that frightened my soul. Sometimes, when straying alone, like an unquiet
ghost among the leafless trees, when a deeper shadow swept over the
earth, I would pause, pale with apprehension, listening to the many
dirge-like sounds of the forest, ever prophesying evil, until in my
trepidation I would start and tremble, and look to this side and to
that, as if considering which way to fly from some unimaginable calamity
coming, I knew not from where, to wreck my life for ever.

This bright day was better suited to my complaint. The sun shone as in
spring; not a stain appeared on the crystal vault of heaven; everywhere
the unfailing grass gave rest to the eye with its verdure; and a light
wind blew fresh and bracing in my face, making my pulses beat faster,
although feebly still. Remembering my happy wood-cutting days, before my
trouble had come to me, I got my ax and started to walk to the wood;
then seeing Yoletta watching my departure from the terrace, I waved my
hand to her. Before I had gone far, however, she came running to me,
full of anxiety, to warn me that I was not yet strong enough for such
work. I assured her that I had no intention of working hard and tiring
myself, then continued my walk, while she returned to attend on her
mother.

The day was so bright with sunshine that it inspired me with a kind of
passing gladness, and I began to hum snatches of old half-remembered
songs. They were songs of departing summer, tinged with melancholy, and
suggested other verses not meant for singing, which I began repeating.

"Rich flowers have perished on the silent earth--
Blossoms of valley and of wood that gave
A fragrance to the winds."