...Frédéric went downstairs one step at a time. The failure of this first attempt discouraged him as to the possible success of any that might follow. Then began three months of boredom. As he had nothing to do, his idleness intensified his melancholy (...) He would go back into his room, and, lying on his divan, give himslef up to a vague reverie which combined working projects, plans of action, and dreams of the future. Finally, to escape from himself, he went out...

(Gustave Flaubert. "Sentimental education")