And in my dream I knew that these drawings represented the love adventures of the soul with its beloved.

And on its pages I saw a beautiful representation of a maiden in transparent garments and with a transparent body, flying up to the clouds.

And I seemed to know that this maiden was nothing else than a representation of the Song of Songs.

And looking at those drawings I dreamed I felt that I was doing wrong, but could not tear myself away from them.

Lord, help me! My God, if Thy forsaking me is Thy doing, Thy will be done; but if I am myself the cause, teach me what I should do! I shall perish of my debauchery if Thou utterly desertest me! The Rostovs' monetary affairs had not improved during the two years they had spent in the country.