* I doubt if it was St. Samuel; proper names absolutely escape my
memory.
Zustinian answered vaguely, and Veronese was not discharged. I was
piqued at this. It was during the carnival, and having taken the
bahute and a mask, I set out for the palace Zustinian. Those who saw
my gondola arrive with the livery of the ambassador, were lost in
astonishment. Venice had never seen such a thing. I entered, and
announced myself as Una Siora Maschera (a lady in a mask). As soon
as I was introduced I took off my mask and told my name. The senator
turned pale and appeared stupefied with surprise. "Sir," said I to him
in Venetian, "it is with much regret I importune your excellency
with this visit; but you have in your theater of Saint Luke, a man
of the name of Veronese, who is engaged in the service of the king,
and whom you have been requested, but in vain, to give up: I come to
claim him in the name of his majesty." My short harangue was
effectual. I had no sooner left the palace than Zustinian ran to
communicate the adventure to the state inquisitors, by whom he was
severely reprehended. Veronese was discharged the same day. I sent him
word that if he did not set off within a week I would have him
arrested. He did not wait for my giving him this intimation a second
time.
On another occasion I relieved from difficulty solely by my own
means, and almost without the assistance of any other person, the
captain of a merchant-ship. This was one Captain Olivet, from
Marseilles; the name of the vessel I have forgotten.
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