第12章

IfoundoutthatIcouldnotobtainapassport，forthesimplereasonthattheauthoritiesofthecitypersistedthatitwasnotnecessary；

butIknewbetter，anditwasnotformetotellthemwhy。I

resolvedtowritetotheFrenchofficerwhohadtreatedmesowellattheguardhouse。IbeggedhimtoenquireatthewarofficewhethermypassporthadarrivedfromRome，and，ifso，toforwardittome。I

alsoaskedhimtofindouttheownerofthehorsewhohadrunawaywithme，offeringtopayforit。ImadeupmymindtowaitforThereseinBologna，andIinformedherofmydecision，entreatinghertowriteveryoften。ThereaderwillsoonknowthenewresolutionI

tookontheverysameday。

EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798

VENETIANYEARS，Volume1c——MILITARYCAREER

THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR

MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED

BYARTHURSYMONS。

MILITARYCAREER

CHAPTERXIII

IRenouncetheClericalProfession，andEntertheMilitaryService——

ThereseLeavesforNaples，andIGotoVenice——IAmAppointedEnsignintheArmyofMyNativeCountry——IEmbarkforCorfu，andLandatOrseratoTakeaWalkIhadbeencareful，onmyarrivalinBologna，totakeupmyquartersatasmallinn，soasnottoattractanynotice，andassoonasIhaddispatchedmyletterstoThereseandtheFrenchofficer，Ithoughtofpurchasingsomelinen，asitwasatleastdoubtfulwhetherIshouldevergetmytrunk。Ideemeditexpedienttoordersomeclotheslikewise。Iwasthusruminating，whenitsuddenlystruckmethatI

wasnotlikelynowtosucceedintheChurch，butfeelinggreatuncertaintyastotheprofessionIoughttoadopt，Itookafancytotransformmyselfintoanofficer，asitwasevidentthatIhadnottoaccounttoanyoneformyactions。Itwasaverynaturalfancyatmyage，forIhadjustpassedthroughtwoarmiesinwhichIhadseennorespectpaidtoanygarbbuttothemilitaryuniform，andIdidnotseewhyIshouldnotcausemyselftoberespectedlikewise。Besides，IwasthinkingofreturningtoVenice，andfeltgreatdelightattheideaofshewingmyselfthereinthegarbofhonour，forIhadbeenratherill—treatedinthatofreligion。

Ienquiredforagoodtailor:deathwasbroughttome，forthetailorsenttomewasnamedMorte。IexplainedtohimhowIwantedmyuniformmade，Ichosethecloth，hetookmymeasure，andthenextdayIwastransformedintoafollowerofMars。Iprocuredalongsword，andwithmyfinecaneinhand，withawell—brushedhatornamentedwithablackcockade，andwearingalongfalsepigtail，Isalliedforthandwalkedalloverthecity。

IbethoughtmyselfthattheimportanceofmynewcallingrequiredabetterandmoreshowylodgingthantheoneIhadsecuredonmyarrival，andImovedtothebestinn。IlikeevennowtorecollectthepleasingimpressionIfeltwhenIwasabletoadmiremyselffulllengthinalargemirror。Iwashighlypleasedwithmyownperson！

Ithoughtmyselfmadebynaturetowearandtohonourthemilitarycostume，whichIhadadoptedthroughthemostfortunateimpulse。

Certainthatnobodyknewme，Ienjoyedbyanticipationalltheconjectureswhichpeoplewouldindulgeinrespectingme，whenImademyfirstappearanceinthemostfashionablecaf？ofthetown。

Myuniformwaswhite，thevestblue，agoldandsilvershoulder—knot，andasword—knotofthesamematerial。Verywellpleasedwithmygrandappearance，Iwenttothecoffee—room，and，takingsomechocolate，begantoreadthenewspapers，quiteatmyease，anddelightedtoseethateverybodywaspuzzled。Aboldindividual，inthehopeofgettingmeintoconversation，cametomeandaddressedme；Iansweredhimwithamonosyllable，andIobservedthateveryonewasatalosswhattomakeofme。WhenIhadsufficientlyenjoyedpublicadmirationinthecoffee—room，Ipromenadedinthebusiestthoroughfaresofthecity，andreturnedtotheinn，whereIhaddinnerbymyself。

Ihadjustconcludedmyrepastwhenmylandlordpresentedhimselfwiththetravellers’book，inwhichhewantedtoregistermyname。

"Casanova。"

"Yourprofession，ifyouplease，sir？"

"Officer。"

"Inwhichservice？"

"None。"

"Yournativeplace？"

"Venice。"

"Wheredoyoucomefrom？"

"Thatisnobusinessofyours。"

Thisanswer，whichIthoughtwasinkeepingwithmyexternalappearance，hadthedesiredeffect:thelandlordbowedhimselfout，andIfelthighlypleasedwithmyself，forIknewthatIshouldenjoyperfectfreedominBologna，andIwascertainthatminehosthadvisitedmeattheinstanceofsomecuriouspersoneagertoknowwhoI

was。

ThenextdayIcalledonM。Orsi，thebanker，tocashmybillofexchange，andtookanotherforsixhundredsequinsonVenice，andonehundredsequinsingoldafterwhichIagainexhibitedmyselfinthepublicplaces。Twodaysafterwards，whilstIwastakingmycoffeeafterdinner，thebankerOrsiwasannounced。Idesiredhimtobeshewnin，andhemadehisappearanceaccompaniedmyMonsignorCornaro，whomIfeignednottoknow。M。Orsiremarkedthathehadcalledtooffermehisservicesformylettersofexchange，andintroducedtheprelate。Iroseandexpressedmygratificationatmakinghisacquaintance。"Butwehavemetbefore，"hereplied，"atVeniceandRome。"Assuminganairofblanksurprise，Itoldhimhemustcertainlybemistaken。Theprelate，thinkinghecouldguessthereasonofmyreserve，didnotinsist，andapologized。Iofferedhimacupofcoffee，whichheaccepted，and，onleavingme，hebeggedthehonourofmycompanytobreakfastthenextday。

Imadeupmymindtopersistinmydenials，andcalledupontheprelate，whogavemeapolitewelcome。HewasthenapostolicprothonotaryinBologna。Breakfastwasserved，andasweweresippingourchocolate，hetoldmethatIhadmostlikelysomegoodreasonstowarrantmyreserve，butthatIwaswrongnottotrusthim，themoresothattheaffairinquestiondidmegreathonour。"Idonotknow，"saidI，"whataffairyouarealludingto。"Hethenhandedmeanewspaper，tellingmetoreadaparagraphwhichhepointedout。

MyastonishmentmaybeimaginedwhenIreadthefollowingcorrespondencefromPesaro:"M。deCasanova，anofficerintheserviceofthequeen，hasdesertedafterhavingkilledhiscaptaininaduel；thecircumstancesoftheduelarenotknown；allthathasbeenascertainedisthatM。deCasanovahastakentheroadtoRimini，ridingthehorsebelongingtothecaptain，whowaskilledonthespot。"

Inspiteofmysurprise，andofthedifficultyIhadinkeepingmygravityatthereadingoftheparagraph，inwhichsomuchuntruthwasblendedwithsolittlethatwasreal，Imanagedtokeepaseriouscountenance，andItoldtheprelatethattheCasanovaspokenofinthenewspapermustbeanotherman。

"Thatmaybe，butyouarecertainlytheCasanovaIknewamonthagoatCardinalAcquaviva’s，andtwoyearsagoatthehouseofmysister，MadameLovedan，inVenice。BesidestheAnconabankerspeaksofyouasanecclesiasticinhisletterofadvicetoM。Orsi:"

"Verywell，monsignor；yourexcellencycompelsmetoagreetomybeingthesameCasanova，butIentreatyounottoaskmeanymorequestionsasIamboundinhonourtoobservethestrictestreserve。"

"Thatisenoughforme，andIamsatisfied。Letustalkofsomethingelse。"

Iwasamusedatthefalsereportswhichwerebeingcirculatedaboutme，and，Ibecamefromthatmomentathoroughscepticonthesubjectofhistoricaltruth。Ienjoyed，however，verygreatpleasureinthinkingthatmyreservehadfedthebeliefofmybeingtheCasanovamentionedinthenewspaper。IfeltcertainthattheprelatewouldwritethewholeaffairtoVenice，whereitwoulddomegreathonour，atleastuntilthetruthshouldbeknown，andinthatcasemyreservewouldbejustified，besides，Ishouldthenmostlikelybefaraway。

ImadeupmymindtogotoVeniceassoonasIheardfromTherese，asIthoughtthatIcouldwaitforhertheremorecomfortablythaninBologna，andinmynativeplacetherewasnothingtohindermefrommarryingheropenly。InthemeantimethefablefromPesaroamusedmeagooddeal，andIexpectedeverydaytoseeitdeniedinsomenewspaper。TherealofficerCasanovamusthavelaughedattheaccusationbroughtagainsthimofhavingrunawaywiththehorse，asmuchasIlaughedatthecapricewhichhadmetamorphosedmeintoanofficerinBologna，justasifIhaddoneitfortheverypurposeofgivingtotheaffaireveryappearanceoftruth。

OnthefourthdayofmystayinBologna，IreceivedbyexpressalongletterfromTherese。Sheinformedmethat，onthedayaftermyescapefromRimini，BaronVaishadpresentedtohertheDukedeCastropignano，who，havingheardhersing，hadofferedheronethousandouncesayear，andalltravellingexpensespaid，ifshewouldacceptanengagementasprima—donnaattheSanCarloTheatre，atNaples，whereshewouldhavetogoimmediatelyafterherRiminiengagement。Shehadrequestedandobtainedaweektocometoadecision。Sheenclosedtwodocuments，thefirstwasthewrittenmemorandumoftheduke’sproposals，whichshesentinorderthatI

shouldperuseit，asshedidnotwishtosignitwithoutmyconsent；

thesecondwasaformalengagement，writtenbyherself，toremainallherlifedevotedtomeandatmyservice。Sheaddedinherletterthat，ifIwishedtoaccompanyhertoNaples，shewouldmeetmeanywhereImightappoint，butthat，ifIhadanyobjectiontoreturntothatcity，shewouldimmediatelyrefusethebrilliantoffer，forheronlyhappinesswastopleasemeinallthings。

ForthefirsttimeinmylifeIfoundmyselfinneedofthoughtfulconsiderationbeforeIcouldmakeupmymind。Therese’sletterhadentirelyupsetallmyideas，and，feelingthatIcouldnotansweritaonce，Itoldthemessengertocallthenextday。

Twomotivesofequalweightkeptthebalancewavering；self—loveandloveforTherese。IfeltthatIoughtnottorequireTheresetogiveupsuchprospectsoffortune；butIcouldnottakeuponmyselfeithertolethergotoNapleswithoutme，ortoaccompanyherthere。Ononeside，IshudderedattheideathatmylovemightruinTherese’sprospects；ontheotherside，theideaoftheblowinflictedonmyself—love，onmypride，ifIwenttoNapleswithher，sickenedme。

HowcouldImakeupmymindtoreappearinthatcity，intheguiseofacowardlyfellowlivingattheexpenseofhismistressorhiswife？

WhatwouldmycousinAntonio，DonPoloandhisdearson，DonLelioCaraffa，andallthepatricianswhoknewme，havesaid？ThethoughtofLucreziaandofherhusbandsentacoldshiverthroughme。I

consideredthat，inspiteofmyloveforTherese，Ishouldbecomeverymiserableifeveryonedespisedme。Linkedtoherdestinyasaloverorasahusband，Iwouldbeadegraded，humbled，andmeansycophant。Thencamethethought，Isthistobetheendofallmyhopes？Thediewascast，myheadhadconqueredmyheart。IfanciedthatIhadhituponanexcellentexpedient，whichatalleventsmademegaintime，andIresolvedtoactuponit。IwrotetoTherese，advisinghertoaccepttheengagementforNaples，whereshemightexpectmetojoinherinthemonthofJuly，oraftermyreturnfromConstantinople。Icautionedhertoengageanhonest—lookingwaiting—

woman，soastoappearrespectablyintheworld，and，toleadsuchalifeaswouldpermitmetomakehermywife，onmyreturn，withoutbeingashamedofmyself。Iforesawthathersuccesswouldbeinsuredbyherbeautyevenmorethanbyhertalent，and，withmynature，I

knewthatIcouldneverassumethecharacterofaneasy—goingloverorofacomplianthusband。

HadIreceivedTherese’sletteroneweeksooner，itiscertainthatshewouldnothavegonetoNaples，formylovewouldthenhaveprovedstrongerthanmyreason；butinmattersoflove，aswellasinallothers，Timeisagreatteacher。

ItoldTheresetodirectheranswertoBologna，and，threedaysafter，Ireceivedfromheraletterloving，andatthesametimesad，inwhichsheinformedmethatshehadsignedtheengagement。Shehadsecuredtheservicesofawomanwhomshecouldpresentashermother；

shewouldreachNaplestowardsthemiddleofMay，andshewouldwaitformetheretillsheheardfrommethatInolongerwantedher。

Fourdaysafterthereceiptofthatletter，thelastbutonethatTheresewroteme，IleftBolognaforVenice。BeforemydepartureI

hadreceivedananswerformtheFrenchofficer，advisingmethatmypassporthadreachedPesaro，andthathewasreadytoforwardittomewithmytrunk，ifIwouldpayM。MarcelloBirna，theproveditoreoftheSpanisharmy，whoseaddressheenclosed，thesumoffiftydoubloonsforthehorsewhichIhadrunawaywith，orwhichhadrunawaywithme。Irepairedatoncetothehouseoftheproveditore，wellpleasedtosettlethataffair，andIreceivedmytrunkandmypassportafewhoursbeforeleavingBologna。Butasmypayingforthehorsewasknownalloverthetown，MonsignorCornarowasconfirmedinhisbeliefthatIhadkilledmycaptaininaduel。

TogotoVenice，itwasnecessarytosubmittoaquarantine，whichhadbeenadheredtoonlybecausethetwogovernmentshadfallenout。

TheVenetianswantedthePopetobethefirstingivingfreepassagethroughhisfrontiers，andthePopeinsistedthattheVenetiansshouldtaketheinitiative。Theresultofthistriflingpiquebetweenthetwogovernmentswasgreathindrancetocommerce，butveryoftenthatwhichbearsonlyupontheprivateinterestofthepeopleislightlytreatedbytherulers。Ididnotwishtobequarantined，anddeterminedonevadingit。Itwasratheradelicateundertaking，forinVenicethesanitarylawsareverystrict，butinthosedaysI

delightedindoing，ifnoteverythingthatwasforbidden，atleasteverythingwhichofferedrealdifficulties。

IknewthatbetweenthestateofMantuaandthatofVenicethepassagewasfree，andIknewlikewisethattherewasnorestrictioninthecommunicationbetweenMantuaandModena；ifIcouldthereforepenetrateintothestateofMantuabystatingthatIwascomingfromModena，mysuccesswouldbecertain，becauseIcouldthencrossthePoandgostraighttoVenice。IgotacarriertodrivemetoRevero，acitysituatedontheriverPo，andbelongingtothestateofMantua。

Thedrivertoldmethat，ifhetookthecrossroads，hecouldgotoRevero，andsaythatwecamefromMantua，andthattheonlydifficultywouldbeintheabsenceofthesanitarycertificatewhichisdeliveredinMantua，andwhichwascertaintobeaskedforinRevero。Isuggestedthatthebestwaytomanagewouldbeforhimtosaythathehadlostit，andalittlemoneyremovedeveryobjectiononhispart。

WhenwereachedthegatesofRevero，IrepresentedmyselfasaSpanishofficergoingtoVenicetomeettheDukeofModena（whomI

knewtobethere）onbusinessofthegreatestimportance。Thesanitarycertificatewasnotevendemanded，militaryhonoursweredulypaidtome，andIwasmostcivillytreated。Acertificatewasimmediatelydeliveredtome，settingforththatIwastravellingfromRevero，andwithitIcrossedthePo，withoutanydifficulty，atOstiglia，fromwhichplaceIproceededtoLegnago。ThereIleftmycarrierasmuchpleasedwithmygenerosityaswiththegoodluckwhichhadattendedourjourney，and，takingpost—horses，IreachedVeniceintheevening。IremarkedthatitwastheandofApril，1744，theanniversaryofmybirth，which，tentimesduringmylife，hasbeenmarkedbysomeimportantevent。

TheverynextmorningIwenttotheexchangeinordertoprocureapassagetoConstantinople，butIcouldnotfindanypassengershipsailingbeforetwoorthreemonths，andIengagedaberthinaVenetianshipcalled，OurLadyoftheRosary，CommanderZane，whichwastosailforCorfuinthecourseofthemonth。

Havingthuspreparedmyselftoobeymydestiny，which，accordingtomysuperstitiousfeelings，calledmeimperiouslytoConstantinople，I

wenttoSt:Mark’sSquareinordertoseeandtobeseen，enjoyingbyanticipationthesurpriseofmyacquaintancesatnotfindingmeanylongeranabbe。ImustnotforgettostatethatatReveroIhaddecoratedmyhatwitharedcockade。

Ithoughtthatmyfirstvisitwas，byright，duetotheAbbeGrimani。

Themomenthesawmeheraisedaperfectshriekofastonishment，forhethoughtIwasstillwithCardinalAcquaviva，ontheroadtoapoliticalcareer，andhesawstandingbeforehimasonofMars。Hehadjustleftthedinner—tableasIentered，andhehadcompany。I

observedamongsttheguestsanofficerwearingtheSpanishuniform，butIwasnotputoutofcountenance。ItoldtheAbbeGrimanithatI

wasonlypassingthroughVenice，andthatIhadfeltitadutyandapleasuretopaymyrespectstohim。

"Ididnotexpecttoseeyouinsuchacostume。"

"Ihaveresolvedtothrowoffthegarbwhichcouldnotprocuremeafortunelikelytosatisfymyambition。"

"Whereareyougoing？"

"ToConstantinople；andIhopetofindaquickpassagetoCorfu，asI

havedispatchesfromCardinalAcquaviva。"

"Wheredoyoucomefromnow？"

"FromtheSpanisharmy，whichIlefttendaysago。"

Thesewordswerehardlyspoken，whenIheardthevoiceofayoungnoblemanexclaiming；

"Thatisnottrue。"

"TheprofessiontowhichIbelong，"Isaidtohimwithgreatanimation，"doesnotpermitmetoletanyonegivemethelie。"

Anduponthat，bowingallround，Iwentaway，withouttakinganynoticeofthosewhowerecallingmeback。

Iworeanuniform；itseemedtomethatIwasrightinshowingthatsensitiveandhaughtypridewhichformsoneofthecharacteristicsofmilitarymen。Iwasnolongerapriest:Icouldnotbearbeinggiventhelie，especiallywhenithadbeengiventomeinsopublicamanner。

IcalleduponMadameManzoni，whomIwaslongingtosee。Shewasveryhappytoseeme，anddidnotfailtoremindmeofherprediction。Itoldhermyhistory，whichamusedhermuch；butshesaidthatifIwenttoConstantinopleIshouldmostlikelyneverseeheragain。

AftermyvisittoMadameManzoniIwenttothehouseofMadameOrio，whereIfoundworthyM。Rosa，Nanette，andMarton。Theywereallgreatlysurprised，indeedpetrifiedatseeingme。Thetwolovelysisterslookedmorebeautifulthanever，butIdidnotthinkitnecessarytotellthemthehistoryofmyninemonthsabsence，foritwouldnothaveedifiedtheauntorpleasedthenieces。IsatisfiedmyselfwithtellingthemasmuchasIthoughtfit，andamusedthemforthreehours。Seeingthatthegoodoldladywascarriedawaybyherenthusiasm，ItoldherthatIshouldbeveryhappytopassunderherroofthefourorfiveweeksofmystayinVenice，ifshecouldgivemearoomandsupper，butonconditionthatIshouldnotproveaburdentoherortohercharmingnieces。

"Ishouldbeonlytoohappy，"sheanswered，"tohaveyousolong，butIhavenoroomtoofferyou。"

"Yes，youhaveone，mydear，"exclaimedM。Rosa，"andIundertaketoputittorightswithintwohours。"

Itwastheroomadjoiningthechamberofthetwosisters。Nanettesaidimmediatelythatshewouldcomedownstairswithhersister，butMadameOrioansweredthatitwasunnecessary，astheycouldlockthemselvesintheirroom。

"Therewouldbenoneedforthemtodothat，madam，"Isaid，withaseriousandmodestair；"andifIamlikelytooccasiontheslightestdisturbance，Icanremainattheinn。"

"Therewillbenodisturbancewhatever；butforgivemynieces，theyareyoungprudes，andhaveaveryhighopinionofthemselves:"

Everythingbeingsatisfactorilyarranged，IforceduponMadameOrioapaymentoffifteensequinsinadvance，assuringherthatIwasrich，andthatIhadmadeaverygoodbargain，asIshouldspendagreatdealmoreifIkeptmyroomattheinn。IaddedthatIwouldsendmyluggage，andtakeupmyquartersinherhouseonthefollowingday。

Duringthewholeoftheconversation，Icouldseetheeyesofmytwodearlittlewivessparklingwithpleasure，andtheyreconqueredalltheirinfluenceovermyheartinspiteofmyloveforTherese，whoseimagewas，allthesame，brilliantinmysoul:thiswasapassinginfidelity，butnotinconstancy。

OnthefollowingdayIcalledatthewaroffice，but，toavoideverychanceofunpleasantness，Itookcaretoremovemycockade。IfoundintheofficeMajorPelodoro，whocouldnotcontrolhisjoywhenhesawmeinamilitaryuniform，andhuggedmewithdelight。AssoonasIhadexplainedtohimthatIwantedtogotoConstantinople，andthat，althoughinuniform，Iwasfree，headvisedmeearnestlytoseekthefavourofgoingtoTurkeywiththebailo，whointendedtoleavewithintwomonths，andeventotrytoobtainserviceintheVenetianarmy。

Hisadvicesuitedmeexactly，andthesecretaryofwar，whohadknownmetheyearbefore，happeningtoseeme，summonedmetohim。HetoldmethathehadreceivedlettersfromBolognawhichhadinformedhimofacertainadventureentirelytomyhonour，addingthatheknewthatIwouldnotacknowledgeit。HethenaskedmeifIhadreceivedmydischargebeforeleavingtheSpanisharmy。

"Icouldnotreceivemydischarge，asIwasneverintheservice。"

"AndhowdidyoumanagetocometoVenicewithoutperformingquarantine？"

"PersonscomingfromMantuaarenotsubjecttoit。"

"True；butIadviseyoutoentertheVenetianservicelikeMajorPelodoro。"

AsIwasleavingtheducalpalace，ImettheAbbeGrimaniwhotoldmethattheabruptmannerinwhichIhadlefthishousehaddispleasedeverybody。

"EventheSpanishofficer？"

"No，forheremarkedthat，ifyouhadtrulybeenwiththearmy，youcouldnotactdifferently，andhehashimselfassuredmethatyouwerethere，andtoprovewhatheassertedhemademereadanarticleinthenewspaper，inwhichitisstatedthatyoukilledyourcaptaininaduel。Ofcourseitisonlyafable？"

"Howdoyouknowthatitisnotafact？"

"Isittrue，then？"

"Idonotsayso，butitmaybetrue，quiteastrueasmyhavingbeenwiththeSpanisharmytendaysago。"

"Butthatisimpossible，unlessyouhavebrokenthroughthequarantine。"

"Ihavebrokennothing。IhaveopenlycrossedthePoatRevero，andhereIam。Iamsorrynottobeabletopresentmyselfatyourexcellency’spalace，butIcannotdosountilIhavereceivedthemostcompletesatisfactionfromthepersonwhohasgivenmethelie。

IcouldputupwithaninsultwhenIworetheliveryofhumility，butIcannotbearonenowthatIwearthegarbofhonour。"

"Youarewrongtotakeitinsuchahightone。ThepersonwhoattackedyourveracityisM。Valmarana，theproveditoreofthesanitarydepartment，andhecontendsthat，asnobodycanpassthroughthecordon，itwouldbeimpossibleforyoutobehere。Satisfaction，indeed！Haveyouforgottenwhoyouare？"

"No，IknowwhoIam；andIknowlikewisethat，ifIwastakenforacowardbeforeleavingVenice，nowthatIhavereturnednooneshallinsultmewithoutrepentingit。"

"Comeanddinewithme。"

"No，becausetheSpanishofficerwouldknowit。"

"Hewouldevenseeyou，forhedineswithmeeveryday。"

"Verywell，thenIwillgo，andIwilllethimbethejudgeofmyquarrelwithM。Valmarana。"

IdinedthatdaywithMajorPelodoroandseveralotherofficers，whoagreedinadvisingmetoentertheserviceoftheRepublic，andI

resolvedtodoso。"Iamacquainted，"saidthemajor，"withayounglieutenantwhosehealthisnotsufficientlystrongtoallowhimtogototheEast，andwhowouldbegladtosellhiscommission，forwhichhewantsonehundredsequins。Butitwouldbenecessarytoobtaintheconsentofthesecretaryofwar。""Mentionthemattertohim，"I

replied，"theonehundredsequinsareready。"Themajorundertookthecommission。

IntheeveningIwenttoMadameOrio，andIfoundmyselfverycomfortablylodged。Aftersupper，theaunttoldherniecestoshewme，tomyroom，and，asmaywellbesupposed，wespentamostdelightfulnight。Afterthattheytooktheagreeabledutybyturns，andinordertoavoidanysurpriseincasetheauntshouldtakeitintoherheadtopaythemavisit，weskilfullydisplacedapartofthepartition，whichallowedthemtocomeinandoutofmyroomwithoutopeningthedoor。Butthegoodladybelievedusthreelivingspecimensofvirtue，andneverthoughtofputtingustothetest。

Twoorthreedaysafterwards，M。GrimanicontrivedaninterviewbetweenmeandM。Valmarana，whotoldmethat，ifhehadbeenawarethatthesanitarylinecouldbeeluded，hewouldneverhaveimpugnedmyveracity，andthankedmefortheinformationIhadgivenhim。Theaffairwasthusagreeablyarranged，anduntilmydepartureIhonouredM。Grimani’sexcellentdinnerwithmypresenceeveryday。

TowardstheendofthemonthIenteredtheserviceoftheRepublicinthecapacityofensignintheBalaregiment，thenatCorfu；theyoungmanwhohadlefttheregimentthroughthemagicalvirtueofmyonehundredsequinswaslieutenant，butthesecretaryofwarobjectedtomyhavingthatrankforreasonstowhichIhadtosubmit，ifIwishedtoenterthearmy；buthepromisedmethat，attheendoftheyear，I

wouldbepromotedtothegradeoflieutenant，andhegrantedmeafurloughtogotoConstantinople。Iaccepted，forIwasdeterminedtoserveinthearmy。

M。PierreVendramin，anillustrioussenator，obtainedmethefavourofapassagetoConstantinoplewiththeChevalierVenier，whowasproceedingtothatcityinthequalityofbailo，butashewouldarriveinCorfuamonthafterme，thechevalierverykindlypromisedtotakemeashecalledatCorfu。

Afewdaysbeforemydeparture，IreceivedaletterfromTherese，whoinformedmethattheDukedeCastropignanoescortedhereverywhere。

"Thedukeisold，"shewrote，"butevenifhewereyoung，youwouldhavenocauseforuneasinessonmyaccount。Shouldyoueverwantanymoney，drawuponmefromanyplacewhereyoumayhappentobe，andbequitecertainthatyourlettersofexchangewillbepaid，evenifI

hadtoselleverythingIpossesstohonouryoursignature。"

TherewastobeanotherpassengeronboardtheshipofthelineonwhichIhadengagedmypassage，namely，anobleVenetian，whowasgoingtoZanteinthequalityofcounsellor，withanumerousandbrilliantretinue。Thecaptainoftheshiptoldmethat，ifIwasobligedtotakemymealsalone，Iwasnotlikelytofareverywell，andheadvisedmetoobtainanintroductiontothenobleman，whowouldnotfailtoinvitemetosharehistable。HisnamewasAntonioDolfin，andhehadbeennicknamedBucentoro，inconsequenceofhisairofgrandeurandtheeleganceofhistoilet。FortunatelyIdidnotrequiretobeganintroduction，forM。Grimanioffered，ofhisownaccord，topresentmetothemagnificentcouncillor，whoreceivedmeinthekindestmanner，andinvitedmeatoncetotakemymealsathistable。HeexpressedadesirethatIshouldmaketheacquaintanceofhiswife，whowastoaccompanyhiminthejourney。Icalleduponherthenextday，andIfoundaladyperfectinmanners，butalreadyofacertainageandcompletelydeaf。Ihadthereforebutlittlepleasuretoexpectfromherconversation。Shehadaverycharmingyoungdaughterwhomsheleftinaconvent。Shebecamecelebratedafterwards，andsheisstillalive，Ibelieve，thewidowofProcuratorIron，whosefamilyisextinct。

Ihaveseldomseenafiner—lookingman，oramanofmoreimposingappearancethanM。Dolfin。Hewaseminentlydistinguishedforhiswitandpoliteness。Hewaseloquent，alwayscheerfulwhenhelostatcards，thefavouriteofladies，whomheendeavouredtopleaseineverything，alwayscourageous，andofanequaltemper，whetheringoodorinadversefortune。

Hehadventuredontravellingwithoutpermission，andhadenteredaforeignservice，whichhadbroughthimintodisgracewiththegovernment，foranoblesonofVenicecannotbeguiltyofagreatercrime。ForthisoffencehehadbeenimprisonedintheLeads——afavourwhichdestinykeptalsoinreserveforme。

Highlygifted，generous，butnotwealthy，M。DolfinhadbeencompelledtosolicitfromtheGrandCouncilalucrativegovernorship，andhadbeenappointedtoZante；buthestartedwithsuchasplendidsuitethathewasnotlikelytosavemuchoutofhissalary。SuchamanasIhavejustportrayedcouldnotmakeafortuneinVenice，becauseanaristocraticgovernmentcannotobtainastateoflasting，steadypeaceathomeunlessequalityismaintainedamongstthenobility，andequality，eithermoralorphysical，cannotbeappreciatedinanyotherwaythanbyappearances。Theresultisthatthemanwhodoesnotwanttolayhimselfopentopersecution，andwhohappenstobesuperiororinferiortotheothers，mustendeavourtoconcealitbyallpossiblemeans。Ifheisambitious，hemustfeigngreatcontemptfordignities；ifheseeksemployment，hemustnotappeartowantany；ifhisfeaturesarehandsome，hemustbecarelessofhisphysicalappearance；hemustdressbadly，wearnothingingoodtaste，ridiculeeveryforeignimportation，makehisbowwithoutgrace，becarelessinhismanner；carenothingforthefinearts，concealhisgoodbreeding，havenoforeigncook，wearanuncombedwig，andlookratherdirty。M。Dolfinwasnotendowedwithanyofthoseeminentqualities，andthereforehehadnohopeofagreatfortuneinhisnativecountry。

ThedaybeforemydeparturefromVeniceIdidnotgoout；Idevotedthewholeofthedaytofriendship。MadameOrioandherlovelyniecesshedmanytears，andIjoinedtheminthatdelightfulemployment。DuringthelastnightthatIspentwithbothofthem，thesistersrepeatedoverandover，inthemidstoftherapturesoflove，thattheyneverwouldseemeagain。Theyguessedrightly；butiftheyhadhappenedtoseemeagaintheywouldhaveguessedwrongly。

Observehowwonderfulprophetsare！

Iwentonboard，onthe5thofMay，withagoodsupplyofclothing，jewels，andreadycash。Ourshipcarriedtwenty—fourgunsandtwohundredSclavoniansoldiers。WesailedfromMalamaccatotheshoresofIstriaduringthenight，andwecametoanchorintheharbourofOrseratotakeballast。IlandedwithseveralotherstotakeastrollthroughthewretchedplacewhereIhadspentthreedaysninemonthsbefore，arecollectionwhichcausedmeapleasantsensationwhenIcomparedmypresentpositiontowhatitwasatthattime。

Whatadifferenceineverything——health，socialcondition，andmoney！

IfeltquitecertainthatinthesplendiduniformIwasnowwearingnobodywouldrecognizethemiserable—lookingabbewho，butforFriarStephano，wouldhavebecome——Godknowswhat！

CHAPTERXIV

AnAmusingMeetinginOrsera——JourneytoCorfu——MyStayinConstantinople——Bonneval——MyReturntoCorfu——MadameF。——TheFalsePrince——IRunAwayfromCorfu——MyFrolicsatCasopo——ISurrenderMyselfaPrisoner——MySpeedyReleaseandTriumph——MySuccesswithMadameF。

Iaffirmthatastupidservantismoredangerousthanabadone，andamuchgreaterplague，foronecanbeonone’sguardagainstawickedperson，butneveragainstafool。Youcanpunishwickednessbutnotstupidity，unlessyousendawaythefool，maleorfemale，whoisguiltyofit，andifyoudosoyougenerallyfindoutthatthechangehasonlythrownyououtofthefrying—panintothefire。

Thischapterandthetwofollowingoneswerewritten；theygaveatfulllengthalltheparticularswhichImustnowabridge，formysillyservanthastakenthethreechaptersforherownpurposes。Shepleadedasanexcusethatthesheetsofpaperwereold，writtenupon，coveredwithscribblinganderasures，andthatshehadtakentheminpreferencetonice，cleanpaper，thinkingthatIwouldcaremuchmoreforthelastthanforthefirst。Iflewintoaviolentpassion，butIwaswrong，forthepoorgirlhadactedwithagoodintent；herjudgmentalonehadmisledher。Itiswellknownthatthefirstresultofangeristodeprivetheangrymanofthefacultyofreason，forangerandreasondonotbelongtothesamefamily。Luckily，passiondoesnotkeepmelongunderitssway:’Irasci，celeremtamenetplacabilemesse’。AfterIhadwastedmytimeinhurlingatherbitterreproaches，theforceofwhichdidnotstrikeher，andinprovingtoherthatshewasastupidfool，sherefutedallmyargumentsbythemostcompletesilence。Therewasnothingtodobuttoresignmyself，and，althoughnotyetinthebestoftempers，I

wenttowork。WhatIamgoingtowritewillprobablynotbesogoodaswhatIhadcomposedwhenIfeltintheproperhumour，butmyreadersmustbesatisfiedwithittheywill，liketheengineer，gainintimewhattheyloseinstrength。

IlandedatOrserawhileourshipwastakingballast，asashipcannotsailwellwhensheistoolight，andIwaswalkingaboutwhenIremarkedamanwhowaslookingatmeveryattentively。AsIhadnodreadofanycreditor，Ithoughtthathewasinterestedbymyfineappearance；Icouldnotfindfaultwithsuchafeeling，andkeptwalkingon，butasIpassedhim，headdressedme:

"MightIpresumetoenquirewhetherthisisyourfirstvisittoOrsera，captain？"

"No，sir，itismysecondvisittothiscity。"

"Wereyounotherelastyear？"

"Iwas。"

"Butyouwerenotinuniformthen？"

"Trueagain；butyourquestionsbegintosoundratherindiscreet。"

"Begoodenoughtoforgiveme，sir，formycuriosityistheoffspringofgratitude。Iamindebtedtoyouforthegreatestbenefits，andI

trustthatProvidencehasbroughtyouhereagainonlytogivemetheopportunityofmakinggreaterstillmydebtofgratitudetoyou。"

"WhatonearthhaveIdone，andwhatcanIdoforyou？Iamatalosstoguessyourmeaning。"

"Willyoubesokindastocomeandbreakfastwithme？Myhouseisnearathand；myrefoscoisdelicious，pleasetotasteit，andIwillconvinceyouinafewwordsthatyouaretrulymybenefactor，andthatIhavearighttoexpectthatyouhavereturnedOrseratoloadmewithfreshbenefits。"

Icouldnotsuspectthemanofinsanity；but，asIcouldnotmakehimout，Ifanciedthathewantedtomakemepurchasesomeofhisrefosco，andIacceptedhisinvitation。Wewentuptohisroom，andheleftmeforafewmomentstoorderbreakfast。Iobservedseveralsurgicalinstruments，whichmademesupposethathewasasurgeon，andIaskedhimwhenhereturned。

"Yes，captain；Ihavebeenpractisingsurgeryinthisplacefortwentyyears，andinaverypoorway，forIhadnothingtodo，exceptafewcasesofbleeding，ofcupping，andoccasionallysomeslightexcoriationtodressorasprainedankletoputtorights。Ididnotearneventhepoorestliving。Butsincelastyearagreatchangehastakenplace；Ihavemadeagooddealofmoney，Ihavelaiditoutadvantageously，anditistoyou，captain，toyou（mayGodblessyou！）thatIamindebtedformypresentcomforts。"

"Buthowso？"

"Inthisway，captain。YouhadaconnectionwithDonJerome’shousekeeper，andyoulefther，whenyouwentaway，acertainsouvenirwhichshecommunicatedtoafriendofhers，who，inperfectgoodfaith，madeapresentofittohiswife。Thisladydidnotwish，I

suppose，tobeselfish，andshegavethesouvenirtoalibertinewho，inhisturn，wassogenerouswithitthat，inlessthanamonth，I

hadaboutfiftyclients。Thefollowingmonthswerenotlessfruitful，andIgavethebenefitofmyattendancetoeverybody，ofcourse，foraconsideration。Thereareafewpatientsstillundermycare，butinashorttimetherewillbenomore，asthesouvenirleftbyyouhasnowlostallitsvirtue。YoucaneasilyrealizenowthejoyIfeltwhenIsawyou；youareabirdofgoodomen。MayIhopethatyourvisitwilllastlongenoughtoenableyoutorenewthesourceofmyfortune？"

Ilaughedheartily，buthewasgrievedtohearthatIwasinexcellenthealth。Heremarked，however，thatIwasnotlikelytobesowelloffonmyreturn，because，inthecountrytowhichIwasgoing，therewasabundanceofdamagedgoods，butthatnooneknewbetterthanhedidhowtorootoutthevenomleftbytheuseofsuchbadmerchandise。HebeggedthatIwoulddependuponhim，andnottrustmyselfinthehandsofquacks，whowouldbesuretopalmtheirremediesuponme。Ipromisedhimeverything，and，takingleaveofhimwithmanythanks，Ireturnedtotheship。IrelatedthewholeaffairtoM。Dolfin，whowashighlyamused。Wesailedonthefollowingday，butonthefourthday，ontheothersideofCurzola，wewerevisitedbyastormwhichverynearlycostmemylife。Thisishowithappened:

ThechaplainoftheshipwasaSclavonianpriest，veryignorant，insolentandcoarse—mannered，and，asIturnedhimintoridiculewhenevertheopportunityoffered，hehadnaturallybecomemyswornenemy。’Tantdefielentre—t—ildansl’amed’undevot！’Whenthestormwasatitsheight，hepostedhimselfonthequarter—deck，and，withbookinhand，proceededtoexorciseallthespiritsofhellwhomhethoughthecouldseeintheclouds，andtowhomhepointedforthebenefitofthesailorswho，believingthemselveslost，werecrying，howling，andgivingwaytodespair，insteadofattendingtotheworkingoftheship，theningreatdangeronaccountoftherocksandofthebreakerswhichsurroundedus。

Seeingtheperilofourposition，andtheevileffectofhisstupid，incantationsuponthemindsofthesailorswhomtheignorantpriestwasthrowingintotheapathyofdespair，insteadofkeepinguptheircourage，Ithoughtitprudenttointerfere。Iwentuptherigging，callinguponthesailorstodotheirdutycheerfully，tellingthemthattherewerenodevils，andthatthepriestwhopretendedtoseethemwasafool。ButitwasinvainthatIspokeinthemostforciblemanner，invainthatIwenttoworkmyself，andshewedthatsafetywasonlytobeinsuredbyactivemeans，IcouldnotpreventthepriestdeclaringthatIwasanAtheist，andhemanagedtorouseagainstmetheangerofthegreatestpartofthecrew。Thewindcontinuedtolashtheseaintofuryforthetwofollowingdays，andtheknavecontrivedtopersuadethesailorswholistenedtohimthatthehurricanewouldnotabateaslongasIwasonboard。Imbuedwiththatconviction，oneofthemen，thinkinghehadfoundagoodopportunityoffulfillingthewishesofthepriest，cameuptomeasIwasstandingattheextremeendoftheforecastle，andpushedmesoroughlythatIwasthrownover。Ishouldhavebeenirretrievablylost，butthesharppointofananchor，hangingalongthesideoftheship，catchinginmyclothes，preventedmefromfallinginthesea，andprovedtrulymysheet—anchor。Somemencametomyassistance，andIwassaved。Acorporalthenpointedouttomethesailorwhohadtriedtomurderme，andtakingastoutstickItreatedthescoundreltoasoundthrashing；butthesailors，headedbythefuriouspriest，rushedtowardsuswhentheyheardhisscreams，andI

shouldhavebeenkilledifthesoldiershadnottakenmypart。ThecommanderandM。Dolfinthencameondeck，buttheywerecompelledtolistentothechaplain，andtopromise，inordertopacifythevilerabble，thattheywouldlandmeatthefirstopportunity。Buteventhiswasnotenough；thepriestdemandedthatIshouldgiveuptohimacertainparchmentthatIhadpurchasedfromaGreekatMalamoccojustbeforesailing。Ihadnorecollectionofit，butitwastrue。

Ilaughed，andgaveittoM。Dolfin；hehandedittothefanaticchaplain，who，exultinginhisvictory，calledforalargepanoflivecoalsfromthecook’sgalley，andmadeanauto—da—feofthedocument。Theunluckyparchment，beforeitwasentirelyconsumed，keptwrithingonthefireforhalfanhour，andthepriestdidnotfailtorepresentthosecontortionsasamiracle，andallthesailorsweresurethatitwasaninfernalmanuscriptgiventomebythedevil。Thevirtueclaimedforthatpieceofparchmentbythemanwhohadsoldittomewasthatitinsureditsluckypossessortheloveofallwomen，butItrustmyreaderswilldomethejusticetobelievethatIhadnofaithwhateverinamorousphiltres，talismans，oramuletsofanykind:Ihadpurchaseditonlyforajoke。

YoucanfindthroughoutItaly，inGreece，andgenerallyineverycountrytheinhabitantsofwhichareyetwrappedupinprimitiveignorance，atribeofGreeks，ofJews，ofastronomers，andofexorcists，whoselltheirdupesragsandtoystowhichtheyboastinglyattachwonderfulvirtuesandproperties；amuletswhichrenderinvulnerable，scrapsofclothwhichdefendfromwitchcraft，smallbagsfilledwithdrugstokeepawaygoblins，andathousandgewgawsofthesamedescription。ThesewonderfulgoodshavenomarketablevaluewhateverinFrance，inEngland，inGermany，andthroughoutthenorthofEuropegenerally，but，inrevenge，theinhabitantsofthosecountriesindulgeinknavishpracticesofamuchworsekind。

Thestormabatedjustastheinnocentparchmentwaswrithingonthefire，andthesailors，believingthatthespiritsofhellhadbeenexorcised，thoughtnomoreofgettingridofmyperson，andafteraprosperousvoyageofaweekwecastanchoratCorfu。AssoonasI

hadfoundacomfortablelodgingItookmyletterstohiseminencetheproveditore—generale，andtoallthenavalcommanderstowhomIwasrecommended；andafterpayingmyrespectstomycolonel，andmakingtheacquaintanceoftheofficersofmyregiment，IpreparedtoenjoymyselfuntilthearrivaloftheChevalierVenier，whohadpromisedtotakemetoConstantinople。HearrivedtowardsthemiddleofJune，butinthemeantimeIhadbeenplayingbasset，andhadlostallmymoney，andsoldorpledgedallmyjewellery。

Suchmustbethefateawaitingeverymanwhohasatasteforgambling，unlessheshouldknowhowtofixficklefortunebyplayingwitharealadvantagederivedfromcalculationorfromadroitness，whichdefieschance。Ithinkthatacoolandprudentplayercanmanagebothwithoutexposinghimselftocensure，ordeservingtobecalledacheat。

DuringthemonththatIspentinCorfu，waitingforthearrivalofM。

Venier，Ididnotdevoteanytimetothestudy，eithermoralorphysical，ofthecountry，for，exceptingthedaysonwhichIwasonduty，Ipassedmylifeatthecoffee—house，intentuponthegame，andsinking，asamatterofcourse，undertheadversefortunewhichI

bravedwithobstinacy。Ineverwon，andIhadnotthemoralstrengthtostoptillallmymeansweregone。TheonlycomfortIhad，andasorryonetruly，wastohearthebankerhimselfcallme——perhapssarcastically——afineplayer，everytimeIlostalargestake。Mymiserywasatitsheight，whennewlifewasinfusedinmebytheboomingofthegunsfiredinhonourofthearrivalofthebailo。HewasonboardtheEuropa，afrigateofseventy—twoguns，andhehadtakenonlyeightdaystosailfromVenicetoCorfu。Themomenthecastanchor，thebailohoistedhisflagofcaptain—generaloftheVenetiannavy，andtheproveditorehauleddownhisowncolours。TheRepublicofVenicehasnotontheseaanyauthoritygreaterthanthatofBailotothePorte。TheChevalierVenierhadwithhimadistinguishedandbrilliantsuite；CountAnnibalGambera，CountCharlesZenobio，bothVenetiannoblemenofthefirstclass，andtheMarquisd’AnchottiofBressan，accompaniedhimtoConstantinoplefortheirownamusement。ThebailoremainedaweekinCorfu，andallthenavalauthoritiesentertainedhimandhissuiteinturn，sothattherewasaconstantsuccessionofballsandsuppers。WhenI

presentedmyselftohisexcellency，heinformedmethathehadalreadyspokentotheproveditore，whohadgrantedmeafurloughofsixmonthstoenablemetoaccompanyhimtoConstantinopleashisadjutant；andassoonastheofficialdocumentformyfurloughhadbeendeliveredtome，IsentmysmallstockofworldlygoodsonboardtheEuropa，andweweighedanchorearlythenextday。

WesailedwithafavourablewindwhichremainedsteadyandbroughtusinsixdaystoCerigo，wherewestoppedtotakeinsomewater。

FeelingsomecuriositytovisittheancientCythera，Iwentonshorewiththesailorsonduty，butitwouldhavebeenbetterformeifI

hadremainedonboard，forinCerigoImadeabadacquaintance。I

wasaccompaniedbythecaptainofmarines。

Themomentwesetfootonshore，twomen，verypoorlydressedandofunprepossessingappearance，cametousandbeggedforassistance。I

askedthemwhotheywere，andone，quickerthantheother，answered；

"Wearesentencedtolive，andperhapstodie，inthisislandbythedespotismoftheCouncilofTen。Therearefortyothersasunfortunateasourselves，andweareallbornsubjectsoftheRepublic。

"Thecrimeofwhichwehavebeenaccused，whichisnotconsideredacrimeanywhere，isthatwewereinthehabitoflivingwithourmistresses，withoutbeingjealousofourfriends，when，findingourladieshandsome，theyobtainedtheirfavourswithourreadyconsent。

Aswewerenotrich，wefeltnoremorseinavailingourselvesofthegenerosityofourfriendsinsuchcases，butitwassaidthatwewerecarryingonanillicittrade，andwehavebeensenttothisplace，wherewereceiveeverydaytensousin’monetalunga’。Wearecalled’mangia—mayroni’，andareworseoffthangalleyslaves，forwearedyingofennui，andweareoftenstarvingwithoutknowinghowtostayourhunger。MynameisDonAntonioPocchini，IamofanoblePaduanfamily，andmymotherbelongstotheillustriousfamilyofCampoSan—

Piero。"

Wegavethemsomemoney，andwentabouttheisland，returningtotheshipafterwehadvisitedthefortress。IshallhavetospeakofthatPocchiniinafewyears。

Thewindcontinuedinourfavour，andwereachedtheDardanellesineightortendays；theTurkishbargesmetustheretocarryustoConstantinople。Thesightofferedbythatcityatthedistanceofaleagueistrulywonderful；andIbelievethatamoremagnificentpanoramacannotbefoundinanypartoftheworld。ItwasthatsplendidviewwhichwasthecauseofthefalloftheRoman，andoftheriseoftheGreekempire。ConstantinetheGreat，arrivingatByzantiumbysea，wassomuchstruckwiththewonderfulbeautyofitsposition，thatheexclaimed，"Hereistheproperseatoftheempireofthewholeworld！"andinordertosecurethefulfilmentofhisprediction，heleftRomeforByzantium。IfhehadknowntheprophecyofHorace，orratherifhehadbelievedinit，hewouldnothavebeenguiltyofsuchfolly。Thepoethadsaidthatthe，downfalloftheRomanempirewouldbeginonlywhenoneofthesuccessorsofAugustusbethoughthimremovingthecapitaloftheempiretowhereithadoriginated。TheTroadisnotfardistantfromThrace。

WearrivedattheVenetianEmbassyinPeratowardsthemiddleofJuly，and，forawonder，therewasnotalkoftheplagueinConstantinoplejustthen。Wewereallprovidedwithverycomfortablelodgings，buttheintensityoftheheatinducedthebailitoseekforalittlecoolnessinacountrymansionwhichhadbeenhiredbytheBailoDona。ItwassituatedatBouyoudere。Theveryfirstorderlaiduponmewasnevertogooutunknowntothebailo，andwithoutbeingescortedbyajanissary，andthisorderIobeyedtotheletter。

InthosedaystheRussianshadnottamedtheinsolenceoftheTurkishpeople。Iamtoldthatforeignerscannowgoaboutasmuchastheypleaseinperfectsecurity。

Thedayafterourarrival，ItookajanissarytoaccompanymetoOsmanPacha，ofCaramania，thenameassumedbyCountdeBonnevaleversincehehadadoptedtheturban。Isentinmyletter，andwasimmediatelyshewnintoanapartmentonthegroundfloor，furnishedintheFrenchfashion，whereIsawastoutelderlygentleman，dressedlikeaFrenchman，who，asIenteredtheroom，rose，cametomeetmewithasmilingcountenance，andaskedmehowhecouldservethe’protege’ofacardinaloftheRomanCatholicChurch，whichhecouldnolongercallhismother。Igavehimalltheparticularsofthecircumstanceswhich，inamomentofdespair，hadinducedmetoaskthecardinalforlettersofintroductionforConstantinople，andI

addedthat，thelettersonceinmypossession，mysuperstitiousfeelingshadmademebelievethatIwasboundtodelivertheminperson。

"Then，withoutthisletter，"hesaid，"youneverwouldhavecometoConstantinople，andyouhavenoneedofme？"

"True，butIconsidermyselffortunateinhavingthusmadetheacquaintanceofamanwhohasattractedtheattentionofthewholeofEurope，andwhostillcommandsthatattention。"

Hisexcellencymadesomeremarkrespectingthehappinessofyoungmenwho，likeme，withoutcare，withoutanyfixedpurpose，abandonthemselvestofortunewiththatconfidencewhichknowsnofear，andtellingmethatthecardinal’slettermadeitdesirablethatheshoulddosomethingforme，hepromisedtointroducemetothreeorfourofhisTurkishfriendswhodeservedtobeknown。HeinvitedmetodinewithhimeveryThursday，andundertooktosendmeajanissarywhowouldprotectmefromtheinsultsoftherabbleandshewmeeverythingworthseeing。

Thecardinal’sletterrepresentingmeasaliteraryman，thepachaobservedthatIoughttoseehislibrary。Ifollowedhimthroughthegarden，andweenteredaroomfurnishedwithgratedcupboards；

curtainscouldbeseenbehindthewirework；thebooksweremostlikelybehindthecurtains。

Takingakeyoutofhispocket，heopenedoneofthecupboards，and，insteadoffolios，Isawlongrowsofbottlesofthefinestwines。

Webothlaughedheartily。

"Hereare，"saidthepacha。"mylibraryandmyharem。Iamold，womenwouldonlyshortenmylifebutgoodwinewillprolongit，oratleast，makeitmoreagreeable。

"Iimagineyourexcellencyhasobtainedadispensationfromthemufti？"

"Youaremistaken，forthePopeoftheTurksisveryfarfromenjoyingasgreatapowerastheChristianPope。HecannotinanycasepermitwhatisforbiddenbytheKoran；buteveryoneisatlibertytoworkouthisowndamnationifhelikes。TheTurkishdevoteespitythelibertines，buttheydonotpersecutethem；thereisnoinquisitioninTurkey。Thosewhodonotknowthepreceptsofreligion，saytheTurks，willsufferenoughinthelifetocome；

thereisnoneedtomakethemsufferinthislife。TheonlydispensationIhaveaskedandobtained，hasbeenrespectingcircumcision，althoughitcanhardlybecalledso，because，atmyage，itmighthaveproveddangerous。Thatceremonyisgenerallyperformed，butitisnotcompulsory。"

Duringthetwohoursthatwespenttogether，thepachaenquiredafterseveralofhisfriendsinVenice，andparticularlyafterMarcAntonioDieto。Itoldhimthathisfriendswerestillfaithfultotheiraffectionforhim，anddidnotfindfaultwithhisapostasy。HeansweredthathewasaMahometanashehadbeenaChristian，andthathewasnotbetteracquaintedwiththeKoranthanhehadbeenwiththeGospel。"Iamcertain，"headded，"thatIshalldie—calmerandmuchhappierthanPrinceEugene。IhavehadtosaythatGodisGod，andthatMahometistheprophet。Ihavesaidit，andtheTurkscareverylittlewhetherIbelieveitornot。Iweartheturbanasthesoldierwearstheuniform。Iwasnothingbutamilitaryman；Icouldnothaveturnedmyhandtoanyotherprofession，andImadeupmymindtobecomelieutenant—generaloftheGrandTurkonlywhenIfoundmyselfentirelyatalosshowtoearnmyliving。WhenIleftVenice，thepitcherhadgonetoooftentothewell，itwasbrokenatlast，andiftheJewshadofferedmethecommandofanarmyoffiftythousandmen，IwouldhavegoneandbesiegedJerusalem。

Bonnevalwashandsome，buttoostout。Hehadreceivedasabre—cutinthelowerpartoftheabdomen，whichcompelledhimtowearconstantlyabandagesupportedbyasilverplate。HehadbeenexiledtoAsia，butonlyforashorttime，for，ashetoldme，thecabalsarenotsotenaciousinTurkeyastheyareinEurope，andparticularlyatthecourtofVienna。AsIwastakingleaveofhim，hewaskindenoughtosaythat，sincehisarrivalinTurkey，hehadneverpassedtwohoursaspleasantlyasthosehehadjustspentwithme，andthathewouldcomplimentthebailoaboutme。

TheBailoDona，whohadknownhimintimatelyinVenice，desiredmetobethebearerofallhisfriendlycomplimentsforhim，andM。Venierexpressedhisdeepregretatnotbeingabletomakehisacquaintance。

TheseconddayaftermyfirstvisittohimbeingaThursday，thepachadidnotforgettosendajanissaryaccordingtohispromise。

Itwasabouteleveninthemorningwhenthejanissarycalledforme，Ifollowedhim，andthistimeIfoundBonnevaldressedintheTurkishstyle。Hisguestssoonarrived，andwesatdowntodinner，eightofus，allwelldisposedtobecheerfulandhappy。ThedinnerwasentirelyFrench，incookingandservice；hisstewardandhiscookwerebothworthyFrenchrenegades。

Hehadtakencaretointroducemetoallhisguestsandatthesametimetoletmeknowwhotheywere，buthedidnotgivemeanopportunityofspeakingbeforedinnerwasnearlyover。TheconversationwasentirelykeptupinItalian，andIremarkedthattheTurksdidnotutterasinglewordintheirownlanguage，eventosaythemostordinarything。Eachguesthadnearhimabottlewhichmighthavecontainedeitherwhitewineorhydromel；allIknowisthatIdrank，aswellasM。deBonneval，nexttowhomIwasseated，someexcellentwhiteBurgundy。

TheguestsgotmeonthesubjectofVenice，andparticularlyofRome，andtheconversationverynaturallyfelluponreligion，butnotupondogmaticquestions；thedisciplineofreligionandliturgicalquestionswerealonediscussed。

Oneoftheguests，whowasaddressedaseffendi，becausehehadbeensecretaryforforeignaffairs，saidthattheambassadorfromVenicetoRomewasafriendofhis，andhespokeofhiminthehighestmanner。ItoldhimthatIsharedhisadmirationforthatambassador，whohadgivenmealetterofintroductionforaTurkishnobleman，whomhehadrepresentedasanintimatefriend。Heenquiredforthenameofthepersontowhomtheletterwasaddressed，butIcouldnotrecollectit，andtooktheletteroutofmypocket—book。Theeffendiwasdelightedwhenhefoundthattheletterwasforhimself。Hebeggedleavetoreaditatonce，andafterhehadperusedit，hekissedthesignatureandcametoembraceme。ThisscenepleasedM。

deBonnevalandallhisfriends。Theeffendi，whosenamewasIsmail，entreatedthepachatocometodinewithhim，andtobringme；

Bonnevalaccepted，andfixedaday。

Notwithstandingallthepolitenessoftheeffendi，Iwasparticularlyinterestedduringourcharmingdinnerinafineelderlymanofaboutsixty，whosecountenancebreathedatthesametimethegreatestsagacityandthemostperfectkindness。TwoyearsafterwardsIfoundagainthesamefeaturesonthehandsomefaceofM。deBragadin，aVenetiansenatorofwhomIshallhavetospeakatlengthwhenwecometothatperiodofmylife。Thatelderlygentlemanhadlistenedtomewiththegreatestattention，butwithoututteringoneword。Insociety，amanwhosefaceandgeneralappearanceexciteyourinterest，stimulatesstronglyyourcuriosityifheremainssilent。

Whenweleftthedining—roomIenquiredfromdeBonnevalwhohewas；

heansweredthathewaswealthy，aphilosopher，amanofacknowledgedmerit，ofgreatpurityofmorals，andstronglyattachedtohisreligion。Headvisedmetocultivatehisacquaintanceifhemadeanyadvancestome。

Iwaspleasedwithhisadvice，andwhen，afterawalkundertheshadytreesofthegarden，wereturnedtoadrawing—roomfurnishedintheTurkishfashion，IpurposelytookaseatnearYusufAli。SuchwasthenameoftheTurkforwhomIfeltsomuchsympathy。Heofferedmehispipeinaverygracefulmanner；Irefuseditpolitely，andtookonebroughttomebyoneofM。deBonneval’sservants。WheneverI

havebeenamongstsmokersIhavesmokedorlefttheroom；otherwiseI

wouldhavefanciedthatIwasswallowingthesmokeoftheothers，andthatideawhichistrueandunpleasant，disgustedme。IhaveneverbeenabletounderstandhowinGermanytheladies，otherwisesopoliteanddelicate，couldinhalethesuffocatingfumesofacrowdofsmokers。

Yusuf，pleasedtohavemenearhim，atonceledtheconversationtosubjectssimilartothosewhichhadbeendiscussedattable，andparticularlytothereasonswhichhadinducedmetogiveupthepeacefulprofessionoftheChurchandtochooseamilitarylife；andinordertogratifyhiscuriositywithoutlosinghisgoodopinion，I

gavehim，butwithpropercaution，someoftheparticularsofmylife，forIwantedhimtobesatisfiedthat，ifIhadatfirstenteredthecareeroftheholypriesthood，ithadnotbeenthroughanyvocationofmine。Heseemedpleasedwithmyrecital，spokeofnaturalvocationsasaStoicphilosopher，andIsawthathewasafatalist；butasIwascarefulnottoattackhissystemopenly，hedidnotdislikemyobjections，mostlikelybecausehethoughthimselfstrongenoughtooverthrowthem。

ImusthaveinspiredthehonestMussulmanwithverygreatesteem，forhethoughtmeworthyofbecominghisdisciple；itwasnotlikelythathecouldentertaintheideaofbecominghimselfthediscipleofayoungmanofnineteen，lost，ashethought，inafalsereligion。

Afterspendinganhourinexaminingme，inlisteningtomyprinciples，hesaidthathebelievedmefittoknowtherealtruth，becausehesawthatIwasseekingforit，andthatIwasnotcertainofhavingobtaineditsofar。Heinvitedmetocomeandspendawholedaywithhim，namingthedayswhenIwouldbecertaintofindhimathome，butheadvisedmetoconsultthePachaOsmanbeforeacceptinghisinvitation。Itoldhimthatthepachahadalreadymentionedhimtomeandhadspokenveryhighlyofhischaracter；heseemedmuchpleased。Ifixedadayformyvisit，andlefthim。

IinformedM。deBonnevalofallthathadoccurred；hewasdelighted，andpromisedthathisjanissarywouldbeeverydayattheVenetianpalace，readytoexecutemyorders。

IreceivedthecongratulationsofthebailiupontheexcellentacquaintancesIhadalreadymade，andM。Venieradvisedmenottoneglectsuchfriendsinacountrywherewearinessoflifewasmoredeadlytoforeignersthantheplague。

Onthedayappointed，IwentearlytoYusuf’spalace，buthewasout。

Hisgardener，whohadreceivedhisinstructions，shewedmeeveryattention，andentertainedmeveryagreeablyfortwohoursindoingthehonoursofhismaster’ssplendidgarden，whereIfoundthemostbeautifulflowers。ThisgardenerwasaNeapolitan，andhadbelongedtoYusufforthirtyyears。Hismannersmademesuspectthathewaswellbornandwelleducated，buthetoldmefranklythathehadneverbeentaughteventoread，thathewasasailorwhenhe，wastakeninslavery，andthathewassohappyintheserviceofYusufthatlibertywouldbeapunishmenttohim。OfcourseIdidnotventuretoaddresshimanyquestionsabouthismaster，forhisreservemighthaveputmycuriositytotheblush。

Yusufhadgoneoutonhorseback；hereturned，and，aftertheusualcompliments，wedinedaloneinasummerhouse，fromwhichwehadafineviewofthesea，andinwhichtheheatwascooledbyadelightfulbreeze，whichblowsregularlyatthesamehoureverydayfromthenorth—west；andiscalledthemistral。Wehadagooddinner；therewasnoprepareddishexceptthecauroman，apeculiardelicacyoftheTurks。Idrankwaterandhydromel，andItoldYusufthatIpreferredthelasttowine，ofwhichInevertookmuchatthattime。"Yourhydromel，"Isaid，"isverygood，andtheMussulmanswhooffendagainstthelawbydrinkingwinedonotdeserveanyindulgence；Ibelievetheydrinkwineonlybecauseitisforbidden。"

"Manyofthetruebelievers，"heanswered。"thinkthattheycantakeitasamedicine。TheGrandTurk’sphysicianhasbroughtitintovogueasamedicine，andithasbeenthecauseofhisfortune，forhehascaptivatedthefavourofhismasterwhoisinrealityconstantlyill，becauseheisalwaysinastateofintoxication。"ItoldYusufthatinmycountrydrunkardswerescarce，andthatdrunkennesswasavicetobefoundonlyamongthelowestpeople；，hewasmuchastonished。"Icannotunderstand，"hesaid，"whywineisallowedbyallreligions，whenitsusedeprivesmanofhisreason。""Allreligions，"Ianswered，"forbidexcessindrinkingwine，andthecrimeisonlyintheabuse。"IprovedhimthetruthofwhatIhadsaidbytellinghimthatopiumproducedthesameresultsaswine，butmorepowerfully，andconsequentlyMahometoughttohaveforbiddentheuseofit。Heobservedthathehadnevertakeneitherwineoropiuminthecourseofhislife。

Afterdinner，pipeswerebroughtinandwefilledthemourselves。I

wassmokingwithpleasure，but，atthesametime，wasexpectorating。

Yusuf，whosmokedlikeaTurk，thatistosay，withoutspitting，said，——

"Thetobaccoyouarenowsmokingisofaveryfinequality，andyououghttoswallowitsbalsamwhichismixedwiththesaliva。"

"Isupposeyouareright；smokingcannotbetrulyenjoyedwithoutthebesttobacco。"

"Thatistruetoacertainextent，buttheenjoymentfoundinsmokinggoodtobaccoisnottheprincipalpleasure，becauseitonlypleasesoursenses；trueenjoymentisthatwhichworksuponthesoul，andiscompletelyindependentofthesenses。"

"Icannotrealizepleasuresenjoyedbythesoulwithouttheinstrumentalityofthesenses。"

"Listentome。Whenyoufillyourpipedoyoufeelanypleasure？"

"Yes。"

"Whencedoesthatpleasurearise，ifitisnotfromyoursoul？Letusgofurther。Doyounotfeelpleasedwhenyougiveupyourpipeafterhavingsmokedallthetobaccoinit——whenyouseethatnothingisleftbutsomeashes？"

"Itistrue。"

"Well，therearetwopleasuresinwhichyoursenseshavecertainlynothingtodo，butIwantyoutoguessthethird，andthemostessential。"

"Themostessential？Itistheperfume。"

"No；thatisapleasureoftheorganofsmelling——asensualpleasure。"

"ThenIdonotknow。"

"Listen。Theprincipalpleasurederivedfromtobaccosmokingisthesightofasmokeitself。Youmustneverseeitgooutofthebowlofyourpipe，——butonlyfromthecorneroyourmouth，atregularintervalswhichmustnotbetoofrequent。Itissotrulythegreatestpleasureconnectedwiththepipe，thatyoucannotfindanywhereablindmanwhosmokes。Tryyourselftheexperimentofsmokingapipeinyourroom，atnightandwithoutalight；youwillsoonlaythepipedown。"

"Itisallperfectlytrue；yetyoumustforgivemeifIgivethepreferencetoseveralpleasures，inwhichmysensesareinterested，overthosewhichaffordenjoymentonlytomysoul。"

"FortyyearsagoIwasofthesameopinion，andinfortyyears，ifyousucceedinacquiringwisdom，youwillthinklikeme。Pleasureswhichgiveactivitytooursenses，mydearson，disturbthereposeofoursoul——aproofthattheydonotdeservethenameofrealenjoyments。"

"ButifIfeelthemtoberealenjoyments，itisenoughtoprovethattheyaretrulyso。"

"Granted；butifyouwouldtakethetroubleofanalyzingthemafteryouhavetastedthem，youwouldnotfindthemunalloyed。"

"Itmaybeso，butwhyshouldItakeatroublewhichwouldonlylessenmyenjoyment。"

"Atimewillcomewhenyouwillfeelpleasureinthatverytrouble。"

"Itstrikesme，dearfather，thatyouprefermatureagetoyouth。"

"Youmayboldlysayoldage。"

"Yousurpriseme。MustIbelievethatyourearlylifehasbeenunhappy？"