renovating in this life, this voyaging,
this fresh wind. It chases the dust from the eyes of the soul;
one sees oneself and others more accurately, and gets removed from
one's old self. One journeys in order to stand upon a new shore,
and amid new connexions. One begins, as it were, anew.

"We had a storm yesterday, and with the exception of my father, I
was the only passenger who remained well, and on this account I
could help the sufferers. It is true it was not without its
discomforts; it is true that I reeled about sometimes with a glass
of water, and sometimes with a glass of drops in the hand; but I
saw many a laughable scene; many an odd trait of human nature. I
laughed, made my own remarks, forgot myself, and became friendly
with all mankind. Certainly it would be a very good thing for me
to be maid-servant on board a steam-boat.

"Towards evening, the storm, as well within as without the vessel,
abated itself. I sate solitary on dock till midnight. The waves
still foamed around the agreeably rocking vessel; the wind
whistled in the rigging; and the full moon, heralded by one bright
little star, rose from the sea, and diffused her mild wondrous
light over its dark expanse. It was infinitely glorious! Nameless
thoughts and feelings arose in me, full of love and melancholy,
and yet at the same time elevating and strengthening; a certain
longing after that for which I knew no name. I desired I knew not
what.

"But I fear and know that which I do not desire. I fear the quiet
measured life into which I am about again to
enter--conventionalities, forms, social life, all this cramps my
soul together, and makes it inclined to excesses. Instead of
sitting in select society, and drinking tea in 'high life,' would
I rather roam about the world in Viking expeditions--rather eat
locusts with John the Baptist in the wilderness, and go hither and
thither in a garment of camel's hair; and after all, such apparel
as this must be very convenient in comparison with our patchwork
toilet. Manifold are the changing scenes of life, and how shall I
find my way, and where shall I find my place in the magic circle
of the world. Forgive me, Leonore, that I talk so much about
myself. Thou good one, thou hast spoiled me in th