The International library of famous literature, selections from the world's great writers, ancient, mediaeval, and modern with biographical and explanatory notes and critical essays by many eminent writers . ers from the Moun-tain (1764) ; Dictionary of Music (1767) ; Letters on his Exile (1770) ;Emile and Sophie (1780) ; Consolations of my Life (1781) ; Govern-ment of Poland (1782) ; and Confessions (1782-1790).] Early Years. My vocation thus determined, I was bound apprentice ;not, however, to a watchmaker, but to an engraver; and I hadbeen so completely humiliated by the contempt of the reg
The International library of famous literature, selections from the world's great writers, ancient, mediaeval, and modern with biographical and explanatory notes and critical essays by many eminent writers . ers from the Moun-tain (1764) ; Dictionary of Music (1767) ; Letters on his Exile (1770) ;Emile and Sophie (1780) ; Consolations of my Life (1781) ; Govern-ment of Poland (1782) ; and Confessions (1782-1790).] Early Years. My vocation thus determined, I was bound apprentice ;not, however, to a watchmaker, but to an engraver; and I hadbeen so completely humiliated by the contempt of the registrarthat I submitted without a murmur. My master, whose namewas Monsieur Ducommon, was a young man of a very violentand boorish character, who contrived in a short time to tarnishall the amiable qualities of my childhood, to stupefy a disposi-tion naturally sprightly, and reduce my feelings, as well asmy condition, to an absolute state of servitude. I forgot myLatin, history, and antiquities; I could hardly recollect whethersuch people as Romans ever existed. When I visited myfather, he no longer beheld his idol, nor could the ladies recog-nize the gallant Jean Jacques; nay, I was so well convinced. JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU CONFESSIONS. 4047 that Monsieur and Mademoiselle Lambercier would scarce re-ceive me as their pupil that I endeavored to avoid their com-pany, and have never seen them since. The vilest inclinations,the basest actions, succeeded my amiable amusements, and evenobliterated the very remembrance of them. I must have had,in spite of my good education, a great propensity to degenerate,else the declension could not have followed with such ease andrapidity, for never did so promising a Csesar so quickly becomea Laridon. The trade itself did not displease me. 1 had a lively tastefor drawing. There was nothing displeasing in the exercise ofthe graver; and as it required no extraordinary abilities toattain perfection as a watch-case engraver, I hoped to arriveat it. Per
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