I’m surprised myself, as I re-read the preceding pages, at the strange
contradictions I meet with. During the first few days I was almost
favourable to the Commune; I waited, I hoped. To-day all is very
different. When I write down in the evening what I have seen and
thought in the day, I allow myself to blame with severity men that
inspired me formerly with some kind of sympathy. What has taken place?
Have my opinions changed? I do not think so. Besides, I have in reality
but one opinion. I receive impressions, describing these impressions
without reserve, without prejudice. If these stray leaves should ever
be collected in a volume, they will at least possess the rare merit of
being thoroughly sincere. Is it then, that my nature is modified? By no
means. If I were indulgent a month ago, it was that I did not know
those of whom I spoke, and that I am of a naturally hopeful and
benevolent disposition: if I now show myself severe, it is that—like
the rest of Paris—I have learned to know them better.