Page:Letters of Mlle. de Lespinasse.djvu/65

50 fluence on the moral condition ; is Strasburg more northerly than Paris ? Think how much I shall have to fear Peters- burg ! — No, I will not fear ; I believe in you ; I believe in your friendship. Explain to me why I have this confidence, but be careful not to think that vanity counts for anything. My feeling for you is purged of that vile alloy which cor- rupts and enfeebles all affections.

You would have been very amiable had you told me whether my letter was the only one you found in Strasburg. See how generous I am. I could be willing that it were changed for the one you wished to find there. Let us decide our ranks, give me my place ; but as I do not like to change, let it be a good one. I do not want that of the unhappy per- son who is displeased with you, nor that of her with whom you are displeased. I know not where you can place me ; but do so if possible, that we may both be content ; do not bargain, give me much, you will see that I shall not abuse it. Oh! you shall see how well I know how to love! I can only love ; I know only how to love ! With moderate facul- ties, we can yet do much when we centre them on a single object. Well! I have but one thought, and that thought fills my soul and all my life.

You think that dissipation and new scenes and knowledge will distract you but little from your friends. Know yourself better ; yield in good faith and with good grace to the power which your nature has over your will, over your sentiments, over all your actions. Persons who are governed by the need to love do not go to Petersburg. They may go very far, but if so, they are condemned to it, and they do not say that they "re-enter their souls" to find there what they love; they believe they have never quitted it, be they a thousand leagues away. But there is more than one manner of being good and excellent ; yours will carry you far