so many shades in a beautiful picture.”

“Your hempen sage,” said Martin, “laughed at you; these shades, as you call them, are most horrible blemishes.”

“The men make these blemishes,” rejoined Candide, “and they cannot do otherwise.”

“Then it is not their fault,” added Martin.

The greatest part of the gamesters, who did not understand a syllable of this discourse, amused themselves with drinking, while Martin reasoned with the learned gentleman and Candide entertained the lady of the house with a part of his adventures.

After supper the Marchioness conducted Candide into her dressingroom, and made him sit down under a canopy.