What--what was I to do?
"Many, many times I thought this question over, but was unable to solve it; a fear now stole over me that I was unfit for anything in the world, save the lazy life of vegetation which I had for many years been leading; yet, if that were the case, thought I, why the craving within me to distinguish myself?
Surely it does not occur fortuitously, but is intended to rouse and call into exercise certain latent powers that I possess?
and then with infinite eagerness I set about attempting to discover these latent powers.

I tried an infinity of pursuits, botany and geology amongst the rest, but in vain; I was fitted for none of them.
I became very sorrowful and despondent, and at one time I had almost resolved to plunge again into the whirlpool of dissipation; it was a dreadful resource, it was true, but what better could I do?
"But I was not doomed to return to the dissipation of the world.

One morning a young nobleman, who had for some time past shown a wish to cultivate my acquaintance, came to me in a considerable hurry.

'I am come to beg an important favour of you,' said he; 'one of the county memberships is vacant--I intend to become a candidate; what I want immediately is a spirited address to the electors.

I have been endeavouring to frame one all the morning, but in vain; I have, therefore, recourse to you as a person of infinite genius; pray, my dear friend, concoct me one by the morning.' 'What you require of me,' I replied, 'is impossible; I have not the gift of words; did I possess it I would stand for the county myself, but I can't speak.