At this the Pope laughed till his sides shook.
"We shall be pleased to hear the end of the story without anyone being informed of our innocent curiosity."
With these words, a long benediction delivered with much unction informed me that my audience was at an end.
As I was leaving His Holiness's palace, I was accosted by an old abbe, who asked me respectfully if I were not the M. Casanova who had escaped from The Leads.
"Yes," said I, "I am the man."
"Heaven be praised, worthy sir, that I see you again in such good estate!"
"But whom have I the honour of addressing?"
"Don't you recollect me? I am Momolo, formerly gondolier at Venice."
"Have you entered holy orders, then?"
"Not at all, but here everyone wears the cassock. I am the first scopatore (sweeper) of His Holiness the Pope."