I sit down upon the parapet of the bridge, and I watch the running water; I go on voyages of discovery among the ruins; I dive into the underground vaults; I scale the shattered steps of the belfry, and being unable to come down again the same way, I remain astride a gargoyle, cutting a rather sorry figure, until the miller brings me a ladder.

I wander at night through the forest, and I see deer running by in the moonlight.

All these things have a soothing effect on my mind, and produce the effect of child's dream in middle age.
Your letter dated from Cologne, and which was forwarded to me here according to my instructions, has alone disturbed my beatitude.

I console myself with some difficulty for having left Paris almost on the eve of your return.

May Heaven confound your whims and your want of decision! All I can do now, is to hurry my work; but where shall I find the historical documents I still need?
I am seriously anxious to save these ruins.