I was rich, I had a home and a child; I am now poor, houseless, childless, friendless, and an outcast.

If in my solitary wretchedness I have loved to look upon that old bark, it is because its fortune seemed like my own.

It had outlived all that needed or cared for it.

For this reason have they thought me mad, though there are those, and not few either, who can well bear testimony if stain or reproach lie at my door, and if I can be reproached with aught save bad luck.

I have heard by chance what you have said this night.