminating in a sharp point, the edges being an inch and a half in + length. My bar thus sharpened formed an eight-sided dagger, and would have + done justice to a first-rate cutler. No one can imagine the toil and + trouble I had to bear, nor the patience required to finish this difficult + task without any other tools than a loose piece of stone. I put myself, in + fact, to a kind of torture unknown to the tyrants of all ages. My right + arm had become so stiff that I could hardly move it; the palm of my hand + was covered with a large scar, the result of the numerous blisters caused + by the hardness and the length of the work. No one would guess the + sufferings I underwent to bring my work to completion. + </p> + <p> + Proud of what I had done, without thinking what use I could make of my + weapon, my first care was to hide it in such a manner as would defy a + minute search. After thinking over a thousand plans, to all of which there + was some objection, I cast my eyes on my arm-chair, and there I contrived + to hide it so as to be secure from all suspicion. Thus did Providence aid + me to contrive a wonderful and almost inconceivable plan of escape. I + confess to a feeling of vanity, not because I eventually succeeded—for + I owed something to good luck—but because I was brave enough to + undertake such a scheme in spite of the difficulties which might have + ruined my plans and prevented my ever attaining liberty. + </p> + <p> + After thinking for three or four days as to what I should do with the bar + I had made into an edged tool, as thick as a walking-stick and twenty + inches long, I determined that the best plan would be to make a hole in + the floor under my bed. + </p> + <p> + I was sure that the room below my cell was no other than the one in which + I had seen M. Cavalli. I knew that this room was opened every morning, and + I felt persuaded that, after I had made my hole, I could easily let myself + down with my sheets, which I would make into a rope and fasten to my bed. + Once there, I would hide under the table of the court, and in the morning, + when the door was opened, I could escape and get to a place of safety + before anyone could follow me. I thought it possible that a sentry might + be placed in the hall, but my short pike ought to soon rid me of him. The + floor might be of double or even of triple thickness, and this thought + puzzled me; for in that case how was I to prevent the guard sweeping out + the room throughout the two months my work might last. If I forbade them + to do so, I might rouse suspicion; all the more as, to free myself of the + fleas, I had requested them to sweep out the cell every day, and in + sweeping they would soon discover what I was about. I must find some way + out of this difficulty. + </p> + <p> + I began by forbidding them to sweep, without giving any reason. A week + after, Lawrence asked me why I did so. I told him because of the dust + which might make me cough violently and give me some fatal injury. + </p> + <p> + “I will make them water the floor,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “That would be worse, Lawrence, for the damp might cause a plethora.” + </p> + <p> + In this manner I obtained a week’s respite, but at the end of that time + the lout gave orders that my cell should be swept. He had the bed carried + out into the garret, and on pretence of having the sweeping done with + greater care, he lighted a candle. This let me know that the rascal was + suspicious of something; but I was crafty enough to take no notice of him, + and so far from giving up my plen, I only thought how I could put it on + good train. Next morning I pricked my finger and covered my handkerchief + with the blood, and then awaited Lawrence in bed. As soon as he came I + told him that I had coughed so violently as to break a blood-vessel, which + had made me bring up all the blood he saw. “Get me a doctor.” The doctor + came, ordered me to be bled, and wrote me a prescription. I told him it + was Lawrence’s fault, as he had persisted in having the room swept. The + doctor blamed him for doing so, and just as if I had asked him he told us + of a young man who had died from the same cause, and said that there was + nothing more dangerous than breathing in dust. Lawrence called all the + gods to witness that he had only had the room swept for my sake, and + promised it should not happen again. I laughed to myself, for the doctor + could not have played his part better if I had given him the word. The + guards who were there were delighted, and said they would take care only + to sweep the cells of those prisoners who had angered them. + </p> + <p> + When the doctor was gone, Lawrence begged my pardon, and assured me that + all the other prisoners were in good health although their cells were + swept out regularly. + </p> + <p> + “But what the doctor says is worth considering,” said he, “and I shall + tell them all about it, for I look upon them as my children.” + </p> + <p> + The blood-letting did me good, as it made me sleep, and relieved me of the + spasms with which I was sometimes troubled. I had regained my appetite and + was getting back my strength every day, but the time to set about my work + was not yet come; it was still too cold, and I could not hold the bar for + any length of time without my hand becoming stiff. My scheme required much + thought. I had to exercise boldness and foresight to rid myself of + troubles which chance might bring to pass or which I could foresee. The + situation of a man who had to act as I had, is an unhappy one, but in + risking all for all half its bitterness vanishes. + </p> + <p> + The long nights of winter distressed me, for I had to pass nineteen mortal + hours in darkness; and on the cloudy days, which are common enough at + Venice, the light I had was not sufficient for me to be able to read. + Without any distractions I fell back on the idea of my escape, and a man + who always thinks on one subject is in danger of becoming a monomaniac. A + wretched kitchen-lamp would have made me happy, but how am I to get such a + thing? O blessed prerogative of thought! how happy was I when I thought I + had found a way to possess myself of such a treasure! To make such a lamp + I required a vase, wicks, oil, a flint and steel, tinder, and matches. A + porringer would do for the vase, and I had one which was used for cooking + eggs in butter. Pretending that the common oil did not agree with me, I + got them to buy me Lucca oil for my salad, and my cotton counterpane would + furnish me with wicks. I then said I had the toothache, and asked Lawrence + to get me a pumice-stone, but as he did not know what I meant I told him + that a musket-flint would do as well if it were soaked in vinegar for a + day, and, then being applied to the tooth the pain would be eased. + Lawrence told me that the vinegar I had was excellent, and that I could + soak the stone myself, and he gave me three or four flints he had in his + pocket. All I had to do was to get some sulphur and tinder, and the + procuring of these two articles set all my wits to work. At last fortune + came to my assistance. + </p> + <p> + I had suffered from a kind of rash, which as it came off had left some red + spots on my arms, and occasionally caused me some irritation. I told + Lawrence to ask the doctor for a cure, and the next day he brought me a + piece of paper which the secretary had seen, and on which the doctor had + written, “Regulate the food for a day, and the skin will be cured by four + ounces of oil of sweet almonds or an ointment of flour of sulphur, but + this local application is hazardous.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind the danger,” said I to Lawrence; “buy me the ointment, or + rather get me the sulphur, as I have some butter by me, and I can make it + up myself. Have you any matches? Give me a few.” + </p> + <p> + He found some in his pockets, and he gave me them. + </p> + <p> + What a small thing brings comfort in distress! But in my place these + matches were no small thing, but rather a great treasure. + </p> + <p> + I had puzzled my head for several hours as to what substitute I could find + for tinder—the only thing I still lacked, and which I could not ask + for under any pretense whatsoever—when I remembered that I had told + the tailor to put some under the armpits of my coat to prevent the + perspiration spoiling the stuff. The coat, quite new, was before me, and + my heart began to beat, but supposing the tailor had not put it in! Thus I + hung between hope and fear. I had only to take a step to know all; but + such a step would have been decisive, and I dared not take it. At last I + drew nigh, and feeling myself unworthy of such mercies I fell on my knees + and fervently prayed of God that the tailor might not have forgotten the + tinder. After this heartfelt prayer I took my coat, unsewed it, and + found-the tinder! My joy knew no bounds. I naturally gave thanks to God, + since it was with confidence in Him that I took courage and searched my + coat, and I returned thanks to Him with all my heart. + </p> + <p> + I now had all the necessary materials, and I soon made myself a lamp. Let + the reader imagine my joy at having in a manner made light in the midst of + darkness, and it was no less sweet because against the orders of my + infamous oppressors. Now there was no more night for me, and also no more + salad, for though I was very fond of it the need of keeping the oil to + give light caused me to make this sacrifice without it costing me many + pangs. I fixed upon the first Monday in Lent to begin the difficult work + of breaking through the floor, for I suspected that in the tumult of the + carnival I might have some visitors, and I was in the right. + </p> + <p> + At noon, on Quinquagesima Sunday, I heard the noise of the bolts, and + presently Lawrence entered, followed by a thick-set man whom I recognized + as the Jew, Gabriel Schalon, known for lending money to young men. + </p> + <p> + We knew each other, so exchanged compliments. His company was by no means + agreeable to me, but my opinion was not asked. He began by congratulating + me on having the pleasure of his society; and by way of answer I offered + him to share my dinner, but he refused, saying he would only take a little + soup, and would keep his appetite for a better supper at his own house. + </p> + <p> + “When?” + </p> + <p> + “This evening. You heard when I asked for my bed he told me that we would + talk about that to-morrow. That means plainly that I shall have no need of + it. And do you think it likely that a man like me would be left without + anything to eat?” + </p> + <p> + “That was my experience.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, but between ourselves our cases are somewhat different; and + without going any farther into that question, the Inquisitors have made a + mistake in arresting me, and they will be in some trouble, I am certain, + as to how to atone for doing so.” + </p> + <p> + “They will possibly give you a pension. A man of your importance has to be + conciliated.” + </p> + <p> + “True, there’s not a broker on the exchange more useful than myself, and + the five sages have often profited by the advice I have given them. My + detention is a curious incident, which, perchance, will be of service to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed. How, may I ask?” + </p> + <p> + “I will get you out of here in a month’s time. I know to whom to speak and + what way to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon on you, then.” + </p> + <p> + “You may do so.” + </p> + <p> + This knave and fool together believed himself to be somebody. He + volunteered to inform me as to what was being said of me in the town, but + as he only related the idle tales of men as ignorant as himself, he + wearied me, and to escape listening to him I took up a book. The fellow + had the impudence to ask me not to read, as he was very fond of talking, + but henceforth he talked only to himself. I did not dare to light my lamp + before this creature, and as night drew on he decided on accepting some + bread and Cyprus wine, and he was afterwards obliged to do as best he + could with my mattress, which was now the common bed of all new-comers. + </p> + <p> + In the morning he had a bed and some food from his own house. I was + burdened with this wretched fellow for two months, for before condemning + him to the Fours the secretary had several interviews with him to bring to + light his knaveries, and to oblige him to cancel a goodly number of + illegal agreements. He confessed to me himself that he had bought of M. + Domenico Micheli the right to moneys which could not belong to the buyer + till after the father of the seller was dead. “It’s true,” said he, “that + he agreed to give me fifty per cent., but you must consider that if he + died before his father I should lose all.” At last, seeing that my cursed + fellow did not go, I determined to light my lamp again after having made + him promise to observe secrecy. He only kept his promise while he was with + me, as Lawrence knew all about it, but luckily he attached no importance + to the fact. + </p> + <p> + This unwelcome guest was a true burden to me, as he not only prevented me + from working for my escape but also from reading. He was troublesome, + ignorant, superstitious, a braggart, cowardly, and sometimes like a + madman. He would have had me cry, since fear made him weep, and he said + over and over again that this imprisonment would ruin his reputation. On + this count I reassured him with a sarcasm he did not understand. I told + him that his reputation was too well known to suffer anything from this + little misfortune, and he took that for a compliment. He would not confess + to being a miser, but I made him admit that if the Inquisitors would give + him a hundred sequins for every day of his imprisonment he would gladly + pass the rest of his life under the Leads. + </p> + <p> + He was a Talmudist, like all modern Jews, and he tried to make me believe + that he was very devout; but I once extracted a smile of approbation from + him by telling him that he would forswear Moses if the Pope would make him + a cardinal. As the son of a rabbi he was learned in all the ceremonies of + his religion, but like most men he considered the essence of a religion to + lie in its discipline and outward forms. + </p> + <p> + This Jew, who was extremely fat, passed three-quarters of his life in bed; + and though he often dozed in the daytime, he was annoyed at not being able + to sleep at night—all the more as he saw that I slept excellently. + He once took it into his head to wake me up as I was enjoying my sleep. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” said I; “waking me up with a start like this.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, I can’t sleep a wink. Have compassion on me and let us + have a little talk.” + </p> + <p> + “You scoundrel! You act thus and you dare to call yourself my friend! I + know your lack of sleep torments you, but if you again deprive me of the + only blessing I enjoy I will arise and strangle you.” + </p> + <p> + I uttered these words in a kind of transport. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, for mercy’s sake! and be sure that I will not trouble you + again.” + </p> + <p> + It is possible that I should not have strangled him, but I was very much + tempted to do so. A prisoner who is happy enough to sleep soundly, all the + while he sleeps is no longer a captive, and feels no more the weight of + his chains. He ought to look upon the wretch who awakens him as a guard + who deprives him of his liberty, and makes him feel his misery once more, + since, awakening, he feels all his former woes. Furthermore, the sleeping + prisoner often dreams that he is free again, in like manner as the wretch + dying of hunger sees himself in dreams seated at a sumptuous feast. + </p> + <p> + I congratulated myself on not having commenced my great work before he + came, especially as he required that the room should be swept out. The + first time he asked for it to be done, the guards made me laugh by saying + that it would kill me. However, he insisted; and I had my revenge by + pretending to be ill, but from interested motives I made no further + opposition. + </p> + <p> + On the Wednesday in Holy Week Lawrence told us that the secretary would + make us the customary visit in the afternoon, the object being to give + peace to them that would receive the sacrament at Easter, and also to know + if they had anything to say against the gaoler. “So, gentlemen,” said + Lawrence, “if you have any complaints to make of me make them. Dress + yourselves fully, as is customary.” I told Lawrence to get me a confessor + for the day. + </p> + <p> + I put myself into full dress, and the Jew followed my example, taking + leave of me in advance, so sure was he that the secretary would set him + free on hearing what he had to say. “My presentiment,” said he, “is of the + same kind as I have had before, and I have never been deceived.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you, but don’t reckon without your host.” He did not + understand what I meant. + </p> + <p> + In course of time the secretary came, and as soon as the cell-door was + opened the Jew ran out and threw himself at his feet on both knees, I + heard for five minutes nothing but his tears and complaints, for the + secretary said not one word. He came back, and Lawrence told me to go out. + With a beard of eight months’ growth, and a dress made for love-making in + August, I must have presented a somewhat curious appearance. Much to my + disgust I shivered with cold, and was afraid that the secretary would + think I was trembling with fear. As I was obliged to bend low to come out + of my hole, my bow was ready made, and drawing myself up, I looked at him + calmly without affecting any unseasonable hardihood, and waited for him to + speak. The secretary also kept silence, so that we stood facing each other + like a pair of statues. At the end of two minutes, the secretary, seeing + that I said nothing, gave me a slight bow, and went away. I re-entered my + cell, and taking off my clothes in haste, got into bed to get warm again. + The Jew was astonished at my not having spoken to the secretary, although + my silence had cried more loudly than his cowardly complaints. A prisoner + of my kind has no business to open his mouth before his judge, except to + answer questions. On Maundy Thursday a Jesuit came to confess me, and on + Holy Saturday a priest of St. Mark’s came to administer to me the Holy + Communion. My confession appearing rather too laconic to the sweet son of + Ignatius he thought good to remonstrate with me before giving me his + absolution. + </p> + <p> + “Do you pray to God?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “From the morning unto the evening, and from the evening unto the morning, + for, placed as I am, all that I feel—my anxiety, my grief, all the + wanderings of my mind—can be but a prayer in the eyes of the Divine + Wisdom which alone sees my heart.” + </p> + <p> + The Jesuit smiled slightly and replied by a discourse rather metaphysical + than moral, which did not at all tally with my views. I should have + confuted him on every point if he had not astonished me by a prophecy he + made. “Since it is from us,” said he, “that you learnt what you know of + religion, practise it in our fashion, pray like us, and know that you will + only come out of this place on the day of the saint whose name you bear.” + So saying he gave me absolution, and left me. This man left the strongest + possible impression on my mind. I did my best, but I could not rid myself + of it. I proceeded to pass in review all the saints in the calendar. + </p> + <p> + The Jesuit was the director of M. Flaminio Corner, an old senator, and + then a State Inquisitor. This statesman was a famous man of letters, a + great politician, highly religious, and author of several pious and + ascetic works written in Latin. His reputation was spotless. + </p> + <p> + On being informed that I should be set free on the feast-day of my patron + saint, and thinking that my informant ought to know for certain what he + told me, I felt glad to have a patron-saint. “But which is it?” I asked + myself. “It cannot be St. James of Compostella, whose name I bear, for it + was on the feast-day of that saint that Messer-Grande burst open my door.” + I took the almanac and looking for the saints’ days nearest at hand I + found St. George—a saint of some note, but of whom I had never + thought. I then devoted myself to St. Mark, whose feast fell on the + twenty-fifth of the month, and whose protection as a Venetian I might + justly claim. To him, then, I addressed my vows, but all in vain, for his + feast came round and still I was in prison. Then I took myself to St. + James, the brother of Christ, who comes before St. Philip, but again in + the wrong. I tried St. Anthony, who, if the tale told at Padua be true, + worked thirteen miracles a day. He worked none for me. Thus I passed from + one to the other, and by degrees I got to hope in the protection of the + saints just as one hopes for anything one desires, but does not expect to + come to pass; and I finished up by hoping only in my Saint Bar, and in the + strength of my arms. Nevertheless the promise of the Jesuit came to pass, + since I escaped from The Leads on All Hallows Day; and it is certain that + if I had a patron-saint, he must be looked for in their number since they + are all honoured on that day. + </p> + <p> + A fortnight after Easter I was delivered from my troublesome Israelite, + and the poor devil instead of being sent back to his home had to spend two + years in The Fours, and on his gaining his freedom he went and set up in + Trieste, where he ended his days. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was I again alone than I set zealously about my work. I had to + make haste for fear of some new visitor, who, like the Jew, might insist + on the cell being swept. I began by drawing back my bed, and after + lighting my lamp I lay down on my belly, my pike in my hand, with a napkin + close by in which to gather the fragments of board as I scooped them out. + My task was to destroy the board by dint of driving into it the point of + my tool. At first the pieces I got away were not much larger than grains + of wheat, but they soon increased in size. + </p> + <p> + The board was made of deal, and was sixteen inches broad. I began to + pierce it at its juncture with another board, and as there were no nails + or clamps my work was simple. After six hours’ toil I tied up the napkin, + and put it on one side to empty it the following day behind the pile of + papers in the garret. The fragments were four or five times larger in bulk + than the hole from whence they came. I put back my bed in its place, and + on emptying the napkin the next morning I took care so to dispose the + fragments that they should not be seen. + </p> + <p> + Having broken through the first board, which I found to be two inches + thick, I was stopped by a second which I judged to be as thick as the + first. Tormented by the fear of new visitors I redoubled my efforts, and + in three weeks I had pierced the three boards of which the floor was + composed; and then I thought that all was lost, for I found I had to + pierce a bed of small pieces of marble known at Venice as terrazzo + marmorin. This forms the usual floor of venetian houses of all kinds, + except the cottages, for even the high nobility prefer the terrazzo to the + finest boarded floor. I was thunderstruck to find that my bar made no + impression on this composition; but, nevertheless, I was not altogether + discouraged and cast down. I remembered Hannibal, who, according to Livy, + opened up a passage through the Alps by breaking the rocks with axes and + other instruments, having previously softened them with vinegar. I thought + that Hannibal had succeeded not by aceto, but aceta, which in the Latin of + Padua might well be the same as ascia; and who can guarantee the text to + be free from the blunders of the copyist? All the same, I poured into the + hole a bottle of strong vinegar I had by me, and in the morning, either + because of the vinegar or because I, refreshed and rested, put more + strength and patience into the work, I saw that I should overcome this new + difficulty; for I had not to break the pieces of marble, but only to + pulverize with the end of my bar the cement which kept them together. I + soon perceived that the greatest difficulty was on the surface, and in + four days the whole mosaic was destroyed without the point of my pike + being at all damaged. + </p> + <p> + Below the pavement I found another plank, but I had expected as much. I + concluded that this would be the last; that is the first to be put down + when the rooms below were being ceiled. I pierced it with some difficulty, + as, the hole being ten inches deep, it had become troublesome to work the + pike. A thousand times I commended myself to the mercy of God. Those + Free-thinkers who say that praying is no good do not know what they are + talking about; for I know by experience that, having prayed to God, I + always felt myself grow stronger, which fact amply proves the usefulness + of prayer, whether the renewal of strength come straight from God, or + whether it comes only from the trust one has in Him. + </p> + <p> + On the 25th of June, on which day the Republic celebrates the wonderful + appearance of St. Mark under the form of a winged lion in the ducal + church, about three o’clock in the afternoon, as I was labouring on my + belly at the hole, stark naked, covered with sweat, my lamp beside me. I + heard with mortal fear the shriek of a bolt and the noise of the door of + the first passage. It was a fearful moment! I blew out my lamp, and + leaving my bar in the hole I threw into it the napkin with the shavings it + contained, and as swift as lightning I replaced my bed as best I could, + and threw myself on it just as the door of my cell opened. If Lawrence had + come in two seconds sooner he would have caught me. He was about to walk + over me, but crying out dolefully I stopped him, and he fell back, saying, + </p> + <p> + “Truly, sir, I pity you, for the air here is as hot as a furnace. Get up, + and thank God for giving you such good company.” + </p> + <p> + “Come in, my lord, come in,” said he to the poor wretch who followed him. + Then, without heeding my nakedness, the fellow made the noble gentleman + enter, and he seeing me to be naked, sought to avoid me while I vainly + tried to find my shirt. + </p> + <p> + The new-comer thought he was in hell, and cried out, + </p> + <p> + “Where am I? My God! where have I been put? What heat! What a stench! With + whom am I?” + </p> + <p> + Lawrence made him go out, and asked me to put on my shirt to go into the + garret for a moment. Addressing himself to the new prisoner, he said that, + having to get a bed and other necessaries, he would leave us in the garret + till he came back, and that, in the mean time, the cell would be freed + from the bad smell, which was only oil. What a start it gave me as I heard + him utter the word “oil.” In my hurry I had forgotten to snuff the wick + after blowing it out. As Lawrence asked me no questions about it, I + concluded that he knew all, and the accursed Jew must have betrayed me. I + thought myself lucky that he was not able to tell him any more. + </p> + <p> + From that time the repulsion which I had felt for Lawrence disappeared. + </p> + <p> + After putting on my shirt and dressing-gown, I went out and found my new + companion engaged in writing a list of what he wanted the gaoler to get + him. As soon as he saw me, he exclaimed, “Ah! it’s Casanova.” I, too, + recognised him as the Abbe and Count Fenarolo, a man of fifty, amiable, + rich, and a favourite in society. He embraced me, and when I told him that + I should have expected to see anybody in that place rather than him, he + could not keep back his tears, which made me weep also. + </p> + <p> + When we were alone I told him that, as soon as his bed came, I should + offer him the recess, begging him at the same time not to accept it. I + asked him, also, not to ask to have the cell swept, saying that I would + tell him the reason another time. He promised to keep all secrecy in the + matter, and said he thought himself fortunate to be placed with me. He + said that as no one knew why I was imprisoned, everyone was guessing at + it. Some said that I was the heresiarch of a new sect; others that Madame + Memmo had persuaded the Inquisitors that I had made her sons Atheists, and + others that Antony Condulmer, the State Inquisitor, had me imprisoned as a + disturber of the peace, because I hissed Abbe Chiari’s plays, and had + formed a design to go to Padua for the express purpose of killing him. + </p> + <p> + All these accusations had a certain foundation in fact which gave them an + air of truth, but in reality they were all wholly false. I cared too + little for religion to trouble myself to found a new one. The sons of + Madame Memmo were full of wit, and more likely to seduce than to be + seduced; and Master Condulmer would have had too much on his hands if he + had imprisoned all those who hissed the Abbe Chiari; and as for this abbe, + once a Jesuit, I had forgiven him, as the famous Father Origo, himself + formerly a Jesuit, had taught me to take my revenge by praising him + everywhere, which incited the malicious to vent their satire on the abbe; + and thus I was avenged without any trouble to myself. + </p> + <p> + In the evening they brought a good bed, fine linen, perfumes, an excellent + supper, and choice wines. The abbe ate nothing, but I supped for two. When + Lawrence had wished us good night and had shut us up till the next day, I + got out my lamp, which I found to be empty, the napkin having sucked up + all the oil. This made me laugh, for as the napkin might very well have + caught and set the room on fire, the idea of the confusion which would + have ensued excited my hilarity. I imparted the cause of my mirth to my + companion, who laughed himself, and then, lighting the lamp, we spent the + night in pleasant talk. The history of his imprisonment was as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday, at three o’clock in the afternoon, Madame Alessandria, Count + Martinengo, and myself, got into a gondola. We went to Padua to see the + opera, intending to return to Venice afterwards. In the second act my evil + genius led me to the gaming-table, where I unfortunately saw Count + Rosenberg, the Austrian ambassador, without his mask, and about ten paces + from him was Madame Ruzzini, whose husband is going to Vienna to represent + the Republic. I greeted them both, and was just going away, when the + ambassador called out to me, so as to be heard by everyone, ‘You are very + fortunate in being able to pay your court to so sweet a lady. At present + the personage I represent makes the fairest land in the world no better + for me than a galley. Tell the lady, I beseech you, that the laws which + now prevent me speaking to her will be without force at Venice, where I + shall go next year, and then I shall declare war against her.’ Madame + Ruzzini, who saw that she was being spoken of, asked me what the count had + said, and I told her, word for word. ‘Tell him,’ said she, ‘that I accept + his declaration of war, and that we shall see who will wage it best.’ I + did not think I had committed a crime in reporting her reply, which was + after all a mere compliment. After the opera we set out, and got here at + midnight. I was going to sleep when a messenger brought me a note ordering + me to go to the Bussola at one o’clock, Signor Bussinello, Secretary of + the Council of Ten, having something to say to me. Astonished at such an + order—always of bad omen, and vexed at being obliged to obey, I went + at the time appointed, and my lord secretary, without giving me a word, + ordered me to be taken here.” + </p> + <p> + Certainly no fault could be less criminal than that which Count Fenarolo + had committed, but one can break certain laws in all innocence without + being any the less punishable. I congratulated him on knowing what his + crime had been, and told him that he would be set free in a week, and + would be requested to spend six months in the Bressian. “I can’t think,” + said he, “that they will leave me here for a week.” I determined to keep + him good company, and to soften the bitterness of his imprisonment, and so + well did I sympathize with his position that I forgot all about my own. + </p> + <p> + The next morning at day-break, Lawrence brought coffee and a basket filled + with all the requisites for a good dinner. The abbe was astonished, for he + could not conceive how anyone could eat at such an early hour. They let us + walk for an hour in the garret and then shut us up again, and we saw no + more of them throughout the day. The fleas which tormented us made the + abbe ask why I did not have the cell swept out. I could not let him think + that dirt and untidiness was agreeable to me, or that my skin was any + harder than his own, so I told him the whole story, and shewed him what I + had done. He was vexed at having as it were forced me to make him my + confidant, but he encouraged me to go on, and if possible to finish what I + was about that day, as he said he would help me to descend and then would + draw up the rope, not wishing to complicate his own difficulties by an + escape. I shewed him the model of a contrivance by means of which I could + certainly get possession of the sheets which were to be my rope; it was a + short stick attached by one end to a long piece of thread. By this stick I + intended to attach my rope to the bed, and as the thread hung down to the + floor of the room below, as soon as I got there I should pull the thread + and the rope would fall down. He tried it, and congratulated me on my + invention, as this was a necessary part of my scheme, as otherwise the + rope hanging down would have immediately discovered me. My noble companion + was convinced that I ought to stop my work, for I might be surprised, + having to do several days’ work before finishing the hole which would cost + Lawrence his life. Should the thought of gaining my liberty at the expense + of a fellow-creature have made me desist? I should have still persisted if + my escape had meant death to the whole body of Venetian guards, and even + to the Inquisitors themselves. Can the love of country, all holy though it + be, prevail in the heart of the man whose country is oppressing him? + </p> + <p> + My good humour did not prevent my companion having some bad quarters of an + hour. He was in love with Madame Alessandria, who had been a singer, and + was either the mistress or the wife of his friend Martinengo; and he + should have deemed himself happy, but the happier a lover is, so much the + more his unhappiness when he is snatched from the beloved object. He + sighed, wept, and declared that he loved a woman in whom all the noble + virtues were contained. I compassionated him, and took care not to comfort + him by saying that love is a mere trifle—a cold piece of comfort + given to lovers by fools, and, moreover, it is not true that love is a + mere trifle. + </p> + <p> + The week I had mentioned as the probable term of his imprisonment passed + quickly enough, and I lost my friend, but did not waste my time by + mourning for him; he was set free, and I was content. I did not beg him to + be discreet, for the least doubt on that score would have wounded his + noble spirit. During the week he was with me he only ate soup and fruit, + taking a little Canary wine. It was I who made good cheer in his stead and + greatly to his delight. Before he left we swore eternal friendship. + </p> + <p> + The next day Lawrence gave me an account of my money, and on finding that + I had a balance of four sequins I gave them to him, telling him it was a + present from me to his wife. I did not tell him that it was for the rent + of my lamp, but he was free to think so if he chose. Again betaking myself + to my work, and toiling without cessation, on the 23rd of August I saw it + finished. This delay was caused by an inevitable accident. As I was + hollowing out the last plank, I put my eye to a little hole, through which + I ought to have seen the hall of the Inquisitors—in fact, I did see it, + but I saw also at one side of the hole a surface about eight inches thick. + It was, as I had feared all the time it would be, one of the beams which + kept up the ceiling. I was thus compelled to enlarge my hole on the other + side, for the beam would have made it so narrow that a man of my size + could never have got through. I increased the hole, therefore, by a + fourth, working—between fear and hope, for it was possible that the + space between two of the beams would not be large enough. After I had + finished, a second little hole assured me that God had blessed my labour. + I then carefully stopped up the two small holes to prevent anything + falling down into the hall, and also lest a ray from my lamp should be + perceived, for this would have discovered all and ruined me. + </p> + <p> + I fixed my escape for the eve of St. Augustine’s Day, because I knew that + the Grand Council assembled on that feast, and there would consequently be + nobody near the room through which I must pass in getting away. This would + have been on the twenty-seventh of the month, but a misfortune happened to + me on the twenty-fifth which makes me still shudder when I think of it, + notwithstanding the years which have passed since then. + </p> + <p> + Precisely at noon I heard the noise of bolts, and I thought I should die; + for a violent beating of the heart made me imagine my last hour was come. + I fell into my easy chair, and waited. Lawrence came into the garret and + put his head at the grating, and said, “I give you joy, sir, for the good + news I am bringing you.” At first, not being able to think of any other + news which could be good to me, I fancied I had been set at liberty, and I + trembled, for I knew that the discovery of the hole I had made would have + caused my pardon to be recalled. + </p> + <p> + Lawrence came in and told me to follow him. + </p> + <p> + “Wait till I put on my clothes.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s of no consequence, as you only have to walk from this abominable + cell to another, well lighted and quite fresh, with two windows whence you + can see half Venice, and you can stand upright too.”—— I could + bear no more, I felt that I was fainting. “Give me the vinegar,” said I, + “and go and tell the secretary that I thank the Court for this favour, and + entreat it to leave me where I am.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me laugh, sir. Have you gone mad? They would take you from hell + to put you in heaven, and you would refuse to stir? Come, come, the Court + must be obeyed, pray rise, sir. I will give you my arm, and will have your + clothes and your books brought for you.” Seeing that resistance was of no + avail, I got up, and was much comforted at hearing him give orders for my + arm-chair to be brought, for my pike was to follow me, and with it hope. I + should have much liked to have been able to take the hole—the object + of so much wasted trouble and hope—with me. I may say with truth + that, as I came forth from that horrible and doleful place, my spirit + remained there. + </p> + <p> + Leaning on Lawrence’s shoulder, while he, thinking to cheer me up, cracked + his foolish jokes, I passed through two narrow passages, and going down + three steps I found myself in a well-lighted hall, at the end of which, on + the left-hand side, was a door leading into another passage two feet broad + by about twelve long, and in the corner was my new cell. It had a barred + window which was opposite to two windows, also barred, which lighted the + passage, and thus one had a fine view as far as Lido. At that trying + moment I did not care much for the view; but later on I found that a sweet + and pleasant wind came through the window when it was opened, and tempered + the insufferable heat; and this was a true blessing for the poor wretch + who had to breathe the sultry prison air, especially in the hot season. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I got into my new cell Lawrence had my arm-chair brought in, + and went away, saying that he would have the remainder of my effects + brought to me. I sat on my arm-chair as motionless as a statue, waiting + for the storm, but not fearing it. What overwhelmed me was the distressing + idea that all my pains and contrivances were of no use, nevertheless I + felt neither sorry nor repentant for what I had done, and I made myself + abstain from thinking of what was going to happen, and thus kept myself + calm. + </p> + <p> + Lifting up my soul to God I could not help thinking that this misfortune + was a Divine punishment for neglecting to escape when all was ready. + Nevertheless, though I could have escaped three days sooner, I thought my + punishment too severe, all the more as I had put off my escape from + motives of prudence, which seemed to me worthy of reward, for if I had + only consulted my own impatience to be gone I should have risked + everything. To controvert the reasons which made me postpone my flight to + the 27th of August, a special revelation would have been requisite; and + though I had read “Mary of Agrada” I was not mad enough for that. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0028" id="linkB2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Subterranean Prisons Known as the Wells—Lawrence’s + Vengeance—I Enter into a Correspondence With Another + Prisoner, Father Balbi: His Character—I Plan With Him a + Means of Escape—How I Contrived to Let Him Have My Pike—I + Am Given a Scoundrelly Companion—His Portrait. +</pre> + <p> + I was thus anxious and despairing when two of the guards brought me my + bed. They went back to fetch the rest of my belongings, and for two hours + I saw no one, although the door of my cell remained open. This unnatural + delay engendered many thoughts, but I could not fix exactly on the reason + of it. I only knew that I had everything to fear, and this knowledge made + me brace up my mind so that I should be able to meet calmly all possible + misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + Besides The Leads and The Fours the State Inquisitors also possess certain + horrible subterranean cells beneath the ducal palace, where are sent men + whom they do not wish to put to death, though they be thought worthy of + it. + </p> + <p> + These subterranean prisons are precisely like tombs, but they call them + “wells,” because they always contain two feet of water, which penetrates + from the sea by the same grating by which light is given, this grating + being only a square foot in size. If the unfortunates condemned to live in + these sewers do not wish to take a bath of filthy water, they have to + remain all day seated on a trestle, which serves them both for bed and + cupboard. In the morning they are given a pitcher of water, some thin + soup, and a ration of army bread which they have to eat immediately, or it + becomes the prey of the enormous water rats who swarm in those dreadful + abodes. Usually the wretches condemned to The Wells are imprisoned there + for life, and there have been prisoners who have attained a great age. A + villain who died whilst I was under the Leads had passed thirty-seven + years in The Wells, and he was forty-four when sentenced. Knowing that he + deserved death, it is possible that he took his imprisonment as a favour, + for there are men who fear nought save death. His name was Beguelin. A + Frenchman by birth, he had served in the Venetian army during the last war + against the Turks in 1716, under the command of Field-Marshal the Count of + Schulenbourg, who made the Grand Vizier raise the siege of Corfu. This + Beguelin was the marshal’s spy. He disguised himself as a Turk, and + penetrated into the Mussulman quarters, but at the same time he was also + in the service of the Grand Vizier, and being detected in this course he + certainly had reason to be thankful for being allowed to die in The Wells. + The rest of his life must have been divided between weariness and hunger, + but no doubt he often said, ‘Dum vita superest, bene est’. + </p> + <p> + I have seen at Spiegelberg, in Moravia, prisons fearful in another way. + There mercy sends the prisoners under sentence of death, and not one of + them ever survives a year of imprisonment. What mercy! + </p> + <p> + During the two mortal hours of suspense, full of sombre thoughts and the + most melancholy ideas, I could not help fancying that I was going to be + plunged in one of these horrible dens, where the wretched inhabitants feed + on idle hopes or become the prey of panic fears. The Tribunal might well + send him to hell who had endeavoured to escape from purgatory. + </p> + <p> + At last I heard hurried steps, and I soon saw Lawrence standing before me, + transformed with rage, foaming at the mouth, and blaspheming God and His + saints. He began by ordering me to give him the hatchet and the tools I + had used to pierce the floor, and to tell him from which of the guards I + had got the tools. Without moving, and quite calmly, I told him that I did + not know what he was talking about. At this reply he gave orders that I + should be searched, but rising with a determined air I shook my fist at + the knaves, and having taken off my clothes I said to them, “Do your duty, + but let no one touch me.” + </p> + <p> + They searched my mattress, turned my bed inside out, felt the cushions of + my arm-chair, and found nothing. + </p> + <p> + “You won’t tell me, then, where are the instruments with which you made + the hole. It’s of no matter, as we shall find a way to make you speak.” + </p> + <p> + “If it be true that I have made a hole at all, I shall say that you gave + me the tools, and that I have returned them to you.” + </p> + <p> + At this threat, which made his followers smile with glee, probably because + he had been abusing them, he stamped his feet, tore his hair, and went out + like one possessed. The guards returned and brought me all my properties, + the whetstone and lamp excepted. After locking up my cell he shut the two + windows which gave me a little air. I thus found myself confined in a + narrow space without the possibility of receiving the least breath of air + from any quarter. Nevertheless, my situation did not disturb me to any + great extent, as I must confess I thought I had got off cheaply. In spite + of his training, Lawrence had not thought of turning the armchair over; + and thus, finding myself still possessor of the iron bar, I thanked + Providence, and thought myself still at liberty to regard the bar as means + by which, sooner or later, I should make my escape. + </p> + <p> + I passed a sleepless night, as much from the heat as the change in my + prospects. At day-break Lawrence came and brought some insufferable wine, + and some water I should not have cared to drink. All the rest was of a + piece; dry salad, putrid meat, and bread harder than English biscuit. He + cleaned nothing, and when I asked him to open the windows he seemed not to + hear me; but a guard armed with an iron bar began to sound all over my + room, against the wall, on the floor, and above all under my bed. I looked + on with an unmoved expression, but it did not escape my notice that the + guard did not sound the ceiling. “That way,” said I to myself, “will lead + me out of this place of torments.” But for any such project to succeed I + should have to depend purely on chance, for all my operations would leave + visible traces. The cell was quite new, and the least scratch would have + attracted the notice of my keepers. + </p> + <p> + I passed a terrible day, for the heat was like that of a furnace, and I + was quite unable to make any use of the food with which I had been + provided. The perspiration and the lack of nourishment made me so weak + that I could neither walk nor read. Next day my dinner was the same; the + horrible smell of the veal the rascal brought me made me draw back from it + instantly. “Have you received orders,” said I, “to kill me with hunger and + heat?” + </p> + <p> + He locked the door, and went out without a word. On the third day I was + treated in the same manner. I asked for a pencil and paper to write to the + secretary. Still no answer. + </p> + <p> + In despair, I eat my soup, and then soaking my bread in a little Cyprus + wine I resolved to get strength to avenge myself on Lawrence by plunging + my pike into his throat. My rage told me that I had no other course, but I + grew calmer in the night, and in the morning, when the scoundrel appeared, + I contented myself with saying that I would kill him as soon as I was at + liberty. He only laughed at my threat, and again went out without opening + his lips. + </p> + <p> + I began to think that he was acting under orders from the secretary, to + whom he must have told all. I knew not what to do. I strove between + patience and despair, and felt as if I were dying for want of food. At + last on the eighth day, with rage in my heart and in a voice of thunder, I + bade him, under the name of “hangman,” and in the presence of the archers, + give me an account of my money. He answered drily that I should have it + the next day. Then as he was about to go I took my bucket, and made as if + I would go and empty it in the passage. Foreseeing my design, he told a + guard to take it, and during the disgusting operation opened a window, + which he shut as soon as the affair was done, so that in spite of my + remonstrances I was left in the plague-stricken atmosphere. I determined + to speak to him still worse the next day; but as soon as he appeared my + anger cooled, for before giving me the account of my money he presented me + with a basket of lemons which M. de Bragadin had sent me, also a large + bottle of water, which seemed drinkable, and a nice roasted fowl; and, + besides this, one of the guards opened the two windows. When he gave me + the account I only looked at the sum total, and I told him to give the + balance to his wife with the exception of a sequin, which I told him to + give the guards who were with him. I thus made friends with these fellows, + who thanked me heartily. + </p> + <p> + Lawrence, who remained alone with me on purpose, spoke as follows: + </p> + <p> + “You have already told me, sir, that I myself furnished you with the tools + to make that enormous hole, and I will ask no more about it; but would you + kindly tell me where you got the materials to make a lamp?” + </p> + <p> + “From you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, for the moment, sir, I’m dashed, for I did not think that wit meant + impudence.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not telling you any lies. You it was who with your own hands gave me + all the requisites—oil, flint, and matches; the rest I had by me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; but can you shew me as simply that I gave you the tools to + make that hole?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, for you are the only person who has given me anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord have mercy upon me! what do I hear? Tell me, then, how I gave you a + hatchet?” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you the whole story and I will speak the truth, but only in + the presence of the secretary.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t wish to know any more, and I believe everything you say. I only + ask you to say nothing about it, as I am a poor man with a family to + provide for.” He went out with his head between his hands. + </p> + <p> + I congratulated myself heartily on having found a way to make the rascal + afraid of me; he thought that I knew enough to hang him. I saw that his + own interest would keep him from saying anything to his superiors about + the matter. + </p> + <p> + I had told Lawrence to bring me the works of Maffei, but the expense + displeased him though he did not dare to say so. He asked me what I could + want with books with so many to my hand. + </p> + <p> + “I have read them all,” I said, “and want some fresh ones.” + </p> + <p> + “I will get someone who is here to lend you his books, if you will lend + yours in return; thus you will save your money.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the books are romances, for which I do not care.” + </p> + <p> + “They are scientific works; and if you think yours is the only long head + here, you are very much mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, we shall see. I will lend this book to the ‘long head,’ and do + you bring me one from him.” + </p> + <p> + I had given him Petau’s Rationarium, and in four minutes he brought me the + first volume of Wolff’s works. Well pleased with it I told him, much to + his delight, that I would do without Maffei. + </p> + <p> + Less pleased with the learned reading than at the opportunity to begin a + correspondence with someone who might help me in my plan of escape (which + I had already sketched out in my head), I opened the book as soon as + Lawrence was gone, and was overjoyed to find on one of the leaves the + maxim of Seneca, ‘Calamitosus est animus futuri anxius’, paraphrased in + six elegant verses. I made another six on the spot, and this is the way in + which I contrived to write them, I had let the nail of my little finger + grow long to serve as an earpick; I cut it to a point, and made a pen of + it. I had no ink, and I was going to prick myself and write in my blood, + when I bethought me that the juice of some mulberries I had by me would be + an excellent substitute for ink. Besides the six verses I wrote out a list + of my books, and put it in the back of the same book. It must be + understood that Italian books are generally bound in parchment, and in + such a way that when the book is opened the back becomes a kind of pocket. + On the title page I wrote, ‘latet’. I was anxious to get an answer, so the + next day I told Lawrence that I had read the book and wanted another; and + in a few minutes the second volume was in my hands. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was alone I opened the book, and found a loose leaf with the + following communication in Latin: + </p> + <p> + “Both of us are in the same prison, and to both of us it must be pleasant + to find how the ignorance of our gaoler procures us a privilege before + unknown to such a place. I, Marin Balbi, who write to you, am a Venetian + of high birth, and a regular cleric, and my companion is Count Andre + Asquin, of Udine, the capital of Friuli. He begs me to inform you that all + the books in his possession, of which you will find a list at the back of + this volume, are at your service; but we warn you that we must use all + possible care to prevent our correspondence being discovered by Lawrence.” + </p> + <p> + In our position there was nothing wonderful in our both pitching on the + idea of sending each other the catalogues of our small libraries, or in + our choosing the same hiding-place—the back of the books; all this + was plain common sense; but the advice to be careful contained on the + loose leaf struck me with some astonishment. It seemed next to impossible + that Lawrence should leave the book unopened, but if he had opened it he + would have seen the leaf, and not knowing how to read he would have kept + it in his pocket till he could get someone to tell him the contents, and + thus all would have been strangled at its birth. This made me think that + my correspondent was an arrant block-head. + </p> + <p> + After reading through the list, I wrote who I was, how I had been + arrested, my ignorance as to what crime I had committed, and my hope of + soon becoming free. Balbi then wrote me a letter of sixteen pages, in + which he gave me the history of all his misfortunes. He had been four + years in prison, and the reason was that he had enjoyed the good graces of + three girls, of whom he had three children, all of whom he baptized under + his own name. + </p> + <p> + The first time his superior had let him off with an admonition, the second + time he was threatened with punishment, and on the third and last occasion + he was imprisoned. The father-superior of his convent brought him his + dinner every day. He told me in his letter that both the superior and the + Tribunal were tyrants, since they had no lawful authority over his + conscience: that being sure that the three children were his, he thought + himself constrained as a man of honour not to deprive them of the + advantage of bearing his name. He finished by telling me that he had found + himself obliged to recognize his children to prevent slander attributing + them to others, which would have injured the reputation of the three + honest girls who bore them; and besides he could not stifle the voice of + nature, which spoke so well on behalf of these little ones. His last words + were, “There is no danger of the superior falling into the same fault, as + he confines his attention to the boys.” + </p> + <p> + This letter made me know my man. Eccentric, sensual, a bad logician, + vicious, a fool, indiscreet, and ungrateful, all this appeared in his + letter, for after telling me that he should be badly off without Count + Asquin who was seventy years old, and had books and money, he devoted two + pages to abusing him, telling me of his faults and follies. In society I + should have had nothing more to do with a man of his character, but under + the Leads I was obliged to put everything to some use. I found in the back + of the book a pencil, pens, and paper, and I was thus enabled to write at + my ease. + </p> + <p> + He told me also the history of the prisoners who were under the Leads, and + of those who had been there since his imprisonment. He said that the guard + who secretly brought him whatever he wanted was called Nicolas, he also + told me the names of the prisoners, and what he knew about them, and to + convince me he gave me the history of the hole I had made. It seems I had + been taken from my cell to make room for the patrician Priuli, and that + Lawrence had taken two hours to repair the damage I had done, and that he + had imparted the secret to the carpenter, the blacksmith, and all the + guards under pain of death if they revealed it. “In another day,” the + guard had said, “Casanova would have escaped, and Lawrence would have + swung, for though he pretended great astonishment when he saw the hole, + there can be no doubt that he and no other provided the tools.” “Nicolas + has told me,” added my correspondent, “that M. de Bragadin has promised + him a thousand sequins if he will aid you to make your escape but that + Lawrence, who knows of it, hopes to get the money without risking his + neck, his plan being to obtain your liberty by means of the influence of + his wife with M. Diedo. None of the guards dare to speak of what happened + for fear Lawrence might get himself out of the difficulty, and take his + revenge by having them dismissed.” He begged me to tell him all the + details, and how I got the tools, and to count upon his keeping the + secret. + </p> + <p> + I had no doubts as to his curiosity, but many as to his discretion, and + this very request shewed him to be the most indiscreet of men. + Nevertheless, I concluded that I must make use of him, for he seemed to me + the kind of man to assist me in my escape. I began to write an answer to + him, but a sudden suspicion made me keep back what I had written. I + fancied that the correspondence might be a mere artifice of Lawrence’s to + find out who had given me the tools, and what I had done with them. To + satisfy him without compromising myself I told him that I had made the + hole with a strong knife in my possession, which I had placed on the + window-ledge in the passage. In less than three days this false confidence + of mine made me feel secure, as Lawrence did not go to the window, as he + would certainly have done if the letter had been intercepted. Furthermore, + Father Balbi told me that he could understand how I might have a knife, as + Lawrence had told him that I had not been searched previous to my + imprisonment. Lawrence himself had received no orders to search me, and + this circumstance might have stood him in good stead if I had succeeded in + escaping, as all prisoners handed over to him by the captain of the guard + were supposed to have been searched already. On the other hand, + Messer-Grande might have said that, having seen me get out of my bed, he + was sure that I had no weapons about me, and thus both of them would have + got out of trouble. The monk ended by begging me to send him my knife by + Nicolas, on whom I might rely. + </p> + <p> + The monk’s thoughtlessness seemed to me almost incredible. I wrote and + told him that I was not at all inclined to put my trust in Nicolas, and + that my secret was one not to be imparted in writing. However, I was + amused by his letters. In one of them he told me why Count Asquin was kept + under the Leads, in spite of his helplessness, for he was enormously fat, + and as he had a broken leg which had been badly set he could hardly put + one foot before another. It seems that the count, not being a very wealthy + man, followed the profession of a barrister at Udine, and in that capacity + defended the country-folk against the nobility, who wished to deprive the + peasants of their vote in the assembly of the province. The claims of the + farmers disturbed the public peace, and by way of bringing them to reason + the nobles had recourse to the State Inquisitors, who ordered the + count-barrister to abandon his clients. The count replied that the + municipal law authorized him to defend the constitution, and would not + give in; whereon the Inquisitors arrested him, law or no law, and for the + last five years he had breathed the invigorating air of The Leads. Like + myself he had fifty sous a day, but he could do what he liked with the + money. The monk, who was always penniless, told me a good deal to the + disadvantage of the count, whom he represented as very miserly. He + informed me that in the cell on the other side of the hall there were two + gentlemen of the “Seven Townships,” who were likewise imprisoned for + disobedience, but one of them had become mad, and was in chains; in + another cell, he said, there were two lawyers. + </p> + <p> + My suspicions quieted, I reasoned as follows: + </p> + <p> + I wish to regain my liberty at all hazards. My pike is an admirable + instrument, but I can make no use of it as my cell is sounded all over + (except the ceiling) every day. If I would escape, it is by the ceiling, + therefore, that way I must go, but to do that I must make a hole through + it, and that I cannot do from my side, for it would not be the work of a + day. I must have someone to help me; and not having much choice I had to + pick out the monk. He was thirty-eight, and though not rich in common + sense I judged that the love of liberty—the first need of man—would + give him sufficient courage to carry out any orders I might give. I must + begin by telling him my plan in its entirety, and then I shall have to + find a way to give him the bar. I had, then, two difficult problems before + me. + </p> + <p> + My first step was to ask him if he wished to be free, and if he were + disposed to hazard all in attempting his escape in my company. He replied + that his mate and he would do anything to break their chains, but, added + he, “it is of no use to break one’s head against a stone wall.” He filled + four pages with the impossibilities which presented themselves to his + feeble intellect, for the fellow saw no chance of success on any quarter. + I replied that I did not trouble myself with general difficulties, and + that in forming my plan I had only thought of special difficulties, which + I would find means to overcome, and I finished by giving him my word of + honour to set him free, if he would promise to carry out exactly whatever + orders I might give. + </p> + <p> + He gave me his promise to do so. I told him that I had a pike twenty + inches long, and with this tool he must pierce the ceiling of his cell + next the wall which separated us, and he would then be above my head; his + next step would be to make a hole in the ceiling of my cell and aid me to + escape by it. “Here your task will end and mine will begin, and I will + undertake to set both you and Count Asquin at liberty.” + </p> + <p> + He answered that when I had got out of my cell I should be still in + prison, and our position would be the same as now, as we should only be in + the garrets which were secured by three strong doors. + </p> + <p> + “I know that, reverend father,” I replied, “but we are not going to escape + by the doors. My plan is complete, and I will guarantee its success. All I + ask of you is to carry out my directions, and to make no difficulties. Do + you busy yourself to find out some way of getting my bar without the + knowledge of the gaoler. In the meanwhile, make him get you about forty + pictures of saints, large enough to cover all the walls of your cell. + Lawrence will suspect nothing, and they will do to conceal the opening you + are to make in the ceiling. To do this will be the work of some days, and + of mornings Lawrence will not see what you have done the day before, as + you will have covered it up with one of the pictures. If you ask me why I + do not undertake the work myself, I can only say that the gaoler suspects + me, and the objection will doubtless seem to you a weighty one.” + </p> + <p> + Although I had told him to think of a plan to get hold of the pike, I + thought of nothing else myself, and had a happy thought which I hastened + to put into execution. I told Lawrence to buy me a folio Bible, which had + been published recently; it was the Vulgate with the Septuagint. I hoped + to be able to put the pike in the back of the binding of this large + volume, and thus to convey it to the monk, but when I saw the book I found + the tool to be two inches longer. + </p> + <p> + My correspondent had written to tell me that his cell was covered with + pictures, and I had communicated him my idea about the Bible and the + difficulty presented by its want of length. Happy at being able to display + his genius, he rallied me on the poverty of my imagination, telling me + that I had only to send him the pike wrapped up in my fox-skin cloak. + </p> + <p> + “Lawrence,” said he, “had often talked about your cloak, and Count Asquin + would arouse no suspicion by asking to see it in order to buy one of the + same kind. All you have to do is to send it folded up. Lawrence would + never dream of unfolding it.” + </p> + <p> + I, on the other hand, was sure that he would. In the first place, because + a cloak folded up is more troublesome to carry than when it is unfolded. + However, not to rebuff him and at the same time to shew him that I was the + wiser, I wrote that he had only to send for the cloak. The next day + Lawrence asked me for it, and I gave it folded up, but without the bar, + and in a quarter of an hour he brought it back to me, saying that the + gentleman had admired it very much. + </p> + <p> + The monk wrote me a doleful letter, in which he confessed he had given me + a piece of bad advice, adding that I was wrong to follow it. According to + him the pike was lost, as Lawrence had brought in the cloak all unfolded. + After this, all hope was gone. I undeceived him, and begged him for the + future to be a little more sparing of his advice. It was necessary to + bring the matter to a head, and I determined to send him the bar under + cover of my Bible, taking measures to prevent the gaoler from seeing the + ends of the great volume. My scheme was as follows: + </p> + <p> + I told Lawrence that I wanted to celebrate St. Michael’s Day with a + macaroni cheese; but wishing to shew my gratitude to the person who had + kindly lent me his books, I should like to make him a large dish of it, + and to prepare it with my own hands. Lawrence told me (as had been + arranged between the monk and myself) that the gentleman in question + wished to read the large book which cost three sequins. + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said I, “I will send it him with the macaroni; but get me the + largest dish you have, as I wish to do the thing on a grand scale.” + </p> + <p> + He promised to do what I asked him. I wrapped up the pike in paper and put + it in the back of the Bible, taking care that it projected an equal + distance at each end. Now, if I placed on the Bible a great dish of + macaroni full of melted butter I was quite sure that Lawrence would not + examine the ends. All his gaze would be concentrated upon the plate, to + avoid spilling the grease on the book. I told Father Balbi of my plan, + charging him to take care how he took the dish, and above all to take dish + and Bible together, and not one by one. On the day appointed Lawrence came + earlier than usual, carrying a saucepan full of boiling macaroni, and all + the necessary ingredients for seasoning the dish. I melted a quantity of + butter, and after putting the macaroni into the dish I poured the butter + over it till it was full to the brim. The dish was a huge one, and was + much larger than the book on which I placed it. I did all this at the door + of my cell, Lawrence being outside. + </p> + <p> + When all was ready I carefully took up the Bible and dish, placing the + back of the book next to the bearer, and told Lawrence to stretch out his + arms and take it, to be careful not to spill the grease over the book, and + to carry the whole to its destination immediately. As I gave him this + weighty load I kept my eyes fixed on his, and I saw to my joy that he did + not take his gaze off the butter, which he was afraid of spilling. He said + it would be better to take the dish first, and then to come back for the + book; but I told him that this would spoil the present, and that both must + go together. He then complained that I had put in too much butter, and + said, jokingly, that if it were spilt he would not be responsible for the + loss. As soon as I saw the Bible in the lout’s arms I was certain of + success, as he could not see the ends of the pike without twisting his + head, and I saw no reason why he should divert his gaze from the plate, + which he had enough to do to carry evenly. I followed him with my eyes + till he disappeared into the ante-chamber of the monk’s cell, and he, + blowing his nose three times, gave me the pre-arranged signal that all was + right, which was confirmed by the appearance of Lawrence in a few moments + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Father Balbi lost no time in setting about the work, and in eight days he + succeeded in making a large enough opening in the ceiling, which he + covered with a picture pasted to the ceiling with breadcrumbs. On the 8th + of October he wrote to say that he had passed the whole night in working + at the partition wall, and had only succeeded in loosening one brick. He + told me the difficulty of separating the bricks joined to one another by a + strong cement was enormous, but he promised to persevere, “though,” he + said, “we shall only make our position worse than it is now.” I told him + that I was certain of success; that he must believe in me and persevere. + Alas! I was certain of nothing, but I had to speak thus or to give up all. + I was fain to escape from this hell on earth, where I was imprisoned by a + most detestable tyranny, and I thought only of forwarding this end, with + the resolve to succeed, or at all events not to stop before I came to a + difficulty which was insurmountable. I had read in the great book of + experience that in important schemes action is the grand requisite, and + that the rest must be left to fortune. If I had entrusted Father Balbi + with these deep mysteries of moral philosophy he would have pronounced me + a madman. His work was only toilsome on the first night, for the more he + worked the easier it became, and when he had finished he found he had + taken out thirty-six bricks. + </p> + <p> + On the 16th of October, as I was engaged in translating an ode of Horace, + I heard a trampling noise above my head, and then three light blows were + struck. This was the signal agreed upon to assure us that our calculations + were correct. He worked till the evening, and the next day he wrote that + if the roof of my cell was only two boards thick his work would be + finished that day. He assured me that he was carefully making the hole + round as I had charged him, and that he would not pierce the ceiling. This + was a vital point, as the slightest mark would have led to discovery. “The + final touch,” he said, “will only take a quarter of an hour.” I had fixed + on the day after the next to escape from my cell at night-time to enter no + more, for with a mate I was quite sure that I could make in two or three + hours a hole in the roof of the ducal palace, and once on the outside of + the roof I would trust to chance for the means of getting to the ground. + </p> + <p> + I had not yet got so far as this, for my bad luck had more than one + obstacle in store for me. On the same day (it was a Monday) at two o’clock + in the afternoon, whilst Father Balbi was at work, I heard the door of the + hall being opened. My blood ran cold, but I had sufficient presence of + mind to knock twice-the signal of alarm—at which it had been agreed + that Father Balbi was to make haste back to his cell and set all in order. + In less than a minute afterwards Lawrence opened the door, and begged my + pardon for giving me a very unpleasant companion. This was a man between + forty and fifty, short, thin, ugly, and badly dressed, wearing a black + wig; while I was looking at him he was unbound by two guards. I had no + reason to doubt that he was a knave, since Lawrence told me so before his + face without his displaying the slightest emotion. “The Court,” I said, + “can do what seems good to it.” After Lawrence had brought him a bed he + told him that the Court allowed him ten sous a day, and then locked us up + together. + </p> + <p> + Overwhelmed by this disaster, I glanced at the fellow, whom his every + feature proclaimed rogue. I was about to speak to him when he began by + thanking me for having got him a bed. Wishing to gain him over, I invited + him to take his meals with me. He kissed my hand, and asked me if he would + still be able to claim the ten sous which the Court had allowed him. On my + answering in the affirmative he fell on his knees, and drawing an enormous + rosary from his pocket he cast his gaze all round the cell. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “You will pardon me, sir, but I am looking for some statue of the Holy + Virgin, for I am a Christian; if there were even a small crucifix it would + be something, for I have never been in so much need of the protection of + St. Francis d’Assisi, whose name I bear, though all unworthy.” + </p> + <p> + I could scarcely help laughing, not at his Christian piety, since faith + and conscience are beyond control, but at the curious turn he gave his + remonstrance. I concluded he took me for a Jew; and to disabuse him of + this notion I made haste to give him the “Hours of the Holy Virgin,” whose + picture he kissed, and then gave me the book back, telling me in a modest + voice that his father—a galley officer—had neglected to have + him taught to read. “I am,” said he, “a devotee of the Holy Rosary,” and + he told me a host of miracles, to which I listened with the patience of an + angel. When he had come to an end I asked him if he had had his dinner, + and he replied that he was dying of hunger. I gave him everything I had, + which he devoured rather than ate; drinking all my wine, and then becoming + maudlin he began to weep, and finally to talk without rhyme or reason. I + asked him how he got into trouble, and he told me the following story: + </p> + <p> + “My aim and my only aim has always been the glory of God, and of the holy + Republic of Venice, and that its laws may be exactly obeyed. Always + lending an attentive ear to the plots of the wicked, whose end is to + deceive, to deprive their prince of his just dues, and to conspire + secretly, I have over and again unveiled their secret plans, and have not + failed to report to Messer-Grande all I know. It is true that I am always + paid, but the money has never given me so much pleasure as the thought + that I have been able to serve the blessed St. Mark. I have always + despised those who think there is something dishonourable in the business + of a spy. The word sounds ill only to the ill-affected; for a spy is a + lover of the state, the scourge of the guilty, and faithful subject of his + prince. When I have been put to the test, the feeling of friendship, which + might count for something with other men, has never had the slightest + influence over me, and still less the sentiment which is called gratitude. + I have often, in order to worm out a secret, sworn to be as silent as the + grave, and have never failed to reveal it. Indeed, I am able to do so with + full confidence, as my director who is a good Jesuit has told me that I + may lawfully reveal such secrets, not only because my intention was to do + so, but because, when the safety of the state is at stake, there is no + such thing as a binding oath. I must confess that in my zeal I have + betrayed my own father, and that in me the promptings of our weak nature + have been quite mortified. Three weeks ago I observed that there was a + kind of cabal between four or five notables of the town of Isola, where I + live. I knew them to be disaffected to the Government on account of + certain contraband articles which had been confiscated. The first chaplain—a + subject of Austria by birth—was in the plot. They gathered together + of evenings in an inn, in a room where there was a bed; there they drank + and talked, and afterwards went their ways. As I was determined to + discover the conspiracy, I was brave enough to hide under the bed on a day + on which I was sure I would not be seen. Towards the evening my gentlemen + came, and began to talk; amongst other things, they said that the town of + Isola was not within the jurisdiction of St. Mark, but rather in the + principality of Trieste, as it could not possibly be considered to form + part of the Venetian territory. The chaplain said to the chief of the + plot, a man named Pietro Paolo, that if he and the others would sign a + document to that effect, he himself would go to the imperial ambassador, + and that the Empress would not only take possession of the island, but + would reward them for what they had done. They all professed themselves + ready to go on, and the chaplain promised to bring the document the next + day, and afterwards to take it to the ambassadors. + </p> + <p> + “I determined to frustrate this detestable project, although one of the + conspirators was my gossip—a spiritual relationship which gave him a + greater claim on me than if he had been my own brother. + </p> + <p> + “After they were gone, I came out of my hiding-place and did not think it + necessary to expose myself to danger by hiding again as I had found out + sufficient for my purpose. I set out the same night in a boat, and reached + here the next day before noon. I had the names of the six rebels written + down, and I took the paper to the secretary of the Tribunal, telling him + all I had heard. He ordered me to appear, the day following, at the + palace, and an agent of the Government should go back with me to Isola + that I might point the chaplain out to him, as he had probably not yet + gone to the Austrian ambassador’s. ‘That done,’ said the lord secretary, + ‘you will no longer meddle in the matter.’ I executed his orders, and + after having shewn the chaplain to the agent, I was at leisure for my own + affairs. + </p> + <p> + “After dinner my gossip called me in to shave him (for I am a barber by + profession), and after I had done so he gave me a capital glass of refosco + with some slices of sausages, and we ate together in all good fellowship. + My love for him had still possession of my soul, so I took his hand, and, + shedding some heartfelt tears, I advised him to have no more to do with + the canon, and above all, not to sign the document he knew of. He + protested that he was no particular friend of the chaplain’s, and swore he + did not know what document I was talking about. I burst into a laugh, + telling him it was only my joke, and went forth very sorry at having + yielded to a sentiment of affection which had made me commit so grievous a + fault. The next day I saw neither the man nor the chaplain. A week after, + having paid a visit to the palace, I was promptly imprisoned, and here I + am with you, my dear sir. I thank St. Francis for having given me the + company of a good Christian, who is here for reasons of which I desire to + know nothing, for I am not curious. My name is Soradaci, and my wife is a + Legrenzi, daughter of a secretary to the Council of Ten, who, in spite of + all prejudice to the contrary, determined to marry me. She will be in + despair at not knowing what has become of me, but I hope to be here only + for a few days, since the only reason of my imprisonment is that the + secretary wishes to be able to examine me more conveniently.” + </p> + <p> + I shuddered to think of the monster who was with me, but feeling that the + situation was a risky one, And that I should have to make use of him, I + compassionated him, praised his patriotism, and predicted that he would be + set at liberty in a few days. A few moments after he fell asleep, and I + took the opportunity of telling the whole story to Father Balbi, shewing + him that we should be obliged to put off our work to a more convenient + season. Next day I told Lawrence to buy me a wooden crucifix, a statue of + Our Lady, a portrait of St. Francis, and two bottles of holy water. + Soradaci asked for his ten sous, and Lawrence, with an air of contempt, + gave him twenty. I asked Lawrence to buy me four times the usual amount of + garlic, wine, and salt—a diet in which my hateful companion + delighted. After the gaoler was gone I deftly drew out the letter Balbi + had written me, and in which he drew a vivid picture of his alarm. He + thought all was lost, and over and over again thanked Heaven that Lawrence + had put Soradaci in my cell, “for,” said he, “if he had come into mine, he + would not have found me there, and we should possibly have shared a cell + in The Wells as a reward for our endeavours.” + </p> + <p> + Soradaci’s tale had satisfied me that he was only imprisoned to be + examined, as it seemed plain that the secretary had arrested him on + suspicion of bearing false witness. I thereupon resolved to entrust him + with two letters which would do me neither good nor harm if they were + delivered at their addresses, but which would be beneficial to me if the + traitor gave them to the secretary as a proof of his loyalty, as I had not + the slightest doubt he would do. + </p> + <p> + I spent two hours in writing these two letters in pencil. Next day + Lawrence brought me the crucifix, the two pictures, and the holy water, + and having worked the rascal well up to the point, I said, “I reckon upon + your friendship and your courage. Here are two letters I want you to + deliver when you recover your liberty. My happiness depends on your + loyality, but you must hide the letters, as they were found upon you we + should both of us be undone. You must swear by the crucifix and these holy + pictures not to betray me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready, dear master, to swear to anything you like, and I owe you too + much to betray you.” + </p> + <p> + This speech was followed by much weeping and lamentation. He called + himself unhappy wretch at being suspected of treason towards a man for + whom he would have given his life. I knew my man, but I played out the + comedy. Having given him a shirt and a cap, I stood up bare-headed, and + then having sprinkled the cell with holy water, and plentifully bedewed + him with the same liquid, I made him swear a dreadful oath, stuffed with + senseless imprecations, which for that very reason were the better fitted + to strike terror to his soul. After his having sworn the oath to deliver + my letters to their addresses, I gave him them, and he himself proposed to + sew them up at the back of his waistcoat, between the stuff and the + lining, to which proceedings I assented. + </p> + <p> + I was morally sure that he would deliver my letters to the secretary in + the first opportunity, so I took the utmost care that my style of writing + should not discover the trick. They could only gain me the esteem of the + Court, and possibly its mercy. One of the letters was addressed to M. de + Bragadin and the other to the Abbe Grimani, and I told them not to be + anxious about me as I was in good hopes of soon being set at liberty, that + they would find when I came out that my imprisonment had done me more good + than harm, as there was no one in Venice who stood in need of reform more + than I. + </p> + <p> + I begged M. de Bragadin to be kind enough to send me a pair of fur boots + for the winter, as my cell was high enough for me to stand upright and to + walk up and down. + </p> + <p> + I took care that Soradaci should not suspect the innocent nature of these + letters, as he might then have been seized with the temptation to do an + honest thing for me, and have delivered them, which was not what I was + aiming at. You will see, dear reader, in the following chapter, the power + of oaths over the vile soul of my odious companion, and also if I have not + verified the saying ‘In vino veritas’, for in the story he told me the + wretch had shewn himself in his true colours. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0029" id="linkB2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Treason of Soradaci—How I Get the Best of Him—Father Balbi + Ends His Work—I Escape from My Cell—Unseasonable + Observations of Count Asquin—The Critical Moment +</pre> + <p> + Soradaci had had my letters for two or three days when Lawrence came one + afternoon to take him to the secretary. As he was several hours away, I + hoped to see his face no more; but to my great astonishment he was brought + back in the evening. As soon as Lawrence had gone, he told me that the + secretary suspected him of having warned the chaplain, since that + individual had never been near the ambassador’s and no document of any + kind was found upon him. He added that after a long examination he had + been confined in a very small cell, and was then bound and brought again + before the secretary, who wanted him to confess that he told someone at + Isola that the priest would never return, but that he had not done so as + he had said no such thing. At last the secretary got tired, called the + guards, and had him brought back to my cell. + </p> + <p> + I was distressed to hear his account, as I saw that the wretch would + probably remain a long time in my company. Having to inform Father Balbi + of this fatal misadventure, I wrote to him during the night, and being + obliged to do so more than once, I got accustomed to write correctly + enough in the dark. + </p> + <p> + On the next day, to assure myself that my suspicions were well founded, I + told the spy to give me the letter I had written to M. de Bragadin as I + wanted to add something to it. “You can sew it up afterwards,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “It would be dangerous,” he replied, “as the gaoler might come in in the + mean time, and then we should be both ruined.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter. Give me my letters.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the hound threw himself at my feet, and swore that on his + appearing for a second time before the dreaded secretary, he had been + seized with a severe trembling; and that he had felt in his back, + especially in the place where the letters were, so intolerable an + oppression, that the secretary had asked him the cause, and that he had + not been able to conceal the truth. Then the secretary rang his bell, and + Lawrence came in, unbound him, and took off his waist-coat and unsewed the + lining. The secretary then read the letters and put them in a drawer of + his bureau, telling him that if he had taken the letters he would have + been discovered and have lost his life. + </p> + <p> + I pretended to be overwhelmed, and covering my face with my hands I knelt + down at the bedside before the picture of the Virgin, and asked, her to + avenge me on the wretch who had broken the most sacred oaths. I afterwards + lay down on the bed, my face to the wall, and remained there the whole day + without moving, without speaking a word, and pretending not to hear the + tears, cries, and protestations of repentance uttered by the villain. I + played my part in the comedy I had sketched out to perfection. In the + night I wrote to Father Balbi to come at two o’clock in the afternoon, not + a minute sooner or later, to work for four hours, and not a minute more. + “On this precision,” I wrote, “our liberty depends and if you observe it + all will be well.” + </p> + <p> + It was the 25th of October, and the time for me to carry out my design or + to give it up for ever drew near. The State Inquisitors and their + secretary went every year to a village on the mainland, and passed there + the first three days of November. Lawrence, taking advantage of his + masters’ absence, did not fail to get drunk every evening, and did not + appear at The Leads in the morning till a late hour. + </p> + <p> + Advised of these circumstances, I chose this time to make my escape, as I + was certain that my flight would not be noticed till late in the morning. + Another reason for my determination to hurry my escape, when I could no + longer doubt the villainy of my detestable companion, seems to me to be + worthy of record. + </p> + <p> + The greatest relief of a man in the midst of misfortune is the hope of + escaping from it. He sighs for the hour when his sorrows are to end; he + thinks he can hasten it by his prayers; he will do anything to know when + his torments shall cease. The sufferer, impatient and enfeebled, is mostly + inclined to superstition. “God,” says he, “knows the time, and God may + reveal it to me, it matters not how.” Whilst he is in this state he is + ready to trust in divination in any manner his fancy leads him, and is + more or less disposed to believe in the oracle of which he makes choice. + </p> + <p> + I then was in this state of mind; but not knowing how to make use of the + Bible to inform me of the moment in which I should recover my liberty, I + determined to consult the divine Orlando Furioso, which I had read a + hundred times, which I knew by heart, and which was my delight under the + Leads. I idolized the genius of Ariosto, and considered him a far better + fortune-teller than Virgil. + </p> + <p> + With this idea I wrote a question addressed to the supposed Intelligence, + in which I ask in what canto of Ariosto I should find the day of my + deliverance. I then made a reversed pyramid composed of the number formed + from the words of the question, and by subtracting the number nine I + obtained, finally, nine. This told me that I should find my fate in the + ninth canto. I followed the same method to find out the exact stanza and + verse, and got seven for the stanza and one for the verse. + </p> + <p> + I took up the poem, and my heart beating as if I trusted wholly in the + oracle, I opened it, turned down the leaf, and read; + </p> + <p> + ‘Fra il fin d’ottobre, a il capo di novembre’. + </p> + <p> + The precision of the line and its appropriateness to my circumstances + appeared so wonderful to me, that I will not confess that I placed my + faith entirely in it; but the reader will pardon me if I say that I did + all in my power to make the prediction a correct one. The most singular + circumstance is that between the end of October and the beginning of + November, there is only the instant midnight, and it was just as the clock + was striking midnight on the 31st of October that I escaped from my cell, + as the reader will soon see. + </p> + <p> + The following is the manner in which I passed the morning to strike awe + into the soul of that vicious brute, to confound his feeble intellect, and + to render him harmless to me. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Lawrence had left us I told Soradaci to come and take some + soup. The scoundrel was in bed, and he had told Lawrence that he was ill. + He would not have dared to approach me if I had not called him. However, + he rose from his bed, and threw himself flat upon the ground at my feet, + and said, weeping violently, that if I would not forgive him he would die + before the day was done, as he already felt the curse and the vengeance of + the Holy Virgin which I had denounced against him. He felt devouring pains + in his bowels, and his mouth was covered with sores. He shewed it me, and + I saw it was full of ulcers, but I cannot say whether it was thus the + night before. I did not much care to examine him to see if he were telling + me the truth. My cue was to pretend to believe him, and to make him hope + for mercy. I began by making him eat and drink. The traitor most likely + intended to deceive me, but as I was myself determined to deceive him it + remained to be seen which was the acuter. I had planned an attack against + which it was improbable that he could defend himself. + </p> + <p> + Assuming an inspired air, I said, “Be seated and take this soup, and + afterwards I will tell you of your good fortune, for know that the Virgin + of the Rosary appeared to me at day-break, and bids me pardon you. Thou + shalt not die but live, and shalt come out of this place with me.” In + great wonderment, and kneeling on the ground for want of a chair, he ate + the soup with me, and afterwards seated himself on the bed to hear what I + had to say. Thus I spoke to him: + </p> + <p> + “The grief I experienced at your dreadful treason made me pass a sleepless + night, as the letters might condemn me to spend here the remnant of my + days. My only consolation, I confess, was the certainty that you would die + here also before my eyes within three days. Full of this thought not + worthy of a Christian (for God bids us forgive our enemies) my weariness + made me sleep, and in my sleep I had a vision. I saw that Holy Virgin, + Mother of God, whose likeness you behold—I saw her before me, and + opening her lips she spoke thus: + </p> + <p> + “‘Soradaci is a devotee of my Holy Rosary. I protect him, and I will that + you forgive him, and then the curse he has drawn on himself will cease. In + return for your generosity, I will order one of my angels to take the form + of man, to come down from heaven, to break open the roof of your prison, + and set you free within five or six days. The angel will begin his task + this day at two o’clock precisely, and he will work till half an hour + before sunset, since he must ascend again into heaven while the daylight + lasts. When you come out of this place, take Soradaci with you, and have a + care for him if he will renounce his business of spying. Tell him all.’ + </p> + <p> + “With these words the Holy Virgin vanished out of my sight, and I awoke.” + </p> + <p> + I spoke all the while with a serious face and the air of one inspired, and + I saw that the traitor was petrified. I then took my Book of Hours, + sprinkled the cell with holy water, and pretended to pray, kissing from + time to time the picture of the Virgin. An hour afterwards the brute, who + so far had not opened his mouth, asked me bluntly at what time the angel + would come down from heaven, and if we should hear him breaking in the + cell. + </p> + <p> + “I am certain that he will begin at two o’clock, that we shall hear him at + his work, and that he will depart at the hour named by the Holy Virgin.” + </p> + <p> + “You may have dreamt it all.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not so. Will you swear to me to spy no more?” + </p> + <p> + Instead of answering he went off to sleep, and did not awake for two hours + after, when he asked if he could put off taking the oath. I asked of him, + </p> + <p> + “You can put off taking it,” I said, “till the angel enters to set me + free; but if you do not then renounce by an oath the infamous trade which + has brought you here, and which will end by bringing you to the gallows, I + shall leave you in the cell, for so the Mother of God commands, and if you + do not obey you will lose her protection.” + </p> + <p> + As I had expected, I saw an expression of satisfaction on his hideous + features, for he was quite certain that the angel would not come. He + looked at me with a pitying air. I longed to hear the hour strike. The + play amused me intensely, for I was persuaded that the approach of the + angel would set his miserable wits a-reeling. I was sure, also, that the + plan would succeed if Lawrence had not forgotten to give the monk the + books, and this was not likely. + </p> + <p> + An hour before the time appointed I was fain to dine. I only drank water, + and Soradaci drank all the wine and consumed all the garlic I had, and + thus made himself worse. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I heard the first stroke of two I fell on my knees, ordering + him, in an awful voice, to do the like. He obeyed, looking at me in a + dazed way. When I heard the first slight noise I examined, “Lo! the angel + cometh!” and fell down on my face, and with a hearty fisticuff forced him + into the same position. The noise of breaking was plainly heard, and for a + quarter of an hour I kept in that troublesome position, and if the + circumstances had been different I should have laughed to see how + motionless the creature was; but I restrained myself, remembering my + design of completely turning the fellow’s head, or at least of obsessing + him for a time. As soon as I got up I knelt and allowed him to imitate me, + and I spent three hours in saying the rosary to him. From time to time he + dozed off, wearied rather by his position than by the monotony of the + prayer, but during the whole time he never interrupted me. Now and again + he dared to raise a furtive glance towards the ceiling. With a sort of + stupor on his face, he turned his head in the direction of the Virgin, and + the whole of his behaviour was for me the highest comedy. When I heard the + clock strike the hour for the work to cease, I said to him, + </p> + <p> + “Prostrate thyself, for the angel departeth.” + </p> + <p> + Balbi returned to his cell, and we heard him no more. As I rose to my + feet, fixing my gaze on the wretched fellow, I read fright on every + feature, and was delighted. I addressed a few words to him that I might + see in what state of mind he was. He shed tears in abundance, and what he + said was mostly extravagant, his ideas having no sequence or connection. + He spoke of his sins, of his acts of devotion, of his zeal in the service + of St. Mark, and of the work he had done for the Commonwealth, and to this + attributed the special favours Mary had shewn him. I had to put up with a + long story about the miracles of the Rosary which his wife, whose + confessor was a young Dominican, had told him. He said that he did not + know what use I could make of an ignorant fellow like him. + </p> + <p> + “I will take you into my service, and you shall have all that you need + without being obliged to pursue the hazardous trade of a spy.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we not be able to remain at Venice?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not. The angel will take us to a land which does not belong to + St. Mark. Will you swear to me that you will spy no more? And if you + swear, will you become a perjurer a second time?” + </p> + <p> + “If I take the oath, I will surely keep it, of that there can be no doubt; + but you must confess that if I had not perjured myself you would never + have received such favour at the hands of the Virgin. My broken faith is + the cause of your bliss. You ought, therefore, to love me and to be + content with my treason.” + </p> + <p> + “Dost love Judas who betrayed Jesus Christ?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “You perceive, then, that one detests the traitor and at the same time + adores the Divine Providence, which knows how to bring good out of evil. + Up to the present time you have done wickedly. You have offended God and + the Virgin His Mother, and I will not receive your oath till you have + expiated your sins.” + </p> + <p> + “What sin have I done?” + </p> + <p> + “You have sinned by pride, Soradaci, in thinking that I was under an + obligation to you for betraying me and giving my letters to the + secretary.” + </p> + <p> + “How shall I expiate this sin?” + </p> + <p> + “Thus. To-morrow, when Lawrence comes, you must lie on your bed, your face + towards the wall, and without the slightest motion or a single glance at + Lawrence. If he address you, you must answer, without looking at him, that + you could not sleep, and need rest. Do you promise me entirely to do this + thing?” + </p> + <p> + “I will do whatsoever you tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Quick, then, take your oath before this holy picture.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise, Holy Mother of God, that when Lawrence comes I will not look + at him, nor stir from my bed.” + </p> + <p> + “And I, Most Holy Virgin, swear by the bowels of your Divine Son that if I + see Soradici move in the least or look towards Lawrence, I will throw + myself straightway upon him and strangle him without mercy, to your honour + and glory.” + </p> + <p> + I counted on my threat having at least as much effect upon him as his + oath. Nevertheless, as I was anxious to make sure, I asked him if he had + anything to say against the oath, and after thinking for a moment he + answered that he was quite content with it. Well pleased myself, I gave + him something to eat, and told him to go to bed as I needed sleep. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was asleep I began to write, and wrote on for two hours. I + told Balbi all that had happened, and said that if the work was far enough + advanced he need only come above my cell to put the final stroke to it and + break through. I made him note that we should set out on the night of the + 31st of October, and that we should be four in all, counting his companion + and mine. It was now the twenty-eighth of the month. + </p> + <p> + In the morning the monk wrote me that the passage was made, and that he + should only require to work at the ceiling of my cell to break through the + last board and this would be done in four minutes. Soradaci observed his + oath, pretending to sleep, and Lawrence said nothing to him. I kept my + eyes upon him the whole time, and I verily believe I should have strangled + him if he had made the slightest motion towards Lawrence, for a wink would + have been enough to betray me. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the day was devoted to high discourses and exalted + expressions, which I uttered as solemnly as I could, and I enjoyed the + sight of seeing him become more and more fanatical. To heighten the effect + of my mystic exhortation I dosed him heavily with wine, and did not let + him go till he had fallen into a drunken sleep. + </p> + <p> + Though a stranger to all metaphysical speculations, and a man who had + never exercised his reasoning faculties except in devising some piece of + spy-craft, the fellow confused me for a moment by saying that he could not + conceive how an angel should have to take so much trouble to break open + our cell. But after lifting my eyes to heaven, or rather to the roof of my + dungeon-cell, I said, + </p> + <p> + “The ways of God are inscrutable; and since the messenger of Heaven works + not as an angel (for then a slight single blow would be enough), he works + like a man, whose form he has doubtless taken, as we are not worthy to + look upon his celestial body. And, furthermore,” said I, like a true + Jesuit, who knows how to draw advantage from everything, “I foresee that + the angel, to punish us for your evil thought, which has offended the Holy + Virgin, will not come to-day. Wretch, your thoughts are not those of an + honest, pious, and religious man, but those of a sinner who thinks he has + to do with Messer-Grande and his myrmidons.” + </p> + <p> + I wanted to drive him to despair, and I had succeeded. He began to weep + bitterly, and his sobs almost choked him, when two o’clock struck and not + sign of the angel was heard. Instead of calming him I endeavoured to + augment his misery by my complaints. The next morning he was obedient to + my orders, for when Lawrence asked him how he was, he replied without + moving his head. He behaved in the same manner on the day following, and + until I saw Lawrence for the last time on the morning of the 31st October. + I gave him the book for Barbi, and told the monk to come at noon to break + through the ceiling. I feared nothing, as Lawrence had told me that the + Inquisitors and the secretary had already set out for the country. I had + no reason to dread the arrival of a new companion, and all I had to do was + to manage my knave. + </p> + <p> + After Lawrence was gone I told Soradaci that the angel would come and make + an opening in the ceiling about noon. + </p> + <p> + “He will bring a pair of scissors with him,” I said, “and you will have to + cut the angel’s beard and mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Has the angel a beard?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you shall see it for yourself. Afterwards we will get out of the + cell and proceed to break the roof of the palace, whence we shall descend + into St. Mark’s Place and set out for Germany.” + </p> + <p> + He answered nothing. He had to eat by himself, for my mind was too much + occupied to think about dinner—indeed, I had been unable to sleep. + </p> + <p> + The appointed hour struck—and the angel came, Soradaci was going to + fall down on his face, but I told him it was not necessary. In three + minutes the passage was completed, the piece of board fell at my feet, and + Father Balbi into my arms. “Your work is ended and mine begun,” said I to + him. We embraced each other, and he gave me the pike and a pair of + scissors. I told Soradaci to cut our beards, but I could not help laughing + to see the creature—his mouth all agape—staring at the angel, who + was more like a devil. However, though quite beside himself, he cut our + beards admirably. + </p> + <p> + Anxious to see how the land lay, I told the monk to stay with Soradaci, as + I did not care to leave him alone, and I went out. I found the hole in the + wall narrow, but I succeeded in getting through it. I was above the + count’s cell, and I came in and greeted the worthy old man. The man before + me was not fitted to encounter such difficulties as would be involved in + an escape by a steep roof covered with plates of lead. He asked me what my + plan was, and told me that he thought I had acted rather inconsiderately. + “I only ask to go forward,” said I, “till I find death or freedom.” “If + you intend,” he answered, “to pierce the roof and to descend from thence, + I see no prospect of success, unless you have wings; and I at all events + have not the courage to accompany you. I will remain here, and pray to God + on your behalf.” + </p> + <p> + I went out again to look at the roof, getting as close as I could to the + sides of the loft. Touching the lower part of the roof, I took up a + position between the beams, and feeling the wood with the end of the bar I + luckily found them to be half rotten. At every blow of the bar they fell + to dust, so feeling certain of my ability to make a large enough hole in + less than a hour I returned to my cell, and for four hours employed myself + in cutting up sheets, coverlets, and bedding, to make ropes. I took care + to make the knots myself and to be assured of their strength, for a single + weak knot might cost us our lives. At last I had ready a hundred fathoms + of rope. + </p> + <p> + In great undertakings there are certain critical points which the leader + who deserves to succeed trusts to no one but himself. When the rope was + ready I made a parcel of my suit, my cloak, a few shirts, stockings, and + handkerchiefs, and the three of us went into the count’s cell. The first + thing the count did was to congratulate Soradaci on having been placed in + the same cell as myself, and on being so soon about to regain his liberty. + His air of speechless confusion made me want to laugh. I took no more + trouble about him, for I had thrown off the mask of Tartuffe which I had + found terribly inconvenient all the time I had worn it for the rascal’s + sake. He knew, I could see, that he had been deceived, but he understood + nothing else, as he could not make out how I could have arranged with the + supposed angel to come and go at certain fixed times. He listened + attentively to the count, who told us we were going to our destruction, + and like the coward that he was, he began to plan how to escape from the + dangerous journey. I told the monk to put his bundle together while I was + making the hole in the roof by the side of the loft. + </p> + <p> + At eight o’clock, without needing any help, my opening was made. I had + broken up the beams, and the space was twice the size required. I got the + plate of lead off in one piece. I could not do it by myself, because it + was riveted. The monk came to my aid, and by dint of driving the bar + between the gutter and the lead I succeeded in loosening it, and then, + heaving at it with our shoulders, we beat it up till the opening was wide + enough. On putting my head out through the hole I was distressed to see + the brilliant light of the crescent moon then entering in its first + quarter. This was a piece of bad luck which must be borne patiently, and + we should have to wait till midnight, when the moon would have gone to + light up the Antipodes. On such a fine night as this everybody would be + walking in St. Mark’s Place, and I dared not shew myself on the roof as + the moonlight would have thrown a huge shadow of me on the place, and have + drawn towards me all eyes, especially those of Messer-Grande and his + myrmidons, and our fine scheme would have been brought to nothing by their + detestable activity. I immediately decided that we could not escape till + after the moon set; in the mean time I prayed for the help of God, but did + not ask Him to work any miracles for me. I was at the mercy of Fortune, + and I had to take care not to give her any advantages; and if my scheme + ended in failure I should be consoled by the thought that I had not made a + single mistake. The moon would set at eleven and sunrise was at six, so we + had seven hours of perfect darkness at our service; and though we had a + hard task, I considered that in seven hours it would be accomplished. + </p> + <p> + I told Father Balbi that we could pass the three hours in talking to Count + Asquin. I requested him to go first and ask the count to lend me thirty + sequins, which would be as necessary to me as my pike had been hitherto. + He carried my message, and a few minutes after came and asked me to go + myself, as the count wished to talk to me alone. The poor old man began by + saying with great politeness that I really stood in no need of money to + escape, that he had none, that he had a large family, that if I was killed + the money would be lost, with a thousand other futilities of the same kind + to disguise his avarice, or the dislike he felt to parting with his money. + My reply lasted for half an hour, and contained some excellent arguments, + which never have had and never will have any force, as the finest weapons + of oratory are blunted when used against one of the strongest of the + passions. It was a matter of a ‘nolenti baculus’; not that I was cruel + enough to use force towards an unhappy old man like the count. I ended my + speech by saying that if he would flee with us I would carry him upon my + back like AEneas carried Anchises; but if he was going to stay in prison + to offer up prayers for our success, his prayers would be observed, as it + would be a case of praying God to give success when he himself had refused + to contribute the most ordinary aid. + </p> + <p> + He replied by a flood of tears, which affected me. He then asked if two + sequins would be enough, and I answered in the affirmative. He then gave + them to me begging me to return them to him if after getting on the roof I + saw my wisest course would be to come back. I promised to do so, feeling + somewhat astonished that he should deem me capable of a retreat. He little + knew me, for I would have preferred death to an imprisonment which would + have been life-long. + </p> + <p> + I called my companions, and we set all our baggage near the hole. I + divided the hundred fathoms of rope into two packets, and we spent two + hours in talking over the chances of our undertaking. The first proof + which Father Balbi gave me of his fine character was to tell me, ten times + over, that I had broken my word with him, since I had assured him that my + scheme was complete and certain, while it was really nothing of the kind. + He went so far as to tell me that if he had known as much he would not + have taken me from my cell. The count also, with all the weight of his + seventy years, told me that I should do well to give up so hazardous an + undertaking, in which success was impossible and death probable. As he was + a barrister he made me a speech as follows, and I had not much difficulty + in guessing that he was inspired by the thought of the two sequins which I + should have had to give him back, if he had succeeded in persuading me to + stay where I was: + </p> + <p> + “The incline of the roof covered with lead plates,” said he, “will render + it impossible for you to walk, indeed you will scarcely be able to stand + on your feet. It is true that the roof has seven or eight windows, but + they are all barred with iron, and you could not keep your footing near + them since they are far from the sides. Your ropes are useless, as you + will find nothing whereon to fasten them; and even if you did, a man + descending from such a height cannot reach the ground by himself. One of + you will therefore have to lower the two others one at a time as one + lowers a bucket or a bundle of wood, and he who does so will have to stay + behind and go back to his cell. Which of you three has a vocation for this + dangerous work of charity? And supposing that one of you is heroic enough + to do so, can you tell me on which side you are going to descend? Not by + the side towards the palace, for you would be seen; not by the church, as + you would find yourselves still shut up, and as to the court side you + surely would not think of it, for you would fall into the hands of the + ‘arsenalotti’ who are always going their rounds there. You have only the + canal side left, and where is your gondola to take you off? Not having any + such thing, you will be obliged to throw yourself in and escape by + swimming towards St. Appollonia, which you will reach in a wretched + condition, not knowing where to turn to next. You must remember that the + leads are slippery, and that if you were to fall into the canal, + considering the height of the fall and the shallowness of the water, you + would most certainly be killed if you could swim like sharks. You would be + crushed to death, for three or four feet of water are not sufficient to + counteract the effect of a fall from such a height. In short, the best + fate you can expect is to find yourselves on the ground with broken arms + and legs.” + </p> + <p> + The effect of this discourse—a very unseasonable one, under the + circumstances—was to make my blood boil, but I listened with a + patience wholly foreign to my nature. The rough reproaches of the monk + enraged me, and inclined me to answer him in his own way; but I felt that + my position was a difficult one, and that unless I was careful I might + ruin all, for I had to do with a coward quite capable of saying that he + was not going to risk his life, and by myself I could not hope to succeed. + I constrained myself, therefore, and as politely as I could I told them + that I was sure of success, though I could not as yet communicate the + details of my plan. “I shall profit by your wise counsels,” said I to + Count Asquin, “and be very prudent, but my trust in God and in my own + strength will carry me through all difficulties.” + </p> + <p> + From time to time I stretched out my hand to assure myself that Soradaci + was there, for he did not speak a word. I laughed to myself to think what + he might be turning in his head now that he was convinced that I had + deceived him. At half-past ten I told him to go and see what was the + position of the moon. He obeyed and returned, saying that in an hour and + a-half it would have disappeared, and that there was a thick fog which + would make the leads very dangerous. + </p> + <p> + “All I ask,” I said, “is that the fog be not made of oil. Put your cloak + in a packet with some of the rope which must be divided equally between + us.” + </p> + <p> + At this I was astonished to find him at my knees kissing my hands, and + entreating me not to kill him. “I should be sure,” said he, “to fall over + into the canal, and I should not be of any use to you. Ah! leave me here, + and all the night I will pray to St. Francis for you. You can kill me or + save me alive; but of this I am determined, never to follow you.” + </p> + <p> + The fool never thought how he had responded to my prayers. + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” I said, “you may stop here on the condition that you will + pray to St. Francis; and that you go forthwith and fetch my books, which I + wish to leave to the count.” + </p> + <p> + He did so without answering me, doubtless with much joy. My books were + worth at least a hundred crowns. The count told me that he would give them + back on my return. + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure,” I said, “that you will never see me here again. The + books will cover your expenditure of two sequins. As to this rascal, I am + delighted, as he cannot muster sufficient courage to come with me. He + would be in the way, and the fellow is not worthy of sharing with Father + Balbi and myself the honours of so brave a flight.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true,” said the count, “provided that he does not congratulate + himself to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I asked the count to give me pens, ink, and paper, which he possessed in + spite of the regulations to the contrary, for such prohibitions were + nothing to Lawrence, who would have sold St. Mark himself for a crown. I + then wrote the following letter, which I gave to Soradaci, not being able + to read it over, as I had written it in the dark. I began by a fine + heading, which I wrote in Latin, and which in English would run thus: + </p> + <p> + “‘I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.’” + </p> + <p> + “Our lords of state are bound to do all in their power to keep a prisoner + under the Leads, and on the other hand the prisoner, who is fortunately + not on parole, is bound also to make his escape. Their right to act thus + is founded on justice, while the prisoner follows the voice of nature; and + since they have not asked him whether he will be put in prison, so he + ought not to ask them leave to escape. + </p> + <p> + “Jacques Casanova, writing in the bitterness of his heart, knows that he + may have the ill luck to be recaptured before he succeeds in leaving the + Venetian territory and escaping to a friendly state; but if so, he appeals + to the humanity of the judges not to add to the misery of the condition + from which, yielding to the voice of nature, he is endeavouring to escape. + He begs them, if he be taken, to return him whatever may be in his cell, + but if he succeed he gives the whole to Francis Soradaci, who is still a + captive for want of courage to escape, not like me preferring liberty to + life. Casanova entreats their excellencies not to refuse the poor wretch + this gift. Dated an hour before midnight, in the cell of Count Asquin, on + October 31st, 1756.” + </p> + <p> + I warned Soradaci not to give this letter to Lawrence, but to the + secretary in person, who, no doubt, would interrogate him if he did not go + himself to the cell, which was the more likely course. The count said my + letter was perfect, but that he would give me back all my books if I + returned. The fool said he wished to see me again to prove that he would + return everything gladly. + </p> + <p> + But our time was come. The moon had set. I hung the half of the ropes by + Father Balbi’s neck on one side and his clothes on the other. I did the + same to myself, and with our hats on and our coats off we went to the + opening. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + E quindi uscimmo a rimirar le stelle.—DANTE. +</pre> + <a name="linkB2HCH0030" id="linkB2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Escape—I Nearly Lose My Life on the Roof—I Get out of + the Ducal Palace, Take a Boat, and Reach the Mainland— + Danger to Which I Am Exposed by Father Balbi—My Scheme for + Ridding Myself of Him +</pre> + <p> + I got out the first, and Father Balbi followed me. Soradaci who had come + as far as the opening, had orders to put the plate of lead back in its + place, and then to go and pray to St. Francis for us. Keeping on my hands + and knees, and grasping my pike firmly I pushed it obliquely between the + joining of the plates of lead, and then holding the side of the plate + which I had lifted I succeeded in drawing myself up to the summit of the + roof. The monk had taken hold of my waistband to follow me, and thus I was + like a beast of burden who has to carry and draw along at the same time; + and this on a steep and slippery roof. + </p> + <p> + When we were half-way up the monk asked me to stop, as one of his packets + had slipped off, and he hoped it had not gone further than the gutter. My + first thought was to give him a kick and to send him after his packet, + but, praised be to God! I had sufficient self-control not to yield to it, + and indeed the punishment would have been too heavy for both of us, as I + should have had no chance of escaping by myself. I asked him if it were + the bundle of rope, and on his replying that it was a small packet of his + own containing manuscript he had found in one of the garrets under the + Leads, I told him he must bear it patiently, as a single step might be our + destruction. The poor monk gave a sigh, and he still clinging to my waist + we continued climbing. + </p> + <p> + After having surmounted with the greatest difficulty fifteen or sixteen + plates we got to the top, on which I sat astride, Father Balbi imitating + my example. Our backs were towards the little island of St. George the + Greater, and about two hundred paces in front of us were the numerous + cupolas of St. Mark’s Church, which forms part of the ducal palace, for + St. Mark’s is really the Doge’s private chapel, and no monarch in the + world can boast of having a finer. My first step was to take off my + bundle, and I told my companion to do the same. He put the rope as best he + could upon his thighs, but wishing to take off his hat, which was in his + way, he took hold of it awkwardly, and it was soon dancing from plate to + plate to join the packet of linen in the gutter. My poor companion was in + despair. + </p> + <p> + “A bad omen,” he exclaimed; “our task is but begun and here am I deprived + of shirt, hat, and a precious manuscript, containing a curious account of + the festivals of the palace.” + </p> + <p> + I felt calmer now that I was no longer crawling on hands and knees, and I + told him quietly that the two accidents which had happened to him had + nothing extraordinary in them, and that not even a superstitious person + would call them omens, that I did not consider them in that light, and + that they were far from damping my spirits. + </p> + <p> + “They ought rather,” said I, “to warn you to be prudent, and to remind you + that God is certainly watching over us, for if your hat had fallen to the + left instead of to the right, we should have been undone; as in that case + it would have fallen into the palace court, where it would have caught the + attention of the guards, and have let them know that there was someone on + the roof; and in a few minutes we should have been retaken.” + </p> + <p> + After looking about me for some time I told the monk to stay still till I + came back, and I set out, my pike in my hand, sitting astride the roof and + moving along without any difficulty. For nearly an hour I went to this + side and that, keeping a sharp look-out, but in vain; for I could see + nothing to which the rope could be fastened, and I was in the greatest + perplexity as to what was to be done. It was of no use thinking of getting + down on the canal side or by the court of the palace, and the church + offered only precipices which led to nothing. To get to the other side of + the church towards the Canonica, I should have had to climb roofs so steep + that I saw no prospect of success. The situation called for hardihood, but + not the smallest piece of rashness. + </p> + <p> + It was necessary, however, either to escape, or to reenter the prison, + perhaps never again to leave it, or to throw myself into the canal. In + such a dilemma it was necessary to leave a good deal to chance, and to + make a start of some kind. My eye caught a window on the canal sides, and + two-thirds of the distance from the gutter to the summit of the roof. It + was a good distance from the spot I had set out from, so I concluded that + the garret lighted by it did not form part of the prison I had just + broken. It could only light a loft, inhabited or uninhabited, above some + rooms in the palace, the doors of which would probably be opened by + day-break. I was morally sure that if the palace servants saw us they + would help us to escape, and not deliver us over to the Inquisitors, even + if they recognized us as criminals of the deepest dye; so heartily was the + State Inquisition hated by everyone. + </p> + <p> + It was thus necessary for me to get in front of the window, and letting + myself slide softly down in a straight line I soon found myself astride on + top of the dormer-roof. Then grasping the sides I stretched my head over, + and succeeded in seeing and touching a small grating, behind which was a + window of square panes of glass joined with thin strips of lead. I did not + trouble myself about the window, but the grating, small as it was, + appeared an insurmountable difficulty, failing a file, and I had only my + pike. + </p> + <p> + I was thoroughly perplexed, and was beginning to lose courage, when an + incident of the simplest and most natural kind came to my aid and + fortified my resolution. + </p> + <p> + Philosophic reader, if you will place yourself for a moment in my + position, if you will share the sufferings which for fifteen months had + been my lot, if you think of my danger on the top of a roof, where the + slightest step in a wrong direction would have cost me my life, if you + consider the few hours at my disposal to overcome difficulties which might + spring up at any moment, the candid confession I am about to make will not + lower me in your esteem; at any rate, if you do not forget that a man in + an anxious and dangerous position is in reality only half himself. + </p> + <p> + It was the clock of St. Mark’s striking midnight, which, by a violent + shock, drew me out of the state of perplexity I had fallen into. The clock + reminded me that the day just beginning was All Saints’ Day—the day + of my patron saint (at least if I had one)—and the prophecy of my + confessor came into my mind. But I confess that what chiefly strengthened + me, both bodily and mentally, was the profane oracle of my beloved + Ariosto: ‘Fra il fin d’ottobre, a il capo di novembre’. + </p> + <p> + The chime seemed to me a speaking talisman, commanding me to be up and + doing,—and—promising me the victory. Lying on my belly I + stretched my head down towards the grating, and pushing my pike into the + sash which held it I resolved to take it out in a piece. In a quarter of + an hour I succeeded, and held the whole grate in my hands,—and + putting it on one side I easily broke the glass window, though wounding my + left hand. + </p> + <p> + With the aid of my pike, using it as I had done before, I regained the + ridge of the roof, and went back to the spot where I had left Balbi. I + found him enraged and despairing, and he abused me heartily for having + left him for so long. He assured me that he was only waiting for it to get + light to return to the prison. + </p> + <p> + “What did you think had become of me?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you must have fallen over.” + </p> + <p> + “And you can find no better way than abuse to express the joy you ought to + feel at seeing me again?” + </p> + <p> + “What have you been doing all this time?” + </p> + <p> + “Follow me, and you shall see.” + </p> + <p> + I took up my packets again and made my way towards the window. As soon as + were opposite to it I told Balbi what I had done, and asked him if he + could think of any way of getting into the loft. For one it was easy + enough, for the other could lower him by the rope; but I could not + discover how the second of us was to get down afterwards, as there was + nothing to which the rope could be fastened. If I let myself fall I might + break my arms and legs, for I did not know the distance between the window + and the floor of the room. To this chain of reasoning uttered in the + friendliest possible tone, the brute replied thus: + </p> + <p> + “You let me down, and when I have got to the bottom you will have plenty + of time to think how you are going to follow me.” + </p> + <p> + I confess that my first indignant impulse was to drive my pike into his + throat. My good genius stayed my arm, and I uttered not a word in reproach + of his base selfishness. On the contrary, I straightway untied my bundle + of rope and bound him strongly under the elbows, and making him lie flat + down I lowered him feet foremost on to the roof of the dormer-window. When + he got there I told him to lower himself into the window as far as his + hips, supporting himself by holding his elbows against the sides of the + window. As soon as he had done so, I slid down the roof as before, and + lying down on the dormer-roof with a firm grasp of the rope I told the + monk not to be afraid but to let himself go. When he reached the floor of + the loft he untied himself, and on drawing the rope back I found the fall + was one of fifty feet—too dangerous a jump to be risked. The monk who for + two hours had been a prey to terror; seated in a position which I confess + was not a very reassuring one, was not quite cool, and called out to me to + throw him the ropes for him to take care of—a piece of advice you + may be sure I took care not to follow. + </p> + <p> + Not knowing what to do next, and waiting for some fortunate idea, I made + my way back to the ridge of the roof, and from there spied out a corner + near a cupola; which I had not visited. I went towards it and found a flat + roof, with a large window closed with two shutters. At hand was a tubful + of plaster, a trowel, and ladder which I thought long enough for my + purpose. This was enough, and tying my rope to the first round I dragged + this troublesome burden after me to the window. My next task was to get + the end of the ladder (which was twelve fathoms long) into the opening, + and the difficulties I encountered made me sorry that I had deprived + myself of the aid of the monk. [The unit of measure: ‘fathoms’ describing + the ladder and earlier the 100 fathoms of rope, is likely a translation + error: Casanova might have manufactured 100 feet of rope and might have + dragged a 12 foot ladder up the steep roof, but not a longer. D.W.] + </p> + <p> + I had set the ladder in such a way that one end touched the window, and + the other went below the gutter. I next slid down to the roof of the + window, and drawing the ladder towards me I fastened the end of my rope to + the eighth round, and then let it go again till it was parallel with the + window. I then strove to get it in, but I could not insert it farther than + the fifth round, for the end of the ladder being stopped by the inside + roof of the window no force on earth could have pushed it any further + without breaking either the ladder or the ceiling. There was nothing to be + done but to lift it by the other end; it would then slip down by its own + weight. I might, it is true, have placed the ladder across the window, and + have fastened the rope to it, in which manner I might have let myself down + into the loft without any risk; but the ladder would have been left + outside to shew Lawrence and the guards where to look for us and possibly + to find us in the morning. + </p> + <p> + I did not care to risk by a piece of imprudence the fruit of so much toil + and danger, and to destroy all traces of our whereabouts the ladder must + be drawn in. Having no one to give me a helping hand, I resolved to go + myself to the parapet to lift the ladder and attain the end I had in view. + I did so, but at such a hazard as had almost cost me my life. I could let + go the ladder while I slackened the rope without any fear of its falling + over, as it had caught to the parapet by the third rung. Then, my pike in + my hand, I slid down beside the ladder to the parapet, which held up the + points of my feet, as I was lying on my belly. In this position I pushed + the ladder forward, and was able to get it into the window to the length + of a foot, and that diminished by a good deal its weight. I now only had + to push it in another two feet, as I was sure that I could get it in + altogether by means of the rope from the roof of the window. To impel the + ladder to the extent required I got on my knees, but the effort I had to + use made me slip, and in an instant I was over the parapet as far as my + chest, sustained by my elbows. + </p> + <p> + I shudder still when I think of this awful moment, which cannot be + conceived in all its horror. My natural instinct made me almost + unconsciously strain every nerve to regain the parapet, and—I had + nearly said miraculously—I succeeded. Taking care not to let myself + slip back an inch I struggled upwards with my hands and arms, while my + belly was resting on the edge of the parapet. Fortunately the ladder was + safe, for with that unlucky effort which had nearly cost me so dearly I + had pushed it in more than three feet, and there it remained. + </p> + <p> + Finding myself resting on my groin on the parapet, I saw that I had only + to lift up my right leg and to put up first one knee and then the other to + be absolutely out of danger; but I had not yet got to the end of my + trouble. The effort I made gave me so severe a spasm that I became cramped + and unable to use my limbs. However, I did not lose my head, but kept + quiet till the pain had gone off, knowing by experience that keeping still + is the best cure for the false cramp. It was a dreadful moment! In two + minutes I made another effort, and had the good fortune to get my two + knees on to the parapet, and as soon as I had taken breath I cautiously + hoisted the ladder and pushed it half-way through the window. I then took + my pike, and crawling up as I had done before I reached the window, where + my knowledge of the laws of equilibrium and leverage aided me to insert + the ladder to its full length, my companion receiving the end of it. I + then threw into the loft the bundles and the fragments that I had broken + off the window, and I stepped down to the monk, who welcomed me heartily + and drew in the ladder. Arm in arm, we proceeded to inspect the gloomy + retreat in which we found ourselves, and judged it to be about thirty + paces long by twenty wide. + </p> + <p> + At one end were folding-doors barred with iron. This looked bad, but + putting my hand to the latch in the middle it yielded to the pressure, and + the door opened. The first thing we did was to make the tour of the room, + and crossing it we stumbled against a large table surrounded by stools and + armchairs. Returning to the part where we had seen windows, we opened the + shutters of one of them, and the light of the stars only shewed us the + cupolas and the depths beneath them. I did not think for a moment of + lowering myself down, as I wished to know where I was going, and I did not + recognize our surroundings. I shut the window up, and we returned to the + place where we had left our packages. Quite exhausted I let myself fall on + the floor, and placing a bundle of rope under my head a sweet sleep came + to my relief. I abandoned myself to it without resistance, and indeed, I + believe if death were to have been the result, I should have slept all the + same, and I still remember how I enjoyed that sleep. + </p> + <p> + It lasted for three and a half hours, and I was awakened by the monk’s + calling out and shaking me. He told me that it had just struck five. He + said it was inconceivable to him how I could sleep in the situation we + were in. But that which was inconceivable to him was not so to me. I had + not fallen asleep on purpose, but had only yielded to the demands of + exhausted nature, and, if I may say so, to the extremity of my need. In my + exhaustion there was nothing to wonder at, since I had neither eaten nor + slept for two days, and the efforts I had made—efforts almost beyond + the limits of mortal endurance—might well have exhausted any man. In + my sleep my activity had come back to me, and I was delighted to see the + darkness disappearing, so that we should be able to proceed with more + certainty and quickness. + </p> + <p> + Casting a rapid glance around, I said to myself, “This is not a prison, + there ought, therefore, be some easy exit from it.” We addressed ourselves + to the end opposite to the folding-doors, and in a narrow recess I thought + I made out a doorway. I felt it over and touched a lock, into which I + thrust my pike, and opened it with three or four heaves. We then found + ourselves in a small room, and I discovered a key on a table, which I + tried on a door opposite to us, which, however, proved to be unlocked. I + told the monk to go for our bundles, and replacing the key we passed out + and came into a gallery containing presses full of papers. They were the + state archives. I came across a short flight of stone stairs, which I + descended, then another, which I descended also, and found a glass door at + the end, on opening which I entered a hall well known to me: we were in + the ducal chancery. I opened a window and could have got down easily, but + the result would have been that we should have been trapped in the maze of + little courts around St. Mark’s Church. I saw on a desk an iron + instrument, of which I took possession; it had a rounded point and a + wooden handle, being used by the clerks of the chancery to pierce + parchments for the purpose of affixing the leaden seals. On opening the + desk I saw the copy of a letter advising the Proveditore of Corfu of a + grant of three thousand sequins for the restoration of the old fortress. I + searched for the sequins but they were not there. God knows how gladly I + would have taken them, and how I would have laughed the monk to scorn if + he had accused me of theft! I should have received the money as a gift + from Heaven, and should have regarded myself as its master by conquest. + </p> + <p> + Going to the door of the chancery, I put my bar in the keyhole, but + finding immediately that I could not break it open, I resolved on making a + hole in the door. I took care to choose the side where the wood had fewest + knots, and working with all speed I struck as hard and as cleaving strokes + as I was able. The monk, who helped me as well as he could with the punch + I had taken from the desk, trembled at the echoing clamour of my pike + which must have been audible at some distance. I felt the danger myself, + but it had to be risked. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour the hole was large enough—a fortunate circumstance, + for I should have had much trouble in making it any larger without the aid + of a saw. I was afraid when I looked at the edges of the hole, for they + bristled with jagged pieces of wood which seemed made for tearing clothes + and flesh together. The hole was at a height of five feet from the ground. + We placed beneath it two stools, one beside the other, and when we had + stepped upon them the monk with arms crossed and head foremost began to + make his way through the hole, and taking him by the thighs, and + afterwards by the legs, I succeeded in pushing him through, and though it + was dark I felt quite secure, as I knew the surroundings. As soon as my + companion had reached the other side I threw him my belongings, with the + exception of the ropes, which I left behind, and placing a third stool on + the two others, I climbed up, and got through as far as my middle, though + with much difficulty, owing to the extreme narrowness of the hole. Then, + having nothing to grasp with my hands, nor anyone to push me as I had + pushed the monk, I asked him to take me, and draw me gently and by slow + degrees towards him. He did so, and I endured silently the fearful torture + I had to undergo, as my thighs and legs were torn by the splinters of + wood. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I got through I made haste to pick up my bundle of linen, and + going down two flights of stairs I opened without difficulty the door + leading into the passage whence opens the chief door to the grand + staircase, and in another the door of the closet of the ‘Savio alla + scrittura’. The chief door was locked, and I saw at once that, failing a + catapult or a mine of gunpowder, I could not possibly get through. The bar + I still held seemed to say, “Hic fines posuit. My use is ended and you can + lay me down.” It was dear to me as the instrument of freedom, and was + worthy of being hung as an ‘ex voto’ on the altar of liberty. + </p> + <p> + I sat down with the utmost tranquillity, and told the monk to do the same. + </p> + <p> + “My work is done,” I said, “the rest must be left to God and fortune. + </p> + <p> + “Abbia chi regge il ciel cura del resto, O la fortuna se non tocca a lui. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know whether those who sweep out the palace will come here + to-day, which is All Saints’ Day, or tomorrow, All Souls’ Day. If anyone + comes, I shall run out as soon as the door opens, and do you follow after + me; but if nobody comes, I do not budge a step, and if I die of hunger so + much the worse for me.” + </p> + <p> + At this speech of mine he became beside himself. He called me a madman, + seducer, deceiver, and a liar. I let him talk, and took no notice. It + struck six; only an hour had passed since I had my awakening in the loft. + </p> + <p> + My first task was to change my clothes. Father Balbi looked like a + peasant, but he was in better condition than I, his clothes were not torn + to shreds or covered with blood, his red flannel waistcoat and purple + breeches were intact, while my figure could only inspire pity or terror, + so bloodstained and tattered was I. I took off my stockings, and the blood + gushed out of two wounds I had given myself on the parapet, while the + splinters in the hole in the door had torn my waistcoat, shirt, breeches, + legs and thighs. I was dreadfully wounded all over my body. I made + bandages of handkerchiefs, and dressed my wounds as best I could, and then + put on my fine suit, which on a winter’s day would look odd enough. Having + tied up my hair, I put on white stockings, a laced shirt, failing any + other, and two others over it, and then stowing away some stockings and + handkerchiefs in my pockets, I threw everything else into a corner of the + room. I flung my fine cloak over the monk, and the fellow looked as if he + had stolen it. I must have looked like a man who has been to a dance and + has spent the rest of the night in a disorderly house, though the only + foil to my reasonable elegance of attire was the bandages round my knees. + </p> + <p> + In this guise, with my exquisite hat trimmed with Spanish lace and adorned + with a white feather on my head, I opened a window. I was immediately + remarked by some lounger in the palace court, who, not understanding what + anyone of my appearance was doing there at such an early hour, went to + tell the door-keeper of the circumstance. He, thinking he must have locked + somebody in the night before, went for his keys and came towards us. I was + sorry to have let myself be seen at the window, not knowing that therein + chance was working for our escape, and was sitting down listening to the + idle talk of the monk, when I heard the jingling of keys. Much perturbed I + got up and put my eye to a chink in the door, and saw a man with a great + bunch of keys in his hand mounting leisurely up the stairs. I told the + monk not to open his mouth, to keep well behind me, and to follow my + steps. I took my pike, and concealing it in my right sleeve I got into a + corner by the door, whence I could get out as soon as it was opened and + run down the stairs. I prayed that the man might make no resistance, as if + he did I should be obliged to fell him to the earth, and I determined to + do so. + </p> + <p> + The door opened; and the poor man as soon as he saw me seemed turned to a + stone. Without an instant’s delay and in dead silence, I made haste to + descend the stairs, the monk following me. Avoiding the appearance of a + fugitive, but walking fast, I went by the giants’ Stairs, taking no notice + of Father Balbi, who kept calling out “To the church! to the church!” + </p> + <p> + The church door was only about twenty paces from the stairs, but the + churches were no longer sanctuaries in Venice; and no one ever took refuge + in them. The monk knew this, but fright had deprived him of his faculties. + He told me afterwards that the motive which impelled him to go to the + church was the voice of religion bidding him seek the horns of the altar. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn’t you go by yourself?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I did not, like to abandon you,” but he should rather have said, “I did + not like to lose the comfort of your company.” + </p> + <p> + The safety I sought was beyond the borders of the Republic, and + thitherward I began to bend my steps. Already there in spirit, I must + needs be there in body also. I went straight towards the chief door of the + palace, and looking at no one that might be tempted to look at me I got to + the canal and entered the first gondola that I came across, shouting to + the boatman on the poop, + </p> + <p> + “I want to go to Fusina; be quick and, call another gondolier.” + </p> + <p> + This was soon done, and while the gondola was being got off I sat down on + the seat in the middle, and Balbi at the side. The odd appearance of the + monk, without a hat and with a fine cloak on his shoulders, with my + unseasonable attire, was enough to make people take us for an astrologer + and his man. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we had passed the custom-house, the gondoliers began to row + with a will along the Giudecca Canal, by which we must pass to go to + Fusina or to Mestre, which latter place was really our destination. When + we had traversed half the length of the canal I put my head out, and said + to the waterman on the poop, + </p> + <p> + “When do you think we shall get to Mestre?” + </p> + <p> + “But you told me to go to Fusina.” + </p> + <p> + “You must be mad; I said Mestre.” + </p> + <p> + The other boatman said that I was mistaken, and the fool of a monk, in his + capacity of zealous Christian and friend of truth, took care to tell me + that I was wrong. I wanted to give him a hearty kick as a punishment for + his stupidity, but reflecting that common sense comes not by wishing for + it I burst into a peal of laughter, and agreed that I might have made a + mistake, but that my real intention was to go to Mestre. To that they + answered nothing, but a minute after the master boatman said he was ready + to take me to England if I liked. + </p> + <p> + “Bravely spoken,” said I, “and now for Mestre, ho!” “We shall be there in + three quarters of an hour, as the wind and tide are in our favour.” + </p> + <p> + Well pleased I looked at the canal behind us, and thought it had never + seemed so fair, especially as there was not a single boat coming our way. + It was a glorious morning, the air was clear and glowing with the first + rays of the sun, and my two young watermen rowed easily and well; and as I + thought over the night of sorrow, the dangers I had escaped, the abode + where I had been fast bound the day before, all the chances which had been + in my favour, and the liberty of which I now began to taste the sweets, I + was so moved in my heart and grateful to my God that, well nigh choked + with emotion, I burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + My nice companion who had hitherto only spoken to back up the gondoliers, + thought himself bound to offer me his consolations. He did not understand + why I was weeping, and the tone he took made me pass from sweet affliction + to a strange mirthfulness which made him go astray once more, as he + thought I had got mad. The poor monk, as I have said, was a fool, and + whatever was bad about him was the result of his folly. I had been under + the sad necessity of turning him to account, but though without intending + to do so he had almost been my ruin. It was no use trying to make him + believe that I had told the gondoliers to go to Fusina whilst I intended + to go to Mestre; he said I could not have thought of that till I got on to + the Grand Canal. + </p> + <p> + In due course we reached Mestre. There were no horses to ride post, but I + found men with coaches who did as well, and I agreed with one of them to + take me to Trevisa in an hour and a quarter. The horses were put in in + three minutes, and with the idea that Father Balbi was behind me I turned + round to say “Get up,” but he was not there. I told an ostler to go and + look for him, with the intention of reprimanding him sharply, even if he + had gone for a necessary occasion, for we had no time to waste, not even + thus. The man came back saying he could not find him, to my great rage + and indignation. I was tempted to abandon him, but a feeling of humanity + restrained me. I made enquiries all round; everybody had seen him, but not + a soul knew where he was. I walked along the High Street, and some + instinct prompting me to put my head in at the window of a cafe. I saw the + wretched man standing at the bar drinking chocolate and making love to the + girl. Catching sight of me, he pointed to the girl and said— + </p> + <p> + “She’s charming,” and then invited me to take a cup of chocolate, saying + that I must pay, as he hadn’t a penny. I kept back my wrath and answered, + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want any, and do you make haste!” and caught hold of his arm in + such sort that he turned white with pain. I paid the money and we went + out. I trembled with anger. We got into our coach, but we had scarcely + gone ten paces before I recognised an inhabitant of Mestre named Balbi + Tommasi, a good sort of man; but reported to be one of the familiars of + the Holy Office. He knew me, too, and coming up called out, + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to see you here. I suppose you have just escaped. How did + you do it?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not escaped, but have been set at liberty.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, that’s not possible, as I was at M. Grimani’s yesterday evening, + and I should have heard of it.” + </p> + <p> + It will be easier for the reader to imagine my state of mind than for me + to describe it. I was discovered by a man whom I believed to be a hired + agent of the Government, who only had to give a glance to one of the + sbirri with whom Mestre swarmed to have me arrested. I told him to speak + softly, and getting down I asked him to come to one side. I took him + behind a house, and seeing that there was nobody in sight, a ditch in + front, beyond which the open country extended, I grasped my pike and took + him by the neck. At this he gave a struggle, slipped out of my hands, + leapt over the ditch, and without turning round set off to run at full + speed. As soon as he was some way off he slackened his course, turned + round and kissed his hand to me, in token of wishing me a prosperous + journey. And as soon as he was out of my sight I gave thanks to God that + this man by his quickness had preserved me from the commission of a crime, + for I would have killed him; and he, as it turned out, bore me no ill + will. + </p> + <p> + I was in a terrible position. In open war with all the powers of the + Republic, everything had to give way to my safety, which made me neglect + no means of attaining my ends. + </p> + <p> + With the gloom of a man who has passed through a great peril, I gave a + glance of contempt towards the monk, who now saw to what danger he had + exposed us, and then got up again into the carriage. We reached Trevisa + without further adventure, and I told the posting-master to get me a + carriage and two horses ready by ten o’clock; though I had no intention of + continuing my journey along the highway, both because I lacked means, and + because I feared pursuit. The inn-keeper asked me, if I would take any + breakfast, of which I stood in great need, for I was dying with hunger, + but I did not dare to accept his offer, as a quarter of an hour’s delay + might prove fatal. I was afraid of being retaken, and of being ashamed of + it for the rest of my life; for a man of sense ought to be able to snap + his fingers at four hundred thousand men in the open country, and if he + cannot escape capture he must be a fool. + </p> + <p> + I went out by St. Thomas’s Gate as if I was going for a short walk, and + after walking for a mile on the highway I struck into the fields, + resolving not to leave them as long as I should be within the borders of + the Republic. The shortest way was by Bassano, but I took the longer path, + thinking I might possibly be expected on the more direct road, while they + would never think of my leaving the Venetian territory by way of Feltre, + which is the longest way of getting into the state subject to the Bishop + of Trent. + </p> + <p> + After walking for three hours I let myself drop to the ground, for I could + not move a step further. I must either take some food or die there, so I + told the monk to leave the cloak with me and go to a farm I saw, there to + buy something to eat. I gave him the money, and he set off, telling me + that he thought I had more courage. The miserable man did not know what + courage was, but he was more robust than myself, and he had, doubtless, + taken in provisions before leaving the prison. Besides he had had some + chocolate; he was thin and wiry, and a monk, and mental anxieties were + unknown to him. + </p> + <p> + Although the house was not an inn, the good farmer’s wife sent me a + sufficient meal which only cost me thirty Venetian sous. After satisfying + my appetite, feeling that sleep was creeping on me, I set out again on the + tramp, well braced up. In four hours’ time I stopped at a hamlet, and + found that I was twenty-four miles from Trevisa. I was done up, my ankles + were swollen, and my shoes were in holes. There was only another hour of + day-light before us. Stretching myself out beneath a grove of trees I made + Father Balbi sit by me, and discoursed to him in the manner following: + </p> + <p> + “We must make for Borgo di Valsugano, it is the first town beyond the + borders of the Republic. We shall be as safe there as if we were in + London, and we can take our ease for awhile; but to get there we must go + carefully to work, and the first thing we must do is to separate. You must + go by Mantello Woods, and I by the mountains; you by the easiest and + shortest way, and I by the longest and most difficult; you with money and + I without a penny. I will make you a present of my cloak, which you must + exchange for a great coat and a hat, and everybody will take you for a + countryman, as you are luckily rather like one in the face. Take these + seventeen livres, which is all that remains to me of the two sequins Count + Asquin gave me. You will reach Borgo by the day after to-morrow, and I + shall be twenty-four hours later. Wait for me in the first inn on the + left-hand side of the street, and be sure I shall come in due season. I + require a good night’s rest in a good bed; and Providence will get me one + somewhere, but I must sleep without fear of being disturbed, and in your + company that would be out of the question. I am certain that we are being + sought for on all sides, and that our descriptions have been so correctly + given that if we went into any inn together we should be certain to be + arrested. You see the state I am in, and my urgent necessity for a ten + hours’ rest. Farewell, then, do you go that way and I will take this, and + I will find somewhere near here a rest for the sole of my foot.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been expecting you to say as much,” said Father Balbi, “and for + answer I will remind you of the promise you gave me when I let myself be + persuaded to break into your cell. You promised me that we should always + keep company; and so don’t flatter yourself that I shall leave you, your + fate and mine are linked together. We shall be able to get a good refuge + for our money, we won’t go to the inns, and no one will arrest us.” + </p> + <p> + “You are determined, are you, not to follow the good advice I have given + you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see about that.” + </p> + <p> + I rose to my feet, though with some difficulty, and taking the measure of + his height I marked it out upon the ground, then drawing my pike from my + pocket, I proceeded with the utmost coolness to excavate the earth, taking + no notice of the questions the monk asked me. After working for a quarter + of an hour I set myself to gaze sadly upon him, and I told him that I felt + obliged as a Christian to warn him to commend his soul to God, “since I am + about to bury you here, alive or dead; and if you prove the stronger, you + will bury me. You can escape if you wish to, as I shall not pursue you.” + </p> + <p> + He made no reply, and I betook myself to my work again, but I confess that + I began to be afraid of being rushed to extremities by this brute, of whom + I was determined to rid myself. + </p> + <p> + At last, whether convinced by my arguments or afraid of my pike, he came + towards me. Not guessing what he was about I presented the point of my + pike towards him, but I had nothing to fear. + </p> + <p> + “I will do what you want,” said he. + </p> + <p> + I straightway gave him all the money I had, and promising to rejoin him at + Borgo I bade him farewell. Although I had not a penny in my pocket and had + two rivers to cross over, I congratulated myself on having got rid of a + man of his character, for by myself I felt confident of being able to + cross the bounds of the Republic. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0031" id="linkB2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Find a Lodging in the House of the Chief of the Sbirri—I + Pass a Good Night There and Recover My Strength—I Go to + Mass—A Disagreeable Meeting—I Am Obliged to Take Six + Sequins by Force—Out of Danger—Arrived at Munich—Balbi I + Set Out for Paris—My Arrival—Attempt on the Life of Louis + XV +</pre> + <p> + As soon as I saw Father Balbi far enough off I got up, and seeing at a + little distance a shepherd keeping his flock on the hill-side, I made my + way-towards him to obtain such information as I needed. “What is the name + of this village, my friend?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Valde Piadene, signor,” he answered, to my surprise, for I found I was + much farther on my way that I thought. I next asked him the owners of five + or six houses which I saw scattered around, and the persons he mentioned + chanced to be all known to me, but were not the kind of men I should have + cared to trouble with my presence. On my asking him the name of a palace + before me, he said it belonged to the Grimanis, the chief of whom was a + State Inquisitor, and then resident at the palace, so I had to take care + not to let him see me. Finally, an my enquiring the owner of a red house + in the distance, he told me, much to my surprise, that it belonged to the + chief of the sbirri. Bidding farewell to the kindly shepherd I began to go + down the hill mechanically, and I am still puzzled to know what instinct + directed my steps towards that house, which common sense and fear also + should have made me shun. I steered my course for it in a straight line, + and I can say with truth that I did so quite unwittingly. If it be true + that we have all of us an invisible intelligence—a beneficent genius + who guides our steps aright—as was the case with Socrates, to that + alone I should attribute the irresistible attraction which drew me towards + the house where I had most to dread. However that may be, it was the + boldest stroke I have played in my whole life. + </p> + <p> + I entered with an easy and unconstrained air, and asked a child who was + playing at top in the court-yard where his father was. Instead of + replying, the child went to call his mother, and directly afterwards + appeared a pretty woman in the family way, who politely asked me my + business with her husband, apologizing for his absence. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry,” I said, “to hear that my gossip is not in, though at the + same time I am delighted to make the acquaintance of his charming wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Your gossip? You will be M. Vetturi, then? My husband told me that you + had kindly promised to be the god-father of our next child. I am delighted + to know you, but my husband will be very vexed to have been away: + </p> + <p> + “I hope he will soon return, as I wanted to ask him for a night’s lodging. + I dare not go anywhere in the state you see me.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have the best bed in the house, and I will get you a good + supper. My husband when he comes back will thank your excellence for doing + us so much honour. He went away with all his people an hour ago, and I + don’t expect him back for three or four days.” + </p> + <p> + “Why is he away for such a long time, my dear madam?” + </p> + <p> + “You have not heard, then, that two prisoners have escaped from The Leads? + One is a noble and the other a private individual named Casanova. My + husband has received a letter from Messer-Grande ordering him to make a + search for them; if he find them he will take them back to Venice, and if + not he will return here, but he will be on the look-out for three days at + least.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for this accident, my dear madam, but I should not like to put + you out, and indeed I should be glad to lie down immediately.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall do so, and my mother shall attend to your wants. But what is + the matter with your knees?” + </p> + <p> + “I fell down whilst hunting on the mountains, and gave myself some severe + wounds, and am much weakened by loss of blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my poor gentleman, my poor gentleman! But my mother will cure you.” + </p> + <p> + She called her mother, and having told her of my necessities she went out. + This pretty sbirress had not the wit of her profession, for the story I + had told her sounded like a fairy-tale. On horseback with white silk + stockings! Hunting in sarcenet, without cloak and without a man! Her + husband would make fine game of her when he came back; but God bless her + for her kind heart and benevolent stupidity. Her mother tended me with all + the politeness I should have met with in the best families. The worthy + woman treated me like a mother, and called me “son” as she attended to my + wounds. The name sounded pleasantly in my ears, and did no little towards + my cure by the sentiments it awoke in my breast. If I had been less taken + up with the position I was in I should have repaid her care with some + evident marks of the gratitude I felt, but the place I was in and the part + I was playing made the situation too serious a one for me to think of + anything else. + </p> + <p> + This kindly woman, after looking at my knees and my thighs, told me that I + must make my mind to suffer a little pain, but I might be sure of being + cured by the morning. All I had to do was to bear the application of + medicated linen to my wounds, and not to stir till the next day. I + promised to bear the pain patiently, and to do exactly as she told me. + </p> + <p> + I was given an excellent supper, and I ate and drank with good appetite. I + then gave myself up to treatment, and fell asleep whilst my nurse was + attending to me. I suppose she undressed me as she would a child, but I + remembered nothing about it when I woke up—I was, in fact, totally + unconscious. Though I had made a good supper I had only done so to satisfy + my craving for food and to regain my strength, and sleep came to me with + an irresistible force, as my physical exhaustion did not leave me the + power of arguing myself out of it. I took my supper at six o’clock in the + evening, and I heard six striking as I awoke. I seemed to have been + enchanted. Rousing myself up and gathering my wits together, I first took + off the linen bandages, and I was astonished to find my wounds healed and + quite free from pain. I did my hair, dressed myself in less than five + minutes, and finding the door of my room open I went downstairs, crossed + the court, and left the house behind me, without appearing to notice two + individuals who were standing outside, and must have been sbirri. I made + haste to lengthen the distance between me and the place where I had found + the kindliest hospitality, the utmost politeness, the most tender care, + and best of all, new health and strength, and as I walked I could not help + feeling terrified at the danger I had been in. I shuddered involuntarily; + and at the present moment, after so many years, I still shudder when I + think of the peril to which I had so heedlessly exposed myself. I wondered + how I managed to go in, and still more how I came out; it seemed absurd + that I should not be followed. For five hours I tramped on, keeping to the + woods and mountains, not meeting a soul besides a few countryfolk, and + turning neither to the right nor left. + </p> + <p> + It was not yet noon, when, as I went along my way, I stopped short at the + sound of a bell. I was on high ground, and looking in the direction from + which the sound came I saw a little church in the valley, and many, + people going towards it to hear mass. My heart desired to express + thankfulness for the protection of Providence, and, though all nature was + a temple worthy of its Creator, custom drew me to the church. When men are + in trouble, every passing thought seems an inspiration. It was All Souls’ + Day. I went down the hill, and came into the church, and saw, to my + astonishment, M. Marc Antoine Grimani, the nephew of the State Inquisitor, + with Madame Marie Visani, his wife. I made my bow; which was returned, and + after I had heard mass I left the church. M. Grimani followed me by + himself, and when he had got near me, called me by name, saying, “What are + you doing here, Casanova, and what has become of your friend?” + </p> + <p> + “I have given him what little money I had for him to escape by another + road, whilst I, without a penny in my pocket, am endeavouring to reach a + place of safety by this way. If your excellence would kindly give me some + help, it would speed my journey for me.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t give you anything, but you will find recluses on your way who + won’t let you die of hunger. But tell me how you contrived to pierce the + roof of The Leads.” + </p> + <p> + “The story is an interesting one, but it would take up too much time, and + in the meanwhile the recluses might eat up the food which is to keep me + from dying of hunger.” + </p> + <p> + With this sarcasm I made him a profound bow, and went upon my way. In + spite of my great want, his refusal pleased me, as it made me think myself + a better gentleman than the “excellence” who had referred me to the + charity of recluses. I heard at Paris afterwards that when his wife heard + of it she reproached him for his hard-hearted behaviour. There can be no + doubt that kindly and generous feelings are more often to be found in the + hearts of women than of men. + </p> + <p> + I continued my journey till sunset. Weary and faint with hunger I stopped + at a good-looking house, which stood by itself. I asked to speak to the + master, and the porter told me that he was not in as he had gone to a + wedding on the other side of the river, and would be away for two days, + but that he had bidden him to welcome all his friends while he was away. + Providence! luck! chance! whichever you like. + </p> + <p> + I went in and was treated to a good supper and a good bed. I found by the + addresses of some letters which were lying about that I was being + entertained in the house of M. Rombenchi—a consul, of what nation I + know not. I wrote a letter to him and sealed it to await his return. After + making an excellent supper and having had a good sleep, I rose, and + dressing myself carefully set out again without being able to leave the + porter any mark of my gratitude, and shortly afterwards crossed the river, + promising to pay when I came back. After walking for five hours I dined in + a monastery of Capuchins, who are very useful to people in my position. I + then set out again, feeling fresh and strong, and walked along at a good + pace till three o’clock. I halted at a house which I found from a + countryman belonged to a friend of mine. I walked in, asked if the master + was at home, and was shewn into a room where he was writing by himself. I + stepped forward to greet him, but as soon as he saw me he seemed horrified + and bid me be gone forthwith, giving me idle and insulting reasons for his + behaviour. I explained to him how I was situated, and asked him to let me + have sixty sequins on my note of hand, drawn on M. de Bragadin. He replied + that he could not so much as give me a glass of water, since he dreaded + the wrath of the Tribunal for my very presence in his house. He was a + stockbroker, about sixty years old, and was under great obligations to me. + His inhuman refusal produced quite a different effect on me than that of + M. Grimani. Whether from rage, indignation, or nature, I took him by the + collar, I shewed him my pike, and raising my voice threatened to kill him. + Trembling all over, he took a key from his pocket and shewing me a bureau + told me he kept money there, and I had only to open it and take what I + wanted; I told him to open it himself. He did so, and on his opening a + drawer containing gold, I told him to count me out six sequins. + </p> + <p> + “You asked me for sixty.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that was when I was asking a loan of you as a friend; but since I + owe the money to force, I require six only, and I will give you no note of + hand. You shall be repaid at Venice, where I shall write of the pass to + which you forced me, you cowardly wretch!” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon! take the sixty sequins, I entreat you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no more. I am going on my way, and I advise you not to hinder me, + lest in my despair I come back and burn your house about your ears.” + </p> + <p> + I went out and walked for two hours, until the approach of night and + weariness made me stop short at the house of a farmer, where I had a bad + supper and a bed of straw. In the morning, I bought an old overcoat, and + hired an ass to journey on, and near Feltre I bought a pair of boots. In + this guise I passed the hut called the Scala. There was a guard there who, + much to my delight, as the reader will guess, did not even honour me by + asking my name. I then took a two-horse carriage and got to Borgo de + Valsugano in good time, and found Father Balbi at the inn I had told him + of. If he had not greeted me first I should not have known him. A great + overcoat, a low hat over a thick cotton cap, disguised him to admiration. + He told me that a farmer had given him these articles in exchange for my + cloak, that he had arrived without difficulty, and was faring well. He was + kind enough to tell me that he did not expect to see me, as he did not + believe my promise to rejoin him was made in good faith. Possibly I should + have been wise not to undeceive him on this account. + </p> + <p> + I passed the following day in the inn, where, without getting out of my + bed, I wrote more than twenty letters to Venice, in many of which I + explained what I had been obliged to do to get the six sequins. + </p> + <p> + The monk wrote impudent letters to his superior, Father Barbarigo, and to + his brother nobles, and love-letters to the servant girls who had been his + ruin. I took the lace off my dress, and sold my hat, and thus got rid of a + gay appearance unsuitable to my position, as it made me too much an object + of notice. + </p> + <p> + The next day I went to Pergina and lay there, and was visited by a young + Count d’Alberg, who had discovered, in some way or another, that we had + escaped from the state-prisons of Venice. From Pergina I went to Trent and + from there to Bolzan, where, needing money for my dress, linen, and the + continuation of my journey, I introduced myself to an old banker named + Mensch, who gave me a man to send to Venice with a letter to M. de + Bragadin. In the mean time the old banker put me in a good inn where I + spent the six days the messenger was away in bed. He brought me the sum of + a hundred sequins, and my first care was to clothe my companion, and + afterwards myself. Every day I found the society of the wretched Balbi + more intolerable. “Without me you would never have escaped” was + continually in his mouth, and he kept reminding me that I had promised him + half of whatever money I got. He made love to all the servant girls, and + as he had neither the figure nor the manners to please them, his + attentions were returned with good hearty slaps, which he bore patiently, + but was as outrageous as ever in the course of twenty-four hours. I was + amused, but at the same time vexed to be coupled to a man of so low a + nature. + </p> + <p> + We travelled post, and in three days we got to Munich, where I went to + lodge at the sign of the “Stag.” There I found two young Venetians of the + Cantarini family, who had been there some time in company with Count + Pompei, a Veronese; but not knowing them, and having no longer any need of + depending on recluses for my daily bread, I did not care to pay my + respects to them. It was otherwise with Countess Coronini, whom I knew at + St. Justine’s Convent at Venice, and who stood very well with the Bavarian + Court. + </p> + <p> + This illustrious lady, then seventy years old, gave me a good reception + and promised to speak on my behalf to the Elector, with a view to his + granting me an asylum in his country. The next day, having fulfilled her + promise, she told me that his highness had nothing to say against me, but + as for Balbi there was no safety for him in Bavaria, for as a fugitive + monk he might be claimed by the monks at Munich, and his highness had no + wish to meddle with the monks. The countess advised me therefore to get + him out of the town as soon as possible, for him to fly to some other + quarter, and thus to avoid the bad turn which his beloved brethren the + monks were certain to do him. + </p> + <p> + Feeling in duty bound to look after the interests of the wretched fellow, + I went to the Elector’s confessor to ask him to give Balbi letters of + introduction to some town in Swabia. The confessor, a Jesuit, did not give + the lie to the fine reputation of his brethren of the order; his reception + of me was as discourteous as it well could be. He told me in a careless + way that at Munich I was well known. I asked him without flinching if I + was to take this as a piece of good or bad news; but he made no answer, + and left me standing. Another priest told me that he had gone out to + verify the truth of a miracle of which the whole town was talking. + </p> + <p> + “What miracle is that, reverend father?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “The empress, the widow of Charles VII, whose body is still exposed to the + public gaze, has warm feet, although she is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps something keeps them warm.” + </p> + <p> + “You can assure yourself personally of the truth of this wonderful + circumstance.” + </p> + <p> + To neglect such an opportunity would have been to lose the chance of mirth + or edification, and I was as desirous of the one as of the other. Wishing + to be able to boast that I had seen a miracle—and one, moreover, of + a peculiar interest for myself, who have always had the misfortune to + suffer from cold feet—I went to see the mighty dead. It was quite + true that her feet were warm, but the matter was capable of a simple + explanation, as the feet of her defunct majesty were turned towards a + burning lamp at a little distance off. A dancer of my acquaintance, whom + curiosity had brought there with the rest, came up to me, complimented me + upon my fortunate escape, and told me everybody was talking about it. His + news pleased me, as it is always a good thing to interest the public. This + son of Terpsichore asked me to dinner, and I was glad to accept his + invitation. His name was Michel de l’Agata, and his wife was the pretty + Gandela, whom I had known sixteen years ago at the old Malipiero’s. The + Gandela was enchanted to see me, and to hear from my own lips the story of + my wondrous escape. She interested herself on behalf of the monk, and + offered me to give him a letter of introduction for Augsburg Canon Bassi, + of Bologna, who was Dean of St. Maurice’s Chapter, and a friend of hers. I + took advantage of the offer, and she forthwith wrote me the letter, + telling me that I need not trouble myself any more about the monk, as she + was sure that the dean would take care of him, and even make it all right + at Venice. + </p> + <p> + Delighted at getting rid of him in so honourable a manner, I ran to the + inn, told him what I had done, gave him the letter, and promised not to + abandon him in the case of the dean’s not giving him a warm welcome. I got + him a good carriage, and started him off the next day at daybreak. Four + days after, Balbi wrote that the dean had received him with great + kindness, that he had given him a room in the deanery, that he had dressed + him as an abbe, that he had introduced him to the Prince-Bishop of + Armstadt, and that he had received assurances of his safety from the civil + magistrates. Furthermore, the dean had promised to keep him till he + obtained his secularization from Rome, and with it freedom to return to + Venice, for as soon as he ceased to be a monk the Tribunal would have no + lien upon him. Father Balbi finished by asking me to send him a few + sequins for pocket-money, as he was too much of a gentleman to ask the + dean who, quoth the ungrateful fellow, “is not gentleman enough to offer + to give me anything.” I gave him no answer. + </p> + <p> + As I was now alone in peace and quietness, I thought seriously of + regaining my health, for my sufferings had given me nervous spasms which + might become dangerous. I put myself on diet, and in three weeks I was + perfectly well. In the meanwhile Madame Riviere came from Dresden with her + son and two daughters. She was going to Paris to marry the elder. The son + had been diligent, and would have passed for a young man of culture. The + elder daughter, who was going to marry an actor, was extremely beautiful, + an accomplished dancer, and played on the clavichord like a professional, + and was altogether most charming and graceful. This pleasant family was + delighted to see me again, and I thought myself fortunate when Madame + Riviere, anticipating my wishes, intimated to me that my company as far as + Paris would give them great pleasure. I had nothing to say respecting the + expenses of the journey. I had to accept their offer in its entirety. My + design was to settle in Paris, and I took this stroke of fortune as an + omen of success in the only town where the blind goddess freely dispenses + her favours to those who leave themselves to be guided by her, and know + how to take advantage of her gifts. And, as the reader will see by and by, + I was not mistaken; but all the gifts of fortune were of no avail, since I + abused them all by my folly. Fifteen months under the Leads should have + made me aware of my weak points, but in point of fact I needed a little + longer stay to learn how to cure myself of my failings. + </p> + <p> + Madame Riviere wished to take me with her, but she could not put off her + departure, and I required a week’s delay to get money and letters from + Venice. She promised to wait a week in Strassburg, and we agreed that if + possible I would join her there. She left Munich on the 18th of December. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards I got from Venice the bill of exchange for which I was + waiting. I made haste to pay my debts, and immediately afterwards I + started for Augsburg, not so much for the sake of seeing Father Balbi, as + because I wanted to make the acquaintance of the kindly dean who had rid + me of him. I reached Augsburg in seven hours after leaving Munich, and I + went immediately to the house of the good ecclesiastic. He was not in, but + I found Balbi in an abbe’s dress, with his hair covered with white powder, + which set off in a new but not a pleasing manner the beauties of his + complexion of about the same colour as a horse chestnut. Balbi was under + forty, but he was decidedly ugly, having one of those faces in which + baseness, cowardice, impudence, and malice are plainly expressed, joining + to this advantage a tone of voice and manners admirably calculated to + repulse anyone inclined to do him a service. I found him comfortably + housed, well looked after, and well clad; he had books and all the + requisites for writing. I complimented him upon his situation, calling him + a fortunate fellow, and applying the same epithet to myself for having + gained him all the advantages he enjoyed, and the hope of one day becoming + a secular priest. But the ungrateful hound, instead of thanking me, + reproached me for having craftily rid myself of him, and added that, as I + was going to Paris, I might as well take him with me, as the dullness of + Augsburg was almost killing him. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want at Paris?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “To put my talents to account.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, you don’t require me, and can fly on your own wings. The + people who are taking me to Paris would probably not care for me if I had + you for a companion.” + </p> + <p> + “You promised not to abandon me.” + </p> + <p> + “Can a man who leaves another well provided for and an assured future be + said to abandon him?” + </p> + <p> + “Well provided! I have not got a penny.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with money? You have a good table, a good lodging, + clothes, linen, attendance, and so forth. And if you want pocket-money, + why don’t you ask your brethren the monks?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask monks for money? They take it, but they don’t give it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask your friends, then.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no friends.” + </p> + <p> + “You are to be pitied, but the reason probably is that you have never been + a friend to anyone. You ought to say masses, that is a good way of getting + money.” + </p> + <p> + “I am unknown.” + </p> + <p> + “You must wait, then, till you are known, and then you can make up for + lost time.” + </p> + <p> + “Your suggestions are idle; you will surely give me a few sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t spare any.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait for the dean. He will be back to-morrow. You can talk to him and + persuade him to lend me some money. You can tell him that I will pay it + back.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot wait, for I am setting out on my journey directly, and were he + here this moment I should not have the face to tell him to lend you money + after all his generous treatment of you, and when he or anyone can see + that you have all you need.” + </p> + <p> + After this sharp dialogue I left him, and travelling post I set out, + displeased with myself for having given such advantages to a man wholly + unworthy of them. In the March following I had a letter from the good Dean + Bassi, in which he told me how Balbi had run away, taking with him one of + his servant girls, a sum of money, a gold watch, and a dozen silver spoons + and forks. He did not know where he was gone. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the same year I learnt at Paris that the wretched man + had taken refuge at Coire, the capital of the Grisons, where he asked to + be made a member of the Calvinistic Church, and to be recognized as lawful + husband of the woman with him; but in a short time the community + discovered that the new convert was no good, and expelled him from the + bosom of the Church of Calvin. Our ne’er-do-well having no more money, his + wife left him, and he, not knowing what to do next, took the desperate + step of going to Bressa, a town within the Venetian territory, where he + sought the governor, telling him his name, the story of his flight, and + his repentance, begging the governor to take him under his protection and + to obtain his pardon. + </p> + <p> + The first effect of the podesta’s protection was that the penitent was + imprisoned, and he then wrote to the Tribunal to know what to do with him. + The Tribunal told him to send Father Balbi in chains to Venice, and on his + arrival Messer-Grande gave him over to the Tribunal, which put him once + more under the Leads. He did not find Count Asquin there, as the Tribunal, + out of consideration for his great age, had moved him to The Fours a + couple of months after our escape. + </p> + <p> + Five or six years later, I heard that the Tribunal, after keeping the + unlucky monk for two years under the Leads, had sent him to his convent. + There, his superior fearing lest his flock should take contagion from this + scabby sheep, sent him to their original monastery near Feltre, a lonely + building on a height. However, Balbi did not stop there six months. Having + got the key of the fields, he went to Rome, and threw himself at the feet + of Pope Rezzonico, who absolved him of his sins, and released him from his + monastic vows. Balbi, now a secular priest, returned to Venice, where he + lived a dissolute and wretched life. In 1783 he died the death of + Diogenes, minus the wit of the cynic. + </p> + <p> + At Strassburg I rejoined Madame Riviere and her delightful family, from + whom I received a sincere and hearty welcome. We were staying at the + “Hotel de l’Esprit,” and we passed a few days there most pleasurably, + afterwards setting out in an excellent travelling carriage for Paris the + Only, Paris the Universal. During the journey I thought myself bound to + the expense of making it a pleasant one, as I had not to put my hand in my + pocket for other expenses. The charms of Mdlle. Riviere enchanted me, but + I should have esteemed myself wanting in gratitude and respect to this + worthy family if I had darted at her a single amorous glance, or if I had + let her suspect my feelings for her by a single word. In fact I thought + myself obliged to play the heavy father, though my age did not fit me for + the part, and I lavished on this agreeable family all the care which can + be given in return for pleasant society, a seat in a comfortable + travelling carriage, an excellent table, and a good bed. + </p> + <p> + We reached Paris on the 5th of January, 1757, and I went to the house of + my friend Baletti, who received me with open arms, and assured me that + though I had not written he had been expecting me, since he judged that I + would strive to put the greatest possible distance between myself and + Venice, and he could think of no other retreat for me than Paris. The + whole house kept holiday when my arrival became known, and I have never + met with more sincere regard than in that delightful family. I greeted + with enthusiasm the father and mother, whom I found exactly the same as + when I had seen them last in 1752, but I was struck with astonishment at + the daughter whom I had left a child, for she was now a tall and + well-shaped girl. Mdlle. Baletti was fifteen years old, and her mother had + brought her up with care, had given her the best masters, virtue, grace, + talents, a good manner, tact, a knowledge of society—in short, all that a + clever mother can give to a dear daughter. + </p> + <p> + After finding a pleasant lodging near the Baletti’s, I took a coach and + went to the “Hotel de Bourbon” with the intention of calling on M. de + Bernis, who was then chief secretary for foreign affairs. I had good + reasons for relying on his assistance. He was out; he had gone to + Versailles. At Paris one must go sharply to work, and, as it is vulgarly + but forcibly said, “strike while the iron’s hot.” As I was impatient to + see what kind of a reception I should get from the liberal-minded lover of + my fair M—— M——, I went to the Pont-Royal, took a + hackney coach, and went to Versailles. Again bad luck! + </p> + <p> + Our coaches crossed each other on the way, and my humble equipage had not + caught his excellency’s eye. M. de Bernis had returned to Paris with Count + de Castillana, the ambassador from Naples, and I determined to return + also; but when I got to the gate I saw a mob of people running here and + there in the greatest confusion, and from all sides I heard the cry, “The + king is assassinated! The king is assassinated!” + </p> + <p> + My frightened coachman only thought of getting on his way, but the coach + was stopped. I was made to get out and taken to the guard-room, where + there were several people already, and in less than three minutes there + were twenty of us, all under arrest, all astonished at the situation, and + all as much guilty as I was. We sat glum and silent, looking at each other + without daring to speak. I knew not what to think, and not believing in + enchantment I began to think I must be dreaming. Every face expressed + surprise, as everyone, though innocent, was more or less afraid. + </p> + <p> + We were not left in this disagreeable position for long, as in five + minutes an officer came in, and after some polite apologies told us we + were free. + </p> + <p> + “The king is wounded,” he said, “and he has been taken to his room. The + assassin, whom nobody knows, is under arrest. M. de la Martiniere is being + looked for everywhere.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had got back to my coach, and was thinking myself lucky for + being there, a gentlemanly-looking young man came up to me and besought me + to give him a seat in my coach, and he would gladly pay half the fare; but + in spite of the laws of politeness I refused his request. I may possibly + have been wrong. On any other occasion I should have been most happy to + give him a place, but there are times when prudence does not allow one to + be polite. I was about three hours on the way, and in this short time I + was overtaken every minute by at least two hundred couriers riding at a + breakneck pace. Every minute brought a new courier, and every courier + shouted his news to the winds. The first told me what I already knew; then + I heard that the king had been bled, that the wound was not mortal, and + finally, that the wound was trifling, and that his majesty could go to the + Trianon if he liked. + </p> + <p> + Fortified with this good news, I went to Silvia’s and found the family at + table. I told them I had just come from Versailles. + </p> + <p> + “The king has been assassinated.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; he is able to go to the Trianon, or the Parc-aux-cerfs, if he + likes. M. de la Martiniere has bled him, and found him to be in no danger. + The assassin has been arrested, and the wretched man will be burnt, drawn + with red-hot pincers, and quartered.” + </p> + <p> + This news was soon spread abroad by Silvia’s servants, and a crowd of the + neighbours came to hear what I had to say, and I had to repeat the same + thing ten times over. At this period the Parisians fancied that they loved + the king. They certainly acted the part of loyal subjects to admiration. + At the present day they are more enlightened, and would only love the + sovereign whose sole desire is the happiness of his people, and such a + king—the first citizens of a great nation—not Paris and its + suburbs, but all France, will be eager to love and obey. As for kings like + Louis XV., they have become totally impracticable; but if there are any + such, however much they may be supported by interested parties, in the + eyes of public opinion they will be dishonoured and disgraced before their + bodies are in a grave and their names are written in the book of history. + </p> + <a name="linkB2HCH0032" id="linkB2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Minister of Foreign Affairs M. de Boulogne, the + Comptroller—M. le Duc de Choiseul—M. Paris du Vernai— + Establishment of the Lottery—My Brother’s Arrival at Paris; + His Reception by the Academy +</pre> + <p> + Once more, then, I was in Paris, which I ought to regard as my fatherland, + since I could return no more to that land which gave me birth: an unworthy + country, yet, in spite of all, ever dear to me, possibly on account of + early impressions and early prejudices, or possibly because the beauties + of Venice are really unmatched in the world. But mighty Paris is a place + of good luck or ill, as one takes it, and it was my part to catch the + favouring gale. + </p> + <p> + Paris was not wholly new to me, as my readers know I had spent two years + there, but I must confess that, having then no other aim than to pass the + time pleasantly, I had merely devoted myself to pleasure and enjoyment. + Fortune, to whom I had paid no court, had not opened to me her golden + doors; but I now felt that I must treat her more reverently, and attach + myself to the throng of her favoured sons whom she loads with her gifts. I + understood now that the nearer one draws to the sun the more one feels the + warmth of its rays. I saw that to attain my end I should have to employ + all my mental and physical talents, that I must make friends of the great, + and take cue from all whom I found it to be my interest to please. To + follow the plans suggested by these thoughts, I saw that I must avoid what + is called bad company, that I must give up my old habits and pretensions, + which would be sure to make me enemies, who would have no scruple in + representing me as a trifler, and not fit to be trusted with affairs of + any importance. + </p> + <p> + I think I thought wisely, and the reader, I hope, will be of the same + opinion. “I will be reserved,” said I, “in what I say and what I do, and + thus I shall get a reputation for discretion which will bring its reward.” + </p> + <p> + I was in no anxiety on the score of present needs, as I could reckon on a + monthly allowance of a hundred crowns, which my adopted father, the good + and generous M. de Bragadin, sent me, and I found this sum sufficient in + the meanwhile, for with a little self-restraint one can live cheaply at + Paris, and cut a good figure at the same time. I was obliged to wear a + good suit of clothes, and to have a decent lodging; for in all large towns + the most important thing is outward show, by which at the beginning one is + always judged. My anxiety was only for the pressing needs of the moment, + for to speak the truth I had neither clothes nor linen—in a word, + nothing. + </p> + <p> + If my relations with the French ambassador are recalled, it will be found + natural that my first idea was to address myself to him, as I knew him + sufficiently well to reckon on his serving me. + </p> + <p> + Being perfectly certain that the porter would tell me that my lord was + engaged, I took care to have a letter, and in the morning I went to the + Palais Bourbon. The porter took my letter, and I gave him my address and + returned home. + </p> + <p> + Wherever I went I had to tell the story of my escape from The Leads. This + became a service almost as tiring as the flight itself had been, as it + took me two hours to tell my tale, without the slightest bit of + fancy-work; but I had to be polite to the curious enquirers, and to + pretend that I believed them moved by the most affectionate interest in my + welfare. In general, the best way to please is to take the benevolence of + all with whom one has relation for granted. + </p> + <p> + I supped at Silvia’s, and as the evening was quieter than the night + before, I had time to congratulate myself on all the friendship they + shewed me. The girl was, as I had said, fifteen years old, and I was in + every way charmed with her. I complimented the mother on the good results + of her education, and I did not even think of guarding myself from falling + a victim to her charms. I had taken so lately such well-founded and + philosophical resolutions, and I was not yet sufficiently at my ease to + value the pain of being tempted. I left at an early hour, impatient to see + what kind of an answer the minister had sent me. I had not long to wait, + and I received a short letter appointing a meeting for two o’clock in the + afternoon. It may be guessed that I was punctual, and my reception by his + excellence was most flattering. M. de Bernis expressed his pleasure at + seeing me after my fortunate escape, and at being able to be of service to + me. He told me that M—— M—— had informed him of my + escape, and he had flattered himself that the first person I should go and + see in Paris would be himself. He shewed me the letters from M—— + M—— relating to my arrest and escape, but all the details in + the latter were purely imaginary and had no foundation in fact. M—— + M—— was not to blame, as she could only write what she had + heard, and it was not easy for anyone besides myself to know the real + circumstances of my escape. The charming nun said that, no longer buoyed + up by the hope of seeing either of the men who alone had made her in love + with life, her existence had become a burden to her, and she was + unfortunate in not being able to take any comfort in religion. “C—C—— + often comes to see me,” she said, “but I grieve to say she is not happy + with her husband.” + </p> + <p> + I told M. de Bernis that the account of my flight from The Leads, as told + by our friend, was wholly inaccurate, and I would therefore take the + liberty of writing out the whole story with the minutest details. He + challenged me to keep my word, assuring me that he would send a copy to M—— + M——, and at the same time, with the utmost courtesy, he put a + packet of a hundred Louis in my hand, telling me that he would think what + he could do for me, and would advise me as soon as he had any + communication to make. + </p> + <p> + Thus furnished with ample funds, my first care was for my dress; and this + done I went to work, and in a week sent my generous protector the result, + giving him permission to have as many copies printed as he liked, and to + make any use he pleased of it to interest in my behalf such persons as + might be of service to me. + </p> + <p> + Three weeks after, the minister summoned me to say that he had spoken of + me to M. Erizzo, the Venetian ambassador, who had nothing to say against + me, but for fear of embroiling himself with the State Inquisitors declined + to receive me. Not wanting anything from him—his refusal did me no + harm. M. de Bernis then told me that he had given a copy of my history to + Madame la Marquise de Pompadour, and he promised to take the first + opportunity of presenting me to this all-powerful lady. “You can present + yourself, my dear Casanova,” added his excellence, “to the Duc de + Choiseul, and M. de Boulogne, the comptroller. You will be well received, + and with a little wit you ought to be able to make good use of the letter. + He himself will give you the cue, and you will see that he who listens + obtains. Try to invent some useful plan for the royal exchequer; don’t let + it be complicated or chimerical, and if you don’t write it out at too + great length I will give you my opinion on it.” + </p> + <p> + I left the minister in a pleased and grateful mood, but extremely puzzled + to find a way of increasing the royal revenue. I knew nothing of finance, + and after racking my brains all that I could think of was new methods of + taxation; but all my plans were either absurd or certain to be unpopular, + and I rejected them all on consideration. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I found out that M. de Choiseul was in Paris I called on him. + He received me in his dressing-room, where he was writing while his valet + did his hair. He stretched his politeness so far as to interrupt himself + several times to ask me questions, but as soon as I began to reply his + grace began to write again, and I suspect did not hear what I was saying; + and though now and again he seemed to be looking at me, it was plain that + his eyes and his thoughts were occupied on different objects. In spite of + this way of receiving visitors—or me, at all events, M. de Choiseul + was a man of wit. + </p> + <p> + When he had finished writing he said in Italian that M. de Bernis had told + him of some circumstances of my escape, and he added, + </p> + <p> + “Tell me how you succeeded.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, it would be too long a story; it would take me at least two + hours, and your grace seems busy.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me briefly about it.” + </p> + <p> + “However much I speak to the point, I shall take two hours.” + </p> + <p> + “You can keep the details for another time.” + </p> + <p> + “The story is devoid of interest without the details” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, you can tell me the whole story in brief, without losing much + of the interest.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; after that I can say no more. I must tell your lordship, then, + that, the State Inquisitors shut me up under the Leads; that after fifteen + months and five days of imprisonment I succeeded in piercing the roof; + that after many difficulties I reached the chancery by a window, and broke + open the door; afterwards I got to St. Mark’s Place, whence, taking a + gondola which bore me to the mainland, I arrived at Paris, and have had + the honour to pay my duty to your lordship.” + </p> + <p> + “But.... what are The Leads?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I should take a quarter of an hour, at least, to explain.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you pierce the roof?” + </p> + <p> + “I could not tell your lordship in less than half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Why were you shut up?” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a long tale, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are right. The interest of the story lies chiefly in the + details.” + </p> + <p> + “I took the liberty of saying as much to your grace.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I must go to Versailles, but I shall be delighted if you will come + and see me sometimes. In the meanwhile, M. Casanova, think what I can do + for you.” + </p> + <p> + I had been almost offended at the way in which M. de Choiseul had received + me, and I was inclined to resent it; but the end of our conversation, and + above all the kindly tone of his last words, quieted me, and I left him, + if not satisfied, at least without bitterness in my heart. + </p> + <p> + From him I went to M. de Boulogne’s, and found him a man of quite a + different stamp to the duke—in manners, dress, and appearance. He + received me with great politeness, and began by complimenting me on the + high place I enjoyed in the opinion of M. de Bernis, and on my skill in + matters of finance. + </p> + <p> + I felt that no compliment had been so ill deserved, and I could hardly + help bursting into laughter. My good angel, however, made me keep my + countenance. + </p> + <p> + M. de Boulogne had an old man with him, every feature bore the imprint of + genius, and who inspired me with respect. + </p> + <p> + “Give me your views;” said the comptroller, “either on paper or ‘viva + voce’. You will find me willing to learn and ready to grasp your ideas. + Here is M. Paris du Vernai, who wants twenty millions for his military + school; and he wishes to get this sum without a charge on the state or + emptying the treasury.” + </p> + <p> + “It is God alone, sir, who has the creative power.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not a god,” said M. du Vernai, “but for all that I have now and then + created but the times have changed.” + </p> + <p> + “Everything,” I said, “is more difficult than it used to be; but in spite + of difficulties I have a plan which would give the king the interest of a + hundred millions.” + </p> + <p> + “What expense would there be to the Crown?” + </p> + <p> + “Merely the cost of receiving.” + </p> + <p> + “The nation, then, would furnish the sum in question?” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly, but voluntarily.” + </p> + <p> + “I know what you are thinking of.” + </p> + <p> + “You astonish me, sir, as I have told nobody of my plan.” + </p> + <p> + “If you have no other engagement, do me the honour of dining with me + to-morrow, and I will tell you what your project is. It is a good one, but + surrounded, I believe, with insuperable difficulties. Nevertheless, we + will talk it over and see what can be done. Will you come?” + </p> + <p> + “I will do myself that honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, I will expect you at Plaisance.” + </p> + <p> + After he had gone, M. de Boulogne praised his talents and honesty. He was + the brother of M. de Montmartel, whom secret history makes the father of + Madame de Pompadour, for he was the lover of Madame Poisson at the same + time as M. le Normand. + </p> + <p> + I left the comptroller’s and went to walk in the Tuileries, thinking over + the strange stroke of luck which had happened to me. I had been told that + twenty millions were wanted, and I had boasted of being able to get a + hundred, without the slightest idea of how it was to be done; and on that + a well-known man experienced in the public business had asked me to dinner + to convince me that he knew what my scheme was. There was something odd + and comic about the whole affair; but that corresponded very well with my + modes of thought and action. “If he thinks he is going to pump me,” said + I, “he will find himself mistaken. When he tells me what the plan is, it + will rest with me to say he has guessed it or he is wrong as the + inspiration of the moment suggests. If the question lies within my + comprehension I may, perhaps, be able to suggest something new; and if I + understand nothing I will wrap myself up in a mysterious silence, which + sometimes produces a good effect. At all events, I will not repulse + Fortune when she appears to be favourable to me.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Bernis had only told M. de Boulogne that I was a financier to get me + a hearing, as otherwise he might have declined to see me. I was sorry not + to be master, at least, of the jargon of the business, as in that way men + have got out of a similar difficulty, and by knowing the technical terms, + and nothing more, have made their mark. No matter, I was bound to the + engagement. I must put a good face on a bad game, and if necessary pay + with the currency of assurance. The next morning I took a carriage, and in + a pensive mood I told the coachman to take me to M. du Vernai’s, at + Plaisance—a place a little beyond Vincennes. + </p> + <p> + I was set down at the door of the famous man who, forty years ago, had + rescued France on the brink of the precipice down which Law had almost + precipitated her. I went in and saw a great fire burning on the hearth, + which was surrounded by seven or eight persons, to whom I was introduced + as a friend of the minister for foreign affairs and of the comptroller; + afterwards he introduced these gentlemen to me, giving to each his proper + title, and I noted that four of them were treasury officials. After making + my bow to each, I gave myself over to the worship of Harpocrates, and + without too great an air of listening was all ears and eyes. + </p> + <p> + The conversation at first was of no special interest as they were talking + of the Seine being frozen over, the ice being a foot thick. Then came the + recent death of M. de Fontenelle, then the case of Damien, who would + confess nothing, and of the five millions his trial would cost the Crown. + Then coming to war they praised M. de Soubise, who had been chosen by the + king to command the army. Hence the transition was easy to the expenses of + the war, and how they were to be defrayed. + </p> + <p> + I listened and was weary, for all they said was so full of technicalities + that I could not follow the meaning; and if silence can ever be imposing, + my determined silence of an hour and a half’s duration ought to have made + me seem a very important personage in the eyes of these gentlemen. At + last, just as I was beginning to yawn, dinner was announced, and I was + another hour and a half without opening my mouth, except to do honour to + an excellent repast. Directly the dessert had been served, M. du Vernai + asked me to follow him into a neighbouring apartment, and to leave the + other guests at the table. I followed him, and we crossed a hall where we + found a man of good aspect, about fifty years old, who followed us into a + closet and was introduced to me by M. du Vernai under the name of + Calsabigi. Directly after, two superintendents of the treasury came in, + and M. du Vernai smilingly gave me a folio book, saying, + </p> + <p> + “That, I think, M. Casanova, is your plan.” + </p> + <p> + I took the book and read, Lottery consisting of ninety tickets, to be + drawn every month, only one in eighteen to be a winning number. I gave him + back the book and said, with the utmost calmness, + </p> + <p> + “I confess, sir, that is exactly my idea.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been anticipated, then; the project is by M. de Calsabigi here.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted, not at being anticipated, but to find that we think + alike; but may I ask you why you have not carried out the plan?” + </p> + <p> + “Several very plausible reasons have been given against it, which have had + no decisive answers.” + </p> + <p> + “I can only conceive one reason against it,” said I, coolly; “perhaps the + king would not allow his subjects to gamble.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that, the king will let his subjects gamble as much as they + like: the question is, will they gamble?” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder how anyone can have any doubt on that score, as the winners are + certain of being paid.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us grant, then, that they will gamble: how is the money to be found?” + </p> + <p> + “How is the money to be found? The simplest thing in the world. All you + want is a decree in council authorizing you to draw on the treasury. All I + want is for the nation to believe that the king can afford to pay a + hundred millions.” + </p> + <p> + “A hundred millions!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a hundred millions, sir. We must dazzle people.” + </p> + <p> + “But if France is to believe that the Crown can afford to pay a hundred + millions, it must believe that the Crown can afford to lose a hundred + millions, and who is going to believe that? Do you?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I do, for the Crown, before it could lose a hundred millions, + would have received at least a hundred and fifty millions, and so there + need be no anxiety on that score.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not the only person who has doubts on the subject. You must grant + the possibility of the Crown losing an enormous sum at the first drawing?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir, but between possibility and reality is all the region of + the infinite. Indeed, I may say that it would be a great piece of good + fortune if the Crown were to lose largely on the first drawing.” + </p> + <p> + “A piece of bad fortune, you mean, surely?” + </p> + <p> + “A bad fortune to be desired. You know that all the insurance companies + are rich. I will undertake to prove before all the mathematicians in + Europe that the king is bound to gain one in five in this lottery. That is + the secret. You will confess that the reason ought to yield to a + mathematical proof?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course; but how is it that the Castelletto cannot guarantee the + Crown a certain gain?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither the Castelletto nor anybody in the world can guarantee absolutely + that the king shall always win. What guarantees us against any suspicion + of sharp practice is the drawing once a month, as then the public is sure + that the holder of the lottery may lose.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you be good enough to express your sentiments on the subject before + the council?” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so with much pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “You will answer all objections?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I can promise as much.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you give me your plan?” + </p> + <p> + “Not before it is accepted, and I am guaranteed a reasonable profit.” + </p> + <p> + “But your plan may possibly be the same as the one before us.” + </p> + <p> + “I think not. I see M. de Calsabigi for the first time, and as he has not + shewn me his scheme, and I have not communicated mine to him, it is + improbable, not to say impossible, that we should agree in all respects. + Besides, in my plan I clearly shew how much profit the Crown ought to get + per annum.” + </p> + <p> + “It might, therefore, be formed by a company who would pay the Crown a + fixed sum?” + </p> + <p> + “I think not.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “For this reason. The only thing which would make the lottery pay, would + be an irresistible current of public opinion in its favour. I should not + care to have anything to do with it in the service of a company, who, + thinking to increase their profits, might extend their operations—a + course which would entail certain loss.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see how.” + </p> + <p> + “In a thousand ways which I will explain to you another time, and which I + am sure you can guess for yourself. In short, if I am to have any voice in + the matter, it must be a Government lottery or nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “M. de Calsabigi thinks so, too.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it, but not at all surprised; for, thinking on the + same lines, we are bound to arrive at the same results.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you anybody ready for the Castelletto?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall only want intelligent machines, of whom there are plenty in + France.” + </p> + <p> + I went out for a moment and found them in groups on my return, discussing + my project with great earnestness. + </p> + <p> + M. Calsabigi after asking me a few questions took my hand, which he shook + heartily, saying he should like to have some further conversation with me; + and returning the friendly pressure, I told him that I should esteem it as + an honour to be numbered amongst his friends. Thereupon I left my address + with M. du Vernai and took my leave, satisfied, by my inspection of the + faces before me, that they all had a high opinion of my talents. + </p> + <p> + Three days after, M. de Calsabigi called on me; and after receiving him in + my best style I said that if I had not called on him it was only because I + did not wish to be troublesome. He told me that my decisive way of + speaking had made a great impression, and he was certain that if I cared + to make interest with the comptroller we could set up the lottery and make + a large profit. + </p> + <p> + “I think so, too,” said I, “but the financiers will make a much larger + profit, and yet they do not seem anxious about it. They have not + communicated with me, but it is their look-out, as I shall not make it my + chief aim.” + </p> + <p> + “You will undoubtedly hear something about it today, for I know for a fact + that M. de Boulogne has spoken of you to M. de Courteuil.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but I assure you I did not ask him to do so.” + </p> + <p> + After some further conversation he asked me, in the most friendly manner + possible, to come and dine with him, and I accepted his invitation with a + great pleasure; and just as we were starting I received a note from M. de + Bernis, in which he said that if I could come to Versailles the next day + he would present me to Madame de Pompadour, and that I should have an + opportunity of seeing M. de Boulogne. + </p> + <p> + In high glee at this happy chance, less from vanity than policy I made M. + de Calsabigi read the letter, and I was pleased to see him opening his + eyes as he read it. + </p> + <p> + “You can force Du Vernai himself to accept the lottery,” he said, “and + your fortune is made if you are not too rich already to care about such + matters.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody is ever rich enough to despise good fortune, especially when it is + not due to favour.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true. We have been doing our utmost for two years to get the plan + accepted, and have met with nothing beyond foolish objections which you + have crushed to pieces. Nevertheless, our plans must be very similar. + Believe me it will be best for us to work in concert, for by yourself you + would find insuperable difficulties in the working, and you will find no + ‘intelligent machines’ in Paris. My brother will do all the work, and you + will be able to reap the advantages at your ease.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you, then, not the inventor of the scheme which has been shewn me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is the work of my brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I have the pleasure or seeing him?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. His body is feeble, but his mind is in all its vigour. We + shall see him directly.” + </p> + <p> + The brother was not a man of a very pleasing appearance, as he was covered + with a kind of leprosy; but that did not prevent him having a good + appetite, writing, and enjoying all his bodily and intellectual faculties; + he talked well and amusingly. He never went into society, as, besides his + personal disfigurement, he was tormented with an irresistible and frequent + desire of scratching himself, now in one place, and now in another; and as + all scratching is accounted an abominable thing in Paris, he preferred to + be able to use his fingernails to the pleasures of society. He was pleased + to say that, believing in God and His works, he was persuaded his nails + had been given him to procure the only solace he was capable of in the + kind of fury with which he was tormented. + </p> + <p> + “You are a believer, then, in final causes? I think you are right, but + still I believe you would have scratched yourself if God had forgotten to + give you any nails.” + </p> + <p> + My remarks made him laugh, and he then began to speak of our common + business, and I soon found him to be a man of intellect. He was the elder + of the two brothers, and a bachelor. He was expert in all kinds of + calculations, an accomplished financier, with a universal knowledge of + commerce, a good historian, a wit, a poet, and a man of gallantry. His + birthplace was Leghorn, he had been in a Government office at Naples, and + had come to Paris with M. de l’Hopital. His brother was also a man of + learning and talent, but in every respect his inferior. + </p> + <p> + He shewed me the pile of papers, on which he had worked out all the + problems referring to the lottery. + </p> + <p> + “If you think you can do without me,” said he, “I must compliment you on + your abilities; but I think you will find yourself mistaken, for if you + have no practical knowledge of the matter and no business men to help you, + your theories will not carry you far. What will you do after you have + obtained the decree? When you speak before the council, if you take my + advice, you will fix a date after which you are not to be held responsible—that + is to say, after which you will have nothing more to do with it. Unless + you do so, you will be certain to encounter trifling and procrastination + which will defer your plan to the Greek Kalends. On the other hand, I can + assure you that M. du Vernai would be very glad to see us join hands.” + </p> + <p> + Very much inclined to take these gentlemen into partnership, for the good + reason that I could not do without them, but taking care that they should + suspect nothing, I went down with the younger brother, who introduced me + to his wife before dinner. I found present an old lady well known at Paris + under the name of General La Mothe, famous for her former beauty and her + gout, another lady somewhat advanced in years, who was called Baroness + Blanche, and was still the mistress of M. de Vaux, another styled the + President’s lady, and a fourth, fair as the dawn, Madame Razzetti, from + Piedmont, the wife of one of the violin players at the opera, and said to + be courted by M. de Fondpertuis, the superintendent of the opera. + </p> + <p> + We sat down to dinner, but I was silent and absorbed, all my thoughts + being monopolized by the lottery. In the evening, at Silvia’s, I was + pronounced absent and pensive, and so I was in spite of the sentiment with + which Mademoiselle Baletti inspired me—a sentiment which every day + grew in strength. + </p> + <p> + I set out for Versailles next morning two hours before day-break, and was + welcomed by M. de Bernis, who said he would bet that but for him I should + never have discovered my talent for finance. + </p> + <p> + “M. de Boulogne tells me you astonished M. du Vernai, who is generally + esteemed one of the acutest men in France. If you will take my advice, + Casanova, you will keep up that acquaintance and pay him assiduous court. + I may tell you that the lottery is certain to be established, that it will + be your doing, and that you ought to make something considerable out of + it. As soon as the king goes out to hunt, be at hand in the private + apartments, and I will seize a favourable moment for introducing you to + the famous marquise. Afterwards go to the Office for Foreign Affairs, and + introduce yourself in my name to the Abbe de la Ville. He is the chief + official there, and will give you a good reception.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Boulogne told me that, as soon as the council of the military school + had given their consent, he would have the decree for the establishment of + the lottery published, and he urged me to communicate to him any ideas + which I might have on the subject of finance. + </p> + <p> + At noon Madame de Pompadour passed through the private apartments with the + Prince de Soubise, and my patron hastened to point me out to the + illustrious lady. She made me a graceful curtsy, and told me that she had + been much interested in the subject of my flight. + </p> + <p> + “Do you go,” said she, “to see your ambassador?” + </p> + <p> + “I shew my respect to him, madam, by keeping away.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you mean to settle in France.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be my dearest wish to do so, madam, but I stand in need of + patronage, and I know that in France patronage is only given to men of + talent, which is for me a discouraging circumstance.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I think you have reason to be hopeful, as you have some + good friends. I myself shall be delighted if I can be of any assistance to + you.” + </p> + <p> + As the fair marquise moved on, I could only stammer forth my gratitude. + </p> + <p> + I next went to the Abbe de la Ville, who received me with the utmost + courtesy, and told me that he would remember me at the earliest + opportunity. + </p> + <p> + Versailles was a beautiful spot, but I had only compliments and not + invitations to expect there, so after leaving M. de la Ville I went to an + inn to get some dinner. As I was sitting down, an abbe of excellent + appearance, just like dozens of other French abbes, accosted me politely, + and asked me if I objected to our dining together. I always thought the + company of a pleasant man a thing to be desired, so I granted his request; + and as soon as he sat down he complimented me on the distinguished manner + in which I had been treated by M. de la Ville. “I was there writing a + letter,” said he, “and I could hear all the obliging things the abbe said + to you. May I ask, sir, how you obtained access to him?” + </p> + <p> + “If you really wish to know, I may be able to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is pure curiosity on my part.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I will say nothing, from pure prudence.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, with pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Having thus shut the mouth of the curious impertinent, he confined his + conversation to ordinary and more agreeable topics. After dinner, having + no further business at Versailles, I made preparations for leaving, on + which the abbe begged to be of my company. Although a man who frequents + the society of abbes is not thought much more of than one who frequents + the society of girls, I told him that as I was going to Paris in a public + conveyance—far from its being a question of permission—I + should be only too happy to have the pleasure of his company. On reaching + Paris we parted, after promising to call on each other, and I went to + Silvia’s and took supper there. The agreeable mistress of the house + complimented me on my noble acquaintances, and made me promise to + cultivate their society. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I got back to my own lodging, I found a note from M. du Vernai, + who requested me to come to the military school at eleven o’clock on the + next day, and later in the evening Calsabigi came to me from his brother, + with a large sheet of paper containing all the calculations pertaining to + the lottery. + </p> + <p> + Fortune seemed to be in my favour, for this tabular statement came to me + like a blessing from on high. Resolving, therefore, to follow the + instructions which I pretended to receive indifferently. I went to the + military school, and as soon as I arrived the conference began. M. + d’Alembert had been requested to be present as an expert in arithmetical + calculations. If M. du Vernai had been the only person to be consulted, + this step would not have been necessary; but the council contained some + obstinate heads who were unwilling to give in. The conference lasted three + hours. + </p> + <p> + After my speech, which only lasted half an hour, M. de Courteuil summed up + my arguments, and an hour was passed in stating objections which I refuted + with the greatest ease. I finally told them that no man of honour and + learning would volunteer to conduct the lottery on the understanding that + it was to win every time, and that if anyone had the impudence to give + such an undertaking they should turn him out of the room forthwith, for it + was impossible that such an agreement could be maintained except by some + roguery. + </p> + <p> + This had its effect, for nobody replied; and M. du Vernai remarked that if + the worst came to the worst the lottery could be suppressed. At this I + knew my business was done, and all present, after signing a document which + M. du Vernai gave them, took their leave, and I myself left directly + afterwards with a friendly leave-taking from M. du Vernai. + </p> + <p> + M. Calsabigi came to see me the next day, bringing the agreeable news that + the affair was settled, and that all that was wanting was the publication + of the decree. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it,” I said, “and I will go to M. de Boulogne’s + every day, and get you appointed chief administrator as soon as I know + what I have got for myself.” + </p> + <p> + I took care not to leave a stone unturned in this direction, as I knew + that, with the great, promising and keeping a promise are two different + things. The decree appeared a week after. Calsabigi was made + superintendent, with an allowance of three thousand francs for every + drawing, a yearly pension of four thousand francs for us both, and the + chief of the lottery. His share was a much larger one than mine, but I was + not jealous as I knew he had a greater claim than I. I sold five of the + six offices that had been allotted to me for two thousand francs each, and + opened the sixth with great style in the Rue St. Denis, putting my valet + there as a clerk. He was a bright young Italian, who had been valet to the + Prince de la Catolica, the ambassador from Naples. + </p> + <p> + The day for the first drawing was fixed, and notice was given that the + winning numbers would be paid in a week from the time of drawing at the + chief office. + </p> + <p> + With the idea of drawing custom to my office, I gave notice that all + winning tickets bearing my signature would be paid at my office in + twenty-four hours after the drawing. This drew crowds to my office and + considerably increased my profits, as I had six per cent. on the receipts. + A number of the clerks in the other offices were foolish enough to + complain to Calsabigi that I had spoilt their gains, but he sent them + about their business telling them that to get the better of me they had + only to do as I did—if they had the money. + </p> + <p> + My first taking amounted to forty thousand francs. An hour after the + drawing my clerk brought me the numbers, and shewed me that we had from + seventeen to eighteen thousand francs to pay, for which I gave him the + necessary funds. + </p> + <p> + Without my thinking of it I thus made the fortune of my clerk, for every + winner gave him something, and all this I let him keep for himself. + </p> + <p> + The total receipts amounted to two millions, and the administration made a + profit of six hundred thousand francs, of which Paris alone had + contributed a hundred thousand francs. This was well enough for a first + attempt. + </p> + <p> + On the day after the drawing I dined with Calsabigi at M. du Vernai’s, and + I had the pleasure of hearing him complain that he had made too much + money. Paris had eighteen or twenty ternes, and although they were small + they increased the reputation of the lottery, and it was easy to see that + the receipts at the next drawing would be doubled. The mock assaults that + were made upon me put me in a good humour, and Calsabigi said that my idea + had insured me an income of a hundred thousand francs a year, though it + would ruin the other receivers. + </p> + <p> + “I have played similar strokes myself,” said M. du Vernai, “and have + mostly succeeded; and as for the other receivers they are at perfect + liberty to follow M. Casanova’s example, and it all tends to increase the + repute of an institution which we owe to him and to you.” + </p> + <p> + At the second drawing a terne of forty thousand francs obliged me to + borrow money. My receipts amounted to sixty thousand, but being obliged to + deliver over my chest on the evening before the drawing, I had to pay out + of my own funds, and was not repaid for a week. + </p> + <p> + In all the great houses I went to, and at the theatres, as soon as I was + seen, everybody gave me money, asking me to lay it out as I liked and to + send them the tickets, as, so far, the lottery was strange to most people. + I thus got into the way of carrying about me tickets of all sorts, or + rather of all prices, which I gave to people to choose from, going home in + the evening with my pockets full of gold. This was an immense advantage to + me, as kind of privilege which I enjoyed to the exclusion of the other + receivers who were not in society, and did not drive a carriage like + myself—no small point in one’s favour, in a large town where men are + judged by the state they keep. I found I was thus able to go into any + society, and to get credit everywhere. + </p> + <p> + I had hardly been a month in Paris when my brother Francis, with whom I + had parted in 1752, arrived from Dresden with Madame Sylvestre. He had + been at Dresden for four years, taken up with the pursuit of his art, + having copied all the battle pieces in the Elector’s Galley. We were both + of us glad to meet once more, but on my offering to see what my great + friends could do for him with the Academicians, he replied with all an + artist’s pride that he was much obliged to me, but would rather not have + any other patrons than his talents. “The French,” said he, “have rejected + me once, and I am far from bearing them ill-will on that account, for I + would reject myself now if I were what I was then; but with their love of + genius I reckon on a better reception this time.” + </p> + <p> + His confidence pleased me, and I complimented him upon it, for I have + always been of the opinion that true merit begins by doing justice to + itself. + </p> + <p> + Francis painted a fine picture, which on being exhibited at the Louvre, + was received with applause. The Academy bought the picture for twelve + thousand francs, my brother became famous, and in twenty-six years he made + almost a million of money; but in spite of that, foolish expenditure, his + luxurious style of living, and two bad marriages, were the ruin of him. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + +<pre> + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoires of Casanova, by +Jacques Casanova de Seingalt + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRES OF CASANOVA *** + +***** This file should be named 39302-h.htm or 39302-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/9/3/0/39302/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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