Nos sobran hombres reflexivos y liberales que no actúan o no pueden hacerlo, y los hombres de acción incapaces de pensar de forma visionaria y liberal.

Ahora conocía la diabólica fabula que portaba aquel dorado esplendor, ahora evitaba la tétrica luz que antaño admiré con fervor; y un miedo espantoso y mortal ¡Ha apresado mi alma para siempre!

Outside, across the putrid moat and under the dark mute trees, I would often lie and dream for hours about what I read in the books; and would longingly picture myself amidst gay crowds in the sunny world beyond the endless forests.

But are not the dreams of poets and the tales of travellers notoriously false?

I neither knew nor cared whether my experience was insanity, dreaming, or magic; but was determined to gaze on brilliance and gaiety at any cost.