He realised how it had come about.

Hitherto he had ridden his thoughts unconsciously on the curb of caution, for a conclusion reached meant deeds to follow.
But, with the possibility of deeds removed, his mind had been freed.
What had been cloudy before now showed very bright, and the little lamp of reason he had once used was put out by an intolerable sunlight.

He felt himself quickened to an unwonted poetry....

His whole outlook had changed, but the change brought no impulse to action.

He submitted to be idle, since it was so fated.