OF THE BIRTHPLACE OF PIERRE ABELARD AND OF HIS PARENTS Know, then, that I am come from a certain town which was built on the way into lesser Brittany, distant some eight miles, as I think, eastward from the city of Nantes, and in its own tongue called Palets.

Such is the nature of that country, or, it may be, of them who dwell there--for in truth they are quick in fancy--that my mind bent itself easily to the study of letters.

Yet more, I had a father who had won some smattering of letters before he had girded on the soldier's belt.

And so it came about that long afterwards his love thereof was so strong that he saw to it that each son of his should be taught in letters even earlier than in the management of arms.

Thus indeed did it come to pass.