In certain almost supernatural moods of the soul the depth of life
reveals itself to the full, in the scene, ordinary as it may be,
beneath one's eyes. It becomes the symbol.
As I was crossing the boulevard, and as I hurried to escape the
wagons, my aureole slipped off and fell into the mire of the macadam.
Fortunately, I had time to pick it up; but a moment after the unlucky
idea entered my mind that it was an ill omen; after that the idea clung
to me, and gave me no rest the entire day.
Of the worship of one's self in love, from the point of view of
health, of hygiene, of the toilet, of eloquence and of spiritual
nobility.