of my good old grandfather by endeavoring to make watches in imitation
of him; but our favorite amusement was wasting paper, in drawing,
washing, coloring, etc. There came an Italian mountebank to Geneva,
called Gamber-Corta, who had an exhibition of puppets, that he made
play a kind of comedy. We went once to see them, but could not spare
time to go again, being busily employed in making puppets of our
own, and inventing comedies, which we immediately set about making
them perform, mimicking to the best of our abilities the uncouth voice
of Punch; and, to complete the business, my good aunt and uncle
Bernard had the patience to see and listen to our imitations; but my
uncle, having one day read an elaborate discourse to his family, we
instantly gave up our comedies, and began composing sermons.
These details, I confess, are not very amusing, but they serve to
demonstrate that the former part of our education was well directed,
since being, at such an early age, the absolute masters of our time,
we found no inclination to abuse it; and so little in want of other
companions, that we constantly neglected every occasion of seeking
them. When taking our walks together, we observed their diversions
without feeling any inclination to partake of them. Friendship so
entirely occupied our hearts, that, pleased with each other's company,
the simplest pastimes were sufficient to delight us.
We were soon remarked for being thus inseparable: and what
rendered us more conspicuous, my cousin was very tall, myself
extremely short, so that we exhibited a very whimsical contrast.
This meager figure, small, sallow countenance, heavy air, and supine
gait, excited the ridicule of the children, who, in the gibberish of
the country, nicknamed him Barna Bredanna; and we no sooner got out of
doors than our ears were assailed with a repetition of "Barna
Bredanna." He bore this indignity with tolerable patience, but I was
instantly for fighting. This was what the young rogues aimed at. I
engaged accordingly, and was beat. My poor cousin did all in his power
to assist me, but he was weak, and a single stroke brought him to
the ground. I then became furious, and received several smart blows,
some of which were aimed at Barna Bredanna. This quarrel so far
increased the evil, that, to avoid their insults, we could only show
ourselves in the streets while they were employed at school.
I had already become a redresser of grievances; there only wanted
a lady in the way to be a knight-errant in form. This defect was
soon supplied; I presently had two. I frequently went to see my father
at Nion, a small city in the Vaudois country, where he was now
settled. Being universally respected, the affection entertained for
him extended to me; and, during my visits, the question seemed to
be, who should show me most kindness. A Madam de Vulson, in
particular, loaded me with caresses; and, to complete all, her
daughter made me her gallant. I need not explain what kind of
gallant a boy of eleven must be to a girl of two and twenty; the
artful hussies know how to set these puppets up in front, to conceal
more serious engagements. On my part, I saw no inequality between
myself and Miss Vulson, was flattered by the circumstance, and went
into it with my whole heart, or rather my whole head, for this passion
