At length he went so far as to maintain that the Cabala was not so much a branch of mathematics as the metaphysical perfectionment of mathematics.
At this point, Marcolina, who had been listening attentively and with apparent seriousness, suddenly assumed a half-commiserating, half-mischievous expression, and said: "You are trying, Signor Casanova"-- she seemed deliberately to avoid addressing him as Chevalier--"to give me an elaborate proof of your renowned talent as entertainer, and I am extremely grateful to you.
But of course you know as well as I do that the Cabala has not merely nothing to do with mathematics, but is in conflict with the very essence of mathematics.

The Cabala bears to mathematics the same sort of relationship that the confused or fallacious chatter of the Sophists bore to the serene, lofty doctrines of Plato and of Aristotle." "Nevertheless, beautiful and learned Marcolina, you will admit," answered Casanova promptly, "that even the Sophists were far from being such contemptible, foolish apprentices as your harsh criticism would imply.

Let me give you a contemporary example.

M.Voltaire's whole technique of thought and writing entitles us to describe him as an Arch-Sophist.

Yet no one will refuse the due meed of honor to his extraordinary talent.