Have not other attachments been specially appointed by fate to
torment a head like mine? Poor Leonora! and yet I was not to blame.
Was it my fault, that, whilst the peculiar charms of her sister
afforded me an agreeable entertainment, a passion for me was engendered
in her feeble heart? And yet am I wholly blameless? Did I not encourage her
emotions? Did I not feel charmed at those truly genuine expressions of nature,
which, though but little mirthful in reality, so often amused us? Did I not -- but
oh! what is man, that he dares so to accuse himself? My dear friend I promise you I will improve;
I will no longer, as has ever been my habit, continue to ruminate on every petty vexation which
fortune may dispense;
I will enjoy the present, and the past shall be for me the past.