"Rousseau, Jean-Jacques - Confessions of Jean-jacques Rousseau, The" - читать интересную книгу автора (Rousseau Jacques)

The obstacles that opposed served only to give a degree of

vivacity to their affection, and the young lover, not being able to

obtain his mistress, was overwhelmed with sorrow and despair. She

advised him to travel- to forget her. He consented- he traveled but

returned more passionate than ever, and had the happiness to find

her equally constant, equally tender. After this proof of mutual

affection, what could they resolve?- to dedicate their future lives to

love! the resolution was ratified with a vow, on which Heaven shed its

benediction.

Fortunately, my mother's brother, Gabriel Bernard, fell in love with

one of my father's sisters: she had no objection to the match, but

made the marriage of his sister with her brother an indispensable

preliminary. Love soon removed every obstacle, and the two weddings

were celebrated the same day: thus my uncle became the husband of my

aunt, and their children were doubly cousins german. Before a year was

expired, both had the happiness to become fathers, but were soon after

obliged to submit to a separation.

My uncle Bernard, who was an engineer, went to serve in the empire

and Hungary, under Prince Eugene, and distinguished himself both at

the siege and battle of Belgrade. My father, after the birth of my

only brother, set off, on recommendation, for Constantinople, and

was appointed watchmaker to the Seraglio. During his absence, the

beauty, wit, and accomplishments* of my mother attracted a number of

admirers, among whom Mons. de la Closure, Resident of France, was

the most assiduous in his attentions. His passion must have been