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THE BEGINNING OF THE CONFESSIONS.
I have to explain how I was first taken with the malady of the age.
I was at table, at a great supper, after a masquerade.

About me were my friends, richly costumed, on all sides young men and women, all sparkling with beauty and joy; on the right and on the left exquisite dishes, flagons, splendor, flowers; above my head was an obstreperous orchestra, and before me my loved one, whom I idolized.
I was then nineteen; I had passed through no great misfortune, I had suffered from no disease; my character was at once haughty and frank, my heart full of the hopes of youth.

The fumes of wine fermented in my head; it was one of those moments of intoxication when all that one sees and hears speaks to one of the well-beloved.

All nature appeared a beautiful stone with a thousand facets, on which was engraven the mysterious name.