I submit my inclination--my will, to
gratify others?--Why? Ah, freedom--freedom!"

"I have obtained 'Volney's Ruins' from S----. I conceal the book from
these pious fearful people, who tremble at shadows; but
to-night!--to-night!--when their eyes are closed in sleep, mine shall
wake and read it. The frontispiece to this book gives me extraordinary
pleasure. A wreck combats with stormy waves; the moon goes down amid
black clouds; on the shore, among the ruins of a temple, sits a
Mussulman--a beautiful and thoughtful figure--and surveys the scene. I
likewise observe it, and an agreeable shudder passes through me. A vast
ruin is better and far more beautiful than a small and an empty
happiness."

"The book pleases me. It expresses what has long lain silent in me. It
gives clear light to my dark anticipations. Ah! what a day dawns upon
me! A dazzling light that clears away all misty illusions, but my eyes
are strong enough to bear it! Let the net of prejudice, let the
miserable bond of custom be rent asunder, let the fettering supports
fall! My own strength is sufficient for me."

"Why am I a woman? As a man my life and my conduct would have been clear
and easy; as a woman, I must bow myself in order to clear myself.
Miserable dependence! Miserable lot of woman!"

"I do not love S----, but he makes a certain impression upon me. The
dark strength in his eye pleases me, the reckless strong will that will
bow itself only to me; and when he takes the harp in his arms, with what
powerful strength he compels it to express all that which the heart has
dreamt and dreams. Then he grasps the strings of my heart--then I
acknowledge in him my master; but never, he shall never govern me.

"His spirit is not powerful enough for that. He never can be other to me
than as a means to my end. Nor will I herein deceive him. I am too proud
for a hypocrite. I know well whom I could love. I know well the man who
could be the aim of my ambition."

"Nature never created me for this narrow sphere--for this narrow
foot-track through life. S---- shows me another, which captivates my
mind; I feel that I am created for it.

"I have observed myself in the glass, and it tells me, as well as the
glance of mankind, that I am handsome. My growth is strong, and accords
with the character of my countenance. I cannot doubt the assurance of
S----. My person, in connexion with the powers of my mind, and my
talent, will ensure me a brilliant future."

"W