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I am a rather elderly man. The nature of my avocations for the last thirty years hasbrought me into more than ordinary contact with what would seem an interesting andsomewhat singular set of men, of whom as yet nothing that I know of has ever beenwritten: -I mean the law-copyists or scriveners. I have known very many of them, professionally and privately, and if I pleased, could relate divers histories, at whichgood-natured gentlemen might smile, and sentimental souls might weep. But I waivethe biographies of all other scriveners for a few passages in the life of Bartleby, whowas a scrivener of the strangest I ever saw or heard of. While of other law-copyists Imight write the complete life, of Bartleby nothing of that sort can be done. I believethat no materials exist for a full and satisfactory biography of this man. It is anirreparable loss to literature. Bartleby was one of those beings of whom nothing isascertainable, except from the original sources, and in his case those are very small.What my own astonished eyes saw of Bartleby, that is all I know of him, except, indeed, one vague report which will appear in the sequel.Ere introducing the scrivener, as he first appeared to me, it is fit I make some mentionof myself, my employees, my business, my chambers, and general surroundings; becausesome such description is indispensable to an adequate understanding of the chiefcharacter about to be presented.Imprimis: I am a man who, from his youth upwards, has been filled with a profoundconviction that the easiest way of life is the best. Hence, though I belong to aprofession proverbially energetic and nervous, even to turbulence, at times, yetnothing of that sort have I ever suffered to invade my peace. I am one of thoseunambitious lawyers who never addresses a jury, or in any way draws down publicapplause; but in the cool tranquility of a snug retreat, do a snug business among richmen's bonds and mortgages and title-deeds. All who know me, consider me aneminently safe m

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