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Even now I cannot recollect without passion my reveries while the

work was incomplete. I trod heaven in my thoughts, now exulting

in my powers, now burning with the idea of their effects. From my

infancy I was imbued with high hopes and a lofty ambition; but

how am I sunk! Oh! My friend, if you had known me as I once was,

you would not recognise me in this state of degradation.

Despondency rarely visited my heart; a high destiny seemed to

bear me on, until I fell, never, never again to rise."

Must I then lose this admirable being? I have longed for a

friend; I have sought one who would sympathise with and love me.

Behold, on these desert seas I have found such a one, but I fear

I have gained him only to know his value and lose him. I would

reconcile him to life, but he repulses the idea.