But MY career has been one of difficulties and doubts and errors.

From my infancy I have been the sport of accident, and, though the wind has often borne me into harbour, it has seldom been into that which the pilot destined.

Let me recall to you--but the task must be brief--the odd and wayward fates of my youth, and the misfortunes of my manhood.
'The former, you will say, had nothing very appalling.

All was not for the best; but all was tolerable.

My father, the eldest son of an ancient but reduced family, left me with little, save the name of the head of the house, to the protection of his more fortunate brothers.