"I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now."

"A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot."

"When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream."