At the end of the fortnight he went to the college, and Diderot used many a time to say that such a mark of tenderness and goodness would have made him go to the other end of the world if his father had required it.

"My friend," said his father, "I am come to see if you are well, if you are satisfied with your superiors, with your food, with your companions, and with yourself.

If you are not well or not happy, we will go back together to your mother.

If you had rather stay where you are, I am come to give you a word, to embrace you, and to leave you my blessing." The boy declared he was perfectly happy; and the principal pronounced him an excellent scholar, though already promising to be a troublesome one.[4] After a couple of years the young Diderot, like other sons of Adam, had to think of earning his bread.

The usual struggle followed between youthful genius and old prudence.