The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Volume 11: Paris and Holland

Produced by David Widger
MEMOIRS OF JACQUES CASANOVA de SEINGALT 1725-1798
THE ETERNAL QUEST, Volume 2a—PARIS AND HOLLAND
Count Tiretta of Trevisa Abbe Coste—Lambertini, the Pope's Niece Her Nick—Name for Tiretta The Aunt and Niece—Our Talk by the Fireside—Punishment of Damien—Tiretta's Mistake Anger of Madame —Their Reconciliation—My Happiness with Mdlle. de la Meure Silvia's Daughter—Mdlle, de la Meure Marries My Despair and Jealousy—A Change far the Better
In the beginning of March, 1757, I received a letter from my friend Madame Manzoni, which she sent to me by a young man of good appearance, with a frank and high-born air, whom I recognized as a Venetian by his accent. He was young Count Tiretta de Trevisa, recommended to my care by Madame Manzoni, who said that he would tell me his story, which I might be sure would be a true one. The kind woman sent to me by him a small box in which she told me I should find all my manuscripts, as she did not think she would ever see me again.
I gave Tiretta the heartiest of welcomes, telling him that he could not have found a better way to my favour than through a woman to whom I was under the greatest obligations.
And now, that you may be at your ease with me, I should like to know in what manner I can be of service to you?
I have need of your friendship, perhaps of your purse, but at any rate of your protection.
You have my friendship and my protection already, and my purse is at your service.
After expressing his gratitude to me, Tiretta said,
A year ago the Supreme Council of my country entrusted me with an employment dangerous to one of my years. I was made, with some other young gentlemen of my own age, a keeper of the Mont de Piete. The pleasures of the carnival having put us to a good deal of expense, we were short of money, and borrowed from the till hoping to be able to make up the money before balancing-day, but hoping all in vain.
The fathers of my two companions, richer than mine, paid the sums they had taken, and I, not being able to pay, took the part of escaping by flight from the shame and the punishment I should have undergone.