My father and mother were among the poorest in the land.

Both died when I was a child, and I never saw them.

I grew up in the open fields and public caverns, along with the most esteemed paupers.

But, unfortunately for me, there was something wanting in my natural disposition.

I loved death, of course, and poverty, too, very strongly; but I did not have that eager and energetic passion which is so desirable, nor was I watchful enough over my blessed estate of poverty.