Dangerous Liaisons

The veil is rent, Madam, on which was painted my illusory happiness -- The fatal truth is cleared, that leaves me no prospect but an assured and speedy death; and my road is traced between shame and remorse. I will follow it -- I will cherish my torments if they will shorten my existence -- I send you the letter I received yesterday; it needs no reflections; it contains them all -- This is not a time for lamentation -- nothing remains but sufferings -- I want not pity, I want strength.

Receive, Madame, the only adieu I shall make, and grant my last request: leave me to my fate -- forget me totally -- do not reckon me among the living. There is a limit in misery, when even friendship augments our sufferings and cannot cure them -- When wounds are mortal, all relief is cruel. Every sentiment but despair is foreign to my soul -- nothing can now suit me, but the darkness where I am going to bury my shame -- There will I weep crimes, if I yet can weep; for since yesterday I have not shed a tear -- my withered heart no longer furnishes any.