I was forbidden all fatigue of mind: my books were banished, but not the new self which the books had formed.

Recovering slowly through the summer, I came hither two months since, ostensibly for the advice of Dr.C-------, but really in the desire to commune with my own heart and be still.
And now I have poured forth that heart to you, would you persuade me still to be a singer?
If you do, remember at least how jealous and absorbing the art of the singer and the actress is,--how completely I must surrender myself to it, and live among books or among dreams no more.

Can I be anything else but singer?
and if not, should I be contented merely to read and to dream?
I must confide to you one ambition which during the lazy Italian summer took possession of me; I must tell you the ambition, and add that I have renounced it as a vain one.

I had hoped that I could compose, I mean in music.

I was pleased with some things I did: they expressed in music what I could not express in words; and one secret object in coming here was to submit them to the great Maestro.