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[FRANKENSTEIN;
OR, THE MODERN PROMETHEUS.]

CHAPTER I[.]

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] <him,> for his integrity and indefatigable attention to public business. He passed his younger days perpetually occupied by the affairs of his country; [and it was not] <a variety of circumstances prevented his marrying early, nor was it> until the decline of life that he [thought of marrying, and bestowing on the state sons who might carry his virtues and his name down to posterity.] <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 [grieved also for the loss of his society, and resolved to seek him out and endeavour to persuade] <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.

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