Narciss behaved to me as to a bride, and never dared to ask
of me such favors as were yet forbidden us. But about the
boundaries of virtue and decorum we were of very different
opinions. I meant to walk securely ; and so never granted him
the smallest freedom which the whole world might not have wit-
nessed. He, used to dainties, thought this diet very strict. On
this point there was continual variance : he praised my modesty,
and sought to undermine my resolution.
The Serious of my old French teacher now occurred to me ;

as well as the defence which I had once suggested in regard to it.
With God I had again become a little more acquainted. He

w



864 MEISTER'S APPRENTICESHIP.
had giv^n me u bridegroom whom i 'loved ; and for 'this I fdk
some thankfidness. Earthly love kse]f concenti*ated my soul,
and put its powers in motion ; nor did it contradict my inter-
course with God. I naturally complained to him of what alarmed
me ; but I did not perceive that I myself was wishing and desir-
ing it. In my own eyes, I was strong ; I did not pray, " Lead
us not into temptation !^ My thoughts were far beyond temp-
tation. In this flimsy tinsel-work of virtue I came to God ; he
did not drive me back. On the smallest movement towards him,
he left a sofi impression in my soul ; and this impression caused
me always to return.
