{66}
LETTER XXIV.
July 24.
SINCE you are so much interested about my progress in drawing, I
am sorry to tell you, that I have hitherto done very little in
that way. I never was in a happier disposition; I never
understood nature better; I never was more sensible of the
sublime parts of it, nor entered more minutely into its details;
and yet I don't know how to express the state in which I am: my
executive powers fail me; every thing swims and dances before me,
and I cannot make an outline. I think I should succeed better in
relief, if I was to use clay or wax: I shall try, if this lasts
any longer. Three times I have begun Charlotte's picture, and
three times have dishonoured my pencil. I don't know how it is;
not long ago I was very happy in taking likenesses: I have made
{67} a shadow of her, and I must content myself with that.
