Chapter 8 Summary

The narrator talks about the days of his youth. When his poetry first blossoms, the Muse is his companion, and he displays her to everyone in society with pride. The poet and his Muse soon leave the social scene, but the Muse still lights the way for the poet, illuminating the country people and finally a young girl, in love, reading a romance. Now, the poet shows his Muse a grand ball full of noble people. Among the guests there is a stranger. Is it Eugene? Has he changed?

Is the harsh criticism of Eugene based on people's constant desire to condemn? Is it based on stupidity and pettiness? A lucky man is loving in youth and marries at the right time, growing wealthy and respected as he gets older. Then, all his life, those around him will praise him.

Youth, though, is...