2.  I need say nothing to you by letter about the innovations of the East, for the brothers can themselves give you accurate information.  You must know, my honoured friend, that, when I was writing these words, I was so ill that I had lost all hope of life.  It is impossible for me to enumerate all my painful symptoms, my weakness, the violence of my attacks of fever, and my bad health in general.  One point only may be selected.  I have now completed the time of my sojourn in this miserable and painful life.