in reality the same, whether I shell peas or count lentils? The
world runs on from one folly to another; and the man who, solely
from regard to the opinion of others, and without any wish or
necessity of his own, toils after gold, honour, or any other
phantom, is no better than a fool.

JULY 24.

You insist so much on my not neglecting my drawing, that it would
be as well for me to say nothing as to confess how little I have
lately done.

I never felt happier, I never understood nature better, even down
to the veriest stem or smallest blade of grass; and yet I am
unable to express myself: my powers of execution are so weak,
everything seems to swim and float before me, so that I cannot
make a clear, bold outline. But I fancy I should succeed better
if I had some clay or wax to model. I shall try, if this state
of mind continues much longer, and will take to modelling, if I
only knead dough.

I have commenced Charlotte's portrait three times, and have as
often disgraced myself. This is the more annoying, as I was
formerly very happy in taking likenesses. I have since sketched
her profile, and must content myself with that.

JULY 25.

Yes, dear Charlotte! I will order and arrange everything. Only
give me more commissions, the more the better. One thing, however,