I have neither chick nor child.

No brothers or sisters, dead or alive.
The Bon Dieu and Sergeant Marigold (the latter assisted by his wife and a maid or two) look after my creature comforts.

What have I in the world to do that is worth doing save concern myself with my country and my friends?
With regard to my country, in these days of war, I do what I can.

Until finally flattened out by the War Office, I pestered them for such employment as a cripple might undertake.

As an instance of what a paralytic was capable I quoted Couthon, member of the National Convention and the Committee of Public Safety.