As the coach stopped at the door of my late inn, I felt much
perplexed, and not at all disposed to enter so wretched an abode. I
called for my things, and received them with an air of contempt,
threw down a few gold pieces, and desired to be conducted to a
first-rate hotel. This house had a northern aspect, so that I had
nothing to fear from the sun. I dismissed the coachman with gold;
asked to be conducted to the best apartment, and locked myself up in
it as soon as possible.

Imagine, my friend, what I then set about? O my dear Chamisso! even
to thee I blush to mention what follows.

I drew the ill-fated purse from my bosom; and, in a sort of frenzy
that raged like a self-fed fire within me, I took out gold--gold--
gold--more and more, till I strewed it on the floor, trampled upon
it, and feasting on its very sound and brilliancy, added coins to
coins, rolling and revelling on the gorgeous bed, until I sank
exhausted.

Thus passed away that day and evening; and as my door remained
locked, night found me still lying on the gold, where, at last,
sleep overpowered me.

Then I dreamed of thee, and fancied I stood behind the glass door of
thy little room, and saw thee seated at thy table between a skeleton
and a bunch of dried plants; before thee lay open the works of
Haller, Humboldt, and Linnaeus; on thy sofa a volume of Goethe, and
the Enchanted Ring. I stood a long time contemplating thee, and
everything in thy apartment; and again turning my gaze upon thee, I