The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — CompleteRousseau, Jean-Jacques
Philosophy
The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — Complete
Rousseau, Jean-Jacques
Authors, French -- 18th century -- Biography; Rousseau, Jean-Jacques, 1712-1778
I likewise saw M. Bordes, with whom I had been long acquainted, and who
had frequently obliged me with the greatest cordiality and the most real
pleasure. He it was who enabled me to sell my books; and he also gave
me from himself good recommendations to Paris. I again saw the intendant
for whose acquaintance I was indebted to M. Bordes, and who introduced
me to the Duke de Richelieu, who was then passing through Lyons. M.
Pallu presented me. The Duke received me well, and invited me to come
and see him at Paris; I did so several times; although this great
acquaintance, of which I shall frequently have occasion to speak, was
never of the most trifling utility to me.
I visited the musician David, who, in one of my former journeys, and in
my distress, had rendered me service. He had either lent or given me
a cap and a pair of stockings, which I have never returned, nor has he
ever asked me for them, although we have since that time frequently
seen each other. I, however, made him a present, something like an
equivalent. I would say more upon this subject, were what I have
owned in question; but I have to speak of what I have done, which,
unfortunately, is far from being the same thing.
I also saw the noble and generous Perrichon, and not without feeling the
effects of his accustomed munificence; for he made me the same present
he had previously done to the elegant Bernard, by paying for my place
in the diligence. I visited the surgeon Parisot, the best and most
benevolent of men; as also his beloved Godefroi, who had lived with him
ten years, and whose merit chiefly consisted in her gentle manners and
goodness of heart. It was impossible to see this woman without pleasure,
or to leave her without regret. Nothing better shows the inclinations of
a man, than the nature of his attachments.
[Unless he be deceived in his choice, or that she, to whom he
attaches himself, changes her character by an extraordinary
concurrence of causes, which is not absolutely impossible. Were
this consequence to be admitted without modification, Socrates must
be judged of by his wife Xantippe, and Dion by his friend Calippus,
which would be the most false and iniquitous judgment ever made.
However, let no injurious application be here made to my wife. She
is weak and more easily deceived than I at first imagined, but by
her pure and excellent character she is worthy of all my esteem.]
Those who had once seen the gentle Godefroi, immediately knew the good
and amiable Parisot.
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