Thursday, 13 September 1883

I read in Stendhal that sorrows seem less bitter when one idealizes them. It is perfectly true. But how to idealize mine? It is impossible — they are so bitter, so flat, so awful that I cannot even speak of them here without wounding myself horribly.
Well — may God's will be done. The phrase comes to me mechanically and I almost mean it.
[Three lines crossed out]
For I am going to die — quite naturally, without violence, while taking every care of myself.
I am as glad of it — that is to say, it is… For I am worried about my eyes; I have gone a fortnight without working or reading and they are no better. I feel a throbbing like a pulse, and vague things drift through the air…
Perhaps it is because for a fortnight I have had a bronchitis that would put anyone else to bed — yet I walk about as though nothing were wrong.
No doubt it is fatigue, and perhaps also fear and imagination. The doctors say it is nothing — but I questioned them in a particular way:
"Examine my eyes, Doctor — if there is something very serious, do not tell me, but tell me what must be done."
Nothing was prescribed. My father was short-sighted; I am becoming so too, from working too hard. Well…
At this very moment, I have floaters and see everything blurred.
I have worked on Dina's portrait in such a tragic state of mind that it will give me more grey hairs. I am so desolate that I cannot say it.