It may appear strange, I should mention the latter circumstance as advantageous, if my peculiarity of temper is not already familiar to the reader.

I was continually occupied with a variety of pleasing chimeras, and never did the warmth of my imagination produce more magnificent ones.

When offered an empty place in a carriage, or any person accosted me on the road, how vexed was I to see that fortune overthrown, whose edifice, while walking, I had taken such pains to rear.
For once my ideas were all martial: I was going to live with a military man; nay, to become one, for it was concluded I should begin with being a cadet.

I already fancied myself in regimentals, with a fine white feather nodding on my hat, and my heart was inflamed by the noble idea.
I had some smattering of geometry and fortification; my uncle was an engineer; I was in a manner a soldier by inheritance.

My short sight, indeed, presented some little obstacle, but did not by any means discourage me, as I reckoned to supply that defect by coolness and intrepidity.