Waste forces within him$$$ and a desert all around$$$ this man stood still on his way across a silent terrace$$$ and saw for a moment$$$ lying in the wilderness before him$$$ a mirage of honourable ambition$$$ self-denial$$$ and perseverance. In the fair city of this vision$$$ there were airy galleries from which the loves and graces looked upon him$$$ gardens in which the fruits of life hung ripening$$$ waters of Hope that sparkled in his sight. A moment and it was gone. Climbing to a high chamber in a well of houses$$$ he threw himself down in his clothes on a neglected bed$$$ and its pillow was wet with wasted tears.