I was born on the night of the 15th of January, 1675, of Claude Duc de Saint-Simon, Peer of France, and of his second wife Charlotte de l'Aubepine.

I was the only child of that marriage.

By his first wife, Diana de Budos, my father had had only a daughter.

He married her to the Duc de Brissac, Peer of France, only brother of the Duchesse de Villeroy.
She died in 1684, without children,--having been long before separated from a husband who was unworthy of her--leaving me heir of all her property.
I bore the name of the Vidame de Chartres; and was educated with great care and attention.

My mother, who was remarkable for virtue, perseverance, and sense, busied herself continually in forming my mind and body.