So much the worse.

As usual, more planned than done, and for that very reason nothing much will come of me."[99] To a different purport are his words in a later note (November 28th) to the same correspondent: "In searching for your letter of October 5th, I came upon a multitude of others requiring answers.

Dear man, my friends must pardon me, my _nisus_ forwards is so strong that I can seldom force myself to take breath, and cast a look backwards."[100] In the opening of the year, 1772 (February 3rd), he is in the same sanguine temper: "Prospects daily widen out before me, and obstacles give way, so that I may confidently lay the blame on my own feet if I do not move on."[101] [Footnote 99: _Ib._ p.

6.] [Footnote 100: _Ib._ p.

8.] [Footnote 101: _Ib._ p.