"That is her offence. She did not understand you."
"She could not, and I was unable to reveal myself to her. Besides, I was sick and mad. No one loves a madman. They are to be pitied and feared."
"Albert, you were never a madman. I never saw you crazed. The wisdom and power of your mind dazzled me."
"You saw me firm and self-possessed while in action. You never saw me in the agony of repose, or in the tortures of discouragement."
"You know, then, what it is to feel so. I did not think so."
"The reason is, you do not see all the dangers, obstacles, and vices of our enterprise. You have never sounded the abyss into which I plunged all my soul, and cast all my existence. You have looked at its chivalric and generous side; you have seen but easy looks and smiling hopes."
"The reason, count, is that I am less great, less enthusiastic than yourself. You drained the cup of zeal to the very dregs; and when its bitterness suffocated you, suspicions of man and heaven arose."
"Yes; and I have suffered cruelly on that account."
"And do you doubt yet—do you still suffer?"
"Now I hope, believe, and act. I am strong and happy. Do you not see joy enkindle my brow? Do you not see my very heart is intoxicated?"