been developed in her which no doubt was always the backbone of her personality, that, which I only discovered the last few times we were together, that, which ultimately has become the beautiful sacrament I worship.
And she! How will she recognise me? I scarcely recognise myself. I won her in play, I took her with sword in hand, and we used to step off together into the lightest dance. But now I am coming to her weaponless and in earnest. Before I asked for a dance, now I ask for dear life. Before, in my sublime arrogance I was satisfied with little, now I beg in humility for everything.…
We rush along towards the dawning day. But suddenly it is dark as night again, with a roar the train flies through a tunnel. I feel the darkness press heavily upon my chest, my ears tingle, and half-giddy I seize hold of the railing. It seems as if the tunnel will never end, I grope about to find my way back to the carriage, where the light is burning, then—what a transformation.
The sun is rising on the purple edge of heaven—wide, wide it spreads its golden halo, pouring quivering light over glimmering, grassy valleys and dewy cornfields.
Beautiful young day! In thankful joy I kneel to you; you set me free from the dark and anguished night and lead me into new-born love for Marie.
