And the worst is, we are not yet at the end of the tragedy.

You may judge what effect these cruel shocks made on me.

I wrap myself in my stoicism, the best I can.

Flesh and blood revolt against such tyrannous command; but it must be followed.

If you saw me, you would scarcely know me again: I am old, broken, gray-headed, wrinkled; I am losing my teeth and my gayety: if this go on, there will be nothing of me left, but the mania of making verses, and an inviolable attachment to my duties and to the few virtuous men whom I know." [_OEuvres de Frederic,_ xxiii.