I should have gone mad if a consoling word from a great and noble mind had not roused me from my desolation, and if love had not shed a ray of light into my benighted soul.

I listened no longer to sickening pride and humbled sense of honor.

Love commanded me to come here, and I came to ask you, Marie, in the presence of your parents, if you will be my wife; if you will accept my poor, insignificant name, and be contented by my side to lead a quiet, modest existence.

I can only earn sufficient to assure us a peaceful life.

I have no splendor, no treasures to offer you, but only my love, my heart, my life, my whole thought and being.