Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Chapter 1

I am by birth a Genevese, and my family is one of the most

distinguished of that republic.  My ancestors had been for many years

counsellors and syndics, and my father had filled several public

situations with honour and reputation.  He was respected by all who

knew him for his integrity and indefatigable attention to public

business.  He passed his younger days perpetually occupied by the

affairs of his country; a variety of circumstances had prevented his

marrying early, nor was it until the decline of life that he became a

husband and the father of a family.

As the circumstances of his marriage illustrate his character, I cannot

refrain from relating them.  One of his most intimate friends was a

merchant who, from a flourishing state, fell, through numerous

mischances, into poverty.  This man, whose name was Beaufort, was of a

proud and unbending disposition and could not bear to live in poverty

and oblivion in the same country where he had formerly been

distinguished for his rank and magnificence.  Having paid his debts,

therefore, in the most honourable manner, he retreated with his

daughter to the town of Lucerne, where he lived unknown and in

wretchedness.  My father loved Beaufort with the truest friendship and

was deeply grieved by his retreat in these unfortunate circumstances.

He bitterly deplored the false pride which led his friend to a conduct

so little worthy of the affection that united them.  He lost no time in

endeavouring to seek him out, with the hope of persuading him to begin

the world again through his credit and assistance.

Beaufort had taken effectual measures to conceal himself, and it was ten

months before my father discovered his abode.  Overjoyed at this

discovery, he hastened to the house, which was situated in a mean street

near the Reuss.  But when he entered, misery and despair alone welcomed

him.  Beaufort had saved but a very small sum of money from the wreck of

his fortunes, but it was sufficient to provide him with sustenance for

some months, and in the meantime he hoped to procure some respectable

employment in a merchant's house.  The interval was, consequently, spent

in inaction; his grief only became more deep and rankling when he had

leisure for reflection, and at length it took so fast hold of his mind

that at the end of three months he lay on a bed of sickness, incapable

of any exertion.

His daughter attended him with the greatest tenderness, but she saw