,,! ,,?ree ,,cities                     
,,rome                                  
,,by                                    
,,emile ,,zola                          
,,translat$ ,,by ,,erne/ ,a4 ,,vizetelly
                                        
,,"p ,,iv        ,x    ,,9 8 anxiety to 
br+ ?+s to a f9i%1 ,pi]re wi%$ to beg9 8
  campaign on ! v next day4 ,b on :om   
%\ld he fir/ call if he  7 to /e] cle> (
 blund]s 9 t intricate & conceit$       
ecclesia/ical _w8 ,! "q greatly p]plex$ 
him2 h[ev]1 on  op5+ 8 door t morn+ he  
luckily p]ceiv$ ,don ,vigilio 9 !       
passage1 & ) a sudd5 inspiration ask$   
him to /ep inside4 ,he  realis$ t ?is ?9
 little man ) ! saffron face1 :o always 
trembl$ ) fev] & display$ su* exagg]at$1
 timor\s discretion1  0 9 reality well  
in=m$1 mix$ up 9 ev]y?+4 ,at "o p]iod x 
_h seem$ to ,pi]re t ! secret>y         
purposely avoid$ him1 d\btless  = fe> ( 
compromis+ himself2 b rec5tly ,don      
,vigilio _h prov$  less unsociable1 z   
?\gh he 7 n f> f %>+ ! impati5ce  :i*   

mu/ be consum+ ! "y ,fr5*man amid/ 8    
long en=c$  inactivity4 ,& s1 on ?is    
occasion1 he did n seek to avoid ! *at  
on :i* ,pi]re 0 b5t4    ,i mu/          
apologise1 said ! latt]1 = ask+ y 9 "h  
:5 ?+s  are 9 su* disord]4 ,b ,i h j    
receiv$ "s m l95 & "s  w9t] clo?+ f     
,p>is4 ,i came1 y "k1 ) j a little      
valise1  mean+ to /ay = a =tnight1 & yet
 ,i've n[ be5 "h = ne>ly  ?ree mon?s1 & 
am no m advanc$ ?an ,i 0 on ! morn+ ( my
  arrival4    ,don ,vigilio nodd$4 ,yes1
 yes1 ,i "k1 said he4    ,!reupon ,pi]re
 expla9$ to him t ,monsignor ,nani _h   
in=m$ him1  ?r\gh ! ,contess9a1 t he n[ 
ought to act & see ev]ybody =  ! def5ce 
( 8 book4 ,b he 0 mu* emb>rass$1 z he   
did n "k  9 :at ord] to make 8 visits s 
t !y might b5efit him4 ,=  in/ance1     
ought he to call 9 ! fir/ place on      
,monsignor ,=n>o1 !  _/consultore_/     
select$ to report on 8 book1 & ^: "n _h 
be5  giv5 him8    ,ah6 exclaim$ ,don    
,vigilio1 quiv]+2 has ,monsignor ,nani  
gone z f>  z t--giv5 y ! report]'s "n8  

,t's ev5 m ?an ,i  expect$4 ,!n1 =gett+ 
8 prud5ce1 yield+ to 8 secret int]e/  9 
! affair1 he resum$3 ,no1 no2 don't beg9
 ) ,monsignor ,=n>o4  ,y\r fir/ visit   
%\ld be a v humble "o to ! ,prefect ( ! 
,congregation ( ! ,index--8 ,em95ce     
,c>d9al ,sangu9etti2 = he  w\ld nev]    
=give y = hav+ (f]$ y\r fir/ homage to  
ano!r  %\ld he "s day he> ( x4 ,&1 aft] 
a pause1 ,don ,vigilio add$1 9  a l[    
voice1 amid/ a fa9t1 fev]i% %iv]3 ,& he 
_/w\ld_/ he> ( x2  ev]y?+ becomes kn[n4 
,aga9 he hesitat$1 & !n1 z if yield+ to 
sudd51 sympa!tic  c\rage1 he took hold (
 ! "y ,fr5*man's h&s4 ,i swe> to y1 my  
de> ,monsieur ,from5t1 he said1 t ,i    
%\ld be v happy to help  y1 = y are a   
man ( simple s\l1 & ,i really beg9 to   
feel worri$  = y4 ,b y mu/ n ask me =   
impossibilities4 ,ah6 if y only         
knew--if ,i c\ld only tell y ( all !    
p]ils :i* surr\nd u6  ,h[ev]1 ,i ?9k ,i 
c repeat to y t y mu/ 9 no wise rely on 
my  patron1 8 ,em95ce ,c>d9al ,boccan]a4
 ,he has express$ absolute  disapproval 

( y\r book 9 my pres5ce on sev]al       
occasions4 ,only he is  a sa9t1 a mo/   
wor?y1 hon\rable man2 &1 ?\gh he won't  
def5d y1  he won't attack y--he w rema9 
neutral out ( reg>d = 8 niece1  :om he  
loves s de>ly1 & :o protects y4 ,s1 :5 y
 see him1  don't plead y\r cause2 x w\ld
 be ( no avail1 & might ev5 irritate    
him4    ,pi]re 0 n p>ticul>ly di/ress$  
by ?is news1 = at 8 fir/  int]view ) !  
,c>d9al1 & on ! few subsequ5t occasions 
:5 he  _h respectfully visit$ him1 he _h
 fully und]/ood t 8 ,em95ce  w\ld nev]  
be o!r ?an an adv]s>y4 ,well1 said he1  
,i w wait on  him to ?ank him = 8       
neutrality4    ,b at ?is all ,don       
,vigilio's t]rors return$4 ,no1 no1     
don't d t2  he w\ld p]haps realise t ,i 
h spok5 to y1 & !n :at a  disa/]--my    
position w\ld be compromis$4 ,i've said 
no?+1 no?+6  ,see ! c>d9als to beg9 )1  
see all ! c>d9als4 ,let x be  und]/ood  
betwe5 u t ,i've said no?+ m4 ,&1 on t  
occasion  at any rate1 ,don ,vigilio    
w\ld speak no fur!r1 b left ! room      

%udd]+ & d>t+ fi]y1 suspici\s glances on
 ei!r side ( !  corridor4    ,pi]re at  
once w5t out to call on ,c>d9al         
,sangu9etti4 ,x 0 t5  o'clock1 & !re 0 a
 *ance t he might f9d him at home4 ,?is 
c>d9al resid$ on ! fir/ floor ( a little
 palazzo 9 a d>k1 n>r[  /reet ne> ,san  
,luigi dei ,francesi499 ,!re 0 "h none (
 ! giant  ru9 full ( pr9cely & melan*oly
 gr&eur amid/ :i* ,c>d9al  ,boccan]a s  
/ubbornly rema9$4 ,! old regulation gala
 suite ( rooms  _h be5 cut d[n j l !    
numb] ( s]vants4 ,!re 0 no  ?rone-room1 
no r$ hat hang+ "u a _/baldac*9o_/1 no  
arm-*air  turn$ to ! wall p5d+ a visit f
 ! ,pope4 ,a c\ple ( ap>tm5ts  s]v$ z   
ante-rooms1 & !n came a _/salon_/ :]e ! 
,c>d9al  receiv$2 & !re 0 no luxury1    
inde$ sc>cely any com=t2 !  furniture 0 
( mahogany1 dat+ f ! empire p]iod1 & !  
hang+s & c>pets 7 du/y & fad$ by long   
use4 ,moreov]1 ,pi]re  _h to wait a long
 "t = admittance1 & :5 a s]vant1        
leisurely  putt+ on 8 jacket1 at la/ set
 ! door aj>1 x 0 only to say t  8       

,em95ce _h be5 away at ,frascati s9ce ! 
previ\s day4      99 ,?is is ! ,fr5*    
*ur* ( ,rome1 & is "u ! protection      
( ! ,fr5* ,gov]nm5t4--,trans4    ,pi]re 
!n rememb]$ t ,c>d9al ,sangu9etti 0 "o (
 ! suburban  bi%ops4 ,at 8 see (        
,frascati he _h a villa :]e he          
occasionally  sp5t a few days :5ev] a   
desire = re/ or "s political motive     
impell$ him to d s4    ,& w 8 ,em95ce   
soon return8 ,pi]re inquir$4    ,ah6 we 
don't "k4 ,8 ,em95ce is poorly1 &       
expressly desir$ u to  s5d nobody to    
worry him4    ,:5 ,pi]re rea*$ ! /reet  
aga9 he felt q bewild]$ by ?is          
disappo9tm5t4 ,at fir/ he wond]$ :e!r he
 _h n bett] call on  ,monsignor ,=n>o   
)\t m ado1 b he recollect$ ,don         
,vigilio's  advice to see ! c>d9als fir/
 ( all1 &1 an inspiration com+ to  him1 
he resolv$ t 8 next visit %\ld be =     
,c>d9al ,s>no1 ^:  acqua9tance he _h    
ev5tually made at ,donna ,s]af9a's      
,mondays4 ,9 spite  ( ,c>d9al ,s>no's   
volunt>y self-effacem5t1 p look$ ^u him 

z  "o ( ! mo/ p[]ful & r$\btable memb]s 
( ! ,sacr$ ,college1  albeit 8 nephew   
,n>cisse ,hab]t decl>$ t he knew no man 
:o %[$  m obtus5ess 9 matt]s :i* did n  
p]ta9 to 8 habitual  occupations4 ,at   
all ev5ts1 ,pi]re ?\ght t ! ,c>d9al1    
al?\gh  n a memb] ( ! ,congregation ( ! 
,index1 might well give him "s  good    
advice1 & possibly br+ 8 great influ5ce 
to be> on 8  colleagues4    ,! "y man   
/raightway betook himself to ! ,palace (
 ! ,propag&a1  :]e he knew he w\ld f9d !
 ,c>d9al4 ,?is palace1 :i* is se5 f  !  
,piazza di ,spagna1 is a b>e1 massive   
corn] pile betwe5 two /reets4  ,&       
,pi]re1 hamp]$ by 8 faulty ,italian1 q  
lo/ himself 9 x1  climb+ to floors :5ce 
he _h to desc5d aga91 & f9d+ himself 9  
a p]fect labyr9? ( /airs1 passages1 &   
halls4 ,at la/ he luckily  came across !
 ,c>d9al's secret>y1 an amiable "y      
prie/1 :om he  _h already se5 at !      
,boccan]a mansion4 ,:y1 yes1 said !     
secret>y1 ,i ?9k t 8 ,em95ce w receive  
y4 ,y did well to  come at ?is h\r1 = he

 is always "h ( a morn+4 ,k9dly foll[   
me1  if y please4    ,!n came a fre%    
j\rney4 ,c>d9al ,s>no1 long a ,secret>y 
( !  ,propag&a1 n[ presid$ ov] !        
commission :i* controll$ !  organisation
 ( wor%ip 9 ^? c\ntries ( ,europe1      
,africa1 ,am]ica1  & ,oceanica :]e      
,ca?olicism _h lately ga9$ a foot+2 & he
 ?us  _h a private room ( 8 own )       
special (fic]s & assi/ants1  reign+ !re 
) ! ultra-me?odical habits ( a          
function>y :o _h  gr[n old 9 8 arm-*air1
 closely surr\nd$ by ne/s ( draw]s1 &   
kn[+ no?+ ( ! _w save ! usual sights ( !
 /reet bel[  8 w9d[4    ,! secret>y left
 ,pi]re on a b5* at ! end ( a d>k       
passage1 :i*  0 light$ by gas ev5 9 full
 daylight4 ,& q a qu>t] ( an h\r  w5t by
 be=e he return$ ) 8 eag]1 affable air4 
,8 ,em95ce is  conf]r+ ) "s mission>ies 
:o are ab\t to leave ,rome1 he said2  b 
x w soon be ov]1 & he told me to take y 
to 8 room1 :]e  y c wait = him4    ,z   
soon z ,pi]re 0 alone 9 ! ,c>d9al's     
sanctum he exam9$ x )  curiosity4       

,fairly spaci\s1 b 9 no wise luxuri\s1 x
 _h gre5 pap]  on its walls1 & its      
furniture 0 ( black wood & gre5 damask4 
,f  two w9d[s ov]look+ a n>r[ side /reet
 a m\rnful light rea*$ !  d>k wall-pap] 
& fad$ c>pets4 ,!re 7 a c\ple ( pi]     
tables &  a pla9 black writ+-table1 :i* 
/ood ne> "o w9d[1 its worn  mole-sk9    
cov]+ litt]$ ) all sorts ( pap]s4 ,pi]re
 drew ne> to  x = a mom5t1 & glanc$ at !
 arm-*air ) damag$1 sunk5 seat1  ! scre5
 :i* %elt]$ x f draughts1 & ! old ink/& 
splot*$ ) ink4 ,& !n1 9 ! lifeless &    
oppressive atmosph]e1  ! disquiet+      
sil5ce1 :i* only ! l[ rumbles f ! /reet 
di/urb$1 he began to gr[ impati5t4      
,h[ev]1 :il/ he 0 s(tly walk+ up & d[n  
he sudd5ly espi$ a  map affix$ to "o    
wall1 & ! sight ( x fill$ him ) su*     
absorb+ ?\ghts t he soon =got ev]y?+    
else4 ,x 0 a col\r$  map ( ! _w1 !      
diff]5t t9ts indicat+ :e!r ! t]ritories 
belong$ to victori\s ,ca?olicism or :e!r
 ,ca?olicism 0 /ill  w>r+ !re aga9/     
unbelief2 ^! la/ c\ntries be+ classifi$ 

z  vic>iates or prefectures1 accord+ to 
! g5]al pr9ciples (  organisation4 ,& ! 
:ole 0 a graphic pres5tm5t ( ! long     
ef=ts  ( ,ca?olicism 9 /riv+ = !        
univ]sal dom9ion :i* x has s\ght  s     
unremitt+ly s9ce its e>lie/ h\r4 ,god   
has giv5 ! _w to ,8  ,*ur*1 b x is      
ne$ful t %e %\ld secure possession ( x  
s9ce  error s /ubbornly abides4 ,f ?is  
has sprung ! et]nal battle1 !  fight :i*
 is c>ri$ on1 ev5 9 our days1 to w9     
nations ov] f  o!r religions1 z x 0 9 ! 
days :5 ! ,apo/les quitt$ ,judaea  to   
spread abroad ! tid+s ( ! ,gospel4 ,dur+
 ! middle ages !  great task 0 to       
organise conqu]$ ,europe1 & ?is 0 too   
absorb+  an ent]prise to all[ ( any     
attempt at reconciliation ) !  dissid5t 
*ur*es ( ! ,ea/4 ,!n ! ,re=mation bur/  
=?1 s*ism  0 add$ to s*ism1 & !         
,prote/ant half ( ,europe _h to be      
reconqu]$ z well z all ! or?odox ,ea/4  
,w>-l ard\r1 h[ev]1 awoke at ! discov]y 
( ! ,new ,_w4 ,rome  0 ambiti\s ( secur+
 t o!r side ( ! e>?1 & missions 7       

organis$ = ! subjection ( races ( :i*   
nobody _h kn[n any?+  ! day be=e1 b :i* 
,god _h1 nev]!less1 giv5 to ,8 ,*ur*1  l
 all ! o!rs4 ,& by degrees ! two great  
divisions (  ,*ri/ianity 7 =m$1 on "o h&
 ! ,ca?olic nations1 ^? :]e  ! fai?     
simply _h to be kept up1 & :i* !        
,secret>iate ( ,/ate  in/all$ at !      
,vatican guid$ ) sov]eign au?ority1 & on
 !  o!r ! s*ismatical or pagan nations  
:i* 7 to be br\ght back to  ! fold or   
conv]t$1 & ov] :i* ! ,congregation ( !  
,propag&a  s\ght to reign4 ,!n ?is      
,congregation _h be5 oblig$ to divide   
itself  into two bran*es 9 ord] to      
facilitate its "w--! ,ori5tal bran*1    
:i* dealt ) ! dissid5t sects ( ! ,ea/1 &
 ! ,lat9 bran*1  ^: au?ority ext5d$ ov] 
all ! o!r l&s ( mission3 ! two  =m+ a   
va/ organisation--a huge1 /rong1 closely
 me%$ net ca/ ov]  ! :ole _w 9 ord] t n 
a s+le s\l might escape4    ,x 0 9      
pres5ce ( t map t ,pi]re = ! fir/ "t    
became  cle>ly consci\s ( ! me*anism :i*
 = c5turies _h be5 work+  to br+ ab\t ! 

absorption ( humanity4 ,! ,propag&a1    
ri*ly d[]$  by ! popes1 & dispos+ ( a   
consid]able rev5ue1 appe>$ to him  l a  
sep>ate =ce1 a papacy )9 ! papacy1 & he 
well und]/ood  t ! ,prefect ( !         
,congregation %\ld be call$ ! ,r$ ,pope1
 =  h[ limitless 7 ! p[]s ( t man (     
conque/ & dom9ation1  ^: h&s /ret*$ f "o
 to ! o!r end ( ! e>?4 ,all[+  t !      
,c>d9al ,secret>y held ,europe1 t       
dim9utive portion ( !  globe1 did n he1 
! ,prefect1 hold all ! re/--! inf9ity ( 
space1  ! di/ant c\ntries z yet almo/   
unkn[n8 ,besides1 /ati/ics %[$  t       
,rome's unconte/$ dom9ion 0 limit$ to   
#bjj millions ( ,apo/olic  & ,roman     
,ca?olics2 :]eas ! s*ismatics ( ! ,ea/ &
 !  ,re=mation1 if add$ toge!r1 already 
exce$$ t numb]1 & h[  small became !    
m9ority ( ! true believ]s :51 besides ! 
s*ismatics1 "o br\ght into l9e ! #ajjj  
millions ( infidels :o yet  rema9$ to be
 conv]t$4 ,! figures /ruck ,pi]re ) a   
=ce :i*  made him %udd]4 ,:at6 !re 7 #e 
million ,jews1 ne>ly #bjj million       

,mahomm$ans1 m ?an #gjj million         
,brahmani/s & ,buddhi/s1 )\t  c\nt+     
ano!r #ajj million pagans ( div]s cre$s1
 ! :ole mak+  #ajjj millions1 & aga9/ ^!
 ! ,*ri/ians c\ld m>%al b>ely m  ?an    
#djj millions1 :o 7 divid$ among        
!mselves1 ev] 9 conflict1  "o half )    
,rome & ! o!r half aga9/ h]899 ,0 x     
possible t  9 #ahjj ye>s ,*ri/ianity _h 
n prov$ victori\s ov] ev5 "o-?ird  (    
mank9d1 & t ,rome1 ! et]nal &           
all-p[]ful1 only c\nt$ a  six? "p ( !   
nations among h] subjects8 ,only "o s\l 
sav$ out (  e six--h[ fe>ful 0 !        
disproportion6 ,h[ev]1 ! map spoke )    
brutal eloqu5ce3 ! r$-t9t$ empire (     
,rome 0 b a speck :5  comp>$ ) !        
yell[-hu$ empire ( ! o!r gods--! endless
  c\ntries :i* ! ,propag&a /ill _h to   
conqu]4 ,& ! "q  arose3 ,h[ _m c5turies 
mu/ elapse be=e ! promises ( ! ,*ri/  7 
realis$1 be=e ! :ole _w 7 ga9$ to       
,*ri/ianity1 be=e  religi\s society     
spread ov] secul> society1 & !re rema9$ 
b "o  k+dom & "o belief8 ,& 9 pres5ce ( 

?is "q1 9 pres5ce (  ! prodigi\s lab\r  
yet to be accompli%$1 h[ great 0 "o's   
a/oni%m5t :5 "o ?\ght ( ,rome's tranquil
 s]5ity1 h] pati5t  /ubbornness1 :i* has
 nev] kn[n d\bt or we>9ess1 h] bi%ops & 
m9i/]s toil+ )\t cessation 9 !          
conviction t %e alone w  "s day be !    
mi/ress ( ! _w6      99 ,"s read]s may  
"q c]ta9 ( ! figures giv5 by ,m4        
,zola1 b x mu/ be rememb]$ t all su*    
calculations      7ev5 ^? ( ! be/       
au?orities7 are l>gely guesswork4       
,i myself ?9k t !re are m ?an #e million
 ,jews1 &      m ?an #bjj millions (    
,mahomm$ans1 b ,i reg>d ! alleg$        
numb] ( ,brahmani/s & ,buddhi/s z       
exagg]at$4 ,on !      o!r h&1 "s        
/ati/ical tables specify #hj millions ( 
,confuciani/s1 ( :om ,m4 ,zola makes no 
sep>ate m5tion4      ,h[ev]1 z reg>ds ! 
numb] ( ,*ri/ians 9 ! _w1 !      figures
 giv5 above are1 )9 a few millions1     
probably      accurate4--,trans4        
,n>cisse _h told ,pi]re h[ c>efully !   
embassies at ,rome wat*$ !  do+s ( !    

,propag&a1 = ! missions 7 (t5 !         
in/rum5ts (  "o or ano!r nation1 &      
ex]cis$ decisive influ5ce 9 f>-away     
l&s4 ,& s !re 0 a cont9ual /ruggle1 9   
:i* ! ,congregation  did all x c\ld to  
fav\r ! mission>ies ( ,italy & h]       
allies4 ,x  _h always be5 jeal\s ( its  
,fr5* rival1 ,l',oeuvre de la           
,propagation  de la ,foi1 in/all$ at    
,lyons1 :i* is z weal?y 9 money z       
itself1  & ri*] 9 m5 ( en]gy & c\rage4  
,h[ev]1 n cont5t )  levell+ tribute on  
?is ,fr5* association1 ! ,propag&a ?w>t$
 x1  sacrific$ x on e occasion :5 x _h  
reason to ?9k x might  a*ieve a victory4
 ,n once or twice1 b ov] & ov] aga9 _h !
  ,fr5* mission>ies1 ! ,fr5* ord]s1 be5 
driv5 f ! sc5es (  _! lab\rs to make way
 = ,italians or ,g]mans4 ,& ,pi]re1 /&+ 
9 t m\rnful1 du/y room1 :i* ! sunlight  
nev] bright5$1  pictur$ ! secret hot-b$ 
( political intrigue mask$ by !         
civilis+ ard\r ( fai?4 ,aga9 he %udd]$ z
 "o %udd]s :5  mon/r\s1 t]rify+ ?+s are 
br\ght home to "o4 ,& might n !  mo/    

s5sible be ov]come8 ,might n ! brave/ be
 dismay$ by !  ?\ght ( t univ]sal eng9e 
( conque/ & dom9ation1 :i* work$  ) !   
/ubbornness ( et]nity1 n m]ely cont5t ) 
! ga9 (  s\ls1 b ev] seek+ to ensure its
 future sov]eignty ov] ! :ole  (        
corporeal humanity1 &--p5d+ ! "t :5 x   
might rule !  nations itself--dispos+ ( 
!m1 h&+ !m ov] to ! *>ge (  ?is or t    
tempor>y ma/]1 9 accordance ) its good  
pleasure4 ,&  !n1 too1 :at a prodigi\s  
dream6 ,rome smil+ & tranquilly await+  
! day :5 %e w h unit$ ,*ri/ians1        
,mahomm$ans1 ,brahmani/s1  & ,buddhi/s  
into "o sole nation1 ( :om %e w be bo? !
  spiritual & ! temporal que56          
,h[ev]1 a s\nd ( c\gh+ made ,pi]re turn1
 & he />t$ on  p]ceiv+ ,c>d9al ,s>no1   
:om he _h n he>d ent]4 ,/&+ 9 front  ( t
 map1 he felt l "o caught 9 ! act ( pry+
 into a secret1  & a deep flu% ov]spread
 8 face4 ,! ,c>d9al1 h[ev]1 aft]  look+ 
at him fix$ly ) 8 dim eyes1 w5t to 8    
writ+-table1 &  let himself drop into ! 
arm-*air )\t say+ a ^w4 ,) a ge/ure  he 

disp5s$ ,pi]re ( ! duty ( kiss+ 8 r+4   
,i desir$ to (f] my homage to y\r       
,em95ce1 said ! "y man4 ,is  y\r ,em95ce
 unwell8    ,no1 no1 x's no?+ b a       
dreadful cold :i* ,i c't get rid (4 ,&  
!n1 too1 ,i h s _m ?+s to att5d to j n[4
    ,pi]re look$ at ! ,c>d9al z he      
appe>$ 9 ! livid light f !  w9d[1 puny1 
lopsid$1 ) ! left %\ld] high] ?an ! "r1 
&  n a sign ( life on 8 worn & a%5      
c\nt5ance4 ,! "y prie/  0 rem9d$ ( "o ( 
8 uncles1 :o1 aft] ?irty ye>s sp5t 9 !  
(fices ( a ,fr5* public dep>tm5t1       
display$ ! same lifeless  glance1       
p>*m5t-l sk91 & we>y hebetation4 ,0 x   
possible t  ?is )]$ old man1 s lo/ 9 8  
black cassock ) r$ edg+1 0  really "o ( 
! ma/]s ( ! _w1 ) ! map ( ,*ri/5dom s   
deeply /amp$ on 8 m9d1 albeit he _h nev]
 left ,rome1 t !  ,prefect ( ! ,propag&a
 did n take a decision )\t ask+ 8       
op9ion8    ,sit d[n1 ,monsieur l',abbe1 
said ! ,c>d9al4 ,s y h come to see      
me--y h some?+ to ask ( me6 ,&1 :il/    
dispos+ himself to  li/51 he /ret*$ out 

8 ?9 bony h&s to f+] ! docum5ts  heap$  
up be=e him1 glanc+ at ea* ( !m l "s    
g5]al1 "s  /rategi/1 pr(\ndly v]s$ 9 !  
sci5ce ( 8 pr(ession1 :o1  al?\gh 8 army
 is f> away1 nev]!less directs x to     
victory f  8 private room1 nev] = a     
mom5t all[+ x to escape 8 m9d4    ,pi]re
 0 some:at emb>rass$ by su* a pla9      
enunciation ( !  int]e/$ object ( 8     
visit2 /ill1 he decid$ to g to ! po9t4  
,yes1 inde$1 he answ]$1 x is a lib]ty ,i
 h tak5 to come &  appeal to y\r        
,em95ce's wisdom = advice4 ,y\r ,em95ce 
is aw>e t  ,i am 9 ,rome = ! purpose (  
def5d+ a book ( m9e1 & ,i %\ld be       
grateful if y\r ,em95ce w\ld help &     
guide me4 ,!n he gave a brief  acc\nt ( 
! pres5t position ( ! affair1 & began to
 plead 8  cause2 b z he cont9u$ speak+  
he notic$ t ! ,c>d9al gave him  v little
 att5tion1 z ?\gh inde$ he 7 ?9k+ (     
some?+  else1 & fail$ to und]/&4    ,ah6
 yes1 ! great man at la/ mutt]$1 y h    
writt5 a book4  ,!re 0 "s "q ( x at     
,donna ,s]af9a's "o ev5+4 ,b a  prie/   

ought n to write2 x is a mi/ake = him to
 d s4 ,:at is !  good ( x8 ,& !         
,congregation ( ! ,index mu/ c]ta9ly be 
9 !  "r if x is prosecut+ y\r book4 ,at 
all ev5ts1 :at c ,i d8 ,i  don't belong 
to ! ,congregation1 & ,i "k no?+1 no?+  
ab\t !  matt]4    ,pi]re1 pa9$ at f9d+  
him s li/less & indiff]5t1 w5t on try+  
to enlight5 & move him4 ,b he realis$ t 
?is man's m9d1 s  f>-rea*+ & p5etrat+ 9 
! field 9 :i* x _h work$ =  =ty ye>s1   
clos$ up z soon z "o s\ght to div]t x f 
its  specialty4 ,x 0 nei!r an           
inquisitive nor a supple m9d4 ,all trace
 (  life fad$ f ! ,c>d9al's eyes1 & 8   
entire c\nt5ance assum$  an expression (
 m\rnful imbecility4 ,i "k no?+1 no?+1  
he  repeat$1 & ,i nev] recomm5d anybody4
 ,h[ev]1 at la/ he made an  ef=t3 ,b    
,nani is mix$ up 9 ?is1 said he4 ,:at   
does ,nani advise  y to d8    ,monsignor
 ,nani has be5 k9d en\gh to reveal to me
 t ! report] is  ,monsignor ,=n>o1 &    
advises me to see him4    ,at ?is       
,c>d9al ,s>no seem$ surpris$ & some:at  

r\s$4 ,a little  light return$ to 8     
eyes4 ,ah6 really1 he rejo9$1 ah6       
really--  ,well1 if ,nani has done t he 
mu/ h "s idea4 ,g & see ,monsignor      
,=n>o4 ,!n1 aft] ris+ & dismiss+ 8      
visitor1 :o 0  compell$ to ?ank him1 b[+
 deeply1 he resum$ 8 seat1 & a mom5t    
lat] ! only s\nd 9 ! lifeless room 0 t (
 8 bony f+]s  turn+ ov] ! docum5ts be=e 
him4    ,pi]re1 9 all docility1 foll[$ !
 advice giv5 him1 & imm$iately  betook  
himself to ! ,piazza ,navona1 :]e1      
h[ev]1 he le>nt f "o  ( ,monsignor      
,=n>o's s]vants t ! prelate _h j gone   
out1 &  t to f9d him at home x 0        
necess>y to call 9 ! morn+ at t5        
o'clock4 ,accord+ly x 0 only on ! foll[+
 day t ,pi]re 0  able to obta9 an       
int]view4 ,he _h previ\sly made         
inquiries & knew  :at 0 necess>y conc]n+
 ,monsignor ,=n>o4 ,born at ,naples1 he 
_h  !re begun 8 /udies "u ! ,b>nabites1 
_h f9i%$ !m at !  ,sem9>io ,romano1 & _h
 subsequ5tly1 = _m ye>s1 be5 a pr(essor 
at ! ,univ]sity ,gregoriana4 ,n[adays   

,consultor to sev]al ,congregations  & a
 ,canon ( ,santa ,m>ia ,maggiore1 he    
plac$ 8 imm$iate ambition 9  a ,canonry 
at ,/4 ,pet]'s1 & h>b\r$ ! dream ( "s   
day becom+  ,secret>y ( ! ,consi/orial  
,congregation1 a po/ conduct+ to !      
c>d9alate4 ,a !ologian ( rem>kable      
ability1 ,monsignor ,=n>o  incurr$ no   
o!r reproa* ?an t ( occasionally        
sacrific+ to  lit]ature by contribut+   
articles1 :i* he c>efully ab/a9$ f      
sign+1 to c]ta9 religi\s reviews4 ,he 0 
also said to be v  worldly4    ,pi]re 0 
receiv$ z soon z he _h s5t 9 8 c>d1 &   
p]haps he  w\ld h fanci$ t 8 visit 0    
expect$ _h n an appe>ance (  s9c]e      
surprise1 bl5d$ ) a little anxiety1 m>k$
 8 reception4    ,monsieur l',abbe      
,from5t1 ,monsieur l',abbe ,from5t1     
repeat$ ! prelate1  look+ at ! c>d :i*  
he /ill held4 ,k9dly /ep 9--,i 0 ab\t to
  =bid my door1 = ,i h "s urg5t "w to   
att5d to4 ,b no matt]1  sit d[n4        
,pi]re1 h[ev]1 rema9$ /&+1 q *>m$ by !  
bloom+  appe>ance ( ?is tall1 /rong1    

h&some man :o1 al?\gh five &  =ty ye>s (
 age1 0 q fre% & rosy1 ) moi/ lips1     
c>ess+  eyes1 & sc>cely a grey hair     
among 8 curly locks4 ,nobody m  fasc9at+
 & decorative c\ld be f\nd among ! :ole 
,roman prelacy4  ,c>eful ( 8 p]son      
und\bt$ly1 & aim+ at a simple elegance1 
he  look$ really sup]b 9 8 black cassock
 ) violet coll>4 ,& ar\nd  him ! spaci\s
 room :]e he receiv$ 8 visitors1 gaily  
light$ z x  0 by two l>ge w9d[s fac+ !  
,piazza ,navona1 & furni%$ ) a  ta/e    
n[adays seldom met ) among ! ,roman     
cl]gy1 diffus$ a  pleasant od\r & =m$ a 
sett+ in/9ct ) k9dly *e]fulness4        
,pray sit d[n1 ,monsieur l',abbe        
,from5t1 he resum$1 & tell me to  :at ,i
 am indebt$ = ! hon\r ( y\r visit4      
,he _h already recov]$ 8 self-possession
 & assum$ a _/naif_/1 purely  oblig+    
air2 & ,pi]re1 ?\gh ! "q 0 only natural1
 & he  ought to h =ese5 x1 sudd5ly felt 
greatly emb>rass$1 m  emb>rass$ inde$   
?an 9 ,c>d9al ,s>no's pres5ce4 ,%\ld he 
g to !  po9t at once1 confess ! delicate

 motive ( 8 visit8 ,a mom5t's           
reflection %[$ him t ?is w\ld be ! be/ &
 wor?i] c\rse4  ,de> me1 ,monseigneur1  
he repli$1 ,i "k v well t ! /ep ,i  h   
tak5 9 call+ on y is n usually tak51 b x
 has be5  advis$ me1 & x has seem$ to me
 t among hone/ folks !re c  nev] be any 
h>m 9 seek+ 9 all good fai? to elucidate
 ! tru?4    ,:at is x1 :at is x1 !n8    
ask$ ! prelate ) an expression (  p]fect
 c&\r1 & /ill cont9u+ to smile4         
,well1 simply ?is4 ,i h le>nt t !       
,congregation ( ! ,index has  h&$ y my  
book ',new ,rome1' & appo9t$ y to exam9e
 x2 & ,i  h v5tur$ to pres5t myself be=e
 y 9 case y %\ld h any  explanations to 
ask ( me4    ,b ,monsignor ,=n>o seem$  
unwill+ to he> any m4 ,he _h c>ri$  bo? 
h&s to 8 head & drawn back1 albeit /ill 
c\rte\s4 ,no1 no1  said he1 don't tell  
me t1 don't cont9ue1 y w\ld grieve me   
dreadfully4 ,let u say1 if y l1 t y h   
be5 deceiv$1 =  no?+ ought to be kn[n1 9
 fact no?+ is kn[n1 ei!r by o!rs or     
myself4 ,i pray y1 d n let u talk ( su* 

matt]s4    ,pi]re1 h[ev]1 _h =tunately  
rem>k$ :at a decisive effect 0  produc$ 
:5 he _h occasion to m5tion ! "n ( !    
,assessor ( !  ,holy ,(fice4 ,s x       
occurr$ to him to reply3 ,i mo/ c]ta9ly 
d n  desire to give y ! slighte/ cause =
 emb>rassm5t1 ,monseigneur1  & ,i repeat
 to y t ,i w\ld nev] h v5tur$ to        
importune y if  ,monsignor ,nani himself
 _h n acqua9t$ me ) y\r "n & address4   
,?is "t ! effect 0 imm$iate1 ?\gh       
,monsignor ,=n>o1 ) t  easy grace :i* he
 introduc$ into all ?+s1 made "s c]emony
 ab\t  surr5d]+4 ,he began by a demurr]1
 speak+ ar*ly ) subtle %ades  (         
expression4 ,:at6 is ,monsignor ,nani ! 
tattl]6 ,b ,i %all scold  him1 ,i %all  
get angry ) him6 ,& :at does he "k8 ,he 
doesn't belong  to ! ,congregation2 he  
may h be5 l$ into error4 ,y mu/ tell him
  t he has made a mi/ake1 & t ,i h no?+ 
at all to d )  y\r affair4 ,t w tea* him
 n to reveal ne$ful secrets :i*         
ev]ybody respects6 ,!n1 9 a pleasant    
way1 ) w9n+ glance &  fl[]y lips1 he w5t

 on3 ,come1 s9ce ,monsignor ,nani       
desires x1 ,i am  will+ to *at ) y = a  
mom5t1 my de> ,monsieur ,from5t1 b on   
condition t y %all "k no?+ ( my report  
or ( :at may h  be5 said or done at !   
,congregation4    ,pi]re 9 8 turn smil$1
 admir+ h[ easy ?+s became :5 =ms  7    
respect$ & appe>ances sav$4 ,& once aga9
 he began to expla9  8 case1 ! pr(\nd   
a/oni%m5t into :i* ! prosecution ( 8    
book _h ?r[n him1 & 8 ignorance ( !     
objections :i* 7 tak5  to x1 & = :i* he 
_h va9ly s\ght a cause4    ,really1     
really1 repeat$ ! prelate1 q amaz$ at s 
mu*  innoc5ce4 ,! ,congregation is a    
tribunal1 & c only act :5 a case  is    
br\ght be=e x4 ,proce$+s h be5 tak5     
aga9/ y\r book  simply because x has be5
 d5\nc$4    ,yes1 ,i "k1 d5\nc$4    ,(  
c\rse4 ,compla9t 0 laid by ?ree ,fr5*   
bi%ops1 ^: names y  w all[ me to keep   
secret1 & x consequ5tly became necess>y 
=  ! ,congregation to exam9e !          
incrim9at$ "w4    ,pi]re look$ at him q 
sc>$4 ,d5\nc$ by ?ree bi%ops8 ,:y8 ,)   

:at object8 ,!n he ?\ght ( 8 protector4 
,b ,c>d9al ,b]g]ot1  said he1 wrote me a
 lett] ( approval1 :i* ,i plac$ at !    
beg9n+  ( my "w z a preface4 ,ought n a 
gu>antee l t to h be5  suffici5t = !    
,fr5* episcopacy8    ,monsignor ,=n>o   
wagg$ 8 head 9 a kn[+ way be=e mak+ up 8
  m9d to reply3 ,ah6 yes1 no d\bt1 8    
,em95ce's lett]1 a v  beautiful lett]4  
,i ?9k1 h[ev]1 t x w\ld h be5 mu* bett] 
if he _h n writt5 x1 bo? = himself & = y
 especially4 ,!n  z ! prie/1 ^: surprise
 0 increas+1 op5$ 8 m\? to urge  him to 
expla9 himself1 he w5t on3 ,no1 no1 ,i  
"k no?+1 ,i say  no?+4 ,8 ,em95ce       
,c>d9al ,b]g]ot is a sa9tly man :om     
ev]ybody  v5]ates1 & if x 7 possible =  
him to s9 x w\ld only be  ?r\gh pure    
goodness ( he>t4    ,sil5ce fell4 ,pi]re
 c\ld div9e t an abyss 0 op5+1 & d>$  n 
insi/4 ,h[ev]1 he at la/ resum$ ) "s    
viol5ce3 ,b1 aft]  all1 :y %\ld my book 
be prosecut$1 & ! books ( o!rs be left  
unt\*$8 ,i h no int5tion ( act+ z a     
d5\nc] myself1 b h[  _m books !re are to

 :i* ,rome closes h] eyes1 & :i* are f> 
m dang]\s ?an m9e c be6    ,?is "t      
,monsignor ,=n>o seem$ glad to be able  
to support ,pi]re's  views4 ,y are "r1  
said he1 we _c deal ) e bad book1 &  x  
greatly di/resses u4 ,b y mu/ rememb]   
:at an incalculable  numb] ( works we   
%\ld be compell$ to read4 ,& s we h to  
cont5t  ourselves ) condemn+ ! wor/ _/en
 bloc_/4    ,!n he complac5tly ent]$    
into explanations4 ,9 pr9ciple1 no pr9t]
  ought to s5d any "w to press )\t hav+ 
previ\sly submitt$ !  manuscript to !   
approval ( ! bi%op ( ! diocese4         
,n[adays1  h[ev]1 ) ! enorm\s output ( !
 pr9t+ trade1 "o c\ld  und]/& h[ t]ribly
 emb>rass$ ! bi%ops w\ld be if ! pr9t]s 
7 sudd5ly to con=m to ! ,*ur*'s         
regulation4 ,!re 0 nei!r  ! "t nor !    
money1 nor 7 !re ! m5 necess>y = su*    
colossal lab\r4 ,& s ! ,congregation ( !
 ,index condemn$ _/en  masse_/1 )\t     
exam9ation1 all works ( c]ta9           
categories3 fir/1  books :i* 7 dang]\s =
 morals1 all erotic writ+s1 & all       

novels2 next ! v>i\s bibles 9 ! vulg>   
tongue1 = ! p]usal (  ,holy ,writ )\t   
discretion 0 n all[able2 !n ! books on  
magic  & sorc]y1 & all works on sci5ce1 
hi/ory1 or philosophy t 7  9 any way    
contr>y to dogma1 z well z ! writ+s (   
h]esi>*s or  m]e ecclesia/ics discuss+  
religion1 :i* %\ld nev] be discuss$4    
,all ^! 7 wise laws made by diff]5t     
popes1 & 7 set =? 9  ! preface to !     
catalogue ( =bidd5 books :i* !          
,congregation  publi%$1 & )\t !m ?is    
catalogue1 to h be5 complete1 w\ld  9   
itself h =m$ a l>ge libr>y4 ,on turn+ x 
ov] "o f\nd t  ! works s+l$ out =       
int]diction 7 *iefly ^? ( prie/s1 !     
task be+ s va/ & difficult t ,rome's    
conc]n ext5d$ b little  beyond !        
obs]vance ( good ord] )9 ! ,*ur*4 ,&    
,pi]re & 8  book came )9 ! limit4    ,y 
w und]/&1 cont9u$ ,monsignor ,=n>o1 t we
 h no  desire to adv]tise a heap (      
un:olesome writ+s by hon\r+ !m )        
special condemnation4 ,_! "n is legion 9
 e c\ntry1 & we  %\ld h nei!r en\gh pap]

 nor en\gh ink to deal ) !m all4 ,s  we 
cont5t ourselves ) condemn+ "o f "t to  
"t1 :5 x be>s  a fam\s "n & makes too   
mu* noise1 or conta9s disquiet+ attacks 
on ! fai?4 ,?is suffices to rem9d ! _w t
 we exi/ & def5d  ourselves )\t ab&on+  
aught ( our rights or duties4    ,b my  
book1 my book1 exclaim$ ,pi]re1 :y ^!   
proce$+s aga9/  my book8    ,i am       
expla9+ t to y z f> z x is all[able = me
 to d1 my  de> ,monsieur ,from5t4 ,y are
 a prie/1 y\r book is a success1 y h    
publi%$ a *eap edition ( x :i* sells v  
readily2 & ,i don't  speak ( its lit]>y 
m]it1 :i* is rem>kable1 = x conta9s a   
brea? ( real poetry :i* transport$ me1 &
 on :i* ,i mu/ really  complim5t y4     
,h[ev]1 "u ! circum/ances :i* ,i h      
enum]at$1  h[ c\ld we close our eyes to 
su* a "w z y\rs1 9 :i* !  conclusion    
arriv$ at is ! annihilation ( our holy  
religion & !  de/ruction ( ,rome8       
,pi]re rema9$ op5-m\!d1 suffocat+ )     
surprise4 ,! de/ruction  ( ,rome6 he at 
la/ exclaim$2 b ,i desire to see ,rome  

rejuv5at$1  et]nal1 aga9 ! que5 ( ! _w4 
,&1 once m ma/]$ by 8  gl[+ en?usiasm1  
he def5d$ himself & confess$ 8 fai?3    
,ca?olicism rev]t+ to ! pr9ciples &     
practices ( ! primitive  ,*ur*1 draw+ ! 
blood ( reg5]ation f ! frat]nal         
,*ri/ianity  ( ,jesus2 ! ,pope1 fre$ f  
all t]re/rial royalty1 gov]n+ !  :ole ( 
humanity ) *>ity & love1 & sav+ ! _w f !
  frightful social cataclysm t ?reat5s x
 by lead+ x to ! real  ,k+dom ( ,god3 ! 
,*ri/ian communion ( all nations unit$ 9
 "o  nation only4 ,& c ! ,holy ,fa!r    
disav[ me8 he cont9u$4 ,are n  ^! 8     
secret ideas1 :i* p are beg9n+ to div9e1
 & does  n my only (f5ce lie 9 hav+     
express$ !m p]haps too soon & too       
freely8 ,& if ,i 7 all[$ to see him %\ld
 ,i n at once obta9 f  him an ord] to   
/op ^! proce$+s8    ,monsignor ,=n>o no 
long] spoke1 b wagg$ 8 head )\t appe>+  
(f5d$ by ! prie/'s juv5ile ard\r4 ,on ! 
contr>y1 he smil$ )  increas+           
amiability1 z ?\gh highly amus$ by s mu*
 innoc5ce &  imag9ation4 ,at la/ he     

gaily respond$1 ,oh6 speak on1 speak on2
 x  isn't ,i :o w /op y4 ,i'm =bidd5 to 
say any?+4 ,b !  temporal p[]1 !        
temporal p[]4    ,well1 :at ( ! temporal
 p[]8 ask$ ,pi]re4    ,! prelate _h aga9
 become sil5t1 rais+ 8 amiable face to  
heav5  & wav+ 8 :ite h&s ) a pretty     
ge/ure4 ,& :5 he once m  op5$ 8 m\? x 0 
to say3 ,!n !re's y\r new religion--= ! 
expression occurs twice3 ! new religion1
 ! new religion--ah1 _/,dio_/6    ,aga9 
he became re/less1 go+ (f into an ec/asy
 ( wond]m5t1 at  sight ( :i* ,pi]re     
impati5tly exclaim$3 ,i d n "k :at y\r  
report w be1 ,monseigneur1 b ,i decl>e  
to y t ,i h _h no  desire to attack     
dogma4 ,&1 c&idly n[1 my :ole book %[s t
 ,i  only s\ght to write a "w ( pity &  
salvation4 ,x is only ju/ice  t "s      
acc\nt %\ld be tak5 ( "o's int5tions4   
,monsignor ,=n>o _h become v calm &     
pat]nal aga94 ,oh6  int5tions6          
int5tions6 he said z he rose to dismiss 
8 visitor4 ,y  may be sure1 my de>      
,monsieur ,from5t1 t ,i feel mu* hon\r$ 

by y\r  visit4 ,naturally ,i _c tell y  
:at my report w be2 z x is1 we  h talk$ 
too mu* ab\t x1 &1 9 fact1 ,i ought to h
 refus$ to  li/5 to y\r def5ce4 ,at !   
same "t1 y w always f9d me ready  to be 
( s]vice to y 9 any?+ t does n g aga9/  
my duty4 ,b  ,i greatly fe> t y\r book w
 be condemn$4 ,& !n1 z ,pi]re  aga9     
/>t$1 he add$3 ,well1 yes4 ,x is facts t
 are judg$1 y  "k1 n int5tions4 ,s all  
def5ce is useless2 ! book is !re1 &  we 
take x su* z x is4 ,h[ev] mu* y may try 
to expla9 x1 y  _c alt] x4 ,& ?is is :y 
! ,congregation nev] calls ! accus$     
p>ties be=e x1 & nev] accepts f !m aught
 b retraction pure  & simple4 ,&1 inde$1
 ! wise/ c\rse w\ld be = y to )draw  y\r
 book & make y\r submission4 ,no8 ,y    
won't8 ,ah6 h[ "y y are1  my fri5d6     
,he laugh$ yet m l\dly at ! ge/ure (    
revolt1 ( indomitable pride  :i* _h j   
escap$ 8 "y fri5d1 z he call$ him4 ,!n1 
on  rea*+ ! door1 he aga9 ?rew (f "s ( 8
 res]ve1 & said 9 a  l[ voice1 ,come1 my
 de> ,abbe1 !re is some?+ ,i w d = y4 ,i

  w give y "s good advice4 ,at bottom1  
,i myself am no?+4 ,i deliv]  my report1
 & x is pr9t$1 & ! memb]s ( !           
,congregation read  x1 b are q free to  
pay no att5tion to x4 ,h[ev]1 !         
,secret>y  ( ! ,congregation1 ,fa!r     
,dangelis1 c accompli% ev]y?+1 ev5      
impossibilities4 ,g to see him2 y w f9d 
him at ! ,dom9ican  conv5t beh9d !      
,piazza di ,spagna4 ,don't "n me4 ,& = !
 pres5t  good-bye1 my de> fell[1        
good-bye4    ,pi]re once m f\nd himself 
on ! ,piazza ,navona1 q daz$1 no  long] 
kn[+ :at to believe or hope4 ,a c[>dly  
idea 0 com+ ov]  him2 :y %\ld he cont9ue
 ?is /ruggle1 9 :i* 8 adv]s>ies  rema9$ 
unkn[n & indisc]nible8 ,:y c>ry ob/9acy 
any fur!r1 :y  l+] any long] 9 t        
impassionat+ b deceptive ,rome8 ,he w\ld
  flee t v ev5+1 return to ,p>is1       
disappe> !re1 & =get 8  bitt]           
disillusion 9 ! practice ( humble *>ity4
 ,he 0 trav]s+  "o ( ^? h\rs ( weakness 
:5 ! long-dreamt-( task sudd5ly  seems  
to be an impossibility4 ,h[ev]1 amid/ 8 

great confusion he 0  nev]!less walk+   
on1 go+ t[>ds 8 de/9ation4 ,& :5 he f\nd
  himself 9 ! ,corso1 !n 9 ! ,via dei   
,condotti1 & f9ally 9 !  ,piazza di     
,spagna1 he resolv$ t he w\ld at any    
rate see ,fa!r  ,dangelis4 ,! ,dom9ican 
conv5t is !re1 j bel[ ! ,tr9ity de'     
,monti4    ,ah6 ^? ,dom9icans6 ,pi]re _h
 nev] ?\ght ( !m )\t a feel+  ( respect 
) :i* m+l$ a little fe>4 ,:at vigor\s   
pill>s ( !  pr9ciple ( au?ority &       
!ocracy !y _h = c5turies prov$  !mselves
 to be6 ,to !m ! ,*ur* _h be5 indebt$ = 
its greate/  measure ( au?ority2 !y 7 ! 
glori\s soldi]s ( its triumph4  ,:il/   
,/4 ,francis won ! s\ls ( ! humble ov]  
to ,rome1 ,/4 ,dom9ic1  on ,rome's      
behalf1 subject$ all ! sup]ior s\ls--^? 
( !  intellig5t & p[]ful4 ,& ?is he did 
) passion1 amid/ a blaze (  fai? &      
det]m9ation1 mak+ use ( all possible    
means1 prea*+s1  writ+s1 & police &     
judicial pressure4 ,?\gh he did n f\nd !
  ,inquisition1 its pr9ciples 7 81 & x 0
 ) fire & sword t  8 frat]nal1 lov+ he>t

 wag$ w> on s*ism4 ,liv+ l 8 monks1  9  
pov]ty1 *a/ity1 & ob$i5ce--! great      
virtues ( ^? times (  pride &           
lic5ti\sness--he w5t f city to city1    
exhort+ !  impi\s1 /riv+ to br+ !m back 
to ! ,*ur* & arraign+ !m  be=e !        
ecclesia/ical c\rts :5 8 prea*+s did n  
suffice4 ,he  also laid siege to sci5ce1
 s\ght to make x 8 own1 dreamt (  def5d+
 ,god ) ! weapons ( reason & human k l a
 true  =]unn] ( ! angelic ,/4 ,?omas1 t 
light ( ! middle ages1 :o  jo9$ !       
,dom9ican ord] & set ev]y?+ 9 8 ,summa  
,!ologiae1  psy*ology1 logic1 policy1 & 
morals4 ,& ?us x 0 t !  ,dom9icans fill$
 ! _w1 uphold+ ! doctr9es ( ,rome 9 !   
mo/  fam\s pulpits ( e nation1 & cont5d+
 almo/ ev]y:]e aga9/  ! free sprit ( !  
,univ]sities1 l ! vigilant gu>dians (   
dogma  t !y 71 ! unwe>y+ artisans ( !   
=tunes ( ! popes1 !  mo/ p[]ful among/  
all ! arti/ic1 sci5tific1 & lit]>y      
work]s  :o rais$ ! huge edifice (       
,ca?olicism su* z x exi/s to-day4       
,h[ev]1 ,pi]re1 :o c\ld feel t ?is      

edifice 0 ev5 n[ tott]+1  ?\gh x _h be5 
built1 p fanci$1 s sub/antially z to la/
  ?r\gh all et]nity1 ask$ himself :at   
c\ld be ! pres5t use ( !  ,dom9icans1 ^?
 toil]s ( ano!r age1 ^: police sy/em &  
^:  tribunals _h p]i%$ b5ea? univ]sal   
execration1 ^: voices 7 no  long] li/5$ 
to1 ^: books 7 b seldom read1 & ^:      
_/role_/ z  _/savants_/ & civilis]s _h  
come to an end 9 pres5ce ( latt]-day    
sci5ce1 ! tru?s ( :i* 7 r5d+ dogma on   
all sides4 ,c]ta9ly  ! ,dom9icans /ill  
=m an influ5tial & prosp]\s ord]2 b h[  
f> "o is f ! times :5 _! g5]al reign$ 9 
,rome1 ,ma/] (  ! ,holy ,palace1 )      
conv5ts & s*ools1 & subjects ?r\gh\t    
,europe6 ,( all _! va/ inh]itance1 s f> 
z ! ,roman curia is  conc]n$1 only a few
 po/s n[ rema9 to !m1 & among o!rs !    
,secret>y%ip ( ! ,congregation ( !      
,index1 a =m] dep5d5cy (  ! ,holy ,(fice
 :]e !y once despotically rul$4         
,pi]re 0 imm$iately u%]$ into ! pres5ce 
( ,fa!r ,dangelis4 ,!  conv5t p>l\r 0   
va/1 b>e1 & :ite1 flood$ ) bright       

sun%9e4  ,! only furniture 0 a table &  
"s /ools2 & a l>ge brass  crucifix hung 
f ! wall4 ,ne> ! table /ood ! ,fa!r1 a v
 ?9  man ( ab\t fifty1 sev]ely drap$ 9 8
 ample :ite habit & black  mantle4 ,f 8 
long ascetic face1 ) ?9 lips1 ?9 nose1 &
  po9t$1 ob/9ate *91 8 grey eyes %one   
out ) a fixity t  emb>rass$ "o4 ,&1     
moreov]1 he %[$ himself v pla9 & simple 
( spee*1 & frigidly polite 9 mann]4     
,monsieur l',abbe ,from5t--! au?or (    
',new ,rome1' ,i suppose8 ,!n  seat+    
himself on "o /ool & po9t+ to ano!r1 he 
add$3 ,pray  acqua9t me ) ! object ( y\r
 visit1 ,monsieur l',abbe4    ,!reupon  
,pi]re _h to beg9 8 explanation1 8      
def5ce1 all ov]  aga92 & ! task soon    
became ! m pa9ful z 8 words fell f  8   
lips amid/ dea?-l sil5ce & frigidity4   
,fa!r ,dangelis did n  /ir2 ) 8 h&s     
cross$ ^u 8 knees he kept 8 %>p1        
p5etrat+ eyes fix$ ^u ^? ( ! prie/4 ,&  
:5 ! latt] _h  at la/ ceas$ speak+1 he  
sl[ly said3 ,i did n l to int]rupt  y1  
,monsieur l',abbe1 b x 0 n = me to he>  

all ?is4 ,process  aga9/ y\r book has   
begun1 & no p[] 9 ! _w c /ay or imp$e   
its c\rse4 ,i d n !re=e realise :at x is
 t y app>5tly  expect ( me4    ,9 a     
quiv]+ voice ,pi]re 0 bold en\gh to     
answ]3 ,i look = "s  k9dness & ju/ice4  
,a pale smile1 in/9ct ) pr\d humility1  
arose to ! ,dom9ican's  lips4 ,be )\t   
fe>1 he repli$1 ,god has ev] deign$ to  
enlight5  me 9 ! dis*>ge ( my mode/     
duties4 ,p]sonally1 be x said1 ,i h  no 
ju/ice to r5d]2 ,i am b an employee ^:  
duty is to classify  matt]s & draw up   
docum5ts conc]n+ !m4 ,_! ,em95ces1 !    
memb]s ( ! ,congregation1 w alone       
pron\nce judgm5t on y\r book4  ,&       
assur$ly !y w d s ) ! help ( ! ,holy    
,_s4 ,y w  only h to b[ to _! s5t5ce :5 
x %all h be5 ratifi$ by  8 ,hol9ess4    
,!n he broke (f ! int]view by ris+1 &   
,pi]re 0 oblig$ to d  ! same4 ,!        
,dom9ican's words 7 virtually id5tical )
 ^? t  _h fall5 f ,monsignor ,=n>o1 b !y
 7 spok5 ) cutt+  frankness1 a sort (   
tranquil brav]y4 ,on all sides ,pi]re   

came into  collision ) ! same anonym\s  
=ce1 ! same p[]ful eng9e ^:  compon5t   
p>ts s\ght to ignore "o ano!r4 ,= a long
 "t yet1 no  d\bt1 he w\ld be s5t f "o  
to ! o!r1 )\t ev] f9d+ !  volitional    
elem5t :i* reason$ & act$4 ,& ! only ?+ 
t he  c\ld d 0 to b[ to x all4          
,h[ev]1 be=e go+ (f1 x occurr$ to him   
once m to m5tion !  "n ( ,monsignor     
,nani1 ! p[]ful effect ( :i* he _h begun
 to  realise4 ,i ask y\r p>don1 he said1
 = hav+ di/urb$ y to no  purpose1 b ,i  
simply def]r$ to ! k9d advice (         
,monsignor ,nani1 :o  has condesc5d$ to 
%[ me "s int]e/4    ,! effect ( ^! words
 0 unexpect$4 ,aga9 did ,fa!r           
,dangelis's  ?9 face bright5 into a     
smile1 b ) a twi/ ( ! lips1 %>p )       
ironical contempt4 ,he _h become yet    
pal]1 & 8 ke5 intellig5t eyes  7 flam+4 
,ah6 x 0 ,monsignor ,nani :o s5t y6 he  
said4 ,well1  if y ?9k y ne$ a          
protector1 x is useless = y to apply to 
any  o!r ?an himself4 ,he is all-p[]ful4
 ,g to see him2 g to see him6    ,& t 0 

! only enc\ragem5t ,pi]re d]iv$ f 8     
visit3 !  advice to g back to ! man :o  
_h s5t him4 ,at ?is he felt t he  0 los+
 gr\nd1 & he resolv$ to return home 9   
ord] to reflect on  ?+s & try to und]/& 
!m be=e tak+ any fur!r /eps4 ,!  idea ( 
que/ion+ ,don ,vigilio at once occurr$  
to him1 & t same  ev5+ aft] supp] he    
luckily met ! secret>y 9 ! corridor1 j  
z1 c&le 9 h&1 he 0 on 8 way to b$4    ,i
 h s _m ?+s t ,i %\ld l to say to y1    
,pi]re said to  him4 ,c y k9dly come to 
my rooms = a mom5t8    ,b ! o!r promptly
 sil5c$ him ) a ge/ure1 & !n :isp]$3    
,didn't y see ,abbe ,pap>elli on ! fir/ 
floor8 ,he 0 foll[+ u1  ,i'm sure4      
,pi]re (t5 saw ! tra9-be>] roam+ ab\t ! 
h\se1 & greatly  dislik$ 8 /eal?y1 pry+ 
ways4 ,h[ev]1 he _h hi!rto atta*$ no    
importance to him1 & 0 !re=e mu*        
surpris$ by ,don ,vigilio's  "q4 ,! o!r1
 )\t await+ 8 reply1 _h return$ to ! end
  ( ! corridor1 :]e = a long :ile he    
rema9$ li/5+4 ,!n he  came back on      
tip-toe1 blew out 8 c&le1 & d>t$ into   

,pi]re's  sitt+-room4 ,!re--t's done1 he
 murmur$ directly ! door 0  %ut4 ,b if x
 is all ! same to y1 we won't /op 9 ?is 
sitt+-room4 ,let u g into y\r b$-room4  
,two walls are bett] ?an  "o4    ,:5 !  
lamp _h be5 plac$ on ! table & !y f\nd  
!mselves  seat$ face to face 9 t b>e1   
fad$ b$-*amb]1 ,pi]re notic$ t  !       
secret>y 0 suff]+ f a m viol5t attack ( 
fev] ?an  usual4 ,8 ?9 puny figure 0    
%iv]+ f head to foot1 & 8  ard5t eyes _h
 nev] be=e blaz$ s blackly 9 8 ravag$1  
yell[  face4 ,are y poorly8 ask$ ,pi]re4
 ,i don't want to tire y4    ,poorly1   
yes1 ,i am on fire--b ,i want to talk4  
,i c't be> x any  long]4 ,"o always has 
to relieve oneself "s day or o!r4    ,0 
x 8 compla9t t he desir$ to relieve2 or 
0 he anxi\s to  break 8 long sil5ce 9   
ord] t x might n /ifle him8 ,?is at     
fir/ rema9$ unc]ta94 ,he imm$iately ask$
 = an acc\nt ( !  /eps t ,pi]re _h      
lately tak51 & became yet m re/less :5  
he  he>d h[ ! o!r _h be5 receiv$ by     
,c>d9al ,s>no1 ,monsignor  ,=n>o1 &     

,fa!r ,dangelis4 ,yes1 t's q x1 he      
repeat$1  no?+ a/oni%es me n[adays1 &   
yet ,i feel indignant on y\r  acc\nt4   
,yes1 x doesn't conc]n me1 b all ! same 
x makes me ill1  = x rem9ds me ( all my 
own tr\bles4 ,y mu/ n rely on ,c>d9al   
,s>no1 rememb]1 = he is always else:]e1 
) 8 m9d f> away1 &  has nev] help$      
anybody4 ,b t ,=n>o1 t ,=n>o6    ,he    
seem$ to me v amiable1 ev5 k9dly        
dispos$1 repli$ ,pi]re2  & ,i really ?9k
 t aft] our int]view1 he w consid]ably  
s(t5  8 report4    ,he6 ,:y1 ! g5tl] he 
0 ) y ! m griev\sly he w saddle  y6 ,he 
w dev\r y1 fatt5 himself ) su* easy     
prey4 ,ah6 y  don't "k him1             
_/dilizioso_/ t he is1 ev] on ! wat* to 
re> 8 own  =tune on ! tr\bles ( poor    
devils ^: defeat is b\nd to please  !   
p[]ful4 ,i pref] ! o!r "o1 ,fa!r        
,dangelis1 a t]rible man1 no  d\bt1 b   
frank & brave & ( sup]ior m9d4 ,i mu/   
admit1 h[ev]1  t he w\ld burn y l a     
h&ful ( /raw if he 7 ! ma/]4 ,&  ah6 if 
,i c\ld tell y ev]y?+1 if ,i c\ld %[ y !

 frightful  "u-side ( ?is _w ( ours1 !  
mon/r\s1 rav5\s ambition1 !  abom9able  
network ( intrigues1 v5ality1 c[>dice1  
trea*]y1 & ev5  crime6    ,on see+ ,don 
,vigilio s excit$1 9 su* a blaze (      
spite1 ,pi]re  ?\ght ( extract+ f him "s
 ( ! _m items ( in=mation  :i* he _h    
hi!rto s\ght 9 va94 ,well1 tell me m]ely
 :at is !  position ( my affair1 he     
respond$4 ,:5 ,i que/ion$ y on my       
arrival "h y said t no?+ _h yet rea*$   
,c>d9al ,boccan]a4  ,b all in=mation mu/
 n[ h be5 collect$1 & y mu/ "k (  x4 ,&1
 by ! way1 ,monsignor ,=n>o told me t   
?ree ,fr5* bi%ops  _h ask$ t my book    
%\ld be prosecut$4 ,?ree bi%ops1 is x   
possible8    ,don ,vigilio %rugg$ 8     
%\ld]s4 ,ah6 said he1 y\rs is an innoc5t
  s\l6 ,i'm surpris$ t !re 7 _/only_/   
?ree6 ,yes1 sev]al docum5ts  relat+ to  
y\r affair are 9 our h&s2 &1 moreov]1   
?+s h  turn$ out mu* z ,i suspect$4 ,!  
?ree bi%ops are fir/ ! ,bi%op (  ,t>bes1
 :o evid5tly c>ries out ! v5geance ( !  
,fa!rs (  ,l\rdes2 & !n ! ,bi%ops (     

,poiti]s & ,evreux1 :o are bo? kn[n  z  
uncompromis+ ,ultramontani/s &          
passionate adv]s>ies ( ,c>d9al  ,b]g]ot4
 ,! ,c>d9al1 y "k1 is reg>d$ ) disfav\r 
at !  ,vatican1 :]e 8 ,gallican ideas & 
broad lib]al m9d provoke p]fect  ang]4  
,& don't seek = any?+ else4 ,! :ole     
affair lies 9 t3  an execution :i* !    
p[]ful ,fa!rs ( ,l\rdes dem& ( 8        
,hol9ess1 & a desire to rea* & /rike    
,c>d9al ,b]g]ot ?r\gh y\r  book1 by     
means ( ! lett] ( approval :i* he       
imprud5tly wrote to  y & :i* y publi%$  
by way ( preface4 ,= a long "t pa/ !    
condemnations ( ! ,index h l>gely be5   
secret knock-d[n bl[s  levell$ at       
,*ur*m54 ,d5unciation reigns supreme1 & 
! law appli$  is t ( good pleasure4 ,i  
c\ld tell y "s almo/ incr$ible ?+s1  h[ 
p]fectly innoc5t books h be5 select$    
among a hundr$ = !  sole object ( kill+ 
an idea or a man2 = ! bl[ is almo/      
always  levell$ at "s "o beh9d ! au?or1 
"s "o high] ?an he is4 ,&  !re is su* a 
hot-b$ ( intrigue1 su* a s\rce ( abuses 

9 ?is  in/itution ( ! ,index1 t x is    
tott]+1 & ev5 among ^? :o  surr\nd !    
,pope x is felt t x mu/ soon be fre%ly  
regulat$ if x  is n to fall into        
complete discr$it4 ,i well und]/& t !   
,*ur*  %\ld endeav\r to reta9 univ]sal  
p[]1 & gov]n by e fit  weapon1 b !      
weapons mu/ be su* z "o c use )\t _!    
inju/ice lead+ to revolt1 or _! antique 
*ildi%ness provok+  m]rim5t6    ,pi]re  
li/5$ ) dolor\s a/oni%m5t 9 8 he>t4     
,s9ce he _h  be5 at ,rome & _h se5 !    
,fa!rs ( ! ,grotto salut$ & fe>$  !re1  
hold+ an au?oritative position1 ?anks to
 ! l>ge alms :i*  !y contribut$ to !    
,pet]'s ,p5ce1 he _h felt t !y 7 beh9d  
! proce$+s in/itut$ aga9/ him1 & realis$
 t he w\ld h  to pay = a c]ta9 page ( 8 
book 9 :i* he _h call$ att5tion to  an  
iniquit\s displacem5t ( =tune at        
,l\rdes1 a frightful spectacle  :i* made
 "o d\bt ! v exi/5ce ( ! ,div9ity1 a    
cont9ual  cause ( battle & conflict :i* 
w\ld disappe> 9 ! truly ,*ri/ian        
society ( to-morr[4 ,& he c\ld also n[  

und]/& t 8 delight  at ! loss ( !       
temporal p[] mu/ h caus$ a sc&al1 &     
especially t ! un=tunate expression a   
new religion _h alone  be5 suffici5t to 
arm _/delatores_/ aga9/ him4 ,b t :i*   
amaz$ &  griev$ him 0 to le>n t ,c>d9al 
,b]g]ot's lett] 0 look$ ^u  z a crime1 &
 t 8 7,pi]re's7 book 0 d5\nc$ & condemn$
 9  ord] t adv]s>ies :o d>$ n attack !  
v5]able pa/or face to  face might1 deal 
him a c[>dly bl[ f beh9d4 ,! ?\ght (    
afflict+ t sa9tly man1 ( s]v+ z !       
implem5t to /rike him 9  8 ard5t *>ity1 
cruelly griev$ ,pi]re4 ,& h[ bitt] &    
di%e>t5+ x 0 to f9d ! mo/ hide\s        
que/ions ( pride &  money1 ambition &   
appetite1 runn+ riot ) ! mo/ f]oci\s    
egotism1 b5ea? ! qu>rels ( ^? lead]s ( !
 ,*ur* :o ought  only to h cont5d$      
toge!r 9 love = ! poor6    ,& !n        
,pi]re's m9d revolt$ aga9/ t supremely  
odi\s & idiotic  ,index4 ,he n[ und]/ood
 h[ x work$1 f ! arrival ( !            
d5unciations to ! public po/+ ( ! titles
 ( ! condemn$ works4  ,he _h j se5 !    

,secret>y ( ! ,congregation1 ,fa!r      
,dangelis1 to  :om ! d5unciations came1 
& :o !n inve/igat$ ! affair1  collect+  
all docum5ts & in=mation conc]n+ x ) !  
passion  ( a cultivat$ au?orit>ian monk1
 :o dreamt ( rul+ m9ds &  consci5ces z 9
 ! h]oic days ( ! ,inquisition4 ,!n1    
too1 ,pi]re  _h visit$ "o ( ! consultive
 prelates1 ,monsignor ,=n>o1 :o 0 s     
ambiti\s & affable1 & s subtle a        
!ologian t he w\ld h  discov]$ attacks  
aga9/ ! fai? 9 a treatise on algebra1 _h
 8  int]e/s requir$ x4 ,next !re 7 !    
infrequ5t meet+s ( !  c>d9als1 :o at    
long int]vals vot$ = ! int]diction ( "s 
ho/ile book1 deeply regrett+ t !y c\ld n
 suppress !m all2  & f9ally came !      
,pope1 approv+ & sign+ ! decrees1 :i* 0 
a  m]e =mality1 = 7 n all books guilty8 
,b :at an extraord9>y  wret*$ ,ba/ille (
 ! pa/ 0 t ag$ ,index1 t s5ile          
in/itution n[ sunk into second *ildhood4
 ,"o realis$ t x mu/  h be5 a =midable  
p[] :5 books 7 r>e & ! ,*ur* _h         
tribunals ( blood & fire to en=ce h]    

edicts4 ,b books _h s  greatly          
multipli$1 ! writt51 pr9t$ ?\ghts (     
mank9d _h swoll5  into su* a deep broad 
riv]1 t !y _h swept all opposition away1
  & n[ ! ,index 0 swamp$ & r$uc$ to     
p[]lessness1 compell$  m & m to limit   
its field ( action1 to conf9e itself to 
!  exam9ation ( ! writ+s ( ecclesia/ics1
 & ev5 9 ?is respect x  0 becom+        
corrupt1 f\l$ by ! wor/ passions & *ang$
 into an  in/rum5t ( intrigue1 hatr$1 & 
v5geance4 ,ah6 t confession (  decay1 ( 
p>alysis :i* grew m & m complete amid/ !
 scornful  indiff]5ce ( ! nations4 ,to  
?9k t ,ca?olicism1 ! once glori\s  ag5t 
( civilisation1 _h come to su* a pass t 
x ca/ books into  hell-fire by ! heap2 &
 :at books !y 71 almo/ ! entire         
lit]ature1 hi/ory1 philosophy1 & sci5ce 
( ! pa/ & ! pres5t6  ,few works1 inde$1 
are publi%$ n[adays t w\ld n fall "u !  
ban ( ! ,*ur*4 ,if %e seems to close h] 
eyes1 x is 9 ord] to  avoid ! impossible
 task ( hunt+ out & de/roy+ ev]y?+4 ,yet
  %e /ubbornly insi/s on reta9+ a       

semblance ( sov]eign au?ority  ov] human
 intellig5ce1 j z "s v ag$ que51        
dispossess$ (  h] /ates & h5ce=? )\t    
judges or execution]s1 might cont9ue  to
 deliv] va9 s5t5ces to :i* only an      
inf9itesimal m9ority w\ld  pay he$4 ,b  
imag9e ! ,*ur* mom5t>ily victori\s1     
miracul\sly  ma/]+ ! mod]n _w1 & ask    
y\rself :at %e1 ) h] tribunals  to      
condemn & h] g5d>mes to en=ce1 w\ld d ) 
human ?\ght4  ,imag9e a /rict           
application ( ! ,index regulations3 no  
pr9t] able to  put any?+ :atev] to press
 )\t ! approval ( 8 bi%op1 &  ev5 !n e  
book laid be=e ! ,congregation1 ! pa/   
expung$1 !  pres5t ?rottl$1 subject$ to 
an intellectual ,reign ( ,t]ror6 ,w\ld  
n ! clos+ ( e libr>y p]=ce ensue1 w\ld n
 ! long  h]itage ( writt5 ?\ght be ca/  
into prison1 w\ld n ! future be  b>r$1  
w\ld n all progress1 all conque/ ( k1 be
 totally  arre/$8 ,rome h]self is       
n[adays a t]rible example ( su* a       
disa/r\s exp]im5t--,rome ) h] congeal$  
soil1 h] dead sap1 kill$  by c5turies ( 

papal gov]nm5t1 ,rome :i* has become s  
b>r5 t  n a man1 n a "w has sprung f h] 
mid/ ev5 aft] five &  tw5ty ye>s (      
awak5+ & lib]ty6 ,& :o w\ld accept su* a
 /ate  ( ?+s1 n among p ( revolution>y  
m9d1 b among ^? (  religi\s m9d t might 
possess any culture & bread? ( view8    
,pla9ly en\gh x 0 all m]e *ildi%ness &  
absurdity4    ,deep sil5ce reign$1 &    
,pi]re1 q upset by 8 reflections1 made a
  ge/ure ( despair :il/ glanc+ at ,don  
,vigilio1 :o sat spee*less 9  front (   
him4 ,= a mom5t long]1 amid/ ! dea?-l   
quiesc5ce (  t old sleep+ mansion1 bo?  
cont9u$ sil5t1 seat$ face to face 9  !  
clos$ *amb] :i* ! lamp illum9$ ) a      
peaceful gl[4 ,b at  la/ ,don ,vigilio  
leant =w>d1 8 eyes sp>kl+1 & ) a fev]i% 
%iv] murmur$3 ,x is !y1 y "k1 always !y1
 at ! bottom (  ev]y?+4    ,pi]re1 :o   
did n und]/&1 felt a/oni%$1 inde$       
some:at anxi\s  at su* a /range rem>k   
com+ )\t any app>5t transition4 ,:o are 
_/!y_/8 he ask$4    ,! ,jesuits6    ,9  
?is reply ! little1 )]$1 yell[ prie/ _h 

set all !  conc5trat$ rage ( 8 explod+  
passion4 ,ah6 s mu* ! worse if he  _h   
p]petrat$ a fre% act ( folly4 ,! cat 0  
out ( ! bag at la/6  ,nev]!less1 he ca/ 
a f9al suspici\s glance ar\nd ! walls4  
,&  !n he reliev$ 8 m9d at l5g?1 ) a fl[
 ( words :i* gu%$  =? ! m irresi/ibly   
s9ce he _h s long held !m 9 *eck4 ,ah6  
! ,jesuits1 ! ,jesuits6 ,y fancy t y "k 
!m1 b y hav5't  ev5 an idea ( _!        
abom9able actions & incalculable p[]4   
,!y x  is :om "o always comes ^u1       
ev]y:]e1 9 e circum/ance4  ,rememb]     
_/t_/ :5ev] y fail to und]/& any?+1 if y
 wi% to  und]/& x4 ,:5ev] grief or      
tr\ble comes ^u y1 :5ev] y  suff]1 :5ev]
 y weep1 say to y\rself at once3 ',x is 
!y2 !y are  !re6' ,:y1 = all ,i "k1 !re 
may be "o ( !m "u t b$1  inside t       
cupbo>d4 ,ah6 ! ,jesuits1 ! ,jesuits6   
,!y h dev\r$  me1 !y are dev\r+ me /ill1
 !y w leave no?+ ( me at la/1  nei!r    
fle% nor bone4    ,!n1 9 a halt+ voice1 
he relat$ ! /ory ( 8 life1 beg9n+  ) 8  
y\?1 :i* _h op5$ s hopefully4 ,he       

belong$ to ! petty  prov9cial nobility1 
& _h be5 d[]$ ) a fairly l>ge income1   
besides a ke51 supple intellig5ce1 :i*  
look$ smil+ly t[>ds !  future4 ,n[adays1
 he w\ld assur$ly h be5 a prelate1 on ! 
road to  high dignities1 b he _h be5    
fooli% en\gh to speak ill ( !  ,jesuits 
& to ?w>t !m 9 two or ?ree circum/ances4
 ,& f t  mom5t1 if he 7 to be believ$1  
!y _h caus$ e imag9able  mis=tune to ra9
 ^u him3 8 fa!r & "m _h di$1 8 bank]  _h
 robb$ him & fl$1 good positions _h     
escap$ him at ! v  mom5t :5 he 0 ab\t to
 occupy !m1 ! mo/ awful misadv5tures _h 
pursu$ him amid/ ! duties ( 8 m9i/ry to 
su* a po9t inde$1  t he _h n>r[ly escap$
 int]diction4 ,x 0 only s9ce ,c>d9al    
,boccan]a1 compassionat+ 8 bad luck1 _h 
tak5 him into 8 h\se &  atta*$ him to 8 
p]son1 t he _h enjoy$ a little repose4  
,"h ,i  h a refuge1 an asylum1 he       
cont9u$4 ,!y execrate 8 ,em95ce1 :o  has
 nev] be5 on _! side1 b !y hav5't yet   
d>$ to attack him or  8 s]vants4 ,oh6 ,i
 h no illusions1 !y w end by cat*+ me   

aga91 all ! same4 ,p]haps !y w ev5 he> (
 our conv]sation ?is  ev5+1 & make me   
pay de>ly = x2 = ,i d wrong to speak1 ,i
 speak  9 spite ( myself4 ,!y h /ol5 all
 my happ9ess1 & br\ght all  possible    
mis=tune on me1 ev]y?+ t 0 possible1    
ev]y?+--y  he> me6    ,increas+ discom=t
 0 tak+ possession ( ,pi]re1 :o1 seek+  
to  relieve himself by a je/1 exclaim$3 
,come1 come1 at any rate x wasn't  !    
,jesuits :o gave y ! fev]4    ,yes1 yes1
 x 06 ,don ,vigilio viol5tly decl>$4 ,i 
caught x on !  bank ( ! ,tib] "o ev5+1  
:5 ,i w5t to weep !re 9 my grief at     
hav+ be5 driv5 f ! little *ur* :]e ,i   
(ficiat$4    ,pi]re1 hi!rto1 _h nev]    
believ$ 9 ! t]rible leg5d ( !  ,jesuits4
 ,he belong$ to a g5]ation :i* laugh$ at
 ! idea (  wehr-wolves1 & consid]$ !    
_/b\rgeois_/ fe> ( ! fam\s black m51  :o
 hid !mselves 9 walls & t]roris$        
families1 to be a trifle  ridicul\s4 ,to
 him all su* ?+s seem$ to be nurs]y     
tales1  exagg]at$ by religi\s &         
political passion4 ,& s x 0 )  amazem5t 

t he exam9$ ,don ,vigilio1 sudd5ly fe>+ 
t he might  h to deal ) a maniac4       
,nev]!less he c\ld n help recall+ !     
extraord9>y /ory ( !  ,jesuits4 ,if ,/4 
,francis ( ,assisi & ,/4 ,dom9ic are ! v
 s\l &  _s ( ! middle ages1 its ma/]s & 
tea*]s1 ! =m] a liv+  expression ( all !
 ard5t1 *>itable fai? ( ! humble1 & !   
o!r def5d+ dogma & fix+ doctr9es = !    
intellig5t & !  p[]ful1 on ! o!r h&     
,ignatius de ,loyola appe>$ on ! ?re%old
  ( mod]n times to save ! tott]+ h]itage
 by accommodat+ religion  to ! new      
developm5ts ( society1 !reby ensur+ x ! 
empire ( !  _w :i* 0 ab\t to appe>4     
,at ! adv5t ( ! mod]n era x seem$ z if !
 ,deity 7 to be  vanqui%$ 9 !           
uncompromis+ /ruggle ) s91 = x 0 c]ta9  
t ! old det]m9ation to suppress ,nature1
 to kill ! man )9  man1 ) 8 appetites1  
passions1 he>t1 & blood1 c\ld only      
result 9  a disa/r\s defeat1 9 :i*1     
inde$1 ! ,*ur* f\nd h]self on !  v eve (
 s9k+2 & x 0 ! ,jesuits :o came to      
extricate h]  f ?is p]il & re9vigorate  

h] by decid+ t x 0 %e :o n[  ought to g 
to ! _w1 s9ce ! _w seem$ unwill+ to g   
any  long] to h]4 ,all lay 9 t2 y f9d ! 
,jesuits decl>+ t "o  c ent] into       
arrangem5ts ) heav52 !y b5d & adju/     
!mselves  to ! cu/oms1 prejudices1 & ev5
 vices ( ! times2 !y smile1 all         
condesc5sion1 ca/ rig\rism aside1 &     
practice ! diplomacy (  amiability1 ev] 
ready to turn ! mo/ awful abom9ations to
 !  great] glory ( ,god4 ,t is _! motto1
 _! battle-cry1 & !nce  spr+s ! moral   
pr9ciple :i* _m reg>d z _! crime3 t all 
means are good to atta9 "o's end1       
especially :5 t end is !  fur!rance ( ! 
,deity's int]e/s z repres5t$ by ^? ( !  
,*ur*4 ,& :at ov]:elm+ success att5ds ! 
ef=ts ( ! ,jesuits6  !y sw>m & be=e long
 cov] ! e>?1 on all sides becom+        
unconte/$ ma/]s4 ,!y %rive k+s1 !y      
acquire imm5se weal?1 !y  display su*   
victori\s p[] ( invasion t1 h[ev] humbly
 !y may  set foot 9 any c\ntry1 !y soon 
:olly possess x3 s\ls1 bodies1  p[]1 &  
=tune alike fall+ to !m4 ,& !y are      

p>ticul>ly  zeal\s 9 f\nd+ s*ools1 !y %[
 !mselves to be incomp>able  m\ld]s ( ! 
human bra91 well und]/&+ t p[] always   
belongs  to ! morr[1 to ! g5]ations :i* 
are gr[+ up & ^: ma/]  "o mu/ be if "o  
desire to reign et]nally4 ,s great is _!
 p[]1  bas$ on ! necessity ( compromise 
) s91 t1 on ! morr[ ( !  ,c\ncil (      
,tr5t1 !y trans=m ! v _s ( ,ca?olicism1 
p5etrate x1 id5tify x ) !mselves &      
become ! indisp5sable  soldi]s ( !      
papacy :i* lives by !m & = !m4 ,& f t   
mom5t ,rome is !irs1 ,rome :]e _! g5]al 
s long comm&s1 :5ce  s long g =? !      
directions = ! obscure tactics :i* are  
bl9dly  foll[$ by _! innum]able army1 ^:
 skilful organisation cov]s !  globe z )
 an iron network hidd5 by ! velvet ( h&s
 exp]t 9  deal+ g5tly ) poor suff]+     
humanity4 ,b1 aft] all1 ! mo/  prodigi\s
 feature is ! /upefy+ vitality ( !      
,jesuits :o are  incessantly track$1    
condemn$1 execut$1 & yet /ill & ev]     
erect4  ,z soon z _! p[] ass]ts itself1 
_! unpopul>ity beg9s &  gradually       

becomes univ]sal4 ,hoots ( execration   
arise ar\nd !m1  abom9able accusations1 
sc&al\s law cases 9 :i* !y appe> z      
corruptors & felons4 ,pascal devotes !m 
to public contempt1  p>liam5ts condemn  
_! books to be burnt1 univ]sities d5\nce
 _!  sy/em ( morals & _! tea*+ z        
poison\s4 ,!y fom5t su*  di/urbances1   
su* /ruggles 9 e k+dom1 t organis$      
p]secution  sets 91 & !y are soon driv5 
f ev]y:]e4 ,dur+ m ?an a  c5tury !y     
become w&]]s1 expell$1 !n recall$1 pass+
 &  repass+ fronti]s1 leav+ a c\ntry    
amid/ cries ( hatr$ to return  to x z   
soon z quiet has be5 re/or$4 ,f9ally1 = 
supreme disa/]1  !y are suppress$ by "o 
pope1 b ano!r re-e/abli%es !m1 &  s9ce  
!n !y h be5 virtually tol]at$ ev]y:]e4  
,& 9 !  diplomatic self-effacem5t1 !    
%ade 9 :i* !y h ! prud5ce to  seque/]   
!mselves1 !y are none ! less triumphant1
 quietly  confid5t ( _! victory l       
soldi]s :o h once & = ev]  subdu$ ! e>?4
    ,pi]re 0 aw>e t1 judg+ by m]e       
appe>ances1 ! ,jesuits 7  n[adays       

dispossess$ ( all influ5ce 9 ,rome4 ,!y 
no long] (ficiat$  at ! ,gesu1 !y no    
long] direct$ ! ,collegio ,romano1 :]e  
!y  =m]ly fa%ion$ s _m s\ls2 & ) no     
abode ( _! own1 r$uc$  to accept =eign  
hospitality1 !y _h mode/ly s\ght a      
refuge at !  ,collegio ,g]manico1 :]e   
!re is a little *apel4 ,!re !y taught & 
!re !y /ill confess$1 b )\t ! slighte/  
bu/le or display4  ,0 "o to believe1    
h[ev]1 t ?is effacem5t 0 b ma/]ly       
cunn+1 a feign$ disappe>ance 9 ord] t !y
 might really rema9  secret1 all-p[]ful 
ma/]s1 ! hidd5 h& :i* directs & guides  
ev]y?+8 ,p c]ta9ly said t ! proclamation
 ( papal  ,infallibility _h be5 _! "w1 a
 weapon ) :i* !y _h arm$  !mselves :il/ 
feign+ to be/[ x on ! papacy1 9 read9ess
 =  ! com+ decisive task :i* _! g5ius   
=esaw 9 ! approa*+  social upheavals4 ,&
 ?us !re might p]haps be "s tru? 9 :at  
,don  ,vigilio1 ) a %iv] ( my/]y1 relat$
 ab\t _! occult  sov]eignty1 a seiz91 z 
x 71 ( ! gov]nm5t ( ! ,*ur*1 a  royalty 
ignor$ b nev]!less complete4    ,z ?is  

idea occurr$ to ,pi]re1 a dim connection
 betwe5 c]ta9 ( 8  exp]i5ces arose 9 8  
m9d & he all at once inquir$3 ,is       
,monsignor  ,nani a ,jesuit1 !n8    ,^! 
words seem$ to revive all ,don          
,vigilio's anxi\s passion4 ,he wav$  8  
trembl+ h&1 & repli$3 ,he8 ,oh1 he's too
 clev]1 too skilful by  f> to h tak5 !  
robe4 ,b he comes f t ,collegio ,romano 
:]e  8 g5]ation grew up1 & he !re imbib$
 t ,jesuit g5ius :i*  adapt$ itself s   
well to 8 own4 ,:il/ fully realis+ !    
dang] (  we>+ an unpopul> & emb>rass+   
liv]y1 & wi%+ to be free1 he  is none ! 
less a ,jesuit 9 8 fle%1 9 8 bones1 9 8 
v s\l4  ,he is evid5tly conv9c$ t !     
,*ur* c only triumph by utilis+  !      
passions ( mank9d1 & )al he is v fond ( 
! ,*ur*1 v  pi\s at bottom1 a v good    
prie/1 s]v+ ,god )\t weakness 9         
gratitude = ! absolute p[] :i* ,god     
gives to ,8 m9i/]s4 ,&  besides1 he is s
 *>m+1 incapable ( any brutal action1   
full ( !  good bre$+ ( 8 noble ,v5etian 
ance/ors1 & deeply v]s$ 9  k ( ! _w1    

?anks to 8 exp]i5ces at ! nunciatures ( 
,p>is1 ,vi5na1 & o!r places1 )\t m5tion+
 t he kn[s  ev]y?+ t goes on by reason (
 ! delicate functions :i* he has        
dis*>g$ = t5 ye>s pa/ z ,assessor ( !   
,holy ,(fice4 ,yes1 he is  p[]ful1      
all-p[]ful1 & 9 him y d n h ! furtive   
,jesuit  ^: robe glides pa/ amid/       
suspicion1 b ! head1 ! bra91 !  lead]   
:om no uni=m designates4    ,?is reply  
made ,pi]re grave1 = he 0 q will+ to    
admit t an  opportuni/ code ( morals1 l 
t ( ! ,jesuits1 0 inoculable &  n[      
pr$om9at$ ?r\gh\t ! ,*ur*4 ,inde$1 !    
,jesuits might  disappe>1 b _! doctr9e  
w\ld survive !m1 s9ce x 0 ! "o  weapon (
 combat1 ! "o sy/em ( /rategy :i* might 
aga9 place !  nations "u ! dom9ion (    
,rome4 ,& 9 reality ! /ruggle :i*       
cont9u$ lay precisely 9 ! attempts to   
accommodate religion to !  c5tury1 & !  
c5tury to religion4 ,su* be+ ! case1    
,pi]re  realis$ t su* m5 z ,monsignor   
,nani might acquire va/ & ev5  decisive 
importance4    ,ah6 if y knew1 if y     

knew1 cont9u$ ,don ,vigilio1 he's       
ev]y:]e1  he has 8 h& 9 ev]y?+4 ,=      
in/ance1 no?+ has ev] happ5$  "h1 among 
! ,boccan]as1 b ,i've f\nd him at !     
bottom ( x1  tangl+ or untangl+ ! ?reads
 accord+ to necessities ) :i* he  alone 
is acqua9t$4    ,!n1 9 ! unqu5*able fev]
 = confid+ ?+s :i* 0 n[  consum+ him1 ! 
secret>y relat$ h[ ,monsignor ,nani _h  
mo/  c]ta9ly br\ght on ,b5$etta's       
divorce case4 ,! ,jesuits1 9 spite (  _!
 conciliatory _s1 h always tak5 up a    
ho/ile position )  reg>d to ,italy1 ei!r
 because !y d n despair ( reconqu]+     
,rome1  or because !y wait to treat 9   
due season ) ! ultimate & real  victor1 
:e!r ,k+ or ,pope4 ,& s ,nani1 :o _h    
long be5 "o ( ,donna  ,s]af9a's         
intimates1 _h help$ to precipitate !    
rupture ) ,prada z  soon z ,b5$etta's "m
 0 dead4 ,aga91 x 0 he :o1 to prev5t any
  int]f]5ce on ! "p ( ! patriotic ,abbe 
,pisoni1 ! "y woman's  confessor & !    
artisan ( h] m>riage1 _h urg$ h] to take
 ! same  spiritual director z h] aunt1  

,fa!r ,lor5za1 a h&some ,jesuit )  cle> 
& k9dly eyes1 ^: confessional 9 ! *apel 
( ! ,collegio  ,g]manico 0 incessantly  
besieg$ by p5it5ts4 ,& x seem$ c]ta9  t 
?is manoeuvre _h br\ght ab\t ev]y?+2 :at
 "o cl]ic work+  = ,italy _h done1 0 to 
be undone by ano!r work+ aga9/ ,italy4  
,:y 0 x1 h[ev]1 t ,nani1 aft] br++ ab\t 
! rupture1 _h  mom5t>ily ceas$ to %[ all
 int]e/ 9 ! affair to ! po9t ev5  (     
jeop>dis+ ! suit = ! dissolution ( !    
m>riage8 ,& :y 0  he n[ aga9 busy+      
himself ) x1 sett+ ,donna ,s]af9a 9     
action1  prompt+ h] to buy ,monsignor   
,palma's support1 & br++ 8 own  influ5ce
 to be> on ! c>d9als ( ! ,congregation8 
,!re 0 my/]y  9 all ?is1 z !re 0 9      
ev]y?+ he did1 = 8 s*emes 7  always     
complicat$ & di/ant 9 _! effects4       
,h[ev]1 "o might  suppose t he n[ wi%$  
to ha/5 ! m>riage ( ,b5$etta & ,d>io1  9
 ord] to /op all ! abom9able rum\rs :i* 
7 circulat+ 9 !  :ite _w2 unless1 inde$1
 ?is divorce secur$ by pecuni>y paym5ts 
& ! pressure ( notori\s influ5ces 7 an  

int5tional sc&al at  fir/ spun out & n[ 
ha/5$1 9 ord] to h>m ,c>d9al ,boccan]a1 
:om ! ,jesuits might desire to bru%     
aside 9 c]ta9 ev5tualities  :i* 7       
possibly ne> at h&4    ,to tell ! tru?1 
,i r incl9e to ! latt] view1 said ,don  
,vigilio1 ! m s inde$ z ,i le>nt ?is    
ev5+ t ! ,pope is  n well4 ,) an old man
 ( eighty-f\r ! end may come at any     
mom5t1  & s ! ,pope c nev] cat* cold b  
:at ! ,sacr$ ,college & !  prelacies are
 all agog1 /irr$ by sudd5 ambiti\s      
rivalries4 ,n[1 !  ,jesuits h always    
oppos$ ,c>d9al ,boccan]a's c&idature4   
,!y ought  to be on 8 side1 on acc\nt ( 
8 rank1 & 8 uncompromis+  attitude t[>ds
 ,italy1 b ! idea ( giv+ !mselves su* a 
ma/]  disquiets !m1 = !y consid] him    
unseasonably r\gh & /]n1 too  viol5t 9 8
 fai?1 :i* unb5d+ z x is w\ld prove     
dang]\s 9  ^! diplomatic times ?r\gh :i*
 ! ,*ur* is pass+4 ,& s ,i  %\ld 9 no   
wise be a/oni%$ if !re 7 an attempt to  
discr$it him  & r5d] 8 c&idature        
impossible1 by employ+ ! mo/ und]h&  &  

%ameful means4    ,a little quiv] ( fe> 
0 com+ ov] ,pi]re4 ,! contagion ( !     
unkn[n1 ( ! black intrigues plott$ 9 !  
d>k1 0 spread+ amid/  ! sil5ce ( ! night
 9 ! dep?s ( t palace1 ne> t ,tib]1  9 t
 ,rome s full ( leg5d>y trag$ies4 ,b all
 at once ! "y  man's m9d rev]t$ to      
himself1 to 8 own affair4 ,b :at is my  
"p  9 all ?is8 he ask$3 :y does         
,monsignor ,nani seem to take an int]e/ 
9 me8 ,:y is he mix$ up 9 ! proce$+s    
aga9/ my book8    ,oh6 "o nev] kn[s1 "o 
nev] kn[s exactly6 repli$ ,don ,vigilio1
  wav+ 8 arms4 ,"o ?+ ,i c say1 t he    
only knew ( ! affair  :5 ! d5unciations 
( ! ?ree bi%ops 7 already 9 ! h&s (     
,fa!r ,dangelis2 & ,i h also le>nt t he 
!n tri$ to /op !  proce$+s1 :i* he no   
d\bt ?\ght bo? useless & impolitic4 ,b  
:5 a matt] is once be=e ! ,congregation 
x is almo/ impossible =  x to be )drawn1
 & ,monsignor ,nani mu/ also h come into
 collision  ) ,fa!r ,dangelis :o1 l a   
fai?ful ,dom9ican1 is ! passionate      
adv]s>y ( ! ,jesuits4 ,x 0 !n t he caus$

 ! ,contess9a to  write to ,monsieur de 
la ,*\e1 reque/+ him to tell y to ha/5  
"h  9 ord] to def5d y\rself1 & to       
arrange = y\r acceptance (  hospitality 
9 ?is mansion1 dur+ y\r /ay4    ,?is    
revelation br\ght ,pi]re's emotion to a 
climax4 ,y are sure (  t8 he ask$4      
,oh6 q sure4 ,i he>d ,nani speak ( y "o 
,monday1 & "s "t ago  ,i told y t he    
seem$ to "k all ab\t y1 z if he _h made 
mo/  m9ute inquiries4 ,my belief is t he
 _h already read y\r book1 &  0         
extremely preoccupi$ ab\t x4    ,d y ?9k
 t he %>es my ideas1 !n8 ,is he s9c]e1  
is he  def5d+ himself :ile /riv+ to     
def5d me8    ,oh6 no1 no1 n at all4 ,y\r
 ideas1 :y he c]ta9ly hates !m1 &  y\r  
book & y\rself z well4 ,y h no idea :at 
contempt = !  weak1 :at hatr$ ( ! poor1 
& love ( au?ority & dom9ation he        
conceals "u 8 c>ess+ amiability4 ,l\rdes
 he might ab&on to y1  ?\gh x embodies a
 m>vell\s weapon ( gov]nm5t2 b he w nev]
  =give y = be+ on ! side ( ! little    
ones ( ! _w1 &  = pron\nc+ aga9/ !      

temporal p[]4 ,if y only he>d ) :at     
g5tle f]ocity he d]ides ,monsieur de la 
,*\e1 :om he calls !  weep+ will[ (     
,neo-,ca?olicism6    ,pi]re c>ri$ 8 h&s 
to 8 temples & press$ 8 head            
despair+ly4 ,!n :y1 :y1 tell me ,i beg (
 y1 :y has he br\ght me  "h & kept me "h
 9 ?is h\se at 8 disposal8 ,:y has he   
prom5ad$ me up & d[n ,rome = ?ree long  
mon?s1 ?r[+ me aga9/  ob/acles & we>y+  
me1 :5 x 0 s easy = him to let ! ,index 
condemn my book if x emb>rass$ him8 ,x's
 true1 ( c\rse1 t ?+s  w\ld n h gone    
quietly1 = ,i 0 dispos$ to refuse       
submission &  op5ly confess my new fai?1
 ev5 aga9/ ! decisions ( ,rome4    ,don 
,vigilio's black eyes fl>$ 9 8 yell[    
face3 ,p]haps x 0 t  :i* he wi%$ to     
prev5t4 ,he kn[s y to be v intellig5t & 
en?usia/ic1 & ,i h (t5 he>d him say t   
intellig5ce &  en?usiasm %\ld n be f\ght
 op5ly4    ,pi]re1 h[ev]1 _h ris5 to 8  
feet1 & in/ead ( li/5+1 0  /rid+ up &   
d[n ! room z ?\gh c>ri$ away by !       
:irlw9d (  8 ?\ghts4 ,come1 come1 he    

said at la/1 x is necess>y t ,i  %\ld "k
 & und]/& ?+s if ,i am to cont9ue !     
/ruggle4 ,y  mu/ be k9d en\gh to give me
 "s detail$ p>ticul>s ab\t ea* (  !     
p]sons mix$ up 9 my affair4 ,jesuits1   
,jesuits ev]y:]e8 _/,mon  ,dieu_/1 x may
 be s1 y are p]haps "r6 ,b all ! same y 
mu/  po9t out ! diff]5t %ades to me4    
,n[1 = in/ance1 :at ( t  ,=n>o8         
,monsignor ,=n>o1 oh6 he's :atev] y l4  
,/ill he also 0 br\ght  up at !         
,collegio ,romano1 s y may be c]ta9 t he
 is a ,jesuit1 a  ,jesuit by education1 
position1 & ambition4 ,he is long+ to   
become a  c>d9al1 & if he "s day becomes
 "o1 he'll long to be ! next pope4      
,besides1 y "k1 e "o "h is a c&idate to 
! papacy z soon z  he ent]s ! sem9>y4   
,& ,c>d9al ,sangu9etti8    ,a ,jesuit1 a
 ,jesuit6 ,to speak pla9ly1 he 0 "o1 !n 
ceas$ to be "o1  & is n[ und\bt$ly "o   
aga94 ,sangu9etti has flirt$ ) e        
influ5ce4 ,x 0 long ?\ght t he 0 9 fav\r
 ( conciliation  betwe5 ! ,holy ,see &  
,italy2 b ?+s drift$ into a bad way1 &  

he  viol5tly took "p aga9/ ! usurp]s4 ,9
 ! same /yle he has  frequ5tly fall5 out
 ) ,leo ,,xiii & !n made 8 peace4       
,to-day at  ! ,vatican1 he keeps on a   
foot+ ( diplomatic res]ve4 ,briefly he  
only  has "o object1 ! ti>a1 & ev5 %[s x
 too pla9ly1 :i* is a  mi/ake1 = x uses 
up a c&idate4 ,/ill1 j at pres5t !      
/ruggle  seems to be betwe5 him &       
,c>d9al ,boccan]a4 ,& t's :y he has     
gone ov] to ! ,jesuits aga91 utilis+ _! 
hatr$ ( 8 rival1 &  anticipat+ t !y w be
 =c$ to support _/him_/ 9 ord] to defeat
  ! o!r4 ,b ,i d\bt x1 !y are too %rewd1
 !y w hesitate to  patronise a c&idate  
:o is already s compromis$4 ,he1        
blund]-head1  passionate & pr\d z he is1
 d\bts no?+1 & s9ce y say t he  is n[ at
 ,frascati1 ,i'm c]ta9 t he made all    
ha/e to %ut himself up  !re ) "s gr&    
/rategical object 9 view1 z soon z he   
he>d (  ! ,pope's illness4    ,well1 & !
 ,pope himself1 ,leo ,,xiii8 ask$       
,pi]re4    ,?is "t ,don ,vigilio        
slightly hesitat$1 8 eyes bl9k+4 ,!n he 

said3 ,leo ,,xiii8 ,he is a ,jesuit1 a  
,jesuit6 ,oh6 ,i "k x is said t he      
sides ) ! ,dom9icans1 & ?is is 9 a      
measure true1 = he fancies  t he is     
animat$ ) _! _s & he has br\ght ,/4     
,?omas into  fav\r aga91 & has re/or$   
all ! ecclesia/ical tea*+ (  doctr9e4 ,b
 !re is also ! ,jesuit1 rememb]1 :o is  
"o  involunt>ily & )\t kn[+ x1 & ( ?is  
category ! pres5t  ,pope w prove ! mo/  
fam\s example4 ,/udy 8 acts1 inve/igate 
8  policy1 & y w f9d t ev]y?+ 9 x       
emanates f ! ,jesuit  _s4 ,! fact is t  
he has unwitt+ly become impregnat$ ) t  
_s1 & t all ! influ5ce1 directly or     
indirectly br\ght to  be> on him comes f
 a ,jesuit c5tre4 ,ah6 :y don't y       
believe me8 ,i  repeat t ! ,jesuits h   
conqu]$ & absorb$ ev]y?+1 t all  ,rome  
belongs to !m f ! mo/ insignificant     
cl]ic to 8 ,hol9ess  9 p]son4    ,!n he 
cont9u$1 reply+ to ea* fre% "n t ,pi]re 
gave ) !  same ob/9ate1 maniacal cry3   
,jesuit1 ,jesuit6 ,x seem$ z if a       
,*ur*man c\ld be no?+ else1 z if ea*    

answ] 7 a confirmation (  ! proposition 
t ! cl]gy mu/ comp\nd ) ! mod]n _w if x 
desir$ to pres]ve its ,deity4 ,! h]oic  
age ( ,ca?olicism 0  accompli%$1 h5ce=? 
x c\ld only live by d9t ( diplomacy &   
ruses1 concessions & arrangem5ts4 ,& t  
,pap>elli1 he's a ,jesuit  too1 a       
,jesuit6 ,don ,vigilio w5t on1          
in/9ctively l[]+ 8 voice4  ,yes1 !      
humble b t]rible ,jesuit1 ! ,jesuit 9 8 
mo/ abom9able  _/role_/ z a spy & a     
p]v]t]6 ,i c\ld swe> t he has m]ely be5 
plac$ "h 9 ord] to keep wat* on 8       
,em95ce6 ,& y %\ld see  ) :at supple    
tal5t & craft he has p]=m$ 8 task1 to   
su* a  po9t inde$ t x is n[ he alone :o 
wills & ord]s ?+s4 ,he  op5s ! door to  
:omsoev] he pleases1 uses 8 ma/] l      
some?+  belong+ to him1 weighs on ea* ( 
8 resolutions1 & holds him 9 8  p[] by  
d9t ( 8 /eal?y unremitt+ ef=ts4 ,yes6   
x's ! lion  conqu]$ by ! insect2 !      
inf9itesimally small dispos+ ( !        
inf9itely great2 ! tra9-be>]--^: prop]  
"p is to sit at 8  c>d9al's feet l a    

fai?ful h\nd--9 reality reign+ ov] him1 
&  impell+ him 9 :atsoev] direction he  
*ooses4 ,ah6 ! ,jesuit6 !  ,jesuit6     
,mi/ru/ him :5 y see him glid+ by 9 8   
%abby old  cassock1 ) ! flabby wr9kl$   
face ( a dev\t old maid4 ,& make  sure t
 he isn't beh9d ! doors1 or 9 !         
cupbo>ds1 or "u !  b$s4 ,ah6 ,i tell y t
 !y'll dev\r y z !y've dev\r$ me2 &     
!y'll give y ! fev] too1 p]haps ev5 !   
plague if y are n  c>eful6    ,pi]re    
sudd5ly halt$ 9 front ( 8 companion4 ,he
 0 los+ all  assurance1 bo? fe> & rage 7
 p5etrat+ him4 ,&1 aft] all1 :y  n8 ,^! 
extraord9>y /ories mu/ be true4 ,b 9 t  
case give me  "s advice1 he exclaim$1 ,i
 ask$ y to come 9 "h ?is ev5+  precisely
 because ,i no long] "k :at to d1 & ne$ 
to be set 9 !  "r pa?-- ,!n he broke (f 
& aga9 pac$ to & fro1 z if urg$  into   
motion by 8 explod+ passion4 ,or r no1  
tell me no?+6 he  abruptly resum$4 ,x's 
all ov]2 ,i pref] to g away4 ,! ?\ght   
occurr$ to me be=e1 b x 0 9 a mom5t (   
c[>dice & ) !  idea ( disappe>+ & (     

return+ to live 9 peace 9 my little     
nook3  :]eas n[1 if ,i g (f1 x w be z an
 av5g]1 a judge1 to cry al\d  to all !  
_w f ,p>is1 to proclaim :at ,i h se5 9  
,rome1 :at  m5 h done !re ) !           
,*ri/ianity ( ,jesus1 ! ,vatican fall+  
into du/1 ! corpse-l od\r :i* comes f x1
 ! idiotic  illusions ( ^? :o hope t !y 
w "o day see a r5asc5ce (  ! mod]n s\l  
arise f a sepul*re :]e ! remnants ( dead
  c5turies rot & slumb]4 ,oh6 ,i w n    
yield1 ,i w n make my  submission1 ,i w 
def5d my book by a fre% "o4 ,& t book1  
,i  promise y1 w make "s noise 9 ! _w1 =
 x w s\nd !  la/ agony ( a dy+ religion1
 :i* "o mu/ make all ha/e to bury  le/  
its rema9s %\ld poison ! nations6       
,all ?is 0 beyond ,don ,vigilio's m9d4  
,! ,italian prie/1 ) n>r[  belief &     
ignorant t]ror ( ! new ideas1 awoke )9  
him4 ,he clasp$  8 h&s1 affright$4 ,be  
quiet1 be quiet6 ,y are blasphem+6 ,&1  
besides1 y _c g (f l t )\t aga9 try+ to 
see 8  ,hol9ess4 ,he alone is sov]eign4 
,& ,i "k t ,i %all surprise y2  b ,fa!r 

,dangelis has giv5 y 9 je/ ! only good  
advice t c  be giv53 ,g back to see     
,monsignor ,nani1 = he alone w op5 !    
door  ( ! ,vatican = y4    ,aga9 did    
,pi]re give a />t ( ang]3 ,:at6 ,x 0 )  
,monsignor ,nani  t ,i began1 f him t ,i
 set out2 & ,i am to g back to him8 ,:at
  game is t8 ,c ,i cons5t to be a       
%uttlecock s5t fly+ hi!r &  ?i!r by e   
battl$ore8 ,p are hav+ a game ) me6     
,!n1 h>ass$ & di/ract$1 ! "y man fell on
 8 *air 9 front  ( ,don ,vigilio1 :o ) 8
 face drawn by 8 prolong$ vigil1 & 8    
h&s /ill & ev] fa9tly trembl+1 rema9$ = 
"s "t sil5t4 ,at  la/ he expla9$ t he _h
 ano!r idea4 ,he 0 slightly acqua9t$  ) 
! ,pope's confessor1 a ,franciscan fa!r1
 a man ( great  simplicity1 to :om he   
might recomm5d ,pi]re4 ,?is ,franciscan1
 despite  8 self-effacem5t1 w\ld p]haps 
prove ( s]vice to him4 ,at all ev5ts  he
 might be tri$4 ,!n1 once m1 sil5ce     
fell1 & ,pi]re1 ^:  dreamy eyes 7 turn$ 
t[>ds ! wall1 end$ by di/+ui%+ ! old    
picture :i* _h t\*$ him s deeply on !   

day ( 8 arrival4 ,9 !  pale gl[ ( ! lamp
 x gradually %[$ =? & liv$1 l an        
inc>nation ( 8 own case1 8 own futile   
despair be=e ! /]nly  clos$ portal (    
tru? & ju/ice4 ,ah6 t outca/ woman1 t   
/ubborn  victim ( love1 weep+ amid/ h]  
/ream+ hair1 h] visage hidd5  :il/ ) pa9
 & grief %e sank ^u ! /eps ( t palace ^:
  door 0 s pitilessly %ut--h[ %e        
resembl$ him6 ,drap$ ) a m]e  /rip (    
l951 %e 0 %iv]+1 & amid/ ! ov]p[]+      
di/ress  ( h] ab&onm5t %e did n reveal  
h] secret1 mis=tune1 or  transgression1 
:i*ev] x might be4 ,b he1 beh9d h]      
close-press$  h&s1 end[$ h] ) a face ak9
 to 8 own3 %e became 8 si/]1 z  7 all ! 
poor creatures )\t ro( or c]ta9ty :o    
weep because  !y are nak$ & alone1 & we>
 out _! /r5g? 9 seek+ to =ce  ! wick$   
?re%olds ( m54 ,he c\ld nev] gaze at h] 
)\t pity+  h]1 & x /irr$ him s mu* t    
ev5+ to f9d h] ev] s unkn[n1  nameless &
 visageless1 yet /eep$ 9 ! mo/ bitt]    
te>s1 t he  sudd5ly began to "q 8       
companion4    ,tell me1 said he1 d y "k 

:o pa9t$ t old picture8 ,x /irs  me to !
 s\l l a ma/]piece4    ,/upefi$ by ?is  
unexpect$ "q1 ! secret>y rais$ 8 head & 
look$1 feel+ yet m a/oni%$ :5 he _h     
exam9$ ! black5$1  =sak5 panel 9 its    
sorry frame4    ,:]e did x come f8      
resum$ ,pi]re2 :y has x be5 /[$ away 9  
?is room8    ,oh6 repli$ ,don ,vigilio1 
) a ge/ure ( indiff]5ce1 x's no?+4  ,!re
 are heaps ( valueless old pa9t+s       
ev]y:]e4 ,t "o1 no  d\bt1 has always be5
 "h4 ,b ,i don't "k2 ,i nev] notic$ x   
be=e4    ,:il/ speak+ he _h at la/ ris5 
to 8 feet1 & ?is simple action  _h      
br\ght on su* a fit ( %iv]+ t he c\ld   
sc>cely take leave1  s viol5tly did 8   
tee? *att] ) fev]4 ,no1 no1 don't %[ me 
out1 he /amm]$1 keep ! lamp "h4 ,& to   
conclude3 ! be/ c\rse  is = y to leave  
y\rself 9 ! h&s ( ,monsignor ,nani1 =   
he1 at  all ev5ts1 is a sup]ior man4 ,i 
told y on y\r arrival t1 :e!r  y w\ld or
 n1 y w\ld end by do+ z he desir$4 ,& s 
:at's !  use ( /ruggl+8 ,& m9d1 n a ^w (
 our conv]sation to-night2 x  w\ld mean 

my dea?4    ,!n he noiselessly op5$ !   
doors1 glanc$ di/ru/fully into !        
d>kness ( ! passage1 & at la/ v5tur$ out
 & disappe>$1  rega9+ 8 own room ) su*  
s(t /eps t n ! fa9te/  footfall 0 he>d  
amid/ ! tomb-l slumb] ( ! old mansion4  
,on ! morr[1 ,pi]re1 aga9 ma/]$ by a    
desire to fight on to ! v  end1 got ,don
 ,vigilio to recomm5d him to ! ,pope's  
confessor1 !  ,franciscan fri> ) :om !  
secret>y 0 slightly acqua9t$4  ,h[ev]1  
?is fri> prov$ to be an extremely timid 
if wor?y man1  select$ precisely on     
acc\nt ( 8 great mode/y1 simplicity1 &  
absolute lack ( influ5ce 9 ord] t he    
might n abuse 8 position  ) respect to !
 ,holy ,fa!r4 ,& d\btless !re 0 an      
affectation  ( humility on ! latt]'s "p 
9 tak+ = confessor a memb] ( !  humble/ 
( ! regul> ord]s1 a fri5d ( ! poor1 a   
holy begg> (  ! roads4 ,at ! same "t !  
fri> c]ta9ly enjoy$ a reputation =      
oratory2 & hidd5 by a veil ! ,pope at   
times li/5$ to 8 s]mons2  = al?\gh z    
infallible ,sov]eign ,pontiff ,leo      

,,xiii c\ld n receive  lessons f any    
prie/1 x 0 admitt$ t z a man he might   
reap  pr(it by li/5+ to good disc\rse4  
,nev]!less ap>t f 8  natural eloqu5ce1 !
 wor?y fri> 0 really a m]e wa%] ( s\ls1 
a  confessor :o li/5s & absolves )\t ev5
 rememb]+ !  impurities :i* he removes 9
 ! wat]s ( p5it5ce4 ,& ,pi]re1  f9d+ him
 really s poor & su* a ciph]1 did n     
insi/ on an  int]v5tion :i* he realis$  
w\ld be futile4    ,all t day ! "y prie/
 0 haunt$ by ! figure ( t +5u\s  lov] ( 
pov]ty1 t delici\s ,/4 ,francis1 z      
,n>cisse ,hab]t 0 wont  to say4 ,pi]re  
_h (t5 wond]$ h[ su* an apo/le1 s g5tle 
t[>ds  bo? animate & inanimate creation1
 & s full ( ard5t *>ity =  ! wret*$1    
c\ld h aris5 9 a c\ntry ( egotism &     
enjoym5t  l ,italy1 :]e ! love ( beauty 
alone has rema9$ que54 ,d\btless  !     
times h *ang$2 yet :at a /rong sap (    
love mu/ h be5  ne$$ 9 ! old days1 dur+ 
! great suff]+s ( ! middle ages1  = su* 
a consol] ( ! humble to spr+ f ! popul> 
soil &  prea* ! gift ( self to o!rs1 !  

r5unciation ( weal?1 ! horror  ( brutal 
=ce1 ! equality & ob$i5ce :i* w\ld      
ensure ! peace  ( ! _w4 ,/4 ,francis    
trod ! roads clad z "o ( ! poore/1 a    
rope girdl+ 8 grey g[n & 8 b>e feet %od 
) s&als1 & he  c>ri$ ) him nei!r purse  
nor /aff4 ,& he & 8 bre?r5 spoke  al\d &
 freely1 ) sov]eign floresc5ce ( poetry 
& boldness (  tru?1 attack+ ! ri* & !   
p[]ful1 & d>+ ev5 to d5\nce  ! prie/s ( 
evil life1 ! debau*$1 simoniacal1 &     
p]jur$  bi%ops4 ,a long cry ( relief    
greet$ ! ,franciscans1 ! p  foll[$ !m 9 
cr[ds--!y 7 ! fri5ds1 ! lib]ators ( all 
!  humble ones :o suff]$4 ,& ?us1 l     
revolution>ies1 !y at fir/  s al>m$     
,rome1 t ! popes hesitat$ to au?orise _!
 ,ord]4 ,:5  !y at la/ gave way x 0     
assur$ly ) ! hope ( us+ ?is new  =ce =  
_! own pr(it1 by conqu]+ ! :ole vague   
mass ( !  l[ly ^: cov]t ?reats h ev]    
gr[l$ ?r\gh ! ages1 ev5 9  ! mo/        
despotic times4 ,& !nce=w>d 9 ! sons (  
,/4 ,francis !  ,*ur* possess$ an ev]   
victori\s army--a w&]+ army :i* spread  

ov] ! roads1 9 ! villages & ?r\gh !     
t[ns1 p5etrat+ to !  firesides ( artisan
 & peasant1 & ga9+ possession ( all     
simple  he>ts4 ,h[ great ! democratic   
p[] ( su* an ,ord] :i* _h sprung  f ! v 
entrails ( ! p6 ,& !nce its rapid       
prosp]ity1  its teem+ gr[? 9 a few ye>s1
 fri>ies aris+ ^u all sides1 &  ! ?ird  
,ord]99 s invad+ ! secul> population z  
to impregnate &  absorb x4 ,& t !re 0 "h
 a g5u9e gr[? ( ! soil1 a  vigor\s      
vegetation ( ! plebeian /ock 0 %[n by an
 entire national  art aris+ f x--!      
precursors ( ! ,r5asc5ce 9 pa9t+ &  ev5 
,dante himself1 ! s\l ( ,italia's g5ius4
      99 ,! ,franciscans1 l ! ,dom9icans
 & o!rs1 admit1 9      addition to ! two
 ,ord]s ( fri>s & nuns1 a ?ird ,ord]    
compris+ dev\t p]sons ( ei!r sex :o h   
nei!r !      vocation nor ! opportunity 
= cloi/]$ life1 b live 9      ! _w1     
privately obs]v+ ! *ief pr9ciples ( !   
frat]nity ) :i* !y are connect$4 ,9     
c5tral &      s\!rn ,europe memb]s ( ^! 
?ird ,ord]s are /ill                    

num]\s4--,trans4    ,= "s days n[1 9 !  
,rome ( ! pres5t "t1 ,pi]re _h be5  com+
 into contact ) ^? great ,ord]s ( ! pa/4
 ,! ,franciscans  & ! ,dom9icans 7 !re  
face to face 9 _! va/ conv5ts (         
prosp]\s aspect4 ,b x seem$ z if !      
humility ( ! ,franciscans  _h 9 ! long  
run depriv$ !m ( influ5ce4 ,p]haps1 too1
 _!  _/role_/ z fri5ds & lib]ators ( ! p
 0 end$ s9ce ! p  n[ und]took to lib]ate
 itself4 ,& s ! only real rema9+ battle 
0 betwe5 ! ,dom9icans & ! ,jesuits1 bo? 
( :om /ill claim$ to  m\ld ! _w accord+ 
to _! p>ticul> views4 ,w>f>e betwe5 !m  
0 incessant1 & ,rome--! supreme p[] at !
 ,vatican--0 ev] !  prize = :i* !y      
cont5d$4 ,b1 al?\gh ! ,dom9icans _h ,/4 
,?omas on _! side1 !y mu/ h felt t _!   
old dogmatic sci5ce  0 crumbl+1 compell$
 z !y 7 ea* day to surr5d] a little     
gr\nd to ! ,jesuits ^: pr9ciples accord$
 bett] ) ! _s (  ! c5tury4 ,&1 9        
addition to ^!1 !re 7 ! :ite-rob$       
,c>?usians1 ^? v holy1 pure1 & sil5t    
m$itators :o fl$ f  ! _w into quiet     

cells & cloi/]s1 ^? despair+ & consol$  
ones ^: numb]s may decrease b ^: ,ord] w
 live = ev]1 ev5  z grief & desire =    
solitude w live4 ,& !n !re 7 !          
,b5$ict9es ^: admirable rules h         
sanctifi$ lab\r1 passionate  toil]s 9   
lit]ature & sci5ce1 once p[]ful         
in/rum5ts (  civilisation1 enl>g+       
univ]sal k by _! imm5se hi/orical  &    
critical works4 ,^! ,pi]re lov$1 & ) !m 
w\ld h s\ght a  refuge two c5turies     
e>li]1 yet he 0 a/oni%$ to f9d !m build+
  on ! ,av5t9e a huge dwell+1 = :i* ,leo
 ,,xiii has already giv5  millions1 z if
 ! sci5ce ( to-day & to-morr[ 7 yet a   
field  :]e !y might g>n] h>ve/s4 ,b     
_/cui bono_/1 :5 ! workm5 h  *ang$1 &   
dogmas are !re to b> ! road--dogmas :i* 
tott]1 no  d\bt1 b :i* believ]s may n   
fl+ aside 9 ord] to pass onw>d8  ,&     
f9ally came ! sw>m ( less important     
,ord]s1 hundr$s 9 numb]2  !re 7 !       
,c>melites1 ! ,trappi/s1 ! ,m9ims1 !    
,b>nabites1 !  ,lazz>i/s1 ! ,eudi/s1 !  
,mission ,fa!rs1 ! ,s]vites1 ! ,bro!rs  

( ! ,*ri/ian ,doctr9e2 !re 7 !          
,b]nad9es1 ! ,augu/9ians1  ! ,!at9es1 ! 
,obs]vants1 ! ,passioni/s1 ! ,cele/9es1 
& !  ,capu*9s1 )\t c\nt+ ! correspond+  
,ord]s ( wom5 or ! ,poor  ,cl>es1 or !  
innum]able nuns l ^? ( ! ,visitation & !
  ,calv>y4 ,ea* community _h its mode/  
or sumptu\s dwell+1 c]ta9  di/ricts (   
,rome 7 entirely compos$ ( conv5ts1 &   
beh9d !  sil5t lifeless facades all ^? p
 buzz$1 intrigu$1 & wag$ !  ev]la/+     
w>f>e ( rival int]e/s & passions4 ,!    
social evolution  :i* produc$ !m _h long
 s9ce ceas$1 /ill !y ob/9ately s\ght  to
 prolong _! life1 gr[+ weak] & m useless
 day by day1  de/9$ to a sl[ agony until
 ! "t %all come :5 ! new  developm5t (  
society w leave !m nei!r foo?old nor    
brea?+  space4    ,& x 0 n only ) !     
regul>s t ,pi]re came 9 contact dur+  8 
p]egr9ations ?r\gh ,rome2 inde$1 he m   
p>ticul>ly _h to deal  ) ! secul> cl]gy1
 & le>nt to "k !m well4 ,a hi]>*ical    
sy/em :i* 0 /ill vigor\sly en=c$ ma9ta9$
 !m 9 v>i\s  ranks & classes4 ,up above1

 ar\nd ! ,pope1 reign$ ! pontifical     
family1 ! high & noble c>d9als &        
prelates ^: conceit 0 great  9 spite (  
_! app>5t famili>ity4 ,bel[ !m ! p>i%   
cl]gy  =m$ a v wor?y middle class ( wise
 & mod]ate m9ds2 & "h  patriot prie/s 7 
n r>e4 ,moreov]1 ! ,italian occupation (
 a  qu>t] ( a c5tury1 by in/all+ 9 !    
city a _w ( function>ies  :o saw ev]y?+ 
t w5t on1 _h1 curi\sly en\gh1 greatly   
purifi$  ! private life ( ! ,roman      
prie/hood1 9 :i* "u ! popes wom51       
beyond all "q1 play$ a supreme "p4 ,&   
f9ally "o came to !  plebeian cl]gy :om 
,pi]re /udi$ ) curiosity1 a collection (
  wret*$1 grimy1 half-nak$ prie/s :o l  
fami%$ animals pr[l$  ar\nd 9 se>* (    
masses1 & drift$ into disreputable      
tav]ns 9 !  company ( begg>s & ?ieves4  
,h[ev]1 he 0 m int]e/$ by !  float+     
population ( =eign prie/s f all p>ts (  
,*ri/5dom--!  adv5tur]s1 ! ambiti\s     
ones1 ! believ]s1 ! madm5 :om ,rome     
attract$ j z a lamp at night "t attracts
 ! insects ( ! gloom4  ,among ^! 7 m5 ( 

e nationality1 position1 & age1 all la%$
  on by _! appetites & scrambl+ f morn  
till eve ar\nd !  ,vatican1 9 ord] to   
snap at ! prey :i* !y hop$ to secure4   
,he  f\nd !m ev]y:]e1 & told himself )  
"s %ame t he 0 "o  ( !m1 t ! unit ( 8   
own p]sonality s]v$ to increase !       
incr$ible numb] ( cassocks t "o enc\nt]$
 9 ! /reets4 ,ah6  t ebb & fl[1 t       
ceaseless tide ( black g[ns & frocks ( e
  hue6 ,) _! processions ( /ud5ts ev]   
walk+ abroad1 !  sem9>ies ( ! diff]5t   
nations w\ld alone h suffic$ to drape  &
 decorate ! /reets1 = !re 7 ! ,fr5* & ! 
,engli% all  9 black1 ! ,s\? ,am]icans 9
 black ) blue sa%es1 ! ,nor?  ,am]icans 
9 black ) r$ sa%es1 ! ,poles 9 black )  
gre5 sa%es1  ! ,greeks 9 blue1 ! ,g]mans
 9 r$1 ! ,scots 9 violet1 ! ,romans  9  
black or violet or purple1 ! ,bohemians 
) *ocolate sa%es1 !  ,iri% ) r$ lappets1
 ! ,spani>ds ) blue cords1 to say no?+ (
  all ! o!rs ) broid]y & b9d+s & buttons
 9 a hundr$  diff]5t /yles4 ,& 9        
addition !re 7 ! confrat]nities1 !      

p5it5ts1 :ite1 black1 blue1 & grey1 )   
sleeveless frocks & capes  ( diff]5t    
hue1 grey1 blue1 black1 or :ite4 ,& ?us 
ev5 n[adays  ,papal ,rome at times seem$
 to resuscitate1 & "o c\ld realise h[   
t5aci\sly & vivaci\sly %e /ruggl$ on 9  
ord] t %e might n  disappe> 9 !         
cosmopolitan ,rome ( ! new era4 ,h[ev]1 
,pi]re1  :il/ runn+ ab\t f "o prelate to
 ano!r1 frequ5t+ prie/s &  cross+       
*ur*es1 c\ld n accu/om himself to !     
wor%ip1 ! ,roman  piety :i* a/oni%$ him 
:5 x did n w\nd him4 ,"o ra9y ,sunday   
morn+1 on ent]+ ,santa ,m>ia ,maggiore1 
he fanci$ himself 9 "s  wait+-room1 a v 
spl5did "o1 no d\bt1 b :]e ,god seem$ to
 h  no habitation4 ,!re 0 n a b5*1 n a  
*air 9 ! nave1 across  :i* p pass$1 z !y
 might pass ?r\gh a railway /ation1     
wett+ & soil+ ! preci\s mosaic pavem5t )
 _! muddy %oes2  & tir$ wom5 & *ildr5   
sat r\nd ! bases ( ! columns1 ev5 z  9  
railway /ations "o sees p sitt+ & wait+ 
= _! tra9s  dur+ ! great cru%es ( !     
holiday season4 ,& = ?is tramp+  ?rong (

 folks ( small degree1 :o _h look$ 9    
_/en passant_/1 a prie/  0 say+ a l[    
mass 9 a side *apel1 be=e :i* a n>r[    
file (  /&+ p _h ga!r$1 ext5d+ across ! 
nave1 & recall+  ! cr[ds :i* wait 9     
front ( !atres = ! op5+ ( ! doors4  ,at 
! elevation ( ! ho/ "o & all incl9$     
!mselves dev\tly1  b almo/ imm$iately   
aft]w>ds ! ga!r+ disp]s$4 ,& inde$ :y   
l+]8 ,! mass 0 said4 ,pi]re ev]y:]e f\nd
 ! same =m (  att5dance1 peculi> to !   
c\ntries ( ! sun2 ! wor%ipp]s 7 9  a    
hurry & only fav\r$ ! ,deity ) %ort     
famili> visits1 unless x  7 a "q ( "s   
gala sc5e at ,san ,paolo or ,san        
,giovanni 9  ,lat]ano or "s o!r ( ! old 
basilicas4 ,x 0 only at ! ,gesu1 on     
ano!r ,sunday morn+1 t ! "y prie/ came  
^u a high-mass  congregation1 :i* rem9d$
 him ( ! dev\t ?rongs ( ! ,nor?4 ,"h    
!re 7 b5*es & wom5 seat$1 a worldly w>m?
 & cos9ess "u  ! luxuri\s1 gild$1 c>v$1 
& pa9t$ ro(1 ^: tawny spl5d\r is  v f9e 
n[ t "t has ton$ d[n ! ecc5tricities ( !
  decoration4 ,b h[ _m ( ! *ur*es 7     

empty1 among !m "s (  ! mo/ anci5t &    
v5]able1 ,san ,clem5te1 ,sant' ,agnese1 
,santa ,croce  9 ,g]usalemme1 :]e dur+ !
 (fices "o saw b a few believ]s (  !    
neighb\rhood4 ,f\r hundr$ *ur*es 7 a    
good _m = ev5 ,rome  to p2 &1 inde$1 "s 
7 m]ely att5d$ on fix$ c]emonial        
occasions1 & a good _m m]ely op5$ _!    
doors once e ye>--on  ! fea/ day1 t is1 
( _! patron sa9t4 ,"s also subsi/$ on ! 
lucky possession ( a feti%1 an idol     
compassionate to human suff]+s4  ,santa 
,m>ia 9 ,ara ,coeli possess$ ! miracul\s
 little ,jesus1 !  ,bamb9o1 :o heal$    
sick *ildr51 & ,sant' ,ago/9o _h !      
,madonna  del ,p>to1 :o grants a happy  
deliv]y to mo!rs4 ,!n o!rs 7  r5[n$ = ! 
holy wat] ( _! fonts1 ! oil ( _! lamps1 
!  p[] ( "s wood5 sa9t or m>ble virg94  
,o!rs aga9 seem$  =sak51 giv5 up to     
t\ri/s & ! p]quisites ( beadles1 l m]e  
museums peopl$ ) dead gods3 ,f9ally o!rs
 di/urb$ "o's fai? by  ! sugge/iv5ess ( 
_! aspects1 z1 = in/ance1 t ,santa ,m>ia
  ,rotonda1 :i* is locat$ 9 ! ,pan!on1 a

 circul> hall recall+ a  circus1 :]e !  
,virg9 rema9s ! evid5t t5ant ( !        
,olympian  deities4    ,pi]re took no   
little int]e/ 9 ! *ur*es ( ! poor       
di/ricts1 b  did n f9d !re ! ke5 fai? & 
! ?rongs he _h hop$ =4 ,"o  aft]noon1 at
 ,santa ,m>ia 9 ,tra/ev]e1 he he>d !    
*oir 9 full song1  b ! *ur* 0 q empty1 &
 ! *ant _h a mo/ lugubri\s s\nd  9 su* a
 des]t4 ,!n1 ano!r day1 on ent]+ ,san   
,crisogono1 he f\nd  x drap$1 probably 9
 read9ess = "s fe/ival on ! morr[4 ,!   
columns 7 cas$ ) r$ damask1 & betwe5 !m 
7 hang+s &  curta9s alt]nately yell[ &  
blue1 :ite & r$2 & ! "y man  fl$ f su* a
 fe>ful decoration z gaudy z t ( a fair 
boo?4 ,ah6  h[ f> he 0 f ! ca!drals :]e 
9 *ildhood he _h believ$ &  pray$6 ,on  
all sides he f\nd ! same type ( *ur*1 ! 
antique  basilica accommodat$ to ! ta/e 
( eighte5?-c5tury ,rome4 ,?\gh !  /yle (
 ,san ,luigi dei ,francesi is bett]1 m  
sob]ly elegant1 ! only  ?+ t t\*$ him   
ev5 !re 0 ! ?\ght ( ! h]oic or  sa9tly  
,fr5*m51 :o sleep 9 =eign soil b5ea? !  

flags4 ,& z he  s\ght = some?+ ,go?ic1  
he end$ by go+ to see ,santa ,m>ia sopra
  ,m9]va199 :i*1 he 0 told1 0 ! only    
example ( ! ,go?ic /yle 9  ,rome4 ,"h 8 
/upefaction atta9$ a climax at sight ( !
 clu/]+  columns cas$ 9 /ucco imitat+   
m>ble1 ! ogives :i* d>$ n  so>1 ! r\nd$ 
vaults condemn$ to ! heavy maje/y ( !   
dome  /yle4 ,no1 no1 ?\ght he1 ! fai? ^:
 cool+ c9d]s l+]$ !re  0 no long] t ^:  
brazi] _h invad$ & set all ,*ri/5dom    
agl[6 ,h[ev]1 ,monsignor ,=n>o :om he   
*anc$ to meet z he 0  leav+ ! *ur*1     
inveigh$ aga9/ ! ,go?ic /yle z rank     
h]esy4  ,! fir/ ,*ri/ian *ur*1 said !   
prelate1 _h be5 ! basilica1  :i* _h     
sprung f ! temple1 & x 0 blasphemy to   
ass]t t !  ,go?ic ca!dral 0 ! real      
,*ri/ian h\se ( pray]1 = ,go?ic  embodi$
 ! hateful ,anglo-,saxon _s1 ! rebelli\s
 g5ius ( ,lu!r4  ,at ?is a passionate   
reply rose to ,pi]re's lips1 b he said  
no?+ =  fe> t he might say too mu*4     
,h[ev]1 he ask$ himself :e!r 9 all  ?is 
!re 0 n a decisive pro( t ,ca?olicism 0 

! v  vegetation ( ,rome1 ,paganism      
modifi$ by ,*ri/ianity4 ,else:]e        
,*ri/ianity has gr[n up 9 q a diff]5t   
_s1 to su* a po9t  t x has ris5 9       
rebellion & s*ismatically turn$ aga9/ ! 
"m-city4 ,& ! brea* has ev] gone on     
wid5+1 ! dissemblance  has become m & m 
m>k$2 & amid/ ! evolution ( new         
societies1 yet a fre% s*ism appe>s      
inevitable & proximate 9 spite  ( all ! 
despair+ ef=ts to ma9ta9 union4      99 
,s call$ because x occupies ! site ( a  
temple to      ,m9]va4--,trans4    ,:ile
 ,pi]re ?us visit$ ! ,roman *ur*es1 he  
also cont9u$ 8  ef=ts to ga9 support 9 !
 matt] ( 8 book1 8 irritation t5d+  to  
su* /ubbornness1 t if 9 ! fir/ in/ance  
he fail$ to obta9  an int]view1 he w5t  
back aga9 & aga9 to secure "o1 /eadfa/ly
  keep+ 8 promise to call 9 turn ^u ea* 
c>d9al ( !  ,congregation ( ! ,index4 ,&
 z a c>d9al may belong to sev]al        
,congregations1 x result$ t he gradually
 f\nd himself roam+  ?r\gh ^? =m]       
m9i/ries ( ! old pontifical gov]nm5t    

:i*1  if less num]\s ?an =m]ly1 are /ill
 v intricate in/itutions1  ea* ) its    
c>d9al-prefect1 its c>d9al-memb]s1 its  
consultative  prelates1 & its num]\s    
employees4 ,pi]re repeat$ly _h to return
 to  ! ,cancell]ia1 :]e ! ,congregation 
( ! ,index meets1 & lo/  himself 9 its  
_w ( /aircases1 corridors1 & halls4 ,f !
 mom5t  he pass$ "u ! porticus he 0     
ov]come by ! icy %iv] :i* fell  f ! old 
walls1 & 0 q unable to appreciate ! b>e1
 frigid  beauty ( ! palace1 ,bramante's 
ma/]piece ?\gh x be1 s purely  typical (
 ! ,roman ,r5asc5ce4 ,he also knew !    
,propag&a :]e he _h  se5 ,c>d9al ,s>no2 
&1 s5t z he 0 hi!r & ?i!r1 9 8  ef=ts to
 ga9 ov] influ5tial prelates1 *ance made
 him acqua9t$  ) ! o!r ,congregations1 t
 ( ! ,bi%ops & ,regul>s1 t (  ! ,rites &
 t ( ! ,c\ncil4 ,he ev5 obta9$ a glimpse
 ( !  ,consi/orial1 ! ,dat>ia199 & !    
sacr$ ,p5it5ti>y4 ,all ^! =m$  "p ( !   
adm9i/rative me*anism ( ! ,*ur* "u its  
sev]al  aspects--! gov]nm5t ( ! ,ca?olic
 _w1 ! enl>gem5t ( !  ,*ur*'s conque/s1 

! adm9i/ration ( its affairs 9 conqu]$  
c\ntries1 ! decision ( all que/ions t\*+
 fai?1 morals1 &  individuals1 !        
inve/igation & puni%m5t ( (f5ces1 !     
grant (  disp5sations & ! sale ( fav\rs4
 ,"o c sc>cely imag9e :at a  fe>ful     
numb] ( affairs are ea* morn+ submitt$  
to ! ,vatican1  que/ions ( ! greate/    
gravity1 delicacy1 & intricacy1 !       
solution  ( :i* gives rise to endless   
/udy & rese>*4 ,x is necess>y to  reply 
to ! innum]able visitors :o flock to    
,rome f all p>ts1 &  to ! lett]s1 !     
petitions1 & ! bat*es ( docum5ts :i* are
  submitt$ & require to be di/ribut$    
among ! v>i\s (fices4 ,&  ,pi]re 0 /ruck
 by ! deep & discreet sil5ce 9 :i* all  
?is  colossal lab\r 0 accompli%$2 n a   
s\nd rea*+ ! /reets f  ! tribunals1     
p>liam5ts1 & factories = ! manufacture (
 sa9ts  & nobles1 ^: me*anism 0 s well  
greas$1 t 9 spite ( !  ru/ ( c5turies & 
! deep & irrem$iable we> & te>1 ! :ole  
cont9u$ work+ )\t clank or creak to     
d5ote its pres5ce beh9d  ! walls4 ,& did

 n t sil5ce embody ! :ole policy ( !    
,*ur*1 :i* is to rema9 mute & await     
developm5ts8 ,nev]!less :at  a prodigi\s
 me*anism x 01 antiquat$ no d\bt1 b /ill
 s  p[]ful6 ,& amid/ ^? ,congregations  
h[ ke5ly ,pi]re felt himself  to be 9 ! 
grip ( ! mo/ absolute p[] ev] devis$ = !
  dom9ation ( mank9d4 ,h[ev] mu* he     
might notice signs ( decay &  com+ ru9  
he 0 none ! less seiz$1 cru%$1 & c>ri$  
(f by t  huge eng9e made up ( vanity &  
v5ality1 corruption & ambition1         
meanness & greatness4 ,& h[ f>1 too1 he 
n[ 0 f ! ,rome t  he _h dreamt (1 & :at 
ang] at times fill$ him amid/ 8         
we>9ess1 z he p]sev]$ 9 8 resolve to    
def5d himself6      99 ,x is f ! ,dat>ia
 t bulls1 rescripts1 lett]s (           
appo9tm5t to b5efices1 & disp5sations ( 
m>riage1      are issu$1 aft] !         
affixture ( ! date & =mula      _/,datum
 ,romae_/1 ,giv5 at ,rome4--,trans4     
,all at once c]ta9 ?+s :i* he _h nev]   
und]/ood 7 expla9$  to him4 ,"o day1 :5 
he return$ to ! ,propag&a1 ,c>d9al ,s>no

 spoke  to him ( ,freemasonry ) su* icy 
rage t he 0 abruptly  enlight5$4        
,freemasonry _h hi!rto made him smile2  
he _h believ$ 9  x no m ?an he _h       
believ$ 9 ! ,jesuits4 ,inde$1 he _h     
look$  ^u ! ridicul\s /ories :i* 7      
curr5t--! /ories (  my/]i\s1 %ad[y m5 :o
 gov]n$ ! _w ) secret incalculable      
p[]--z m]e *ildi% leg5ds4 ,9 p>ticul> he
 _h be5 amaz$ by !  bl9d hatr$ :i*      
madd5$ c]ta9 p z soon z ,freemasonry 0  
m5tion$4 ,h[ev]1 a v di/+ui%$ &         
intellig5t prelate _h  decl>$ to him1 ) 
an air ( pr(\nd conviction1 t at lea/ on
 "o  occasion e ye> ea* masonic ,lodge 0
 presid$ ov] by ! ,devil 9  p]son1      
inc>nate 9 a visible %ape6 ,& n[1 by    
,c>d9al ,s>no's  rem>ks1 he und]/ood !  
rivalry1 ! furi\s /ruggle ( ! ,roman    
,ca?olic ,*ur* aga9/ t o!r ,*ur*1 !     
,*ur* ( ov] ! way499  ,al?\gh ! =m]     
c\nt$ on h] own triumph1 %e none ! less 
felt  t ! o!r1 ! ,*ur* ( ,freemasonry1 0
 a competitor1 a v  anci5t enemy1 :o    
inde$ claim$ to be m anci5t ?an h]self1 

&  ^: victory always rema9$ a           
possibility4 ,& ! friction betwe5  !m 0 
l>gely due to ! circum/ance t !y bo?    
aim$ at  univ]sal sov]eignty1 & _h a    
simil> int]national organisation1 a     
simil> net ?r[n ov] ! nations1 & 9 a l  
way my/]ies1 dogmas1  & rites4 ,x 0     
deity aga9/ deity1 fai? aga9/ fai?1     
conque/  aga9/ conque/3 & s1 l compet+  
tradesm5 9 ! same /reet1  !y 7 a s\rce (
 mutual emb>rassm5t1 & "o ( !m 0 b\nd to
  kill ! o!r4 ,b if ,roman ,ca?olicism  
seem$ to ,pi]re to be worn out  &       
?reat5$ ) ru91 he rema9$ q z sceptical )
 reg>d to  ! p[] ( ,freemasonry4 ,he _h 
made inquiries z to ! reality ( t  p[] 9
 ,rome1 :]e bo? ,gr& ,ma/] & ,pope 7    
en?ron$1 "o 9  front ( ! o!r4 ,he 0     
c]ta9ly told t ! la/ ,roman pr9ces _h   
?\ght !mselves compell$ to become       
,freemasons 9 ord] to r5d]  _! own      
difficult position some:at easi] &      
facilitate ! future (  _! sons4 ,b 0 ?is
 true8 _h !y n simply yield$ to ! =ce  (
 ! pres5t social evolution8 ,& w\ld n   

,freemasonry ev5tually be  subm]g$ by   
its own triumph--t ( ! ideas ( ju/ice1  
reason1 &  tru?1 :i* x _h def5d$ ?r\gh !
 d>k & viol5t ages (  hi/ory8 ,x is a ?+
 :i* con/antly happ5s2 ! victory ( an   
idea  kills ! sect :i* has propagat$ x1 
& r5d]s ! app>atus )  :i* ! memb]s ( !  
sect surr\nd$ !mselves1 9 ord] to fire  
imag9ations1 bo? useless & some:at      
ridicul\s4 ,c>bon>ism did n  survive !  
conque/ ( ! political lib]ties :i* x    
dem&$2 & on  ! day :5 ! ,ca?olic ,*ur*  
crumbles1 hav+ accompli%$ its "w  (     
civilisation1 ! o!r ,*ur*1 !            
,freemasons' ,*ur* ( across !  road1 w 9
 a l way disappe>1 its task ( lib]ation 
end$4  ,n[adays ! fam\s p[] ( ! ,lodges1
 hamp]$ by traditions1 weak5$  by a     
c]emonial :i* provokes laught]1 & r$uc$ 
to a simple bond (  bro!rly agreem5t &  
mutual assi/ance1 w\ld be b a sorry     
weapon (  conque/ = humanity1 7 x n t ! 
vigor\s brea? ( sci5ce  impels ! nations
 onw>ds & helps to de/roy ! old         
religions4      99 ,"s read]s may ?9k ! 

above passages an exagg]ation1 b        
su* is n ! case4 ,! hatr$ ) :i* !       
,ca?olic      prie/hood1 especially 9   
,italy1 ,spa91 & ,france1 reg>ds        
,freemasonry is rem>kable4 ,at ! mom5t (
 writ+ ^! l9es      ,i h be=e me sev]al 
,fr5* cl]ical newspap]s1 :i*      conta9
 ! mo/ abusive articles levell$ aga9/   
,presid5t      ,faure solely because he 
is a ,freemason4 ,"o ( ^! pr9ts1 a      
lead+ j\rnal ( ,lyons1 tells ! ,fr5*    
,presid5t t he      _c s]ve bo? ,god & !
 ,devil2 & t if he _c give      up      
,freemasonry he w\ld d well to cease    
desecrat+ ! abode      ( ! ,deity by 8  
att5dance at div9e s]vice4--,trans4     
,h[ev]1 all ,pi]re's j\rney+s &         
applications br\ght him no  c]ta9ty2 &1 
:ile /ubbornly cl++ to ,rome1 int5t on  
fight+ to  ! v end1 l a soldi] :o w n   
believe 9 ! possibility (  defeat1 he   
rema9$ z anxi\s z ev]4 ,he _h se5 all ! 
c>d9als  ^: influ5ce c\ld be ( use to   
him4 ,he _h se5 ! ,c>d9al ,vic>1        
entru/$ ) ! diocese ( ,rome1 :o1 l ! man

 ( lett]s he 01  _h spok5 to him (      
,horace1 &1 l a some:at blund]+         
politician1  _h que/ion$ him ab\t       
,france1 ! ,republic1 ! ,army1 & ! ,navy
  ,e/imates1 )\t deal+ 9 ! slighte/     
degree ) ! incrim9at$  book4 ,he _h also
 se5 ! ,gr& ,p5it5ti>y1 t tall old man1 
)  fle%less1 ascetic face1 ( :om he _h  
previ\sly caught a glimpse at  !        
,boccan]a mansion1 & f :om he n[ only   
drew a long & sev]e  s]mon on !         
wick$ness ( "y prie/s1 :om ! c5tury _h  
p]v]t$  & :o wrote mo/ abom9able books4 
,f9ally1 at ! ,vatican1 he _h se5  !    
,c>d9al ,secret>y1 9 "s wise 8          
,hol9ess's ,m9i/] ( ,=eign  ,affairs1 ! 
great p[] ( ! ,holy ,see1 :om he _h     
hi!rto be5  prev5t$ f approa*+ by       
t]rify+ w>n+s z to ! possible  result ( 
an unfav\rable reception4 ,h[ev]1 :il/  
apologis+ =  call+ at su* a late /age1  
he _h f\nd himself 9 pres5ce ( a mo/    
amiable man1 ^: some:at r\gh appe>ance 0
 s(t5$ by diplomatic  affability1 & :o1 
aft] mak+ him sit d[n1 que/ion$ him ) an

  air ( int]e/1 li/5$ to him1 & ev5     
spoke "s words ( com=t4  ,nev]!less1 on 
aga9 rea*+ ! ,piazza ( ,/4 ,pet]'s1     
,pi]re well  und]/ood t 8 affair _h n   
made ! slighte/ progress1 & t  if he ev]
 manag$ to =ce ! ,pope's door1 x w\ld n 
be by way (  ! ,secret>iate ( ,/ate4 ,& 
t ev5+ he return$ home q  exhau/$ by s  
_m visits1 9 su* di/raction at feel+ t  
little  by little he _h be5 :olly caught
 9 t huge me*anism ) its  hundr$ :eels1 
t he ask$ himself 9 t]ror :at he %\ld d 
on !  morr[ n[ t !re rema9$ no?+ = him  
to d--unless1 inde$1 x  7 to g mad4     
,h[ev]1 meet+ ,don ,vigilio 9 a passage 
( ! h\se1 he aga9 wi%$  to ask him = "s 
good advice4 ,b ! secret>y1 :o _h a     
gleam (  t]ror 9 8 eyes1 sil5c$ him1 he 
knew n :y1 ) an anxi\s  ge/ure4 ,& !n 9 
a :isp]1 9 ,pi]re's e>1 he said3 ,h y   
se5  ,monsignor ,nani8 ,no6 ,well1 g to 
see him1 g to see him4 ,i repeat t y  h 
no?+ else to d6    ,pi]re yield$4 ,&    
inde$ :y %\ld he h resi/$8 ,ap>t f !    
motives ( ard5t *>ity :i* _h br\ght him 

to ,rome to def5d 8  book1 0 he n !re = 
a self-educat+1 exp]im5tal purpose8 ,x 0
  necess>y t he %\ld c>ry 8 attempts to 
! v end4    ,on ! morr[1 :5 he rea*$ !  
colonnade ( ,/4 ,pet]'s1 ! h\r 0  s e>ly
 t he _h to wait !re a:ile4 ,he _h nev] 
bett] realis$  ! enormity ( ^? f\r curv+
 r[s ( columns1 =m+ a =e/ (  gigantic   
/one trunks among :i* nobody ev]        
prom5ades4 ,9 fact1 !  spot is a gr&iose
 & dre>y des]t1 & "o asks oneself ! :y &
  :]e=e ( su* a maje/ic porticus4       
,d\btless1 h[ev]1 x 0 = its  sole       
maje/y1 = ! m]e pomp ( decoration1 t ?is
 colonnade 0  re>$2 & !re91 aga91 "o    
f9ds ! :ole ,roman _s4 ,h[ev]1  ,pi]re  
at la/ turn$ into ! ,via di ,sant'      
,(fizio1 & pass+ !  sacri/y ( ,/4       
,pet]'s1 f\nd himself be=e ! ,palace ( !
 ,holy  ,(fice 9 a solit>y sil5t        
di/rict1 :i* ! footfall ( p$e/rians  or 
! rumble ( :eels b seldom di/urbs4 ,!   
sun alone lives !re1  9 %eets ( light   
:i* spread sl[ly ov] ! small1 :ite pav+4
 ,y  div9e ! vic9ity ( ! ,basilica1 =   

!re is a smell z ( inc5se1  a cloi/]al  
quiesc5ce z ( ! slumb] ( c5turies4 ,& at
 "o corn]  ! ,palace ( ! ,holy ,(fice   
rises up ) heavy1 disquiet+ b>5ess1     
only a s+le r[ ( w9d[s pi]c+ its l(ty1  
yell[ front4 ,! wall  :i* skirts a side 
/reet looks yet m suspici\s ) its r[ (  
ev5  small] casem5ts1 m]e peep-holes )  
glauc\s panes4 ,9 ! bright  sunlight ?is
 huge cube ( mud-col\r$ masonry ev]     
seems asleep1  my/]i\s1 & clos$ l a     
prison1 ) sc>cely an ap]ture =          
communication ) ! out] _w4    ,pi]re    
%iv]$1 b !n smil$ z at an act (         
*ildi%ness1 = he  reflect$ t ! ,holy    
,roman & ,univ]sal ,inquisition1 n[adays
 !  ,sacr$ ,congregation ( ! ,holy      
,(fice1 0 no long] ! in/itution x  _h   
be51 ! purveyor ( h]etics = ! /ake1 !   
occult tribunal  beyond appeal :i* _h "r
 ( life & dea? ov] all mank9d4 ,true1  x
 /ill lab\r$ 9 secrecy1 meet+ e         
,w$nesday1 & judg+ &  condemn+ )\t a    
s\nd issu+ f )9 its walls4 ,b on !  o!r 
h& if x /ill cont9u$ to /rike at ! crime

 ( h]esy1 if x  smote m5 z well z _!    
works1 x no long] possess$ ei!r weapons 
or dungeons1 /eel or fire to d its      
bidd+1 b 0 r$uc$ to a m]e  _/role_/ (   
prote/1 unable to inflict aught b       
discipl9>y p5alties  ev5 ^u !           
ecclesia/ics ( its own ,*ur*4    ,:5    
,pi]re on ent]+ 0 u%]$ into !           
reception-room ( ,monsignor  ,nani :o1 z
 assessor1 liv$ 9 ! palace1 he exp]i5c$ 
an agreeable  surprise4 ,! ap>tm5t fac$ 
! s\?1 & 0 spaci\s & flood$  ) sun%9e4  
,& /iff z 0 ! furniture1 d>k z 7 !      
hang+s1  an exquisite sweetness p]vad$ !
 room1 z ?\gh a woman _h liv$ 9  x &    
accompli%$ ! prodigy ( imp>t+ "s ( h]   
own grace to all  ^? /]n-look+ ?+s4 ,!re
 7 no fl[]s1 yet !re 0 a  pleasant      
smell4 ,a *>m exp&$ & conqu]$ e he>t f !
 v  ?re%old4    ,monsignor ,nani at once
 came =w>d1 ) a smile on 8 rosy face1 8 
blue eyes ke5ly glitt]+1 & 8 f9e light  
hair p[d]$ by age4  ,) h&s out/ret*$1 he
 exclaim$3 ,ah6 h[ k9d ( y to h come  to
 see me1 my de> son6 ,come1 sit d[n1 let

 u h a fri5dly *at4  ,!n ) an           
extraord9>y display ( affection1 he     
began to "q  ,pi]re3 ,h[ are y gett+ on8
 ,tell me all ab\t x1 exactly :at y  h  
done4    ,t\*$ 9 spite ( ,don ,vigilio's
 revelations1 won ov] by ! sympa?y  :i* 
he fanci$ he c\ld detect1 ,pi]re !reupon
 confess$ himself1  relat+ 8 visits to  
,c>d9al ,s>no1 ,monsignor ,=n>o & ,fa!r 
,dangelis1 8 applications to all !      
influ5tial c>d9als1 ^? ( !  ,index1 !   
,gr& ,p5it5ti>y1 ! ,c>d9al ,vic>1 & !   
,c>d9al  ,secret>y2 & dwell+ on 8       
endless j\rneys f door to door ?r\gh    
all ! ,congregations & all ! cl]gy1 t   
huge1 active1 sil5t  bee-hive amid/ :i* 
he _h we>i$ 8 feet1 exhau/$ 8 limbs1 &  
bewild]$ 8 poor bra94 ,& at ea*         
successive ,/ation ( ?is ,calv>y  (     
entreaty1 ,monsignor ,nani1 :o seem$ to 
li/5 ) an air ( rapture1  exclaim$3 ,b  
t's v good1 t's capital6 ,oh6 y\r affair
 is  progress+4 ,yes1 yes1 x's progress+
 m>vell\sly well4    ,he 0 exultant1    
?\gh he all[$ no unseemly irony to      

appe>1 :ile 8  pleasant1 p5etrat+ eyes  
fa?om$ ! "y prie/1 to asc]ta9 if he  _h 
be5 br\ght to ! requisite degree (      
ob$i5ce4 ,_h he be5  suffici5tly we>i$1 
disillusion$ & in/ruct$ 9 ! reality (   
?+s1 = "o to f9i% ) him8 ,_h ?ree mon?s'
 soj\rn 9 ,rome  suffic$ to turn !      
some:at mad en?usia/ ( ! fir/ days into 
an  unimpassion$ or at lea/ resign$ be+8
    ,h[ev]1 all at once ,monsignor ,nani
 rem>k$3 ,b1 my de> son1 y tell  me no?+
 ( 8 ,em95ce ,c>d9al ,sangu9etti4    ,! 
fact is1 ,monseigneur1 t 8 ,em95ce is at
 ,frascati1 s ,i h  be5 unable to see   
him4    ,!reupon ! prelate1 z if once m 
po/pon+ ! _/d5\em5t_/ )  ! secret       
enjoym5t ( an arti/ic _/diplomate_/1    
began to prote/1  rais+ 8 little plump  
h&s ) ! anxi\s air ( a man :o  consid]s 
ev]y?+ lo/3 ,oh6 b y mu/ see 8 ,em95ce2 
x is  absolutely necess>y6 ,?9k ( x6 ,! 
,prefect ( ! ,index6 ,we c only  act    
aft] y\r visit to him1 = z y h n se5    
_/him_/ x is z if  y _h se5 nobody4 ,g1 
g to ,frascati1 my de> son4    ,&       

!reupon ,pi]re c\ld only b[ & reply3 ,i 
w g1 ,monseigneur4        ,,xi          
,,al?\gh ,pi]re knew t he w\ld be unable
 to see ,c>d9al ,sangu9etti  be=e elev5 
o'clock1 he nev]!less avail$ himself (  
an e>ly tra91  s t x 0 b>ely n9e :5 he  
alight$ at ! little /ation (  ,frascati4
 ,he _h already visit$ ! place dur+ 8   
en=c$ idl5ess1  :5 he _h made !         
classical excursion to ! ,roman ca/les  
:i*  ext5d f ,frascati to ,rocco di     
,papa1 & f ,rocco di ,papa to ,monte    
,cavo1 & he 0 n[ delight$ ) ! prospect (
 /roll+ = a  c\ple ( h\rs along ^? fir/ 
slopes ( ! ,alban hills1 :]e1  amid/    
ru%es1 olives1 & v9es1 ,frascati1 l a   
promontory1 ov]looks  ! imm5se ruddy sea
 ( ! ,campagna ev5 z f> z ,rome1 :i*1   
six  full leagues away1 we>s ! :iti%    
aspect ( a m>ble isle4    ,ah6 t *>m+   
,frascati1 on its gre5y knoll at ! foot 
( ! wood$  ,tusculan heights1 ) its     
fam\s t]race :5ce "o enjoys ! f9e/  view
 9 ! _w1 its old patrician villas ) pr\d
 & elegant  ,r5asc5ce facades &         

magnific5t p>ks1 :i*1 plant$ ) cypress1 
p9e1 & ilex1 are = ev] gre56 ,!re 0 a   
sweetness1 a delight1 a  fasc9ation ab\t
 ! spot1 ( :i* ,pi]re w\ld h nev] we>i$4
 ,&  = m ?an an h\r he _h w&]$          
blissfully along roads edg$ )  anci5t1  
knotty olive-trees1 along d+le ways %ad$
 by ! spread+  foliage ( neighb\r+      
e/ates1 & along p]fum$ pa?s1 at ea* turn
  ( :i* ! ,campagna 0 se5 /ret*+ f>     
away1 :5 all at once he  0 acco/$ by a  
p]son :om he 0 bo? surpris$ & annoy$ to 
meet4  ,he _h /roll$ d[n to "s l[ gr\nd 
ne> ! railway /ation1 "s  old v9ey>ds   
:]e a numb] ( new h\ses _h be5 built (  
rec5t  ye>s1 & sudd5ly saw a /yli%      
pair-horse victoria1 com+ f !  direction
 ( ,rome1 draw up close by1 :il/ its    
occupant call$ to him3  ,:at6 ,monsieur 
l',abbe ,from5t1 are y tak+ a walk "h1  
at ?is e>ly  h\r8    ,!reupon ,pi]re    
recognis$ ,c\nt ,luigi ,prada1 :o       
alight$1 %ook h&s  ) him & began to walk
 beside him1 :il/ ! empty c>riage w5t on
  9 advance4 ,& =?) ! ,c\nt expla9$ 8   

ta/es3 ,i seldom take  ! tra91 he said1 
,i drive ov]4 ,x gives my horses an     
out+4 ,i h  int]e/s ov] "h z y may "k1 a
 big build+ ent]prise :i* is            
un=tunately n progress+ v well4 ,& s1   
al?\gh ! season is  advanc$1 ,i'm oblig$
 to come r m frequ5tly ?an ,i c>e to d4 
,z ,prada sugge/$1 ,pi]re 0 acqua9t$ ) !
 /ory4 ,! ,boccan]as  _h be5 oblig$ to  
sell a sumptu\s villa :i* a c>d9al ( _! 
family _h built at ,frascati 9          
accordance ) ! plans ( ,giacomo  della  
,porta1 dur+ ! latt] "p ( ! sixte5?     
c5tury3 a regal  summ]-resid5ce x _h    
be51 f9ely wood$1 ) groves & bas9s &    
cascades1 & 9 p>ticul> a fam\s t]race   
project+ l a cape above  ! ,roman       
,campagna ^: expanse /ret*es f ! ,sab9e 
m\nta9s to  ! ,m$it]ranean s&s4 ,?r\gh !
 division ( ! prop]ty1 ,b5$etta  _h     
inh]it$ f h] "m "s v ext5sive v9ey>ds   
bel[  ,frascati1 & ^! %e _h br\ght z    
d[ry to ,prada at ! v mom5t  :5 ! build+
 mania 0 ext5d+ f ,rome into ! prov9ces4
 ,&  !reupon ,prada _h conceiv$ ! idea (

 erect+ on ! spot a numb]  (            
middle-class villas l ^? :i* litt] !    
suburbs ( ,p>is4 ,few  pur*as]s1 h[ev]1 
_h come =w>d1 ! f9ancial cra% _h        
sup]v5$1 & he 0 n[ ) difficulty         
liquidat+ ?is unlucky  bus9ess1 hav+    
indemnifi$ 8 wife at ! "t ( _!          
sep>ation4    ,& !n1 he cont9u$1        
address+ ,pi]re1 "o c come & g z "o     
likes ) a c>riage1 :]eas1 on tak+ !     
tra91 "o is at ! m]cy  ( ! "t table4    
,?is morn+1 = in/ance1 ,i h appo9tm5ts )
  contractors1 exp]ts1 & lawy]s1 & ,i h 
no notion h[ long !y  w keep me4 ,x's a 
wond]ful c\ntry1 isn't x8 ,& we are q "r
  to be pr\d ( x 9 ,rome4 ,al?\gh ,i may
 h "s worries j n[1 ,i  c nev] set foot 
"h )\t my he>t beat+ ) delight4    ,a   
circum/ance :i* he did n m5tion1 0 t 8  
_/amica_/1 ,lisbe?  ,kauffmann1 _h sp5t 
! summ] 9 "o ( ! newly erect$ villas1   
:]e  %e _h in/all$ h] /udio & _h be5    
visit$ by all ! =eign  colony1 :i*      
tol]at$ h] irregul> position on acc\nt (
 h] gay  spirits & arti/ic tal5t4       

,inde$1 p _h ev5 end$ by accept+  !     
outcome ( h] connection ) ,prada1 & a   
=tnight previ\sly %e  _h return$ to     
,rome1 & !re giv5 bir? to a son--an ev5t
 :i* _h  aga9 reviv$ all ! sc&al\s      
tittle-tattle respect+ ,b5$etta's       
divorce suit4 ,& ,prada's atta*m5t to   
,frascati d\btless sprang f  !          
recollection ( ! happy h\rs he _h sp5t  
!re1 & ! joyful  pride ) :i* ! bir? ( ! 
boy inspir$ him4    ,pi]re1 = 8 "p1 felt
 ill at ease 9 ! "y ,c\nt's pres5ce1 =  
he _h an in/9ctive hatr$ ( money-mong]s 
& m5 ( prey4  ,nev]!less1 he desir$ to  
respond to 8 amiability1 & s inquir$    
aft] 8 fa!r1 old ,orl&o1 ! h]o ( !      
,lib]ation4    ,oh6 repli$ ,prada1      
except+ = 8 legs he's 9 wond]fully good 
heal?4 ,he'll live a hundr$ ye>s4 ,poor 
fa!r6 ,i %\ld s mu* h  lik$ to in/all   
him 9 "o ( ^! little h\ses1 la/ summ]4  
,b ,i  c\ld n get him to cons5t2 he's   
det]m9$ n to leave ,rome2 he's  afraid1 
p]haps1 t x might be tak5 away f him    
dur+ 8  abs5ce4 ,!n ! "y ,c\nt bur/ into

 a laugh1 q m]ry at !  ?\ght ( je]+ at !
 h]oic b no long] fa%ionable age (      
indep5d5ce4 ,& aft]w>ds he said1 ,my    
fa!r 0 speak+ ( y  aga9 only ye/]day1   
,monsieur l',abbe4 ,he is a/oni%$ t he  
has n  se5 y lately4    ,?is di/ress$   
,pi]re1 = he _h begun to reg>d ,orl&o ) 
respectful affection4 ,s9ce 8 fir/      
visit1 he _h twice call$ on !  old h]o1 
b ! latt] _h refus$ to broa* ! subject (
 ,rome s  long z 8 "y fri5d %\ld n h    
se51 felt1 & und]/ood  ev]y?+4 ,!re w\ld
 be "t = a talk lat] on1 said he1 :5 !y 
7 bo? 9 a position to =mulate _!        
conclusions4    ,pray tell ,c\nt ,orl&o1
 respond$ ,pi]re1 t ,i h n =gott5  him1 
& t1 if ,i h def]r$ a fre% visit1 x is  
because ,i desire  to satisfy him4      
,h[ev]1 ,i c]ta9ly w n leave ,rome )\t  
go+ to  tell him h[ deeply 8 k9d greet+ 
has t\*$ me4    ,:il/ talk+1 ! two m5   
sl[ly foll[$ ! asc5d+ road pa/ !  newly 
erect$ villas1 sev]al ( :i* 7 n yet     
f9i%$4 ,& :5  ,prada le>n$ t ! prie/ _h 
come to call on ,c>d9al ,sangu9etti1  he

 aga9 laugh$1 ) ! laugh ( a good-natur$ 
wolf1 %[+ 8  :ite fangs4 ,true1 he      
exclaim$1 ! ,c>d9al has be5 "h s9ce !   
,pope has be5 laid up4 ,ah6 y'll f9d him
 9 a pretty fev]4    ,:y8    ,:y1       
because !re's bad news ab\t ! ,holy     
,fa!r ?is morn+4 ,:5 ,i  left ,rome x 0 
rum\r$ t he _h sp5t a fe>ful night4     
,s speak+1 ,prada halt$ at a b5d ( !    
road1 n f> f an antique  *apel1 a little
 *ur* ( solit>y1 m\rnful grace ( aspect1
 on !  v]ge ( an olive grove4 ,beside x 
/ood a ru9\s build+1 ! old  p>sonage1 no
 d\bt1 :5ce !re sudd5ly em]g$ a tall1   
knotty prie/  ) co>se & e>?y face1 :o1  
aft] r\ghly lock+ ! door1 w5t  (f 9 !   
direction ( ! t[n4    ,ah6 resum$ !     
,c\nt 9 a tone ( raill]y1 t fell['s he>t
 also  mu/ be beat+ viol5tly2 he's      
surely gone to y\r ,c>d9al 9 se>* (     
news4    ,pi]re _h look$ at ! prie/4 ,i 
"k him1 he repli$2 ,i saw him1 ,i       
rememb]1 on ! day aft] my arrival at    
,c>d9al ,boccan]a's4 ,he br\ght  !      
,c>d9al a basket ( figs & ask$ him = a  

c]tificate 9 fav\r  ( 8 "y bro!r1 :o _h 
be5 s5t to prison = "s de$ (  viol5ce--a
 knife ?ru/ if ,i recollect rightly4    
,h[ev]1 ! ,c>d9al  absolutely refus$ him
 ! c]tificate4    ,x's ! same man1 said 
,prada1 y may dep5d on x4 ,he 0 (t5 at  
! ,villa ,boccan]a =m]ly2 = 8 "y bro!r 0
 g>d5] !re4  ,b he's n[ ! cli5t1 !      
creature ( ,c>d9al ,sangu9etti4         
,santobono  8 "n is1 & he's a curi\s "*1
 su* z y w\ldn't f9d 9  ,france1 ,i     
fancy4 ,he lives all alone 9 t fall+    
hovel1 & (ficiates  at t old *apel ( ,/4
 ,m>y 9 ! ,fields1 :]e p don't g to  he>
 mass ?ree times 9 a ye>4 ,yes1 x's a   
p]fect s9ecure1 :i* )  its /ip5d ( a    
?\s& francs enables him to live !re l a 
peasant  philosoph]1 cultivat+ ! some:at
 ext5sive g>d5 ^: big walls  y see      
yond]4    ,! close to :i* he call$      
att5tion /ret*$ d[n ! slope beh9d  !    
p>sonage1 )\t an ap]ture1 l "s savage   
place ( refuge into  :i* n ev5 ! eye    
c\ld p5etrate4 ,& all t c\ld be se5     
above  ! left-h& wall 0 a sup]b1        

gigantic fig-tree1 ^: big leaves  %[$   
blackly aga9/ ! cle> sky4 ,prada _h mov$
 on aga91 &  cont9u$ to speak (         
,santobono1 :o evid5tly int]e/$ him4    
,fancy1 a  patriot prie/1 a ,g>ibaldian6
 ,born at ,nemi1 9 t yet savage nook    
among ! ,alban hills1 he belong$ to ! p 
& 0 /ill ne> to  ! soil4 ,h[ev]1 he _h  
/udi$1 & knew suffici5t hi/ory to       
realise  ! pa/ greatness ( ,rome1 &     
dream ( ! re-e/abli%m5t ( ,roman        
dom9ion z repres5t$ by "y ,italy4 ,& he 
_h come to believe1 )  passionate f]v\r1
 t only a great pope c\ld realise 8     
dream by  seiz+ ^u p[]1 & !n conqu]+ all
 ! o!r nations4 ,& :at  c\ld be easi]1  
s9ce ! ,pope comm&$ millions (          
,ca?olics8 ,did n  half ,europe belong  
to him8 ,france1 ,spa91 & ,au/ria w\ld  
give way z  soon z !y %\ld see him      
p[]ful1 dictat+ laws to ! _w4  ,g]many &
 ,great ,brita91 inde$ all ! ,prote/ant 
c\ntries1 w\ld  also inevitably be      
conqu]$1 = ! papacy 0 ! only dike t c\ld
  be oppos$ to error1 :i* mu/ "s day    

fatally succumb 9 its ef=ts  aga9/ su* a
 b>ri]4 ,politically1 h[ev]1 ,santobono 
_h decl>$  himself = ,g]many1 = he      
consid]$ t ,france ne$$ to be cru%$     
be=e %e w\ld ?r[ h]self into ! arms ( ! 
,holy ,fa!r4 ,& ?us  contradictions &   
fancies cla%$ 9 8 foggy bra91 ^: burn+  
ideas swiftly turn$ to viol5ce "u !     
influ5ce ( primitive1 racial  fi]c5ess4 
,briefly1 ! prie/ 0 a b>b>ian uphold] ( 
! ,gospel1 a  fri5d ( ! humble & woeful1
 a sect>ian ( t s*ool :i* is  capable   
alike ( great virtues & great crimes4   
,yes1 conclud$ ,prada1 he is n[ devot$  
to ,c>d9al ,sangu9etti  because he      
believes t ! latt] w prove ! great pope 
(  to-morr[1 :o is to make ,rome ! "o   
capital ( ! nations4 ,at !  same "t he  
d\btless h>b\rs a l[] p]sonal ambition1 
t (  atta9+ to a canonry or ( ga9+      
assi/ance 9 ! little worries (  life1 z 
:5 he wi%$ to extricate 8 bro!r f       
tr\ble4 ,"h1 y  "k1 p /ake _! luck on a 
c>d9al j z !y nurse a 'trey'  9 !       
lott]y1 & if _! c>d9al proves ! w9n+    

numb] &  becomes pope !y ga9 a =tune4 ,&
 t's :y y n[ see ,santobono  /rid+ along
 yond]1 all anxiety to "k if ,leo ,,xiii
 w die &  ,sangu9etti don ! ti>a4    ,d 
y ?9k ! ,pope s v ill1 !n8 ask$ ,pi]re1 
bo? anxi\s &  int]e/$4    ,! ,c\nt smil$
 & rais$ bo? arms3 ,ah6 said he1 c "o   
ev] tell8  ,!y all get ill :5 _! int]e/ 
lies t way4 ,h[ev]1 ,i believe  t !     
,pope is ?is "t really indispos$2 a     
compla9t ( ! b[els1  x is said2 & at 8  
age1 y "k1 ! slighte/ indisposition may 
prove fatal4    ,! two m5 took a few    
/eps 9 sil5ce1 !n ! prie/ aga9 ask$ a   
"q3 ,w\ld ,c>d9al ,sangu9etti h a great 
*ance if ! ,holy ,see  7 vacant8    ,a  
great *ance6 ,ah6 t's ano!r ( ^? ?+s :i*
 "o nev]  kn[s4 ,! tru? is p class      
,sangu9etti among ! acceptable          
c&idates1 & if p]sonal desire suffic$ he
 w\ld c]ta9ly be !  next pope1 =        
ambition consumes him to ! m>r[1 & he   
displays  extraord9>y passion &         
det]m9ation 9 8 ef=ts to succe$4 ,b     
!re9 lies 8 v weakness2 he is us+       

himself up1 & he kn[s x4  ,& s he mu/ be
 resolv$ to e /ep dur+ ! la/ days (     
battle4  ,y may be q sure t if he has   
%ut himself up "h at ?is  critical "t1 x
 is 9 ord] t he may ! bett] direct 8    
op]ations f a di/ance1 :il/ at ! same "t
 feign+ a retreat1 a  dis9t]e/$ness :i* 
is b\nd to h a good effect4    ,!n      
,prada began to expatiate on ,sangu9etti
 ) no little complac5cy1  = he lik$ !   
man's _s ( intrigue1 8 ke51 conqu]+     
appetite1  8 excessive1 & ev5 some:at   
blund]+ activity4 ,he _h become         
acqua9t$ ) him on 8 return f !          
nunciature at ,vi5na1 :5 he  _h already 
resolv$ to w9 ! ti>a4 ,t ambition       
expla9$  ev]y?+1 8 qu>rels &            
reconciliations ) ! reign+ pope1 8      
affection = ,g]many1 foll[$ by a sudd5  
evolution 9 ! direction (  ,france1 8   
v>y+ attitude ) reg>d to ,italy1 at fir/
 a desire =  agreem5t1 & !n absolute    
rejection ( all compromises1 a refusal  
to  grant any concession1 s long z ,rome
 %\ld n be evacuat$4 ,?is1  inde$1 seem$

 to be ,sangu9etti's def9ite position2  
he made a %[ (  dislik+ ! wav]+ sway (  
,leo ,,xiii1 & ( reta9+ a f]v5t         
admiration = ,pius ,,ix1 ! great1 h]oic 
pope ( ! days ( resi/ance1  ^: goodness 
( he>t _h prov$ no imp$im5t to un%akable
 firmness4  ,& all ?is 0 equival5t to a 
promise t he1 ,sangu9etti1 w\ld  aga9   
make k9dl9ess exempt f weakness1 ! rule 
( ! ,*ur*1 &  w\ld /e] cle> ( ! dang]\s 
comp\nd+ ( politics4 ,at bottom1  h[ev]1
 politics 7 8 only dream1 & he _h ev5   
=mulat$ a  complete programme (         
int5tional vagu5ess1 :i* 8 cli5ts &     
creatures spread abroad ) an air (      
raptur\s my/]y4 ,h[ev]1 s9ce  a previ\s 
indisposition ( ! ,pope's1 dur+ ! spr+1 
he _h be5  liv+ 9 mortal disquietude1 = 
x _h !n be5 rum\r$ t !  ,jesuits w\ld   
resign !mselves to support ,c>d9al ,pio 
,boccan]a1  al?\gh ! latt] sc>cely      
fav\r$ !m4 ,he 0 r\gh & /]n1 no  d\bt1 &
 8 extreme bigotry might be a s\rce (   
dang] 9 ?is  tol]ant age2 b1 on ! o!r   
h&1 0 he n a patrician1 & w\ld  n 8     

election imply t ! papacy w\ld nev]     
cease to claim !  temporal p[]8 ,f t    
mom5t ,boccan]a _h be5 ! "o man :om     
,sangu9etti fe>$1 = he beheld himself   
despoil$ ( 8 prize1 &  sp5t 8 "t 9      
devis+ plans to rid himself ( su* a     
p[]ful rival1  repeat+ abom9able /ories 
( ,c>d9al ,pio's alleg$ complaisance )  
reg>d to ,b5$etta & ,d>io1 & incessantly
 repres5t+ him z  ,anti*ri/1 ! man ( s91
 ^: reign w\ld consummate ! ru9 ( !     
papacy4 ,f9ally1 to rega9 ! support ( ! 
,jesuits1 ,sangu9etti's la/  idea 0 to  
repeat ?r\gh 8 famili>s t = 8 "p he w\ld
 n  m]ely ma9ta9 ! pr9ciple ( ! temporal
 p[] intact1 b w\ld  ev5 und]take to    
rega9 t p[]4 ,& he _h a full plan on !  
subject1 :i* folks confid$ to "o ano!r 9
 :isp]s1 a plan :i*1  9 spite ( its     
app>5t concessions1 w\ld lead to !      
ov]:elm+  victory ( ! ,*ur*4 ,x 0 to    
raise ! prohibition :i* prev5t$         
,ca?olics f vot+ or becom+ c&idates at !
 ,italian elections2 to  s5d a hundr$1  
!n two hundr$1 & !n ?ree hundr$ deputies

 to !  ,*amb]1 & 9 t wise to ov]?r[ !   
,h\se ( ,savoy1 & e/abli%  a ,f$]ation (
 ! ,italian prov9ces1 :]e( ! ,holy      
,fa!r1 once m  plac$ 9 possession (     
,rome1 w\ld become ! augu/ & sov]eign   
,presid5t4    ,z ,prada f9i%$ he aga9   
laugh$1 %[+ 8 :ite tee?--tee? :i*  w\ld 
nev] readily rel9qui% ! prey !y held4 ,s
 y see1 he  add$1 we ne$ to def5d       
ourselves1 s9ce x's a "q ( turn+ u  out4
 ,=tunately1 !re are "s little ob/acles 
9 ! way ( t4  ,nev]!less1 su* dreams    
naturally h great influ5ce on excit$    
m9ds1 su* z t ( ,santobono1 = in/ance4  
,he's a man :om "o ^w  f ,sangu9etti    
w\ld lead f> inde$4 ,ah6 he has good    
legs4 ,look at him  up yond]1 he has    
already rea*$ ! ,c>d9al's little        
palace--t  :ite villa ) ! sculptur$     
balconies4    ,pi]re rais$ 8 eyes &     
p]ceiv$ ! episcopal resid5ce1 :i* 0  "o 
( ! fir/ h\ses ( ,frascati4 ,( mod]n    
con/ruction &  ,r5asc5ce /yle1 x        
ov]look$ ! imm5sity ( ! ,roman          
,campagna4    ,x 0 n[ elev5 o'clock1 & z

 ! "y prie/1 be=e go+ up to  pay 8 own  
visit1 bade ! ,c\nt good-bye1 ! latt] = 
a mom5t kept  hold ( 8 h&4 ,d y "k1 said
 he1 x w\ld be v k9d ( y  to lun* )     
me--w y8 ,come & jo9 me at t re/aurant  
yond]  ) ! p9k front z soon z y are at  
lib]ty4 ,i %all h settl$  my own bus9ess
 9 an h\r's "t1 & ,i %all be delight$ to
 h y\r  company at table4    ,pi]re     
began by decl9+1 b he c\ld (f] no       
possible excuse1 & at  la/ surr5d]$1 won
 ov]1 despite himself1 by ,prada's real 
*>m (  mann]4 ,:5 !y _h p>t$1 ! "y prie/
 only _h to climb a /reet  9 ord] to    
rea* ! ,c>d9al's door4 ,) 8 natural     
expansiv5ess &  crav+ = popul>ity1      
,sangu9etti 0 easy ( access1 & at       
,frascati  9 p>ticul> 8 doors 7 flung   
op5 ev5 to ! mo/ humble cassocks4  ,s   
,pi]re 0 at once u%]$ 91 a circum/ance  
:i* some:at surpris$  him1 = he rememb]$
 ! bad hum\r ( ! s]vant :om he _h se5 on
  call+ at ! ,c>d9al's resid5ce 9 ,rome1
 :5 he _h be5 advis$ to  =ego ! j\rney1 
z 8 ,em95ce did n l to be di/urb$ :5 he 

0 ill4 ,h[ev]1 no?+ spoke ( illness 9 t 
pleasant villa1  flood$ ) sun%9e4 ,true1
 ! wait+-room1 :]e he 0 mom5t>ily  left 
alone1 display$ nei!r luxury nor com=t2 
b x 0 bright5$  by ! f9e/ light 9 ! _w1 
& ov]look$ t extraord9>y  ,campagna1 s  
flat1 s b>e1 & s unique 9 its beauty1 = 
9 front (  x "o ev] dreams & sees ! pa/ 
arise4 ,& s1 :il/ wait+1  ,pi]re /ation$
 himself at an op5 w9d[1 conduct+ on to 
a balcony1  & 8 eyes roam$ ov] ! endless
 sea ( h]bage to ! f>-away  :it5ess (   
,rome1 above :i* rose ! dome ( ,/4      
,pet]'s1 at t  di/ance a m]e sp>kl+     
speck1 b>ely z l>ge z ! nail ( "o's     
little f+]4    ,h[ev]1 ! "y man _h      
sc>cely tak5 up ?is position :5 he 0    
surpris$ to he> "s p talk+1 _! words    
rea*+ him )  great di/9ctness4 ,& on    
lean+ =w>d he realis$ t 8 ,em95ce  9    
p]son 0 /&+ on ano!r balcony close by1 &
 conv]s+ ) a  prie/1 only a portion ( ^:
 cassock c\ld be se54 ,/ill1 ?is        
suffic$ = ,pi]re to recognise           
,santobono4 ,8 fir/ impulse1 dictat$  by

 natural discretion1 0 to )draw f !     
w9d[1 b ! words he  next he>d rivet$ him
 to ! spot4    ,we %all "k 9 a mom5t1 8 
,em95ce 0 say+ 9 8 full voice4  ,i s5t  
,eufemio to ,rome1 = he is ! only p]son 
9 :om ,i've any  confid5ce4 ,& see1 !re 
is ! tra9 br++ him back4    ,a tra91    
/ill z small z a play?+1 c\ld 9 fact be 
se5 approa*+  ov] ! va/ pla91 & d\btless
 x 0 to wat* = its arrival t            
,sangu9etti _h /ation$ himself on !     
balcony4 ,& !re he l+]$1  ) 8 eyes fix$ 
on di/ant ,rome4 ,!n ,santobono1 9 a    
passionate  voice1 spoke "s words :i*   
,pi]re imp]fectly und]/ood1 b !  ,c>d9al
 ) cle> articulation rejo9$1 ,yes1 yes1 
my de> fell[1 a  cata/rophe w\ld be a   
great mis=tune4 ,ah6 may 8 ,hol9ess long
 be  pres]v$ to u4 ,!n he paus$1 & z he 
0 no hypocrite1 gave full  expression to
 ! ?\ghts :i* 7 9 8 m9d3 ,at lea/1 ,i   
hope t  he w be pres]v$ j n[1 = ! times 
are bad1 & ,i am 9  frightful angui%4 ,!
 p>tisans ( ,anti*ri/ h lately ga9$ mu* 
gr\nd4    ,a cry escap$ ,santobono3 ,oh6

 y\r ,em95ce w act & triumph4    ,i1 my 
de> fell[8 ,:at w\ld y h me d8 ,i am    
simply at !  disposal ( my fri5ds1 ^? :o
 are will+ to believe 9 me1 ) !  sole   
object ( ensur+ ! victory ( ! ,holy     
,see4 ,x is !y :o ought  to act1 x is   
!y--ea* accord+ to ! measure ( 8        
means--:o ought  to b> ! road to ! wick$
 9 ord] t ! righte\s may succe$4  ,ah6  
if ,anti*ri/ %\ld reign--    ,!         
recurr5ce ( ?is ^w ,anti*ri/ greatly    
di/urb$ ,pi]re2 b he  sudd5ly rememb]$  
:at ! ,c\nt _h told him3 ,anti*ri/ 0    
,c>d9al  ,boccan]a4    ,?9k ( t1 my de> 
fell[1 cont9u$ ,sangu9etti4 ,picture    
,anti*ri/ at ! ,vatican1 consummat+ !   
ru9 ( religion by 8  implacable pride1 8
 iron w1 8 gloomy passion = nihility2 = 
!re c be no d\bt ( x1 he is ! ,bea/ (   
,dea? ann\nc$ by !  prophecies1 ! ,bea/ 
:o w expose "o & all to ! dang] ( be+   
swall[$ up ) him 9 8 furi\s ru% into    
abysmal d>kness4 ,i "k  him2 he only    
dreams ( ob/9acy & de/ruction1 he w     
seize !  pill>s ( ! temple & %ake !m 9  

ord] t he may s9k b5ea?  ! ru9s1 he & ! 
:ole ,ca?olic _w6 ,9 less ?an six mon?s 
he  w be driv5 f ,rome1 at /rife ) all !
 nations1 execrat$ by  ,italy1 & roam+ !
 _w l ! phantom ( ! la/ pope6    ,x 0 ) 
a l[ gr[l1 sugge/ive ( a /ifl$ oa?1 t   
,santobono  respond$ to ?is frightful   
pr$iction4 ,b ! tra9 _h n[ rea*$ !      
/ation1 & among ! few pass5g]s :o _h    
alight$1 ,pi]re c\ld  di/+ui% a little  
,abbe1 :o 0 walk+ s fa/ t 8 cassock     
flapp$ aga9/ 8 hips4 ,x 0 ,abbe         
,eufemio1 ! ,c>d9al's secret>y1  & :5 he
 _h p]ceiv$ 8 ,em95ce on ! balcony he   
lo/ all  self-respect1 & broke into a   
run1 9 ord] t he might ! soon]  asc5d ! 
slop+ /reet4 ,ah6 "h's ,eufemio1        
exclaim$ ! ,c>d9al1  quiv]+ ) anxiety4  
,we %all "k n[1 we %all "k n[4    ,!    
secret>y _h plung$ into ! doorway bel[1 
& he climb$ !  /airs ) su* rapidity t   
almo/ imm$iately aft]w>ds ,pi]re saw    
him ru% brea?lessly across ! wait+-room1
 & vani% into !  ,c>d9al's sanctum4     
,sangu9etti _h quitt$ ! balcony to meet 

8  mess5g]1 b soon aft]w>ds he return$  
to x ask+ que/ions1  v5t+ exclamations1 
rais+1 9 fact1 q a tumult ov] ! news    
:i* he _h receiv$4 ,& s x's really true1
 ! night 0 a bad "o4  ,8 ,hol9ess       
sc>cely slept6 ,colic1 y 7 told8 ,b no?+
 c\ld be  worse at 8 age2 x might c>ry  
him (f 9 a c\ple ( h\rs4 ,& !  doctors1 
:at d !y say8    ,! answ] did n rea*    
,pi]re1 b he und]/ood its purport z !   
,c>d9al 9 8 naturally l\d voice resum$3 
,oh6 ! doctors nev]  "k4 ,besides1 :5 !y
 refuse to speak dea? is nev] f> (f4    
_/,dio_/6  :at a mis=tune if !          
cata/rophe _c be def]r$ = a few days6   
,!n he became sil5t1 & ,pi]re realis$ t 
8 eyes 7 once m  travell+ t[>ds ,rome1  
gaz+ ) ambiti\s angui% at ! dome ( ,/4  
,pet]'s1 t little1 sp>kl+ speck above ! 
va/1 ruddy pla94 ,:at a  commotion1 :at 
agitation if ! ,pope 7 dead6 ,& he wi%$ 
t x  _h m]ely be5 necess>y = him to     
/ret* =? 8 arm 9 ord] to  take & hold ! 
,et]nal ,city1 ! ,holy ,city1 :i*1 yond]
 on !  horizon1 occupi$ no m space ?an a

 heap ( gravel ca/ !re by a  *ild's     
spade4 ,& he 0 already dream+ ( ! com+  
,conclave1 :5  ! canopy ( ea* o!r c>d9al
 w\ld fall1 & 8 own1 motionless &       
sov]eign1 w\ld cr[n him ) purple4    ,b 
y are "r1 my fri5d6 he sudd5ly exclaim$1
 address+  ,santobono1 "o mu/ act1 !    
salvation ( ! ,*ur* is at /ake4 ,&1     
besides1 x is impossible t ,heav5 %\ld n
 be ) u1 s9ce our  sole desire is its   
triumph4 ,if necess>y1 at ! supreme     
mom5t1 ,heav5  w "k h[ to cru%          
,anti*ri/4    ,!n1 = ! fir/ "t1 ,pi]re  
di/9ctly he>d ! voice ( ,santobono1  :o1
 gruffly1 ) a sort ( savage decision1   
respond$3 ,oh6 if ,heav5  is t>dy x %all
 be help$4    ,t 0 all2 ! "y man he>d   
no?+ fur!r save a confus$ murmur  (     
voices4 ,! speak]s quitt$ ! balcony1 & 8
 spell ( wait+  began afre% 9 ! sunlit  
_/salon_/ s peaceful & delightful 9 its 
brightness4 ,b all at once ! door ( 8   
,em95ce's private room 0  ?r[n wide op5 
& a s]vant u%]$ him 92 & he 0 surpris$  
to  f9d ! ,c>d9al alone1 = he _h n      

witness$ ! dep>ture ( !  two prie/s1 :o 
_h gone (f by ano!r door4 ,! ,c>d9al1 ) 
8  highly col\r$ face1 big nose1 ?ick   
lips1 squ>e-set1 vigor\s figure1  :i*   
/ill look$ "y despite 8 sixty ye>s1 0   
/&+ ne> a  w9d[ 9 ! bright gold5 light4 
,he _h put on ! pat]nal smile )  :i* he 
greet$ ev5 ! humble/ f motives ( good   
policy1 & z  soon z ,pi]re _h knelt &   
kiss$ 8 r+1 he motion$ him to a *air4   
,sit d[n1 de> son1 sit d[n4 ,y h come ( 
c\rse ab\t t  un=tunate affair ( y\r    
book4 ,i am v pleas$ inde$ to be able to
  speak ) y ab\t x4    ,he himself !n   
took a *air 9 front ( t w9d[ ov]look+   
,rome  :5ce he seem$ unable to drag     
himself4 ,& ! "y prie/1 :il/  apologis+ 
= com+ to di/urb 8 re/1 p]ceiv$ t he    
sc>cely  li/5$1 = 8 eyes aga9 s\ght !   
prey :i* he s ard5tly  covet$4 ,yet !   
semblance ( good-natur$ att5tion 0      
p]fect1 &  ,pi]re m>vell$ at ! =ce ( w  
:i* ?is man mu/ possess to  appe> s     
calm1 s int]e/$ 9 ! affairs ( o!rs1 :5  
su* a  tempe/ 0 rag+ 9 him4    ,y\r     

,em95ce w1 ,i hope1 k9dly =give me1     
cont9u$ ! "y  prie/4    ,b y h done "r  
to come1 s9ce ,i am kept "h by my fail+ 
heal?1 said ! ,c>d9al4 ,besides1 ,i am  
some:at bett]1 & x is  only natural t y 
%\ld wi% to give me "s explanations &   
def5d  y\r "w & enlight5 my judgm5t4 ,9 
fact1 ,i 0 a/oni%$ at n yet  hav+ se5 y1
 = ,i "k t y\r fai? 9 y\r cause is great
 &  t y sp>e no /eps to conv]t y\r      
judges4 ,s speak1 my de> son1 ,i  am    
li/5+ & %all be pleas$ inde$ if ,i c    
absolve y4    ,pi]re 0 caught by ^! k9d 
words1 & a hope return$ to him1 t  (    
w9n+ ! support ( ! all-p[]ful ,prefect (
 ! ,index4 ,he  already reg>d$ ?is      
ex-nuncio--:o at ,brussels & ,vi5na _h  
acquir$  ! worldly art ( s5d+ p away    
satisfi$ ) indef9ite promises  ?\gh he  
meant to grant !m no?+--z a man ( r>e   
intellig5ce &  exquisite cordiality4 ,& 
s once m he rega9$ ! f]v\r ( 8          
apo/olate to express 8 views respect+ ! 
future ,rome1 ! ,rome he  dreamt (1 :i* 
0 de/9$ yet aga9 to become ! mi/ress ( !

  _w if %e w\ld return to ! ,*ri/ianity 
( ,jesus1 to an ard5t love  = ! weak & !
 humble4    ,sangu9etti smil$1 wagg$ 8  
head1 & rais$ exclamations ( rapture3   
,v good1 v good inde$1 p]fect6 ,oh6 ,i  
agree ) y1 de> son4  ,"o _c put ?+s     
bett]4 ,x is q evid5t2 all good m9ds mu/
  agree ) y4 ,& !n1 said he1 ! poetic   
side deeply t\*$ him4  ,l ,leo ,,xiii--&
 d\btless 9 a _s ( rivalry--he c\rt$ !  
reputation ( be+ a v di/+ui%$ ,lat9i/1 &
 pr(ess$ a  special & b\ndless affection
 = ,virgil4 ,i "k1 ,i "k1 he  exclaim$1 
,i rememb] y\r page on ! return ( spr+1 
:i* consoles  ! poor :om w9t] has froz54
 ,oh6 ,i read x ?ree times ov]6 ,& are  
y aw>e t y\r writ+ is full ( ,lat9 turns
 ( /yle4 ,i notic$  m ?an fifty         
expressions :i* c\ld be f\nd 9 !        
',bucolics4' ,y\r  book is a *>m1 a     
p]fect *>m6    ,z he 0 no fool1 &       
realis$ t ! little prie/ be=e him 0 a   
man ( high intellig5ce1 he end$ by      
int]e/+ himself1 n 9 ,pi]re  p]sonally1 
b 9 ! pr(it :i* he might possibly d]ive 

f him4  ,amid/ 8 fev]i% intrigues1 he   
unceas+ly s\ght to utilise all !        
qualities possess$ by ^? :om ,god s5t to
 him t might 9 any way  be conducive to 
8 own triumph4 ,s1 = a mom5t1 he turn$  
away f  ,rome & look$ 8 companion 9 !   
face1 li/5+ to him & ask+  himself 9 :at
 way he might employ him--ei!r at once 9
 ! crisis  ?r\gh :i* he 0 pass+1 or lat]
 on :5 he %\ld be pope4 ,b !  "y prie/  
aga9 made ! mi/ake ( attack+ ! temporal 
p[]1 &  ( employ+ t un=tunate           
expression1 a new religion4 ,!reupon !  
,c>d9al /opp$ him ) a ge/ure1 /ill      
smil+1 /ill reta9+ all  8 amiability1   
al?\gh ! resolution :i* he _h long s9ce 
=m$  became f t mom5t def9itive4 ,y are 
c]ta9ly 9 ! "r on  _m po9ts1 my de> son1
 he said1 & ,i (t5 %>e y\r views--%>e   
!m completely4 ,b come1 y are d\btless n
 aw>e t ,i am !  protector ( ,l\rdes "h 
at ,rome4 ,& s1 aft] ! page :i* y h     
writt5 ab\t ! ,grotto1 h[ c ,i possibly 
pron\nce 9 y\r fav\r &  aga9/ ! ,fa!rs8 
,pi]re 0 utt]ly ov]come by ?is          

ann\ncem5t1 = he 0 inde$  unaw>e ( !    
,c>d9al's position ) respect to ,l\rdes1
 nobody hav+  tak5 ! precaution to w>n  
him4 ,h[ev]1 ea* ( ! ,ca?olic           
ent]prises di/ribut$ ?r\gh\t ! _w has a 
protector at ,rome1 a  c>d9al :o is     
designat$ by ! ,pope to repres5t x &1 if
 ne$ be1  to def5d x4    ,^? good       
,fa!rs6 ,sangu9etti cont9u$ 9 a g5tle   
voice1 y h  caus$ !m great grief1 &     
really our h&s are ti$1 we _c add to  _!
 sorr[4 ,if y only knew :at a numb] (   
masses !y s5d u6 ,i  "k m ?an "o ( our  
poor prie/s :o w\ld die ( hung] if x 7  
n = !m4    ,pi]re c\ld only b[ b5ea? !  
bl[4 ,once m he f\nd himself 9  pres5ce 
( ! pecuni>y "q1 ! necessity 9 :i* !    
,holy ,see  is plac$ to secure ! rev5ue 
x requires "o ye> ) ano!r4 ,&  ?us !    
,pope 0 ev] 9 s]vitude1 = if ! loss (   
,rome _h fre$  him ( ! c>es ( /ate1 8   
en=c$ gratitude = ! alms he  receiv$    
/ill rivet$ him to e>?4 ,s great1 inde$1
 7 !  requirem5ts1 t money 0 ! rul]1 !  
sov]eign p[]1 be=e :i*  all b[$ at !    

,c\rt ( ,rome4    ,& n[ ,sangu9etti rose
 to dismiss 8 visitor4 ,y mu/ n despair1
  de> son1 he said effusively4 ,i h only
 my own vote1 y "k1 & ,i  promise y t ,i
 w take into acc\nt ! excell5t          
explanations  :i* y h j giv5 me4 ,& :o c
 tell8 ,if ,god be ) y1 ,he  w save y   
ev5 9 spite ( all6 ,?is spee* =m$ "p ( !
  ,c>d9al's usual tactics2 = "o ( 8     
pr9ciples 0 nev] to drive  p to extremes
 by s5d+ !m away hopeless4 ,:at good1   
inde$1  w\ld x d to tell ?is "o t !     
condemnation ( 8 book 0 a  =egone       
conclusion1 & t 8 only prud5t c\rse w\ld
 be to disav[  x8 ,only a savage l      
,boccan]a brea!d ang] ^u fi]y s\ls &    
plung$ !m into rebellion4 ,y mu/ hope1  
hope6 repeat$ ,sangu9etti  ) a smile1 z 
if imply+ a multitude ( =tunate ?+s :i* 
he  c\ld n pla9ly express4    ,!reupon  
,pi]re1 :o 0 deeply t\*$1 felt born     
anew4 ,he ev5 =got  ! conv]sation he _h 
surpris$1 ! ,c>d9al's ke5 ambition &    
cov]t rage ) 8 r$\btable rival4         
,besides1 might n intellig5ce  take !   

place ( he>t among ! p[]ful8 ,if ?is man
 %\ld "s day  become pope1 & _h und]/ood
 him1 might he n prove ! pope :o 0      
await$1 ! pope :o w\ld accept ! task (  
reorganis+ ! ,*ur* (  ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( 
,europe1 & mak+ x ! spiritual sov]eign (
 !  _w8 ,s he ?ank$ him ) emotion1 b[$1 
& left him to 8 dream1  /&+ be=e t      
widely op5 w9d[ :5ce ,rome appe>$ to    
him1  glitt]+ l a jewel1 ev5 inde$ z !  
ti>a ( gold & gems1 9  ! spl5d\r ( !    
autumn sun4    ,x 0 ne>ly "o o'clock :5 
,pi]re & ,c\nt ,prada 7 at la/ able  to 
sit d[n to _/dejeun]_/ 9 ! little       
re/aurant :]e !y _h agre$  to meet4 ,!y 
_h bo? be5 delay$ by _! affairs4 ,h[ev]1
 ! ,c\nt1  hav+ settl$ "s worry+ matt]s 
to 8 own advantage1 0 v  lively1 :il/ ! 
prie/ on 8 side 0 aga9 hopeful1 & yield$
 to  ! delightful *>m ( t la/ f9e day4  
,& s ! meal prov$ a v  pleasant "o 9 !  
l>ge1 bright room1 :i*1 z usual at t    
season (  ! ye>1 0 q des]t$4 ,p9k & blue
 pr$om9at$ 9 !  decoration1 b ,cupids   
flutt]$ on ! ceil+1 & l&scapes1 vaguely 

recall+ ! ,roman ca/les1 adorn$ ! walls4
 ,! ?+s !y ate 7  fre%1 & !y drank ! w9e
 ( ,frascati1 to :i* ! soil imp>ts a    
k9d ( burnt flav\r z if ! old volcanoes 
( ! region _h left "s  little ( _! fire 
beh9d4    ,= a long :ile ! conv]sation  
rang$ ov] ^? wild & graceful  ,alban    
hills1 :i*1 =tunately = ! pleasure ( !  
eye1 ov]look !  flat ,roman ,campagna4  
,pi]re1 :o _h made ! cu/om>y c>riage    
excursion f ,frascati to ,nemi1 /ill    
felt its *>m & spoke ( x 9  gl[+        
language4 ,fir/ came ! lovely road f    
,frascati to ,albano1  asc5d+ & desc5d+ 
hillsides plant$ ) re$s1 v9es1 &        
olive-trees1 among/ :i* "o obta9$       
frequ5t glimpses ( !  ,campagna's wavy  
imm5sity4 ,on ! "r-h& ! village ( ,rocca
 di ,papa  arose 9 amphi!atrical fa%ion1
 %[+ :itely on a knoll bel[ ,monte      
,cavo1 :i* 0 cr[n$ by l(ty & anci5t     
trees4 ,& f ?is po9t  ( ! road1 on look+
 back t[>ds ,frascati1 "o saw high up1  
on !  v]ge ( a p9e wood ! ru9s (        
,tusculum1 l>ge ruddy ru9s1 bak$ by     

c5turies ( sun%9e1 & :5ce ! b\ndless    
panorama mu/ h be5  sup]b4 ,next "o     
pass$ ?r\gh ,m>9o1 ) its slop+ /reets1  
its  l>ge ca!dral1 & its black decay+   
palace belong+ to ! ,colonnas4  ,!n1    
beyond a wood ( ilex-trees1 ! lake (    
,albano 0 skirt$ )  sc5]y :i* has no    
p>allel 9 ! _w4 ,9 front1 beyond ! cle> 
mirror ( motionless wat]1 7 ! ru9s (    
,alba ,longa2 on ! left  rose ,monte    
,cavo ) ,rocca di ,papa & ,palazzuolo2  
:il/ on ! "r  ,ca/el ,g&olfo ov]look$ ! 
lake z f ! summit ( a cliff4 ,d[n  bel[ 
9 ! ext9ct crat]1 z 9 ! dep?s ( a       
gigantic cup (  v]dure1 ! lake slept    
heavy & lifeless3 a %eet ( molt5 metal1 
:i* ! sun on "o side /reak$ ) gold1 :il/
 ! o!r 0 black  ) %ade4 ,& ! road !n    
asc5d$ all ! way to ,ca/el ,g&olfo1  :i*
 0 p]*$ on its rock1 l a :ite bird      
betwixt ! lake & !  sea4 ,ev] refre%$ by
 breezes1 ev5 9 ! mo/ burn+ h\rs (      
summ]1  ! little place 0 once fam\s =   
its papal villa1 :]e ,pius ,,ix lov$  to
 sp5d h\rs ( indol5ce1 & :i!r ,leo      

,,xiii has nev] come4 ,&  next ! road   
dipp$ d[n1 & ! ilex-trees appe>$ aga91  
ilex-trees  fam\s = _! size1 a d\ble r[ 
( mon/]s ) twi/$ limbs1 two  & ?ree     
hundr$ ye>s old4 ,!n "o at la/ rea*$    
,albano1 a small  t[n less mod]nis$ &   
less cleans$ ?an ,frascati1 a pat* ( !  
old  l& :i* has reta9$ "s ( its anci5t  
wildness2 & aft]w>ds  !re 0 ,ariccia ) !
 ,palazzo ,*igi1 & hills cov]$ ) =e/s  &
 viaducts spann+ rav9es :i* ov]fl[$ )   
foliage2 & !re  0 yet ,g5zano1 & yet    
,nemi1 gr[+ /ill wild] & m remote1 lo/  
9 ! mid/ ( rocks & trees4    ,ah6 h[    
ineffaceable 0 ! recollection :i* ,pi]re
 _h reta9$ (  ,nemi1 ,nemi on ! %ore (  
its lake1 ,nemi s delici\s & fasc9at+  f
 af>1 conjur+ up all ! anci5t leg5ds (  
fairy t[ns spr++  f amid/ ! gre5]y (    
my/]i\s wat]s1 b s repulsively fil?y  :5
 "o at la/ rea*es x1 crumbl+ on all     
sides b yet dom9at$ by  ! ,ors9i t[]1 z 
by ! evil g5ius ( ! middle ages1 :i* !re
  seems to p]petuate ! f]oci\s habits1 !
 viol5t passions1 ! knife  ?ru/s ( !    

pa/6 ,!nce came t ,santobono ^: bro!r _h
 kill$1  & :o himself1 ) 8 eyes ( crime 
glitt]+ l live emb]s1  seem$ to be      
consum$ by a murd]\s flame4 ,& ! lake1 t
 lake r\nd  l an ext+ui%$ moon fall5    
into ! dep?s ( a =m] crat]1 a  deep] &  
less op5 cup ?an t ( ! lake ( ,albano1 a
 cup rimm$  ) trees ( wondr\s vig\r &   
d5sity6 ,p9es1 elms1 & will[s  desc5d to
 ! v m>g91 ) a gre5 mass ( tangl$       
bran*es :i*  weigh ea* o!r d[n4 ,?is    
=midable fecundity spr+s f ! vap\r  :i* 
con/antly arises f ! wat] "u ! p>*+     
action ( !  sun1 ^: rays accumulate 9   
?is holl[ till x becomes l a furnace4   
,!re is a w>m1 heavy dampness1 ! pa?s ( 
! adjac5t g>d5s gr[  gre5 ) moss1 & 9 ! 
morn+ d5se mi/s (t5 fill ! l>ge cup  )  
:ite vap\r1 z ) ! /eam+ milk ( "s       
sorc]ess (  malevol5t craft4 ,& ,pi]re  
well rememb]$ h[ uncom=table he _h  felt
 be=e t lake :]e anci5t atrocities1 a   
my/]i\s religion  ) abom9able rites1    
seem$ to slumb] amid/ ! sup]b sc5]y4 ,he
  _h se5 x at ! approa* ( ev5+1 look+1 9

 ! %ade ( its  =e/ girdle1 l a plate (  
dull metal1 black & silv]1 motionless   
by reason ( its weight4 ,& t wat]1 cle> 
& yet s deep1 t  wat] des]t$1 )\t a b>k 
^u its surface1 t wat] augu/1  lifeless1
 & sepul*ral1 _h left him a feel+ (     
inexpressible  sadness1 ( mortal        
melan*oly1 ! hopelessness ( great       
solit>y  passion1 e>? & wat] alike      
swoll5 by ! mute spasms ( g]ms1  tr\bl\s
 9 _! fecundity4 ,ah6 ^? black & plung+ 
banks1 &  t black m\rnful lake prone at 
! bottom699      99 ,"s lit]>y int]e/   
atta*es to ,m4 ,zola's acc\nt ( ,nemi1  
^: praises h be5 sung by a hundr$ poets4
 ,x w be      obs]v$ t he makes no      
m5tion ( ,eg]ia4 ,! religion            
di/+ui%$ by abom9able practices to :i*  
he alludes1      may p]haps be ! wor%ip 
( ! ,egyptian ,diana1 :o _h a      fam\s
 temple ne> ,nemi1 :i* 0 excavat$ by ,"l
 ,savile      "s t5 ye>s ago1 :5 all !  
small] objects discov]$      7 pres5t$  
to ! t[n ( ,nott+ham4 ,at ?is temple1   
accord+ to "s classical writ]s1 ! *ief  

prie/ 0      requir$ to murd] 8         
pr$ecessor1 & !re 7 o!r      abom9able  
usages4--,trans4    ,c\nt ,prada began  
to laugh :5 ,pi]re told him ( ^!        
impressions4  ,yes1 yes1 said he1 x's   
true1 ,nemi isn't always gay4 ,9 dull   
wea!r ,i  h se5 ! lake look+ l lead1 &  
ev5 ! full sun%9e sc>cely  animates x4  
,= my "p1 ,i "k ,i %\ld die ( _/ennui_/ 
if ,i _h to live  face to face ) t b>e  
wat]4 ,b x is admir$ by poets &         
romantic wom51 ^? :o adore great        
trag$ies ( passion4    ,!n1 z he &      
,pi]re rose f ! table to g & take c(fee 
on !  t]race ( ! re/aurant1 !           
conv]sation *ang$3 ,d y mean to  att5d  
,pr9ce ,buongiovanni's reception ?is    
ev5+8 ! ,c\nt inquir$4  ,x w be a curi\s
 sight1 especially = a =eign]1 & ,i     
advise y  n to miss x4    ,yes1 ,i h an 
invitation1 ,pi]re repli$4 ,a fri5d (   
m9e1 ,monsieur  ,n>cisse ,hab]t1 an     
_/atta*e_/ at our embassy1 procur$ x =  
me1 & ,i  am go+ ) him4    ,t ev5+1     
inde$1 !re 0 to be a _/fete_/ at !      

,palazzo  ,buongiovanni on ! ,corso1 "o 
( ! few galas t take place 9 ,rome  ea* 
w9t]4 ,p said t ?is "o w\ld surpass all 
o!rs 9  magnific5ce1 = x 0 to be giv5 9 
hon\r ( ! betro?al ( little  ,pr9cess   
,celia4 ,! ,pr9ce1 h] fa!r1 aft] box+ h]
 e>s1 x 0  rum\r$1 & n>r[ly escap+ an   
attack ( apoplexy z ! result ( a        
frightful fit ( ang]1 _h1 all at once1  
yield$ to h] quiet1 g5tle  /ubbornness1 
& cons5t$ to h] m>riage ) ,lieut5ant    
,attilio1 !  son ( ,m9i/] ,sacco4 ,& all
 ! draw+-rooms ( ,rome1 ^? ( !  :ite _w 
q z mu* z ^? ( ! black1 7 ?or\ghly upset
 by  ! tid+s4    ,c\nt ,prada made m]ry 
ov] ! affair4 ,ah6 y'll see a f9e sight6
 he  exclaim$4 ,p]sonally1 ,i'm delight$
 ) x all = ! sake ( my good  c\s9       
,attilio1 :o is really a v nice & wor?y 
fell[4 ,& no?+  9 ! _w w\ld keep me f   
go+ to see my de> uncle ,sacco make 8   
entry into ! anci5t _/salons_/ ( !      
,buongiovanni4 ,x w be some?+           
extraord9>y & sup]b4 ,he has at la/     
become ,m9i/] ( ,agriculture1  y "k4 ,my

 fa!r1 :o always takes ?+s s s]i\sly1   
told me ?is  morn+ t ! affair s worri$  
him he hadn't clos$ 8 eyes all  night4  
,! ,c\nt paus$1 b almo/ imm$iately add$3
 ,i say1 x is half-pa/  two & y won't h 
a tra9 be=e five o'clock4 ,d y "k :at y 
ought to d8 ,:y1 drive back to ,rome )  
me 9 my c>riage4    ,no1 no1 rejo9$     
,pi]re1 ,i'm deeply oblig$ to y b ,i'm  
to d9e  ) my fri5d ,n>cisse ?is ev5+1 & 
,i mu/n't be late4    ,b y won't be     
late--on ! contr>y6 ,we %all />t at ?ree
 &  rea* ,rome be=e five o'clock4 ,!re  
c't be a m pleasant prom5ade  :5 ! light
 falls2 &1 come1 ,i promise y a spl5did 
sunset4    ,he 0 s press+ t ! "y prie/  
_h to accept1 q subjugat$  by s mu*     
amiability & good hum\r4 ,!y sp5t ano!r 
half-h\r v  pleasantly 9 *att+ ab\t     
,rome1 ,italy1 & ,france4 ,!n1 = a      
mom5t1  !y w5t up into ,frascati :]e !  
,c\nt wi%$ to say a few words to a      
contractor1 & j z ?ree o'clock 0 /rik+  
!y />t$ (f1  seat$ side by side on ! s(t
 cu%ions & g5tly rock$ by ! motion  ( ! 

victoria z ! two horses broke into a    
light trot4 ,z ,prada _h  pr$ict$1 t    
return to ,rome across ! b>e ,campagna  
"u ! va/  limpid heav5s at ! close ( su*
 a mild autumn day prov$ mo/            
delightful4 ,fir/ ( all1 h[ev]1 !       
victoria _h to desc5d ! slopes  (       
,frascati betwe5 v9ey>ds & olive-trees4 
,! pav$ road snak$1 &  0 b little       
frequ5t$2 !y m]ely saw a few peasants 9 
old felt  hats1 a :ite mule1 & a c>t    
drawn by a donkey1 = x is only ^u       
,sundays t ! _/o/]ie_/ or w9e-%ops are  
fill$ & t artisans 9  easy circum/ances 
come to eat a di% ( kid at ! surr\nd+   
_/ba/ides_/4 ,h[ev]1 at "o turn ( ! road
 !y pass$ a monum5tal  f\nta94 ,!n a    
flock ( %eep mom5t>ily b>r$ ! way be=e  
defil+ pa/4 ,& beyond ! g5tle           
undulations ( ! ruddy ,campagna  ,rome  
appe>$ amid/ ! violet vap\rs ( ev5+1    
s9k+ by degrees z  ! c>riage itself     
desc5d$ to a l[] & l[] level4 ,!re came 
a  mom5t :5 ! city 0 a m]e ?9 grey      
/reak1 speckl$ :itely "h  & !re by a few

 sunlit h\se-fronts4 ,& !n x seem$ to   
plunge  bel[ ! gr\nd--to be subm]g$ by !
 swell ( ! f>-spread+  fields4    ,!    
victoria 0 n[ roll+ ov] ! pla91 leav+ ! 
,alban hills  beh9d1 :il/ be=e x & on   
ei!r h& came ! expanse ( mead[s  &      
/ubbles4 ,& !n x 0 t ! ,c\nt1 aft] lean+
 =w>d1  exclaim$3 ,j look ahead1 yond]1 
!re's our man ( ?is morn+1  ,santobono 9
 p]son--:at a /rapp+ fell[ he is1 & h[  
fa/ he  walks6 ,my horses c sc>cely     
ov]take him4    ,pi]re 9 8 turn leant   
=w>d & likewise p]ceiv$ ! prie/ ( ,/4   
,m>y 9 ! ,fields1 look+ tall & knotty1  
fa%ion$ z x 7 ) a  bill-hook4 ,rob$ 9 a 
long black cassock1 he %[$ l a vigor\s  
splot* ( ink amid/ ! bright sun%9e      
/ream+ ar\nd him2 & he  0 walk+ on at   
su* a fa/1 /]n1 regul> pace t he sugge/$
  ,de/9y on ! m>*4 ,some?+1 :i* c\ld n  
be well di/+ui%$1  0 hang+ f 8 "r arm4  
,:5 ! c>riage _h at la/ ov]tak5 him     
,prada told ! coa*man to  slack5 spe$1 &
 !n ent]$ into conv]sation4             
,good-day1 ,abbe2 y are well1 ,i hope8  

he ask$4    ,v well1 ,signor ,conte1 ,i 
?ank y4    ,& :]e are y go+ s bravely8  
,signor ,conte1 ,i am go+ to ,rome4     
,:at6 to ,rome1 at ?is late h\r8    ,oh6
 ,i %all be !re ne>ly z soon z y\rself4 
,! di/ance doesn't  fright5 me1 &       
money's quickly e>n$ by walk+4          
,sc>cely turn+ 8 head to reply1 /epp+   
out beside ! :eels1  ,santobono did n   
miss a /ride4 ,& ,prada1 div]t$ by !    
meet+1  :isp]$ to ,pi]re3 ,wait a bit1  
he'll amuse u4 ,!n he add$ al\d3  ,s9ce 
y are go+ to ,rome1 ,abbe1 y _h bett]   
get 9 "h2 !re's  room = y4    ,santobono
 requir$ no press+1 b at once accept$ ! 
(f]4  ,will+ly2 a ?\s& ?anks1 he said4  
,x's /ill bett] to save "o's  %oe lea!r4
    ,!n he got 9 & in/all$ himself on ! 
bracket-seat1 decl9+ )  abrupt humility 
! place :i* ,pi]re politely (f]$ him    
beside !  ,c\nt4 ,! "y prie/ & ! latt]  
n[ saw t ! object he 0  c>ry+ 0 a little
 basket ( fre% figs1 nicely arrang$ &   
cov]$  ) leaves4    ,! horses set (f    
aga9 at a fa/] trot1 & ! c>riage roll$  

on &  on ov] ! sup]b1 flat pla94 ,s y   
are go+ to ,rome8 ! ,c\nt  resum$ 9 ord]
 to make ,santobono talk4    ,yes1 ! o!r
 repli$1 ,i am tak+ 8 ,em95ce ,c>d9al   
,boccan]a  ^! few figs1 ! la/ ( !       
season3 a little pres5t :i* ,i _h       
promis$ him4 ,he _h plac$ ! basket on 8 
knees & 0 hold+ x  betwe5 8 big knotty  
h&s z if x 7 some?+ r>e & fragile4      
,ah6 "s ( ! fam\s figs ( y\r g>d51 said 
,prada4 ,x's q  true1 !y are l honey4 ,b
 :y don't y rid y\rself ( !m4 ,y  surely
 don't mean to keep !m on y\r knees all 
! way to ,rome4 ,give  !m to me1 ,i'll  
put !m 9 ! hood4    ,h[ev]1 ,santobono  
became q agitat$1 & vigor\sly decl9$ !  
(f]4 ,no1 no1 a ?\s& ?anks6 ,!y don't   
emb>rass me 9 ! lea/2  !y are v well "h2
 & 9 ?is way ,i %all be sure t no       
accid5t  w befall !m4    ,8 passion = ! 
fruit he grew q amus$ ,prada1 :o nudg$  
,pi]re1  & !n inquir$3 ,is ! ,c>d9al    
fond ( y\r figs8    ,oh6 8 ,em95ce      
condesc5ds to adore !m4 ,9 =m] ye>s1 :5 
he  sp5t ! summ] at ! villa1 he w\ld    

nev] t\* ! figs f o!r  trees4 ,& s1 y   
see1 kn[+ 8 ta/es1 x co/s me v little to
  gratify him4    ,:il/ mak+ ?is reply  
,santobono _h %ot su* a ke5 glance 9 !  
direction ( ,pi]re t ! ,c\nt felt x     
necess>y to introduce !m to  "o ano!r4  
,?is he did say+3 ,z x happ5s1 ,monsieur
 l',abbe ,from5t  is /opp+ at ! ,palazzo
 ,boccan]a2 he has be5 !re = ?ree mon?s 
or s4    ,yes1 ,i'm aw>e ( x1 ,santobono
 quietly repli$2 ,i f\nd ,monsieur      
l',abbe ) 8 ,em95ce "o day :5 ,i took "s
 figs to ! ,palazzo4  ,^? 7 less ripe1 b
 ^! are p]fect4 ,s speak+ he gave !     
little basket a complac5t glance1 &     
seem$ to press x yet m  closely betwe5 8
 huge & hairy f+]s4    ,!n came a spell 
( sil5ce1 :il/ on ei!r h& ! ,campagna   
spread  out z f> z ! eye c\ld rea*4 ,all
 h\ses _h long s9ce disappe>$2  !re 0 n 
a wall1 n a tree1 no?+ b ! undulat+     
expanse  ^: sp>se1 %ort h]bage 01 ) !   
approa* ( w9t]1 beg9n+  to turn gre5    
once m4 ,a t[]1 a half-fall5 ru9 :i*    
came into  sight on ! left1 ris+ 9      

solitude into ! limpid sky above ! flat1
  b\ndless l9e ( ! horizon1 sudd5ly     
assum$ extraord9>y importance4  ,!n1 on 
! "r1 ! di/ant silh\ettes ( cattle &    
horses 7  se5 9 a l>ge enclosure ) wood5
 rails4 ,urg$ on by ! goad1 ox51  /ill  
yok$1 7 sl[ly com+ back f pl\gh+2 :il/ a
 f>m]1  cant]+ beside ! pl\gh$ l& on a  
little sorrel nag1 gave a f9al  look    
r\nd = ! night4 ,n[ & aga9 ! road became
 peopl$4 ,a  _/birocc9o_/1 an extremely 
light vehicle ) two huge :eels & a small
  seat p]*$ ^u ! spr+s1 :isk$ by l a gu/
 ( w9d4 ,f "t  to "t also ! victoria    
pass$ a _/c>rot9o_/1 "o ( ! l[ c>ts 9   
:i* peasants1 %elt]$ by a k9d (         
bright-hu$ t5t1 br+ ! w9e1  vegetables1 
& fruit ( ! ca/le-l&s to ,rome4 ,! %rill
 t9kl+ (  horses' bells 0 he>d af> (f z 
! animals foll[$ ! well-kn[n  road ( _! 
own accord1 _! peasant driv]s usually   
be+ s\nd  asleep4 ,wom5 ) b>e1 black    
hair1 sc>let neck]*iefs1 & skirts       
caught up1 7 se5 go+ home 9 gr\ps ( ?ree
 & f\r4 ,& !n !  road aga9 empti$1 & !  

solitude became m & m complete1  )\t a  
wayf>] or an animal appe>+ = miles &    
miles1 :il/  yond]1 at ! f> end ( !     
lifeless sea1 s gr&iose & m\rnful 9  its
 monotony1 ! sun cont9u$ to desc5d f !  
inf9ite vault (  heav54    ,& ! ,pope1  
,abbe1 is he dead8 ,prada sudd5ly       
inquir$4    ,santobono did n ev5 />t4 ,i
 tru/1 he repli$ 9 all simplicity1  t 8 
,hol9ess /ill has _m long ye>s to live =
 ! triumph (  ! ,*ur*4    ,s y _h good  
news ?is morn+ :5 y call$ on y\r bi%op1 
,c>d9al ,sangu9etti8    ,?is "t ! prie/ 
0 unable to re/ra9 a slight />t4 ,_h he 
be5  se51 !n8 ,9 8 ha/e he _h fail$ to  
notice ! two m5 foll[+  ! road beh9d    
him4 ,h[ev]1 he at once rega9$          
self-possession1 &  repli$3 ,oh6 "o c   
nev] tell exactly :e!r news is good or  
bad4 ,x  seems t 8 ,hol9ess pass$ a     
some:at pa9ful night1 b ,i dev\tly  hope
 t ! next w be a bett] "o4 ,!n he seem$ 
to m$itate =  a mom5t1 & add$3 ,moreov]1
 if ,god %\ld h deem$ x "t to call  8   
,hol9ess to ,himself1 ,he w\ld n leave  

,8 flock )\t a %eph]d4  ,he w\ld h      
already *os5 & designat$ ! ,sov]eign    
,pontiff (  to-morr[4    ,?is sup]b     
answ] increas$ ,prada's gaiety4 ,y are  
really  extraord9>y1 ,abbe1 he said4 ,s 
y ?9k t popes are solely  creat$ by !   
grace ( ! ,div9ity6 ,! pope ( to-morr[  
is *os5 up  9 heav51 eh1 & simply waits8
 ,well1 ,i fanci$ t m5 _h some?+  to d )
 ! matt]4 ,b p]haps y already "k :i*    
c>d9al x is  t ! div9e fav\r has ?us    
elect$ 9 advance8    ,!n1 l ! unbeliev] 
he 01 he w5t on ) 8 facile je/s1 :i*    
left ! prie/ unruffl$4 ,9 fact1 ! latt] 
also end$ by laugh+  :5 ! ,c\nt1 aft]   
allud+ to ! gambl+ passion :i* at ea*   
fre% ,conclave sets wellnigh ! :ole     
population ( ,rome bett+ = or  aga9/ ?is
 or t c&idate1 told him t he might      
easily make 8  =tune if he 7 9 ! div9e  
secret4 ,next ! talk turn$ on !  ?ree   
:ite cassocks ( diff]5t sizes :i* are   
always kept 9  read9ess 9 a cupbo>d at !
 ,vatican4 ,:i* ( !m w\ld be requir$  on
 ?is occasion8--! %ort "o1 ! long "o1 or

 ! "o ( m$ium  size8 ,ea* "t t ! reign+ 
pope falls some:at s]i\sly ill !re  is 9
 ?is wise an extraord9>y outbur/ (      
emotion1 a ke5 awak5+ (  all ambitions &
 intrigues1 to su* a po9t t n m]ely 9 ! 
black  _w1 b ?r\gh\t ! city1 p h no o!r 
subject (  curiosity1 conv]sation1 &    
occupation ?an t ( discuss+ !  relative 
claims ( ! c>d9als & pr$ict+ :i* ( !m w 
be  elect$4    ,come1 come1 ,prada      
resum$1 s9ce y "k ! tru?1 ,i'm det]m9$  
t y %all tell me4 ,w x be ,c>d9al       
,moretta8    ,santobono1 9 spite ( 8    
evid5t desire to rema9 dignifi$ &       
dis9t]e/$1 l a good1 pi\s prie/1 0      
gradually gr[+  impassion$1 yield+ to ! 
hidd5 fire :i* consum$ him4 ,& ?is      
int]rogatory f9i%$ him (f2 he c\ld no   
long] re/ra9 himself1 b  repli$3        
,moretta6 ,:at an idea6 ,:y1 he is sold 
to all ,europe6    ,well1 w x be ,c>d9al
 ,b>tol9i8    ,oh6 y c't ?9k t4 ,b>tol9i
 has us$ himself up 9 /riv+ =  ev]y?+ & 
gett+ no?+4    ,w x be ,c>d9al ,dozio1  
!n8    ,dozio1 ,dozio6 ,:y1 if ,dozio 7 

to w9 "o might altoge!r despair (  our  
,holy ,*ur*1 = no man c h a bas] m9d ?an
 he6    ,prada rais$ 8 h&s1 z if he _h  
exhau/$ ! s]i\s c&idates4 ,9  ord] to   
increase ! prie/'s exasp]ation he       
malici\sly refra9$ f  nam+ ,c>d9al      
,sangu9etti1 :o 0 c]ta9ly ,santobono's  
nom9ee4 ,all  at once1 h[ev]1 he pret5d$
 to make a good guess1 & gaily exclaim$3
  ,ah6 ,i h x2 ,i "k y\r man--,c>d9al   
,boccan]a6    ,! bl[ /ruck ,santobono   
full 9 ! he>t1 w\nd+ him bo? 9 8  ranc\r
 & 8 patriotic fai?4 ,8 t]rible m\? 0   
already op5+1  & he 0 ab\t to %\t ,no6  
no6 ) all 8 /r5g?1 b he manag$  to      
re/ra9 ! cry1 compell$ z he 0 to sil5ce 
by ! pres5t on 8  knees--t little basket
 ( figs :i* he press$ s convulsively )  
bo? h&s2 & ! ef=t :i* he 0 oblig$ to    
make left him  quiv]+ to su* a po9t t he
 _h to wait "s "t be=e he c\ld  reply 9 
a calm voice3 ,8 mo/ rev]5d ,em95ce     
,c>d9al ,boccan]a is  a sa9tly man1 well
 wor?y ( ! ?rone1 & my only fe> is t1 ) 
8 hatr$ ( new ,italy1 he might br+ u    

w>f>e4    ,prada1 h[ev]1 desir$ to      
enl>ge ! w\nd4 ,at all ev5ts1 said he1  
y accept him & love him too mu* n to    
rejoice ov] 8 *ances (  success4 ,& ,i  
really ?9k t we h arriv$ at ! tru?1 =   
ev]ybody is conv9c$ t ! ,conclave's     
*oice _c fall else:]e4  ,come1 come2    
,boccan]a is a v tall man1 s x's ! long 
:ite cassock  :i* w be requir$4    ,!   
long cassock1 ! long cassock1 gr[l$     
,santobono1 despite himself2  t's all v 
well1 b--    ,!n he /opp$ %ort1 &1 aga9 
ov]com+ 8 passion1 left 8  s5t5ce       
unf9i%$4 ,pi]re1 li/5+ 9 sil5ce1 m>vell$
 at ! man's  self-re/ra9t1 = he rememb]$
 ! conv]sation :i* he _h ov]he>d  at    
,c>d9al ,sangu9etti's4 ,^? figs 7       
evid5tly a m]e pretext =  ga9+ admission
 to ! ,boccan]a mansion1 :]e "s         
fri5d--,abbe  ,pap>elli1 no d\bt--c\ld  
alone supply c]ta9 positive in=mation   
:i* 0 ne$$4 ,b h[ great 0 ! comm& :i* ! 
hot-blood$  prie/ ex]cis$ ov] himself   
amid/ ! riot\s impulses ( 8 s\l6    ,on 
ei!r side ( ! road ! ,campagna /ill &   

ev] spread its expanse  ( v]dure1 &     
,prada1 :o _h become grave & dreamy1    
gaz$ be=e him  )\t see+ any?+4 ,at la/1 
h[ev]1 he gave expression to 8  ?\ghts4 
,y "k1 ,abbe1 :at w be said if ! ,pope  
%\ld die ?is  "t4 ,t sudd5 illness1 ^?  
colics1 ^? refusals to make any         
in=mation public1 mean no?+ good--,yes1 
yes1 poison1 j z = !  o!rs6    ,pi]re   
gave a />t ( /upefaction4 ,! ,pope      
poison$6 ,:at6 ,poison8  ,aga98 he      
exclaim$ z he gaz$ at 8 companions )    
dilat$ eyes4  ,poison at ! end ( !      
n9ete5? c5tury1 z 9 ! days ( !          
,borgias1 z on ! /age 9 a romantici/    
melodrama6 ,to him ! idea  appe>$ bo?   
mon/r\s & ridicul\s4    ,santobono1 ^:  
features _h become motionless &         
imp5etrable1 made no  reply4 ,b ,prada  
nodd$1 & ! conv]sation 0 h5ce=? conf9$  
to  him & ! "y prie/4 ,:y1 yes1 poison1 
he repli$4 ,! fe> ( x  has rema9$ v     
great 9 ,rome4 ,:5ev] a dea? seems      
inexplicable1  ei!r by reason ( its     
sudd5ness or ! tragic circum/ances :i*  

att5d x1 ! unanim\s ?\ght is poison4 ,& 
rem>k ?is3 9 no city1  ,i believe1 are  
sudd5 dea?s s frequ5t4 ,! causes ,i     
don't exactly  "k1 b "s doctors put     
ev]y?+ d[n to ! fev]s4 ,among !  p1     
h[ev]1 ! "o ?\ght is poison1 poison )   
all its leg5ds1  poison :i* kills l     
lightn+ & leaves no trace1 ! fam\s      
recipe  bequea!d f age to age1 ?r\gh !  
emp]ors & ! popes1 d[n to  ^! pres5t    
times ( middle-class democracy4    ,z he
 spoke he end$ by smil+1 = he 0 incl9$  
to be some:at  sceptical on ! po9t1     
despite ! cov]t t]ror ) :i* he 0        
inspir$ by racial & educational causes4 
,h[ev]1 he quot$ in/ances4  ,! ,roman   
matrons _h rid !mselves ( _! husb&s &   
lov]s by  employ+ ! v5om ( r$ toads4    
,locu/a1 9 a m practical _s1  s\ght     
poison 9 plants1 "o ( :i*1 probably     
aconite1 %e 0 wont to  boil4 ,!n1 long  
aft]w>ds1 came ! age ( ! ,borgias1 &    
subsequ5tly1 at ,naples1 ,la ,t(fana    
sold a fam\s wat]1 d\btless "s          
prep>ation ( ars5ic1 9 phials decorat$ )

 a repres5tation ( ,/4  ,ni*olas ( ,b>i4
 ,!re 7 also extraord9>y /ories ( p9s1 a
 prick  f :i* kill$ "o l lightn+1 ( cups
 ( w9e poison$ by !  infusion ( rose    
petals1 ( woodcocks cut 9 half ) prep>$ 
knives1  :i* poison$ b "o-half ( ! bird1
 s t he :o p>took ( t  half 0 kill$4 ,i 
myself1 9 my y\ng] days1 cont9u$ ,prada1
 _h a  fri5d ^: bride fell dead 9 *ur*  
dur+ ! m>riage s]vice  ?r\gh simply     
inhal+ a b\quet ( fl[]s4 ,& s isn't x   
possible  t ! fam\s recipe may really h 
be5 h&$ d[n1 & h  rema9$ kn[n to a few  
adepts8    ,b *emi/ry has made too mu*  
progress1 ,pi]re repli$4 ,if  my/]i\s   
poisons 7 believ$ 9 by ! anci5ts &      
rema9$  undetect$ 9 _! "t x 0 because   
!re 7 no means ( analysis4  ,b ! drug ( 
! ,borgias w\ld n[ lead ! simpleton :o  
might employ  x /raight to ! ,assizes4  
,su* /ories are m]e nons5se1 & at !     
pres5t day p sc>cely tol]ate !m 9       
newspap] s]ials &  %ock]s4    ,p]haps s1
 resum$ ! ,c\nt ) 8 uneasy smile4 ,y are
 "r1 no  d\bt--only g & tell t to y\r   

ho/1 = in/ance1 ,c>d9al  ,boccan]a1 :o  
la/ summ] held 9 8 arms an old &        
deeply-lov$  fri5d1 ,monsignor ,gallo1  
:o di$ aft] a seizure ( a c\ple ( h\rs4 
,b apoplexy may kill "o 9 two h\rs1 &   
aneurism only takes two  m9utes4        
,true1 b ask ! ,c>d9al :at he ?\ght ( 8 
fri5d's prolong$  %udd]s1 ! lead5 hue   
:i* ov]came 8 face1 ! s9k+ ( 8  eyes1 & 
! expression ( t]ror :i* made him q     
unrecognisable4  ,! ,c>d9al is conv9c$ t
 ,monsignor ,gallo 0 poison$1 because he
  0 8 de>e/ confidant1 ! c\nsellor to   
:om he always li/5$1 &  ^: wise advice 0
 a gu>antee ( success4    ,pi]re's      
bewild]m5t 0 increas+1 &1 irritat$ by ! 
impassibility  ( ,santobono1 he address$
 him direct4 ,x's idiotic1 x's awful6   
,does  y\r rev]5ce also believe 9 ^!    
frightful /ories8    ,b ! prie/ (       
,frascati gave no sign4 ,8 ?ick1        
passionate lips  rema9$ clos$ :ile 8    
black gl[+ eyes nev] ceas$ to gaze at   
,prada4 ,! latt]1 moreov]1 0 quot+ o!r  
in/ances4 ,!re 0 !  case ( ,monsignor   

,nazz>elli1 :o _h be5 f\nd 9 b$1 %runk5 
&  calc9$ l c>bon4 ,& !re 0 t (         
,monsignor ,br&o1 /ruck d[n  9 8        
sac]dotal ve/m5ts at ,/4 ,pet]'s itself1
 9 ! v sacri/y1  dur+ vesp]s6    ,ah6   
_/,mon ,dieu_/6 sigh$ ,pi]re1 y w tell  
me s mu* t ,i myself  %all end by       
trembl+1 & %a'n't d>e to eat any?+ b    
boil$ eggs  z long z ,i /ay 9 ?is       
t]rible ,rome ( y\rs4    ,= a mom5t ?is 
:imsical reply enliv5$ bo? ! ,c\nt &    
,pi]re4  ,b x 0 q true t _! conv]sation 
%[$ ,rome "u a  t]rible aspect1 = x     
conjur$ up ! ,et]nal ,city ( ,crime1 !  
city  ( poison & ! knife1 :]e = m ?an   
two ?\s& ye>s1 ev]  s9ce ! rais+ ( !    
fir/ bit ( wall1 ! lu/ ( p[]1 !  frantic
 hung] = possession & enjoym5t1 _h arm$ 
m5's h&s1  ensangu9$ ! pavem5ts1 & ca/  
victims into ! riv] & !  gr\nd4         
,assass9ations & poison+s "u ! emp]ors1 
poison+s &  assass9ations "u ! popes1   
ev] did ! same torr5t ( abom9ations     
/rew t tragic soil ) dea? amid/ !       
sov]eign glory ( ! sun4    ,all ! same1 

said ! ,c\nt1 ^? :o take precautions are
 p]haps  n ill advis$4 ,x is said t m   
?an "o c>d9al %udd]s &  mi/ru/s p4 ,"o  
:om ,i "k w nev] eat any?+ t has n  be5 
b\ght & prep>$ by 8 own cook4 ,& z = !  
,pope1 if he is  anxi\s--    ,pi]re aga9
 rais$ a cry ( /upefaction4 ,:at1 !     
,pope himself6 ,!  ,pope afraid ( be+   
poison$6    ,well1 my de> ,abbe1 p      
commonly ass]t x4 ,!re are c]ta9ly days 
:5 he consid]s himself m m5ac$ ?an      
anybody else4 ,& are y n  aw>e ( ! old  
,roman view t a pope ought nev] to live 
till too  great an age1 & t :5 he is s  
ob/9ate z n to die at ! "r  "t he ought 
to be assi/$8 ,z soon z a pope beg9s to 
fall into  second *ildhood1 & by reason 
( 8 s5ility becomes a s\rce (           
emb>rassm5t1 & possibly ev5 dang]1 to ! 
,*ur*1 8 "r place  is heav54 ,moreov]1  
matt]s are manag$ 9 a discreet mann]2 a 
slight  cold becomes a dec5t pretext to 
prev5t him f t>ry+ any long] on  ! ?rone
 ( ,/4 ,pet]4    ,prada !n gave "s      
curi\s details4 ,"o prelate1 x 0 said1  

wi%+  to dispel 8 ,hol9ess's fe>s1 _h   
devis$ an elaborate precaution>y  sy/em 
:i*1 among o!r ?+s1 0 to comprise a     
little padlock$  vehicle1 9 :i* ! food  
de/9$ = ! frugal pontifical table 0  to 
be securely plac$ be=e leav+ ! kit*51 s 
t x might n be  tamp]$ ) on its way to !
 ,pope's ap>tm5ts4 ,h[ev]1 ?is project  
_h n yet be5 c>ri$ into effect4    ,aft]
 all1 ! ,c\nt conclud$ ) a laugh1 e pope
 has to die  "s day1 especially :5 8    
dea? is ne$ful = ! welf>e ( !  ,*ur*4   
,isn't t s1 ,abbe8    ,santobono1 :om he
 address$1 _h a mom5t previ\sly l[]$ 8  
eyes z  if to contemplate ! little      
basket ( figs :i* he held on 8 lap )  z 
mu* c>e z if x _h be5 ! ,bless$         
,sacram5t4 ,on be+ que/ion$  9 su* a    
direct1 %>p fa%ion he c\ld n d o!rwise  
?an look up4  ,h[ev]1 he did n dep>t f 8
 prolong$ sil5ce1 b limit$ 8  answ] to a
 sl[ nod4    ,& x is ,god alone1 & n    
poison1 :o causes "o to die4 ,is t n  s1
 ,abbe8 repeat$ ,prada4 ,x is said t ^? 
7 ! la/ words (  poor ,monsignor ,gallo 

be=e he expir$ 9 ! arms ( 8 fri5d       
,c>d9al  ,boccan]a4    ,= ! second "t   
,santobono nodd$ )\t speak+4 ,& !n      
sil5ce  fell1 all ?ree s9k+ into a      
dreamy mood4    ,meantime1 )\t a pause1 
! c>riage roll$ on across ! imm5sity (  
! ,campagna4 ,! road1 /raight z an arr[1
 seem$ to ext5d into !  inf9ite4 ,z !   
sun desc5d$ t[>ds ! horizon ! play (    
light &  %ade became m m>k$ on ! broad  
undulations ( ! gr\nd :i*  /ret*$ away1 
alt]nately ( a p9ky gre5 & a violet     
grey1 till !y  rea*$ ! di/ant fr+e ( !  
sky4 ,at ! roadside on ei!r h&  !re 7   
/ill & ev] tall )]$ ?i/les & giant f5nel
 )  yell[ umbels4 ,!n1 aft] a "t1 came a
 team ( f\r ox51 t _h  be5 kept pl\gh+  
until late1 & /ood =? black & huge 9 !  
pale atmosph]e & m\rnful solitude4 ,f>!r
 on "s flocks ( %eep1  :5ce ! breeze    
waft$ a tall[y od\r1 set pat*es ( br[n  
amid/ !  h]bage1 :i* once m 0 becom+    
v]dant2 :il/ at int]vals a dog  0 he>d  
to b>k1 8 voice ! only di/9ct s\nd amid/
 ! l[  quiv]+ ( t sil5t des]t :]e !     

sov]eign peacefulness ( dea?  seem$ to  
reign4 ,b all at once a light melody    
arose & "s l>ks flew  up1 "o ( !m so>+  
into ! limpid gold5 heav5s4 ,& ahead1 at
 !  f> extremity ( ! pure sky1 ,rome1 ) 
h] t[]s & domes1 grew  l>g] & l>g]1 l a 
city ( :ite m>ble spr++ f a mirage      
amid/ ! gre5]y ( "s en*ant$ g>d54       
,matteo6 ,prada call$ to 8 coa*man1 pull
 up at ! ,o/]ia ,romana4  ,& to 8       
companions he add$3 ,pray excuse me1 b  
,i want to see if ,i  c get "s new-laid 
eggs = my fa!r4 ,he is s fond ( !m4     
,a few m9utes aft]w>ds ! c>riage /opp$4 
,at ! v edge ( !  road /ood a primitive 
sort ( inn1 be>+ ! pr\d & sonor\s "n  ( 
,antica ,o/]ia ,romana4 ,x _h n[ become 
a m]e h\se ( call =  c>t]s & *ance      
sportsm51 :o v5tur$ to dr9k a flagon (  
:ite  w9e :il/ eat+ an omelet & a slice 
( ham4 ,occasionally1 on  ,sundays1 "s (
 ! humble classes w\ld walk ov] f ,rome 
& make  m]ry !re2 b ! week days (t5 w5t 
by )\t a s\l ent]+ !  place1 su* 0 its  
isolation amid/ ! b>e ,campagna4    ,!  

,c\nt 0 already spr++ f ! c>riage4 ,i   
%all only be a  m9ute1 said he z he     
turn$ away4    ,! _/o/]ia_/ 0 a long1 l[
 pile ) a gr\nd floor & "o upp]  /orey1 
! la/ be+ rea*$ by an outdoor /airway   
built ( l>ge  blocks ( /one :i* _h be5  
scor*$ by ! hot suns4 ,! entire  place1 
inde$1 0 corrod$1 t+$ ) ! hue ( old     
gold4 ,on !  gr\nd floor "o f\nd a      
common room1 a c>t-h\se1 & a /able )    
adjo9+ %$s4 ,at "o side1 ne> a clu/] (  
p>asol p9es--! only  trees t c\ld gr[ 9 
t ungrateful soil--!re 0 an arb\r (     
re$s :]e five or six r\gh wood5 tables 7
 set out4 ,&1 z a  backgr\nd to ?is     
sorry1 m\rnful nook ( life1 !re arose a 
fragm5t  ( an anci5t aqu$uct ^: ar*es1  
half fall5 & op5+ on to space1  alone   
int]rupt$ ! flat l9e ( ! horizon4       
,all at once1 h[ev]1 ! ,c\nt retrac$ 8  
/eps1 &1 address+  ,santobono1 exclaim$3
 ,i say1 ,abbe1 y'll surely accept a    
glass ( :ite  w9e4 ,i "k t y are a bit (
 a v9e gr[]1 & !y h a little  :ite w9e  
"h :i* y ought to make acqua9tance )4   

,santobono aga9 requir$ no press+1 b    
quietly alight$4 ,oh6 ,i "k  x1 said he2
 x's a w9e f ,m>9o2 x's gr[n 9 a light] 
soil ?an  ours at ,frascati4    ,!n1 z  
he w\ld n relax 8 hold on 8 basket (    
figs1 b ev5 n[  c>ri$ x along ) him1 !  
,c\nt lo/ pati5ce4 ,come1 y don't want  
t basket1 said he2 leave x 9 ! c>riage4 
,! prie/ gave no reply1 b walk$ ahead1  
:il/ ,pi]re also made up  8 m9d to      
desc5d f ! c>riage 9 ord] to see :at a  
suburban  _/o/]ia_/ 0 l4 ,prada 0 kn[n  
at ?is place1 & an old woman1  tall1    
)]$1 b look+ q que5ly 9 h] wret*$       
g>m5ts1 _h  at once pres5t$ h]self4 ,on 
! la/ occasion :5 ! ,c\nt _h call$  %e  
_h manag$ to f9d half a doz5 eggs4 ,?is 
"t %e said %e w\ld  g to see1 b c\ld    
promise no?+1 = ! h5s laid "h & !re  all
 ov] ! place1 & %e c\ld nev] tell :at   
eggs !re might be4    ,all "r6 ,prada   
answ]$1 g & look2 & meantime we w h a   
_/c>affa_/ ( :ite w9e4    ,! ?ree m5    
ent]$ ! common room1 :i* 0 already q    
d>k4  ,al?\gh ! hot wea!r 0 n[ ov]1 "o  

he>d ! buzz+ (  innum]able flies        
imm$iately "o rea*$ ! ?re%old1 & a      
pung5t  od\r ( acidul\s w9e & rancid oil
 caught "o at ! ?roat4 ,z soon  z _!    
eyes became accu/om$ to ! dimness !y 7  
able to  di/+ui% ! spaci\s1 black5$1    
malodor\s *amb]1 ^: only  furniture     
consi/$ ( "s r\ghly made tables & b5*es4
 ,x seem$ to  be q empty1 s complete 0 !
 sil5ce1 ap>t f ! buzz ( !  flies4      
,h[ev]1 two m5 7 seat$ !re1 two wayf>]s 
:o rema9$  mute & motionless be=e _!    
unt\*$1 brimm+ glasses4 ,moreov]1  on a 
l[ *air ne> ! door1 9 ! little light :i*
 p5etrat$ f  )\t1 a ?91 sall[ girl1 !   
daught] ( ! h\se1 sat idle1  trembl+ )  
fev]1 h] h&s close press$ betwe5 h]     
knees4    ,realis+ t ,pi]re felt        
uncom=table !re1 ! ,c\nt propos$ t  !y  
%\ld dr9k _! w9e outside4 ,we %all be   
bett] out ( doors1  said he1 x's s v 9  
mild ?is ev5+4    ,accord+ly1 :il/ ! "m 
look$ = ! eggs1 & ! fa!r m5d$  a :eel 9 
an adjac5t %$1 ! daught] 0 oblig$ to get
 up %iv]+  to c>ry ! flagon ( w9e & !   

?ree glasses to ! arb\r1 :]e  %e plac$  
!m on "o ( ! tables4 ,&1 hav+ pocket$ ! 
price (  ! w9e--?reep5ce--9 sil5ce1 %e  
w5t back to h] seat ) a sull5  look1 z  
if annoy$ at hav+ be5 compell$ to make  
su* a long j\rney4  ,mean:ile ! ?ree m5 
_h sat d[n1 & ,prada gaily fill$ ea* ( !
  glasses1 al?\gh ,pi]re decl>$ t he 0 q
 unable to dr9k w9e  betwe5 8 meals4    
,pooh1 pooh1 said ! ,c\nt1 y c always   
cl9k  glasses ) u4 ,& n[1 ,abbe1 isn't  
?is little w9e droll8 ,come1  "h's to ! 
,pope's bett] heal?1 s9ce he's unwell6  
,santobono at "o gulp empti$ 8 glass &  
clack$ 8 tongue4 ,)  g5tle1 pat]nal c>e 
he _h deposit$ 8 basket on ! gr\nd      
beside  him3 &1 tak+ (f 8 hat1 he drew a
 long brea?4 ,! ev5+ 0  really          
delightful4 ,a sup]b sky ( a s(t gold5  
hue /ret*$ ov] t  endless sea ( !       
,campagna :i* 0 soon to fall asleep )   
sov]eign  quiesc5ce4 ,& ! light breeze  
:i* w5t by amid/ ! deep sil5ce  br\ght )
 x an exquisite od\r ( wild h]bs &      
fl[]s4    ,h[ pleasant x is6 mutt]$     

,pi]re1 affect$ by ! surr\nd+ *>m4  ,&  
:at a des]t = et]nal re/1 =getfulness ( 
all ! _w6    ,prada1 :o _h empti$ !     
flagon by fill+ ,santobono's glass a    
second  "t1 made no reply2 he 0 sil5tly 
amus+ himself ) an occurr5ce  :i* at    
fir/ he 0 ! only "o to obs]ve4 ,h[ev]1 )
 a m]ry  expression ( complicity1 he    
gave ! "y prie/ a w9k1 & !n !y  bo?     
wat*$ ! dramatic incid5ts ( ! affair4   
,"s scraggy f[ls  7 w&]+ r\nd !m se>*+ !
 yell[ turf = gras%opp]s2 &  "o ( ^!    
birds1 a little %9y black h5 ) an       
impud5t mann]1 _h  caught sight ( !     
basket ( figs & 0 boldly approa*+ x4 ,:5
  %e got ne>1 h[ev]1 %e took fright1 &  
retreat$ some:at1 ) neck  /iff5$ & head 
turn$1 s z to ca/ suspici\s glances at !
 basket  ) h] r\nd sp>kl+ eye4 ,b at la/
 covet\sness ga9$ !  victory1 = %e c\ld 
see "o ( ! figs betwe5 ! leaves1 & s %e 
sl[ly advanc$1 lift+ h] feet v high at  
ea* /ep2 &1 all at  once1 /ret*+ out h] 
neck1 %e gave ! fig a =midable peck1 :i*
  ripp$ x op5 & made ! juice exude4     

,prada1 :o felt z happy z a *ild1 0 !n  
able to give v5t to !  laught] :i* he _h
 sc>cely be5 able to re/ra93 ,look out1 
,abbe1  he call$1 m9d y\r figs6    ,at t
 v mom5t ,santobono 0 f9i%+ 8 second    
glass ( w9e )  8 head ?r[n back & 8 eyes
 blissfully rais$ to heav54 ,he gave a  
/>t1 look$ r\nd1 & on see+ ! h5 at once 
und]/ood !  position4 ,& !n came a      
t]rible outbur/ ( ang]1 ) sweep+        
ge/ures & t]rible invectives4 ,b ! h51  
:o 0 aga9 peck+1  w\ld n be d5i$2 %e dug
 h] beak into ! fig & c>ri$ x (f1       
flapp+ h] w+s1 s quick & s comical t    
,prada1 & ,pi]re z  well1 laugh$ till   
te>s came into _! eyes1 _! m]rim5t      
increas+  at sight ( ! impot5t fury (   
,santobono1 :o1 = a mom5t1 pursu$  !    
?ief1 ?reat5+ h] ) 8 fi/4    ,ah6 said !
 ,c\nt1 t's :at comes ( n leav+ ! basket
 9 !  c>riage4 ,if ,i hadn't w>n$ y ! h5
 w\ld h eat5 all ! figs4    ,! prie/ did
 n reply1 b1 gr[l+ out vague            
imprecations1 plac$  ! basket on !      
table1 :]e he rais$ ! leaves &          

arti/ically  re>rang$ ! fruit s z to    
fill up ! void4 ,!n1 ! h>m hav+  be5    
repair$ z f> z 0 possible1 he at la/    
calm$ d[n4    ,x 0 n[ "t = !m to resume 
_! j\rney1 = ! sun 0 s9k+  t[>ds !      
horizon1 & night w\ld soon fall4 ,?us ! 
,c\nt end$ by  gett+ impati5t4 ,well1 & 
^? eggs8 he call$4    ,!n1 z ! woman did
 n return1 he w5t to seek h]4 ,he ent]$ 
!  /able1 & aft]w>ds ! c>t-h\se1 b %e 0 
nei!r "h nor  !re4 ,next he w5t t[>ds ! 
re> ( ! _/o/]ia_/ 9 ord] to look 9  !   
%$s4 ,b all at once an unexpect$        
spectacle made him /op %ort4  ,! little 
black h5 0 ly+ on ! gr\nd1 dead1 kill$ z
 by  lightn+4 ,%e %[$ no sign ( hurt2   
!re 0 no?+ b a little  /reamlet ( violet
 blood /ill trickl+ f h] beak4 ,prada 0 
at  fir/ m]ely a/oni%$4 ,he /oop$ & t\*$
 ! h54 ,%e 0 /ill  w>m & s(t l a rag4   
,d\btless "s apoplectic /roke _h kill$  
h]4 ,b imm$iately aft]w>ds he became    
fe>fully pale2 ! tru?  appe>$ to him1 & 
turn$ him z cold z ice4 ,9 a mom5t he   
conjur$  up ev]y?+3 ,leo ,,xiii attack$ 

by illness1 ,santobono hurry+ to        
,c>d9al ,sangu9etti = tid+s1 & !n />t+ =
 ,rome to pres5t a  basket ( figs to    
,c>d9al ,boccan]a4 ,& ,prada also       
rememb]$ !  conv]sation 9 ! c>riage3 !  
possibility ( ! ,pope's demise1 !       
c&idates = ! ti>a1 ! leg5d>y /ories (   
poison :i* /ill  fo/]$ t]ror 9 & ar\nd !
 ,vatican2 & he once m saw !  prie/1 ) 8
 little basket on 8 knees1 lavi%+       
pat]nal att5tion  on x1 & he saw !      
little black h5 peck+ at ! fruit & flee+
  ) a fig on h] beak4 ,& n[ t little    
black h5 lay !re1 sudd5ly  /ruck d[n1   
dead6    ,8 conviction 0 imm$iate &     
absolute4 ,b he did n h "t to  decide   
:at c\rse he %\ld take1 = a voice beh9d 
him exclaim$3  ,:y1 x's ! little h52    
:at's ! matt] ) h]8    ,! voice 0 t (   
,pi]re1 :o1 lett+ ,santobono climb into 
!  c>riage alone1 _h 9 8 turn come r\nd 
to ! re> ( ! h\se 9  ord] to obta9 a    
bett] view ( ! ru9$ aqu$uct among !     
p>asol  p9es4    ,prada1 :o %udd]$ z if 
he himself 7 ! culprit1 answ]$ him )  a 

lie1 a lie :i* he did n prem$itate1 b to
 :i* he 0 impell$  by a sort ( in/9ct4  
,b %e's dead1 he said4 4 4 4 ,j fancy1  
!re 0 a fight4 ,at ! mom5t :5 ,i got "h 
t o!r h51 :i*  y see yond]1 sprang ^u   
?is "o to get ! fig1 :i* %e 0 /ill      
hold+1 & ) a ?ru/ ( ! beak split h] head
 op54 4 4 4 ,!  blood's fl[+1 z y c see 
y\rself4    ,:y did he say ^! ?+s8 ,he  
himself 0 a/oni%$ at !m :il/ he  w5t on 
inv5t+ !m4 ,0 x !n t he wi%$ to rema9   
ma/] (  ! situation1 keep ! abom9able   
secret entirely to himself1 9 ord]  t he
 might aft]w>ds act 9 accordance ) 8 own
 desires8  ,c]ta9ly 8 feel+s p>took (   
%ame & emb>rassm5t 9 pres5ce (  t       
=eign]1 :il/ 8 p]sonal incl9ation =     
viol5ce set "s  admiration amid/ !      
revolt ( 8 consci5ce1 & a cov]t desire  
arose  )9 him to exam9e ! matt] f !     
/&po9t ( 8 int]e/s  be=e he came to a   
decision4 ,b1 on ! o!r h&1 he claim$ to 
be a  man ( integrity1 & w\ld assur$ly n
 all[ p to be poison$4    ,pi]re1 :o 0  
compassionately incl9$ t[>ds all        

creation1 look$ at  ! h5 ) ! emotion :i*
 he always felt at ! sudd5 sev]ance (   
life4 ,h[ev]1 he at once accept$        
,prada's /ory4 ,ah6 ^? f[ls6 said  he4  
,!y treat "o ano!r ) an idiotic f]ocity 
:i* ev5 m5 c  sc>cely equal4 ,i kept    
f[ls at home at "o "t1 & "o ( ! h5s no  
soon] hurt h] leg ?an all ! o!rs1 on    
see+ ! blood ooz+1  w\ld flock r\nd &   
peck at ! limb till !y /ripp$ x to !    
bone4    ,prada1 h[ev]1 did n li/51 b at
 once w5t (f2 & x s happ5$  t ! woman 01
 on h] side1 look+ = him 9 ord] to h&   
him  f\r eggs :i*1 aft] a deal ( se>*+1 
%e _h discov]$ 9 odd  corn]s ab\t !     
h\se4 ,! ,c\nt made ha/e to pay = !m1 & 
call$  to ,pi]re1 :o 0 l+]+ beh9d3 ,we  
mu/ look %>p6 ,we %a'n't  rea* ,rome n[ 
until x is q d>k4    ,!y f\nd ,santobono
 quietly wait+ 9 ! c>riage1 :]e he _h   
aga9  in/all$ himself on ! bracket ) 8  
sp9e re/+ aga9/ !  box-seat & 8 long    
legs drawn back "u him1 & he aga9 _h !  
little basket ( figs on 8 knees1 &      
clasp$ x ) 8 big knotty  h&s z ?\gh x 7 

some?+ fragile & r>e :i* ! slighte/     
jolt+ might damage4 ,8 cassock %[$ l a  
huge blot1 & 9 8  co>se a%5 face1 t ( a 
peasant yet ne> to ! wild soil & b      
slightly poli%$ by a few ye>s (         
!ological /udies1 8 eyes alone  seem$ to
 live1 gl[+ ) ! d>k flame ( a dev\r+    
passion4 ,on  see+ him seat$ !re 9 su*  
composure ,prada c\ld n re/ra9 a  slight
 %udd]4 ,!n1 z soon z ! victoria 0 aga9 
roll+ along !  road1 he exclaim$3 ,well1
 ,abbe1 t glass ( w9e w gu>antee u      
aga9/ ! mal>ia4 ,! ,pope w\ld soon be   
cur$ if he c\ld imitate our  example4   
,santobono's only reply 0 a gr[l4 ,he 0 
9 no mood = conv]sation1  b wrapp$      
himself 9 p]fect sil5ce1 z 9 ! night :i*
 0 sl[ly  fall+4 ,& ,prada 9 8 turn     
ceas$ to speak1 &1 ) 8 eyes /ill  fix$  
^u ! o!r1 reflect$ on ! c\rse t he %\ld 
foll[4    ,! road turn$1 & !n ! c>riage 
roll$ on & on ov] ano!r  int]m9able     
/raight highway ) :ite pav+1 ^:         
brilliancy made  ! road look l a ribbon 
( sn[ /ret*+ across ! ,campagna1 :]e    

delicate %ad[s 7 sl[ly fall+4 ,gloom    
ga!r$ 9 ! holl[s (  ! broad undulations 
:5ce a tide ( violet hue seem$ to spread
 ov]  ! %ort h]bage until all m+l$ & !  
expanse became an indi/9ct  swell (     
neutral hue f "o to ! o!r horizon4 ,& ! 
solitude 0  n[ yet m complete2 a la/    
indol5t c>t _h gone by & a la/  t9kl+ ( 
horses' bells _h subsid$ 9 ! di/ance4   
,!re 0 no  long] a pass]-by1 no long] a 
bea/ ( ! fields to be se51 col\r  & s\nd
 di$ away1 all =ms ( life sank into     
slumb]1 into ! s]5e  /illness (         
nihility4 ,"s fragm5ts ( an aqu$uct 7   
/ill to be  se5 at int]vals on ! "r h&1 
:]e !y look$ l portions (  gigantic     
millep$s sev]$ by ! scy! ( "t2 next1 on 
! left1 came  ano!r t[]1 ^: d>k & ru9$  
pile b>r$ ! sky z ) a huge  black /ake2 
& !n ! rema9s ( ano!r aqu$uct spann$ !  
road1  assum+ yet great] dim5sions aga9/
 ! sunset gl[4 ,ah6 t unique  h\r1 ! h\r
 ( twilight 9 ! ,campagna1 :5 all is    
blott$ out &  simplifi$1 ! h\r ( b>e    
imm5sity1 ( ! inf9ite 9 its simple/     

expression6 ,!re is no?+1 no?+ all ar\nd
 y1 b ! flat l9e  ( ! horizon ) ! "o    
splot* ( an isolat$ t[]1 & yet t  no?+  
is in/9ct ) sov]eign maje/y4    ,h[ev]1 
on ! left1 t[>ds ! sea1 ! sun 0 sett+1  
desc5d+ 9  ! limpid sky l a globe ( fire
 ( bl9d+ r$ness4 ,x sl[ly  plung$ b5ea? 
! horizon1 & ! only sign ( cl\d 0 "s    
fi]y  vap\r1 z if inde$ ! di/ant sea _h 
see!d at contact ) t  royal & flam+     
visit4 ,& directly ! sun _h disappe>$ ! 
heav5s  above x purpl$ & became a lake (
 blood1 :il/ ! ,campagna turn$  to grey4
 ,at ! f> end ( ! fad+ pla9 !re rema9$  
only t  purple lake ^: brasi] sl[ly di$ 
out beh9d ! black ar*es ( !  aqu$uct1   
:ile 9 ! opposite direction ! scatt]$   
ar*es rema9$  bright & rosy aga9/ a     
pewt]-l sky4 ,!n ! fi]y vap\r 0         
dissipat$1 & ! sunset end$ by fad+ away4
 ,"o by "o ! />s  came out 9 ! pacifi$  
vault1 n[ ( an a%5 blue1 :ile ! lights (
  ,rome1 /ill f> away on ! v]ge ( !     
horizon1 sc9tillat$ l !  lamps (        
light-h\ses4    ,& ,prada1 amid/ !      

dreamy sil5ce ( 8 companions & ! inf9ite
  melan*oly ( ! ev5+ & ! inexpressible  
di/ress :i* ev5 he  exp]i5c$1 cont9u$ to
 ask himself :at c\rse he %\ld adopt4   
,aga9  & aga9 he m5tally repeat$ t he   
c\ld n all[ p to be  poison$4 ,! figs 7 
c]ta9ly int5d$ = ,c>d9al ,boccan]a1 & on
  ! :ole x matt]$ little to him :e!r !re
 7 a c>d9al !  m or ! few] 9 ! _w4      
,moreov]1 x _h always seem$ to him  be/ 
to let ,de/9y foll[ its c\rse2 &1       
infidel t he 01 he saw  no h>m 9 "o     
prie/ dev\r+ ano!r4 ,aga91 x might be   
dang]\s =  him to int]v5e 9 t abom9able 
affair1 to mix himself up 9 !  base1    
fa?omless intrigues ( ! black _w4 ,b on 
! o!r h& !  ,c>d9al 0 n ! only p]son :o 
liv$ 9 ! ,boccan]a mansion1 &  might n !
 figs g to o!rs1 might !y n be eat5 by p
 to  :om no h>m 0 int5d$8 ,?is idea ( a 
trea*]\s *ance haunt$ him1  & 9 spite ( 
e ef=t ! figures ( ,b5$etta & ,d>io rose
 up  be=e him1 return$ & impos$ !mselves
 on him ?\gh he aga9 &  aga9 s\ght to   
bani% !m f 8 m9d4 ,:at if ,b5$etta1 :at 

if  ,d>io %\ld p>take ( t fruit8 ,=     
,b5$etta he felt no fe>1 = he  knew t %e
 & h] aunt ate _! meals by !mselves1 & t
 _!  cuis9e & ! ,c>d9al's _h no?+ 9     
common4 ,b ,d>io sat at 8  uncle's table
 e day1 & = a mom5t ,prada1 pictur$ ! "y
  ,pr9ce sudd5ly seiz$ ) a spasm1 !n    
fall+1 l poor ,monsignor  ,gallo1 into !
 ,c>d9al's arms ) livid face & rec$+    
eyes1 &  dy+ )9 two h\rs4    ,b no1 no6 
,t w\ld be frightful1 he c\ld n suff]   
su* an  abom9ation4 ,& !reupon he made  
up 8 m9d4 ,he w\ld wait till !  night _h
 completely ga!r$ r\nd & w\ld !n simply 
take ! basket  f ,santobono's lap & fl+ 
x into "s d>k holl[ )\t say+ a  ^w4 ,!  
prie/ w\ld und]/& him4 ,! o!r "o1 ! "y  
,fr5*man1 w\ld p]haps n ev5 notice !    
incid5t4 ,besides1 t  matt]$ little1 =  
he w\ld n ev5 attempt to expla9 8       
action4 ,&  he felt q calm aga9 :5 !    
idea occurr$ to him to ?r[ !  basket    
away :ile ! c>riage pass$ ?r\gh ! ,porta
 ,furba1 a c\ple  ( miles or s be=e     
rea*+ ,rome4 ,t w\ld suit him exactly2 9

 !  d>kness ( ! gateway no?+ :atev] w\ld
 be se54    ,we /opp$ too long at t     
_/o/]ia_/1 he sudd5ly exclaim$ al\d1    
turn+ t[>ds ,pi]re4 ,we %a'n't rea*     
,rome mu* be=e six o'clock4  ,/ill y w h
 "t to dress & jo9 y\r fri5d4 ,& !n )\t 
await+ ! "y man's reply he said to      
,santobono3 ,y\r figs w  arrive v late1 
,abbe4    ,oh6 answ]$ ! prie/1 8 ,em95ce
 receives until eight o'clock4  ,&1     
besides1 ! figs are n = ?is ev5+4 ,p    
don't eat figs 9  ! ev5+4 ,!y w be =    
to-morr[ morn+4 ,& !reupon he aga9      
relaps$ into sil5ce4    ,= to-morr[     
morn+--yes1 yes1 no d\bt1 repeat$       
,prada4 ,& !  ,c>d9al w be able to      
?or\ghly regale himself if nobody helps 
him to  eat ! fruit4    ,!reupon ,pi]re1
 )\t paus+ to reflect1 exclaim$3 ,he w  
no  d\bt eat x by himself1 = 8 nephew1  
,pr9ce ,d>io1 mu/ h />t$  to-day =      
,naples on a little convalesc5ce trip to
 rid himself ( !  effects ( ! accid5t   
:i* laid him up dur+ ! la/ mon?4 ,!n1   
hav+ got s f>1 ! "y prie/ rememb]$ to   

:om he 0 speak+1  & abruptly /opp$ %ort4
    ,! ,c\nt notic$ 8 emb>rassm5t4 ,oh6 
speak on1 my de> ,monsieur  ,from5t1    
said he1 y don't (f5d me4 ,x's an old   
affair n[4 ,s t  "y man has left1 y say8
    ,yes1 unless he has po/pon$ 8       
dep>ture4 ,h[ev]1 ,i don't expect to    
f9d him at ! palazzo :5 ,i get !re4     
,= a mom5t ! only s\nd 0 t ( ! cont9u\s 
rumble ( !  :eels4 ,prada aga9 felt     
worri$1 a prey to ! discom=t (          
unc]ta9ty4 ,:y %\ld he mix himself up 9 
! affair if ,d>io 7  really abs5t8 ,all 
! ideas :i* came to him tir$ 8 bra91 &  
he  end$ by ?9k+ al\d3 ,if he has gone  
away x mu/ be = propriety's  sake1 s z  
to avoid att5d+ ! ,buongiovanni         
reception1 = !  ,congregation ( !       
,c\ncil met ?is morn+ to give its       
decision 9 !  suit :i* ! ,c\ntess has   
br\ght aga9/ me4 ,yes1 ,i %all "k by &  
by :e!r our m>riage is to be dissolv$4  
,x 0 9 a some:at ho>se voice t he spoke 
^! words1 & "o  c\ld realise t ! old    
w\nd 0 aga9 ble$+ )9 him4 ,al?\gh       

,lisbe? _h borne him a son1 ! *>ge      
levell$ aga9/ him 9 8  wife's petition =
 divorce /ill fill$ him ) bl9d fury ea* 
"t  t he ?\ght ( x4 ,& all at once he   
%udd]$ viol5tly1 z if an  icy bla/ _h   
d>t$ ?r\gh 8 frame4 ,!n1 turn+ !        
conv]sation1  he add$3 ,x's n at all w>m
 ?is ev5+4 ,?is is ! dang]\s h\r  ( !   
,roman climate1 ! twilight h\r :5 x's   
easy to cat* a  t]rible fev] if "o isn't
 prud5t4 ,"h1 pull ! rug ov] y\r legs1  
wrap x r\nd y z c>efully z y c4    ,!n1 
z !y drew ne> ! ,porta ,furba1 sil5ce   
aga9 fell1 m  pr(\nd1 l ! slumb] :i* 0  
inv9cibly spread+ ov] !  ,campagna1 n[  
/eep$ 9 night4 ,& at la/1 9 ! bright    
/>light1  appe>$ ! gate1 an ar* ( !     
,acqua ,felice1 "u :i* ! road  pass$4 ,f
 a di/ance1 ?is fragm5t seem$ to b> !   
way ) its  mass ( anci5t half-fall5     
walls4 ,b aft]w>ds ! gigantic ar* :]e   
all 0 black op5$ l a gap+ por*4 ,& !    
c>riage pass$ "u  x 9 d>kness :il/ !    
:eels rumbl$ ) increas$ sonority4    ,:5
 ! victoria em]g$ on ! o!r side1        

,santobono /ill _h !  little basket (   
figs ^u 8 knees & ,prada look$ at x1 q  
ov]come1 ask+ himself :at sudd5 p>alysis
 ( ! h&s _h prev5t$  him f seiz+ x &    
?r[+ x into ! d>kness4 ,su* _h /ill  be5
 8 int5tion b a few seconds be=e !y     
pass$ "u ! ar*4  ,he _h ev5 giv5 !      
basket a f9al glance 9 ord] t he might !
  bett] realise :at movem5ts he %\ld    
make4 ,:at _h tak5 place )9  him !n8 ,at
 pres5t he 0 yield+ to increas+         
irresolution1  h5ce=? incapable (       
decisive action1 feel+ a ne$ ( delay 9  
ord]  t he might1 be=e ev]y?+ else1     
fully satisfy himself z to :at  0 likely
 to happ54 ,& z ,d>io _h d\btless gone  
away & ! figs  w\ld c]ta9ly n be eat5   
until ! foll[+ morn+1 :at reason 0  !re 
= him to hurry8 ,he w\ld "k t ev5+ if ! 
,congregation (  ! ,c\ncil _h annull$ 8 
m>riage1 he w\ld "k h[ f> !  s-call$    
,ju/ice ( ,god 0 v5al & m5daci\s6       
,c]ta9ly he w\ld  suff] nobody to be    
poison$1 n ev5 ,c>d9al ,boccan]a1 ?\gh !
  latt]'s life 0 ( little acc\nt to him 

p]sonally4 ,b _h n t  little basket1 ev]
 s9ce leav+ ,frascati1 be5 l ,de/9y on !
  m>*8 ,& 0 x n enjoym5t1 ! enjoym5t (  
omnipot5ce1 to be able  to say to       
himself t he 0 ! ma/] :o c\ld /ay t     
basket's  c\rse1 or all[ x to g onw>d & 
accompli% its deadly purpose8  ,moreov]1
 he yield$ to ! dimme/ ( m5tal /ruggles1
 ceas+ to  reason1 unable to raise 8 h&1
 & yet conv9c$ t he w\ld drop a  w>n+   
note into ! lett]-box at ! palazzo be=e 
he w5t to b$1  ?\gh at ! same "t he felt
 happy 9 ! ?\ght t if 8 int]e/  direct$ 
o!rwise he w\ld n d s4    ,& ! rema9d] (
 ! j\rney 0 accompli%$ 9 sil5t we>9ess1 
amid/ ! %iv] ( ev5+ :i* seem$ to h *ill$
 all ?ree m54  ,9 va9 did ! ,c\nt       
endeav\r to escape f ! battle ( 8       
?\ghts1 by rev]t+ to ! ,buongiovanni    
reception1 & giv+  p>ticul>s ( !        
spl5d\rs :i* w\ld be witness$ at x3 8   
words  fell sp>sely 9 an emb>rass$ &    
abs5t-m9d$ way4 ,!n he s\ght to         
inspirit ,pi]re by speak+ to him (      
,c>d9al ,sangu9etti's amiable  mann] &  

fair words1 b al?\gh ! "y prie/ 0       
return+ home  well pleas$ ) 8 j\rney1 9 
! idea t ) a little help he  might yet  
triumph1 he sc>cely answ]$ ! ,c\nt1 s   
wrapt he 0 9 8  rev]ie4 ,& ,santobono1  
on 8 side1 nei!r spoke nor mov$4 ,black 
l  ! night itself1 he seem$ to h vani%$4
 ,h[ev]1 ! lights ( ,rome  7 increas+ 9 
numb]1 & h\ses aga9 appe>$ on ei!r h&1  
at  fir/ at long int]vals1 & !n 9 close 
succession4 ,!y 7 suburban  h\ses1 & !re
 7 yet m fields ( re$s1 quickset h$ges1 
olive-trees ov]topp+ long walls1 & big  
gateways ) vase-surm\nt$  pill>s2 b at  
la/ came ! city ) its r[s ( small grey  
h\ses1  its petty %ops & its d+y tav]ns1
 :5ce at times came %\ts &  rum\rs (    
battle4    ,prada insi/$ on sett+ 8     
companions d[n 9 ! ,via ,giulia1 at     
fifty  paces f ! palazzo4 ,x doesn't    
inconv5i5ce me at all1 said he to       
,pi]re4 ,besides1 ) ! little "t y h be=e
 y1 x w\ld  nev] d = y to g on foot4    
,! ,via ,giulia 0 already /eep$ 9       
slumb]1 & wore a melan*oly  aspect (    

ab&onm5t 9 ! dre>y light ( ! gas lamps  
/&+ on  ei!r h&4 ,& z soon z ,santobono 
_h alight$ f ! c>riage1 he  took himself
 (f )\t wait+ = ,pi]re1 :o1 moreov]1    
always w5t  9 by ! little door 9 ! side 
lane4    ,good-bye1 ,abbe1 exclaim$     
,prada4    ,good-bye1 ,c\nt1 a ?\s&     
?anks1 0 ,santobono's response4    ,!n !
 two o!rs /ood wat*+ him z he w5t t[>ds 
! ,boccan]a  mansion1 ^: old1 monum5tal 
entrance1 full ( gloom1 0 /ill wide     
op54 ,= a mom5t !y saw 8 tall1 rugg$    
figure erect aga9/ t  gloom4 ,!n 9 he   
plung$1 he & 8 little basket1 be>+      
,de/9y4        ,,xii    ,,x 0 t5 o'clock
 :5 ,pi]re & ,n>cisse1 aft] d9+ at !    
,caffe di  ,roma1 :]e !y _h long l+]$   
*att+1 at la/ walk$ d[n !  ,corso t[>ds 
! ,palazzo ,buongiovanni4 ,!y _h !      
greate/ difficulty  to rea* its         
entrance1 = c>riages 7 com+ up 9 s]ri$  
files1 &  ! inquisitive cr[d (          
on-look]s1 :o press$ ev5 into ! roadway1
  9 spite ( ! injunctions ( ! police1 0 
gr[+ s compact t  ev5 ! horses c\ld no  

long] approa*4 ,! t5 l(ty w9d[s on !    
fir/ floor ( ! long monum5tal facade    
%one ) an int5se :ite  radiance1 !      
radiance ( electric lamps1 :i* illum9$ !
 /reet l  sun%9e1 spread+ ov] !         
equipages agr\nd 9 t human sea1 ^:      
bill[s ( eag]1 excit$ faces roll$ to &  
fro amid/ an extraord9>y  tumult4    ,& 
9 all ?is !re 0 n m]ely ! usual         
curiosity to see uni=ms  g by & ladies 9
 ri* attire alight f _! c>riages1 =     
,pi]re  soon ga!r$ f :at he he>d t !    
cr[d _h come to witness !  arrival ( !  
,k+ & ,que51 :o _h promis$ to appe> at !
 ball  giv5 by ,pr9ce ,buongiovanni1 9  
celebration ( ! betro?al ( 8  daught]   
,celia to ,lieut5ant ,attilio ,sacco1 ! 
son ( "o ( 8  ,maje/y's m9i/]s4         
,moreov]1 p 7 enraptur$ ) ?is m>riage1  
! happy end+ ( a love /ory :i* _h       
impassion$ ! :ole city3 to  beg9 )1 love
 at fir/ sight1 ) ! sudd5ness ( a       
lightn+-fla%1 & !n /ubborn fidelity     
triumph+ ov] all  ob/acles1 amid/       
romantic circum/ances ^: /ory sp$ f lip 

to  lip1 moi/5+ e eye & /irr+ e he>t4   
,x 0 ?is /ory t ,n>cisse _h relat$ at   
dess]t to ,pi]re1 :o  already knew "s   
portion ( x4 ,p ass]t$ t if ! ,pr9ce _h 
end$ by yield+ aft] a f9al t]rible sc5e1
 x 0 only f fe> (  see+ ,celia elope f !
 palace ) h] lov]4 ,%e did n ?reat5  to 
d s1 b1 amid/ h] virg9al calmness1 !re 0
 s mu* contempt  = ev]y?+ =eign to h]   
love1 t h] fa!r felt h] to be  capable (
 act+ ) ! greate/ folly 9 all +5u\sness4
 ,only  indiff]5ce 0 manife/$ by !      
,pr9ce's wife1 a phlegmatic & /ill      
beautiful ,engli%woman1 :o consid]$ t %e
 _h done q en\gh =  ! h\sehold by br++  
h] husb& a d[ry ( five millions1 &  be>+
 him five *ildr54 ,! ,pr9ce1 anxi\s &   
weak despite 8  viol5ce1 9 :i* "o f\nd a
 trace ( ! old ,roman blood1 already    
spoilt by mixture ) t ( a =eign race1 0 
n[adays ev]  influ5c$ 9 8 actions by !  
fe> t 8 h\se & =tune--:i*  hi!rto _h    
rema9$ intact amid/ ! accumulat$ ru9s ( 
!  _/patriziato_/--might sudd5ly        
collapse4 ,& 9 f9ally yield+ to ,celia1 

he mu/ h be5 guid$ by ! idea ( rally+ to
 ! new _/regime_/  ?r\gh 8 daught]1 s z 
to h "o foot firmly set at ! ,quir9al1  
)\t )draw+ ! o!r f ! ,vatican4 ,x 0     
gall+1 no d\bt2  8 pride mu/ h bl$ at ! 
idea ( ally+ 8 "n ) t (  su* l[ folks z 
! ,saccos4 ,b !n ,sacco 0 a m9i/]1 & _h 
sp$  s quickly f success to success t x 
seem$ likely he w\ld rise  yet high]1 &1
 aft] ! portfolio ( ,agriculture1 secure
 t (  ,f9ances1 :i* he _h long covet$4  
,& an alliance ) ,sacco meant !  c]ta9  
fav\r ( ! ,k+1 an assur$ retreat 9 t    
direction %\ld  ! papacy "s day         
collapse4 ,!n1 too1 ! ,pr9ce _h made    
inquiries  respect+ ! son1 & 0 some:at  
dis>m$ by ! good looks1 brav]y1  &      
rectitude ( "y ,attilio1 :o repres5t$ ! 
future1 & possibly  ! glori\s ,italy (  
to-morr[4 ,he 0 a soldi]1 & c\ld be     
help$  =w>d to ! highe/ rank4 ,& p      
spitefully add$ t ! la/  reason :i* _h  
influ5c$ ! ,pr9ce1 :o 0 v av>ici\s1 &   
greatly worri$ by ! ?\ght t 8 =tune mu/ 
be divid$ among 8  five *ildr5199 0 t an

 opportunity pres5t$ itself = him to    
be/[ a ridicul\sly small d[ry on ,celia4
 ,h[ev]1 hav+ cons5t$ to  ! m>riage1 he 
resolv$ to give a spl5did _/fete_/1 su* 
z 0 n[  seldom witness$ 9 ,rome1 ?r[+ 8 
doors op5 to all ! rival  sections (    
society1 invit+ ! sov]eigns1 & sett+ !  
palazzo  ablaze z 9 ! gr& days ( old4 ,9
 do+ ?is he w\ld necess>ily  h to exp5d 
"s ( ! money to :i* he clung1 b a       
boa/ful _s  incit$ him to %[ ! _w t he  
at any rate _h n be5 vanqui%$  by !     
f9ancial crisis1 & t ! ,buongiovannis _h
 no?+ to hide  & no?+ to blu% =4 ,to    
tell ! tru?1 "s p ass]t$ t  ?is bravado 
_h n orig9at$ ) himself1 b _h be5       
in/ill$ into  him )\t 8 k by ! quiet &  
innoc5t ,celia1 :o wi%$ to  exhibit h]  
happ9ess to all applaud+ ,rome4      99 
,! ,italian succession law is simil> to 
! ,fr5*4 ,*ildr5      _c be dis9h]it$4  
,all prop]ty is divid$ among !m1      & 
?us ! pil+ up ( l>ge h]$it>y =tunes is  
prev5t$4--,trans4    ,de> me6 said      
,n>cisse1 :om ! ?rong prev5t$ f advanc+4

 ,we  %all nev] get 94 ,:y1 !y seem to h
 invit$ ! :ole city4 ,&  !n1 z ,pi]re   
seem$ surpris$ to see a prelate drive up
 9 8  c>riage1 ! _/atta*e_/ add$3 ,oh6 y
 w elb[ m ?an "o ( !m  up/airs4 ,!      
c>d9als won't l to come on acc\nt ( !   
pres5ce (  ! ,k+ & ,que51 b ! prelates  
are sure to be "h4 ,?is1 y "k1  is a    
neutral draw+-room :]e ! black & ! :ite 
worlds c  frat]nise4 ,& !n too1 !re are 
s few _/fetes_/ t p ru% on  !m4    ,he  
w5t on to expla9 t !re 7 two gr& balls  
at ,c\rt e  w9t]1 b t x 0 only "u       
exceptional circum/ances t !            
_/patriziato_/ gave simil> _/galas_/4   
,two or ?ree ( ! black _/salons_/  7    
op5$ once 9 a way t[>ds ! close ( !     
,c>nival1 b little  dances among        
intimates replac$ ! pomp\s ent]ta9m5ts (
 =m]  times4 ,"s pr9cesses moreov] m]ely
 _h _! day4 ,& z = ! few  :ite          
_/salons_/ t exi/$1 ^! likewise reta9$ !
 same "*  ( intimacy1 m or less mix$1 = 
no lady _h yet become !  undisput$ que5 
( ! new society4    ,well1 "h we are at 

la/1 resum$ ,n>cisse z !y ev5tually     
climb$  ! /airs4    ,let u keep toge!r1 
,pi]re some:at anxi\sly repli$4 ,my only
  acqua9tance is ) ! _/fiancee_/1 & ,i  
want y to introduce me4    ,h[ev]1 a    
consid]able ef=t 0 ne$$ ev5 to climb !  
monum5tal  /aircase1 s great 0 ! cru% ( 
arriv+ gue/s4 ,nev]1 9 ! old  days ( wax
 c&les & oil lamps1 _h ?is /aircase (f]$
 su* a  blaze ( light4 ,electric lamps1 
burn+ 9 clu/]s 9 sup]b bronze  c&elabra 
on ! l&+s1 /eep$ ev]y?+ 9 a :ite        
radiance4 ,!  cold /ucco ( ! walls 0    
hidd5 by a s]ies ( l(ty tape/ries       
depict+ ! /ory ( ,cupid & ,psy*e1 m>vels
 :i* _h rema9$ 9  ! family s9ce ! days (
 ! ,r5asc5ce4 ,& a ?ick c>pet cov]$  !  
worn m>ble /eps1 :il/ clumps ( ev]gre5s 
& tall spread+  palms decorat$ e corn]4 
,an afflu5ce ( new blood w>m$ !  antique
 mansion t ev5+2 !re 0 a resurrection ( 
life1 s to  say1 z ! wom5 surg$ up !    
/aircase1 smil+ & p]fum$1  b>e-%\ld]$1 &
 sp>kl+ ) diamonds4    ,at ! entrance ( 
! fir/ reception-room ,pi]re at once    

p]ceiv$  ,pr9ce & ,pr9cess              
,buongiovanni1 /&+ side by side &       
receiv+  _! gue/s4 ,! ,pr9ce1 a tall1   
slim man ) fair complexion & hair  turn+
 grey1 _h ! pale nor!rn eyes ( 8        
,am]ican "m 9 an  en]getic face su* z   
became a =m] capta9 ( ! popes4 ,!       
,pr9cess1 ) small1 delicate1 & r\nd$    
features1 look$ b>ely  ?irty1 ?\gh %e _h
 really pass$ h] =tie? ye>4 ,& /ill     
pretty1  display+ a smil+ s]5ity :i*    
no?+ c\ld disconc]t1 %e purely  & simply
 bask$ 9 self-adoration4 ,h] g[n 0 ( p9k
 sat91 & a  m>vell\s p>ure ( l>ge rubies
 set flamelets ab\t h] da9ty neck &  9  
h] f9e1 fair hair4 ,( h] five *ildr51 h]
 son1 ! elde/1 0  travell+1 & ?ree ( !  
girls1 m]e *ildr51 7 /ill at s*ool1  s t
 only ,celia 0 pres5t1 ,celia 9 a mode/ 
g[n ( :ite musl91  fair l h] "m1 q      
bewit*+ ) h] l>ge innoc5t eyes &  h]    
c&id lips1 & reta9+ to ! v end ( h] love
 /ory !  semblance ( a clos$ lily (     
imp5etrable1 virg9al my/]i\sness4 ,!    
,saccos _h b j arriv$1 & ,attilio1 9 8  

simple lieut5ant's  uni=m1 _h rema9$ ne>
 8 betro!d1 s naively & op5ly delight$  
) 8 great happ9ess t 8 h&some face1 )   
its c>ess+ m\?  & brave eyes1 0 q       
respl5d5t ) y\? & /r5g?4 ,/&+  !re1 ne> 
"o ano!r1 9 ! triumph ( _! passion !y   
appe>$  l life's v joy & heal?1 l !     
p]sonification ( hope 9 !  morr['s      
promises2 & ! ent]+ gue/s :o saw !m c\ld
 n refra9  f smil+ & feel+ mov$1        
mom5t>ily =gett+ _! loquaci\s  &        
malici\s curiosity to give _! he>ts to  
^? *os5 ones ( love  :o look$ s h&some &
 s enraptur$4    ,n>cisse /epp$ =w>d 9  
ord] to pres5t ,pi]re1 b ,celia         
anticipat$ him4 ,go+ to meet ! "y prie/ 
%e l$ him to h] fa!r  & "m1 say+3       
,monsieur l',abbe ,pi]re ,from5t1 a     
fri5d ( my de>  ,b5$etta4 ,c]emoni\s    
salutations foll[$4 ,!n ! "y girl1 ^:   
graci\sness greatly t\*$ ,pi]re1 said to
 him3 ,b5$etta is com+  ) h] aunt &     
,d>io4 ,%e mu/ be v happy ?is ev5+6 ,& y
  w also see h[ beautiful %e w be4      
,pi]re & ,n>cisse next began to         

congratulate h]1 b !y c\ld n  rema9 !re1
 ! ?rong 0 ev] jo/l+ !m2 & ! ,pr9ce &   
,pr9cess1 q lo/ 9 ! cru%1 _h b>ely "t to
 answ] ! _m  salutations ) amiable1     
cont9u\s nods4 ,& ,celia1 aft] conduct+ 
! two fri5ds to ,attilio1 0 oblig$ to   
return to h] p>5ts s z to  take h] place
 beside !m z ! little que5 ( ! _/fete_/4
    ,n>cisse 0 already slightly acqua9t$
 ) ,attilio1 & s fre%  congratulations  
ensu$4 ,!n ! two fri5ds manoeuvr$ to f9d
 a spot  :]e !y might mom5t>ily t>ry &  
contemplate ! spectacle :i*  ?is fir/   
_/salon_/ pres5t$4 ,x 0 a va/ hall1 hung
 ) gre5 velvet  broid]$ ) gold5 fl[]s1 &
 conta9$ a v rem>kable collection  (    
weapons & arm\r1 brea/-plates1          
battle-axes1 & swords1 almo/ all  ( :i* 
_h belong$ to ! ,buongiovannis ( !      
fifte5? & sixte5?  c5turies4 ,& amid/ ^?
 /]n implem5ts ( w> !re 0 a lovely      
s$an-*air ( ! la/ c5tury1 gild$ &       
decorat$ ) delicate  pa9t+s4 ,x 0 9 ?is 
*air t ! ,pr9ce's great-gr&mo!r1 !      
celebrat$ ,bett9a1 ^: beauty 0          

hi/orical1 _h usually be5 c>ri$  to     
mass4 ,on ! walls1 moreov]1 !re 7 num]\s
 hi/orical  pa9t+s3 battles1 peace      
congresses1 & royal receptions 9 :i* !  
,buongiovannis _h tak5 "p1 )\t c\nt+ !  
_m family portraits1  tall & pr\d       
figures ( sea-capta9s1 comm&]s 9 !      
field1 great  dignit>ies ( ! ,*ur*1     
prelates & c>d9als1 among/ :om1 9 !     
place ( hon\r1 appe>$ ! family pope1 !  
:ite-rob$ ,buongiovanni  ^: accession to
 ! pontifical ?rone _h enri*$ a long l9e
 (  desc5dants4 ,& x 0 among ^? arm\rs1 
ne> t coquetti% s$an1  & bel[ ^? antique
 portraits1 t ! ,saccos1 husb& & wife1  
_h  9 _! turn j halt$1 at a few /eps f !
 ma/] & mi/ress (  ! h\se1 9 ord] to    
secure _! %>e ( congratulations & b[s4  
,look ov] !re6 ,n>cisse :isp]$ to       
,pi]re1 ^? are ! ,saccos 9  front ( u1 t
 d>k little fell[ & ! lady 9 mauve silk4
    ,pi]re promptly recognis$ ! bright  
face & pleasant smile ( ,/efana1  :om he
 _h already met at old ,orl&o's4 ,b he 0
 m int]e/$ 9  h] husb&1 a d>k dry man1 )

 big eyes1 sall[ complexion1 prom95t    
*91 & vultur9e nose4 ,l "s gay          
,neapolitan ,pulc9ello1 he 0  danc+1    
%\t+1 & display+ su* infecti\s good     
hum\r t x  spread to all ar\nd him4 ,he 
possess$ a wond]ful gift ( spee*1 ) a   
voice t 0 unrivall$ z an in/rum5t (     
fasc9ation & conque/2  & on see+ h[     
easily he +ratiat$ himself ) ! p 9 t    
draw+-room1 "o c\ld und]/& 8 lightn+-l  
successes 9 !  political _w4 ,he _h     
manoeuv]$ ) r>e skill 9 ! matt] ( 8     
son's m>riage1 affect+ su* exagg]at$    
delicacy ( feel+ z to set  himself aga9/
 ! lov]s1 & decl>e t he w\ld nev] cons5t
 to  _! union1 z he _h no desire to be  
accus$ ( /eal+ a d[ry & a  title4 ,z a  
matt] ( fact1 he _h only yield$ aft] !  
,buongiovannis  _h giv5 _! cons5t1 & ev5
 !n he _h desir$ to take ! op9ion  ( old
 ,orl&o1 ^: l(ty integrity 0 prov]bial4 
,h[ev]1 he knew  "r well t he w\ld      
secure ! old h]o's approval 9 ?is       
p>ticul> affair1 = ,orl&o made no secret
 ( 8 op9ion t !  ,buongiovannis ought to

 be glad to admit 8 gr&-nephew into _!  
family1 z t h&some "y fell[1 ) brave &  
heal?y he>t1  w\ld help to reg5]ate _!  
impov]i%$ blood4 ,& ?r\gh\t !  :ole     
affair1 ,sacco _h %rewdly avail$ himself
 ( ,orl&o's fam\s  "n1 = ev] talk+ ( !  
relation%ip betwe5 !m1 & display+       
filial v5]ation = ?is glori\s f\nd] ( ! 
c\ntry1 z if inde$  he _h no suspicion t
 ! latt] despis$ & execrat$ him &  m\rn$
 8 accession to p[] 9 ! conviction t he 
w\ld lead ,italy  to %ame & ru94    ,ah6
 resum$ ,n>cisse address+ ,pi]re1 he's  
"o ( ^? supple1  practical m5 :o c>e    
no?+ = a smack 9 ! face4 ,x seems t     
unscrupul\s individuals l himself become
 necess>y :5 /ates get  into tr\ble & h 
to pass ?r\gh political1 f9ancial1 &    
moral  crises4 ,x is said t ,sacco ) 8  
imp]turbable assurance &  +5i\s &       
res\rceful m9d has q won ! ,k+'s fav\r4 
,j look  at him6 ,:y1 ) t cr[d ( c\rti]s
 r\nd him1 "o might ?9k him  ! ma/] (   
?is palace6    ,& inde$ ! gue/s1 aft]   
pass+ ! ,pr9ce & ,pr9cess ) a b[1  at   

once congregat$ ar\nd ,sacco1 = he      
repres5t$ p[]1 emolum5ts1  p5sions1 &   
crosses2 & if folks /ill smil$ at see+ 8
 d>k1  turbul5t1 & scraggy figure amid/ 
t framework ( family portraits  :i*     
proclaim$ ! mighty ance/ry ( !          
,buongiovannis1 !y none !  less wor%ipp$
 him z ! p]sonification ( ! new p[]1 !  
democratic =ce :i* 0 confus$ly ris+ ev5 
f ! old ,roman soil  :]e !              
_/patriziato_/ lay 9 ru9s4    ,:at a    
cr[d6 mutt]$ ,pi]re4 ,:o are all ^! p8  
,oh6 repli$ ,n>cisse1 x is a regul>     
mixture4 ,^! p belong  nei!r to ! black 
nor ! :ite _w2 !y =m a grey _w z x  74  
,! evolution 0 c]ta92 a man l ,c>d9al   
,boccan]a may reta9  an uncompromis+    
attitude1 b a :ole city1 a nation c't4  
,! ,pope  alone w always say no & rema9 
immutable4 ,b ev]y?+ ar\nd him          
progresses & und]goes trans=mation1 s t 
9 spite ( all  resi/ance1 ,rome w become
 ,italian 9 a few ye>s' "t4 ,ev5 n[1    
:5ev] a pr9ce has two sons only "o ( !m 
rema9s on ! side (  ! ,vatican1 ! o!r   

goes ov] to ! ,quir9al4 ,p mu/ live1 y  
see2 & ! great families ?reat5$ )       
annihilation h n  suffici5t h]oism to   
c>ry ob/9acy to ! po9t ( suicide4 ,& ,i 
h  already told y t we are "h on neutral
 gr\nd1 = ,pr9ce  ,buongiovanni 0 "o ( !
 fir/ to realise ! necessity (          
conciliation4 ,he feels t 8 =tune is    
p]i%+1 he does n c>e to  risk x ei!r 9  
indu/ry or 9 speculation1 & already sees
 x  portion$ out among 8 five *ildr51 by
 ^: desc5dants x w be  yet fur!r divid$2
 & ?is is :y he prud5tly makes advances 
to !  ,k+ )\t1 h[ev]1 break+ ) ! ,pope4 
,9 ?is _/salon_/1  !re=e1 y see a p]fect
 picture ( ! _/debacle_/1 ! confusion   
:i* reigns 9 ! ,pr9ce's ideas & op9ions4
 ,n>cisse paus$1 &  !n began to "n "s ( 
! p]sons :o 7 com+ 94 ,!re's a  g5]al1  
said he1 :o has become v popul> s9ce 8  
la/ campaign  9 ,africa4 ,!re w be a    
great _m milit>y m5 "h ?is ev5+1 =  all 
,attilio's sup]iors h be5 invit$1 s z to
 give ! "y man an  _/ent\rage_/ ( glory4
 ,ah6 & !re's ! ,g]man ambassador4 ,i   

fancy t  ne>ly all ! ,corps             
,diplomatique w come on acc\nt ( _!     
,maje/ies' pres5ce4 ,b1 by way (        
contra/1 j look at t /\t  fell[ yond]4  
,he's a v influ5tial deputy1 a _/p>v5u_/
 ( ! new  middle class4 ,?irty ye>s ago 
he 0 m]ely "o ( ,pr9ce ,alb]t9i's       
f>m]s1 "o ( ^? _/m]canti di campagna_/  
:o g ab\t ! environs (  ,rome 9 /\t     
boots & a s(t felt hat4 ,& n[ look at t 
prelate  com+ 9--    ,oh6 ,i "k him1    
,pi]re int]rupt$4 ,he's ,monsignor      
,=n>o4    ,exactly1 ,monsignor ,=n>o1 a 
p]sonage ( "s importance4 ,y told me1   
,i rememb]1 t he is ! report] ( !       
,congregation 9 t affair (  y\r book4 ,a
 mo/ delightful man6 ,did y see h[ he   
b[$ to !  ,pr9cess8 ,& :at a noble &    
graceful be>+ he has 9 8 little  mantle 
( violet silk6    ,!n ,n>cisse w5t on   
enum]at+ ! pr9ces & pr9cesses1 ! dukes  
& du*esses1 ! politicians &             
function>ies1 ! diplomati/s &  m9i/]s1 &
 ! (fic]s & well-to-d middle-class p1 :o
 (  !mselves made up a mo/ wond]ful     

m$ley ( gue/s1 to say no?+ (  !         
repres5tatives ( ! v>i\s =eign colonies1
 ,engli% p1  ,am]icans1 ,g]mans1        
,spani>ds1 & ,russians1 9 a ^w1 all     
anci5t  ,europe1 & bo? ,am]icas4 ,&     
aft]w>ds ! "y man rev]t$ to !  ,saccos1 
to ! little ,signora ,sacco 9 p>ticul>1 
9 ord] to tell  ,pi]re ( ! h]oic ef=ts  
:i* %e _h made to op5 a _/salon_/ = !   
purpose ( assi/+ h] husb&'s ambition4   
,g5tle & mode/ z %e  seem$1 %e 0 also v 
%rewd1 end[$ ) g5u9e qualities1         
,pi$montese pati5ce & /r5g? ( resi/ance1
 ord]ly habits &  ?rift9ess4 ,& ?us x 0 
%e :o re-e/abli%$ ! equilibrium 9       
h\sehold affairs :i* h] husb& by 8      
exub]ance s (t5 di/urb$4  ,he 0 inde$   
greatly indebt$ to h]1 ?\gh nobody      
suspect$ x4 ,at !  same "t1 h[ev]1 %e _h
 s f> fail$ 9 h] attempts to e/abli% a  
:ite _/salon_/ :i* %\ld take ! lead 9   
influ5c+ op9ion4 ,only !  p ( h] own set
 visit$ h]1 n a s+le pr9ce ev] came1 &  
h]  ,monday dances 7 ! same z 9 a score 
( o!r middle-class homes1  hav+ no      

brilliancy & no importance4 ,9 fact1 !  
real :ite _/salon_/1  :i* %\ld guide m5 
& ?+s & sway all ,rome 0 /ill 9         
dreaml&4    ,j notice h] ke5 smile z %e 
exam9es ev]y?+ "h1 resum$  ,n>cisse4    
,%e's tea*+ h]self & =m+ plans1 ,i'm    
sure ( x4 ,n[  t %e is ab\t to be       
connect$ ) a pr9cely family %e probably 
hopes to receive "s ( ! be/ society4    
,l>ge z 0 ! room1 ! cr[d 9 x _h by ?is  
"t gr[n s d5se  t ! two fri5ds 7 press$ 
back to a wall1 & felt almo/  /ifl$4 ,! 
_/atta*e_/ !re=e decid$ to lead ! prie/ 
else:]e1  & z !y walk$ along he gave him
 "s p>ticul>s conc]n+ !  palace1 :i* 0  
"o ( ! mo/ sumptu\s 9 ,rome1 & r5[n$ = !
  magnific5ce ( its reception-rooms4    
,danc+ took place 9 ! picture  gall]y1 a
 sup]b ap>tm5t m ?an sixty feet long1 ) 
eight w9d[s  ov]look+ ! ,corso2 :ile !  
buffet 0 in/all$ 9 ! ,hall ( !          
,antiques1 a m>ble hall1 :i* among o!r  
preci\s ?+s conta9$ a  /atue ( ,v5us1   
rivall+ ! "o at ! ,capitol4 ,!n !re 0 a 
suite  ( m>vell\s _/salons_/1 /ill      

respl5d5t ) anci5t luxury1 hung )  !    
r>e/ /uffs1 & reta9+ "s unique specim5s 
( old-"t  furniture1 on :i* covet\s     
antiqu>ies kept _! eyes fix$1 :il/      
wait+ & hop+ = ! inevitable future ru94 
,& "o ( ^!  ap>tm5ts1 ! little ,saloon (
 ! ,mirrors1 0 p>ticul>ly fam\s4 ,(     
circul> %ape & ,l\is ,,xv /yle1 x 0     
surr\nd$ by mirrors 9  _/rococo_/       
frames1 extremely ri*1 & mo/ exquisitely
 c>v$4    ,y w see all t by & by1       
cont9u$ ,n>cisse4 ,at pres5t we _h      
bett] g 9 "h if we want to brea! a      
little4 ,x is "h t !  arm-*airs f !     
adjac5t gall]y h be5 br\ght = !         
accommodation ( ! ladies :o desire to   
sit d[n & be se5 &  admir$4    ,!       
ap>tm5t !y ent]$ 0 a spaci\s "o1 drap$ )
 ! mo/  sup]b ,g5oese velvet1 t antique 
_/j>d9i]e_/ velvet ) pale sat9  gr\nd1 &
 fl[]s once ( dazzl+ brightness1 ^:     
gre5s & blues  & r$s _h n[ become       
exquisitely s(t1 ) ! subdu$1 fad$ tones 
( old floral love-tok5s4 ,on ! pi]      
tables & 9 ! cab9ets all  ar\nd 7 "s ( !

 mo/ preci\s curios 9 ! palace1 ivory   
caskets1 gilt & pa9t$ wood c>v+s1 pieces
 ( antique  plate--briefly1 a collection
 ( m>vels4 ,& sev]al ladies1 flee+ !    
cru%1 _h already tak5 refuge on ! num]\s
 seats1 clu/]+ 9  little gr\ps1 & laugh+
 & *att+ ) ! few g5tlem5 :o _h  discov]$
 ?is retreat ( grace & _/galant]ie_/4 ,9
 ! bright gl[ (  ! lamps no?+ c\ld be m 
delightful ?an ! sight ( all ^?  b>e1   
%e5y %\ld]s1 & ^? supple necks1 above ^:
 napes 7  coil$ tresses ( fair or rav5  
hair4 ,b>e arms em]g$ l liv+  fl[]s (   
fle% f amid/ ! m+l+ lace & silk (       
s(t-hu$  bodices4 ,! fans play$ sl[ly1 z
 if to height5 ! fires ( !  preci\s     
/ones1 & at ea* beat waft$ ar\nd an     
_/odore di fem9a_/  bl5d$ ) a pr$om9at+ 
p]fume ( violets4    ,hallo6 exclaim$   
,n>cisse1 !re's our good fri5d          
,monsignor ,nani  b[+ to ! ,au/rian     
ambassadress4    ,z soon z ,nani p]ceiv$
 ! "y prie/ & 8 companion he came  t[>ds
 !m1 & ! trio !n )drew into ! embrasure 
( a w9d[  9 ord] t !y might *at = a     

mom5t at _! ease4 ,! prelate 0  smil+ l 
"o en*ant$ ) ! beauty ( ! _/fete_/1 b at
 ! same  "t he reta9$ all ! s]5ity (    
innoc5ce1 z if he _h n ev5  notic$ !    
exhibition ( b>e %\ld]s by :i* he 0     
surr\nd$4 ,ah1  my de> son6 he said to  
,pi]re1 ,i am v pleas$ to see y6 ,well1 
&  :at d y ?9k ( our ,rome :5 %e makes  
up h] m9d to give  _/fetes_/8    ,:y1 x 
is sup]b1 ,monseigneur4    ,!n1 9 an    
emotional mann]1 ,nani spoke ( ,celia's 
l(ty piety2 &1 9  ord] to give !        
,vatican ! cr$it ( ?is sumptu\s         
_/gala_/1 affect$  to reg>d ! ,pr9ce &  
,pr9cess z /aun* adh]5ts ( ! ,*ur*1 z   
if he 7 altoge!r unaw>e t ! ,k+ & ,que5 
7 pres5tly  com+4 ,& aft]w>ds he        
abruptly exclaim$3 ,i h be5 ?9k+ (  y   
all day1 my de> son4 ,yes1 ,i he>d t y  
_h gone to see 8  ,em95ce ,c>d9al       
,sangu9etti4 ,well1 & h[ did he receive 
y8    ,oh6 9 a mo/ pat]nal mann]1 ,pi]re
 repli$4 ,at fir/ he made me  und]/& !  
emb>rassm5t 9 :i* he 0 plac$ by 8       
position z  protector ( ,l\rdes2 b j z  

,i 0 go+ (f he %[$ himself  *>m+1 &     
promis$ me 8 help ) a delicacy :i*      
deeply t\*$  me4    ,did he inde$1 my   
de> son8 ,b x doesn't surprise me1 8    
,em95ce is  s good-he>t$6    ,& ,i mu/  
add1 ,monseigneur1 t ,i came back ) a   
light & hopeful  he>t4 ,x n[ seems to me
 z if my suit 7 half ga9$4              
,naturally1 ,i und]/& x1 repli$ ,nani1  
:o 0 /ill smil+ )  t ke51 intellig5t    
smile ( 81 %>p5$ by a t\* ( almo/       
imp]ceptible irony4 ,& aft] a %ort pause
 he add$ 9 a v simple  way3 ,! mis=tune 
is t on ! day be=e ye/]day y\r book 0   
condemn$ by ! ,congregation ( ! ,index1 
:i* 0 convok$ by its  ,secret>y         
expressly = t purpose4 ,& ! judgm5t w be
 laid  be=e 8 ,hol9ess1 = him to sign x1
 on ! day aft] to-morr[4    ,pi]re look$
 at ! prelate 9 bewild]m5t4 ,_h ! old   
mansion fall5  on 8 head he w\ld n h    
felt m ov]come4 ,:at6 0 x all ov]8  ,8  
j\rney to ,rome1 ! exp]im5t he _h come  
to attempt !re1 _h  result$ 9 t defeat1 
( :i* he 0 ?us sudd5ly appris$ amid/  t 

betro?al _/fete_/4 ,& he _h n ev5 be5   
able to def5d himself1  he _h sacrific$ 
8 "t )\t f9d+ any "o to :om he might    
speak1 be=e :om he might plead 8 cause6 
,ang] 0 ris+ )9 him1  & he c\ld n prev5t
 himself f mutt]+ bitt]ly3 ,ah6 h[ ,i h 
be5 dup$6 ,& t ,c>d9al :o said to me    
only ?is morn+3 ',if ,god  be ) y he w  
save y 9 spite ( ev]y?+4' ,yes1 yes1 ,i 
n[  und]/& him2 he 0 juggl+ ) words1 he 
only desir$ a disa/] 9  ord] t          
submission might lead me to ,heav56     
,submit1 inde$1 ah6 ,i  _c1 ,i _c yet6  
,my he>t is too full ( indignation &    
grief4    ,nani exam9$ & /udi$ him )    
curiosity4 ,b my de> son1 he said1  no?+
 is f9al s long z ! ,holy ,fa!r has n   
sign$ ! judgm5t4  ,y h all to-morr[ &   
ev5 ! morn+ ( ! day aft] be=e y4  ,a    
miracle is always possible4 ,!n1 l[]+ 8 
voice & draw+  ,pi]re on "o side :il/   
,n>cisse 9 an ae/hetical _s exam9$ !    
ladies1 he add$3 ,li/51 ,i h a          
communication to make to y 9 great      
secrecy4 ,come & jo9 me 9 ! little      

,saloon ( ! ,mirrors by & by1  dur+ !   
,cotillon4 ,we %all be able to talk !re 
at our ease4    ,pi]re nodd$1 & !reupon 
! prelate discreetly )drew &  disappe>$ 
9 ! cr[d4 ,h[ev]1 ! "y man's e>s 7      
buzz+2 he  c\ld no long] hope2 :at inde$
 c\ld he accompli% 9 "o day s9ce he  _h 
lo/ ?ree mon?s )\t ev5 be+ able to      
secure an audi5ce )  ! ,pope8 ,& 8      
bewild]m5t increas$ z he sudd5ly he>d   
,n>cisse  speak+ to him ( art4 ,x's     
a/oni%+ h[ ! fem99e figure has          
det]iorat$ 9 ^! dreadful democratic     
days4 ,x's all fat & horribly  common4  
,n "o ( ^? wom5 yond] %[s ! ,flor5t9e   
cont\r1 )  small bosom & sl5d]1 elegant 
neck4 ,ah6 t "o yond] isn't s bad       
p]haps1 ! fair "o ) h] hair coil$ up1   
:om ,monsignor ,=n>o has  j approa*$4   
,= a few m9utes inde$ ,monsignor ,=n>o  
_h be5 flutt]+ f  beauty to beauty1 ) an
 amiable air ( conque/4 ,he look$ sup]b 
t  ev5+ ) 8 l(ty decorative figure1     
bloom+ *eeks1 & victori\s  affability4  
,no unpleasant sc&al 0 associat$ ) 8 "n2

 he 0  simply reg>d$ z a prelate (      
gallant ways :o took pleasure 9 !       
society ( ladies4 ,& he paus$ & *att$1 &
 leant ov] _! b>e  %\ld]s ) laugh+ eyes 
& humid lips z if exp]i5c+ a sort (     
dev\t rapture4 ,h[ev]1 on p]ceiv+       
,n>cisse :om he occasionally met1  he at
 once came =w>d & ! _/atta*e_/ _h to b[ 
to him4 ,y h  be5 9 good heal? ,i hope1 
,monseigneur1 s9ce ,i _h ! hon\r ( see+ 
y at ! embassy4    ,oh6 yes1 ,i am v    
well1 v well inde$4 ,:at a delightful   
_/fete_/1 is  x n8    ,pi]re also _h    
b[$4 ,?is 0 ! man ^: report _h br\ght   
ab\t  ! condemnation ( 8 book2 & x 0 )  
res5tm5t t he recall$  8 c>ess+ air &   
*>m+ greet+1 in/9ct ) su* ly+  promise4 
,h[ev]1 ! prelate1 :o 0 v %rewd1 mu/ h  
guess$  t ! "y prie/ 0 already acqua9t$ 
) ! decision ( !  ,congregation1 & h    
?\ght x m dignifi$ to ab/a9 f op5       
recognition2 = on 8 side he m]ely nodd$ 
& smil$ at him4 ,:at a  numb] ( p6 he   
w5t on1 & h[ _m *>m+ p]sons !re are6  ,x
 w soon be impossible = "o to move 9 ?is

 room4    ,all ! seats 9 fact 7 n[      
occupi$ by ladies1 & :at ) !  /rong     
p]fume ( violets & ! exhalations ( w>m  
necks & %\ld]s  ! atmosph]e 0 becom+ mo/
 oppressive4 ,! fans flapp$ m  briskly1 
& cle> laught] rang out amid/ a gr[+    
hubbub (  conv]sation 9 :i* ! same words
 con/antly recurr$4 ,"s news1  d\btless1
 _h j arriv$1 "s rum\r 0 be+ :isp]$ f   
gr\p  to gr\p1 ?r[+ !m all into fev]i%  
excitem5t4 ,z x happ5$1  ,monsignor     
,=n>o1 :o 0 always well in=m$1 desir$ to
 be !  proclaim] ( ?is news1 :i* nobody 
z yet _h v5tur$ to ann\nce  al\d4    ,d 
y "k :at is excit+ !m all8 he inquir$4  
,is x ! ,holy ,fa!r's illness8 ask$     
,pi]re 9 8 anxiety4 ,is he  worse ?is   
ev5+8    ,! prelate look$ at him 9      
a/oni%m5t1 & !n some:at impati5tly      
repli$3 ,oh1 no1 no4 ,8 ,hol9ess is mu* 
bett]1 ?ank ,heav54 ,a p]son  belong+ to
 ! ,vatican 0 tell+ me j n[ t he 0 able 
to get  up ?is aft]noon & receive 8     
intimates z usual4    ,all ! same1 p h  
be5 al>m$1 int]rupt$ ,n>cisse4 ,i mu/   

confess t we did n feel easy at !       
embassy1 = a ,conclave at !  pres5t "t  
w\ld be a great worry = ,france4 ,%e    
w\ld ex]cise no  influ5ce at x4 ,x is a 
great mi/ake on ! "p ( our ,republican  
,gov]nm5t to treat ! ,holy ,see z ( no  
importance6 ,h[ev]1 c "o  ev] tell :e!r 
! ,pope is ill or n8 ,i "k = a c]ta9ty t
 he  0 ne>ly c>ri$ (f la/ w9t] :5 nobody
 brea!d a ^w ab\t any  illness1 :]eas on
 ! la/ occasion :5 ! newspap]s kill$ him
 &  talk$ ab\t a dreadful attack (      
bron*itis1 ,i myself saw him q  /rong & 
9 ! be/ ( spirits6 ,8 report$ illnesses 
are m]e  matt]s ( policy1 ,i fancy499   
99 ,!re is mu* tru? 9 ?is2 b ! read] mu/
 n imag9e      t ! ,pope is nev] ill4   
,at 8 great age1 indispositions      are
 only natural4--,trans4    ,) a ha/y    
ge/ure1 h[ev]1 ,monsignor ,=n>o bru%$   
?is importunate  subject aside4 ,no1 no1
 said he1 p are tranquillis$ & no long] 
talk ( x4 ,:at excites all ^? ladies is 
t ! ,congregation ( !  ,c\ncil to-day   
vot$ ! dissolution ( ! ,prada m>riage by

 a great  majority4    ,aga9 did ,pi]re 
feel mov$4 ,h[ev]1 n hav+ _h "t to see  
any  memb]s ( ! ,boccan]a family on 8   
return f ,frascati he fe>$  t ! news    
might be false & said s4 ,!reupon !     
prelate gave 8  ^w ( hon\r t ?+s 7 z he 
/at$4 ,! news is c]ta91 he  decl>$4 ,i  
_h x f a memb] ( ! ,congregation4 ,& !n1
 all at  once1 he apologis$ & hurri$ (f3
 ,excuse me b ,i see a lady :om ,i  _h n
 yet caught sight (1 & desire to pay my 
respects to h]4    ,he at once ha/5$ to 
! lady 9 "q1 &1 be+ unable to sit  d[n1 
incl9$ 8 l(ty figure z if to envelop h] 
) 8 gallant  c\rtesy2 :il/ %e1 "y1 fre%1
 & b>e-%\ld]$1 laugh$ ) a  pe>ly laugh z
 8 cape ( violet silk lightly bru%$ h]  
%e5y sk94    ,y "k t p]son1 don't y8    
,n>cisse inquir$ ( ,pi]re4 ,no6         
,really8 ,:y1 t is ,c\nt ,prada's       
_/inamorata_/1 ! *>m+ ,lisbe?           
,kauffmann1 by :om he has j _h a son4   
,x's h] fir/ appe>ance 9  society s9ce t
 ev5t4 ,%e's a ,g]man1 y "k1 & lo/ h]   
husb&  "h4 ,%e pa9ts a little2 9 fact1 r

 nicely4 ,a great deal is  =giv5 to !   
ladies ( ! =eign colony1 & ?is "o is    
p>ticul>ly popul> on acc\nt ( ! v       
affable mann] 9 :i* %e  receives p at h]
 little palazzo 9 ! ,via ,pr9cipe       
,am$eo4 ,z y  may imag9e1 ! news ( !    
dissolution ( t m>riage mu/ amuse  h]6  
,%e look$ really exquisite1 t ,lisbe?1 v
 fair1 rosy1 & gay1 )  sat9y sk91 s(t   
blue eyes1 & lips wrea!d 9 an amiable   
smile1 :i*  0 r5[n$ = its grace4 ,& t   
ev5+1 9 h] g[n ( :ite silk  spangl$ )   
gold1 %e %[$ h]self s delight$ ) life1 s
  securely happy 9 ! ?\ght t %e 0 free1 
t %e lov$ & 0  lov$ 9 return1 t ! :isp]$
 tid+s1 ! malici\s rem>ks  ex*ang$ beh9d
 ! fans ( ^? ar\nd h]1 seem$ to turn to 
h]  p]sonal triumph4 ,= a mom5t all eyes
 _h s\ght h]1 & p talk$  ( ! outcome (  
h] connection ) ,prada1 ! man ^: manhood
 !  ,*ur* solemnly d5i$ by its decision 
( t v day6 ,& !re came  /ifl$ laught] & 
:isp]$ je/s1 :il/ %e1 radiant 9 h]      
insol5t  s]5ity1 accept$ ) a raptur\s   
air ! gallantry ( ,monsignor  ,=n>o1 :o 

congratulat$ h] on a pa9t+ ( ! ,virg9 ) 
! lily1  :i* %e _h lately s5t to a      
f9e-art %[4    ,ah6 t matrimonial       
nullity suit1 :i* = a ye> _h suppli$    
,rome  ) sc&al1 :at a f9al hubbub x     
occasion$ z ! tid+s ( its  t]m9ation    
bur/ =? amid/ t ball6 ,! black & :ite   
worlds _h  long *os5 x z a battlefield =
 ! ex*ange ( incr$ible sl&]1  endless   
gossip1 ! mo/ nons5sical tittle-tattle4 
,& n[ x 0 ov]2  ! ,vatican )            
imp]turbable impud5ce _h pron\nc$ !     
m>riage null  & void on ! gr\nd t !     
husb& 0 no man1 & all ,rome w\ld  laugh 
ov] ! affair1 ) t free scepticism :i* x 
display$ z  soon z ! pecuni>y affairs ( 
! ,*ur* came into "q4 ,!  incid5ts ( !  
/ruggle 7 already common prop]ty3       
,prada's feel+s  revolt+ to su* a po9t t
 he _h )drawn f ! conte/1 !  ,boccan]as 
mov+ heav5 & e>? 9 _! fev]i% anxiety1 ! 
money  :i* !y _h di/ribut$ among !      
creatures ( ! v>i\s c>d9als  9 ord] to  
ga9 _! influ5ce1 & ! l>ge sum :i* !y _h 
indirectly paid = ! second & fav\rable  

report ( ,monsignor ,palma4  ,p said t1 
altoge!r1 m ?an a hundr$ ?\s& francs _h 
be5 exp5d$1 b ?is 0 n ?\ght ov]-mu*1 z a
 well-kn[n ,fr5*  c\ntess _h be5 oblig$ 
to disburse ne>ly t5 times t am\nt to   
secure ! dissolution ( h] m>riage4 ,b !n
 ! ,holy ,fa!r's ne$  0 s great6 ,&1    
moreov]1 nobody 0 ang]$ by ?is v5ality2 
x  m]ely gave rise to malici\s          
witticisms2 & ! fans cont9u$ wav+  9 !  
increas+ heat1 & ! ladies quiv]$ )      
cont5tm5t z !  :isp]$ pleasantries took 
w+ & flutt]$ ov] _! b>e %\ld]s4    ,oh6 
h[ pleas$ ! ,contess9a mu/ be6 ,pi]re   
resum$4 ,i did n  und]/& :at h] little  
fri5d1 ,pr9cess ,celia1 meant by say+ :5
  we came 9 t %e w\ld be s happy &      
beautiful ?is ev5+4 ,x is  d\btless on t
 acc\nt t %e is com+ "h1 aft] cloi/]+   
h]self all ! "t ! affair la/$1 z if %e 7
 9 m\rn+4    ,h[ev]1 ,lisbe?'s eyes _h  
*anc$ to meet ^? ( ,n>cisse1 & z %e     
smil$ at him he 01 9 8 turn1 oblig$ to  
pay 8 respects to h]1  =1 l ev]ybody    
else ( ! =eign colony1 he knew h] ?r\gh 

hav+ visit$ h] /udio4 ,he 0 aga9 return+
 to ,pi]re :5 a fre%  outbur/ ( emotion 
/irr$ ! diamond aigrettes & ! fl[]s     
adorn+ ! ladies' hair4 ,p turn$ to see  
:at 0 ! matt]1 &  aga9 did ! hubbub     
increase4 ,ah6 x's ,c\nt ,prada 9 p]son6
 murmur$  ,n>cisse1 ) an admir+ glance4 
,he has a f9e be>+1 :atev] folks  may   
say4 ,dress him up 9 velvet & gold1 &   
:at a spl5did1  unscrupul\s1            
fifte5?-c5tury adv5tur] he w\ld make6   
,prada ent]$ ! room1 look+ q gay1 9     
fact1 almo/ triumphant4  ,& above 8     
l>ge1 :ite %irtfront1 edg$ by ! black ( 
8 coat1 he  really _h a comm&+1 pr$aci\s
 expression1 ) 8 frank1 /]n  eyes1 & 8  
en]getic features b>r$ by a l>ge black  
m\/a*e4 ,nev]  _h a m raptur\s smile (  
s5suality reveal$ ! wolfi% tee? (  8    
voraci\s m\?4 ,) rapid glances he took  
/ock ( ! wom51 div$  into _! v s\ls4    
,!n1 on see+ ,lisbe?1 :o look$ s p9k1 & 
fair1 & girli%1 8 expression s(t5$1 & he
 frankly w5t up to  h]1 )\t tr\bl+ 9 !  
slighte/ degree ab\t ! ard5t1           

inquisitive eyes :i* 7 turn$ ^u him4 ,z 
soon z ,monsignor ,=n>o  _h made room1  
he /oop$ & conv]s$ ) ! "y woman 9 a l[  
tone4 ,& %e no d\bt confirm$ ! news :i* 
0 circulat+1 = z  he aga9 drew himself  
erect1 he laugh$ a some:at =c$ laugh1 & 
made  an involunt>y ge/ure4    ,h[ev]1  
he !n caught sight ( ,pi]re1 & jo9$ him 
9 ! embrasure  ( ! w9d[2 & :5 he _h also
 %ak5 h&s ) ,n>cisse1 he said  to ! "y  
prie/ ) all 8 wont$ _/bravura_/3 ,y     
recollect :at ,i  told y z we 7 com+    
back f ,frascati8 ,well1 x's done1 x    
seems1  !y've annull$ my m>riage4 ,x's  
su* an impud5t1 su* an imbecile         
decision1 t ,i /ill d\bt$ x a mom5t ago6
    ,oh6 ! news is c]ta91 ,pi]re made   
bold to reply4 ,x has j be5  confirm$ to
 u by ,monsignor ,=n>o1 :o _h x f a     
memb] ( !  ,congregation4 ,& x is said t
 ! majority 0 v l>ge4    ,prada aga9    
%ook ) laught]4 ,no1 no1 said he1 su* a 
f>ce is  beyond belief6 ,x's ! f9e/     
smack giv5 to ju/ice & common-s5se  t ,i
 "k (4 ,ah6 if ! m>riage c also be      

annull$ by ! civil  c\rts1 & if my fri5d
 :om y see yond] be only will+1 we %all 
amuse ourselves 9 ,rome6 ,yes1 inde$1   
,i'd m>ry h] at ,santa ,m>ia  ,maggiore 
) all possible pomp4 ,& !re's a de>     
little be+ 9 !  _w :o w\ld take "p 9 !  
_/fete_/ 9 8 nurse's arms6    ,he laugh$
 too l\d z he spoke1 allud$ 9 too brutal
 a fa%ion to 8  *ild1 t liv+ pro( ( 8   
manhood4 ,0 x suff]+ t made 8  lips     
curve upw>ds & reveal 8 :ite tee?8 ,x   
c\ld be div9$ t  he 0 quiv]+1 fight+    
aga9/ an awak5+ ( cov]t1 tumultu\s      
passion1 :i* he w\ld n ackn[l$ge ev5 to 
himself4    ,& y1 my de> ,abbe8 he      
ha/ily resum$4 ,d y "k ! o!r  report8 ,d
 y "k t ! ,c\ntess is com+ "h8 ,x 0 ?us1
 by  =ce ( habit1 t he designat$        
,b5$etta1 =gett+ t %e 0 no  long] 8     
wife4    ,yes1 ,i h j be5 told s1 ,pi]re
 repli$2 & !n he hesitat$  = a mom5t    
be=e add+1 ) a desire to prev5t any     
disagreeable  surprise3 ,& we %all no   
d\bt see ,pr9ce ,d>io also1 = he has n  
/>t$ = ,naples z ,i told y4 ,some?+     

prev5t$ 8 dep>ture at  ! la/ mom5t1 ,i  
believe4 ,at lea/ s ,i ga!r$ f a s]vant4
    ,prada no long] laugh$4 ,8 face     
sudd5ly became grave1 & he cont5t$      
himself ) murmur+3 ,ah6 s ! c\s9 is to  
be ( ! p>ty4 ,well1  we %all see !m1 we 
%all see !m bo?6    ,!n1 :il/ ! two     
fri5ds w5t on *att+1 he became sil5t1 z 
if  s]i\s consid]ations impell$ him to  
reflect4 ,& sudd5ly mak+ a  ge/ure (    
apology he )drew yet f>!r into !        
embrasure 9 :i* he  /ood1 pull$ a       
note-book out ( 8 pocket1 & tore f x a  
leaf on  :i*1 )\t modify+ 8 h&writ+     
o!rwise ?an by slightly  enl>g+ x1 he   
p5cill$ ^! f\r l9es3 ,a leg5d av]s t !  
fig  tree ( ,judas n[ gr[s at ,frascati1
 & t its fruit is deadly = him  :o may  
desire to become ,pope4 ,eat n ! poison$
 figs1 nor give !m  ei!r to y\r s]vants 
or y\r f[ls4 ,!n he fold$ ! pap]1  fa/5$
 x ) a po/age /amp1 & wrote on x !      
address3 ,to 8  mo/ ,rev]5d & mo/       
,illu/ri\s ,em95ce1 ,c>d9al ,boccan]a4  
,&  :5 he _h plac$ ev]y?+ 9 8 pocket    

aga91 he drew a long brea?  & once m    
call$ back 8 laugh4    ,a k9d (         
inv9cible discom=t1 a f>-away t]ror _h  
mom5t>ily froz5  him4 ,)\t be+ guid$ by 
any cle> tra9 ( reason+1 he _h felt  !  
ne$ ( protect+ himself aga9/ any c[>dly 
temptation1 any  possible abom9ation4   
,he c\ld n h told :at c\rse ( ideas _h  
induc$ him to write ^? f\r l9es )\t a   
mom5t's delay1 on !  v spot :]e he /ood1
 "u p5alty ( contribut+ to a great      
cata/rophe4 ,b "o ?\ght 0 firmly fix$ 9 
8 bra91 t on  leav+ ! ball he w\ld g to 
! ,via ,giulia & ?r[ t note into  !     
lett]-box at ! ,palazzo ,boccan]a4 ,& t 
decid$1 he 0 once  m easy 9 m9d4    ,:y1
 :at is ! matt] ) y1 my de> ,abbe8 he   
inquir$ on aga9  jo9+ 9 ! conv]sation ( 
! two fri5ds4 ,y are q gloomy4  ,& on   
,pi]re tell+ him ( ! bad news :i* he _h 
receiv$1 !  condemnation ( 8 book1 & !  
s+le day :i* rema9$ to him =  action if 
he did n wi% 8 j\rney to ,rome to result
 9 defeat1 he  began to prote/ z if he  
himself ne$$ agitation & div]sion 9 ord]

  to cont9ue hopeful & be> ! ills (     
life4 ,nev] m9d1 nev] m9d1  don't worry 
y\rself1 said he1 "o loses all "o's     
/r5g? by  worry+4 ,a day is a great     
deal1 "o c d ev] s _m ?+s 9 a day4  ,an 
h\r1 a m9ute suffices = ,de/9y to       
int]v5e & turn defeat into  victory6 ,he
 grew fev]i% z he spoke1 & all at once  
add$1 ,come1  let's g to ! ball-room4 ,x
 seems t ! sc5e !re is some?+           
prodigi\s4    ,!n he ex*ang$ a la/ lov+ 
glance ) ,lisbe? :il/ ,pi]re &  ,n>cisse
 foll[$ him1 ! ?ree ( !m extricat+      
!mselves f  _! corn] ) ! greate/        
difficulty1 & !n w5d+ _! way  t[>ds !   
adjo9+ gall]y ?r\gh a sea ( s]ri$       
skirts1 a bill[y  expanse ( necks &     
%\ld]s :5ce asc5d$ ! passion :i* makes  
life1 ! od\r alike ( love & ( dea?4     
,) its eight w9d[s ov]look+ ! ,corso1 _!
 panes uncurta9$ &  ?r[+ a blaze ( light
 ^u ! h\ses across ! road1 ! picture    
gall]y1 sixty-five feet 9 l5g? & m ?an  
?irty 9 bread?1  spread out )           
incomp>able spl5d\r4 ,! illum9ation 0   

dazzl+4  ,clu/]s ( electric lamps _h    
*ang$ sev5 pairs ( huge m>ble  c&elabra 
into gigantic _/tor*]es_/1 ak9 to       
con/ellations2 & all  along ! cornice up
 above1 o!r lamps set 9 bright-hu$      
floral glasses  =m$ a m>vell\s g>l& (   
flam+ fl[]s3 tulips1 paeonies1 &  roses4
 ,! antique r$ velvet work$ ) gold1 :i* 
drap$ ! walls1  gl[$ l a furnace fire4  
,ab\t ! doors & w9d[s !re 7  hang+s (   
old lace broid]$ ) fl[]s 9 col\r$ silk  
^: hues  _h ! v int5sity ( life4 ,b !   
sight ( sights b5ea? !  sumptu\s panell$
 ceil+ adorn$ ) gold5 roses1 ! unique   
spectacle ( a ri*ness n to be equall$1 0
 ! collection (  ma/]pieces su* z no    
museum c\ld excel4 ,!re 7 works (       
,raffaelle  & ,titian1 ,rembr&t &       
,rub5s1 ,velasquez & ,rib]a1 fam\s works
  :i* 9 ?is unexpect$ illum9ation       
sudd5ly %[$ =?1 triumphant  ) y\?       
rega9$1 z if awak5$ to ! immortal life (
 g5ius4 ,&1  z _! ,maje/ies w\ld n      
arrive be=e midnight1 ! ball _h j  be5  
op5$1 & flights ( s(t-hu$ g[ns 7 :irl+ 9

 a waltz pa/  all ! pomp\s ?rong1 !     
glitt]+ jewels & decorations1 !         
gold-broid]$ uni=ms & ! pe>l-broid]$    
robes1 :il/ silk &  sat9 & velvet spread
 & ov]fl[$ ^u e side4    ,x is          
prodigi\s1 really6 decl>$ ,prada ) 8    
excit$ air2 let u  g ?is way & place    
ourselves 9 a w9d[ recess aga94 ,!re is 
no  bett] spot = gett+ a good view )\t  
be+ too mu* jo/l$4    ,!y lo/ ,n>cisse  
someh[ or o!r1 & on rea*+ ! desir$      
recess  f\nd !mselves b two1 ,pi]re & ! 
,c\nt4 ,! or*e/ra1 in/all$  on a little 
plat=m at ! f> end ( ! gall]y1 _h j     
f9i%$ !  waltz1 & ! danc]s1 ) an air (  
giddy rapture1 7 sl[ly walk+  ?r\gh !   
cr[d :5 a fre% arrival caus$ e head to  
turn4 ,donna  ,s]af9a1 array$ 9 a robe (
 purple silk z if %e _h worn ! col\rs  (
 h] bro!r ! ,c>d9al1 0 mak+ a royal     
entry on ! arm (  ,consi/orial-,advocate
 ,morano4 ,& nev] be=e _h %e lac$ h]self
 s  tightly1 nev] _h h] wai/ look$ s    
slim & girli%2 & nev] _h  h] /]n1 wr9kl$
 face1 :i* h] :ite hair sc>cely s(t5$1  

express$ su* /ubborn & victori\s        
dom9ation4 ,a discreet murmur (         
approval ran r\nd1 a murmur ( public    
relief z x 71 = all ,roman  society _h  
condemn$ ! unwor?y conduct ( ,morano 9  
sev]+ a  connection ( ?irty ye>s to :i* 
! draw+-rooms _h gr[n z  accu/om$ z if x
 _h be5 a legal m>riage4 ,! rupture _h  
la/$ =  two mon?s1 to ! great sc&al (   
,rome :]e ! cult ( long &  fai?ful      
affections /ill abides4 ,& s !          
reconciliation t\*$ e  he>t & 0 reg>d$ z
 "o ( ! happie/ consequ5ces ( ! victory 
:i* ! ,boccan]as _h t day ga9$ 9 !      
affair ( ,b5$etta's  m>riage4 ,morano   
rep5tant & ,donna ,s]af9a reappe>+ on 8 
arm1  no?+ c\ld h be5 m satisfactory2   
love _h conqu]$1 decorum  0 pres]v$ &   
good ord] re-e/abli%$4    ,b !re 0 a    
deep] s5sation z soon z ,b5$etta & ,d>io
 7 se5  to ent]1 side by side1 beh9d !  
o!rs4 ,?is tranquil indiff]5ce =  !     
ord9>y =ms ( propriety1 on ! v day :5 ! 
m>riage )  ,prada _h be5 annull$1 ?is   
victory ( love1 confess$ & celebrat$    

be=e "o & all1 seem$ s *>m+ 9 its       
audacity1 s full ( !  brav]y ( y\? &    
hope1 t ! pair 7 at once =giv5 amid/ a  
murmur ( univ]sal admiration4 ,& z 9 !  
case ( ,celia & ,attilio1  all he>ts    
flew to !m1 to _! radiant beauty1 to !  
wondr\s  happ9ess t made _! faces s     
respl5d5t4 ,d>io1 /ill pale aft]  8 long
 convalesc5ce1 some:at slight & delicate
 ( build1 ) !  f9e cle> eyes ( a big    
*ild1 & ! d>k curly be>d ( a "y god1    
bore himself ) a light pride1 9 :i* all 
! old pr9cely blood (  ! ,boccan]as c\ld
 be trac$4 ,& ,b5$etta1 %e s :ite "u h] 
casque ( jetty hair1 %e s calm & s      
s5sible1 wore h] lovely smile1  t smile 
s seldom se5 on h] face b :i* 0         
irresi/ibly  fasc9at+1 transfigur+ h]1  
imp>t+ ! *>m ( a fl[] to h]  some:at    
full m\?1 & fill+ ! inf9ite ( h] d>k &  
fa?omless  eyes ) a radiance z ( heav54 
,& 9 ?is gay return ( y\? &  happ9ess1  
an exquisite in/9ct _h prompt$ h] to put
 on a :ite g[n1  a pla9 girli% g[n :i*  
symbolis$ h] maid5hood1 :i* told t %e   

_h rema9$ ?r\gh all a pure unt>ni%$ lily
 = ! husb& ( h]  *oice4 ,& no?+ ( h] =m 
0 to be se51 n a glimpse ( bosom or     
%\ld]4 ,x 0 z if ! imp5etrable1         
r$\btable my/]y ( love1 !  sov]eign     
beauty ( woman slumb]$ !re1 all p[]ful1 
b veil$ )  :ite4 ,aga91 n a jewel appe>$
 on h] f+]s or 9 h] e>s4 ,!re  0 simply 
a necklace fall+ ab\t h] _/corsage_/1 b 
a necklace fit =  royalty1 ! fam\s pe>l 
necklace ( ! ,boccan]as1 :i* %e _h      
inh]it$ f h] "m1 & :i* 0 kn[n to all    
,rome--pe>ls (  fabul\s size ca/        
neglig5tly ab\t h] neck1 & suffic+1     
simply z  %e 0 g[n$1 to make h] que5 (  
all4    ,oh6 murmur$ ,pi]re 9 ec/asy1 h[
 happy & h[ beautiful %e is6    ,b he at
 once regrett$ t he _h express$ 8 ?\ghts
 al\d1 =  beside him he he>d a l[ pla9t1
 an involunt>y gr[l :i* rem9d$ him  ( ! 
,c\nt's pres5ce4 ,h[ev]1 ,prada promptly
 /ifl$ ?is cry (  return+ angui%1 & f\nd
 /r5g? en\gh to affect a bruti% gaiety3 
,! devil6 said he1 !y h pl5ty (         
impud5ce4 ,i hope we %all see  !m m>ri$ 

& b$d$ at once6 ,!n regrett+ ?is co>se  
je/ :i*  _h be5 prompt$ by ! revolt (   
passion1 he s\ght to appe>  indiff]5t3  
,%e looks v nice ?is ev5+1 he said2 %e  
has !  f9e/ %\ld]s 9 ! _w1 y "k1 & its a
 real success = h]  to hide !m & yet    
appe> m beautiful ?an ev]4    ,he w5t on
 speak+1 contriv+ to assume an easy     
tone1 & giv+  v>i\s little p>ticul>s    
ab\t ! ,c\ntess z he /ill ob/9ately     
call$ ! "y woman4 ,h[ev]1 he _h drawn r 
fur!r into !  recess1 = fe>1 no d\bt1 t 
p might rem>k 8 pallor1 & !  pa9ful     
twit* :i* contract$ 8 m\?4 ,he 0 9 no   
/ate to fight1  to %[ himself gay &     
insol5t 9 pres5ce ( ! joy :i* ! lov]s  s
 op5ly & naively express$4 ,& he 0 glad 
( ! respite :i* !  arrival ( ! ,k+ &    
,que5 at ?is mom5t (f]$ him4 ,ah6 "h are
  _! ,maje/ies6 he exclaim$1 turn+ t[>ds
 ! w9d[4 ,look at !  scramble 9 ! /reet6
    ,al?\gh ! w9d[s 7 clos$1 a tumult   
c\ld be he>d ris+ f !  footways4 ,&     
,pi]re on look+ d[n saw1 by ! light ( ! 
electric  lamps1 a sea ( human heads p\r

 ov] ! road & encompass !  c>riages4 ,he
 _h sev]al times already se5 ! ,k+ dur+ 
! latt]'s  daily drives to ! gr\nds ( ! 
,villa ,borghese1 :i!r he came l  any   
private g5tleman--ungu>d$1 unescort$1 ) 
m]ely an aide-de-camp  accompany+ him 9 
8 victoria4 ,at o!r times he drove a    
light phaeton  ) only a footman 9 black 
liv]y to att5d him4 ,& on "o occasion   
,pi]re _h se5 him ) ! ,que51 ! pair ( !m
 seat$ side by side  l wor?y            
middle-class folks driv+ abroad =       
pleasure4 ,&1 z !  royal c\ple w5t by1 !
 busy p 9 ! /reets & ! prom5ad]s  9 !   
public g>d5s cont5t$ !mselves ) waft+ !m
 an  affectionate wave ( ! h&1 ! mo/    
expansive simply approa*+ to  smile at  
!m1 & no "o importun+ !m ) acclamations4
 ,pi]re1 :o  h>b\r$ ! traditional idea (
 k+s closely gu>d$ & pass+              
processionally ) all ! accompanim5t (   
milit>y pomp1 0 !re=e  greatly surpris$ 
& t\*$ by ! amiable _/bonhomie_/ ( ?is  
royal  pair1 :o w5t :]ev] !y li/$ 9 full
 security amid/ ! smil+  affection ( _! 

p4 ,ev]ybody1 moreov]1 _h told him ( !  
,k+'s k9dl9ess & simplicity1 8 desire = 
peace1 & 8 passion  = sport1 solitude1 &
 ! op5 air1 :i*1 amid/ ! worries (  p[]1
 mu/ (t5 h made him dream ( a life (    
fre$om f> f !  imp]i\s duties ( royalty 
= :i* he seem$ unfitt$499 ,b ! ,que5  0 
yet m t5d]ly lov$4 ,s naturally & s]5ely
 virtu\s t %e  alone rema9$ ignorant ( !
 sc&als ( ,rome1 %e 0 also a woman (    
great culture & great ref9em5t1         
conv]sant ) e field (  lit]ature1 & v   
happy 9 be+ s intellig5t1 s sup]ior to  
^?  ar\nd h]--a pre-em95ce :i* %e       
realis$ & :i* %e 0 fond (  %[+1 b 9 !   
mo/ natural & mo/ graceful ( ways4      
99 ,k+ ,humb]t inh]it$ ^! ta/es f 8 fa!r
 ,victor      ,emanuel1 :o 0 likewise a 
great sportsman & _h a p]fect           
horror ( c\rt life1 pageantry1 & !      
exig5cies (      politics4--,trans4     
,l ,pi]re1 ,prada _h rema9$ ) 8 face to 
! w9d[1 & sudd5ly  po9t+ to ! cr[d he   
said3 ,n[ t !y h se5 ! ,que5 !y  w g to 
b$ well pleas$4 ,& !re isn't a s+le     

police ag5t !re1  ,i'm sure4 ,ah6 to be 
lov$1 to be lov$6 ,pla9ly en\gh 8       
di/ress (  _s 0 com+ back1 & s1 turn+   
t[>ds ! gall]y aga91 he  tri$ to play ! 
je/]4 ,att5tion1 my de> ,abbe1 we mu/n't
 miss _!  ,maje/ies' entry4 ,t w be !   
f9e/ "p ( ! _/fete_/6    ,a few m9utes  
w5t by1 & !n1 9 ! v mid/ ( a polka1 !   
or*e/ra sudd5ly ceas$ play+4 ,b a mom5t 
aft]w>ds1 ) all !  bl>e ( its brass     
in/rum5ts1 x /ruck up ! ,royal ,m>*4 ,! 
danc]s  fl$ 9 confusion1 ! c5tre ( !    
gall]y 0 cle>$1 & ! ,k+  & ,que5 ent]$1 
escort$ by ! ,pr9ce & ,pr9cess          
,buongiovanni1 :o  _h receiv$ !m at !   
foot ( ! /aircase4 ,! ,k+ 0 9 ord9>y    
ev5+ dress1 :ile ! ,que5 wore a robe (  
/raw-col\r$ sat91  cov]$ ) sup]b :ite   
lace2 & "u ! diadem ( brilliants :i*    
encircl$ h] beautiful fair hair1 %e     
look$ /ill "y1 ) a fre%  & r\nd$ face1  
^: expression 0 all amiability1         
g5tl5ess1 &  wit4 ,! music 0 /ill s\nd+ 
) ! en?usia/ic viol5ce (  welcome4      
,beh9d h] fa!r & "m1 ,celia appe>$ amid/

 ! press (  p :o 7 foll[+ to see !      
sight2 & !n came ,attilio1 !  ,saccos1 &
 v>i\s relatives & (ficial p]sonages4   
,&1 p5d+ !  t]m9ation ( ! ,royal ,m>*1  
only salutations1 glances1 & smiles  7  
ex*ang$ amid/ ! sonor\s music & dazzl+  
light2 :il/ all  ! gue/s cr[d$ ar\nd on 
tip-toe1 ) out/ret*$ necks &  glitt]+   
eyes--a ris+ tide ( heads & %\ld]s1     
fla%+ ) !  fires ( preci\s /ones4    ,at
 la/ ! m>* end$ & ! pres5tations began4 
,_! ,maje/ies 7  already acqua9t$ )     
,celia1 & congratulat$ h] ) q           
affectionate k9dl9ess4 ,h[ev]1 ,sacco1  
bo? z m9i/] & fa!r1 0  p>ticul>ly       
desir\s ( pres5t+ 8 son ,attilio4 ,he   
b5t 8 supple  sp9e1 & summon$ to 8 lips 
! f9e words :i* 7 appropriate1 9  su*   
wise t he contriv$ to make ! "y man b[  
to ! ,k+ 9 !  capacity ( a lieut5ant 9 8
 ,maje/y's army1 :il/ 8 homage z a      
h&some "y man1 s passionately lov$ by 8 
betro!d 0 res]v$  = ,que5 ,m>gh]ita4    
,aga9 did _! ,maje/ies %[ !mselves v    
graci\s1 ev5 t[>ds ! ,signora ,sacco :o1

 ev] mode/ & prud5t1  _h rema9$ 9 !     
backgr\nd4 ,& !n occurr$ an incid5t t 0 
de/9$ to give rise to endless gossip4   
,cat*+ sight ( ,b5$etta1  :om ,c\nt     
,prada _h pres5t$ to h] aft] 8 m>riage1 
! ,que51 :o  greatly admir$ h] beauty & 
*>m ( mann]1 address$ h] a smile 9  su* 
wise t ! "y woman 0 compell$ to approa*4
 ,a conv]sation  ( "s m9utes' duration  
ensu$1 & ! ,contess9a 0 fav\r$ )  "s    
extremely amiable expressions :i* 7     
p]fectly audible to all  ar\nd4 ,mo/    
c]ta9ly ! ,que5 0 ignorant ( ! ev5t ( ! 
day1  ! dissolution ( ,b5$etta's m>riage
 ) ,prada1 & h] com+ union  ) ,d>io s   
publicly ann\nc$ at ?is _/gala_/1 :i* n[
 seem$ to h  be5 giv5 to celebrate a    
d\ble betro?al4 ,nev]!less t            
conv]sation caus$ a deep impression2 !  
gue/s talk$ ( no?+ b  ! complim5ts :i*  
,b5$etta _h receiv$ f ! mo/ virtu\s &   
intellig5t ( que5s1 & h] triumph 0      
increas$ by x all1 %e  became yet m     
beautiful & m victori\s amid/ ! happ9ess
 %e  felt at be+ at la/ able to be/[    

h]self on ! sp\se ( h] *oice1  t        
happ9ess :i* made h] look s radiant4    
,b1 on ! o!r h&1 ! torture :i* ,prada   
exp]i5c$ n[ became  int5se4 ,:il/ !     
sov]eigns cont9u$ conv]s+1 ! ,que5 ) !  
ladies :o came to pay h] _! respects1 ! 
,k+ ) ! (fic]s1  diplomati/s1 & o!r     
important p]sonages :o approa*$ him1    
,prada  saw none b ,b5$etta--,b5$etta   
congratulat$1 c>ess$1 exalt$ by         
affection & glory4 ,d>io 0 ne> h]1 flu%+
 ) pleasure1 radiant  l h]self4 ,x 0 =  
!m t ?is ball _h be5 giv51 = !m  t !    
lamps %one out1 = !m t ! music play$1 = 
!m t  ! mo/ beautiful wom5 ( ,rome _h   
b>$ _! bosoms & adorn$ !m  ) preci\s    
/ones4 ,x 0 = !m t _! ,maje/ies _h ent]$
 to  ! /ra9s ( ! ,royal ,m>*1 = !m t !  
_/fete_/ 0 becom+  l an apo!osis1 = !m t
 a fondly lov$ que5 0 smil+1  appe>+ at 
t betro?al _/gala_/ l ! good fairy ( !  
nurs]y  tales1 ^: com+ betok5s life-long
 happ9ess4 ,& = ,prada1 ?is  wondr\sly  
brilliant h\r :5 good =tune & joyfulness
 atta9$ _!  apogee1 0 "o ( defeat4 ,x 0 

fraught ) ! victory ( t woman  :o _h    
refus$ to be 8 wife 9 aught b "n1 & ( t 
man :o n[  0 ab\t to take h] f him3 su* 
a public1 o/5tati\s1 insult+  victory t 
x /ruck him l a buffet 9 ! face4 ,& n   
m]ely did  8 pride & passion ble$ = t3  
he felt t ! triumph ( !  ,saccos dealt a
 bl[ to 8 =tune4 ,0 x true1 !n1 t ! r\gh
  conqu]ors ( ! ,nor? 7 b\nd to         
det]iorate 9 ! delightful  climate (    
,rome1 0 t ! reason :y he already       
exp]i5c$ su* a  s5sation ( we>9ess &    
exhau/ion8 ,t v morn+ at ,frascati 9    
connection ) t disa/r\s build+ ent]prise
 he _h realis$ t  8 millions 7 m5ac$1   
albeit he refus$ to admit t ?+s 7  go+  
badly ) him1 z "s p rum\r$4 ,& n[1 t    
ev5+1  amid/ t _/fete_/ he beheld ! ,s\?
 victori\s1 ,sacco w9n+ ! day  l "o :o  
fe$s at 8 ease on ! w>m prey s          
glutton\sly p\nc$  ^u "u ! flam+ sun4   
,& ! ?\ght ( ,sacco be+ a m9i/]1 an     
intimate ( ! ,k+1  ally+ himself by     
m>riage to "o ( ! noble/ families ( !   
,roman  ari/ocracy1 & already lay+ h&s  

on ! p & ! national  funds ) ! prospect 
( "s day becom+ ! ma/] ( ,rome &        
,italy--t ?\ght aga9 0 a bl[ = ! vanity 
( ?is man ( prey1  = ! ev] voraci\s     
appetite ( ?is enjoy]1 :o felt z if he 7
  be+ pu%$ away f table be=e ! fea/ 0   
ov]6 ,all crumbl$ &  escap$ him1 ,sacco 
/ole 8 millions1 & ,b5$etta tortur$ 8   
fle%1  /irr+ up t awful w\nd (          
unsatisfi$ passion :i* nev] w\ld be     
heal$4    ,aga9 did ,pi]re he> t dull   
pla9t1 t involunt>y despair+  gr[l1 :i* 
_h upset him once be=e4 ,& he look$ at !
 ,c\nt1 &  ask$ him3 ,are y suff]+8 ,b  
on see+ h[ livid 0 ! face (  ,prada1 :o 
only reta9$ 8 calmness by a sup]human   
ef=t1 he  regrett$ 8 indiscreet "q1 :i*1
 moreov]1 rema9$ unansw]$4  ,& !n to put
 ! o!r m at ease1 ! "y prie/ w5t on     
speak+1 v5t+ ! ?\ghts :i* ! sight be=e  
him inspir$3 ,y\r  fa!r 0 "r1 said he1  
we ,fr5*m5 ^: education is s full (  !  
,ca?olic _s1 ev5 9 ^! days ( univ]sal   
d\bt1 we nev]  ?9k ( ,rome o!rwise ?an z
 ! old ,rome ( ! popes4 ,we sc>cely  "k1

 we c sc>cely und]/& ! great *anges :i*1
 ye> by ye>1  h br\ght ab\t ! ,italian  
,rome ( ! pres5t day4 ,:y1 :5 ,i  arriv$
 "h1 ! ,k+ & 8 gov]nm5t & ! "y nation   
work+ to  make a great capital = itself1
 seem$ to me ( no acc\nt :atev]6  ,yes1 
,i dismiss$ all t1 ?\ght no?+ ( x1 9 my 
dream (  resuscitat+ a ,*ri/ian &       
evangelical ,rome1 :i* %\ld assure !    
happ9ess ( ! _w4    ,he laugh$ z he     
spoke1 pity+ 8 own artlessness1 & !n    
po9t$  t[>ds ! gall]y :]e ,pr9ce        
,buongiovanni 0 b[+ to ! ,k+  :il/ !    
,pr9cess li/5$ to ! gallant rem>ks (    
,sacco3 a sc5e  full ( symbolism1 ! old 
papal ari/ocracy /ruck d[n1 ! _/p>v5us_/
  accept$1 ! black & :ite worlds s mix$ 
toge!r t "o & all  7 little else ?an    
subjects1 on ! eve ( =m+ b "o unit$     
nation4 ,t conciliation betwe5 !        
,quir9al & ! ,vatican :i* 9  pr9ciple 0 
reg>d$ z impossible1 0 x n 9 practice   
fatal1 9  face ( ! evolution :i* w5t on 
day by day8 ,p mu/ g on liv+1  lov+1 &  
creat+ life ?r\gh\t ! ages4 ,& ! m>riage

 (  ,attilio & ,celia w\ld be ! symbol (
 ! ne$ful union3 y\? &  love triumph+   
ov] anci5t hatr$1 all qu>rels =gott5 z a
 h&some  lad goes by1 w9s a lovely girl1
 & c>ries h] (f 9 8 arms 9 ord]  t ! _w 
may la/4    ,look at !m6 resum$ ,pi]re1 
h[ h&some & "y & gay bo? !  _/fiances_/ 
are1 all confid5ce 9 ! future4 ,ah6 ,i  
well und]/& t  y\r ,k+ %\ld h come "h to
 please 8 m9i/] & w9 "o ( !  old ,roman 
families ov] to 8 ?rone2 x is good1     
brave1 & fa!rly  policy4 ,b ,i l to ?9k 
t he has also realis$ ! t\*+            
significance ( t m>riage--old ,rome1 9 !
 p]son ( t c&id1  lov+ *ild giv+ h]self 
to "y ,italy1 t upright1 en?usia/ic  "y 
man :o we>s 8 uni=m s jauntily4 ,& may  
_! nuptials be  def9itive & fruitful2 f 
!m & f all ! o!rs may !re  arise ! great
 nation :i*1 n[ t ,i beg9 to "k y1 ,i   
tru/ y  w soon become6    ,amid/ !      
tott]+ ( 8 =m] dream ( an evangelical & 
univ]sal  ,rome1 ,pi]re express$ ^! good
 wi%es = ! ,et]nal ,city's future  =tune
 ) su* ke5 & deep emotion t ,prada c\ld 

n help  reply+3 ,i ?ank y2 t wi% ( y\rs 
is 9 ! he>t ( e good  ,italian4    ,b 8 
voice quav]$1 = ev5 :il/ he 0 look+ at  
,celia &  ,attilio1 :o /ood smil+ &     
talk+ toge!r1 he saw ,b5$etta &  ,d>io  
approa* !m1 we>+ ! same joyful          
expression ( p]fect  happ9ess4 ,& :5 !  
two c\ples 7 unit$1 s radiant & s       
triumphant1 s full ( sup]b & happy life1
 he no long] _h /r5g?  to /ay !re1 see  
!m1 & suff]4    ,i am frightfully ?ir/y1
 he ho>sely exclaim$4 ,let's g to !     
buffet to dr9k some?+4 ,&1 !reupon1 9   
ord] to avoid notice1 he  s manoeuvr$ z 
to glide beh9d ! ?rong1 skirt+ ! w9d[s 9
 !  direction ( ! entrance to ! ,hall ( 
! ,antiques1 :i* 0 beyond  ! gall]y4    
,:il/ ,pi]re 0 foll[+ him !y 7 p>t$ by  
an eddy ( ! cr[d1  & ! "y prie/ f\nd    
himself c>ri$ t[>ds ! two lov+ c\ples   
:o /ill /ood *att+ toge!r4 ,& ,celia1 on
 recognis+ him1  beckon$ to him 9 a     
fri5dly way4 ,) h] passionate cult =    
beauty1  %e 0 enraptur$ ) ! appe>ance ( 
,b5$etta1 be=e :om %e  jo9$ h] little   

lily h&s z be=e ! image ( ! ,madonna4   
,oh6  ,monsieur l',abbe1 said %e1 to    
please me n[1 d tell h] h[ beautiful  %e
 is1 m beautiful ?an any?+ on e>?1 m    
beautiful ?an ev5  ! sun1 & ! moon &    
/>s4 ,if y only knew1 my de>1 x makes me
  quiv] to see y s beautiful z t1 z     
beautiful z happ9ess1 z  beautiful z    
love itself6    ,b5$etta began to laugh1
 :ile ! two "y m5 made m]ry4 ,b y  are z
 beautiful z ,i am1 d>l+1 said !        
,contess9a4 ,& if we are  beautiful x is
 because we are happy4    ,yes1 yes1    
happy1 ,celia g5tly respond$4 ,d y      
rememb] ! ev5+  :5 y told me t "o didn't
 succe$ 9 m>ry+ ! ,pope & !  ,k+8 ,b    
,attilio & ,i are m>ry+ !m1 & yet we are
 v happy4    ,b we don't m>ry !m1 ,d>io 
& ,i6 ,on ! contr>y6 said ,b5$etta      
gaily4 ,no matt]2 z y answ]$ me t same  
ev5+1 x is suffici5t  t we %\ld love "o 
ano!r1 love saves ! _w4    ,:5 ,pi]re at
 la/ succe$$ 9 rea*+ ! door ( ! ,hall ( 
!  ,antiques1 :]e ! buffet 0 in/all$1 he
 f\nd ,prada !re1  motionless1 gaz+     

despite himself on ! gall+ spectacle :i*
 he  desir$ to flee4 ,a p[] /rong] ?an 8
 w _h kept him !re1  =c+ him to turn    
r\nd & look1 & look aga94 ,& ?us1 ) a   
ble$+ he>t1 he /ill l+]$ & witness$ !   
resumption ( !  danc+1 ! fir/ figure ( a
 quadrille :i* ! or*e/ra began to  play 
) a lively fl\ri% ( its brass in/rum5ts4
 ,b5$etta &  ,d>io1 ,celia & ,attilio 7 
_/vis--vis_/4 ,& s *>m+ &  delightful 0 
! sight :i* ! two c\ples pres5t$ danc+ 9
 !  :ite blaze1 all y\? & joy1 t ! ,k+ &
 ,que5 drew ne> to !m  & became int]e/$4
 ,& soon bravos ( admiration rang out1  
:ile f  e he>t spread a feel+ ( inf9ite 
t5d]ness4    ,i'm dy+ ( ?ir/1 let's g6  
repeat$ ,prada1 at la/ manag+ to  wr5*  
himself away f ! tortur+ sight4    ,he  
call$ = "s ic$ lemonade & drank !       
glassful at "o draught1  gulp+ x d[n ) !
 gre$y eag]ness ( a man /rick5 ) fev]1  
:o w nev] m be able to qu5* ! burn+ fire
 )9 him4    ,! ,hall ( ! ,antiques 0 a  
spaci\s room ) mosaic pavem5t1 &        
decorations ( /ucco2 & a fam\s          

collection ( vases1 bas-reliefs1 &      
/atues1 0 dispos$ along its walls4 ,!   
m>bles pr$om9at$1 b  !re 7 a few        
bronzes1 & among !m a dy+ gladiator (   
extreme  beauty4 ,! m>vel h[ev] 0 !     
fam\s /atue ( ,v5us1 a companion to  t (
 ! ,capitol1 b ) a m elegant & supple   
figure & )  ! left arm fall+ loosely 9 a
 ge/ure ( voluptu\s surr5d]4 ,t  ev5+ a 
p[]ful electric reflector ?rew a dazzl+ 
light ^u !  /atue1 :i*1 9 its div9e &   
pure nudity1 seem$ to be end[$ )        
sup]human1 immortal life4 ,aga9/ !      
end-wall 0 ! buffet1 a long  table cov]$
 ) an embroid]$ clo? & lad5 ) fruit1    
pa/ry1 &  cold meats4 ,%eaves ( fl[]s   
rose up amid/ bottles ( *ampagne1 hot   
pun*1 & ic$ _/sorbetto_/1 & "h & !re 7  
m>%all$ armies (  glasses1 tea-cups1 &  
bro?-b[ls1 a p]fect weal? ( sp>kl+      
cry/al1 porcela91 & silv]4 ,& a happy   
innovation _h be5 to fill  half ( ! hall
 ) r[s ( little tables1 at :i* ! gue/s1 
9 lieu  ( be+ oblig$ to refre% !mselves 
/&+1 7 able to sit d[n  & ord] :at !y   

desir$ z 9 a cafe4    ,at "o ( ^! little
 tables1 ,pi]re p]ceiv$ ,n>cisse seat$  
ne> a  "y woman1 :om ,prada1 on         
approa*+1 recognis$ to be ,lisbe?4 ,y   
f9d me1 y see1 9 delightful company1    
gallantly exclaim$ !  _/atta*e_/4 ,z we 
lo/ "o ano!r1 ,i c\ld ?9k ( no?+ bett]  
?an  ( (f]+ madame my arm to br+ h] "h4 
,x 01 9 fact1 a good idea1 said ,lisbe? 
) h] pretty laugh1 =  ,i 0 feel+ v      
?ir/y4    ,!y _h ord]$ "s ic$ c(fee1 :i*
 !y 7 sl[ly sipp+ out (  little         
silv]-gilt spoons4    ,i h a t]rible    
?ir/1 too1 decl>$ ! ,c\nt1 & ,i c't qu5*
  x4 ,y w all[ u to jo9 y1 w y n1 my de>
 sir8 ,"s (  t c(fee w p]haps calm me4  
,& !n to ,lisbe? he add$1 ,ah6 my  de>1 
all[ me to introduce to y ,monsieur     
l',abbe ,from5t1 a "y  ,fr5* prie/ (    
great di/9ction4    ,!n = a long "t !y  
all f\r rema9$ seat$ at t table1  *att+ 
& mak+ m]ry ov] c]ta9 ( ! gue/s :o w5t  
by4 ,prada1  h[ev]1 9 spite ( 8 usual   
gallantry t[>ds ,lisbe?1 frequ5tly      
became abs5t-m9d$2 at times he q =got   

h]1 be+ aga9 ma/]$  by 8 angui%1 &1 9   
spite ( all 8 ef=ts1 8 eyes ev] turn$   
t[>ds ! neighb\r+ gall]y :5ce ! s\nd (  
music & danc+  rea*$ him4    ,:y1 :at   
are y ?9k+ (1 _/c>o mio_/8 ,lisbe? ask$ 
9 h] pretty  way1 on see+ him at "o     
mom5t s pale & lo/4 ,are y indispos$8   
,he did n reply1 h[ev]1 b sudd5ly       
exclaim$1 ,ah6 look !re1  t's ! real    
pair1 !re's real love & happ9ess = y6   
,) a j]k ( ! h& he designat$ ,d>io's "m1
 ! ,m>*ioness  ,montefiori & h] second  
husb&1 ,jules ,laporte--t ex-s]geant ( !
  papal ,swiss ,gu>d1 h] junior by      
fifte5 ye>s1 :om %e _h "o day  hook$ at 
! ,corso ) h] eyes ( fire1 :i* yet _h   
rema9$ sup]b1  & :om %e _h aft]w>ds     
triumphantly trans=m$ into a ,m>quis    
,montefiori 9 ord] to h him entirely to 
h]self4 ,su* 0 h] passion  t %e nev]    
relax$ h] hold on him :e!r at ball or   
reception1 b1  despite all usages1 kept 
him beside h]1 & ev5 made him escort h] 
to  ! buffet1 s mu* did %e delight 9 be+
 able to exhibit him & say  t ?is h&some

 man 0 h] own exclusive prop]ty4 ,& /&+ 
!re  side by side1 ! pair ( !m began to 
dr9k *ampagne & eat  s&wi*es1 %e yet a  
m>vel ( massive beauty al?\gh %e 0 ov]  
fifty1 & he ) long wavy m\/a*es1 & pr\d 
be>+1 l a  =tunate adv5tur] ^: jovial   
impud5ce pleas$ ! ladies4    ,y "k t %e 
_h to extricate him f a na/y affair1    
resum$ !  ,c\nt 9 a l[] tone4 ,yes1 he  
travell$ 9 relics2 he pick$ up a  liv+  
by supply+ relics on commission to      
conv5ts 9 ,france &  ,switz]l&2 & he _h 
laun*$ q a bus9ess 9 false relics )  !  
help ( "s ,jews "h :o concoct$ little   
anci5t reliqu>ies out  ( mutton bones1 )
 ev]y?+ seal$ & sign$ by ! mo/ g5u9e    
au?orities4 ,! affair 0 hu%$ up1 z ?ree 
prelates 7 also  compromis$ 9 x6 ,ah6 ! 
happy man6 ,d y see h[ %e dev\rs him )  
h] eyes8 ,& he1 doesn't he look q a     
_/gr& seigneur_/ by ! m]e  way 9 :i* he 
holds t plate = h] :il/ %e eats ! brea/ 
( a  f[l out ( x6    ,!n1 9 a r\gh way &
 ) bit+ irony1 he w5t on to speak ( !   
_/am\rs_/ ( ,rome4 ,! ,roman wom51 said 

he1 7 ignorant1 ob/9ate1 &  jeal\s4 ,:5 
a woman _h manag$ to w9 a man1 %e kept  
him = ev]1 he  became h] prop]ty1 & %e  
dispos$ ( him z %e pleas$4 ,by way (    
pro(1 he cit$ _m int]m9able             
_/liaisons_/1 su* z t ( ,donna  ,s]af9a 
& ,morano :i*1 9 "t became virtual      
m>riages2 & he  sne]$ at su* a lack (   
fancy1 su* an excess ( fidelity ^: only 
end+1 :5 x did end1 0 "s v disagreeable 
unpleasantness4    ,at ?is1 ,lisbe?     
int]rupt$ him4 ,b :at is ! matt] ) y ?is
  ev5+1 my de>8 %e ask$ ) a laugh4 ,:at 
y speak ( is on !  contr>y v nice &     
pretty6 ,:5 a man & a woman love "o     
ano!r  !y ought to d s = ev]6    ,%e    
look$ delightful z %e spoke1 ) h] f9e   
wavy blonde hair &  delicate fair       
complexion2 & ,n>cisse ) a languor\s    
expression 9  8 half-clos$ eyes comp>$  
h] to a ,botticelli :i* he _h se5 at    
,flor5ce4 ,h[ev]1 ! night 0 n[ f>       
advanc$1 & ,pi]re _h once  m sunk into  
gloomy ?\ghtfulness :5 he he>d a pass+  
lady rem>k  t !y _h already begun to    

dance ! ,cotillon 9 ! gall]y2 &  !reupon
 he sudd5ly rememb]$ t ,monsignor ,nani 
_h giv5 him an  appo9tm5t 9 ! little    
,saloon ( ! ,mirrors4    ,are y leav+8  
ha/ily inquir$ ,prada on see+ him rise &
 b[ to  ,lisbe?4    ,no1 no1 n yet1     
,pi]re answ]$4    ,oh6 all "r4 ,don't g 
away )\t me4 ,i want to walk a little1 &
  ,i'll see y home4 ,x's agre$1 eh8 ,y w
 f9d me "h4    ,! "y prie/ _h to cross  
two rooms1 "o hung ) yell[ & !  o!r )   
blue1 be=e he at la/ rea*$ ! mirror$    
_/salon_/4 ,?is 0  really an exquisite  
example ( ! _/rococo_/ /yle1 a rotunda z
 x 7  ( pale mirrors fram$ ) sup]b gild$
 c>v+s4 ,ev5 ! ceil+ 0  cov]$ ) mirrors 
dispos$ slantwise s t on e side ?+s     
multipli$1 m+l$1 & appe>$ "u all        
possible aspects4 ,discreetly  en\gh no 
electric lights _h be5 plac$ 9 ! room1 !
 only  illum9ation be+ t ( "s p9k tap]s 
burn+ 9 a pair (  c&elabra4 ,! hang+s & 
uphol/]y 7 ( s(t blue silk1 & !         
impression on ent]+ 0 v sweet & *>m+1 z 
if "o _h f\nd  oneself 9 ! abode ( "s   

fairy que5 ( ! rills1 a palace ( limpid 
wat]1 illum9$ to its f>!/ dep?s by      
clu/]s ( />s4    ,pi]re at once p]ceiv$ 
,monsignor ,nani1 :o 0 sitt+ on a l[    
c\*1  &1 z ! prelate _h hop$1 he 0 q    
alone1 = ! ,cotillon _h  attract$ almo/ 
ev]ybody to ! picture gall]y4 ,& !      
sil5ce 9 !  little _/salon_/ 0 ne>ly    
p]fect1 = at t di/ance ! bl>e ( !       
or*e/ra subsid$ into a fa9t1 flute-l    
murmur4 ,! "y prie/ at  once apologis$  
to ! prelate = hav+ kept him wait+4     
,no1 no1 my de> son1 said ,nani1 ) 8    
inexhau/ible amiability4 ,i  0 v        
com=table 9 ?is retreat--:5 ! press ( ! 
cr[d became  ov]-?reat5+ ,i took refuge 
"h4 ,he did n speak ( ! ,k+ &  ,que51 b 
he all[$ x to be und]/ood t he _h       
politely avoid$  _! company4 ,if he _h  
come to ! _/fete_/ x 0 on acc\nt ( 8    
s9c]e affection = ,celia & also ) a v   
delicate diplomatic  object1 = ! ,*ur*  
wi%$ to avoid any appe>ance ( hav+      
entirely  brok5 ) ! ,buongiovanni       
family1 t anci5t h\se :i* 0 s  fam\s 9 !

 annals ( ! papacy4 ,d\btless ! ,vatican
 0 unable to  subscribe to ?is m>riage  
:i* seem$ to unite old ,rome ) ! "y     
,k+dom ( ,italy1 b on ! o!r h& x did n  
desire p to ?9k  t x ab&on$ old &       
fai?ful support]s & took no int]e/ 9    
:at befell !m4    ,b come1 my de> son1 !
 prelate resum$1 x is y :o are n[ 9  "q4
 ,i told y t al?\gh ! ,congregation ( ! 
,index _h  pron\nc$ itself = !          
condemnation ( y\r book1 ! s5t5ce w\ld  
only be submitt$ to ! ,holy ,fa!r &     
sign$ by him on ! day aft]  to-morr[4 ,s
 y /ill h a :ole day be=e y4    ,at ?is 
,pi]re c\ld n refra9 f a dolor\s &      
vivaci\s  int]ruption4    ,alas6        
,monseigneur1 :at c ,i d8 said he2 ,i h 
?\ght x all ov]1  & ,i see no means1 no 
opportunity ( def5d+ myself4 ,h[ c\ld ,i
 ev5  see 8 ,hol9ess n[ t he is s ill8  
,oh6 ill1 ill6 mutt]$ ,nani ) 8 %rewd   
expression4 ,8 ,hol9ess  is ev] s mu*   
bett]1 = ?is v day1 l e o!r ,w$nesday1  
,i  _h ! hon\r to be receiv$ by him4 ,:5
 8 ,hol9ess is a little tir$  & p say t 

he is v ill1 he (t5 lets !m d s1 = x    
gives him a re/ & enables him to judge  
c]ta9 ambitions &  manife/ations (      
impati5ce ar\nd him4    ,pi]re1 h[ev]1 0
 too upset to li/5 att5tively4 ,no1 x's 
all  ov]1 he cont9u$1 ,i'm 9 despair4 ,y
 spoke to me ( ! possibility  ( a       
miracle1 b ,i am no great believ] 9     
miracles4 ,s9ce ,i am defeat$  "h at    
,rome1 ,i %all g away1 ,i %all return to
 ,p>is1 & cont9ue !  /ruggle !re4 ,oh6  
,i _c resign myself1 my hope 9 salvation
 by !  practice ( love _c die1 & ,i %all
 answ] my d5\nc]s 9 a new  book1 9 :i*  
,i %all tell 9 :at new soil ! new       
religion w gr[  up6    ,sil5ce fell4    
,nani look$ at him ) 8 cle> eyes 9 :i*  
intellig5ce %one di/9ct & %>p l /eel4 ,&
 amid/ ! deep  calm1 ! w>m heavy        
atmosph]e ( ! little _/salon_/1 ^:      
mirrors 7  />r$ ) c\ntless reflections (
 c&les1 a m sonor\s bur/ (  music 0     
sudd5ly waft$ f ! gall]y1 a rhy?mical   
waltz melody1  :i* sl[ly exp&$1 !n di$  
away4    ,my de> son1 said ,nani1 ang]  

is always h>mful4 ,y rememb] t on  y\r  
arrival "h ,i promis$ t if y\r own ef=ts
 to obta9 an  int]view ) ! ,holy ,fa!r  
%\ld prove unavail+1 ,i w\ld myself     
endeav\r to secure an audi5ce = y4 ,!n1 
see+ h[ agitat$ !  "y prie/ 0 gett+1 he 
w5t on3 ,li/5 to me & don't excite      
y\rself4 ,8 ,hol9ess1 un=tunately1 is n 
always prud5tly advis$4  ,ar\nd him are 
p]sons ^: devotion1 h[ev] great1 is at  
times  defici5t 9 intellig5ce4 ,i told y
 t1 & w>n$ y aga9/  inconsid]ate        
applications4 ,& ?is is :y1 already ?ree
 weeks ago1 ,i  myself h&$ y\r book to 8
 ,hol9ess 9 ! hope t he w\ld deign  to  
glance at x4 ,i rightly suspect$ t x _h 
n be5 all[$ to  rea* him4 ,& ?is is :at 
,i am in/ruct$ to tell y3 8 ,hol9ess1   
:o has _h ! great k9dness to read y\r   
book1 expressly desires to  see y4    ,a
 cry ( joy & gratitude di$ away 9       
,pi]re's ?roat3 ,ah6  ,monseigneur4 ,ah6
 ,monseigneur6    ,b ,nani quickly      
sil5c$ him & glanc$ ar\nd ) an          
expression (  ke5 anxiety z if he fe>$ t

 "s "o might he> !m4 ,hu%6 ,hu%6  said  
he1 x is a secret4 ,8 ,hol9ess wi%es to 
see y privately1  )\t tak+ anybody else 
into 8 confid5ce4 ,li/5 att5tively4 ,x  
is n[ two o'clock 9 ! morn+4 ,well1 ?is 
v day1 at n9e 9 !  ev5+ precisely1 y mu/
 pres5t y\rself at ! ,vatican & at e    
door ask = ,signor ,squadra4 ,y w       
inv>iably be all[$ to pass4  ,signor    
,squadra w be wait+ = y up/airs1 & w    
introduce y4  ,& n a ^w1 m9d2 n a s\l   
mu/ h ! fa9te/ suspicion (  ^! ?+s4     
,pi]re's happ9ess & gratitude at la/    
fl[$ =?4 ,he _h caught hold  ( !        
prelate's s(t1 plump h&s1 & /amm]$1 ,ah6
 ,monseigneur1 h[  c ,i express my      
gratitude to y8 ,if y only knew h[ full 
my s\l 0  ( night & rebellion s9ce ,i   
realis$ t ,i _h be5 a m]e play?+  9 !   
h&s ( ^? p[]ful c>d9als4 ,b y h sav$ me1
 &  aga9 ,i feel sure t ,i %all w9 !    
victory1 = ,i %all at la/ be  able to   
fl+ myself at ! feet ( 8 ,hol9ess ! fa!r
 ( all tru?  & all ju/ice4 ,he c b      
absolve me1 ,i :o love him1 ,i :o admire

 him1  ,i :o h nev] battl$ = aught b 8  
own policy & mo/ *]i%$  ideas4 ,no1 no1 
x is impossible2 he w n sign t judgm5t2 
he w  n condemn my book6    ,releas+ 8  
h&s1 ,nani s\ght to calm him ) a fa!rly 
ge/ure1  :il/ reta9+ a fa9t smile (     
contempt = su* a useless exp5diture  (  
en?usiasm4 ,at la/ he succe$$1 & begg$  
him to retire4 ,!  or*e/ra 0 aga9 play+ 
m l\dly 9 ! di/ance4 ,& :5 !  "y prie/  
at la/ )drew1 ?ank+ him once m1 he said 
v  simply1 ,rememb]1 my de> son1 t only 
ob$i5ce is great4    ,pi]re1 ^: "o      
desire n[ 0 to take himself (f1 f\nd    
,prada almo/  imm$iately aft]w>ds 9 !   
fir/ reception-room4 ,_! ,maje/ies _h  j
 left ! ball 9 gr& c]emony1 escort$ to !
 ?re%old by !  ,buongiovannis & !       
,saccos4 ,& be=e dep>t+ ! ,que5 _h      
mat]nally kiss$ ,celia1 :il/ ! ,k+ %ook 
h&s )  ,attilio--hon\rs in/9ct ) a *>m+ 
good nature :i* made !  memb]s ( bo?    
families q radiant4 ,h[ev]1 a good _m ( 
!  gue/s 7 foll[+ ! example ( !         
sov]eigns & disappe>+ 9  small bat*es4  

,& ! ,c\nt1 :o seem$ /rangely n]v\s1 &  
%[$  m /]nness & bitt]ness ?an ev]1 01  
on 8 side1 also eag] to  be gone4 ,ah6  
x's y at la/4 ,i 0 wait+ = y1 he said to
  ,pi]re4 ,well1 let's get (f at once1  
eh8 ,y\r compatriot ,monsieur  ,n>cisse 
,hab]t ask$ me to tell y n to look =    
him4 ,! fact is1 he  has gone to see my 
fri5d ,lisbe? to h] c>riage4 ,i myself  
want a brea?  ( fre% air1 a /roll1 & s  
,i'll g ) y z f> z ! ,via  ,giulia4     
,!n1 z !y took _! ?+s f ! cloak-room1 he
 c\ld n help  sne]+ & say+ 9 8 brutal   
way3 ,i saw y\r good fri5ds g (f1  all  
f\r toge!r4 ,x's lucky t y pref] to g   
home on foot1 =  !re 0 no room = y 9 !  
c>riage4 ,:at sup]b impud5ce x 0  on !  
"p ( t ,donna ,s]af9a to drag h]self "h1
 at h] age1 )  t ,morano ( h]s1 s z to  
triumph ov] ! return ( ! fickle "o6  ,& 
! two o!rs1 ! two "y ones--ah6 ,i       
confess t ,i c h>dly  speak calmly (    
_/!m_/1 = 9 p>ad+ "h toge!r z !y did ?is
  ev5+1 !y h %[n an impud5ce & a cruelty
 su* z is r>ely  se56 ,prada's h&s      

trembl$1 & he murmur$3 ,a good j\rney1 a
 good  j\rney to ! "y man1 s9ce he is   
go+ to ,naples4 ,yes1 ,i he>d ,celia    
say t he 0 />t+ = ,naples ?is ev5+ at   
six o'clock4 ,well1 my  wi%es g ) him2 a
 good j\rney6    ,! two m5 f\nd ! *ange 
delightful :5 !y at la/ em]g$ f  ! /ifl+
 heat ( ! reception-rooms into ! lovely1
 cool1 &  limpid night4 ,x 0 a night    
illum9$ by a sup]b full moon1 "o (  ^?  
mat*less ,roman nights :5 ! city slumb]s
 9 ,elysian radiance1  /eep$ 9 a dream (
 ! ,inf9ite1 "u ! va/ vault ( heav54 ,& 
!y took ! mo/ agreeable r\te1 go+ d[n ! 
,corso prop] & !n  turn+ into ! ,corso  
,vittorio ,emanuele4    ,prada _h gr[n  
some:at calm]1 b rema9$ full ( irony4   
,to div]t  8 m9d1 no d\bt1 he talk$ on 9
 ! mo/ voluble mann]1 rev]t+ to  ! wom5 
( ,rome & to t _/fete_/ :i* he _h at    
fir/ f\nd  spl5did1 b at :i* he n[ began
 to rail4    ,oh6 ( c\rse !y h v f9e    
g[ns1 said he1 speak+ ( !  wom52 b g[ns 
:i* don't fit !m1 g[ns :i* are s5t !m f 
,p>is1 & :i*1 ( c\rse1 !y c't try on4   

,x's j ! same )  _! jewels2 !y /ill h   
diamonds & pe>ls1 9 p>ticul>1 :i*  are v
 f9e1 b !y are s wret*$ly1 s heavily    
m\nt$ t !y  look frightful4 ,& if y only
 knew h[ ignorant & frivol\s ^!  wom5   
are1 despite all _! conceit6 ,ev]y?+ is 
on ! surface )  !m1 ev5 religion3 !re's 
no?+ b5ea?4 ,i look$ at !m eat+ at  !   
buffet4 ,oh6 !y at lea/ h f9e appetites4
 ,?is ev5+ "s  decorum 0 obs]v$1 !re    
wasn't too mu* gorg+4 ,b at "o ( !      
,c\rt balls y w\ld see a g5]al pillage1 
! buffets besieg$1 &  ev]y?+ swall[$ up 
amid/ a scramble ( amaz+ voracity6      
,to all ?is talk ,pi]re only return$    
monosyllabic responses4 ,he 0  wrapp$ 9 
ov]fl[+ delight at ! ?\ght ( t audi5ce )
 !  ,pope1 :i*1 unable z he 0 to confide
 9 any "o1 he /rove to arrange  &       
picture 9 8 own m9d1 ev5 9 its pettie/  
details4 ,& meantime  ! foot/eps ( ! two
 m5 rang out on ! dry pavem5t ( ! cle>1 
broad1 des]t$ ?or\ghf>e1 ^: black %ad[s 
7 %>ply outl9$  by ! moonlight4    ,all 
at once ,prada himself became sil5t4 ,8 

loquaci\s _/bravura_/ 0  exhau/$1 !     
frightful /ruggle go+ on 9 8 m9d :olly  
possess$  & p>alys$ him4 ,twice already 
he _h dipp$ 8 h& into 8 coat  pocket &  
felt ! p5cill$ note ^: f\r l9es he      
m5tally repeat$3  ,a leg5d av]s t !     
fig-tree ( ,judas n[ gr[s at ,frascati1 
&  t its fruit is deadly = him :o may   
desire to become pope4 ,eat n  ! poison$
 figs1 nor give !m ei!r to y\r s]vants  
or y\r f[ls4  ,! note 0 !re2 he c\ld    
feel x2 & if he _h desir$ to accompany  
,pi]re1 x 0 9 ord] t he might drop x    
into ! lett]-box at !  ,palazzo         
,boccan]a4 ,& he cont9u$ to /ep out     
briskly1 s t )9  ano!r t5 m9utes t note 
w\ld surely be 9 ! box1 = no p[] 9  ! _w
 c\ld prev5t x1 s9ce su* 0 8 express    
det]m9ation4  ,nev] w\ld he commit su* a
 crime z to all[ p to be poison$4    ,b 
he 0 suff]+ su* abom9able torture4 ,t   
,b5$etta & t  ,d>io _h rais$ su* a      
tempe/ ( jeal\s hatr$ )9 him6 ,= !m he  
=got ,lisbe? :om he lov$1 & ev5 t fle% (
 8 fle%1 ! *ild  ( :om he 0 s pr\d4 ,all

 sex z he 01 eag] to conqu] & subdue1   
he _h nev] c>$ = facile loves4 ,8       
passion 0 to ov]come4 ,& n[  !re 0 a    
woman 9 ! _w :o defi$ him1 a woman =soo?
 :om he  _h b\ght1 :om he _h m>ri$1 :o  
_h be5 h&$ ov] to him1 b :o  w\ld nev]1 
nev] be 84 ,ah6 9 ! old days1 to subdue 
h]1 he w\ld  if ne$ful h fir$ ,rome l a 
,n]o2 b n[ he ask$ himself :at he  c\ld 
possibly d to prev5t h] f belong+ to    
ano!r4 ,t gall+  ?\ght made ! blood gu% 
f 8 gap+ w\nd4 ,h[ t woman & h]  lov]   
mu/ d]ide him6 ,& to ?9k t !y _h s\ght  
to turn him to  ridicule by a baseless  
*>ge1 an arrant lie :i* /ill & ev] made 
him sm>t1 all pro( ( its falsity to !   
contr>y4 ,he1 on 8 side1 _h  accus$ !m 9
 ! pa/ )\t mu* belief 9 :at he said1 b  
n[ !  *>ges he _h imput$ to !m mu/ come 
true1 = !y 7 free1 fre$  at all ev5ts ( 
! religi\s bond1 & t no d\bt 0 _! only  
c>e4 ,& !n visions ( _! happ9ess pass$  
be=e 8 eyes1  infuriat+ him4 ,ah6 no1   
ah6 no1 x 0 impossible1 he w\ld r       
de/roy ! _w6    ,!n1 z he & ,pi]re turn$

 out ( ! ,corso ,vittorio ,emanuele to  
?read ! old n>r[ tortu\s /reets lead+ to
 ! ,via ,giulia1 he  pictur$ himself    
dropp+ ! note into ! lett]-box at !     
palazzo4  ,& next he conjur$ up :at w\ld
 foll[4 ,! note w\ld lie 9 !  lett]-box 
till morn+4 ,at an e>ly h\r ,don        
,vigilio1 ! secret>y1 :o  by ! ,c>d9al's
 express ord]s kept ! key ( ! box1 w\ld 
come  d[n1 f9d ! note1 & h& x to 8      
,em95ce1 :o nev] all[$  ano!r to op5 any
 communication address$ to him4 ,& !n ! 
figs  w\ld be ?r[n away1 !re w\ld be no 
fur!r possibility ( crime1 !  black _w  
w\ld 9 all prud5ce keep sil5t4 ,b if !  
note %\ld n  be 9 ! lett]-box1 :at w\ld 
happ5 !n8 ,& admitt+ t  supposition he  
pictur$ ! figs plac$ on ! table at ! "o 
o'clock  meal1 9 _! pretty little       
leaf-cov]$ basket4 ,d>io w\ld be !re z  
usual1 alone ) 8 uncle1 s9ce he 0 n to  
leave = ,naples till  ! ev5+4 ,& w\ld   
bo? ! uncle & ! nephew eat ! figs1 or   
w\ld only "o ( !m p>take ( ! fruit1 &   
:i* ( !m w\ld t  be8 ,at ?is po9t       

,prada's cle>ness ( vision fail$ him2   
aga9 he  conjur$ up ,de/9y on ! m>*1 t  
,de/9y :i* he _h met on !  road f       
,frascati1 go+ on t[>ds its unkn[n goal1
 a?w>t all  ob/acles )\t possibility (  
/oppage4 ,aye1 ! little basket ( figs   
w5t ev] on & on to accompli% its fateful
 purpose1 :i* no h& 9  ! _w _h p[] en\gh
 to prev5t4    ,& at la/1 on ei!r h& (  
,pi]re & ,prada1 ! ,via ,giulia /ret*$  
away 9 a long l9e :ite ) moonlight1 & ! 
prie/ em]g$ z if  f a dream at sight ( !
 ,palazzo ,boccan]a ris+ blackly "u !   
silv] sky4 ,?ree o'clock /ruck at a     
neighb\r+ *ur*4 ,& he felt  himself     
quiv]+ slightly z once aga9 he he>d ne> 
him ! dolor\s  moan ( a lion w\nd$ unto 
dea?1 t l[ involunt>y gr[l :i* !  ,c\nt1
 amid/ ! frightful /ruggle ( 8 feel+s1  
_h = ! ?ird  "t all[$ to escape him4 ,b 
imm$iately aft]w>ds he bur/ into a      
sne]+ laugh1 & press+ ! prie/'s h&s1    
exclaim$3 ,no1 no1 ,i am  n go+ f>!r4   
,if ,i 7 se5 "h at ?is h\r1 p w\ld ?9k  
t ,i _h fall5 9 love ) my wife aga94    

,& !reupon he light$ a cig>1 & retrac$ 8
 /eps 9 ! cle>  night1 )\t once look+   
r\nd4        ,,xiii    ,,:5 ,pi]re awoke
 he 0 mu* surpris$ to he> elev5 o'clock 
/rik+4  ,fatigu$ z he 0 by t ball :]e he
 _h l+]$ s long1 he _h  slept l a *ild 9
 delightful peacefulness1 & z soon z he 
op5$  8 eyes ! radiant sun%9e fill$ him 
) hope4 ,8 fir/ ?\ght 0  t he w\ld see !
 ,pope t ev5+ at n9e o'clock4 ,t5 m h\rs
  to wait6 ,:at w\ld he be able to d )  
himself dur+ t lovely day1  ^: radiant  
sky seem$ to him ( su* happy augury8 ,he
 rose & op5$  ! w9d[s to admit ! w>m air
 :i*1 z he _h notic$ on ! day (  8      
arrival1 _h a sav\r ( fruit & fl[]s1 a  
bl5d+1 z x 71  ( ! p]fume ( rose &      
orange4 ,c\ld ?is possibly be ,decemb]8 
,:at  a delightful l&1 t ! spr+ %\ld    
seem to fl[] on ! v  ?re%old ( w9t]6    
,!n1 hav+ dress$1 he 0 lean+ out ( !    
w9d[ to glance across ! gold5 ,tib] at !
 ev]gre5 slopes ( !  ,janiculum1 :5 he  
espi$ ,b5$etta seat$ 9 ! ab&on$ g>d5 ( !
  mansion4 ,& !reupon1 unable to keep   

/ill1 full ( a desire = life1  gaiety1 &
 beauty1 he w5t d[n to jo9 h]4    ,)    
radiant visage & out/ret*$ h&s1 %e at   
once v5t$ ! cry he  _h expect$3 ,ah6 my 
de> ,abbe1 h[ happy ,i am6    ,!y _h (t5
 sp5t _! morn+s 9 t quiet1 =sak5 nook2 b
  :at sad morn+s ^? _h be51 hopeless z  
!y bo? 76 ,to-day1  h[ev]1 ! we$-gr[n   
pa?s1 ! box-plants gr[+ 9 ! old bas91  !
 orange-trees :i* alone m>k$ ! outl9e ( 
! b$s--all seem$  full ( *>m1 in/9ct ) a
 sweet & dreamy cos9ess 9 :i* x 0  v    
pleasant to lull "o's joy4 ,& x 0 s w>m1
 too1 beside ! big  laurel-bu%1 9 !     
corn] :]e ! /reamlet ( wat] ev] fell )  
flute-l music f ! gap+1 tragic mask4    
,ah6 repeat$ ,b5$etta1 h[ happy ,i am6  
,i 0 /ifl+ up/airs1 &  my he>t felt su* 
a ne$ ( space1 & air1 & sunlight1 t ,i  
came  d[n "h6    ,%e 0 seat$ on ! fall5 
column beside ! old m>ble s>cophagus1  &
 desir$ ! prie/ to place himself beside 
h]4 ,nev] _h he se5 h]  look+ s         
beautiful1 ) h] black hair encompass+ h]
 pure face1  :i* 9 ! sun%9e appe>$ p9ky 

& delicate z a fl[]4 ,h] l>ge1          
fa?omless eyes %[$ 9 ! light l brazi]s  
roll+ gold1 & h]  *ildi% m\?1 all c&\r &
 good s5se1 laugh$ ! laugh ( "o :o  0 at
 la/ free to love z h] he>t li/$1 )\t   
(f5d+ ei!r  ,god or man4 ,&1 dream+     
al\d1 %e built up plans = ! future4 ,x's
  all simple en\gh1 said %e2 ,i h       
already obta9$ a sep>ation1 &  %all     
easily get t *ang$ into civil divorce n[
 t ! ,*ur* has  annull$ my m>riage4 ,&  
,i %all m>ry ,d>io next spr+1 p]haps    
soon]1 if ! =malities c be ha/5$4 ,he is
 go+ to ,naples ?is  ev5+ ab\t ! sale ( 
"s prop]ty :i* we /ill possess !re1 b   
:i* mu/ n[ be sold1 = all ?is bus9ess   
has co/ u a lot ( money4  ,/ill1 t      
doesn't matt] s9ce we n[ belong to "o   
ano!r4 ,& :5  he comes back 9 a few     
days1 :at a happy "t we %all h6 ,i c\ld 
n  sleep :5 ,i got back f t spl5did ball
 la/ night1 = my head 0  s full (       
plans--oh6 spl5did plans1 z y %all see1 
= ,i mean to  keep y 9 ,rome until our  
m>riage4    ,l h]self1 ,pi]re began to  

laugh1 s ga9$ ^u by ?is explosion (  y\?
 & happ9ess t he _h to make a great ef=t
 to refra9 f  speak+ ( 8 own delight1 8 
hopefulness at ! ?\ght ( 8 com+         
int]view ) ! ,pope4 ,( t1 h[ev]1 he _h  
sworn to speak to  nobody4    ,e n[ &   
aga91 amid/ ! quiv]+ sil5ce ( ! sunlit  
g>d51  ! cry ( a bird p]si/5tly rang    
out2 & ,b5$etta1 rais+ h] head  & look+ 
at a cage hang+ beside "o ( ! fir/-floor
 w9d[s1  je/+ly exclaim$3 ,yes1 yes1    
,tata1 make a good noise1 %[ t y  are   
pleas$1 my de>4 ,ev]ybody 9 ! h\se mu/  
be pleas$ n[4 ,!n1  turn+ t[>ds ,pi]re1 
%e add$ gaily3 ,y "k ,tata1 don't y8    
,:at6  ,no8 ,:y1 ,tata is my uncle's    
p>rot4 ,i gave h] to him la/ spr+2 he's 
v fond ( h]1 & lets h] help h]self out (
 8 plate4 ,& he  himself att5ds to h]1  
puts h] out & takes h] 91 & keeps h] 9  
8 d9+-room1 = fe> le/ %e %\ld take cold1
 z t is ! only  room ( 8 :i* is at all  
w>m4    ,pi]re 9 8 turn look$ up & saw !
 bird1 "o ( ^? pretty little  p>rots )  
s(t1 silky1 dull-gre5 plumage4 ,x 0     

hang+ by ! beak  f a b> ( its cage1 sw++
 itself & flapp+ its w+s1 all mir?  9 ! 
bright sun%9e4    ,does ! bird talk8 he 
ask$4    ,no1 %e only screams1 repli$   
,b5$etta1 laugh+4 ,/ill my uncle        
pret5ds t he und]/&s h]4 ,& !n ! "y     
woman abruptly  d>t$ to ano!r subject1 z
 if ?is m5tion ( h] uncle ! ,c>d9al  _h 
made h] ?9k ( ! uncle by m>riage :om %e 
_h 9 ,p>is4 ,i  suppose y h he>d f      
,visc\nt de la ,*\e1 said %e4 ,i _h a   
lett] f him ye/]day1 9 :i* he said h[   
griev$ he 0 t y  7 unable to see ! ,holy
 ,fa!r1 z he _h c\nt$ on y = !  triumph 
( 8 ideas4    ,pi]re inde$ frequ5tly    
he>d f ! ,visc\nt1 :o 0 greatly         
di/ress$ by ! importance :i* 8 adv]s>y1 
,b>on de ,f\ras1 _h  acquir$ s9ce 8     
success ) ! ,int]national ,pilgrimage ( 
!  ,pet]'s ,p5ce4 ,! old1 uncompromis+  
,ca?olic p>ty w\ld awak51 said  !       
,visc\nt1 & all ! conque/s (            
,neo-,ca?olicism w\ld be  ?reat5$1 if "o
 c\ld n obta9 ! ,holy ,fa!r's =mal      
adhesion to  ! propos$ sy/em ( free     

guilds1 9 ord] to ov]come ! dem& =      
clos$ guilds :i* 0 br\ght =w>d by !     
,cons]vatives4 ,& !  ,visc\nt ov]:elm$  
,pi]re ) injunctions1 & s5t him all     
sorts (  complicat$ plans 9 8 eag]ness  
to see him receiv$ at ! ,vatican4  ,yes1
 yes1 mutt]$ ! "y prie/ 9 reply to      
,b5$etta4 ,i _h a  lett] on ,sunday1 &  
f\nd ano!r wait+ = me on my return f    
,frascati ye/]day4 ,ah6 x w\ld make me v
 happy to be able to s5d  ! ,visc\nt "s 
good news4 ,!n aga9 ,pi]re's joy ov]fl[$
 at !  ?\ght t he w\ld t ev5+ see !     
,pope1 &1 on op5+ 8  lov+ he>t to !     
,pontiff1 receive ! supreme enc\ragem5t 
:i*  w\ld /r5g!n him 9 8 mission to "w  
social salvation 9 ! "n  ( ! l[ly & !   
poor4 ,& he c\ld n re/ra9 himself any   
long]1  b let 8 secret escape him3 ,x's 
settl$1 y "k1 said he4 ,my  audi5ce is =
 ?is ev5+4    ,b5$etta did n und]/& at  
fir/4 ,:at audi5ce8 %e ask$4    ,oh6    
,monsignor ,nani 0 good en\gh to tell me
 at ! ball ?is morn+1  t ! ,holy ,fa!r  
has read my book & desires to see me4 ,i

 %all be  receiv$ ?is ev5+ at n9e       
o'clock4    ,at ?is ! ,contess9a flu%$ )
 pleasure1 p>ticipat+ 9 !  delight ( !  
"y prie/ to :om %e _h gr[n mu* atta*$4  
,& ?is  success ( 81 com+ 9 ! mid/ ( h] 
own felicity1 acquir$  extraord9>y      
importance 9 h] eyes z if x 7 an augury 
( complete  success = "o & all4         
,sup]/iti\s z %e 01 %e rais$ a cry (    
rapture & excitem5t3 ,ah6 _/,dio_/1 t w 
br+ u good luck4 ,h[  happy ,i am1 my   
fri5d1 to see happ9ess com+ to y at !   
same "t z  to me6 ,y _c ?9k h[ pleas$ ,i
 am6 ,& all w g well n[1 x's  c]ta91 = a
 h\se :]e !re is any "o :om ! ,pope     
welcomes is  bless$1 ! ?und] ( ,heav5   
falls on x no m6    ,%e laugh$ yet m    
l\dly z %e spoke1 & clapp$ h] h&s ) su* 
exub]ant gaiety t ,pi]re became anxi\s4 
,hu%6 hu%6 said he1 x's  a secret4 ,pray
 don't m5tion x to any "o1 ei!r y\r aunt
 or ev5 8  ,em95ce4 ,monsignor ,nani    
w\ld be mu* annoy$4    ,%e !reupon      
promis$ to say no?+1 & 9 a k9dly voice  
spoke (  ,nani z a b5efactor1 = 0 %e n  

indebt$ to him = ! dissolution  ( h]    
m>riage8 ,!n1 ) a fre% explosion (      
gaiety1 %e w5t on3  ,b come1 my fri5d1  
is n happ9ess ! only good ?+8 ,y don't  
ask  me to weep ov] ! suff]+ poor       
to-day6 ,ah6 ! happ9ess ( life1  t's    
ev]y?+4 ,p don't suff] or feel cold or  
hungry :5 !y  are happy4    ,he look$ at
 h] 9 /upefaction at ! idea ( t /range  
solution (  ! t]rible "q ( human mis]y4 
,& sudd5ly he realis$ t1  ) t daught] ( 
! sun :o _h inh]it$ s _m c5turies (     
sov]eign ari/ocracy1 all 8 endeav\rs at 
conv]sion 7 va94 ,he _h  wi%$ to br+ h] 
to a ,*ri/ian love = ! l[ly & ! wret*$1 
w9 h] ov] to ! new1 enlight5$1 &        
compassionate ,italy t he _h  dreamt (2 
b if %e _h be5 mov$ by ! suff]+s ( !    
multitude  at ! "t :5 %e h]self _h      
suff]$1 :5 griev\s w\nds _h made  h] own
 he>t ble$1 %e 0 no soon] heal$ ?an %e  
proclaim$ !  doctr9e ( univ]sal felicity
 l a true daught] ( a clime ( burn+     
summ]s1 & w9t]s z mild z spr+4 ,b       
ev]ybody is n happy6  said he4    ,yes1 

yes1 !y are6 %e exclaim$4 ,y don't "k ! 
poor6 ,give a  girl ( ! ,tra/ev]e ! lad 
%e loves1 & %e becomes z radiant z a    
que51 & f9ds h] dry bread q sweet4 ,!   
mo!rs :o save a *ild  f sickness1 ! m5  
:o conqu] 9 a battle1 or :o w9 at !     
lott]y1 "o & all 9 fact are l t1 p only 
ask = good  =tune & pleasure4 ,& despite
 all y\r /riv+ to be j & to  arrive at a
 m ev5 di/ribution ( =tune1 ! only      
satisfi$ ones  w be ^? ^: he>ts s+--(t5 
)\t _! kn[+ !  cause--on a f9e sunny day
 l ?is4    ,pi]re made a ge/ure (       
surr5d]1 n wi%+ to sadd5 h] by aga9     
plead+ ! cause ( all ! poor ones :o at t
 v mom5t 7  some:]e agonis+ ) physical  
or m5tal pa94 ,b1 all at once1  ?r\gh ! 
lum9\s mild atmosph]e a %ad[ seem$ to   
fall1 t+e+  joy ) sadness1 ! sun%9e )   
despair4 ,& ! sight ( ! old  s>cophagus1
 ) its bac*anal ( satyrs & nymphs1      
br\ght back !  memory t dea? lurks ev5  
amid/ ! bliss ( passion1 ! unsatiat$    
kisses ( love4 ,= a mom5t ! cle> song ( 
! wat] s\nd$ 9  ,pi]re's e>s l a        

long-drawn sob1 & all seem$ to crumble 9
 !  t]rible %ad[ :i* _h fall5 f !       
invisible4    ,b5$etta1 h[ev]1 caught   
hold ( 8 h&s & r\s$ him once m to  !    
delight ( be+ !re beside h]4 ,y\r pupil 
is rebelli\s1 is %e  n1 my fri5d8 said  
%e4 ,b :at w\ld y h8 ,!re are ideas  :i*
 c't ent] into our heads4 ,no1 y w nev] 
get ^? ?+s  into ! head ( a ,roman girl4
 ,s be cont5t ) lov+ u z we are1        
beautiful ) all our /r5g?1 z beautiful z
 we c be4    ,%e h]self1 9 h] respl5d5t 
happ9ess1 look$ at t mom5t s  beautiful 
t he trembl$ z 9 pres5ce ( a div9ity ^: 
all-p[]fulness sway$ ! _w4 ,yes1 yes1 he
 /amm]$1 beauty1  beauty1 /ill & ev]    
sov]eign4 ,ah6 :y c x n suffice to      
satisfy  ! et]nal long+s ( poor suff]+  
m58    ,nev] m9d6 %e gaily respond$4 ,d 
n di/ress y\rself2 x is  pleasant to    
live4 ,& n[ let u g up/airs1 my aunt mu/
 be wait+4    ,! midday meal 0 s]v$ at  
"o o'clock1 & on ! few occasions :5     
,pi]re did n eat at "o or ano!r         
re/aurant a cov] 0 laid = him  at !     

ladies' table 9 ! little d9+-room ( !   
second floor1  ov]look+ ! c\rty>d4 ,at !
 same h\r1 9 ! sunlit d9+-room (  ! fir/
 floor1 ^: w9d[s fac$ ! ,tib]1 ! ,c>d9al
 likewise sat  d[n to table1 happy 9 !  
society ( 8 nephew ,d>io1 = 8  secret>y1
 ,don ,vigilio1 :o also 0 usually       
pres5t1 nev] op5$ 8  m\? unless to reply
 to "s "q4 ,& ! two s]vices 7 q  di/9ct1
 ea* hav+ its own kit*5 & s]vants1 !    
only ?+ at all  common to !m bo? be+ a  
l>ge room d[n/airs :i* s]v$ z a  pantry 
& /ore-place4    ,al?\gh ! second-floor 
d9+-room 0 s gloomy1 sadd5$ by !  gre5y 
half-light ( ! c\rty>d1 ! meal %>$ t day
 by ! two  ladies & ! "y prie/ prov$ a v
 gay "o4 ,ev5 ,donna ,s]af9a1  usually s
 rigid1 seem$ to relax "u ! influ5ce (  
great int]nal  felicity4 ,%e 0 no d\bt  
/ill enjoy+ h] triumph ( ! previ\s      
ev5+1 & x 0 %e :o fir/ spoke ( ! ball & 
sung its praises1  ?\gh ! pres5ce ( !   
,k+ & ,que5 _h mu* emb>rass$ h]1 said   
%e4 ,accord+ to h] acc\nt1 %e _h only   
avoid$ pres5tation by  skilful /rategy2 

h[ev] %e hop$ t h] well-kn[n affection =
  ,celia1 ^: god-"m %e 01 w\ld expla9 h]
 pres5ce 9 t  neutral mansion :]e       
,vatican & ,quir9al _h met4 ,at ! same  
"t %e  mu/ h reta9$ c]ta9 scruples1 = %e
 decl>$ t directly aft]  d9n] %e 0 go+  
to ! ,vatican to see ! ,c>d9al          
,secret>y1 to  :om %e desir$ to speak   
ab\t an ent]prise ( :i* %e 0            
lady-patroness4 ,?is visit w\ld         
comp5sate = h] att5dance at !           
,buongiovanni ent]ta9m5t4 ,& on ! o!r h&
 nev] _h ,donna  ,s]af9a seem$ s zeal\s 
& hopeful ( h] bro!r's spe$y accession  
to ! ?rone ( ,/4 ,pet]3 !re9 lay a      
supreme triumph1 an elevation  ( h]     
race1 :i* h] pride deem$ bo? ne$ful &   
inevitable2 &  inde$ dur+ ,leo ,,xiii's 
la/ indisposition %e _h actually conc]n$
  h]self ab\t ! tr\sseau :i* w\ld be    
ne$$ & :i* w\ld require  to be m>k$ ) ! 
new ,pontiff's arms4    ,on h] side1    
,b5$etta 0 all gaiety dur+ ! repa/1     
laugh+ at  ev]y?+1 & speak+ ( ,celia &  
,attilio ) ! passionate  affection ( a  

woman ^: own happ9ess delights 9 t ( h] 
fri5ds4  ,!n1 j z ! dess]t _h be5 s]v$1 
%e turn$ to ! s]vant )  an air (        
surprise3 ,well1 & ! figs1 ,giacomo8 %e 
ask$4    ,giacomo1 sl[ & sleepy (       
notion1 look$ at h] )\t und]/&+4        
,h[ev]1 ,victor9e 0 cross+ ! room1 &    
,b5$etta's next "q  0 = h]3 ,:y are !   
figs n s]v$1 ,victor9e8 %e inquir$4     
,:at figs1 ,contess9a8    ,:y ! figs ,i 
saw 9 ! pantry z ,i pass$ ?r\gh x ?is   
morn+ on  my way to ! g>d54 ,!y 7 9 a   
little basket & look$ sup]b4 ,i  0 ev5  
a/oni%$ to see t !re 7 /ill "s fre% figs
 left at  ?is season4 ,i'm v fond ( !m1 
& felt q pleas$ at ! ?\ght  t ,i %\ld   
eat "s at d9n]4    ,victor9e began to   
laugh3 ,ah6 yes1 ,contess9a1 ,i und]/&1 
%e  repli$4 ,!y 7 "s figs :i* t prie/ ( 
,frascati1 :om y  "k v well1 br\ght     
ye/]day ev5+ z a pres5t = 8 ,em95ce4  ,i
 0 !re1 & ,i he>d him repeat ?ree or f\r
 times t !y 7 a  pres5t1 & 7 to be put  
on 8 ,em95ce's table )\t a leaf be+     
t\*$4 ,& s "o did z he said4    ,well1  

t's nice1 retort$ ,b5$etta ) comical    
indignation4 ,:at  _/g\rm&s_/ my uncle &
 ,d>io are to regale !mselves )\t u6 ,!y
  might h giv5 u a %>e6    ,donna       
,s]af9a !reupon int]v5$1 & ask$         
,victor9e3 ,y are  speak+1 are y n1 ( t 
prie/ :o us$ to come to ! villa at      
,frascati8    ,yes1 yes1 ,abbe          
,santobono 8 "n is1 he (ficiates at !   
little *ur*  ( ,/4 ,m>y 9 ! ,fields4 ,he
 always asks = ,abbe ,pap>elli :5 he    
calls2 ,i ?9k !y 7 at ! sem9>y toge!r4  
,& x 0 ,abbe  ,pap>elli :o br\ght him to
 ! pantry ) 8 basket la/ night4 ,to     
tell ! tru?1 ! basket 0 =gott5 !re 9    
spite ( all !  injunctions1 s t nobody  
w\ld h eat5 ! figs to-day if ,abbe      
,pap>elli hadn't run d[n j n[ & c>ri$ !m
 up/airs z pi\sly  z if !y 7 ! ,bless$  
,sacram5t4 ,x's true ?\gh t 8 ,em95ce   
is s fond ( !m4    ,my bro!r won't d !m 
mu* hon\r to-day1 rem>k$ ! ,pr9cess4 ,he
  is slightly indispos$4 ,he pass$ a bad
 night4 ,! repeat$ m5tion (  ,abbe      
,pap>elli _h made ! old lady some:at    

?\ghtful4 ,%e _h  reg>d$ ! tra9-be>] )  
displeasure ev] s9ce %e _h notic$ !     
extraord9>y influ5ce he 0 ga9+ ov] !    
,c>d9al1 despite all 8  app>5t humility 
& self-effacem5t4 ,he 0 b a s]vant &    
app>5tly a v insignificant "o1 yet he   
gov]n$1 & %e c\ld feel  t he combat$ h] 
own influ5ce1 (t5 undo+ ?+s :i* %e _h   
done to fur!r h] bro!r's int]e/s4 ,twice
 already1 moreov]1 %e _h  suspect$ him (
 hav+ urg$ ! ,c>d9al to c\rses :i* %e   
look$  ^u z absolute blund]s4 ,b p]haps 
%e 0 wrong2 %e did !  tra9-be>] ! ju/ice
 to admit t he _h great m]its & display$
  exempl>y piety4    ,h[ev]1 ,b5$etta   
w5t on laugh+ & je/+1 & z ,victor9e _h  
n[  )drawn1 %e call$ ! man-s]vant3      
,li/51 ,giacomo1 ,i h a  commission = y4
 ,!n %e broke (f to say to h] aunt &    
,pi]re3  ,pray let u ass]t our rights4  
,i c see !m at table almo/ und]nea?  u4 
,uncle is tak+ ! leaves (f ! basket &   
s]v+ himself ) a  smile2 !n he passes ! 
basket to ,d>io1 :o passes x on to ,don 
,vigilio4 ,& all ?ree ( !m eat & enjoy !

 figs4 ,y c see !m1  c't y8 ,%e h]self  
c\ld see !m well4 ,& x 0 h] desire to be
  ne> ,d>io1 ! con/ant flight ( h]      
?\ghts to him t n[ made h]  picture him 
at table ) ! o!rs4 ,h] he>t 0 d[n bel[1 
& !re  0 no?+ !re t %e c\ld n see1 &    
he>1 & smell1 ) su*  ke5ness ( ! s5ses  
did h] love end[ h]4 ,giacomo1 %e       
resum$1  y are to g d[n & tell 8 ,em95ce
 t we are long+ to ta/e  8 figs1 & t x w
 be v k9d ( him if he w s5d u su* z  he 
c sp>e4    ,aga91 h[ev]1 did ,donna     
,s]af9a int]v5e1 recall+ h] wont$       
sev]ity ( voice3 ,giacomo1 y w please   
/ay "h4 ,& to h] niece  %e add$3 ,t's   
en\gh *ildi%ness6 ,i dislike su* silly  
freaks4    ,oh6 aunt1 ,b5$etta murmur$4 
,b ,i'm s happy1 x's s long s9ce ,i     
laugh$ s good-he>t$ly4    ,pi]re _h     
hi!rto rema9$ li/5+1 enliv5$ by ! sight 
( h]  gaiety4 ,b n[1 z a little *ill    
fell1 he rais$ 8 voice to say t  on !   
previ\s day he himself _h be5 a/oni%$ to
 see ! fam\s  fig-tree ( ,frascati /ill 
be>+ fruit s late 9 ! ye>4 ,?is 0       

d\btless due1 h[ev]1 to ! tree's        
position & ! protection ( a  high wall4 
,ah6 s y saw ! tree8 said ,b5$etta4     
,yes1 & ,i ev5 travell$ ) ^? figs :i* y 
w\ld s mu* l  to ta/e4    ,:y1 h[ 0 t8  
,! "y man already regrett$ ! reply :i*  
_h escap$ him4 ,h[ev]1  hav+ gone s f>1 
he pref]r$ to say ev]y?+4 ,i met        
somebody at  ,frascati :o _h come !re 9 
a c>riage & :o insi/$ on driv+ me  back 
to ,rome1 said he4 ,on ! way we pick$ up
 ,abbe ,santobono1 :o 0  bravely mak+ ! 
j\rney on foot ) 8 basket 9 8 h&4 ,&    
aft]w>ds we /opp$ at an _/o/]ia_/-- ,!n 
he w5t on to describe !  drive & relate 
8 impressions :il/ cross+ ! ,campagna   
amid/ !  fall+ twilight4 ,b ,b5$etta    
gaz$ at him fix$ly1 aw>e z %e 0 (       
,prada's frequ5t visits to ! l& & h\ses 
:i* he own$ at  ,frascati2 & sudd5ly %e 
murmur$3 ,somebody1 somebody1 x 0 !     
,c\nt1 0 x n8    ,yes1 madame1 ! ,c\nt1 
,pi]re answ]$4 ,i saw him aga9 la/      
night2  he 0 ov]come1 & really des]ves  
to be piti$4    ,! two wom5 took no     

(f5ce at ?is *>itable rem>k :i* fell f  
! "y prie/ ) su* deep & natural emotion1
 full z he 0 (  ov]fl[+ love &          
compassion = "o & all4 ,donna ,s]af9a   
rema9$  motionless z if %e _h n ev5 he>d
 him1 & ,b5$etta made a ge/ure  :i*     
seem$ to imply t %e _h nei!r pity nor   
hatr$ to express =  a man :o _h become a
 p]fect /rang] to h]4 ,h[ev]1 %e no     
long]  laugh$1 b1 ?9k+ ( ! little basket
 :i* _h travell$ 9  ,prada's c>riage1 %e
 said3 ,ah6 ,i don't c>e = ^? figs at   
all n[1  ,i am ev5 glad t ,i hav5't eat5
 any ( !m4    ,imm$iately aft] ! c(fee  
,donna ,s]af9a )drew1 say+ t %e 0  at   
once go+ to ! ,vatican2 & ! o!rs1 be+   
left to !mselves1  l+]$ at table1 aga9  
full ( gaiety1 & *att+ l fri5ds4 ,!     
prie/1 ) 8 fev]i% impati5ce1 once m     
ref]r$ to ! audi5ce  :i* he 0 to h t    
ev5+4 ,x 0 n[ b>ely two o'clock1 & he   
_h sev5 m h\rs to wait4 ,h[ %\ld he     
employ t endless  aft]noon8 ,!reupon    
,b5$etta good-natur$ly made him a       
proposal4 ,i'll  tell y :at1 said %e1 z 

we are all 9 su* good spirits we mu/n't 
leave "o ano!r4 ,d>io has 8 victoria1 y 
"k4 ,he mu/ h  f9i%$ lun* by n[1 & ,i'll
 ask him to take u = a long drive along 
! ,tib]4    ,?is f9e project s delight$ 
h] t %e began to clap h] h&s2 b  j !n   
,don ,vigilio appe>$ ) a sc>$ look on 8 
face4 ,isn't !  ,pr9cess "h8 he inquir$4
    ,no1 my aunt has gone out4 ,:at is !
 matt]8    ,8 ,em95ce s5t me4 ,! ,pr9ce 
has j felt unwell on ris+ f  table4 ,oh6
 x's no?+--no?+ s]i\s1 no d\bt4         
,b5$etta rais$ a cry ( surprise r ?an   
anxiety3 ,:at1 ,d>io6  ,well1 we'll all 
g d[n4 ,come ) me1 ,monsieur l',abbe4   
,he mu/n't get  ill if he is to take u =
 a drive6 ,!n1 meet+ ,victor9e on !     
/airs1 %e bade h] foll[4 ,d>io isn't    
well1 %e said4 ,y may be  want$4    ,!y 
all f\r ent]$ ! spaci\s1 antiquat$1 &   
simply furni%$  b$-room :]e ! "y ,pr9ce 
_h lately be5 laid up = a :ole  mon?4 ,x
 0 rea*$ by way ( a small _/salon_/1 & f
 an adjo9+  dress+-room a passage       
conduct$ to ! ,c>d9al's ap>tm5ts1 !     

relatively small d9+-room1 b$-room1 &   
/udy1 :i* _h be5 devis$  by subdivid+ "o
 ( ! huge gall]ies ( =m] days4 ,9       
addition1 !  passage gave access to 8   
,em95ce's private *apel1 a b>e1         
unc>pet$1  *airless room1 :]e !re 0 no?+
 beyond ! pa9t$1 wood5 alt>1  & ! h>d1  
cold tiles on :i* to kneel & pray4      
,on ent]+1 ,b5$etta ha/5$ to ! b$ :]e   
,d>io 0 ly+1 /ill  fully dress$4 ,ne>   
him1 9 fa!rly fa%ion1 /ood ,c>d9al      
,boccan]a1  :o1 amid/ 8 dawn+ anxiety1  
reta9$ 8 pr\d & l(ty  be>+--! calmness (
 a s\l beyond reproa*4 ,:y1 :at is !    
matt]1 ,d>io _/mio_/8 ask$ ! "y woman4  
,he smil$1 eag] to reassure h]4 ,"o only
 notic$ t he 0 v pale1  ) a look z (    
intoxication on 8 face4    ,oh6 x's     
no?+1 m]e gidd9ess1 he repli$4 ,x's j z 
if ,i _h  drunk too mu*4 ,all at once   
?+s swam be=e my eyes1 & ,i ?\ght ,i  0 
go+ to fall4 ,& !n ,i only _h "t to come
 & fl+ myself on  ! b$4    ,!n he drew a
 long brea?1 z ?\gh talk+ exhau/$ him1 &
 !  ,c>d9al 9 8 turn gave "s details4   

,we _h j f9i%$ our meal1  said he1 ,i 0 
giv+ ,don ,vigilio "s ord]s = ?is       
aft]noon1 &  0 ab\t to rise :5 ,i saw   
,d>io get up & reel4 ,he w\ldn't sit d[n
  aga91 b came 9 "h1 /agg]+ l a         
somnambuli/1 & fumbl+ at  ! doors to op5
 !m4 ,we foll[$ him )\t und]/&+4 ,& ,i  
confess t ,i don't yet compreh5d x4     
,s say+1 ! ,c>d9al punctuat$ 8 surprise 
by wav+ 8 arm t[>ds  ! rooms1 ?r\gh :i* 
a gu/ ( mis=tune seem$ to h sudd5ly     
swept4 ,all ! doors _h rema9$ wide op53 
! dress+-room c\ld be  se51 & !n !      
passage1 at ! end ( :i* appe>$ !        
d9+-room1  9 a disord]ly /ate1 l an     
ap>tm5t sudd5ly vacat$2 ! table  /ill   
laid1 ! napk9s flung "h & !re1 & ! *airs
 pu%$ back4  ,z yet1 h[ev]1 !re 0 no    
al>m4    ,b5$etta made ! rem>k :i* is   
usually made 9 su* cases3 ,i hope  y    
hav5't eat5 any?+ :i* has disagre$ ) y4 
,! ,c>d9al1 smil+1 aga9 wav$ 8 h& z if  
to atte/ ! frugality  ( 8 table4 ,oh6   
said he1 !re 7 only "s eggs1 "s lamb    
cutlets1 & a di% ( sorrel--!y c\ldn't h 

ov]load$ 8 /oma*4  ,i myself only dr9k  
wat]2 he takes j a sip ( :ite w9e4 ,no1 
no1 !  food has no?+ to d ) x4          
,besides1 9 t case 8 ,em95ce & ,i w\ld  
also h felt  indispos$1 ,don ,vigilio   
made bold to rem>k4    ,d>io1 aft]      
mom5t>ily clos+ 8 eyes1 op5$ !m aga91 & 
once  m drew a long brea?1 :il/         
endeav\r+ to laugh4 ,oh1 x w be  no?+2  
he said4 ,i feel m at ease already4 ,i  
mu/ get up & /ir  myself4    ,9 t case1 
said ,b5$etta1 ?is is :at ,i _h ?\ght (4
 ,y w  take ,monsieur l',abbe ,from5t & 
me = a long drive 9 ! ,campagna4        
,will+ly4 ,x's a nice idea4 ,victor9e1  
help me4    ,:il/ speak+ he _h rais$    
himself by means ( "o arm2 b1 be=e  !   
s]vant c\ld approa*1 a slight convulsion
 seiz$ him1 & he fell  back aga9 z if   
ov]come by a fa9t+ fit4 ,x 0 ! ,c>d9al1 
/ill  /&+ by ! b$side1 :o caught him 9 8
 arms1 :il/ !  ,contess9a ?is "t lo/ h] 
head3 _/,dio1 ,dio_/6 ,x has come on him
  aga94 ,quick1 quick1 a doctor6        
,%all ,i run = "o8 ask$ ,pi]re1 :om !   

sc5e 0 also beg9n+ to  upset4    ,no1   
no1 n y2 /ay ) me4 ,victor9e w g at     
once4 ,%e kn[s !  address4 ,doctor      
,giordano1 ,victor9e4    ,! s]vant      
hurri$ away1 & a heavy sil5ce fell on ! 
room :]e !  anxiety became m pron\nc$ e 
mom5t4 ,b5$etta1 n[ q pale1  _h aga9    
approa*$ ! b$1 :il/ ! ,c>d9al look$ d[n 
at ,d>io1  :om he /ill held 9 8 arms4 ,&
 a t]rible suspicion1 vague1            
indet]m9ate z yet1 _h j awoke 9 ! old   
man's m9d3 ,d>io's face  seem$ to him to
 be a%51 to we> t mask ( t]rifi$ angui% 
:i*  he _h already rem>k$ on ! c\nt5ance
 ( 8 de>e/ fri5d1  ,monsignor ,gallo1 :5
 he _h held him 9 8 arms1 9 l mann]1 two
  h\rs be=e 8 dea?4 ,!re 0 also ! same  
swoon & ! same  s5sation ( clasp+ a cold
 =m ^: he>t ceases to beat4 ,& above    
ev]y?+ else !re 0 9 ,boccan]a's m9d !   
same gr[+ ?\ght (  poison1 poison com+  
"o knew n :5ce or h[1 b my/]i\sly  /rik+
 d[n ^? ar\nd him ) ! sudd5ness (       
lightn+4 ,& =  a long "t he rema9$ ) 8  
head b5t ov] ! face ( 8 nephew1  t la/  

scion ( 8 race1 seek+1 /udy+1 &         
recognis+ ! signs  ( ! my/]i\s1         
implacable disord] :i* once already _h  
r5t 8  he>t atwa94    ,b ,b5$etta       
address$ him 9 a l[1 entreat+ voice3 ,y 
w tire  y\rself1 uncle4 ,let me take him
 a little1 ,i beg y4 ,h no fe>1 ,i'll   
hold him v g5tly1 he w feel t x is ,i1 &
 p]haps t w  r\se him4    ,at la/ !     
,c>d9al rais$ 8 head & look$ at h]1 &   
all[$ h]  to take 8 place aft] kiss+ h] 
) di/ract$ passion1 8 eyes !  :ile full 
( te>s--a sudd5 bur/ ( emotion 9 :i* 8  
great love  = ! "y woman melt$ ! /]n    
frigidity :i* he usually affect$4  ,ah6 
my poor *ild1 my poor *ild6 he /amm]$1  
trembl+ f head to  foot l an oak-tree   
ab\t to fall4 ,imm$iately aft]w>ds1     
h[ev]1 he  ma/]$ himself1 & :il/ ,pi]re 
& ,don ,vigilio1 mute & motionless1     
regrett$ t !y c\ld be ( no help1 he     
walk$ sl[ly to & fro4  ,soon1 moreov]1 t
 b$-*amb] became too small = all !      
?\ghts  revolv+ 9 8 m9d1 & he /ray$ fir/
 into ! dress+-room &  !n d[n ! passage 

z f> z ! d9+-room4 ,& aga9 & aga9 he    
w5t to & fro1 grave & impassible1 8 head
 l[1 ev] lo/ 9 !  same gloomy rev]ie4   
,:at 7 ! multitud9\s ?\ghts /irr+ 9 !   
bra9 ( t believ]1 t haughty ,pr9ce :o _h
 giv5 himself to ,god  & c\ld d naught  
to /ay inevitable ,de/9y8 ,f "t to "t he
  return$ to ! b$side1 obs]v$ ! progress
 ( ! disord]1 & !n  />t$ (f aga9 at !   
same sl[ regul> pace1 disappe>+ &       
reappe>+1 c>ri$ along z x 7 by !        
monoton\s alt]nations (  =ces :i* man _c
 control4 ,possibly he 0 mi/ak51        
possibly ?is  0 "s m]e indisposition at 
:i* ! doctor w\ld smile4 ,"o mu/  hope &
 wait4 ,& aga9 he w5t (f & aga9 he came 
back2 & amid/  ! heavy sil5ce no?+ m    
cle>ly bespoke ! torture ( anxi\s  fe>  
?an ! rhy?mical foot/eps ( t tall old   
man :o 0 ?us  await+ ,de/9y4    ,! door 
op5$1 & ,victor9e came 9 brea?less4 ,i  
f\nd ! doctor1  "h he is1 %e gasp$4     
,) 8 little p9k face & :ite curls1 8    
discreet pat]nal be>+  :i* gave him !   
air ( an amiable prelate1 ,doctor       

,giordano came 9  smil+2 b on see+ t    
room & all ! anxi\s p wait+ 9  x1 he    
turn$ v grave1 at once assum+ !         
expression ( pr(\nd  respect = all      
ecclesia/ical secrets :i* he _h acquir$ 
by long  practice among ! cl]gy4 ,& :5  
he _h glanc$ at ! suff]] he let  b a l[ 
murmur escape him3 ,:at1 aga96 ,is x    
beg9n+ aga96    ,he 0 probably allud+ to
 ! knife ?ru/ = :i* he _h rec5tly  t5d$ 
,d>io4 ,:o c\ld be ?us rel5tlessly      
pursu+ t poor &  in(f5sive "y pr9ce8    
,h[ev] no "o he>d ! doctor unless x 7   
,b5$etta1 & %e 0 s full ( fev]i%        
impati5ce1 s eag] to be  tranquillis$1 t
 %e did n li/5 b bur/ into fre%         
entreaties3  ,oh6 doctor1 pray look at  
him1 exam9e him1 tell u t x is no?+4  ,x
 c't be any?+ s]i\s1 s9ce he 0 s well & 
gay b a little  :ile ago4 ,x's no?+     
s]i\s1 is x8    ,y are "r no d\bt1      
,contess9a1 x c be no?+ dang]\s4 ,we w  
see4    ,h[ev]1 on turn+ r\nd1 ,doctor  
,giordano p]ceiv$ ! ,c>d9al1 :o  )      
regul>1 ?\ghtful foot/eps _h come back f

 ! d9+-room to  place himself at ! foot 
( ! b$4 ,& :ile b[+1 ! doctor  d\btless 
detect$ a gleam ( mortal anxiety 9 ! d>k
 eyes fix$ ^u  8 own1 = he add$ no?+ b  
began to exam9e ,d>io l a man :o        
realises t "t is preci\s4 ,& z 8        
exam9ation progress$ !  affable optimism
 :i* usually appe>$ ^u 8 c\nt5ance gave 
place  to a%5 gravity1 a cov]t t]ror :i*
 made 8 lips slightly tremble4  ,x 0 he 
:o _h att5d$ ,monsignor ,gallo :5 !     
latt] _h be5  c>ri$ (f s my/]i\sly2 x 0 
he :o = imp]ative reasons _h  !n deliv]$
 a c]tificate /at+ ! cause ( dea? to be 
infecti\s  fev]2 & d\btless he n[ f\nd !
 same t]rible symptoms z 9 t  case1 a   
lead5 hue ov]spread+ ! suff]]'s         
features1 a /upor z (  excessive        
intoxication2 &1 old ,roman practition] 
t he 01  accu/om$ to sudd5 dea?s1 he    
realis$ t ! _/mal>ia_/ :i* kills  0     
pass+1 t _/mal>ia_/ :i* sci5ce does n   
yet fully und]/&1  :i* may come f !     
putresc5t exhalations ( ! ,tib] unless x
 be  b a "n = ! anci5t poison ( !       

leg5ds4    ,z ! doctor rais$ 8 head 8   
glance aga9 enc\nt]$ ! black eyes  ( !  
,c>d9al1 :i* nev] left him4 ,signor     
,giordano1 said 8  ,em95ce1 y are n     
ov]-anxi\s1 ,i hope8 ,x is only "s case 
(  indige/ion1 is x n8    ,! doctor aga9
 b[$4 ,by ! slight quiv] ( ! ,c>d9al's  
voice he  und]/ood h[ acute 0 ! anxiety 
( t p[]ful man1 :o once m  0 /rick5 9 8 
de>e/ affections4    ,y\r ,em95ce mu/ be
 "r1 he said1 !re's a bad dige/ion      
c]ta9ly4 ,su* accid5ts sometimes become 
dang]\s :5 fev]  sup]v5es4 ,i ne$ n tell
 y\r ,em95ce h[ ?or\ghly y may rely on  
my prud5ce & zeal4 ,!n he broke (f &    
add$ 9 a cle>  pr(essional voice3 ,we   
mu/ lose no "t2 ! ,pr9ce mu/ be         
undress$4  ,i %\ld pref] to rema9 alone 
) him = a mom5t4    ,:il/ speak+ 9 ?is  
way1 h[ev]1 ,doctor ,giordano deta9$    
,victor9e1  :o w\ld be able to help him1
 said he2 %\ld he ne$ any fur!r         
assi/ance he w\ld take ,giacomo4 ,8     
evid5t desire 0 to get rid (  ! memb]s (
 ! family 9 ord] t he might h m fre$om (

  action4 ,& ! ,c>d9al1 :o und]/ood him1
 g5tly l$ ,b5$etta into  ! d9+-room1    
:i!r ,pi]re & ,don ,vigilio foll[$4     
,:5 ! doors _h be5 clos$1 ! mo/ m\rnful 
& oppressive sil5ce  reign$ 9 t         
d9+-room1 :i* ! bright sun ( w9t] fill$ 
)  su* delightful w>m? & radiance4 ,!   
table 0 /ill laid1 its clo?  /rewn "h & 
!re ) bread-crumbs2 & a c(fee cup _h    
rema9$  half full4 ,9 ! c5tre /ood !    
basket ( figs1 ^: cov]+ (  leaves _h be5
 remov$4 ,h[ev]1 only two or ?ree ( !   
figs 7  miss+4 ,& 9 front ( ! w9d[ 0    
,tata1 ! female p>rot1 :o _h  fl[n out (
 h] cage & p]*$ h]self on h] /&1 :]e %e 
rema9$1 dazzl$ & enraptur$1 amid/ !     
danc+ du/ ( a broad  yell[ sunray4 ,9 h]
 a/oni%m5t h[ev]1 at see+ s _m p  ent]1 
%e _h ceas$ to scream & smoo? h] fea!rs1
 & _h turn$  h] head ! bett] to exam9e !
 newcom]s ) h] r\nd &  scrut9is+ eye4   
,! m9utes w5t by sl[ly amid/ all !      
fev]i% anxiety z to :at  might be       
occurr+ 9 ! neighb\r+ room4 ,don        
,vigilio _h tak5 a  corn] seat 9 sil5ce1

 :il/ ,b5$etta & ,pi]re1 :o _h rema9$   
/&+1 pres]v$ simil> mut5ess1 &          
immobility4 ,b ! ,c>d9al  _h rev]t$ to t
 in/9ctive1 lull+ tramp by :i* he       
app>5tly  hop$ to quiet 8 impati5ce &   
arrive ! soon] at ! explanation  = :i*  
he 0 grop+ ?r\gh a tumultu\s maze (     
ideas4 ,& :il/  8 rhy?mical foot/eps    
res\nd$ ) me*anical regul>ity1 d>k fury 
0 tak+ possession ( 8 m9d1 exasp]ation  
at be+ unable to  und]/& ! :y & :]e=e ( 
t sickness4 ,z he pass$ ! table  he _h  
twice glanc$ at ! ?+s ly+ on x 9        
confusion1 z if  seek+ "s explanation f 
!m4 ,p]haps ! h>m _h be5 done by  t     
unf9i%$ c(fee1 or by t bread ^: crumbs  
lay "h & !re1  or by ^? cutlets1 a bone 
( :i* rema9$8 ,!n z = ! ?ird "t  he     
pass$ by1 aga9 glanc+1 8 eyes fell ^u ! 
basket ( figs1 &  at once he /opp$1 z if
 b5ea? ! %ock ( a revelation4 ,an idea  
seiz$ ^u him & ma/]$ him1 )\t any plan1 
h[ev]1 occurr+ to  him by :i* he might  
*ange 8 sudd5 suspicion into c]ta9ty4 ,=
 a  mom5t he rema9$ puzzl$ ) 8 eyes fix$

 ^u ! basket4 ,!n he  took a fig &      
exam9$ x1 b1 notic+ no?+ /range1 0 ab\t 
to  put x back :5 ,tata1 ! p>rot1 :o 0 v
 fond ( figs1 rais$ a  /rid5t cry4 ,&   
?is 0 l a ray ( light2 ! means ( *ang+  
suspicion into c]ta9ty 0 f\nd4          
,sl[ly1 ) grave air & gloomy visage1 !  
,c>d9al c>ri$ ! fig to  ! p>rot & gave x
 to h] )\t hesitation or regret4 ,%e 0 a
  v pretty bird1 ! only be+ ( ! l[] ord]
 ( creation to :i*  he _h ev] really be5
 atta*$4 ,/ret*+ out h] supple1 delicate
  =m1 ^: silk5 fea!rs ( dull gre5 "h &  
!re assum$ a p9ky  t+e 9 ! sunlight1 %e 
took hold ( ! fig ) h] claws1 !n  ripp$ 
x op5 ) h] beak4 ,b :5 %e _h rak$ x %e  
ate b  little1 & let all ! re/ fall ^u !
 floor4 ,/ill grave &  impassible1 !    
,c>d9al look$ at h] & wait$4 ,q ?ree    
m9utes  w5t by1 & !n feel+ reassur$1 he 
began to scrat* ! bird's poll1  :il/ %e1
 tak+ pleasure 9 ! c>ess1 turn$ h] neck 
& fix$ h]  bright ruby eye ^u h] ma/]4  
,b all at once %e sank back )\t  ev5 a  
flap ( ! w+s1 & fell l a bullet4 ,%e 0  

dead1 kill$ z  by a ?und]bolt4          
,boccan]a made b a ge/ure1 rais+ bo? h&s
 to heav5 z if 9  horror at :at he n[   
knew4 ,great ,god6 su* a t]rible crime1 
& su* a  fe>ful mi/ake1 su* an abom9able
 trick ( ,de/9y6 ,no cry ( grief  came f
 him1 b ! gloom ^u 8 face grew black &  
fi]ce4 ,yet  !re 0 a cry1 a pi]c+ cry f 
,b5$etta1 :o l ,pi]re & ,don  ,vigilio  
_h wat*$ ! ,c>d9al ) an a/oni%m5t :i* _h
 *ang$  into t]ror3 ,poison6 poison6    
,ah6 ,d>io1 my he>t1 my s\l6    ,b !    
,c>d9al viol5tly caught 8 niece by !    
wri/1 :il/ d>t+  a suspici\s glance at !
 two petty prie/s1 ! secret>y & !       
=eign]1 :o 7 pres5t3 ,be quiet1 be      
quiet6 said he4    ,%e %ook h]self free1
 rebell+1 frantic ) rage & hatr$3 ,:y   
%\ld ,i be quiet6 %e cri$4 ,x is        
,prada's "w1 ,i %all d5\nce him1  he    
%all die z well6 ,i tell y x is ,prada1 
,i "k x1 = ye/]day  ,abbe ,from5t came  
back ) him f ,frascati 9 8 c>riage ) t  
prie/ ,santobono & t basket ( figs6     
,yes1 yes1 ,i h witnesses1 x  is ,prada1

 ,prada6    ,no1 no1 y are mad1 be      
quiet6 said ! ,c>d9al1 :o _h aga9 tak5  
hold ( ! "y woman's h&s & s\ght to ma/] 
h] ) all 8  sov]eign au?ority4 ,he1 :o  
knew ! influ5ce :i* ,c>d9al  ,sangu9etti
 ex]cis$ ov] ,santobono's excitable m9d1
 _h j  und]/ood ! :ole affair2 no direct
 complicity b cov]t propulsion1  !      
animal excit$ & !n let loose ^u !       
tr\blesome rival at !  mom5t :5 !       
pontifical ?rone seem$ likely to be     
vacant4 ,!  probability1 ! c]ta9ty ( all
 ?is fla%$ ^u ,boccan]a :o1 ?\gh  "s    
po9ts rema9$ obscure1 did n seek to     
p5etrate !m4 ,x 0 n  necess>y inde$ t he
 %\ld "k e p>ticul>3 ! ?+ 0 z  he said1 
s9ce x 0 b\nd to be s4 ,no1 no1 x 0 n   
,prada1 he  exclaim$1 address+ ,b5$etta4
 ,t man c be> me no p]sonal  grudge1 &  
,i alone 0 aim$ at1 x 0 to me t ^? figs 
7  giv54 ,come1 ?9k x out6 ,only an     
un=ese5 indisposition prev5t$ me  f eat+
 ! great] "p ( ! fruit1 = x is kn[n t ,i
 am v  fond ( figs1 & :ile my poor ,d>io
 0 ta/+ !m1 ,i je/$ & told  him to leave

 ! f9] ones = me to-morr[4 ,yes1 !      
abom9able bl[  0 meant = me1 & x is on  
him t x has fall5 by ! mo/  atroci\s (  
*ances1 ! mo/ mon/r\s ( ! follies (     
fate4 ,ah6 ,"l  ,god1 ,"l ,god1 h y !n  
=sak5 u6    ,te>s came into ! old man's 
eyes1 :il/ %e /ill quiv]$ & seem$       
unconv9c$3 ,b y h no enemies1 uncle1 %e 
said4 ,:y %\ld t  ,santobono try to take
 y\r life8    ,= a mom5t he f\nd no     
fitt+ reply4 ,) supreme gr&eur he _h    
already resolv$ to keep ! tru? secret4  
,!n a recollection came to  him1 & he   
resign$ himself to ! tell+ ( a lie3     
,santobono's m9d  has always be5 some:at
 unh+$1 said he1 & ,i "k t he has  hat$ 
me ev] s9ce ,i refus$ to help him to get
 a bro!r ( 81 "o (  our =m] g>d5]s1 out 
( prison4 ,deadly spite (t5 has no m    
s]i\s cause4 ,he mu/ h ?\ght t he _h    
reason to be rev5g$ on  me4    ,!reupon 
,b5$etta1 exhau/$1 unable to argue any  
fur!r1 sank ^u a  *air ) a despair+     
ge/ure3 ,ah6 ,god1 ,god6 ,i no long]    
"k--&  :at matt]s x n[ t my ,d>io is 9  

su* dang]8 ,!re's only "o  ?+ to be     
done1 he mu/ be sav$4 ,h[ long !y are   
ov] :at !y are  do+ 9 t room--:y does n 
,victor9e come = u6    ,! sil5ce aga9   
fell1 full ( t]ror4 ,)\t speak+ !       
,c>d9al  took ! basket ( figs f ! table 
& c>ri$ x to a cupbo>d 9  :i* he lock$  
x4 ,!n he put ! key 9 8 pocket4 ,no     
d\bt1 :5  night _h fall51 he himself    
w\ld ?r[ ! pro(s ( ! crime into !       
,tib]4 ,h[ev]1 on com+ back f ! cupbo>d 
he notic$ ! two  prie/s1 :o naturally _h
 wat*$ him2 & ) m+l$ gr&eur &           
simplicity he said to !m3 ,g5tlem51 ,i  
ne$ n ask y to be  discreet4 ,!re are   
sc&als :i* we mu/ sp>e ! ,*ur*1 :i* is  
n1 _c be guilty4 ,to deliv] "o (        
ourselves1 ev5 :5 he is a  crim9al1 to !
 civil tribunals1 (t5 means a bl[ = !   
:ole  ,*ur*1 = m5 ( evil m9d may lay    
hold ( ! affair & seek to  impute !     
responsibility ( ! crime ev5 to ! ,*ur* 
itself4 ,we  !re=e h b to commit !      
murd]] to ! h&s ( ,god1 :o w  "k m      
surely h[ to puni% him4 ,ah6 = my "p1   

:e!r ,i be /ruck  9 my own p]son or :e!r
 ! bl[ be direct$ aga9/ my family1 my   
de>e/ affections1 ,i decl>e 9 ! "n ( !  
,*ri/ :o di$ ^u !  cross1 t ,i feel     
nei!r ang]1 nor desire = v5geance1 t ,i 
efface  ! murd]]'s "n f my memory & bury
 8 abom9able act 9 !  et]nal sil5ce ( ! 
grave4    ,tall z he 01 he seem$ ( yet  
l(ti] /ature :il/ ) h&  uprais$ he took 
t oa? to leave 8 enemies to ! ju/ice (  
,god  alone2 = he did n ref] m]ely to   
,santobono1 b to ,c>d9al  ,sangu9etti1  
^: evil influ5ce he _h div9$4 ,& amid/  
all !  h]oism ( 8 pride1 he 0 r5t by    
tragic dol\r at ?\ght ( ! d>k  battle   
:i* 0 wag$ ar\nd ! ti>a1 all ! evil     
hatr$ &  voraci\s appetite :i* /irr$ 9 !
 dep?s ( ! gloom4 ,!n1 z  ,pi]re & ,don 
,vigilio b[$ to him z a sign t !y w\ld  
pres]ve  sil5ce1 he almo/ *ok$ )        
inv9cible emotion1 a sob ( lov+ grief   
:i* he /rove to keep d[n ris+ to 8      
?roat1 :il/ he /amm]$3  ,ah6 my poor    
*ild1 my poor *ild1 ! only scion ( our  
race1 ! only  love & hope ( my he>t6    

,ah6 to die1 to die l ?is6    ,b        
,b5$etta1 aga9 all viol5ce1 sprang up3  
,die6 ,:o1 ,d>io8 ,i won't  h x6 ,we'll 
nurse him1 we'll g back to him4 ,we w   
take him 9 our  arms & save him4 ,come1 
uncle1 come at once6 ,i won't1 ,i won't1
 ,i won't  h him die6    ,%e 0 go+ t[>ds
 ! door1 & no?+ w\ld h prev5t$ h] f     
re-ent]+ ! b$-room1 :51 z x happ5$1     
,victor9e appe>$ ) a  wild look on h]   
face1 =1 despite h] wont$ s]5ity1 all h]
 c\rage  0 n[ exhau/$4 ,! doctor begs   
madame & 8 ,em95ce to come at  once1 at 
once1 said %e4    ,/upefi$ by all ^!    
?+s1 ,pi]re did n foll[ ! o!rs1 b  l+]$ 
= a mom5t 9 ! sunlit d9+-room ) ,don    
,vigilio4 ,:at6  poison8 ,poison z 9 !  
"t ( ! ,borgias1 elegantly hidd5 away1  
s]v$ up ) lusci\s fruit by a crafty     
traitor1 :om "o d>$ n  ev5 d5\nce6 ,& he
 recall$ ! conv]sation on 8 way back f  
,frascati1 & 8 ,p>isian scepticism )    
respect to ^? leg5d>y  drugs1 :i* to 8  
m9d _h no place save 9 ! fif? acts (    
melodramas4 ,yet ^? abom9able /ories 7  

true1 ^? tales (  poison$ knives &      
fl[]s1 ( prelates & ev5 dilatory popes  
be+  suppress$ by a drop or a gra9 (    
some?+ adm9i/]$ to !m 9  _! morn+       
*ocolate4 ,t passionate tragical        
,santobono 0 really a  poison]1 ,pi]re  
c\ld no long] d\bt x1 = a lurid light n[
  illum9$ ! :ole ( ! previ\s day3 !re 7 
! words ( ambition  & m5ace :i* _h be5  
spok5 by ,c>d9al ,sangu9etti1 ! eag]ness
  to act 9 pres5ce ( ! probable dea? ( !
 reign+ pope1 !  sugge/ion ( a crime = !
 sake ( ! ,*ur*'s salvation1 !n t  prie/
 ) 8 little basket ( figs enc\nt]$ on ! 
road1 !n t  basket c>ri$ = h\rs s       
c>efully1 s dev\tly1 on ! prie/'s       
knees1 t basket :i* n[ haunt$ ,pi]re l a
 nightm>e1 & ^:  col\r1 & od\r1 & %ape  
he w\ld ev] recall ) a %udd]4 ,aye1     
poison1 poison1 !re 0 tru? 9 x2 x exi/$ 
& /ill circulat$ 9  ! dep?s ( ! black   
_w1 amid/ all ! rav5\s1 rival long+s  = 
conque/ & sov]eignty4    ,& all at once 
! figure ( ,prada likewise arose 9      
,pi]re's m9d4 ,a  little :ile previ\sly1

 :5 ,b5$etta _h s viol5tly accus$ !     
,c\nt1 he1 ,pi]re1 _h /epp$ =w>d to     
def5d him & cry al\d :at  he knew1 :5ce 
! poison _h come1 & :at h& _h (f]$ x4 ,b
 a  sudd5 ?\ght _h made him %iv]3 ?\gh  
,prada _h n devis$ !  crime1 he _h all[$
 x to be p]petrat$4 ,ano!r memory d>t$  
ke5  l /eel ?r\gh ! "y prie/'s m9d--t ( 
! little black h5  ly+ lifeless beside !
 %$1 amid/ ! dismal surr\nd+s ( !       
_/o/]ia_/1 ) a t9y /reamlet ( violet    
blood trickl+ f h] beak4  ,& "h aga91   
,tata1 ! p>rot1 lay /ill s(t & w>m at ! 
foot (  h] /&1 ) h] beak /a9$ by ooz+   
blood4 ,:y _h ,prada told t  lie ab\t a 
battle betwe5 two f[ls8 ,all ! dim      
intricacy ( passion  & cont5tion        
bewild]$ ,pi]re1 he c\ld n ?read 8 way  
?r\gh x2  nor 0 he bett] able to foll[ !
 frightful combat :i* mu/ h  be5 wag$ 9 
t man's m9d dur+ ! night ( ! ball4 ,at !
 same  "t he c\ld n aga9 picture him by 
8 side dur+ _! nocturnal  walk t[>ds !  
,boccan]a mansion )\t %udd]+1 dimly     
div9+  :at a frightful decision _h be5  

tak5 be=e t mansion's door4  ,moreov]1  
:atev] ! obscurities1 :e!r ,prada _h    
expect$ t !  ,c>d9al alone w\ld be      
kill$1 or _h hop$ t "s *ance /roke (    
fate might av5ge him on o!rs1 ! t]rible 
fact rema9$--he _h  kn[n1 he _h be5 able
 to /ay ,de/9y on ! m>*1 b _h all[$ x   
to g onw>d & bl9dly accompli% its "w (  
dea?4    ,turn+ 8 head ,pi]re p]ceiv$   
,don ,vigilio /ill seat$ on ! corn]     
*air :5ce he _h n /irr$1 & look+ s pale 
& hagg>d t  p]haps he also _h swall[$ "s
 ( ! poison4 ,d y feel unwell8  ! "y    
prie/ ask$4    ,at fir/ ! secret>y c\ld 
n reply1 = t]ror _h gripp$ him at !     
?roat4 ,!n 9 a l[ voice he said3 ,no1   
no1 ,i didn't eat any4 ,ah1  ,heav51 :5 
,i ?9k t ,i s mu* want$ to ta/e !m1 & t 
m]ely  def]5ce kept me back on see+ t 8 
,em95ce did n take any6 ,don  ,vigilio's
 :ole body %iv]$ at ! ?\ght t 8 humility
 alone _h  sav$ him2 & on 8 face & 8 h&s
 !re rema9$ ! icy *ill (  dea? :i* _h   
fall5 s ne> & graz$ him z x pass$4      
,!n twice he heav$ a sigh1 & ) a ge/ure 

( affright s\ght to  bru% ! horrid ?+   
away :ile murmur+3 ,ah6 ,pap>elli1      
,pap>elli6    ,pi]re1 deeply /irr$1 &   
kn[+ :at he ?\ght ( ! tra9-be>]1  tri$  
to extract "s in=mation f him3 ,:at d y 
mean8 he ask$4  ,d y accuse him too8 ,d 
y ?9k !y urg$ him on1 & t x 0  !y at    
bottom8    ,! ^w ,jesuits 0 n ev5 spok51
 b a big black %ad[ pass$  a?w>t ! gay  
sunlight ( ! d9+-room1 & = a mom5t seem$
 to  fill x ) d>kness4 ,!y6 ah yes6     
exclaim$ ,don ,vigilio1 !y are  ev]y:]e2
 x is always !y6 ,z soon z "o weeps1 z  
soon z "o dies1  !y are mix$ up 9 x4 ,& 
?is is int5d$ = me too2 ,i am q         
surpris$ t ,i hav5't be5 c>ri$ (f4 ,!n  
aga9 he rais$ a dull  moan ( fe>1 hatr$1
 & ang]3 ,ah6 ,pap>elli1 ,pap>elli6 ,&  
he  refus$ to reply any fur!r1 b d>t$   
sc>$ glances at ! walls z  if f "o or   
ano!r ( !m he expect$ to see ! tra9-be>]
  em]ge1 ) 8 wr9kl$ flabby face l t ( an
 old maid1 8  furtive m\se-l trot1 & 8  
my/]i\s1 invad+ h&s :i* _h  gone        
expressly to br+ ! =gott5 figs f !      

pantry & deposit  !m on ! table4    ,at 
la/ ! two prie/s decid$ to return to !  
b$room1 :]e p]haps  !y might be requir$2
 & ,pi]re on ent]+ 0 ov]come by !       
he>t-r5d+ sc5e :i* ! *amb] n[ pres5t$4  
,doctor ,giordano1  suspect+ poison1 _h 
= half an h\r be5 try+ ! usual rem$ies1 
an emetic & !n magnesia4 ,j !n1 too1 he 
_h made ,victor9e :ip  "s :ites ( eggs 9
 wat]4 ,b ! disord] 0 progress+ ) su*   
lightn+-l rapidity t all succ\r 0 becom+
 futile4 ,undress$  & ly+ on 8 back1 8  
bu/ propp$ up by pill[s & 8 arms ly+    
out/ret*$ ov] ! %eets1 ,d>io look$ q    
frightful 9 ! sort (  pa9ful            
intoxication :i* *>act]is$ t r$\btable &
 my/]i\s  disord] to :i* already        
,monsignor ,gallo & o!rs _h succumb$4 ,!
  "y man seem$ to be /rick5 ) a sort (  
dizzy /upor1 8 eyes  rec$$ f>!r & f>!r  
into ! dep? ( _! d>k sockets1 :il/  8   
:ole face became )]$1 ag$ z x 71 & cov]$
 ) an  e>?y pallor4 ,a mom5t previ\sly  
he _h clos$ 8 eyes1 & ! only  sign t he 
/ill liv$ 0 ! heav+ ( 8 *e/ induc$ by   

pa9ful  respiration4 ,& lean+ ov] 8 poor
 dy+ face /ood ,b5$etta1  %>+ 8 suff]+s1
 & ma/]$ by su* impot5t grief t %e also 
0 unrecognisable1 s :ite1 s di/ract$ by 
angui%1 t x seem$ z  if dea? 7 gradually
 tak+ h] at ! same "t z x 0 tak+ him4   
,9 ! recess by ! w9d[ :i!r ,c>d9al      
,boccan]a _h l$ ,doctor  ,giordano1 a   
few words 7 ex*ang$ 9 l[ tones4 ,he is  
lo/1 is he  n8    ,! doctor made !      
despair+ ge/ure ( "o :o is vanqui%$3    
,alas6  yes4 ,i mu/ w>n y\r ,em95ce t 9 
an h\r all w be ov]4    ,a %ort int]val 
( sil5ce foll[$4 ,& ! same malady z     
,gallo1 is  x n8 ask$ ! ,c>d9al2 & z !  
doctor trembl+ & av]t+ 8  eyes did n    
answ] he add$3 ,at all ev5ts ( an       
infecti\s fev]6    ,giordano well       
und]/ood :at ! ,c>d9al ?us ask$ ( him3  
sil5ce1  ! crime = ev] hidd5 away = !   
sake ( ! good r5[n ( 8  "m1 ! ,*ur*4 ,& 
!re c\ld be no l(ti]1 no m tragical     
gr&eur ?an t ( ?is old man ( sev5ty1    
/ill s erect &  sov]eign1 :o w\ld nei!r 
suff] a slur to be ca/ ^u 8 spiritual   

family1 nor cons5t to 8 human family be+
 dragg$ into ! inevitable  mire ( a     
s5sational murd] trial4 ,no1 no1 !re mu/
 be none ( t1  !re mu/ be sil5ce1 !     
et]nal sil5ce 9 :i* all becomes  =gott54
    ,at la/ ! doctor b[$ ) 8 g5tle air (
 discretion4 ,evid5tly1  ( an infecti\s 
fev] z y\r ,em95ce s well says1 he      
repli$4    ,two big te>s !n aga9 appe>$ 
9 ,boccan]a's eyes4 ,n[ t he _h  scre5$ 
! ,deity f attack 9 ! p]son ( ! ,*ur*1 8
 he>t z  a man aga9 bl$4 ,he begg$ !    
doctor to make a supreme ef=t1 to       
attempt ! impossible2 b1 po9t+ to ! dy+ 
man ) trembl+  h&s1 ,giordano %ook 8    
head4 ,= 8 own fa!r1 8 own "m he  c\ld h
 done no?+4 ,dea? 0 !re4 ,s :y we>y1 :y 
torture a  dy+ man1 ^: suff]+s he w\ld  
only h increas$8 ,& !n1 z  ! ,c>d9al1   
f9d+ ! end s ne> at h&1 ?\ght ( 8 si/]  
,s]af9a1 & lam5t$ t %e w\ld n be able to
 kiss h] nephew =  ! la/ "t if %e l+]$  
at ! ,vatican1 ! doctor (f]$ to fet*  h]
 9 8 c>riage :i* 0 wait+ bel[4 ,x w\ld n
 take him m  ?an tw5ty m9utes1 said he1 

& he w\ld be back 9 "t = ! end1  %\ld he
 !n be ne$$4    ,left to himself 9 !    
w9d[ recess ! ,c>d9al rema9$ !re        
motionless = ano!r mom5t4 ,) eyes blurr$
 by te>s1 he gaz$  t[>ds heav54 ,& 8    
quiv]+ arms 7 sudd5ly rais$ 9 a ge/ure  
( ard5t entreaty4 ,o ,god1 s9ce ! sci5ce
 ( man 0 s limit$ &  va91 s9ce t doctor 
_h gone (f happy to escape ! emb>rassm5t
 (  8 impot5ce1 ,o ,god1 :y n a miracle 
:i* %\ld proclaim !  spl5d\r ( ,?y      
,almighty ,p[]6 ,a miracle1 a miracle6 t
 0 :at !  ,c>d9al ask$ f ! dep?s ( 8    
believ+ s\l1 ) !  insi/5ce1 ! imp]i\s   
entreaty ( a ,pr9ce ( ! ,e>?1 :o deem$  
t he _h r5d]$ consid]able s]vices to    
,heav5 by d$icat+ 8  :ole life to !     
,*ur*4 ,& he ask$ = t miracle 9 ord] t 8
  race might be p]petuat$1 9 ord] t its 
la/ male scion might n  ?us mis]ably    
p]i%1 b be able to m>ry t fondly lov$   
c\s91 :o  n[ /ood !re all woe & te>s4 ,a
 miracle1 a miracle = ! sake (  ^? two  
de> *ildr56 ,a miracle :i* w\ld end[ !  
family )  fre% life3 a miracle :i* w\ld 

et]nise ! glori\s "n ( ,boccan]a  by    
enabl+ an innum]able po/]ity ( valiant  
ones & fai?ful ones to  spr+ f t "y     
c\ple6    ,:5 ! ,c>d9al return$ to !    
c5tre ( ! room he seem$  transfigur$4   
,fai? _h dri$ 8 eyes1 8 s\l _h become   
/rong &  submissive1 exempt f all human 
weakness4 ,he _h plac$ himself 9 !  h&s 
( ,god1 & _h resolv$ t he himself w\ld  
adm9i/] extreme  unction to ,d>io4 ,) a 
ge/ure he summon$ ,don ,vigilio & l$ him
 into  ! little room :i* s]v$ z a *apel1
 & ! key ( :i* he always  c>ri$4 ,a     
cupbo>d _h be5 contriv$ beh9d ! alt> (  
pa9t$ wood1  & ! ,c>d9al w5t to x to    
take bo? /ole & surplice4 ,! c(f]       
conta9+ ! ,holy ,oils 0 likewise !re1 a 
v anci5t silv] c(f]  be>+ ! ,boccan]a   
arms4 ,& on ,don ,vigilio foll[+ !      
,c>d9al  back into ! b$-room !y 9 turn  
pron\nc$ ! ,lat9 words3    _/,pax huic  
domui_/4    _/,et omnibus habitantibus 9
 ea_/499      99 ,peace unto ?is h\se & 
unto all :o dwell 9 x4--,trans4    ,dea?
 0 com+ s fa/ & ?reat5+1 t all ! usual  

prep>ations  7 p]=ce disp5s$ )4 ,nei!r !
 two light$ tap]s1 nor !  little table  
cov]$ ) :ite clo? _h be5 provid$4 ,&1 9 
! same  way1 ,don ,vigilio ! assi/ant1  
hav+ fail$ to br+ ! ,holy ,wat]  bas9 & 
spr9kl]1 ! ,c>d9al1 z (ficiat+ prie/1   
c\ld m]ely  make ! ge/ure ( bless+ !    
room & ! dy+ man1 :il/  pron\nc+ ! words
 ( ! ritual3 _/,asp]ges me1 ,dom9e1     
hyssopo1 et  mundabor2 lavabis me1 et   
sup] nivem dealbabor499      99 ,spr9kle
 me1 ,"l1 ) hyssop1 & purify me2 wa% me1
 &      make me :it] ?an sn[4--,trans4  
,b5$etta on see+ ! ,c>d9al appe> c>ry+ !
 ,holy ,oils1 _h )  a long quiv] fall5  
on h] knees at ! foot ( ! b$1 :il/1     
some:at f>!r away1 ,pi]re & ,victor9e   
likewise knelt1 ov]come by  ! dolor\s   
gr&eur ( ! sc5e4 ,& ! dilat$ eyes ( !   
,contess9a1 ^: face 0 pale z sn[1 nev]  
quitt$ h] ,d>io1 :om  %e no long]       
recognis$1 s e>?y 0 8 face1 its sk9     
tann$ &  wr9kl$ l t ( an old man4 ,& x 0
 n = _! m>riage :i*  he s mu* desir$ t  
_! uncle1 ! all-p[]ful ,pr9ce ( !       

,*ur*1 0 br++ ! ,sacram5t1 b = ! supreme
 rupture1 ! end  ( all pride1 ,dea? :i* 
f9i%es (f ! haughtie/ races1 & sweeps   
!m away1 ev5 z ! w9d sweeps ! du/ ( !   
roads4    ,x 0 ne$ful t !re %\ld be no  
delay1 s ! ,c>d9al promptly  repeat$ !  
,cr$o 9 an und]tone1 _/,cr$o 9 unum     
,deum--_/    _/,am5_/1 respond$ ,don    
,vigilio1 :o1 aft] ! pray]s ( ! ritual1 
/amm]$ ! ,litanies 9 ord] t ,heav5 might
 take pity on !  wret*$ man :o 0 ab\t to
 appe> be=e ,god1 if ,god by a prodigy  
did  n sp>e him4    ,!n1 )\t tak+ "t to 
wa% 8 f+]s1 ! ,c>d9al op5$ !  case      
conta9+ ! ,holy ,oils1 & limit+ himself 
to "o ano9tm5t1 z  is p]missible 9      
press+ cases1 he deposit$ a s+le drop ( 
! oil  on ,d>io's p>*$ m\? :i* 0 already
 )]$ by dea?4 ,& 9  do+ s he repeat$ !  
words ( ! =mula1 8 he>t all agl[ )  fai?
 z he ask$ t ! div9e m]cy might efface  
ea* & e s9  t ! "y man _h committ$ by   
ei!r ( 8 five s5ses1 ^? five  portals by
 :i* ev]la/+ temptation assails ! s\l4  
,& !  ,c>d9al's f]v\r 0 also in/9ct ) ! 

hope t if ,god _h  smitt5 ! poor suff]] 
= 8 (f5ces1 p]haps ,he w\ld make ,8     
indulg5ce entire & ev5 re/ore him to    
life z soon z ,he %\ld h  =giv5 8 s9s4  
,life1 ,o ,"l1 life 9 ord] t ! anci5t   
l9e (  ! ,boccan]as might yet multiply &
 cont9ue to s]ve ,!e 9 battle  & at !   
alt> until ! end ( "t6    ,= a mom5t !  
,c>d9al rema9$ ) quiv]+ h&s1 gaz+ at !  
mute face1 ! clos$ eyes ( ! dy+ man1 &  
wait+ = ! miracle4  ,b no sign appe>$1 n
 ! fa9te/ glimm] bright5$ t hagg>d      
c\nt5ance1 nor did a sigh ( relief come 
f ! )]$ lips z ,don  ,vigilio wip$ !m ) 
a little cotton wool4 ,& ! la/ pray] 0  
said1 & :il/ ! frightful sil5ce fell    
once m ! ,c>d9al1  foll[$ by 8 assi/ant1
 return$ to ! *apel4 ,!re !y bo? knelt1 
! ,c>d9al plung+ into ard5t pray] ^u !  
b>e tiles4 ,) 8  eyes rais$ to ! brass  
crucifix ^u ! alt> he saw no?+1 he>d    
no?+1 b gave himself :olly to 8         
entreaties1 supplicat+ ,god to  take him
 9 place ( 8 nephew1 if a sacrifice 7   
necess>y1 & yet  cl++ to ! hope t s long

 z ,d>io reta9$ a brea? ( life &  he    
himself ?us rema9$ on 8 knees address+ !
 ,deity1 he might  succe$ 9 pacify+ !   
wra? ( ,heav54 ,he 0 bo? s humble & s   
great4 ,w\ld n accord surely be e/abli%$
 betwe5 ,god & a  ,boccan]a8 ,! old     
palace might h fall5 to ! gr\nd1 he     
himself  w\ld n ev5 h felt ! toppl+ (   
its beams4    ,9 ! b$-room1 h[ev]1 no?+ 
_h yet /irr$ b5ea? ! weight (  tragic   
maje/y :i* ! c]emony _h left !re4 ,x 0  
only n[ t  ,d>io rais$ 8 eyelids1 & :5  
on look+ at 8 h&s he saw !m s  ag$ &    
wa/$ ! dep?s ( 8 eyes k9dl$ ) an        
expression (  imm5se regretfulness t    
life %\ld be dep>t+4 ,d\btless x 0 at   
?is mom5t ( lucidity amid/ ! k9d (      
intoxication ) :i* !  poison ov]:elm$   
him1 t he = ! fir/ "t realis$ 8 p]il\s  
condition4 ,ah6 to die1 amid/ su* pa91  
su* physical degradation1 :at  a revolt+
 horror = t frivol\s & egoti/ical man1 t
 lov] (  beauty1 joy1 & light1 :o knew n
 h[ to suff]6 ,9 him f]oci\s fate       
*a/is$ racial deg5]acy ) too heavy a h&4

 ,he became horrifi$  ) himself1 seiz$ )
 *ildi% despair & t]ror1 :i* l5t him    
/r5g? en\gh to sit up & gaze wildly ab\t
 ! room1 9 ord] to see  if e "o _h n    
ab&on$ him4 ,& :5 8 eyes light$ on      
,b5$etta /ill kneel+ at ! foot ( ! b$1 a
 supreme impulse  c>ri$ him t[>ds h]1 he
 /ret*$ =? bo? arms z passionately z  8 
/r5g? all[$ & /amm]$ h] "n3 ,o ,b5$etta1
 ,b5$etta6    ,%e1 motionless 9 ! /upor 
( h] anxiety1 _h n tak5 h] eyes f  8    
face4 ,! horrible disord] :i* 0 c>ry+ (f
 h] lov]1 seem$  also to possess &      
annihilate h] m & m1 ev5 z he himself   
grew  weak] & weak]4 ,h] features 7     
assum+ an immat]ial :it5ess2  & ?r\gh ! 
void ( h] cle> eyeballs "o began to espy
 h] s\l4  ,h[ev]1 :5 %e p]ceiv$ him ?us 
resuscitat+ & call+ h] )  arms          
out/ret*$1 %e 9 h] turn arose & /&+     
beside ! b$ made  answ]3 ,i am com+1 my 
,d>io1 "h ,i am4    ,& !n ,pi]re &      
,victor9e1 /ill on _! knees1 beheld a   
sublime  de$ ( su* extraord9>y gr&eur t 
!y rema9$ root$ to !  floor1 spell-b\nd 

z 9 ! pres5ce ( "s supra-t]re/rial      
spectacle  9 :i* human be+s may n       
int]v5e4 ,b5$etta h]self spoke &  act$ l
 "o fre$ f all social & conv5tional     
ties1 already  beyond life1 only see+ & 
address+ be+s & ?+s f a great  di/ance1 
f ! dep?s ( ! unkn[n 9 :i* %e 0 ab\t to 
disappe>4    ,ah6 my ,d>io1 s an attempt
 has be5 made to "p u6 ,x 0 9 ord]  t ,i
 might nev] belong to y--t we might nev]
 be happy1 t y\r  dea? 0 resolv$ ^u1 & x
 0 kn[n t ) y\r life my own mu/  cease6 
,& x is t man :o is kill+ y6 ,yes1 he is
 y\r murd]]1  ev5 if ! actual bl[ has   
be5 dealt by ano!r4 ,he is ! fir/       
cause--he :o /ole me f y :5 ,i 0 ab\t to
 become y\rs1 he :o  ravag$ our lives1 &
 :o brea!d ar\nd u ! hateful poison :i* 
is  kill+ u4 ,ah6 h[ ,i hate him1 h[ ,i 
hate him2 h[ ,i %\ld l to  cru% him ) my
 hate be=e ,i die ) y6    ,%e did n     
raise h] voice1 b spoke ^? t]rible words
 9 a deep  murmur1 simply &             
passionately4 ,prada 0 n ev5 nam$1 & %e 
sc>cely turn$ t[>ds ,pi]re--:o knelt1   

p>alys$1 beh9d h]--to add  ) a comm&+   
air3 ,y w see 8 fa!r1 ,i *>ge y to tell 
him  t ,i curs$ 8 son6 ,t k9d-he>t$ h]o 
lov$ me well--,i love him  ev5 n[1 & !  
words y w c>ry to him f me w r5d 8      
he>t4 ,b ,i desire t he %\ld "k--he mu/ 
"k1 = ! sake (  tru? & ju/ice4          
,di/ract$ by t]ror1 sobb+ amid/ a la/   
convulsion1 ,d>io aga9  /ret*$ =? 8     
arms1 feel+ t %e 0 no long] look+ at    
him1  t h] cle> eyes 7 no long] fix$ ^u 
8 own3 ,b5$etta1  ,b5$etta6    ,i am    
com+1 ,i am com+1 my ,d>io--,i am "h6 %e
 respond$1 draw+  yet ne>] to ! b$side &
 almo/ t\*+ him4 ,ah6 %e w5t on1  t v[  
:i* ,i made to ! ,madonna to belong to  
none1 n ev5 y1  until ,god %\ld all[ x  
by ! bless+ ( "o ( 8 prie/s6 ,ah6 ,i    
set a noble1 a div9e pride 9 rema9+     
immaculate = him :o %\ld be  ! "o ma/] (
 my s\l & body4 ,& t *a/ity :i* ,i 0 s  
pr\d (1 ,i def5d$ x aga9/ ! o!r z "o    
def5ds oneself aga9/  a wolf1 & ,i      
def5d$ x aga9/ y ) te>s = fe> (         
sacrilege4  ,& if y only knew :at       

t]rible /ruggles ,i 0 =c$ to wage )     
myself1 = ,i lov$ y & long$ to be y\rs1 
l a woman :o accepts  ! :ole ( love1 !  
love t makes wife & "m6 ,ah6 my v[ to ! 
,madonna--) :at difficulty did ,i keep x
 :5 ! old blood ( our  race arose 9 me l
 a tempe/2 & n[ :at a disa/]6 ,%e drew  
yet  ne>]1 & h] l[ voice became m ard5t3
 ,y rememb] t ev5+  :5 y came back ) a  
knife-?ru/ 9 y\r %\ld]4 ,i ?\ght y      
dead1 & cri$ al\d ) rage at ! idea (    
los+ y l t4 ,i  insult$ ! ,madonna &    
regrett$ t ,i _h n damn$ myself ) y  t  
we might die toge!r1 s tightly clasp$ t 
we mu/ ne$s be  buri$ toge!r also4 ,& to
 ?9k t su* a t]rible w>n+ 0 ( no  avail6
 ,i 0 bl9d & fooli%2 & n[ y are aga9    
/rick51 aga9  be+ tak5 f my love4 ,ah6  
my wret*$ pride1 my idiotic dream6    ,t
 :i* n[ rang out 9 h] /ifl$ voice 0 !   
ang] ( !  practical woman t %e _h ev]   
be51 all sup]/ition not)/&+4  ,c\ld !   
,madonna1 :o 0 s mat]nal1 desire ! woe (
 lov]s8 ,no1  assur$ly n4 ,nor did !    
angels make ! m]e abs5ce ( a prie/ a    

cause = weep+ ov] ! transports ( true & 
mutual love4 ,0 n  su* love holy 9      
itself1 & did n ! angels r smile ^u x & 
bur/ into gladsome song6 ,& ah6 h[ "o   
*eat$ oneself by n lov+  to he>t's      
cont5t "u ! sun1 :5 ! blood ( life c\rs$
 ?r\gh  "o's ve9s6    ,b5$etta6         
,b5$etta6 repeat$ ! dy+ man1 full (     
*ild-l t]ror  at ?us go+ (f all alone   
into ! dep?s ( ! black & ev]la/+  night4
    ,"h ,i am1 my ,d>io1 ,i am com+6    
,!n1 z %e fanci$ t ! s]vant1 albeit     
motionless1 _h /irr$1 z  if to rise &   
int]f]e1 %e add$3 ,leave me1 leave me1  
,victor9e1  no?+ 9 ! _w c h5ce=? prev5t 
x4 ,a mom5t ago1 :5 ,i 0  on my knees1  
some?+ r\s$ me & urg$ me on4 ,i "k :i!r 
,i am  go+4 ,& besides1 did ,i n swe> on
 ! night ( ! knife ?ru/8 ,did  ,i n     
promise to belong to him alone1 ev5 9 ! 
e>? if x 7  necess>y8 ,i mu/ embrace    
him1 & he w c>ry me away6 ,we %all be   
dead1 & we %all be w$d$ 9 spite ( all1 &
 = ev] & = ev]6    ,%e /epp$ back to !  
dy+ man1 & t\*$ him3 ,"h ,i am1 my      

,d>io1  "h ,i am6    ,!n came ! apogee4 
,amid/ gr[+ exaltation1 buoy$ up by a   
blaze (  love1 c>eless ( glances1 c&id l
 a lily1 %e dive/$ h]self (  h] g>m5ts &
 /ood =? s :ite1 t nei!r m>ble /atue1   
nor  dove1 nor sn[ itself 0 ev] :it]4   
,"h ,i am1 my ,d>io1 "h ,i am6          
,recoil+ almo/ to ! gr\nd z at sight (  
an app>ition1 ! glori\s  fla% ( a holy  
vision1 ,pi]re & ,victor9e gaz$ at h] ) 
dazzl$  eyes4 ,! s]vant _h n /irr$ to   
prev5t ?is extraord9>y action1  seiz$ z 
%e 0 ) t %r9k+ rev]5tial t]ror :i* comes
 ^u  "o 9 pres5ce ( ! wild1 mad de$s (  
fai? & passion4 ,& !  prie/1 ^: limbs 7 
p>alys$1 felt t some?+ s sublime 0      
pass+ t he c\ld only quiv] 9 di/raction4
 ,& no ?\ght (  impurity came to him on 
behold+ t lily1 sn[y :it5ess4 ,all c&\r 
& all nobility z %e 01 t virg9 %ock$ him
 no m ?an "s  sculptur$ ma/]piece (     
g5ius4    ,"h ,i am1 my ,d>io1 "h ,i am4
    ,%e _h la9 h]self d[n beside ! sp\se
 :om %e _h *os51 %e _h  clasp$ ! dy+ man
 ^: arms only _h en\gh /r5g? left to    

fold  !mselves ar\nd h]4 ,dea? 0 /eal+  
him f h]1 b %e w\ld g  ) him2 & aga9 %e 
murmur$3 ,my ,d>io1 "h ,i am4    ,& at t
 mom5t1 aga9/ ! wall at ! head ( ! b$1  
,pi]re  p]ceiv$ ! escut*eon ( !         
,boccan]as1 embroid]$ 9 gold &  col\r$  
silks on a gr\ndwork ( violet velvet4   
,!re 0 ! w+$  dragon bel*+ flames1 !re 0
 ! fi]ce & gl[+ motto _/,bocca  n]a1    
,alma rossa_/ 7black m\?1 r$ s\l71 ! m\?
 d>k5$ by a ro>1  ! s\l flam+ l a brazi]
 ( fai? & love4 ,& behold6 all t  old   
race ( passion & viol5ce ) its tragic   
leg5ds _h reappe>$1  its blood bubbl+ up
 afre% to urge t la/ & adorable daught] 
(  ! l9e to ^? t]rify+ & prodigi\s      
nuptials 9 dea?4 ,& to  ,pi]re t        
escut*eon recall$ ano!r memory1 t ( !   
portrait (  ,cassia ,boccan]a !         
_/amorosa_/ & av5g]ess :o _h flung      
h]self into  ! ,tib] ) h] bro!r ,ercole 
& ! corpse ( h] lov] ,flavio4 ,0  !re n 
"h ev5 ) ,b5$etta ! same despair+ clasp 
seek+ to  vanqui% dea?1 ! same savag]y 9
 hurl+ oneself into ! abyss )  ! corpse 

( ! "o's only love8 ,b5$etta & ,cassia 7
 z si/]s1  ,cassia1 :o liv$ anew 9 ! old
 pa9t+ 9 ! _/salon_/ ov]head1  ,b5$etta 
:o 0 "h dy+ ( h] lov]'s dea?1 z ?\gh %e 
7 b  ! o!r's _s4 ,bo? _h ! same delicate
 *ildi% features1 !  same m\? ( passion1
 ! same l>ge dreamy eyes set 9 ! same   
r\nd1  practical1 & /ubborn head4    ,my
 ,d>io1 "h ,i am6    ,= a second1 :i*   
seem$ an et]nity1 !y clasp$ "o ano!r1 %e
  nei!r repell$ nor t]rifi$ by ! disord]
 :i* made him s  unrecognisable1 b      
display+ a deliri\s passion1 a holy     
fr5zy z if  to pass beyond life1 to     
p5etrate ) him into ! black ,unkn[n4 ,& 
b5ea? ! %ock ( ! felicity at la/ (f]$ to
 him he expir$1 )  8 arms yet           
convulsively w\nd ar\nd h] z ?\gh inde$ 
to c>ry h]  (f4 ,!n1 :e!r f grief or f  
bliss amid/ t embrace ( dea?1  !re came 
su* a ru% ( blood to h] he>t t ! organ  
bur/3 %e  di$ on h] lov]'s neck1 bo?    
tightly & = ev] clasp$ 9 "o  ano!r's    
arms4    ,!re 0 a fa9t sigh4 ,victor9e  
und]/ood & drew ne>1 :ile ,pi]re1  also 

erect1 rema9$ quiv]+ ) ! te>ful         
admiration ( "o :o has  beheld !        
sublime4    ,look1 look6 :isp]$ !       
s]vant1 %e no long] moves1 %e no long]  
brea!s4 ,ah6 my poor *ild1 my poor *ild1
 %e is dead6    ,!n ! prie/ murmur$3    
,oh6 ,god1 h[ beautiful !y are4    ,x 0 
true1 nev] _h l(ti] & m respl5d5t beauty
 appe>$ on  ! faces ( ! dead4 ,d>io's   
c\nt5ance1 s lately ag$ & e>!n1  _h     
assum$ ! pallor & nobility ( m>ble1 its 
features l5g!n$  & simplifi$ z by a     
transport ( ineffable joy4 ,b5$etta     
rema9$  v grave1 h] lips curv$ by ard5t 
det]m9ation1 :il/ h] :ole  face 0       
expressive ( dolor\s yet inf9ite        
beatitude 9 a sett+ (  inf9ite :it5ess4 
,_! hair m+l$1 & _! eyes1 :i* _h  rema9$
 op51 cont9u$ gaz+ z into "o ano!r's    
s\ls ) et]nal1  c>ess+ sweetness4 ,!y 7 
= ev] l9k$1 so>+ into immortality  amid/
 ! en*antm5t ( _! union1 vanqui%]s (    
dea?1 radiant )  ! raptur\s beauty (    
love1 ! conqu]or1 ! immortal4    ,b     
,victor9e's sobs at la/ bur/ =?1 m+l$ ) 

su* lam5tations  t great confusion      
foll[$4 ,pi]re1 n[ q beside himself1 9  
"s  measure fail$ to und]/& h[ x 0 t !  
room sudd5ly became  invad$ by t]rifi$  
p4 ,! ,c>d9al & ,don ,vigilio1 h[ev]1   
mu/  h ha/5$ 9 f ! *apel2 & at ! same   
mom5t1 no d\bt1  ,doctor ,giordano mu/ h
 return$ ) ,donna ,s]af9a1 = bo? 7 n[   
!re1 %e /upefi$ by ! bl[s :i* _h ?us    
fall5 on ! h\se 9  h] abs5ce1 :il/ he1 !
 doctor1 display$ ! p]turbation &       
a/oni%m5t :i* comes ^u ! olde/          
practition]s :5 facts seem to  give !   
lie to _! exp]i5ce4 ,h[ev]1 he s\ght an 
explanation (  ,b5$etta's dea?1 &       
hesitat+ly ascrib$ x to aneurism1 or    
possibly  embolism4    ,!reupon         
,victor9e1 l a s]vant ^: grief makes h] 
! equal (  h] employ]s1 boldly int]rupt$
 him3 ,ah6 ,sir1 said %e1 !y lov$  ea*  
o!r too fondly2 did n t suffice = !m to 
die toge!r8    ,meantime ,donna ,s]af9a1
 aft] kiss+ ! poor *ildr5 on ! br[1     
desir$ to close _! eyes2 b %e c\ld n    
succe$ 9 do+ s1 =  ! lids lift$ directly

 %e remov$ h] f+] & once m ! eyes  began
 to smile at "o ano!r1 to ex*ange 9 all 
fixity _! lov+ &  et]nal glance4 ,& !n z
 %e spoke ( p>t+ ! bodies1 ,victor9e    
aga9 prote/$3 ,oh6 madame1 oh6 madame1  
%e said1 y w\ld h to  break _! arms4 ,_c
 y see t _! f+]s are almo/ dug into  "o 
ano!r's %\ld]s8 ,no1 !y c nev] be p>t$6 
,!reupon ,c>d9al ,boccan]a int]v5$4 ,god
 _h n grant$ ! miracle2  & he1 ,8 m9i/]1
 0 livid1 te>less1 & full ( icy despair4
 ,b  he wav$ 8 arm ) a sov]eign ge/ure (
 absolution &  sanctification1 z if1    
,pr9ce ( ! ,*ur* t he 01 dispos+ ( !  w 
( ,heav51 he cons5t$ t ! lov]s %\ld     
appe> 9 t  embrace be=e ! supreme       
tribunal4 ,9 pres5ce ( su* wondr\s love1
  inde$1 pr(\ndly /irr$ by ! suff]+s (  
_! lives & !  beauty ( _! dea?1 he %[$ a
 broad & l(ty contempt = mundane        
proprieties4 ,leave !m1 leave me1 my    
si/]1 said he1 d n di/urb  _! slumb]4   
,let _! eyes rema9 op5 s9ce !y desire to
 gaze on  "o ano!r till ! end ( "t )\t  
ev] we>y+4 ,& let !m  sleep 9 "o ano!r's

 arms s9ce 9 _! lives !y did n s91 &    
only lock$ !mselves 9 t embrace 9 ord] t
 !y might be laid  toge!r 9 ! gr\nd4    
,& !n1 aga9 becom+ a ,roman ,pr9ce ^:   
pr\d blood 0 yet hot  ) old-"t de$s (   
battle & passion1 he add$3 ,two         
,boccan]as may  well sleep l t2 all     
,rome w admire !m & weep = !m4 ,leave   
!m1 leave !m toge!r1 my si/]4 ,god kn[s 
!m & awaits !m6    ,all knelt1 & !      
,c>d9al himself repeat$ ! pray]s = !    
dead4  ,night 0 com+1 increas+ gloom    
/ole into ! *amb]1 :]e two  burn+ tap]s 
soon %one out l />s4    ,& !n1 )\t kn[+ 
h[1 ,pi]re aga9 f\nd himself 9 ! little 
des]t$ g>d5 on ! bank ( ! ,tib]4        
,suffocat+ ) fatigue &  grief1 he mu/ h 
come ?i!r = fre% air4 ,d>kness %r\d$ !  
*>m+ nook :]e ! /reamlet ( wat] fall+ f 
! tragic mask  into ! anci5t s>cophagus 
ev] sang its %rill & flute-l song2  & ! 
laurel-bu% :i* %ad$ x1 & ! bitt]        
box-plants & !  orange-trees skirt+ !   
pa?s n[ =m$ b vague masses "u !         
blue-black sky4 ,ah6 h[ gay & sweet _h t

 melan*oly g>d5 be5 9  ! morn+1 & :at a 
desolate e*o x reta9$ ( ,b5$etta's      
w9some  laught]1 all t f9e delight 9    
com+ happ9ess :i* n[ lay prone  up/airs1
 /eep$ 9 ! no?+ness ( ?+s & be+s6 ,s    
dolor\s  0 ! pang :i* came to ,pi]re's  
he>t t he bur/ into sobs1 seat$  on !   
same brok5 column :]e %e _h sat1 &      
encompass$ by ! same  atmosph]e t %e _h 
brea!d1 9 :i* /ill l+]$ ! p]fume (  h]  
pres5ce4    ,b all at once a di/ant     
clock /ruck six1 & ! "y prie/ />t$  on  
rememb]+ t he 0 to be receiv$ by ! ,pope
 t v ev5+  at n9e4 ,yet ?ree m h\rs6 ,he
 _h n ?\ght ( t int]view  dur+ ! t]rify+
 cata/rophe1 & x seem$ to him n[ z if   
mon?s  & mon?s _h gone by1 z if !       
appo9tm5t 7 "s v old "o  :i* a man is   
only able to keep aft] ye>s ( abs5ce1 :5
 he has  gr[n ag$ & _h 8 he>t & bra9    
modifi$ by innum]able  exp]i5ces4       
,h[ev]1 he made an ef=t & rose to 8     
feet4 ,9 ?ree  h\rs' "t he w\ld g to !  
,vatican & at la/ he w\ld see ! ,pope4