Buchini. - Mi Lor, je vais vous raconter mon histoire du
commencement jusqu'ici:
- My father was a native of Sceira in
Greece, from whence at an early age he repaired to Pera, where he
served as janitor in the hotels of various ambassadors, by whom he
was much respected for his fidelity. Amongst others of these
gentlemen, he served him of your own nation: this occurred at the
time that there was war between England and the Porte. {14}
Monsieur the Ambassador had to escape for his life, leaving the
greater part of his valuables to the care of my father, who
concealed them at his own great risk, and when the dispute was
settled, restored them to Monsieur, even to the most inconsiderable
trinket. I mention this circumstance to show you that I am of a
family which cherishes principles of honour, and in which
confidence may be placed. My father married a daughter of Pera, et
moi je suis l'unique fruit de ce mariage. Of my mother I know
nothing, as she died shortly after my birth. A family of wealthy
Jews took pity on my forlorn condition and offered to bring me up,
to which my father gladly consented; and with them I continued
several years, until I was a beau garcon; they were very fond of
me, and at last offered to adopt me, and at their death to bequeath
me all they had, on condition of my becoming a Jew.
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