All the labor to which I had subjected myself, every project of ambition which by fits had animated my ardor, all had for object this happy country retirement, which I now thought near at hand.

Without having acquired a genteel independence, which I had judged to be the only means of accomplishing my views, I imagined myself, in my particular situation, to be able to do without it, and that I could obtain the same end by a means quite opposite.

I had no regular income; but I possessed some talents, and had acquired a name.
My wants were few, and I had freed myself from all those which were most expensive, and which merely depended on prejudice and opinion.

Besides this, although naturally indolent, I was laborious when I chose to be so.
and my idleness was less that of an indolent man, than that of an independent one who applies to business when it pleases him.
My profession of a copyist of music was neither splendid nor lucrative, but it was certain.

The world gave me credit for the courage I had shown in making choice of it.