I then felt prepared for all hazards, and was quite calm, but my unfortunate companion continued to pour forth his groans, and prayers, and blasphemies, for all that goes together at Naples as at Rome. I could do nothing but compassionate him; but in spite of myself I could not help laughing, which seemed to vex the poor abbe. After the game we danced in spite of the prohibition of the Pope, whom no Roman can believe to be infallible, for he forbids dancing and permits games of chance. His successor Ganganelli followed the opposite course, and was no better obeyed. Pride is the daughter of folly, and always keeps its mother's nature. But I think he's a robber, and a dangerous robber, too. I know it, because he seems so scrupulously careful not to cheat you in small things. BACK AGAIN TO PARIS [JC#19][jcbpr10.xxx]2969 It is only fools who complain. ....citing the opinion of St. Clement Alexandrinus that the seat of shame is in the shirt. Blondel regards his wife as his mistress. He says that that keeps the flame of love alight, and that as he never had a mistress worthy of being a wife, he is delighted to have a wife worthy of being a mistress. MILAN [JC#20][jcmil10.xxx]2970 If you have not experienced the feelings I describe, dear reader, I pity you, and am forced to conclude that you must have been either awkward or miserly, and therefore unworthy of love. He was an amusing companion for anyone who knew the sublime poet, and could appreciate his numerous and rare beauties. Nevertheless he made me privately give in my assent to the proverb, Beware of the man of one book. "She makes me happy," he added; "and though she brought me no dower, I seem to be a richer man, for she has taught me to look on everything we don't possess as a superfluity." Timidity is often another word for stupidity. Though what she said was perfectly reasonable, it stung me to the quick; when one is in an ill humour, everything is fuel for the fire. She replied wittily and gracefully to all the questions which were addressed to her. True, what she said was lost on the majority of her auditors--for wit cannot stand before stupidity. SOUTH OF FRANCE [JC#21][jcsfr10.xxx]2971 When I had thus successfully accomplished my designs by means of the all- powerful lever, gold, which I knew how to lavish in time of need, I was once more free for my amours. "We have enjoyed ourselves," said Marcoline, "and time that is given to enjoyment is never lost." Women often do the most idiotic things out of sheer obstinacy; possibly they deceive even themselves, and act in good faith; but unfortunately, when the veil falls from before their eyes, they see but the profound abyss into which their folly had plunged them. "I hope you will forgive the ignorance of these poor people, who would like to shape the laws according to their needs." TO LONDON [JC#22][jclon10.xxx]2972 Economy in pleasure is not to my taste.