Chapter XXII

These liquid clear satisfactions were the emanations of the
highest reason, but not achieved till a long time afterwards. In
the meantime I was sometimes, though seldom, visited and inspired
with new and more vigorous desires after that Bliss which Nature
whispered and suggested to me. Every new thing quickened my
curiosity, and raised my expectation. I remember once, the first
time I came into a magnificent and noble dining-room and was left
there alone, I rejoiced to see the gold and state and carved
imagery, but when all was dead and there was no motion, I was
weary of it and departed dissatisfied. But afterwards when I saw
it full of lords and ladies and music and dancing, the place which
once seemed not to differ from a solitary den had now entertainment
and nothing of tediousness in it. By which I perceived (upon a
reflection made long after) that men and women are, when well
understood, a principal part of our true felicity. By this I found
also that nothing that stood still could, by doing so, be a part of
Happiness: and that affection, though it were invisible, was the
best of motions. But the august and glorious exercise of virtue was
more solemn and divine, which yet I saw not. And that all men and
angels should appear in Heaven.