I have done nothing lately but to repeat to myself that saying of yours, No.

54, C.7, P.S.; and it has consoled me, I cannot say why, except that all wisdom consoles, whether it applies directly or not: "'For this reason so many fall from God, who have attained to Him; that they cling to Him with their Weakness, not with their Strength.' "I like to know of what you are thinking when you composed this or that saying--what suggested it.

May not one be admitted to inspect the machinery of wisdom?
I feel curious to know how thoughts--real thoughts--are born.

Not that I hope to win the secret.

Here is the beginning of one (but we poor women can never put together even two of the three ideas which you say go to form a thought): 'When a wise man makes a false step, will he not go farther than a fool ?' It has just flitted through me.
"I cannot get on with Gibbon, so wait your return to recommence the readings.