easily said.

But would you require a wretched being, whose life is slowly wasting
under a lingering disease, to despatch himself at once by the
stroke of a dagger? Does not the very disorder which consumes his
strength deprive him of the courage to effect his deliverance?

You may answer me, if you please, with a similar analogy, "Who
would not prefer the amputation of an arm to the periling of life
by doubt and procrastination!" But I know not if I am right, and
let us leave these comparisons.

Enough! There are moments, Wilhelm, when I could rise up and shake
it all off, and when, if I only knew where to go, I could fly from
this place.

THE SAME EVENING.

My diary, which I have for some time neglected, came before me
today; and I am amazed to see how deliberately I have entangled
myself step by step. To have seen my position so clearly, and
yet to have acted so like a child! Even still I behold the
result plainly, and yet have no thought of acting with greater
prudence.

AUGUST 10.

If I were not a fool, I could spend the happiest and most delightful
life here. So many agreeable circumstances, and of a kind to
ensure a worthy man's happiness, are seldom united. Alas! I feel