The Devil's Elixir Vol. II of II by E.T A. Hoffman Fiction Fantasy

<p><strong>Who is there over the wide world who has not at one period or another in a more or less degree felt the mysterious influences of love?</strong> -- Whoever thou art then courteous reader who shalt after the lapse of years turn over these papers recall I beseech you to recollection that noontide interval of dazzling brightness -- contemplate once more that beautiful image which came like an impersonization of the abstract spirit of love from divine regions to meet you.</p><p>At that time it was through her -- through her alone that thou seemed'st assured of thine own existence! Canst thou not yet remember how the rushing streams the waving trees and the balmy winds of evening spoke to thee in articulate and intelligible accents of her and of the prevailing passion which possessed thy whole heart and soul? -- Canst thou yet behold how the flowers unfolded their bright beaming eyes bearing to thine from her kisses and salutation?</p>