You know its nature, for my heart has always been opened to you; you know all which I have done to draw myself out of the crowd, and to acquire a name; and surely not without some success, since I have your testimony in my favour.

Are you not the truest man, and the best of critics, who have never ceased to bestow on me your praise--and what need I more?
Have you not often told me that I am answerable to God for the talents he has endowed me with, if I neglected to cultivate them?
Your praises were to me as a sharp spur: I applied myself to study with more ardour, insatiable even of my moments.
Disdaining the beaten paths, I opened a new road; and I flattered myself that assiduous labour would lead to something great; but I know not how, when I thought myself highest, I feel myself fallen; the spring of my mind has dried up; what seemed easy once, now appears to me above my strength; I stumble at every step, and am ready to sink for ever into despair.

I return to you to teach me, or at least advise me.

Shall I for ever quit my studies?
Shall I strike into some new course of life?
My father, have pity on me! draw me out of the frightful state in which I am lost.' I could proceed no farther without shedding tears.

'Cease to afflict yourself, my son,' said that good man; 'your condition is not so bad as you think: the truth is, you knew little at the time you imagined you knew much.