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He tried to make us act plays and to enter into masquerades, in

which the characters were drawn from the heroes of Roncesvalles,

of the Round Table of King Arthur, and the chivalrous train who

shed their blood to redeem the holy sepulchre from the hands of

the infidels.

No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself.

My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and

indulgence. We felt that they were not the tyrants to rule our

lot according to their caprice, but the agents and creators of

all the many delights which we enjoyed. When I mingled with other

families I distinctly discerned how peculiarly fortunate my lot

was, and gratitude assisted the development of filial love.