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STENDHAL
ROME
NAPLESETFLORENCE
EN 1817
The smile which sank into his heart the first time he ever beheld her, played round her lips ever after : the look with which her eyes first met his, never passed away. The image of his mistress still haunted his mind, and was recalled by every object in nature. Even death could not dissoive the fine illusion : for that which exists in the imagination is alone imperissable. As our feelings become more ideal, the impression of the moment indeed become less violent. The blow is felt only by reflection ; it is the rebound that is fatal.
(Mémoires d’Holcroft.)
PARIS
LE DIVAN
37, Rue Bonaparte, 37
MCMXXVII
