Continuation,

Reflecting deeply on the nature of my being,
the contradictions I had experienced filled me
with^ humility. The more I meditated^, my doubts
and difficulties increased.
Fatigued with^ so many uncertainties, my knees
bent^, and I soon found myself in a situation of
repose. This state of tranquillity gave new strength
to my senses. I was seated under^ the shade of a
beautiful tree ; fruits, of a vermilion hue^y hung down

» roe. remplir de ; — » Plus je r^fl^chir plus ; — ^ Lass^ de ; —
c fi€c1iie ; — A asseoir ^ ; — « couleur vermeiiie ;

f2



106 THE BOOK OF VERSIONS.
in the* form of grapes, within reach^ of my hand ;
I touched them gently, and they instantly separa-
ted^ from the branch : I imagined / had made^ a
great conquest, and I rejoicra in the faculty of
containing\ in my hand, another being which made
no par t^ of myself.
I had brought the fruit near^ my eyes: I exa-
mined its form, and its colour; a delicious odour
allured me^ to approach it near my^ lips, and / in-
haled long draughts of^ its perfumes; my mouth
opened^, and I discovered that I had an internal
sense of smelling, which was still more delicate:
at last I tasted.
The novelty of the sensation, and the exquisite
savour, filled me with^ astonishment and trans-
port. I continv£d to^ pull, and to eat; but an
agreeable languor gradually overpowered* my senses,
my limbs grew heavy\ my mind lost its activity,
my eyes closed^, and my head reclined^ upon
the grass.
