If he heard a drum in the streets, what glory like the soldier's?
If a new poem were published, what renown like the poet's?
He began works in literature, which promised great excellence, to throw them aside in disgust.

All at once he abandoned the decorous and formal society he had courted; he joined himself, with young and riotous associates; he plunged into the wildest excesses of the great city, where Gold reigns alike over Toil and Pleasure.

Through all he carried with him a certain power and heat of soul.

In all society he aspired to command,--in all pursuits to excel.

Yet whatever the passion of the moment, the reaction was terrible in its gloom.