As I was now capable of reflection, I began to consider my precarious
situation; that I was utterly abandoned by those whose duty it was
to protect me: and that my sole dependence was on the generosity
of one man, who was not only exposed by his profession to continual
dangers, which might one day deprive me of him for ever; but also
(no doubt) subject to those vicissitudes of disposition which a
change of fortune usually creates, or which a better acquaintance
with the world might produce; for I always ascribed his benevolence
to the dictates of a heart as yet undebauched by a commerce with
mankind. Alarmed at these considerations, I resolved to apply
myself with great care to my studies, and enjoy the opportunity in
my power: this I did with such success that, in the space of three
years, I understood Greek very well, was pretty far advanced in
the mathematics, and no stranger to moral and natural philosophy:
logic I made no account of; but, above all things, I valued myself
on my taste in the belles lettres, and a talent for poetry, which
had already produced some pieces that had met with a favourable
reception. These qualifications, added to a good face and shape,
acquired the esteem and acquaintance of the most considerable people
in town, and I had the satisfaction to find myself in some degree
of favour with the ladies; an intoxicating piece of good fortune
to one of my amorous complexion! which I obtained, or at least
preserved, by gratifying their propensity to scandal, in lampooning
their rivals.

Two of my female cousins lived in this place, with their mother,
since the death of their father, who left his whole fortune equally
divided between them; so that, if they were not the most beautiful,