93

But why, then, do you Write? A : I do not belong to those who think with the wet pen in hand; and still less to those who yield themselves entirely to their passions before the open ink-bottle, sitting on their chair and staring at the paper. I am always vexed and abashed by writing; writing is a necessity for me, - even to speak of it in a simile is disagreeable. B : But why, then, do you write? A : Well, my dear Sir, to tell you in confidence, I have hitherto found no other means of getting rid of my thoughts. B : And why do you wish to get rid of them? A : Why I wish? Do I really wish! I must. - B : Enough! Enough!