motionless hour which is not marked on clocks, 
and yet is light as a sigh, swift as a glance. 
And if some importunate person where to 
come and disturb me while my gaze rests on 
this delicious dial, if some false and intolerant 
spirit, some demon of unlucky accident, were 
to come and say to me, “What are you looking 
at with such intensity? What do you seek in the 
eyes of this being? Do you see there the time? 
Ah, spend-thrift and do-nothing mortal!” I 
should reply unhesitatingly “yes, I see the 
time; it is eternity.” 
Now, Madam, is not that a really meritori-
ous madrigal, and as pompous as yourself? In 
good sooth, I have taken so much pleasure in 
embroidering this pretentious piece of gallantry 
that I shall ask you for nothing in return.