When the war was over, the doctor laughed at me, but Bettina admired my valour.

Unfortunately, I indulged in expenses far above my means, owing to my unwillingness to seem poorer than my new friends.

I sold or pledged everything I possessed, and I contracted debts which I could not possibly pay.

This state of things caused my first sorrows, and they are the most poignant sorrows under which a young man can smart.

Not knowing which way to turn, I wrote to my excellent grandmother, begging her assistance, but instead of sending me some money, she came to Padua on the 1st of October, 1739, and, after thanking the doctor and Bettina for all their affectionate care, she bought me back to Venice.