第7章

Imeanthatthouartcertainofbeingavictimtothefairsextotheverylastmomentofthylife。Ifmycandourdoesnotdispleasethee，acceptmycongratulations。IntheeveningIcalleduponMadameOrio，asIwantedtoinformhercharmingniecesthat，beinganinmateofGrimani’shouse，Icouldnotsleepoutforthefirstnight。IfoundtherethefaithfulRosa，whotoldmethattheaffairofthealibiwasineverymouth，andthat，assuchcelebritywasevidentlycausedbyaverydecidedbeliefintheuntruthofthealibiitself，IoughttofeararetaliationofthesamesortonthepartofRazetta，andtokeeponmyguard，particularlyatnight。Ifeltalltheimportanceofthisadvice，andItookcarenevertogooutintheeveningotherwisethaninagondola，oraccompaniedbysomefriends。MadameManzonitoldmethatIwasactingwisely，because，althoughthejudgescouldnotdootherwisethanacquitme，everybodyknewtherealtruthofthematter，andRazettacouldnotfailtobemydeadlyfoe。

ThreeorfourdaysafterwardsM。Grimaniannouncedthearrivalofthebishop，whohadputupattheconventofhisorder，atSaint—

FrancoisdePaul。Hepresentedmehimselftotheprelateasajewelhighlyprizedbyhimself，andasifhehadbeentheonlypersonworthyofdescantinguponitsbeauty。

Isawafinemonkwearinghispectoralcross。HewouldhaveremindedmeofFatherManciaifhehadnotlookedstouterandlessreserved。

Hewasaboutthirty—four，andhadbeenmadeabishopbythegraceofGod，theHolySee，andmymother。Afterpronouncingovermeablessing，whichIreceivedkneeling，andgivingmehishandtokiss，heembracedmewarmly，callingmehisdearsonintheLatinlanguage，inwhichhecontinuedtoaddressme。Ithoughtthat，beingaCalabrian，hemightfeelashamedofhisItalian，butheundeceivedmebyspeakinginthatlanguagetoM。Grimani。Hetoldmethat，ashecouldnottakemewithhimfromVenice，IshouldhavetoproceedtoRome，whereGrimaniwouldtakecaretosendme，andthatIwouldprocurehisaddressatAnconafromoneofhisfriends，calledLazari，aMinimmonk，whowouldlikewisesupplymewiththemeansofcontinuingmyjourney。

"WhenwemeetinRome，"headded，"wecangotogethertoMartoranobywayofNaples。Calluponmeto—morrowmorning，andhaveyourbreakfastwithme。Iintendtoleavethedayafter。"

Aswewereonourwaybacktohishouse，M。Grimanitreatedmetoalonglectureonmorals，whichnearlycausedmetoburstintoloudlaughter。Amongstotherthings，heinformedmethatIoughtnottostudytoohard，becausetheairinCalabriawasveryheavy，andI

mightbecomeconsumptivefromtoocloseapplicationtomybooks。

Thenextmorningatday—breakIwenttothebishop。Aftersayinghismass，wetooksomechocolate，andforthreehourshelaidmeunderexamination。Isawclearlythathewasnotpleasedwithme，butI

waswellenoughpleasedwithhim。Heseemedtomeaworthyman，andashewastoleadmealongthegreathighwayoftheChurch，Ifeltattractedtowardshim，for，atthetime，althoughIentertainedagoodopinionofmypersonalappearance，Ihadnoconfidencewhateverinmytalents。

Afterthedepartureofthegoodbishop，M。Grimanigavemealetterleftbyhim，whichIwastodelivertoFatherLazari，attheConventoftheMinims，inAncona。M。GrimaniinformedmethathewouldsendmetothatcitywiththeambassadorfromVenice，whowasonthepointofsailing。Ihadthereforetokeepmyselfinreadiness，and，asI

wasanxioustobeoutofhishands，Iapprovedallhisarrangements。

AssoonasIhadnoticeofthedayonwhichthesuiteoftheambassadorwouldembark，Iwenttopaymylastfarewelltoallmyacquaintances。IleftmybrotherFrancoisintheschoolofM。Joli，acelebrateddecorativepainter。AsthepeottainwhichIwastosailwouldnotleavebeforedaybreak，Ispenttheshortnightinthearmsofthetwosisters，who，thistime，entertainednohopeofeverseeingmeagain。OnmysideIcouldnotforseewhatwouldhappen，forIwasabandoningmyselftofate，andIthoughtitwouldbeuselesstothinkofthefuture。Thenightwasthereforespentbetweenjoyandsadness，betweenpleasuresandtears。AsIbadethemadieu，Ireturnedthekeywhichhadopenedsooftenformetheroadtohappiness。

This，myfirstloveaffair，didnotgivemeanyexperienceoftheworld，forourintercoursewasalwaysahappyone，andwasneverdisturbedbyanyquarrelorstainedbyanyinterestedmotive。Weoftenfelt，allthreeofus，asifwemustraiseoursoulstowardstheeternalProvidenceofGod，tothankHimforhaving，byHisparticularprotection，keptfromusalltheaccidentswhichmighthavedisturbedthesweetpeacewewereenjoying。

IleftinthehandsofMadameManzoniallmypapers，andalltheforbiddenbooksIpossessed。Thegoodwoman，whowastwentyyearsolderthanI，andwho，believinginanimmutabledestiny，tookpleasureinturningtheleavesofthegreatbookoffate，toldmethatshewascertainofrestoringtomeallIleftwithher，beforetheendofthefollowingyear，atthelatest。Herpredictioncausedmebothsurpriseandpleasure，andfeelingdeepreverenceforher，I

thoughtmyselfboundtoassisttherealizationofherforesight。

Afterall，ifshepredictedthefuture，itwasnotthroughsuperstition，orinconsequenceofsomevainforebodingwhichreasonmustcondemn，butthroughherknowledgeoftheworld，andofthenatureofthepersonshewasaddressing。Sheusedtolaughbecauseshenevermadeamistake。

IembarkedfromSt:Mark’slanding。M。Grimanihadgivenmetensequins，whichhethoughtwouldkeepmeduringmystayinthelazzarettoofAnconaforthenecessaryquarantine，afterwhichitwasnottobesupposedthatIcouldwantanymoney。IsharedGrimani’scertaintyonthesubject，andwithmynaturalthoughtlessnessIcarednothingaboutit。YetImustsaythat，unknowntoeverybody，Ihadinmypursefortybrightsequins，whichpowerfullycontributedtoincreasemycheerfulness，andIleftVenicefullofjoyandwithoutoneregret。

EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798

VENETIANYEARS，Volume1b——ACLERICINNAPLES

THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR

MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED

BYARTHURSYMONS。

ACLERICINNAPLES

CHAPTERVIII

MyMisfortunesinChiozza——FatherStephano——TheLazzarettoatAncona——TheGreekSlave——MyPilgrimagetoOurLadyofLoretto——IGotoRomeonFoot，andFromRometoNaplestoMeettheBishop——ICannotJoinHim——GoodLuckOffersMetheMeansofReachingMartorano，WhichPlaceIVeryQuicklyLeavetoReturntoNaplesTheretinueoftheambassador，whichwasstyled"grand，"appearedtomeverysmall。ItwascomposedofaMilanesesteward，namedCarcinelli，ofapriestwhofulfilledthedutiesofsecretarybecausehecouldnotwrite，ofanoldwomanactingashousekeeper，ofamancookwithhisuglywife，andeightortenservants。

WereachedChiozzaaboutnoon。Immediatelyafterlanding，IpolitelyaskedthestewardwhereIshouldputup，andhisanswerwas:

"Whereveryouplease，providedyouletthismanknowwhereitis，sothathecangiveyounoticewhenthepeottaisreadytosail。Myduty，"headded，"istoleaveyouatthelazzarettoofAnconafreeofexpensefromthemomentweleavethisplace。Untilthenenjoyyourselfaswellasyoucan。"

ThemantowhomIwastogivemyaddresswasthecaptainofthepeotta。Iaskedhimtorecommendmealodging。

"Youcancometomyhouse，"hesaid，"ifyouhavenoobjectiontosharealargebedwiththecook，whosewiferemainsonboard。"

Unabletodeviseanybetterplan，Iacceptedtheoffer，andasailor，carryingmytrunk，accompaniedmetothedwellingofthehonestcaptain。Mytrunkhadtobeplacedunderthebedwhichfilleduptheroom。Iwasamusedatthis，forIwasnotinapositiontobeover—

fastidious，and，afterpartakingofsomedinnerattheinn，Iwentaboutthetown。Chiozzaisapeninsula，asea—portbelongingtoVenice，withapopulationoftenthousandinhabitants，seamen，fishermen，merchants，lawyers，andgovernmentclerks。

Ienteredacoffee—room，andIhadscarcelytakenaseatwhenayoungdoctor—at—law，withwhomIhadstudiedinPadua，cameuptome，andintroducedmetoadruggistwhoseshopwasnearby，sayingthathishousewastherendezvousofalltheliterarymenoftheplace。Afewminutesafterwards，atallJacobinfriar，blindofoneeye，calledCorsini，whomIhadknowninVenice，cameinandpaidmemanycompliments。HetoldmethatIhadarrivedjustintimetogotoapicnicgotupbytheMacaronicacademiciansforthenextday，afterasittingoftheacademyinwhicheverymemberwastorecitesomethingofhiscomposition。Heinvitedmetojointhem，andtogratifythemeetingwiththedeliveryofoneofmyproductions。Iacceptedtheinvitation，and，afterthereadingoftenstanzaswhichIhadwrittenfortheoccasion，Iwasunanimouslyelectedamember。Mysuccessatthepicnicwasstillgreater，forIdisposedofsuchaquantityofmacaronithatIwasfoundworthyofthetitleofprinceoftheacademy。

Theyoungdoctor，himselfoneoftheacademicians，introducedmetohisfamily。Hisparents，whowereineasycircumstances，receivedmeverykindly。Oneofhissisterswasveryamiable，buttheother，aprofessednun，appearedtomeaprodigyofbeauty。ImighthaveenjoyedmyselfinaveryagreeablewayinthemidstofthatcharmingfamilyduringmystayinChiozza，butIsupposethatitwasmydestinytomeetinthatplacewithnothingbutsorrows。TheyoungdoctorforewarnedmethatthemonkCorsiniwasaveryworthlessfellow，despisedbyeverybody，andadvisedmetoavoidhim。I

thankedhimfortheinformation，butmythoughtlessnesspreventedmefromprofitingbyit。Ofaveryeasydisposition，andtoogiddytofearanysnares，Iwasfoolishenoughtobelievethatthemonkwould，onthecontrary，betheverymantothrowplentyofamusementinmyway。

Onthethirddaytheworthlessdogtookmetoahouseofill—fame，whereImighthavegonewithouthisintroduction，and，inordertoshewmymettle，Iobligedalowcreaturewhoseuglinessoughttohavebeenasufficientantidoteagainstanyfleshlydesire。Onleavingtheplace，hebroughtmeforsuppertoaninnwherewemetfourscoundrelsofhisownstamp。Aftersupperoneofthembeganabankoffaro，andIwasinvitedtojoininthegame。Igavewaytothatfeelingoffalsepridewhichsooftencausestheruinofyoungmen，andafterlosingfoursequinsIexpressedawishtoretire，butmyhonestfriend，theJacobincontrivedtomakemeriskfourmoresequinsinpartnershipwithhim。Heheldthebank，anditwasbroken。Ididnotwishtoplayanymore，butCorsini，feigningtopitymeandtofeelgreatsorrowatbeingthecauseofmyloss，inducedmetotrymyselfabankoftwenty—fivesequins；mybankwaslikewisebroken。Thehopeofwinningbackmymoneymademekeepupthegame，andIlosteverythingIhad。

Deeplygrieved，Iwentawayandlaidmyselfdownnearthecook，whowokeupandsaidIwasalibertine。

"Youareright，"wasallIcouldanswer。

Iwaswornoutwithfatigueandsorrow，andIsleptsoundly。Myviletormentor，themonk，wokemeatnoon，andinformedmewithatriumphantjoythataveryrichyoungmanhadbeeninvitedbyhisfriendstosupper，thathewouldbesuretoplayandtolose，andthatitwouldbeagoodopportunityformetoretrievemylosses。

"Ihavelostallmymoney。Lendmetwentysequins。"

"WhenIlendmoneyIamsuretolose；youmaycallitsuperstition，butIhavetriedittoooften。Trytofindmoneysomewhereelse，andcome。Farewell。"

Ifeltashamedtoconfessmypositiontomyfriend，andsendingfor，amoney—lenderIemptiedmytrunkbeforehim。Wemadeaninventoryofmyclothes，andthehonestbrokergavemethirtysequins，withtheunderstandingthatifIdidnotredeemthemwithinthreedaysallmythingswouldbecomehisproperty。Iamboundtocallhimanhonestman，forheadvisedmetokeepthreeshirts，afewpairsofstockings，andafewhandkerchiefs；Iwasdisposedtolethimtakeeverything，havingapresentimentthatIwouldwinbackallIhadlost；averycommonerror。AfewyearslaterItookmyrevengebywritingadiatribeagainstpresentiments。Iamofopinionthattheonlyforebodinginwhichmancanhaveanysortoffaithistheonewhichforbodesevil，becauseitcomesfromthemind，whileapresentimentofhappinesshasitsoriginintheheart，andtheheartisafoolworthyofreckoningfoolishlyuponficklefortune。

Ididnotloseanytimeinjoiningthehonestcompany，whichwasalarmedatthethoughtofnotseeingme。Supperwentoffwithoutanyallusiontogambling，butmyadmirablequalitieswerehighlypraised，anditwasdecidedthatabrilliantfortuneawaitedmeinRome。

Aftersuppertherewasnotalkofplay，butgivingwaytomyevilgeniusIloudlyaskedformyrevenge。IwastoldthatifIwouldtakethebankeveryonewouldpunt。Itookthebank，losteverysequinIhad，andretired，beggingthemonktopaywhatIowedtothelandlord，whichhepromisedtodo。

Iwasindespair，andtocrownmymiseryIfoundoutasIwasgoinghomethatIhadmetthedaybeforewithanotherlivingspecimenoftheGreekwoman，lessbeautifulbutasperfidious。Iwenttobedstunnedbymygrief，andIbelievethatImusthavefaintedintoaheavysleep，whichlastedelevenhours；myawakingwasthatofamiserablebeing，hatingthelightofheaven，ofwhichhefelthimselfunworthy，andIclosedmyeyesagain，tryingtosleepforalittlewhilelonger。Idreadedtorousemyselfupentirely，knowingthatI

wouldthenhavetotakesomedecision；butIneveroncethoughtofreturningtoVenice，whichwouldhavebeentheverybestthingtodo，andIwouldhavedestroyedmyselfratherthanconfidemysadpositiontotheyoungdoctor。Iwaswearyofmyexistence，andIentertainedvaguelysomehopeofstarvingwhereIwas，withoutleavingmybed。

ItiscertainthatIshouldnothavegotupifM。Alban，themasterofthepeotta，hadnotrousedmebycallinguponmeandinformingmethattheboatwasreadytosail。

Themanwhoisdeliveredfromgreatperplexity，nomatterbywhatmeans，feelshimselfrelieved。ItseemedtomethatCaptainAlbanhadcometopointouttheonlythingIcouldpossiblydo；Idressedmyselfinhaste，andtyingallmyworldlypossessionsinahandkerchiefIwentonboard。Soonafterwardswelefttheshore，andinthemorningwecastanchorinOrsara，aseaportofIstria。Wealllandedtovisitthecity，whichwouldmoreproperlybecalledavillage。ItbelongstothePope，theRepublicofVenicehavingabandonedittotheHolySee。

AyoungmonkoftheorderoftheRecollectswhocalledhimselfFriarStephanoofBelun，andhadobtainedafreepassagefromthedevoutCaptainAlban，joinedmeaswelandedandenquiredwhetherIfeltsick。

"Reverendfather，Iamunhappy。"

"Youwillforgetallyoursorrow，ifyouwillcomeanddinewithmeatthehouseofoneofourdevoutfriends。"

Ihadnotbrokenmyfastforthirty—sixhours，andhavingsufferedmuchfromsea—sicknessduringthenight，mystomachwasquiteempty。

Myeroticinconveniencemademeveryuncomfortable，mymindfeltdeeplytheconsciousnessofmydegradation，andIdidnotpossessagroat！IwasinsuchamiserablestatethatIhadnostrengthtoacceptortorefuseanything。Iwasthoroughlytorpid，andI

followedthemonkmechanically。

Hepresentedmetoalady，sayingthathewasaccompanyingmetoRome，whereIintendtobecomeaFranciscan。Thisuntruthdisgustedme，andunderanyothercircumstancesIwouldnothaveletitpasswithoutprotest，butinmyactualpositionitstruckmeasrathercomical。Thegoodladygaveusagooddinneroffishcookedinoil，whichinOrsaraisdelicious，andwedranksomeexquisiterefosco。

Duringourmeal，apriesthappenedtodropin，and，afterashortconversation，hetoldmethatIoughtnottopassthenightonboardthetartan，andpressedmetoacceptabedinhishouseandagooddinnerforthenextdayincasethewindshouldnotallowustosail；

Iacceptedwithouthesitation。Iofferedmymostsincerethankstothegoodoldlady，andthepriesttookmealloverthetown。Intheevening，hebroughtmetohishousewherewepartookofanexcellentsupperpreparedbyhishousekeeper，whosatdowntothetablewithus，andwithwhomIwasmuchpleased。Therefosco，stillbetterthanthatwhichIhaddrunkatdinner，scatteredallmymiserytothewind，andIconversedgailywiththepriest。Heofferedtoreadtomeapoemofhisowncomposition，but，feelingthatmyeyeswouldnotkeepopen，Ibeggedhewouldexcusemeandpostponethereadinguntilthefollowingday。

Iwenttobed，andinthemorning，aftertenhoursofthemostprofoundsleep，thehousekeeper，whohadbeenwatchingformyawakening，broughtmesomecoffee。Ithoughtheracharmingwoman，but，alas！IwasnotinafitstatetoprovetoherthehighestimationinwhichIheldherbeauty。

Entertainingfeelingsofgratitudeformykindhost，anddisposedtolistenattentivelytohispoem，Idismissedallsadness，andIpaidhispoetrysuchcomplimentsthathewasdelighted，and，findingmemuchmoretalentedthanhehadjudgedmetobeatfirst，heinsistedupontreatingmetoareadingofhisidylls，andIhadtoswallowthem，bearingtheinflictioncheerfully。Thedaypassedoffveryagreeably；thehousekeepersurroundedmewiththekindestattentions——aproofthatshewassmittenwithme；and，givingwaytothatpleasingidea，Ifeltthat，byaverynaturalsystemofreciprocity，shehadmademyconquest。Thegoodpriestthoughtthatthedayhadpassedlikelightning，thankstoallthebeautiesIhaddiscoveredinhispoetry，which，tospeakthetruth，wasbelowmediocrity，buttimeseemedtometodragalongveryslowly，becausethefriendlyglancesofthehousekeepermademelongforbedtime，inspiteofthemiserableconditioninwhichIfeltmyselfmorallyandphysically。

Butsuchwasmynature；Iabandonedmyselftojoyandhappiness，when，hadIbeenmorereasonable，Ioughttohavesunkundermygriefandsadness。

Butthegoldentimecameatlast。Ifoundtheprettyhousekeeperfullofcompliance，butonlyuptoacertainpoint，andassheofferedsomeresistancewhenIshewedmyselfdisposedtopayafullhomagetohercharms，Iquietlygaveuptheundertaking，verywellpleasedforbothofusthatithadnotbeencarriedanyfurther，andIsoughtmycouchinpeace。ButIhadnotseentheendoftheadventure，forthenextmorning，whenshebroughtmycoffee，herpretty，enticingmannersalluredmetobestowafewlovingcaressesuponher，andifshedidnotabandonherselfentirely，itwasonly，asshesaid，becauseshewasafraidofsomesurprise。Thedaypassedoffverypleasantlywiththegoodpriest，andatnight，thehouse—

keepernolongerfearingdetection，andIhavingonmysidetakeneveryprecautionnecessaryinthestateinwhichIwas，wepassedtwomostdelicioushours。IleftOrsarathenextmorning。

FriarStephanoamusedmealldaywithhistalk，whichplainlyshowedmehisignorancecombinedwithknaveryundertheveilofsimplicity。

HemademelookatthealmshehadreceivedinOrsara——bread，wine，cheese，sausages，preserves，andchocolate；everynookandcrannyofhisholygarmentwasfullofprovisions。

"Haveyoureceivedmoneylikewise？"Ienquired。

"Godforbid！Inthefirstplace，ourgloriousorderdoesnotpermitmetotouchmoney，and，inthesecondplace，wereItobefoolishenoughtoreceiveanywhenIambegging，peoplewouldthinkthemselvesquitofmewithoneortwosous，whilsttheydivemetentimesasmuchineatables。BelievemeSaint—Francis，wasaveryjudiciousman。"

Ibethoughtmyselfthatwhatthismonkcalledwealthwouldbepovertytome。Heofferedtosharewithme，andseemedveryproudatmyconsentingtohonourhimsofar。

ThetartantouchedattheharbourofPola，calledVeruda，andwelanded。Afterawalkuphillofnearlyaquarterofanhour，weenteredthecity，andIdevotedacoupleofhourstovisitingtheRomanantiquities，whicharenumerous，thetownhavingbeenthemetropolisoftheempire。YetIsawnoothertraceofgrandbuildingsexcepttheruinsofthearena。WereturnedtoVeruda，andwentagaintosea。OnthefollowingdaywesightedAncona，butthewindbeingagainstuswewerecompelledtotackabout，andwedidnotreachtheporttillthesecondday。TheharbourofAncona，althoughconsideredoneofthegreatworksofTrajan，wouldbeveryunsafeifitwerenotforacausewaywhichhascostagreatdealofmoney，andwhichmakesitsomewhatbetter。Iobservedafactworthyofnotice，namely，that，intheAdriatic，thenortherncoasthasmanyharbours，whiletheoppositecoastcanonlyboastofoneortwo。Itisevidentthattheseaisretiringbydegreestowardstheeast，andthatinthreeorfourmorecenturiesVenicemustbejoinedtotheland。Welandedattheoldlazzaretto，wherewereceivedthepleasantinformationthatwewouldgothroughaquarantineoftwenty—eightdays，becauseVenicehadadmitted，afteraquarantineofthreemonths，thecrewoftwoshipsfromMessina，wheretheplaguehadrecentlybeenraging。IrequestedaroomformyselfandforBrotherStephano，whothankedmeveryheartily。IhiredfromaJewabed，atableandafewchairs，promisingtopayforthehireattheexpirationofourquarantine。Themonkwouldhavenothingbutstraw。

IfhehadguessedthatwithouthimImighthavestarved，hewouldmostlikelynothavefeltsomuchvanityatsharingmyroom。A

sailor，expectingtofindinmeagenerouscustomer，cametoenquirewheremytrunkwas，and，hearingfrommethatIdidnotknow，he，aswellasCaptainAlban，wenttoagreatdealoftroubletofindit，andIcouldhardlykeepdownmymerrimentwhenthecaptaincalled，beggingtobeexcusedforhavingleftitbehind，andassuringmethathewouldtakecaretoforwardittomeinlessthanthreeweeks。

Thefriar，whohadtoremainwithmefourweeks，expectedtoliveatmyexpense，while，onthecontrary，hehadbeensentbyProvidencetokeepme。Hehadprovisionsenoughforoneweek，butitwasnecessarytothinkofthefuture。

Aftersupper，Idrewamostaffectingpictureofmyposition，shewingthatIshouldbeinneedofeverythinguntilmyarrivalatRome，whereIwasgoing，Isaid，tofillthepostofsecretaryofmemorials，andmyastonishmentmaybeimaginedwhenIsawtheblockheaddelightedattherecitalofmymisfortunes。

"IundertaketotakecareofyouuntilwereachRome；onlytellmewhetheryoucanwrite。"

"Whataquestion！Areyoujoking？"

"WhyshouldI？Lookatme；Icannotwriteanythingbutmyname。

True，Icanwriteitwitheitherhand；andwhatelsedoIwanttoknow？"

"Youastonishmegreatly，forIthoughtyouwereapriest。"

"Iamamonk；Isaythemass，and，asamatterofcourse，Imustknowhowtoread。Saint—Francis，whoseunworthysonIam，couldnotread，anthatisthereasonwhyheneversaidamass。Butasyoucanwrite，youwillto—morrowpenaletterinmynametothepersonswhosenamesIwillgiveyou，andIwarrantyouweshallhaveenoughsentheretolivelikefightingcocksallthroughourquarantine。"

Thenextdayhemademewriteeightletters，because，intheoraltraditionofhisorder，itissaidthat，whenamonkhasknockedatsevendoorsandhasmetwitharefusalateveryoneofthem，hemustapplytotheeighthwithperfectconfidence，becausethereheiscertainofreceivingalms。AshehadalreadyperformedthepilgrimagetoRome，hekneweverypersoninAnconadevotedtothecultofSaint—Francis，andwasacquaintedwiththesuperiorsofalltherichconvents。Ihadtowritetoeverypersonhenamed，andtosetdownallthelieshedictatedtome。Helikewisemademesignthelettersforhim，saying，that，ifhesignedhimself，hiscorrespondentswouldseethatthelettershadnotbeenwrittenbyhim，whichwouldinjurehim，for，headded，inthisageofcorruption，peoplewillesteemonlylearnedmen。HecompelledmetofilltheletterswithLatinpassagesandquotations，eventhoseaddressedtoladies，andIremonstratedinvain，for，whenIraisedanyobjection，hethreatenedtoleavemewithoutanythingtoeat。I

madeupmymindtodoexactlyashewished。HedesiredmetowritetothesuperioroftheJesuitsthathewouldnotapplytotheCapuchins，becausetheywerenobetterthanatheists，andthatthatwasthereasonofthegreatdislikeofSaint—Francisforthem。ItwasinvainthatIremindedhimofthefactthat，inthetimeofSaint—Francis，therewereneitherCapuchinsnorRecollets。HisanswerwasthatIhadprovedmyselfanignoramus。Ifirmlybelievedthathewouldbethoughtamadman，andthatweshouldnotreceiveanything，butIwasmistaken，forsuchaquantityofprovisionscamepouringinthatIwasamazed。Winewassentfromthreeorfourdifferentquarters，morethanenoughforusduringallourstay，andyetIdranknothingbutwater，sogreatwasmywishtorecovermyhealth。Asforeatables，enoughwassentineverydayforsixpersons；wegavealloursurplustoourkeeper，whohadalargefamily。Butthemonkfeltnogratitudeforthekindsoulswhobestowedtheircharityuponhim；allhisthankswerereservedforSaint—Francis。

Heundertooktohavemymenwashedbythekeeper；Iwouldnothavedaredtogiveitmyself，andhesaidthathehadnothingtofear，aseverybodywaswellawarethatthemonksofhisorderneverwearanykindoflinen。

Ikeptmyselfinbednearlyallday，andthusavoidedshewingmyselftovisitors。Thepersonswhodidnotcomewrotelettersfullofincongruitiescleverlyworded，whichItookgoodcarenottopointouttohim。ItwaswithgreatdifficultythatItriedtopersuadehimthatthoselettersdidnotrequireanyanswer。

Afortnightofreposeandseveredietbroughtmeroundtowardscompleterecovery，andIbegantowalkintheyardofthelazzarettofrommorningtillnight；butthearrivalofaTurkfromThessaloniawithhisfamilycompelledmetosuspendmywalks，theground—floorhavingbeengiventohim。Theonlypleasureleftmewastospendmytimeonthebalconyoverlookingtheyard。IsoonsawaGreekslave，agirlofdazzlingbeauty，forwhomIfeltthedeepestinterest。Shewasinthehabitofspendingthewholedaysittingnearthedoorwithabookorsomeembroideryinherhand。Ifshehappenedtoraisehereyesandtomeetmine，shemodestlybentherheaddown，andsometimessheroseandwentinslowly，asifshemeanttosay，"Ididnotknowthatsomebodywaslookingatme。"Herfigurewastallandslender，herfeaturesproclaimedhertobeveryyoung；shehadaveryfaircomplexion，withbeautifulblackhairandeyes。SheworetheGreekcostume，whichgaveherpersonacertainairofveryexcitingvoluptuousness。

Iwasperfectlyidle，andwiththetemperamentwhichnatureandhabithadgivenme，wasitlikelythatIcouldfeastmyeyesconstantlyuponsuchacharmingobjectwithoutfallingdesperatelyinlove？I

hadheardherconversinginLinguaFrancawithhermaster，afineoldman，who，likeher，feltverywearyofthequarantine，andusedtocomeoutbutseldom，smokinghispipe，andremainingintheyardonlyashorttime。Ifeltagreattemptationtoaddressafewwordstothebeautifulgirl，butIwasafraidshemightrunawayandnevercomeoutagain；however，unabletocontrolmyselfanylonger，I

determinedtowritetoher；Ihadnodifficultyinconveyingtheletter，asIhadonlytoletitfallfrommybalcony。Butshemighthaverefusedtopickitup，andthisistheplanIadoptedinordernottoriskanyunpleasantresult。

Availingmyselfofamomentduringwhichshewasaloneintheyard，I

droppedfrommybalconyasmallpieceofpaperfoldedlikealetter，butIhadtakencarenottowriteanythingonit，andheldthetrueletterinmyhand。AssoonasIsawherstoopingdowntopickupthefirst，Iquicklylettheseconddropatherfeet，andsheputbothintoherpocket。Afewminutesafterwardsshelefttheyard。Myletterwassomewhattothiseffect:

"BeautifulangelfromtheEast，Iworshipyou。Iwillremainallnightonthisbalconyinthehopethatyouwillcometomeforaquarterofanhour，andlistentomyvoicethroughtheholeundermyfeet。Wecanspeaksoftly，andinordertohearmeyoucanclimbuptothetopofthebaleofgoodswhichliesbeneaththesamehole。"

Ibeggedfrommykeepernottolockmeinashedideverynight，andheconsentedonconditionthathewouldwatchme，forifIhadjumpeddownintheyardhislifemighthavebeenthepenalty，andhepromisednottodisturbmeonthebalcony。

Atmidnight，asIwasbeginningtogiveherup，shecarneforward。I

thenlaidmyselfflatonthefloorofthebalcony，andIplacedmyheadagainstthehole，aboutsixinchessquare。Isawherjumponthebale，andherheadreachedwithinafootfromthebalcony。Shewascompelledtosteadyherselfwithonehandagainstthewallforfearoffalling，andinthatpositionwetalkedoflove，ofardentdesires，ofobstacles，ofimpossibilities，andofcunningartifices。

ItoldherthereasonforwhichIdarednotjumpdownintheyard，andsheobservedthat，evenwithoutthatreason，itwouldbringruinuponus，asitwouldbeimpossibletocomeupagain，andthat，besides，Godaloneknewwhathermasterwoulddoifheweretofindustogether。Then，promisingtovisitmeinthiswayeverynight，shepassedherhandthroughthehole。Alas！Icouldnotleaveoffkissingit，forIthoughtthatIhadneverinmylifetouchedsosoft，sodelicateahand。Butwhatblisswhenshebeggedformine！

Iquicklythrustmyarmthroughthehole，sothatshecouldfastenherlipstothebendoftheelbow。Howmanysweetlibertiesmyhandventuredtotake！Butwewereatlastcompelledbyprudencetoseparate，andwhenIreturnedtomyroomIsawwithgreatpleasurethatthekeeperwasfastasleep。

AlthoughIwasdelightedathavingobtainedeveryfavourIcouldpossiblywishforintheuncomfortablepositionwehadbeenin，I

rackedmybraintocontrivethemeansofsecuringmorecompleteenjoymentforthefollowingnight，butIfoundduringtheafternoonthatthefemininecunningofmybeautifulGreekwasmorefertilethanmine。

Beingaloneintheyardwithhermaster，shesaidafewwordstohiminTurkish，towhichheseemedtogivehisapproval，andsoonafteraservant，assistedbythekeeper，broughtunderthebalconyalargebasketofgoods。Sheoverlookedthearrangement，andinordertosecurethebasketbetter，shemadetheservantplaceabaleofcottonacrosstwoothers。Guessingatherpurpose，Ifairlyleapedforjoy，forshehadfoundthewayofraisingherselftwofeethigher；butI

thoughtthatshewouldthenfindherselfinthemostinconvenientposition，andthat，forcedtobenddouble，shewouldnotbeabletoresistthefatigue。Theholewasnotwideenoughforherheadtopassthrough，otherwiseshemighthavestooderectandbeencomfortable。Itwasnecessaryatalleventstoguardagainstthatdifficulty；theonlywaywastotearoutoneoftheplanksofthefloorofthebalcony，butitwasnotaneasyundertaking。YetI

decideduponattemptingit，regardlessofconsequences；andIwenttomyroomtoprovidemyselfwithalargepairofpincers。Luckilythekeeperwasabsent，andavailingmyselfoftheopportunity，I

succeededindraggingoutcarefullythefourlargenailswhichfastenedtheplank。FindingthatIcouldliftitatmywill，I

replacedthepincers，andwaitedforthenightwithamorousimpatience。

Thedarlinggirlcameexactlyatmidnight，noticingthedifficultysheexperiencedinclimbingup，andingettingafootinguponthethirdbaleofcotton，Iliftedtheplank，and，extendingmyarmasfarasIcould，Iofferedherasteadypointofsupport。Shestoodstraight，andfoundherselfagreeablysurprised，forshecouldpassherheadandherarmsthroughthehole。Wewastednotimeinemptycompliments；weonlycongratulatedeachotheruponhavingbothworkedforthesamepurpose。

If，thenightbefore，Ihadfoundmyselfmasterofherpersonmorethanshewasofmine，thistimethepositionwasentirelyreversed。

Herhandroamedfreelyovereverypartofmybody，butIhadtostophalf—waydownhers。Shecursedthemanwhohadpackedthebalefornothavingmadeithalfafootbigger，soastogetnearertome。

Verylikelyeventhatwouldnothavesatisfiedus，butshewouldhavefelthappier。

Ourpleasureswerebarren，yetwekeptupourenjoymentuntilthefirststreakoflight。Iputbacktheplankcarefully，andIlaydowninmybedingreatneedofrecruitingmystrength。

MydearmistresshadinformedmethattheTurkishBairambeganthatverymorning，andwouldlastthreedaysduringwhichitwouldbeimpossibleforhertoseeme。

ThenightafterBairam，shedidnotfailtomakeherappearance，and，sayingthatshecouldnotbehappywithoutme，shetoldmethat，asshewasaChristianwoman，Icouldbuyher，ifIwaitedforherafterleavingthelazzaretto。IwascompelledtotellherthatIdidnotpossessthemeansofdoingso，andmyconfessionmadehersigh。Onthefollowingnight，sheinformedmethathermasterwouldsellherfortwothousandpiasters，thatshewouldgivemetheamount，thatshewasyetavirgin，andthatIwouldbepleasedwithmybargain。

Sheaddedthatshewouldgivemeacasketfullofdiamonds，oneofwhichwasaloneworthtwothousandpiasters，andthatthesaleoftheotherswouldplaceusbeyondthereachofpovertyfortheremainderofourlife。Sheassuredmethathermasterwouldnotnoticethelossofthecasket，andthat，ifhedid，hewouldneverthinkofaccusingher。

Iwasinlovewiththisgirl；andherproposalmademeuncomfortable，butwhenIwokeinthemorningIdidnothesitateanylonger。Shebroughtthecasketintheevening，butItoldherthatInevercouldmakeupmymindtobeaccessorytoarobbery；shewasveryunhappy，andsaidthatmylovewasnotasdeepasherown，butthatshecouldnothelpadmiringmeforbeingsogoodaChristian。

Thiswasthelastnight；probablyweshouldnevermeetagain。Theflameofpassionconsumedus。SheproposedthatIshouldliftheruptothebalconythroughtheopenspace。Whereistheloverwhowouldhaveobjectedtosoattractiveaproposal？Irose，andwithoutbeingaMilo，Iplacedmyhandsunderherarms，Idrewheruptowardsme，andmydesiresareonthepointofbeingfulfilled。SuddenlyIfeeltwohandsuponmyshoulders，andthevoiceofthekeeperexclaims，"Whatareyouabout？"Iletmypreciousburdendrop；sheregainsherchamber，andI，givingventtomyrage，throwmyselfflatonthefloorofthebalcony，andremaintherewithoutamovement，inspiteoftheshakingofthekeeperwhomIwassorelytemptedtostrangle。

AtlastIrosefromthefloorandwenttobedwithoututteringoneword，andnotevencaringtoreplacetheplank。

Inthemorning，thegovernorinformedusthatwewerefree。AsI

leftthelazzaretto，withabreakingheart，IcaughtaglimpseoftheGreekslavedrownedintears。

IagreedtomeetFriarStephanoattheexchange，andItooktheJewfromwhomIhadhiredthefurniture，totheconventoftheMinims，whereIreceivedfromFatherLazaritensequinsandtheaddressofthebishop，who，afterperformingquarantineonthefrontiersofTuscany，hadproceededtoRome，wherehewouldexpectmetomeethim。

IpaidtheJew，andmadeapoordinnerataninn。AsIwasleavingittojointhemonk，IwassounluckyastomeetCaptainAlban，whoreproachedmebitterlyforhavingledhimtobelievethatmytrunkhadbeenleftbehind。Icontrivedtoappeasehisangerbytellinghimallmymisfortunes，andIsignedapaperinwhichIdeclaredthatIhadnoclaimwhateveruponhim。Ithenpurchasedapairofshoesandanovercoat，andmetStephano，whomIinformedofmydecisiontomakeapilgrimagetoOurLadyofLoretto。IsaidIwouldawaitthereforhim，andthatwewouldafterwardstraveltogetherasfarasRome。

HeansweredthathedidnotwishtogothroughLoretto，andthatI

wouldrepentofmycontemptforthegraceofSaint—Francis。Ididnotaltermymind，andIleftforLorettothenextdayintheenjoymentofperfecthealth。

IreachedtheHolyCity，tiredalmosttodeath，foritwasthefirsttimeinmylifethatIhadwalkedfifteenmiles，drinkingnothingbutwater，althoughtheweatherwasverywarm，becausethedrywineusedinthatpartofthecountryparchedmetoomuch。Imustobservethat，inspiteofmypoverty，Ididnotlooklikeabeggar。

AsIwasenteringthecity，Isawcomingtowardsmeanelderlypriestofveryrespectableappearance，and，ashewasevidentlytakingnoticeofme，assoonashedrewnear，Isalutedhim，andenquiredwhereIcouldfindacomfortableinn。"Icannotdoubt，"hesaid，"thatapersonlikeyou，travellingonfoot，mustcomeherefromdevoutmotives；comewithme。"Heturnedback，Ifollowedhim，andhetookmetoafine—lookinghouse。Afterwhisperingafewwordstoamanwhoappearedtobeasteward，heleftmesaying，veryaffably，"Youshallbewellattendedto。"

MyfirstimpressionwasthatIhadbeenmistakenforsomeotherperson，butIsaidnothing。

Iwasledtoasuiteofthreerooms；thechamberwasdecoratedwithdamaskhangings，thebedsteadhadacanopy，andthetablewassuppliedwithallmaterialsnecessaryforwriting。Aservantbroughtmealightdressing—gown，andanothercameinwithlinenandalargetubfullofwater，whichheplacedbeforeme；myshoesandstockingsweretakenoff，andmyfeetwashed。Averydecent—lookingwoman，followedbyaservantgirl，cameinafewminutesafter，andcurtsyingverylow，sheproceededtomakemybed。AtthatmomenttheAngelusbellwasheard；everyonekneltdown，andIfollowedtheirexample。Aftertheprayer，asmalltablewasneatlylaidout，IwasaskedwhatsortofwineIwishedtodrink，andIwasprovidedwithnewspapersandtwosilvercandlesticks。AnhourafterwardsIhadadeliciousfishsupper，and，beforeIretiredtobed，aservantcametoenquirewhetherIwouldtakechocolateinthemorningbeforeoraftermass。

AssoonasIwasinbed，theservantbroughtmeanight—lampwithadial，andIremainedalone。ExceptinFranceIhaveneverhadsuchagoodbedasIhadthatnight。Itwouldhavecuredthemostchronicinsomnia，butIwasnotlabouringundersuchadisease，andIsleptfortenhours。

ThissortoftreatmenteasilyledmetobelievethatIwasnotinanykindofhostelry；butwherewasI？HowwasItosupposethatIwasinahospital？

WhenIhadtakenmychocolate，ahair—dresser——quiteafashionable，dapperfellow——madehisappearance，dyingtogiveventtohischatteringpropensities。GuessingthatIdidnotwishtobeshaved，heofferedtoclipmysoftdownwiththescissors，sayingthatI

wouldlookyounger。

"WhydoyousupposethatIwanttoconcealmyage？"

"Itisverynatural，because，ifyourlordshipdidnotwishtodoso，yourlordshipwouldhaveshavedlongago。CountessMarcoliniishere；doesyourlordshipknowher？Imustgotoheratnoontodressherhair。"

IdidnotfeelinterestedintheCountessMarcolini，and，seeingit，thegossipchangedthesubject。

"Isthisyourlordship’sfirstvisittothishouse？Itisthefinesthospitalthroughoutthepapalstates。"

"Iquiteagreewithyou，andIshallcomplimentHisHolinessontheestablishment。"

"Oh！HisHolinessknowsallaboutit，heresidedherebeforehebecamepope。IfMonsignorCaraffahadnotbeenwellacquaintedwithyou，hewouldnothaveintroducedyouhere。"

SuchistheuseofbarbersthroughoutEurope；butyoumustnotputanyquestionstothem，for，ifyoudo，theyaresuretothreatyoutoanimpudentmixtureoftruthandfalsehood，andinsteadofyoupumpingthem，theywillwormeverythingoutofyou。

ThinkingthatitwasmydutytopresentmyrespectfulcomplimentstoMonsignorCaraffa，Idesiredtobetakentohisapartment。Hegavemeapleasantwelcome，shewedmehislibrary，andentrustedmetothecareofoneofhisabbes，amanofparts，whoactedasmyciceroneeverywhere。Twentyyearsafterwards，thissameabbewasofgreatservicetomeinRome，and，ifstillalive，heisacanonofSt。JohnLateran。

Onthefollowingday，ItookthecommunionintheSanta—Casa。Thethirddaywasentirelyemployedinexaminingtheexteriorofthistrulywonderfulsanctuary，andearlythenextdayIresumedmyjourney，havingspentnothingexceptthreepaoliforthebarber。

HalfwaytoMacerata，IovertookBrotherStephanowalkingonataveryslowrate。Hewasdelightedtoseemeagain，andtoldmethathehadleftAnconatwohoursafterme，butthatheneverwalkedmorethanthreemilesaday，beingquitesatisfiedtotaketwomonthsforajourneywhich，evenonfoot，caneasilybeaccomplishedinaweek。

"Iwant，"hesaid，"toreachRomewithoutfatigueandingoodhealth。

Iaminnohurry，andifyoufeeldisposedtotravelwithmeandinthesamequietway，Saint—Franciswillnotfinditdifficulttokeepusbothduringthejourney。"

Thislazyfellowwasamanaboutthirty，red—haired，verystrongandhealthy；atruepeasantwhohadturnedhimselfintoamonkonlyforthesakeoflivinginidlecomfort。Iansweredthat，asIwasinahurrytoreachRome，Icouldnotbehistravellingcompanion。

"Iundertaketowalksixmiles，insteadofthree，today，"hesaid，"ifyouwillcarrymycloak，whichIfindveryheavy。"

Theproposalstruckmeasaratherfunnyone；Iputonhiscloak，andhetookmygreat—coat，but，aftertheexchange，wecutsuchacomicalfigurethateverypeasantwemetlaughedatus。Hiscloakwouldtrulyhaveprovedaloadforamule。Thereweretwelvepocketsquitefull，withouttakenintoaccountapocketbehind，whichhecalled’ilbatticulo’，andwhichcontainedalonetwiceasmuchasalltheothers。Bread，wine，freshandsaltmeat，fowls，eggs，cheese，ham，sausages——everythingwastobefoundinthosepockets，whichcontainedprovisionsenoughforafortnight。

ItoldhimhowwellIhadbeentreatedinLoretto，andheassuredmethatImighthaveaskedMonsignorCaraffatogivemelettersforallthehospitalsonmyroadtoRome，andthateverywhereIwouldhavemetwiththesamereception。"Thehospitals，"headded，"areallunderthecurseofSaint—Francis，becausethemendicantfriarsarenotadmittedinthem；butwedonotmindtheirgatesbeingshutagainstus，becausetheyaretoofarapartfromeachother。Wepreferthehomesofthepersonsattachedtoourorder；thesewefindeverywhere。"

"Whydoyounotaskhospitalityintheconventsofyourorder？"

"Iamnotsofoolish。Inthefirstplace，Ishouldnotbeadmitted，because，beingafugitive，Ihavenotthewrittenobediencewhichmustbeshownateveryconvent，andIshouldevenruntheriskofbeingthrownintoprison；yourmonksareacursedbadlot。Inthesecondplace，IshouldnotbehalfsocomfortableintheconventsasIamwithourdevoutbenefactors。"

"Whyandhowareyouafugitive？"

Heansweredmyquestionbythenarrativeofhisimprisonmentandflight，thewholestorybeingatissueofabsurditiesandlies。ThefugitiveRecolletfriarwasafool，withsomethingofthewitofharlequin，andhethoughtthateverymanlisteningtohimwasagreaterfoolthanhimself。Yetwithallhisfollyhewasnotwentinacertainspeciesofcunning。Hisreligiousprinciplesweresingular。Ashedidnotwishtobetakenforabigotedmanhewasscandalous，andforthesakeofmakingpeoplelaughhewouldoftenmakeuseofthemostdisgustingexpressions。Hehadnotastewhateverforwomen，andnoinclinationtowardsthepleasuresoftheflesh；butthiswasonlyowingtoadeficiencyinhisnaturaltemperament，andyetheclaimedforhimselfthevirtueofcontinence。

Onthatscore，everythingappearedtohimfoodformerriment，andwhenhehaddrunkrathertoomuch，hewouldaskquestionsofsuchanindecentcharacterthattheywouldbringblushesoneverybody’scountenance。Yetthebrutewouldonlylaugh。

Asweweregettingwithinonehundredyardsfromthehouseofthedevoutfriendwhomheintendedtohonourwithhisvisit，hetookbackhisheavycloak。Onenteringthehousehegavehisblessingtoeverybody，andeveryoneinthefamilycametokisshishand。Themistressofthehouserequestedhimtosaymassforthem，andthecompliantmonkaskedtobetakentothevestry，butwhenIwhisperedinhisear，———

"Haveyouforgottenthatwehavealreadybrokenourfastto—day？"heanswered，dryly，———

"Mindyourownbusiness。"

Idarednotmakeanyfurtherremark，butduringthemassIwasindeedsurprised，forIsawthathedidnotunderstandwhathewasdoing。I

couldnothelpbeingamusedathisawkwardness，butIhadnotyetseenthebestpartofthecomedy。Assoonashehadsomehoworotherfinishedhismasshewenttotheconfessional，andafterhearinginconfessioneverymemberofthefamilyhetookitintohisheadtorefuseabsolutiontothedaughterofhishostess，agirloftwelveorthirteen，prettyandquitecharming。Hegavehisrefusalpublicly，scoldingherandthreateningherwiththetormentsofhell。Thepoorgirl，overwhelmedwithshame，leftthechurchcryingbitterly，andI，feelingrealsympathyforher，couldnothelpsayingaloudtoStephanothathewasamadman。Iranafterthegirltoofferhermyconsolations，butshehaddisappeared，andcouldnotbeinducedtojoinusatdinner。ThispieceofextravaganceonthepartofthemonkexasperatedmetosuchanextentthatIfeltaverystronginclinationtothrashhim。InthepresenceofallthefamilyItoldhimthathewasanimpostor，andtheinfamousdestroyerofthepoorchild’shonour；Ichallengedhimtoexplainhisreasonsforrefusingtogiveherabsolution，butheclosedmylipsbyansweringverycoollythathecouldnotbetraythesecretsoftheconfessional。

Icouldeatnothing，andwasfullydeterminedtoleavethescoundrel。

AsweleftthehouseIwascompelledtoacceptonepaoloasthepriceofthemockmasshehadsaid。Ihadtofulfilthesorrydutyofhistreasurer。

Themomentwewereontheroad，ItoldhimthatIwasgoingtopartcompany，becauseIwasafraidofbeingsentasafelontothegalleysifIcontinuedmyjourneywithhim。Weexchangedhighwords；I

calledhimanignorantscoundrel，hestyledmebeggar。Istruckhimaviolentslapontheface，whichhereturnedwithablowfromhisstick，butIquicklysnatcheditfromhim，and，leavinghim，I

hastenedtowardsMacerata。AcarrierwhowasgoingtoTolentinotookmewithhimfortwopaoli，andforsixmoreImighthavereachedFolignoinawaggon，butunfortunatelyawishforeconomymademerefusetheoffer。Ifeltwell，andIthoughtIcouldeasilywalkasfarasValcimare，butIarrivedthereonlyafterfivehoursofhardwalking，andthoroughlybeatenwithfatigue。Iwasstrongandhealthy，butawalkoffivehourswasmorethanIcouldbear，becauseinmyinfancyIhadnevergonealeagueonfoot。Youngpeoplecannotpractisetoomuchtheartofwalking。

Thenextday，refreshedbyagoodnight’srest，andreadytoresumemyjourney，Iwantedtopaytheinnkeeper，but，alas！anewmisfortunewasinstoreforme！Letthereaderimaginemysadposition！IrecollectedthatIhadforgottenmypurse，containingsevensequins，onthetableoftheinnatTolentino。Whatathunderbolt！Iwasindespair，butIgaveuptheideaofgoingback，asitwasverydoubtfulwhetherIwouldfindmymoney。YetitcontainedallIpossessed，saveafewcoppercoinsIhadinmypocket。Ipaidmysmallbill，and，deeplygrievedatmyloss，continuedmyjourneytowardsSeraval。Iwaswithinthreemilesofthatplacewhen，injumpingoveraditch，Isprainedmyankle，andwascompelledtositdownononesideoftheroad，andtowaituntilsomeoneshouldcometomyassistance。

Inthecourseofanhourapeasanthappenedtopasswithhisdonkey，andheagreedtocarrymetoSeravalforonepaolo。AsIwantedtospendaslittleaspossible，thepeasanttookmetoanill—lookingfellowwho，fortwopaolipaidinadvance，consentedtogivemealodging。Iaskedhimtosendforasurgeon，butIdidnotobtainoneuntilthefollowingmorning。Ihadawretchedsupper，afterwhichI

laydowninafilthybed。Iwasinhopethatsleepwouldbringmesomerelief，butmyevilgeniuswaspreparingformeanightoftorments。

Threemen，armedwithgunsandlookinglikebanditti，cameinshortlyafterIhadgonetobed，speakingakindofslangwhichIcouldnotmakeout，swearing，raging，andpayingnoattentiontome。Theydrankandsanguntilmidnight，afterwhichtheythrewthemselvesdownonbundlesofstrawbroughtforthem，andmyhost，whowasdrunk，came，greatlytomydismay，toliedownnearme。Disgustedattheideaofhavingsuchafellowformybedcompanion，Irefusedtolethimcome，butheanswered，withfearfulblasphemies，thatallthedevilsinhellcouldnotpreventhimfromtakingpossessionofhisownbed。Iwasforcedtomakeroomforhim，andexclaimed"Heavens，whereamI？"HetoldmethatIwasinthehouseofthemosthonestconstableinallthepapalstates。

CouldIpossiblyhavesupposedthatthepeasantwouldhavebroughtmeamongstthoseaccursedenemiesofhumankind！

Helaidhimselfdownnearme，butthefilthyscoundrelsooncompelledmetogivehim，forcertainreasons，suchablowinhischestthatherolledoutofbed。Hepickedhimselfup，andrenewedhisbeastlyattempt。BeingwellawarethatIcouldnotmasterhimwithoutgreatdanger，Igotoutofbed，thinkingmyselfluckythathedidnotopposemywish，andcrawlingalongaswellasIcould，IfoundachaironwhichIpassedthenight。Atday—break，mytormentor，calledupbyhishonestcomrades，joinedthemindrinkingandshouting，andthethreestrangers，takingtheirguns，departed。Leftalonebythedepartureofthevilerabble，Ipassedanotherunpleasanthour，callinginvainforsomeone。Atlastayoungboycamein，Igavehimsomemoneyandhewentforasurgeon。Thedoctorexaminedmyfoot，andassuredmethatthreeorfourdayswouldsetmetorights。Headvisedmetoberemovedtoaninn，andImostwillinglyfollowedhiscounsel。AssoonasIwasbroughttotheinn，Iwenttobed，andwaswellcaredfor，butmypositionwassuchthatIdreadedthemomentofmyrecovery。IfearedthatIshouldbecompelledtosellmycoattopaytheinn—keeper，andtheverythoughtmademefeelashamed。IbegantoconsiderthatifIhadcontrolledmysympathyfortheyounggirlsoill—treatedbyStephano，Ishouldnothavefallenintothissadpredicament，andIfeltconsciousthatmysympathyhadbeenamistake。IfIhadputupwiththefaultsofthefriar，ifthisandifthat，andeveryotherifwasconjureduptotormentmyrestlessandwretchedbrain。YetImustconfessthatthethoughtswhichhavetheirorigininmisfortunearenotwithoutadvantagetoayoungman，fortheygivehimthehabitofthinking，andthemanwhodoesnotthinkneverdoesanythingright。

Themorningofthefourthdaycame，andIwasabletowalk，asthesurgeonhadpredicted；Imadeupmymind，althoughreluctantly，tobegtheworthymantosellmygreatcoatforme——amostunpleasantnecessity，forrainhadbeguntofall。Iowedfifteenpaolitotheinn—keeperandfourtothesurgeon。JustasIwasgoingtoproffermypainfulrequest，BrotherStephanomadehisappearanceinmyroom，andburstintoloudlaughterenquiringwhetherIhadforgottentheblowfromhisstick！

Iwasstruckwithamazement！Ibeggedthesurgeontoleavemewiththemonk，andheimmediatelycomplied。

Imustaskmyreaderswhetheritispossible，inthefaceofsuchextraordinarycircumstances，nottofeelsuperstitious！Whatistrulymiraculousinthiscaseisthepreciseminuteatwhichtheeventtookplace，forthefriarenteredtheroomasthewordwashangingonmylips。WhatsurprisedmemostwastheforceofProvidence，offortune，ofchance，whatevernameisgiventoit，ofthatverynecessarycombinationwhichcompelledmetofindnohopebutinthatfatalmonk，whohadbeguntobemyprotectivegeniusinChiozzaatthemomentmydistresshadlikewisecommenced。Andyet，asingularguardianangel，thisStephano！Ifeltthatthemysteriousforcewhichthrewmeinhishandswasapunishmentratherthanafavour。

Neverthelesshewaswelcome，becauseIhadnodoubtofhisrelievingmefrommydifficulties，——andwhatevermightbethepowerthatsenthimtome，IfeltthatIcouldnotdobetterthantosubmittoitsinfluence；thedestinyofthatmonkwastoescortmetoRome。

"Chivapianovasano，"saidthefriarassoonaswewerealone。HehadtakenfivedaystotraversetheroadoverwhichIhadtravelledinoneday，buthewasingoodhealth，andhehadmetwithnomisfortune。Hetoldmethat，ashewaspassing，heheardthatanabbe，secretarytotheVenetianambassadoratRome，waslyingillattheinn，afterhavingbeenrobbedinValcimara。"Icametoseeyou，"

headded，"andasIfindyourecoveredfromyourillness，wecanstartagaintogether；Iagreetowalksixmileseverydaytopleaseyou。Come，letusforgetthepast，andletusbeatonceonourway。"

"Icannotgo；Ihavelostmypurse，andIowetwentypaoli。"

"IwillgoandfindtheamountinthenameofSaint—Francis。"

Hereturnedwithinanhour，buthewasaccompaniedbytheinfamousconstablewhotoldmethat，ifIhadlethimknowwhoIwas，hewouldhavebeenhappytokeepmeinhishouse。"Iwillgiveyou，"hecontinued，"fortypaoli，ifyouwillpromisemetheprotectionofyourambassador；butifyoudonotsucceedinobtainingitformeinRome，youwillundertaketorepayme。Thereforeyoumustgivemeanacknowledgementofthedebt。"

"Ihavenoobjection。"Everyarrangementwasspeedilycompleted；I

receivedthemoney，paidmydebts，andleftSeravalwithStephano。

Aboutoneo’clockintheafternoon，wesawawretched—lookinghouseatashortdistancefromtheroad，andthefriarsaid，"ItisagooddistancefromheretoCollefiorito；wehadbetterputupthereforthenight。"ItwasinvainthatIobjected，remonstratingthatwewerecertainofhavingverypooraccommodation！Ihadtosubmittohiswill。Wefoundadecrepitoldmanlyingonapallet，twouglywomenofthirtyorforty，threechildrenentirelynaked，acow，andacurseddogwhichbarkedcontinually。Itwasapictureofsqualidmisery；buttheniggardlymonk，insteadofgivingalmstothepoorpeople，askedthemtoentertainustosupperinthenameofSaint—

Francis。

"Youmustboilthehen，"saidthedyingmantothefemales，"andbringoutofthecellarthebottleofwinewhichIhavekeptnowfortwentyyears。"Asheutteredthosefewwords，hewasseizedwithsuchafitofcoughingthatIthoughthewoulddie。Thefriarwentnearhim，andpromisedhimthat，bythegraceofSaint—Francis，hewouldgetyoungandwell。Movedbythesightofsomuchmisery，I

wantedtocontinuemyjourneyasfarasCollefiorito，andtowaitthereforStephano，butthewomenwouldnotletmego，andI

remained。Afterboilingforfourhoursthehensetthestrongestteethatdefiance，andthebottlewhichIuncorkedprovedtobenothingbutsourvinegar。Losingpatience，Igotholdofthemonk’sbatticaslo，andtookoutofitenoughforaplentifulsupper，andI

sawthetwowomenopeningtheireyesverywideatthesightofourprovisions。

Weallatewithgoodappetite，and，afteroursupperthewomenmadeforustwolargebedsoffreshstraw，andwelaydowninthedark，asthelastbitofcandletobefoundinthemiserabledwellingwasburntout。Wehadnotbeenlyingonthestrawfiveminutes，whenStephanocalledouttomethatoneofthewomenhadjustplacedherselfnearhim，andatthesameinstanttheotheronetakesmeinherarmsandkissesme。Ipushheraway，andthemonkdefendshimselfagainsttheother；butmine，nothingdaunted，insistsuponlayingherselfnearme；Igetup，thedogspringsatmyneck，andfearcompelsmetoremainquietonmystrawbed；themonkscreams，swears，struggles，thedogbarksfuriously，theoldmancoughs；allisnoiseandconfusion。AtlastStephano，protectedbyhisheavygarments，shakesoffthetoolovingshrew，and，bravingthedog，managestofindhisstick。Thenhelaysabouttorightandleft，strikingineverydirection；oneofthewomenexclaims，"Oh，God！"

thefriaranswers，"Shehasherquietus。"Calmreignsagaininthehouse，thedog，mostlikelydead，issilent；theoldman，whoperhapshasreceivedhisdeath—blow，coughsnomore；thechildrensleep，andthewomen，afraidofthesingularcaressesofthemonk，sheeroffintoacorner；theremainderofthenightpassedoffquietly。

Atday—breakIrose；Stephanowaslikewisesoonup。Ilookedallround，andmysurprisewasgreatwhenIfoundthatthewomenhadgoneout，andseeingthattheoldmangavenosignoflife，andhadabruiseonhisforehead，IshewedittoStephano，remarkingthatverylikelyhehadkilledhim。

"Itispossible，"heanswered，"butIhavenotdoneitintentionally。"

Thentakinguphisbatticuloandfindingitemptyheflewintoaviolentpassion；butIwasmuchpleased，forIhadbeenafraidthatthewomenhadgoneouttogetassistanceandtohaveusarrested，andtherobberyofourprovisionsreassuredme，asIfeltcertainthatthepoorwretcheshadgoneoutofthewaysoastosecureimpunityfortheirtheft。ButIlaidgreatstressuponthedangerweshouldrunbyremaininganylonger，andIsucceededinfrighteningthefriaroutofthehouse。WesoonmetawaggonergoingtoFolligno；I

persuadedStephanototaketheopportunityofputtingagooddistancebetweenusandthesceneofourlastadventures；and，aswewereeatingourbreakfastatFolligno，wesawanotherwaggon，quiteempty，gotaliftinitforatrifle，andthusrodetoPisignano，whereadevoutpersongaveusacharitablewelcome，andIsleptsoundlythroughthenightwithoutthedreadofbeingarrested。

EarlythenextdaywereachedSpoleti，whereBrotherStephanohadtwobenefactors，and，carefulnottogiveeitherofthemacauseofjealousy，hefavouredboth；wedinedwiththefirst，whoentertaineduslikeprinces，andwehadsupperandlodginginthehouseofthesecond，awealthywinemerchant，andthefatherofalargeanddelightfulfamily。Hegaveusadelicioussupper，andeverythingwouldhavegoneonpleasantlyhadnotthefriar，alreadyexcitedbyhisgooddinner，madehimselfquitedrunk。Inthatstate，thinkingtopleasehisnewhost，hebegantoabusetheother，greatlytomyannoyance；hesaidthewinehehadgivenustodrinkwasadulterated，andthatthemanwasathief。Igavehimthelietohisface，andcalledhimascoundrel。Thehostandhiswifepacifiedme，sayingthattheywerewellacquaintedwiththeirneighbour，andknewwhattothinkofhim；butthemonkthrewhisnapkinatmyface，andthehosttookhimveryquietlybythearmandputhimtobedinaroominwhichhelockedhimup。Isleptinanotherroom。

InthemorningIroseearly，andwasconsideringwhetheritwouldnotbebettertogoalone，whenthefriar，whohadslepthimselfsober，madehisappearanceandtoldmethatweoughtforthefuturetolivetogetherlikegoodfriends，andnotgivewaytoangryfeelings；I

followedmydestinyoncemore。Weresumedourjourney，andatSoma，theinn—keeper，awomanofrarebeauty，gaveusagooddinner，andsomeexcellentCypruswinewhichtheVenetiancouriersexchangedwithheragainstdelicioustrufflesfoundinthevicinityofSoma，whichsoldforagoodpriceinVenice。Ididnotleavethehandsomeinn—

keeperwithoutlosingapartofmyheart。

Itwouldbedifficulttodrawapictureoftheindignationwhichoverpoweredmewhen，aswewereabouttwomilesfromTerni，theinfamousfriarshewedmeasmallbagfulloftruffleswhichthescoundrelhadstolenfromtheamiablewomanbywayofthanksforhergeneroushospitality。Thetruffleswereworthtwosequinsatleast。

InmyindignationIsnatchedthebagfromhim，sayingthatIwouldcertainlyreturnittoitslawfulowner。But，ashehadnotcommittedtherobberytogivehimselfthepleasureofmakingrestitution，hethrewhimselfuponme，andwecametoaregularfight。Butvictorydidnotremainlonginabeyance；Iforcedhisstickoutofhishands，knockedhimintoaditch，andwentoff。OnreachingTerni，IwrotealetterofapologytoourbeautifulhostessofSoma，andsentbackthetruffles。

>FromTerniIwentonfoottoOtricoli，whereIonlystayedlongenoughtoexaminethefineoldbridge，andfromthereIpaidfourpaolitoawaggonerwhocarriedmetoCastel—Nuovo，fromwhichplaceIwalkedtoRome。Ireachedthecelebratedcityonthe1stofSeptember，atnineinthemorning。

Imustnotforgettomentionherearatherpeculiarcircumstance，which，howeverridiculousitmaybeinreality，willpleasemanyofmyreaders。

AnhourafterIhadleftCastel—Nuovo，theatmospherebeingcalmandtheskyclear，Iperceivedonmyright，andwithintenpacesofme，apyramidalflameabouttwofeetlongandfourorfivefeetabovetheground。Thisapparitionsurprisedme，becauseitseemedtoaccompanyme。Anxioustoexamineit，Iendeavouredtogetnearertoit，butthemoreIadvancedtowardsitthefurtheritwentfromme。ItwouldstopwhenIstoodstill，andwhentheroadalongwhichIwastravellinghappenedtobelinedwithtrees，Inolongersawit，butitwassuretoreappearassoonasIreachedaportionoftheroadwithouttrees。Iseveraltimesretracedmystepspurposely，but，everytimeIdidso，theflamedisappeared，andwouldnotshewitselfagainuntilIproceededtowardsRome。Thisextraordinarybeaconleftmewhendaylightchaseddarknessfromthesky。

Whatasplendidfieldforignorantsuperstition，iftherehadbeenanywitnessestothatphenomenon，andifIhadchancedtomakeagreatnameinRome！Historyisfullofsuchtrifles，andtheworldisfullofpeoplewhoattachgreatimportancetotheminspiteoftheso—calledlightofscience。Imustcandidlyconfessthat，althoughsomewhatversedinphysics，thesightofthatsmallmeteorgavemesingularideas。ButIwasprudentenoughnottomentionthecircumstancetoanyone。

WhenIreachedtheancientcapitaloftheworld，Ipossessedonlysevenpaoli，andconsequentlyIdidnotloiterabout。Ipaidnoattentiontothesplendidentrancethroughthegateofthepolartrees，whichisbymistakepompouslycalledofthepeople，ortothebeautifulsquareofthesamename，ortotheportalsofthemagnificentchurches，ortoallthestatelybuildingswhichgenerallystrikethetravellerasheentersthecity。IwentstraighttowardsMonte—Magnanopoli，where，accordingtotheaddressgiventome，Iwastofindthebishop。ThereIwasinformedthathehadleftRometendaysbefore，leavinginstructionstosendmetoNaplesfreeofexpense。AcoachwastostartforNaplesthenextday；notcaringtoseeRome，Iwenttobeduntilthetimeforthedepartureofthecoach。ItravelledwiththreelowfellowstowhomIdidnotaddressonewordthroughthewholeofthejourney。IenteredNaplesonthe6thdayofSeptember。

IwentimmediatelytotheaddresswhichhadbeengiventomeinRome；

thebishopwasnotthere。IcalledattheConventoftheMinims，andIfoundthathehadleftNaplestoproceedtoMartorano。Ienquiredwhetherhehadleftanyinstructionsforme，butallinvain，noonecouldgivemeanyinformation。AndthereIwas，aloneinalargecity，withoutafriend，witheightcarliniinmypocket，andnotknowingwhattodo！Butnevermind；fatecallsmetoMartorano，andtoMartoranoImustgo。Thedistance，afterall，isonlytwohundredmiles。

IfoundseveraldriversstartingforCosenza，butwhentheyheardthatIhadnoluggage，theyrefusedtotakeme，unlessIpaidinadvance。Theywerequiteright，buttheirprudenceplacedmeunderthenecessityofgoingonfoot。YetIfeltImustreachMartorano，andImadeupmymindtowalkthedistance，beggingfoodandlodgingliketheveryreverendBrotherStephano。

FirstofallImadealightmealforonefourthofmymoney，and，havingbeeninformedthatIhadtofollowtheSalernoroad，IwenttowardsPorticiwhereIarrivedinanhourandahalf。Ialreadyfeltratherfatigued；mylegs，ifnotmyhead，tookmetoaninn，whereIorderedaroomandsomesupper。Iwasservedingoodstyle，myappetitewasexcellent，andIpassedaquietnightinacomfortablebed。InthemorningItoldtheinn—keeperthatIwouldreturnformydinner，andIwentouttovisittheroyalpalace。AsI

passedthroughthegate，Iwasmetbyamanofprepossessingappearance，dressedintheeasternfashion，whoofferedtoshewmealloverthepalace，sayingthatIwouldthussavemymoney。Iwasinapositiontoacceptanyoffer；Ithankedhimforhiskindness。

HappeningduringtheconversationtostatethatIwasaVenetian，hetoldmethathewasmysubject，sincehecamefromZante。I

acknowledgedhispolitecomplimentwithareverence。

"Ihave，"hesaid，"someveryexcellentmuscatelwine’grownintheEast，whichIcouldsellyoucheap。"

"Imightbuysome，butIwarnyouIamagoodjudge。"

"Somuchthebetter。Whichdoyouprefer？"

"TheCerigowine。"

"Youareright。IhavesomerareCerigomuscatel，andwecantasteitifyouhavenoobjectiontodinewithme。"

"Nonewhatever。"

"IcanlikewisegiveyouthewinesofSamosandCephalonia。Ihavealsoaquantityofminerals，plentyofvitriol，cinnabar，antimony，andonehundredquintalsofmercury。"

"Areallthesegoodshere？"

"No，theyareinNaples。HereIhaveonlythemuscatelwineandthemercury。"