My father is unknown to me as to every one; my mother,--to you I dare not mention who or what she was,--she died in my infancy.

Without a name, but not without an inheritance (my inheritance was large,--it was infamy!), I was thrown upon the world.

I had received by accident some education, and imbibed some ideas not natural to my situation; since then I have played many parts in life.

Books and men I have not so neglected but that I have gleaned at intervals some little knowledge from both.

Hence, if I have seemed to you better than I am, you will perceive the cause.