Being so, how can I obtain a large practice, or succeed, unless it is by some stroke of luck?
I have counted on the luck, but its hour has not yet sounded.

Because I lack suppleness I have not been able to win the sympathy or interest of my masters.

They see only my reserve; and because I stay away from them, as much through timidity as pride, they do not come to me--which is quite natural, I admit.

And because I have not yielded my ideas to the authority of others, they have taken a dislike to me, which is still more natural.
Because I lack politeness, and am still an Auvergnat, heavy and awkward as nature made me, men of the world disdain me, judging me by my exterior, which they see and dislike.

More wary, more sly, more experienced, I should be, at least, sustained by friendship, but I have given no thought to it.