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From Italy they visited Germany and France. I, their eldest

child, was born at Naples, and as an infant accompanied them in

their rambles. I remained for several years their only child.

Much as they were attached to each other, they seemed to draw

inexhaustible stores of affection from a very mine of love to

bestow them upon me. My mother's tender caresses and my father's

smile of benevolent pleasure while regarding me are my first

recollections. I was their plaything and their idol, and

something better-their child, the innocent and helpless creature

bestowed on them by Heaven, whom to bring up to good, and whose

future lot it was in their hands to direct to happiness or

misery, according as they fulfilled their duties towards me.