Whatever can incite to diligence was the growth of my condition; yet my indolence was a cureless disease; and there were no arts too sordid for me to practise.
"I was content to live on the bounty of a kinsman.

His family was numerous, and his revenue small.

He forbore to upbraid me, or even to insinuate the propriety of providing for myself; but he empowered me to pursue any liberal or mechanical profession which might suit my taste.

I was insensible to every generous motive.

I laboured to forget my dependent and disgraceful condition, because the remembrance was a source of anguish, without being able to inspire me with a steady resolution to change it.
"I contracted an acquaintance with a woman who was unchaste, perverse, and malignant.