At the age of ten he was sent to Chatillon, where he lived with his uncle, a priest, who taught him Latin and Holy history.

This did not prevent him from yielding to the persuasion of one of his companions to run off to Beaune, where the two proposed to study music under the Fathers of Oratory.

To provide funds for the journey, he stole a dozen livres from his uncle, the priest.
Arriving at Beaune, he became speedily destitute.

He wrote home to his mother for money.

She showed the letter to his father, who ordered him home.