of torture to which I am condemned ? I have remorse for
what I give you, and regrets for what I am forced to with-
hold." But this is only the beginning of it all.[1]
M. de Guibert, who is much in vogue, and something of a coxcomb, leaves behind him, when he goes upon his journey, more than one regret. We find there are two women, one whom he loves, who responds but little, the other who loves him, but does not occupy him much.
Mile, de Lespinasse takes an interest in these persons, in one especially, and she tries to glide between the two. But what of that ? when the heart loves utterly it is not proud, and she tells herself, with F^lix in " Polyeucte," —
"I enter upon feelings that are not believable; Some I have are violent, others are pitiable, I have even some . . ."
She dares not conclude with Corneille, " some that are base." She asks to be given a place apart, for herself ; she does not yet know what place.
" Let us decide our ranks," she says. " Give me my place, but, as I do not like to change, give me a good one, I do not wish that of this unhappy woman, who is displeased with you ; nor that of the other, with whom you are displeased. I do not know where you will place me, but do so, if possible, that we may both be content : do not bargain ; grant me much ; you shall see that I will not abuse it. Oh ! you shall see that I know how to love ! I can but love, I know only how to love."
Here begins the eternal note, and it never ceases. To love
- ↑ The Letters are addressed throughout to " mon ami," which cannot here be translated as " my friend : " the consonants themselves forbid it, also the limited meaning of the English word in its general use. Consequently, the soft French word, with more love in it, is retained in the following translation. — Tr.
