Ah! how shall I arrive at this heavenly understanding, at this pure and
naked knowledge, which is abstracted from the senses, at this light
above Nature and Creature, and at this participation of the Divine
Wisdom which oversees all things, and governs through all intellectual
beings? For, alas, I am touched every moment by the things which are
about me, and overshadowed by the clouds and perfumes which rise up out
of the earth. I desire, therefore, to be taught, if possible, how I may
attain such a state and condition as that no creature may be able to
touch me to hurt me; and how my mind, being purged from sensible objects
and things, may be prepared for the entrance and habitation of the
Divine Wisdom in me.