25 June–1 July 1838

They said in the French Revolution there was a Comte whose ruling passion was the fear of being guillotined. Civil life may show many men whose ruling passion is the fear of being robbed. I woke and watched one night a dull hour on hearing noises, steps below stairs, or creaking of windows or doors. But the love of my spoons shall not again hinder me from sleep.

The moon and Jupiter side by side last night stemmed the sea of clouds and plied their voy- age in convoy through the sublime Deep as I walked the old and dusty road. The snow and the enchantment of the moonlight make all landscapes alike, and the road that is so tedious and homely that I never take it by day, — by night is Italy or Palmyra. In these divine plea- sures permitted to me of walks in the June night under moon and stars, I can put my life as a fact before me and stand aloof from its honor and shame.