The face of heaven grew fairer as I viewed it, and the clouds seemed to flit away obedient to my wishes, to give my soul room to expand. His manner was changed. So far from having an affection for me, he really hated me, because he was convinced that I must despise him. I declared, interrupting him, 'that I would promise nothing. I had passively followed him up stairs, not wishing to fatigue myself with unavailing exertion.
Nothing calms the mind like a fixed purpose.