I once or twice attempted to play for people of fashion; but they always thought my performance odious, and never rewarded me even with a trifle.

This was to me the more extraordinary, as whenever I used in better days to play for company, when playing was my amusement, my music never failed to throw them into raptures, and the ladies especially; but as it was now my only means, it was received with contempt: a proof how ready the world is to under rate those talents by which a man is supported.
'In this manner I proceeded to Paris, with no design but just to look about me, and then to go forward.

The people of Paris are much fonder of strangers that have money, than of those that have wit.

As I could not boast much of either, I was no great favourite.

After walking about the town four or five days, and seeing the outsides of the best houses, I was preparing to leave this retreat of venal hospitality, when passing through one of the principal streets, whom should I meet but our cousin, to whom you first recommended me.