position; though the wealth and nobility they thought most of was

having me for their daughter; and as they have no other child to

make their heir, and are affectionate parents, I was one of the most

indulged daughters that ever parents indulged.

"I was the mirror in which they beheld themselves, the staff of

their old age, and the object in which, with submission to Heaven, all

their wishes centred, and mine were in accordance with theirs, for I

knew their worth; and as I was mistress of their hearts, so was I also