Loose Thoughts, at first, like subterranean Fires,

Burn inward, smothering, with unchast Desires;

But getting Vent, to Rage and Fury turn,

Burst in Volcano's, and like Aetna burn;

The Heat increases as the Flames aspire,

And turns the solid Hills to liquid Fire.

So sensual Flames, when raging in the Soul,

First vitiate all the Parts, then fire the Whole;

Burn up the Bright, the Beauteous, the Sublime,

And turn our lawful Pleasures into Crime.

I seek you beside me, but it seems you flee from me; and finally the fire devouring me dissipates these illusions and brings me to myself. By then I am so excited … You may not believe it, Usbek, but it is impossible to live like this, with fire coursing through my veins.