If I could really do anything for you, believe me, I would do it gladly.

But I assure you I possess neither the philosopher's stone, nor a prescription for a universal panacea.

I do not believe either that the remedies they recommend so highly to you are very effectual, so I am much obliged to you for your confidence in me, and beg you to leave me in my obscurity." Hessel gave him a dark look, stood up, turned slowly away, and left him without one word, or even offering him his hand.
Wilhelm had sent to Berlin for a box of books, and tried to go on with his work, but found no real pleasure in it.

A deep despondency had come upon him, and the idea that his life was wholly purposeless took more and more hold upon him.

Often, after studying earnestly for a day or two, and making extracts for his book, he would ask himself, "Why take all this trouble?
Who is going to be made wiser or happier by this rigmarole ?" and his pleasure in the work was gone again for days.