Note 3 — Chapter VI
Reading edition
The author of Childe Harold adds on this note as a comment upon what he has said of 'Love' as the inspiration of the greatest of all Romantics, J.-J. Rousseau:—
'His love was passion's essence—as a tree On fire by lightning; with ethereal flame Kindled he was, and blasted; for to be Thus, and enamour'd, were in him the same. But his was not the love of living dame, Nor of the dead who rise upon our dreams, But of Ideal beauty, which became In him existence and o'erflowing teems Along his burning page, distemper'd tho' it seems.
This breathed itself to life in Julie, this Invested her with all that's wild and sweet; This hallow'd too the memorable kiss Which every morn his fever'd lip would greet, From hers, who but with friendship his would meet: But to that gentle touch, thro' brain and breast Flash'd the thrill'd spirit's love-devouring heat; In that absorbing sigh perchance more blest Than vulgar minds may be with all they seek possest.'