Fougeret de Montbron - The Amorous Adventures of Margot

I was deeply touched by their misfortunes. And it was far from me to reproach their behavior which had caused them their conditions. I could do no more than justify their actions in my heart, because I remembered the sensible reflections of the lawyer Patelin that it is very difficult to remain an honest person when one is poor. Truly there are so many people who behave as if they are integrity incarnate only because they have no wants; they might have committed worse crimes if they had been in a similar situation. As they say, there is only good luck and bad luck in this world. And the ones who have bad luck are hanged. I don't doubt that if everyone who really deserved it would dangle from the end of a rope, our globe would soon be depopulated.

Strengthened by this conviction, whether it is true or not, I used my influence to have my mother released from her imprisonment and I had no doubt that the change of her environment would soon turn her into a respectable woman. Thank God, I was not mistaken. Today she is one of the most sensible and prudent ladies I can think of. She was more than happy to take over the care of my household and I must admit to her honor that nobody has ever taken more interest in my home. In short, if I have done anything at all to contribute to her happiness, she is doing no less for me with her tender love and true eagerness in taking care of everything and anticipating my slightest wishes.

We divide our time between our city and our country homes and enjoy among the pleasures of life only those which are the most blissful and available in great variety.

As far as my health is concerned, except for a little insomnia now and then, it is excellent. But, since “Mister Eye-watcher” positively forbade any form of medicine, I hit upon the idea of reading some passages from the sleep promoting works of the Marquis d'Argens, the Chevalier de Mouhy and many other authors of a similar outstanding nature, and in no time at all I sleep like a top. I advise anybody with similar difficulties to try it and I can give them my word that it is the best remedy.

The only thing which remains now is to answer the accusation that I have been a bit too liberal in certain descriptions. I have been prompted by the following considerations: I firmly believe that the only way to discredit these ladies of pleasure is to paint them in the most repulsive colors and to expose the infamous tricks of their trade. Moreover, whatever the reader may think of it, I flatter myself that the obscene parts of my memoirs are fully justified by the good use which young people, about to enter society, may make of them. Let them know about the artful training of these whores and they can draw their own conclusions about the obvious dangers inherent in visiting them. If I have succeeded, and the results are what I expect them to be-the better for them. If not, I wash my hands in innocence.