Frankenstein;or,TheModernPrometheus

By

MaryShelley

LETTERI.

ToMrs.Saville,England.

St.Petersburgh,Dec.11th,17—.

You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied thecommencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evilforebodings. I arrivedhereyesterday;andmy first task is toassuremydearsister of my welfare, and increasing confidence in the success of myundertaking.

I am already far north of London; and as I walk in the streets ofPetersburgh,Ifeelacoldnorthernbreezeplayuponmycheeks,whichbracesmy nerves, and fillsmewith delight. Do you understand this feeling? Thisbreeze,whichhas travelledfromtheregions towardswhichIamadvancing,givesmeaforetasteofthoseicyclimes.Inspiritedbythiswindofpromise,mydaydreamsbecomemoreferventandvivid.Itryinvaintobepersuadedthatthe pole is the seat of frost and desolation; it ever presents itself to myimaginationastheregionofbeautyanddelight.There,Margaret,thesunisforevervisible;itsbroaddiskjustskirtingthehorizon,anddiffusingaperpetualsplendour. There—for with your leave, my sister, I will put some trust inprecedingnavigators—theresnowandfrostarebanished;and,sailingoveracalm sea,wemay bewafted to a land surpassing inwonders and in beautyevery region hitherto discovered on the habitable globe. Its productions andfeaturesmaybewithout example, as thephenomenaof theheavenlybodiesundoubtedlyareinthoseundiscoveredsolitudes.Whatmaynotbeexpectedina country of eternal light? Imay there discover thewondrous powerwhichattracts the needle; andmay regulate a thousand celestial observations, thatrequireonly thisvoyage to render their seemingeccentricities consistent forever. I shall satiatemyardentcuriositywith the sightof apartof theworldneverbeforevisited,andmaytreadalandneverbeforeimprintedbythefootofman.Thesearemyenticements,andtheyaresufficienttoconquerallfearofdangerordeath,andtoinducemetocommencethislaboriousvoyagewiththejoyachildfeelswhenheembarksinalittleboat,withhisholidaymates,on an expedition of discovery up his native river. But, supposing all theseconjectures to be false, you cannot contest the inestimable benefit which Ishall confer on allmankind to the last generation, by discovering a passagenearthepoletothosecountries,toreachwhichatpresentsomanymonthsarerequisite;orbyascertainingthesecretofthemagnet,which,ifatallpossible,canonlybeeffectedbyanundertakingsuchasmine.

ThesereflectionshavedispelledtheagitationwithwhichIbeganmyletter,

andIfeelmyheartglowwithanenthusiasmwhichelevatesmetoheaven;fornothingcontributessomuchtotranquillise themindasasteadypurpose,—apointonwhichthesoulmayfixitsintellectualeye.Thisexpeditionhasbeenthefavouritedreamofmyearlyyears.Ihavereadwithardourtheaccountsofthevariousvoyageswhichhavebeenmadein theprospectofarrivingat theNorth Pacific Ocean through the seas which surround the pole. You mayremember, that a history of all the voyagesmade for purposes of discoverycomposed thewholeofourgooduncleThomas's library.Myeducationwasneglected, yet I was passionately fond of reading. These volumes weremystudydayandnight,andmyfamiliaritywiththemincreasedthatregretwhichI had felt, as a child, on learning that my father's dying injunction hadforbiddenmyuncletoallowmetoembarkinaseafaringlife.

ThesevisionsfadedwhenIperused,for thefirst time, thosepoetswhoseeffusionsentrancedmysoul,andliftedittoheaven.Ialsobecameapoet,andfor one year lived in a Paradise ofmy own creation; I imagined that I alsomightobtainanicheinthetemplewherethenamesofHomerandShakspeareareconsecrated.Youarewellacquaintedwithmyfailure,andhowheavilyIbore the disappointment. But just at that time I inherited the fortune ofmycousin,andmythoughtswereturnedintothechanneloftheirearlierbent.

Sixyearshavepassedsince I resolvedonmypresentundertaking. Ican,even now, remember the hour from which I dedicated myself to this greatenterprise.Icommencedbyinuringmybodytohardship.Iaccompaniedthewhale-fishers on several expeditions to theNorthSea; I voluntarily enduredcold,famine,thirst,andwantofsleep;Ioftenworkedharderthanthecommonsailorsduringtheday,anddevotedmynightstothestudyofmathematics,thetheoryofmedicine,andthosebranchesofphysicalsciencefromwhichanavaladventurer might derive the greatest practical advantage. Twice I actuallyhiredmyselfasanunder-mateinaGreenlandwhaler,andacquittedmyselftoadmiration. ImustownI felta littleproud,whenmycaptainofferedmethesecond dignity in the vessel, and entreated me to remain with the greatestearnestness;sovaluabledidheconsidermyservices.

And now, dear Margaret, do I not deserve to accomplish some greatpurpose?Mylifemighthavebeenpassedineaseandluxury;butIpreferredglory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path. Oh, that someencouraging voice would answer in the affirmative! My courage and myresolutionisfirm;butmyhopesfluctuate,andmyspiritsareoftendepressed.Iamabouttoproceedonalonganddifficultvoyage,theemergenciesofwhichwill demand all my fortitude: I am required not only to raise the spirits ofothers,butsometimestosustainmyown,whentheirsarefailing.

This is the most favourable period for travelling in Russia. They flyquickly over the snow in their sledges; the motion is pleasant, and, in my

opinion, farmoreagreeable than thatofanEnglishstage-coach.Thecold isnot excessive, if you are wrapped in furs,—a dress which I have alreadyadopted; for there is a great difference between walking the deck andremaining seatedmotionless for hours,whenno exercise prevents thebloodfromactuallyfreezinginyourveins.Ihavenoambitiontolosemylifeonthepost-roadbetweenSt.PetersburghandArchangel.

I shall depart for the latter town in a fortnight or three weeks; and myintention is to hire a ship there, which can easily be done by paying theinsurance for theowner, and to engage asmany sailors as I thinknecessaryamongthosewhoareaccustomedtothewhale-fishing.Idonotintendtosailuntil themonthof June;andwhenshall I return?Ah,dear sister,howcan Ianswer this question? If I succeed,many,manymonths, perhaps years,willpassbeforeyouandImaymeet.IfIfail,youwillseemeagainsoon,ornever.

Farewell,mydear,excellentMargaret.Heavenshowerdownblessingsonyou,andsaveme,thatImayagainandagaintestifymygratitudeforallyourloveandkindness.

Youraffectionatebrother,

R.Walton.

LETTERII.

ToMrs.Saville,England.

Archangel,28thMarch,17—.

Howslowlythetimepasseshere,encompassedasIambyfrostandsnow!yetasecondstepistakentowardsmyenterprise.Ihavehiredavessel,andamoccupiedincollectingmysailors;thosewhomIhavealreadyengaged,appearto bemen onwhom I can depend, and are certainly possessed of dauntlesscourage.

ButIhaveonewantwhichIhaveneveryetbeenable tosatisfy;andtheabsence of the object ofwhich I now feel as amost severe evil. I have nofriend,Margaret: when I am glowingwith the enthusiasm of success, therewillbenonetoparticipatemyjoy;ifIamassailedbydisappointment,noonewill endeavour to sustain me in dejection. I shall commit my thoughts topaper,itistrue;butthatisapoormediumforthecommunicationoffeeling.Idesire the company of a man who could sympathise with me; whose eyeswouldreplytomine.Youmaydeemmeromantic,mydearsister,butIbitterlyfeel the want of a friend. I have no one near me, gentle yet courageous,

possessedofacultivatedaswellasofacapaciousmind,whosetastesarelikemyown,toapproveoramendmyplans.Howwouldsuchafriendrepairthefaultsofyourpoorbrother!Iamtooardentinexecution,andtooimpatientofdifficulties.But it isastillgreaterevil tomethatIamself-educated:for thefirstfourteenyearsofmylifeIranwildonacommon,andreadnothingbutouruncleThomas'sbooksofvoyages.At thatageIbecameacquaintedwiththecelebratedpoetsofourowncountry;butitwasonlywhenithadceasedtobeinmypowertoderiveitsmostimportantbenefitsfromsuchaconviction,that I perceived the necessity of becoming acquaintedwithmore languagesthanthatofmynativecountry.NowIamtwenty-eight,andaminrealitymoreilliteratethanmanyschoolboysoffifteen.ItistruethatIhavethoughtmore,andthatmydaydreamsaremoreextendedandmagnificent;buttheywant(asthepainterscallit)keeping;andIgreatlyneedafriendwhowouldhavesenseenough not to despise me as romantic, and affection enough for me toendeavourtoregulatemymind.

Well, theseareuselesscomplaints; I shall certainly findno friendon thewideocean,nor evenhere inArchangel, amongmerchants and seamen.Yetsomefeelings,unalliedtothedrossofhumannature,beatevenintheseruggedbosoms. My lieutenant, for instance, is a man of wonderful courage andenterprise;he ismadlydesirousofglory:or rather, towordmyphrasemorecharacteristically,ofadvancementinhisprofession.HeisanEnglishman,andinthemidstofnationalandprofessionalprejudices,unsoftenedbycultivation,retains some of the noblest endowments of humanity. I first becameacquaintedwithhimonboardawhalevessel:findingthathewasunemployedinthiscity,Ieasilyengagedhimtoassistinmyenterprise.

Themasterisapersonofanexcellentdisposition,andisremarkableintheshipforhisgentlenessandthemildnessofhisdiscipline.Thiscircumstance,added to his well known integrity and dauntless courage, made me verydesiroustoengagehim.Ayouthpassedinsolitude,mybestyearsspentunderyour gentle and feminine fosterage, has so refined the groundwork of mycharacter, that I cannot overcome an intense distaste to the usual brutalityexercisedonboardship:Ihaveneverbelievedittobenecessary;andwhenIheardof amariner equallynoted for his kindlinessof heart, and the respectand obedience paid to himby his crew, I feltmyself peculiarly fortunate inbeing able to secure his services. I heard of him first in rather a romanticmanner,fromaladywhoowestohimthehappinessofherlife.This,briefly,ishisstory.Someyearsago,helovedayoungRussianlady,ofmoderatefortune;andhavingamassedaconsiderablesuminprize-money,thefatherofthegirlconsented to the match. He saw his mistress once before the destinedceremony; but she was bathed in tears, and, throwing herself at his feet,entreatedhimtospareher,confessingatthesametimethatshelovedanother,butthathewaspoor,andthatherfatherwouldneverconsenttotheunion.My

generousfriendreassuredthesuppliant,andonbeinginformedofthenameofherlover,instantlyabandonedhispursuit.Hehadalreadyboughtafarmwithhismoney,onwhichhehaddesignedtopasstheremainderofhislife;buthebestowedthewholeonhisrival,togetherwiththeremainsofhisprize-moneyto purchase stock, and then himself solicited the young woman's father toconsent to hermarriagewith her lover. But the oldman decidedly refused,thinkinghimselfboundinhonourtomyfriend;who,whenhefoundthefatherinexorable, quitted his country, nor returned until he heard that his formermistress was married according to her inclinations. "What a noble fellow!"youwillexclaim.Heisso;butthenheiswhollyuneducated:heisassilentasa Turk, and a kind of ignorant carelessness attends him, which, while itrenders his conduct the more astonishing, detracts from the interest andsympathywhichotherwisehewouldcommand.

Yetdonotsuppose,becauseIcomplainalittle,orbecauseIcanconceiveaconsolationformytoilswhichImayneverknow, that Iamwavering inmyresolutions.Those are as fixed as fate; andmyvoyage is only nowdelayeduntiltheweathershallpermitmyembarkation.Thewinterhasbeendreadfullysevere;butthespringpromiseswell,anditisconsideredasaremarkablyearlyseason;so thatperhapsImaysailsooner thanIexpected. Ishalldonothingrashly: you know me sufficiently to confide in my prudence andconsiderateness,wheneverthesafetyofothersiscommittedtomycare.

I cannot describe to you my sensations on the near prospect of myundertaking. It is impossible to communicate to you a conception of thetrembling sensation, half pleasurable and half fearful, with which I ampreparingtodepart.Iamgoingtounexploredregions,to"thelandofmistandsnow";butIshallkillnoalbatross,thereforedonotbealarmedformysafety,orifIshouldcomebacktoyouaswornandwofulasthe"AncientMariner"?You will smile at my allusion; but I will disclose a secret. I have oftenattributed my attachment to, my passionate enthusiasm for, the dangerousmysteries of ocean, to that production of the most imaginative of modernpoets.Thereissomethingatworkinmysoul,whichIdonotunderstand.Iampractically industrious—pains-taking;—a workman to execute withperseveranceandlabour:—butbesidesthis,thereisaloveforthemarvellous,abeliefinthemarvellous,intertwinedinallmyprojects,whichhurriesmeoutofthecommonpathwaysofmen,eventothewildseaandunvisitedregionsIamabouttoexplore.

Buttoreturntodearerconsiderations.ShallImeetyouagain,afterhavingtraversedimmenseseas,andreturnedbythemostsoutherncapeofAfricaorAmerica? I dare not expect such success, yet I cannot bear to look on thereverse of the picture. Continue for the present to write to me by everyopportunity:ImayreceiveyourlettersonsomeoccasionswhenIneedthem

most to support my spirits. I love you very tenderly. Remember me withaffection,shouldyouneverhearfrommeagain.

Youraffectionatebrother,

RobertWalton.

LETTERIII.

ToMrs.Saville,England.

MydearSister,July7th,17—.

Iwriteafewlinesinhaste,tosaythatIamsafe,andwelladvancedonmyvoyage. This letter will reach England by a merchantman now on itshomewardvoyage fromArchangel;more fortunate than I,whomaynot seemynative land,perhaps, formanyyears. Iam,however, ingoodspirits:mymenarebold,andapparentlyfirmofpurpose;nordothefloatingsheetsoficethatcontinuallypassus,indicatingthedangersoftheregiontowardswhichweareadvancing,appear todismay them.Wehavealreadyreachedaveryhighlatitude; but it is the height of summer, and although not so warm as inEngland, the southern gales, which blow us speedily towards those shoreswhich I so ardently desire to attain, breathe a degree of renovatingwarmthwhichIhadnotexpected.

Noincidentshavehithertobefallenusthatwouldmakeafigureinaletter.One or two stiff gales, and the springing of a leak, are accidents whichexperienced navigators scarcely remember to record; and I shall be wellcontentifnothingworsehappentousduringourvoyage.

Adieu,my dearMargaret. Be assured, that formy own sake, aswell asyours, I will not rashly encounter danger. I will be cool, persevering, andprudent.

But success shallcrownmyendeavours.Whereforenot?Thus far Ihavegone, tracing a securewayover thepathless seas: thevery stars themselvesbeingwitnessesandtestimoniesofmytriumph.Whynotstillproceedovertheuntamed yet obedient element? What can stop the determined heart andresolvedwillofman?

My swelling heart involuntarily pours itself out thus. But I must finish.Heavenblessmybelovedsister!

R.W.

LETTERIV.

ToMrs.Saville,England.

August5th,17—.

Sostrangeanaccidenthashappenedtous,thatIcannotforbearrecordingit, although it isveryprobable thatyouwill seemebefore thesepaperscancomeintoyourpossession.

LastMonday(July31st),wewerenearlysurroundedbyice,whichclosedintheshiponallsides,scarcelyleavingherthesea-roominwhichshefloated.Our situation was somewhat dangerous, especially as we were compassedroundby a very thick fog.We accordingly lay to, hoping that some changewouldtakeplaceintheatmosphereandweather.

Abouttwoo'clockthemistclearedaway,andwebeheld,stretchedoutineverydirection,vastandirregularplainsofice,whichseemedtohavenoend.Some ofmy comrades groaned, andmy ownmind began to growwatchfulwithanxious thoughts,whenastrangesightsuddenlyattractedourattention,and diverted our solicitude from our own situation. We perceived a lowcarriage,fixedonasledgeanddrawnbydogs,passontowards thenorth,atthe distance of half a mile: a being which had the shape of a man, butapparently of gigantic stature, sat in the sledge, and guided the dogs. Wewatched the rapidprogressof the travellerwithour telescopes,until hewaslostamongthedistantinequalitiesoftheice.

Thisappearanceexcitedourunqualifiedwonder.Wewere,aswebelieved,manyhundredmilesfromanyland;butthisapparitionseemedtodenotethatitwasnot,inreality,sodistantaswehadsupposed.Shutin,however,byice,itwasimpossible tofollowhis track,whichwehadobservedwiththegreatestattention.

Abouttwohoursafterthisoccurrence,weheardthegroundsea;andbeforenighttheicebroke,andfreedourship.We,however,laytountilthemorning,fearing to encounter in the dark those large loosemasseswhich float aboutafterthebreakingupoftheice.Iprofitedofthistimetorestforafewhours.

In themorning, however, as soon as itwas light, Iwent upondeck, andfoundallthesailorsbusyononesideofthevessel,apparentlytalkingtosomeoneinthesea.Itwas,infact,asledge,likethatwehadseenbefore,whichhaddrifted towards us in the night, on a large fragment of ice. Only one dogremainedalive;buttherewasahumanbeingwithinit,whomthesailorswerepersuadingtoenterthevessel.Hewasnot,astheothertravellerseemedtobe,a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island, but an European.When I

appearedondeck,themastersaid,"Hereisourcaptain,andhewillnotallowyoutoperishontheopensea."

Onperceivingme, thestrangeraddressedme inEnglish,althoughwithaforeignaccent."BeforeIcomeonboardyourvessel,"saidhe,"willyouhavethekindnesstoinformmewhitheryouarebound?"

Youmayconceivemyastonishmentonhearingsuchaquestionaddressedtome from aman on the brink of destruction, and towhom I should havesupposedthatmyvesselwouldhavebeenaresourcewhichhewouldnothaveexchanged for the most precious wealth the earth can afford. I replied,however,thatwewereonavoyageofdiscoverytowardsthenorthernpole.

Uponhearingthisheappearedsatisfied,andconsentedtocomeonboard.GoodGod!Margaret, if you had seen themanwho thus capitulated for hissafety, your surprise would have been boundless. His limbs were nearlyfrozen, and his body dreadfully emaciated by fatigue and suffering. I neversaw aman in sowretched a condition.We attempted to carry him into thecabin;butassoonashehadquittedthefreshair,hefainted.Weaccordinglybroughthimbacktothedeck,andrestoredhimtoanimationbyrubbinghimwith brandy, and forcing him to swallow a small quantity. As soon as heshowedsignsoflifewewrappedhimupinblankets,andplacedhimnearthechimneyof thekitchenstove.Byslowdegreeshe recovered,andatea littlesoup,whichrestoredhimwonderfully.

Twodayspassedin thismannerbeforehewasable tospeak;andIoftenfearedthathissufferingshaddeprivedhimofunderstanding.Whenhehadinsomemeasure recovered, I removedhim tomyown cabin, and attended onhim as much as my duty would permit. I never saw a more interestingcreature: his eyes have generally an expression of wildness, and evenmadness;buttherearemomentswhen,ifanyoneperformsanactofkindnesstowardshim,ordoeshimanythemosttriflingservice,hiswholecountenanceis lighted up, as it were, with a beam of benevolence and sweetness that Inever saw equalled. But he is generally melancholy and despairing; andsometimes he gnashes his teeth, as if impatient of the weight of woes thatoppresseshim.

Whenmyguestwasalittlerecovered,Ihadgreat troubletokeepoff themen,whowishedtoaskhimathousandquestions;butIwouldnotallowhimto be tormented by their idle curiosity, in a state of body andmind whoserestoration evidently depended upon entire repose. Once, however, thelieutenantasked,Whyhehadcomesofarupontheiceinsostrangeavehicle?

Hiscountenanceinstantlyassumedanaspectofthedeepestgloom;andhereplied,"Toseekonewhofledfromme."

"Anddidthemanwhomyoupursuedtravelinthesamefashion?"

"Yes."

"ThenIfancywehaveseenhim;forthedaybeforewepickedyouup,wesawsomedogsdrawingasledge,withamaninit,acrosstheice."

Thisarousedthestranger'sattention;andheaskedamultitudeofquestionsconcerningtheroutewhichthedæmon,ashecalledhim,hadpursued.Soonafter,whenhewasalonewithme,hesaid,—"Ihave,doubtless,excitedyourcuriosity,aswellasthatofthesegoodpeople;butyouaretooconsideratetomakeenquiries."

"Certainly; it would indeed be very impertinent and inhuman in me totroubleyouwithanyinquisitivenessofmine."

"Andyetyourescuedmefromastrangeandperiloussituation;youhavebenevolentlyrestoredmetolife."

SoonafterthisheenquiredifIthoughtthatthebreakingupoftheicehaddestroyedtheothersledge?Ireplied,thatIcouldnotanswerwithanydegreeofcertainty; for the icehadnotbrokenuntilnearmidnight,and the travellermighthavearrivedataplaceofsafetybeforethattime;butofthisIcouldnotjudge.

From this time a new spirit of life animated the decaying frame of thestranger.Hemanifested thegreatesteagerness tobeupondeck, towatchforthesledgewhichhadbeforeappeared;butIhavepersuadedhimtoremaininthecabin, forhe is far tooweak to sustain the rawnessof theatmosphere. Ihave promised that some one should watch for him, and give him instantnoticeifanynewobjectshouldappearinsight.

Such is my journal of what relates to this strange occurrence up to thepresentday.Thestrangerhasgraduallyimprovedinhealth,butisverysilent,and appears uneasy when any one except myself enters his cabin. Yet hismanners are so conciliating and gentle, that the sailors are all interested inhim,althoughtheyhavehadverylittlecommunicationwithhim.Formyownpart,Ibegintolovehimasabrother;andhisconstantanddeepgrieffillsmewith sympathy and compassion.Hemust have been a noble creature in hisbetterdays,beingevennowinwrecksoattractiveandamiable.

Isaidinoneofmyletters,mydearMargaret,thatIshouldfindnofriendon thewide ocean; yet I have found amanwho, before his spirit had beenbrokenbymisery,Ishouldhavebeenhappytohavepossessedasthebrotherofmyheart.

I shall continuemy journal concerning the stranger at intervals, should Ihaveanyfreshincidentstorecord.

August13th,17—.

My affection for my guest increases every day. He excites at once myadmiration andmypity to an astonishing degree.Howcan I see so noble acreaturedestroyedbymisery,withoutfeelingthemostpoignantgrief?Heissogentle,yetsowise;hismindissocultivated;andwhenhespeaks,althoughhiswords are culled with the choicest art, yet they flow with rapidity andunparalleledeloquence.

Heisnowmuchrecoveredfromhisillness,andiscontinuallyonthedeck,apparently watching for the sledge that preceded his own. Yet, althoughunhappy,heisnotsoutterlyoccupiedbyhisownmisery,butthatheinterestshimselfdeeplyintheprojectsofothers.Hehasfrequentlyconversedwithmeon mine, which I have communicated to him without disguise. He enteredattentively intoallmyarguments in favourofmyeventualsuccess,and intoeveryminutedetailofthemeasuresIhadtakentosecureit.Iwaseasilyledbythe sympathy which he evinced, to use the language of my heart; to giveutterancetotheburningardourofmysoul;andtosay,withallthefervourthatwarmedme,howgladlyIwouldsacrificemyfortune,myexistence,myeveryhope,tothefurtheranceofmyenterprise.Oneman'slifeordeathwerebutasmallprice topayfor theacquirementof theknowledgewhichIsought; forthedominionIshouldacquireandtransmitovertheelementalfoesofourrace.As I spoke, a dark gloom spread over my listener's countenance. At first Iperceivedthathetriedtosuppresshisemotion;heplacedhishandsbeforehiseyes;andmyvoicequiveredandfailedme,asIbeheldtearstricklefastfrombetween his fingers,—a groan burst from his heaving breast. I paused;—atlength he spoke, in broken accents:—"Unhappy man! Do you share mymadness?Haveyoudrankalsooftheintoxicatingdraught?Hearme,—letmerevealmytale,andyouwilldashthecupfromyourlips!"

Such words, you may imagine, strongly excited my curiosity; but theparoxysmofgriefthathadseizedthestrangerovercamehisweakenedpowers,andmanyhoursofreposeandtranquilconversationwerenecessarytorestorehiscomposure.

Having conquered the violence of his feelings, he appeared to despisehimself for being the slave of passion; and quelling the dark tyranny ofdespair,heledmeagaintoconverseconcerningmyselfpersonally.Heaskedmethehistoryofmyearlieryears.Thetalewasquicklytold:butitawakenedvarious trainsof reflection. I spokeofmydesireof findinga friend—ofmythirstforamoreintimatesympathywithafellowmindthanhadeverfallentomylot;andexpressedmyconvictionthatamancouldboastoflittlehappiness,whodidnotenjoythisblessing.

"Iagreewithyou,"repliedthestranger;"weareunfashionedcreatures,but

halfmadeup,ifonewiser,better,dearerthanourselves—suchafriendoughttobe—donotlendhisaidtoperfectionateourweakandfaultynatures.Ioncehadafriend,themostnobleofhumancreatures,andamentitled,therefore,tojudge respecting friendship. You have hope, and the world before you, andhavenocausefordespair.ButI—Ihavelosteverything,andcannotbeginlifeanew."

Ashesaidthis,hiscountenancebecameexpressiveofacalmsettledgrief,that touchedme to the heart.But hewas silent, and presently retired to hiscabin.

Evenbrokeninspiritasheis,noonecanfeelmoredeeplythanhedoesthebeautiesofnature.Thestarrysky, thesea,andeverysightaffordedby thesewonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul fromearth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and beoverwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, hewillbelikeacelestialspirit, thathasahaloaroundhim,withinwhosecirclenogrieforfollyventures.

Will you smile at the enthusiasm I express concerning this divinewanderer?Youwouldnot,ifyousawhim.Youhavebeentutoredandrefinedby books and retirement from the world, and you are, therefore, somewhatfastidious; but this only renders you the more fit to appreciate theextraordinarymeritsofthiswonderfulman.SometimesIhaveendeavouredtodiscover what quality it is which he possesses, that elevates him soimmeasurably above any other person I ever knew. I believe it to be anintuitive discernment; a quick but never-failing power of judgment; apenetration into thecausesof things,unequalled forclearnessandprecision;addto thisafacilityofexpression,andavoicewhosevaried intonationsaresoul-subduingmusic.

August19.17—.

Yesterday the stranger said to me, "You may easily perceive, CaptainWalton, that I have suffered great and unparalleled misfortunes. I haddetermined,atone time, that thememoryof theseevils shoulddiewithme;butyouhavewonmetoaltermydetermination.Youseekforknowledgeandwisdom,asIoncedid;andIardentlyhopethatthegratificationofyourwishesmaynotbeaserpent tostingyou,asminehasbeen. Idonotknowthat therelationofmydisasterswillbeusefultoyou;yet,whenIreflectthatyouarepursuingthesamecourse,exposingyourselftothesamedangerswhichhaverenderedmewhatIam,Iimaginethatyoumaydeduceanaptmoralfrommytale;onethatmaydirectyouifyousucceedinyourundertaking,andconsoleyou in case of failure. Prepare to hear of occurrences which are usuallydeemedmarvellous.Wereweamongthetamerscenesofnature,Imightfear

toencounteryourunbelief,perhapsyourridicule;butmanythingswillappearpossible in these wild and mysterious regions, which would provoke thelaughter of those unacquaintedwith the ever-varied powers of nature:—norcanIdoubtbutthatmytaleconveysinitsseriesinternalevidenceofthetruthoftheeventsofwhichitiscomposed."

You may easily imagine that I was much gratified by the offeredcommunication; yet I could not endure that he should renew his grief by arecital of hismisfortunes. I felt the greatest eagerness to hear the promisednarrative,partlyfromcuriosity,andpartlyfromastrongdesire toamelioratehisfate,ifitwereinmypower.Iexpressedthesefeelingsinmyanswer.

"Ithankyou,"hereplied,"foryoursympathy,butitisuseless;myfateisnearly fulfilled. Iwait but for one event, and then I shall repose inpeace. Iunderstandyour feeling," continuedhe,perceiving that Iwished to interrupthim;"butyouaremistaken,myfriend,ifthusyouwillallowmetonameyou;nothingcanaltermydestiny:listentomyhistory,andyouwillperceivehowirrevocablyitisdetermined."

Hethentoldme,thathewouldcommencehisnarrativethenextdaywhenIshouldbeatleisure.Thispromisedrewfrommethewarmestthanks.Ihaveresolvedeverynight,when Iamnot imperativelyoccupiedbymyduties, torecord,asnearlyaspossibleinhisownwords,whathehasrelatedduringtheday. If I shouldbeengaged, Iwillat leastmakenotes.Thismanuscriptwilldoubtlessaffordyouthegreatestpleasure:buttome,whoknowhim,andwhohear it fromhisown lips,withwhat interest and sympathy shall I read it insome future day! Even now, as I commence my task, his full-toned voiceswells inmy ears; his lustrous eyes dwell onmewith all theirmelancholysweetness;Iseehisthinhandraisedinanimation,whilethelineamentsofhisfaceareirradiatedbythesoulwithin.Strangeandharrowingmustbehisstory;frightful the storm which embraced the gallant vessel on its course, andwreckedit—thus!

CHAPTERI.

IambybirthaGenevese;andmyfamilyisoneofthemostdistinguishedof that republic. My ancestors had been for many years counsellors andsyndics; andmy father had filled several public situationswith honour andreputation. He was respected by all who knew him, for his integrity andindefatigable attention to public business. He passed his younger daysperpetuallyoccupiedbytheaffairsofhiscountry;avarietyofcircumstanceshadpreventedhismarrying early, norwas it until thedeclineof life that he

becameahusbandandthefatherofafamily.

As the circumstances of his marriage illustrate his character, I cannotrefrainfromrelatingthem.Oneofhismostintimatefriendswasamerchant,who, from a flourishing state, fell, through numerous mischances, intopoverty.Thisman,whosenamewasBeaufort,wasofaproudandunbendingdisposition, and could not bear to live in poverty and oblivion in the samecountry where he had formerly been distinguished for his rank andmagnificence. Having paid his debts, therefore, in the most honourablemanner,heretreatedwithhisdaughtertothetownofLucerne,wherehelivedunknown and in wretchedness. My father loved Beaufort with the truestfriendship, and was deeply grieved by his retreat in these unfortunatecircumstances.Hebitterly deplored the false pridewhich ledhis friend to aconductso littleworthyof theaffection thatunited them.Helostno timeinendeavouring toseekhimout,with thehopeofpersuadinghimtobegin theworldagainthroughhiscreditandassistance.

Beauforthad takeneffectualmeasures toconcealhimself; and itwas tenmonthsbeforemyfatherdiscoveredhisabode.Overjoyedatthisdiscovery,hehastenedtothehouse,whichwassituatedinameanstreet,neartheReuss.Butwhenheentered,miseryanddespairalonewelcomedhim.Beauforthadsavedbut a very small sum ofmoney from the wreck of his fortunes; but it wassufficient toprovidehimwithsustenance forsomemonths,and in themeantimehehopedtoprocuresomerespectableemploymentinamerchant'shouse.Theintervalwas,consequently,spentininaction;hisgriefonlybecamemoredeepandrankling,whenhehadleisureforreflection;andatlengthittooksofast hold of his mind, that at the end of three months he lay on a bed ofsickness,incapableofanyexertion.

Hisdaughterattendedhimwith thegreatest tenderness;butshesawwithdespairthattheirlittlefundwasrapidlydecreasing,andthattherewasnootherprospectofsupport.ButCarolineBeaufortpossessedamindofanuncommonmould; and her courage rose to support her in her adversity. She procuredplain work; she plaited straw; and by various means contrived to earn apittancescarcelysufficienttosupportlife.

Severalmonthspassedinthismanner.Herfathergrewworse;hertimewasmoreentirelyoccupiedinattendinghim;hermeansofsubsistencedecreased;andinthetenthmonthherfatherdiedinherarms,leavingheranorphanandabeggar. This last blow overcame her; and she knelt by Beaufort's coffin,weeping bitterly, when my father entered the chamber. He came like aprotectingspirittothepoorgirl,whocommittedherselftohiscare;andaftertheintermentofhisfriend,heconductedhertoGeneva,andplacedherunderthe protection of a relation. Two years after this eventCaroline became hiswife.

Therewasaconsiderabledifferencebetween theagesofmyparents,butthis circumstance seemed to unite them only closer in bonds of devotedaffection. There was a sense of justice in my father's upright mind, whichrendereditnecessarythatheshouldapprovehighlytolovestrongly.Perhapsduringformeryearshehadsufferedfromthelate-discoveredunworthinessofonebeloved,andsowasdisposedtosetagreatervalueontriedworth.Therewasashowofgratitudeandworshipinhisattachmenttomymother,differingwhollyfromthedoatingfondnessofage,foritwasinspiredbyreverenceforhervirtues,andadesiretobethemeansof,insomedegree,recompensingherfor the sorrows she had endured, butwhich gave inexpressible grace to hisbehaviour to her. Every thing was made to yield to her wishes and herconvenience. He strove to shelter her, as a fair exotic is sheltered by thegardener, from every rougherwind, and to surround herwith all that couldtendtoexcitepleasurableemotioninhersoftandbenevolentmind.Herhealth,and even the tranquillity of her hitherto constant spirit, had been shaken bywhatshehadgonethrough.Duringthetwoyearsthathadelapsedprevioustotheirmarriagemy father hadgradually relinquished all his public functions;andimmediatelyaftertheiruniontheysoughtthepleasantclimateofItaly,andthe change of scene and interest attendant on a tour through that land ofwonders,asarestorativeforherweakenedframe.

FromItalytheyvisitedGermanyandFrance.I,theireldestchild,wasbornatNaples,andasaninfantaccompaniedthemintheirrambles.Iremainedforseveralyearstheironlychild.Muchastheywereattachedtoeachother,theyseemedtodrawinexhaustiblestoresofaffectionfromaverymineoflovetobestowthemuponme.Mymother'stendercaresses,andmyfather'ssmileofbenevolentpleasurewhileregardingme,aremyfirstrecollections.Iwastheirplaythingand their idol, and somethingbetter—their child, the innocent andhelpless creature bestowed on thembyHeaven,whom to bring up to good,andwhose future lot itwas in their hands to direct to happiness ormisery,according as they fulfilled their duties towards me. With this deepconsciousnessofwhattheyowedtowardsthebeingtowhichtheyhadgivenlife, added to the active spirit of tenderness that animated both, it may beimaginedthatwhileduringeveryhourofmyinfantlifeIreceivedalessonofpatience,ofcharity,andofself-control,Iwassoguidedbyasilkencord,thatallseemedbutonetrainofenjoymenttome.

ForalongtimeIwastheironlycare.Mymotherhadmuchdesiredtohaveadaughter,butIcontinuedtheirsingleoffspring.WhenIwasaboutfiveyearsold,whilemaking an excursion beyond the frontiers of Italy, they passed aweekontheshoresof theLakeofComo.Theirbenevolentdispositionoftenmadethementerthecottagesofthepoor.This,tomymother,wasmorethanaduty;itwasanecessity,apassion,—rememberingwhatshehadsuffered,andhowshehadbeenrelieved,—forhertoactinherturntheguardianangeltothe

afflicted. During one of their walks a poor cot in the foldings of a valeattracted their notice, as being singularly disconsolate, while the number ofhalf-clothed children gathered about it, spoke of penury in its worst shape.One day, when my father had gone by himself to Milan, my mother,accompaniedbyme,visitedthisabode.Shefoundapeasantandhiswife,hardworking, bent down by care and labour, distributing a scanty meal to fivehungry babes. Among these there was one which attracted my mother farabove all the rest. She appeared of a different stock. The four others weredark-eyed,hardylittlevagrants;thischildwasthin,andveryfair.Herhairwasthebrightest livinggold,and,despite thepovertyofherclothing, seemed tosetacrownofdistinctiononherhead.Herbrowwasclearandample,herblueeyes cloudless, and her lips and the moulding of her face so expressive ofsensibilityandsweetness, thatnonecouldbeholdherwithout lookingonherasofadistinctspecies,abeingheaven-sent,andbearingacelestialstampinallherfeatures.

Thepeasantwoman,perceivingthatmymotherfixedeyesofwonderandadmirationonthislovelygirl,eagerlycommunicatedherhistory.Shewasnother child, but the daughter of a Milanese nobleman. Her mother was aGerman, and had died on giving her birth.The infant had been placedwiththesegoodpeopletonurse:theywerebetteroffthen.Theyhadnotbeenlongmarried,andtheireldestchildwasbutjustborn.ThefatheroftheirchargewasoneofthoseItaliansnursedinthememoryoftheantiquegloryofItaly,—oneamongtheschiaviognorfrementi,whoexertedhimselftoobtainthelibertyofhiscountry.Hebecame thevictimof itsweakness.Whetherhehaddied,orstill lingered in the dungeons ofAustria,was not known.His propertywasconfiscated,hischildbecameanorphanandabeggar.Shecontinuedwithherfoster parents, and bloomed in their rude abode, fairer than a garden roseamongdark-leavedbrambles.

WhenmyfatherreturnedfromMilan,hefoundplayingwithmeinthehallof our villa, a child fairer than pictured cherub—a creature who seemed toshedradiancefromherlooks,andwhoseformandmotionswerelighterthanthe chamois of the hills. The apparition was soon explained. With hispermissionmymotherprevailedonherrusticguardianstoyieldtheirchargeto her. They were fond of the sweet orphan. Her presence had seemed ablessingtothem;butitwouldbeunfairtohertokeepherinpovertyandwant,whenProvidenceaffordedhersuchpowerfulprotection.Theyconsultedtheirvillagepriest,andtheresultwas,thatElizabethLavenzabecametheinmateofmyparents'house—mymorethansister—thebeautifulandadoredcompanionofallmyoccupationsandmypleasures.

Every one loved Elizabeth. The passionate and almost reverentialattachmentwithwhich all regarded her became,while I shared it,my pride

andmydelight.Ontheeveningprevioustoherbeingbroughttomyhome,mymother had said playfully,—"I have a pretty present for my Victor—to-morrowheshallhaveit."Andwhen,onthemorrow,shepresentedElizabethtomeasherpromisedgift,I,withchildishseriousness,interpretedherwordsliterally, and looked upon Elizabeth as mine—mine to protect, love, andcherish.Allpraisesbestowedonher,Ireceivedasmadetoapossessionofmyown.We called each other familiarly by the name of cousin. No word, noexpressioncouldbodyforththekindofrelationinwhichshestoodtome—mymorethansister,sincetilldeathshewastobemineonly.

CHAPTERII.

Wewerebroughtuptogether;therewasnotquiteayeardifferenceinourages. I need not say that we were strangers to any species of disunion ordispute.Harmonywas the soul of our companionship, and thediversity andcontrastthatsubsistedinourcharactersdrewusnearertogether.Elizabethwasofacalmerandmoreconcentrateddisposition;but,withallmyardour,Iwascapableofamoreintenseapplication,andwasmoredeeplysmittenwiththethirstforknowledge.Shebusiedherselfwithfollowingtheaerialcreationsofthe poets; and in the majestic and wondrous scenes which surrounded ourSwiss home—the sublime shapes of the mountains; the changes of theseasons;tempestandcalm;thesilenceofwinter,andthelifeandturbulenceofour Alpine summers,—she found ample scope for admiration and delight.While my companion contemplated with a serious and satisfied spirit themagnificent appearances of things, I delighted in investigating their causes.The world was to me a secret which I desired to divine. Curiosity, earnestresearch to learn thehidden lawsofnature,gladnessakin to rapture,as theywereunfoldedtome,areamongtheearliestsensationsIcanremember.

Onthebirthofasecondson,myjuniorbysevenyears,myparentsgaveupentirelytheirwanderinglife,andfixedthemselvesintheirnativecountry.WepossessedahouseinGeneva,andacampagneonBelrive,theeasternshoreofthelake,atthedistanceofrathermorethanaleaguefromthecity.Weresidedprincipally in the latter, and the lives of my parents were passed inconsiderable seclusion. It was my temper to avoid a crowd, and to attachmyselfferventlytoafew.Iwasindifferent,therefore,tomyschoolfellowsingeneral; but I united myself in the bonds of the closest friendship to oneamongthem.HenryClervalwasthesonofamerchantofGeneva.Hewasaboy of singular talent and fancy. He loved enterprise, hardship, and evendanger, for its own sake. He was deeply read in books of chivalry andromance. He composed heroic songs, and began to write many a tale of

enchantment and knightly adventure. He tried tomake us act plays, and toenterintomasquerades,inwhichthecharactersweredrawnfromtheheroesofRoncesvalles,oftheRoundTableofKingArthur,andthechivalroustrainwhoshedtheirbloodtoredeemtheholysepulchrefromthehandsoftheinfidels.

Nohumanbeingcouldhavepassedahappierchildhoodthanmyself.Myparentswerepossessedbytheveryspiritofkindnessandindulgence.Wefeltthattheywerenotthetyrantstoruleourlotaccordingtotheircaprice,buttheagents and creators of all the many delights which we enjoyed. When Imingledwithotherfamilies,Idistinctlydiscernedhowpeculiarlyfortunatemylotwas,andgratitudeassistedthedevelopementoffiliallove.

My temper was sometimes violent, and my passions vehement; but bysomelawinmytemperaturetheywereturned,nottowardschildishpursuits,but toaneagerdesire to learn,andnot to learnall things indiscriminately. Iconfess thatneither thestructureof languages,nor thecodeofgovernments,nor the politics of various states, possessed attractions for me. It was thesecrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was theoutward substanceof things,or the inner spiritofnatureand themysterioussoul of man that occupied me, still my enquiries were directed to themetaphysical,or,initshighestsense,thephysicalsecretsoftheworld.

MeanwhileClervaloccupiedhimself,sotospeak,withthemoralrelationsofthings.Thebusystageoflife,thevirtuesofheroes,andtheactionsofmen,werehistheme;andhishopeandhisdreamwastobecomeoneamongthosewhosenamesarerecordedinstory,asthegallantandadventurousbenefactorsof our species. The saintly soul of Elizabeth shone like a shrine-dedicatedlampinourpeacefulhome.Hersympathywasours;hersmile,hersoftvoice,thesweetglanceofhercelestialeyes,wereevertheretoblessandanimateus.Shewas the living spirit of love to soften and attract: Imight havebecomesullen inmystudy, rough through theardourofmynature,but that shewastheretosubduemetoasemblanceofherowngentleness.AndClerval—couldaughtillentrenchonthenoblespiritofClerval?—yethemightnothavebeensoperfectlyhumane,sothoughtfulinhisgenerosity—sofullofkindnessandtendernessamidsthispassionforadventurousexploit,hadshenotunfoldedtohimthereallovelinessofbeneficence,andmadethedoinggoodtheendandaimofhissoaringambition.

I feel exquisite pleasure in dwelling on the recollections of childhood,before misfortune had tainted my mind, and changed its bright visions ofextensiveusefulnessintogloomyandnarrowreflectionsuponself.Besides,indrawingthepictureofmyearlydays,Ialsorecordthoseeventswhichled,byinsensible steps, to my after tale of misery: for when I would account tomyselfforthebirthofthatpassion,whichafterwardsruledmydestiny,Ifinditarise,likeamountainriver,fromignobleandalmostforgottensources;but,

swellingasitproceeded,itbecamethetorrentwhich,initscourse,hassweptawayallmyhopesandjoys.

Natural philosophy is the genius that has regulated my fate; I desire,therefore,inthisnarration,tostatethosefactswhichledtomypredilectionforthat science. When I was thirteen years of age, we all went on a party ofpleasuretothebathsnearThonon:theinclemencyoftheweatherobligedustoremainadayconfinedtotheinn.InthishouseIchancedtofindavolumeoftheworksofCorneliusAgrippa.Iopeneditwithapathy;thetheorywhichheattempts to demonstrate, and the wonderful facts which he relates, soonchanged this feeling intoenthusiasm.Anew light seemed todawnuponmymind;and,boundingwithjoy,Icommunicatedmydiscoverytomyfather.Myfatherlookedcarelesslyatthetitlepageofmybook,andsaid,"Ah!CorneliusAgrippa!MydearVictor,donotwasteyourtimeuponthis;itissadtrash."

If,insteadofthisremark,myfatherhadtakenthepainstoexplaintome,that theprinciplesofAgrippahadbeenentirelyexploded,andthatamodernsystemofsciencehadbeenintroduced,whichpossessedmuchgreaterpowersthantheancient,becausethepowersofthelatterwerechimerical,whilethoseof the former were real and practical; under such circumstances, I shouldcertainly have thrown Agrippa aside, and have contented my imagination,warmedasitwas,byreturningwithgreaterardourtomyformerstudies.Itisevenpossible, that the trainofmyideaswouldneverhavereceivedthefatalimpulsethatledtomyruin.Butthecursoryglancemyfatherhadtakenofmyvolumebynomeansassuredmethathewasacquaintedwithitscontents;andIcontinuedtoreadwiththegreatestavidity.

When I returnedhome,my first carewas toprocure thewholeworksofthis author, and afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus. I read andstudied the wild fancies of these writers with delight; they appeared to metreasures known to few beside myself. I have described myself as alwayshavingbeenembuedwithaferventlongingtopenetratethesecretsofnature.In spite of the intense labour and wonderful discoveries of modernphilosophers,Ialwayscamefrommystudiesdiscontentedandunsatisfied.SirIsaacNewtonissaidtohaveavowedthathefeltlikeachildpickingupshellsbesidethegreatandunexploredoceanoftruth.ThoseofhissuccessorsineachbranchofnaturalphilosophywithwhomIwasacquainted,appearedeven tomyboy'sapprehensions,astyrosengagedinthesamepursuit.

Theuntaughtpeasantbeheldtheelementsaroundhim,andwasacquaintedwith theirpracticaluses.Themost learnedphilosopherknew littlemore.Hehad partially unveiled the face ofNature, but her immortal lineamentswerestill awonder and amystery.Hemight dissect, anatomise, and give names;but,nottospeakofafinalcause,causesintheirsecondaryandtertiarygradeswere utterly unknown to him. I had gazed upon the fortifications and

impediments that seemed tokeephumanbeings fromentering thecitadelofnature,andrashlyandignorantlyIhadrepined.

Butherewerebooks,andhereweremenwhohadpenetrateddeeperandknewmore. I took their word for all that they averred, and I became theirdisciple.Itmayappearstrangethatsuchshouldariseintheeighteenthcentury;butwhileIfollowedtheroutineofeducationintheschoolsofGeneva,Iwas,toagreatdegree, self taughtwith regard tomy favourite studies.My fatherwasnotscientific,andIwaslefttostrugglewithachild'sblindness,addedtoastudent's thirst for knowledge.Under the guidance ofmy new preceptors, Ienteredwith thegreatest diligence into the searchof thephilosopher's stoneand the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention.Wealthwasaninferiorobject;butwhatglorywouldattendthediscovery,ifIcouldbanishdisease fromthehumanframe,and renderman invulnerable toanybutaviolentdeath!

Nor were these my only visions. The raising of ghosts or devils was apromiseliberallyaccordedbymyfavouriteauthors,thefulfilmentofwhichImost eagerly sought; and if my incantations were always unsuccessful, Iattributed the failure rather tomy own inexperience andmistake, than to awantofskillorfidelityinmyinstructors.AndthusforatimeIwasoccupiedby exploded systems, mingling, like an unadept, a thousand contradictorytheories, and floundering desperately in a very slough of multifariousknowledge, guided by an ardent imagination and childish reasoning, till anaccidentagainchangedthecurrentofmyideas.

When I was about fifteen years old we had retired to our house nearBelrive, when we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunder-storm. Itadvanced frombehind themountains of Jura; and the thunder burst at oncewithfrightfulloudnessfromvariousquartersoftheheavens.Iremained,whilethestormlasted,watchingitsprogresswithcuriosityanddelight.AsIstoodatthedoor,onasuddenIbeheldastreamoffireissuefromanoldandbeautifuloak, which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as thedazzlinglightvanished,theoakhaddisappeared,andnothingremainedbutablasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the treeshatteredinasingularmanner.Itwasnotsplinteredbytheshock,butentirelyreducedtothinribandsofwood.Ineverbeheldanythingsoutterlydestroyed.

Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws ofelectricity.Onthisoccasionamanofgreatresearchinnaturalphilosophywaswithus, and, excitedby this catastrophe,he enteredon the explanationof atheorywhichhehadformedonthesubjectofelectricityandgalvanism,whichwasatoncenewandastonishingtome.AllthathesaidthrewgreatlyintotheshadeCorneliusAgrippa,AlbertusMagnus, andParacelsus, the lords ofmyimagination;butbysomefatalitytheoverthrowofthesemendisinclinedmeto

pursuemyaccustomedstudies.Itseemedtomeasifnothingwouldorcouldever be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grewdespicable.Byoneofthosecapricesofthemind,whichweareperhapsmostsubjecttoinearlyyouth,Iatoncegaveupmyformeroccupations;setdownnatural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation; andentertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science, which could nevereven step within the threshold of real knowledge. In this mood of mind Ibetookmyself to themathematics,and thebranchesofstudyappertaining tothat science, as being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of myconsideration.

Thusstrangelyareoursoulsconstructed,andbysuchslightligamentsarewebound toprosperityor ruin.When I lookback, it seems tomeas if thisalmost miraculous change of inclination and will was the immediatesuggestionoftheguardianangelofmylife—thelasteffortmadebythespiritofpreservationtoavertthestormthatwaseventhenhanginginthestars,andreadytoenvelopeme.Hervictorywasannouncedbyanunusual tranquillityand gladness of soul, which followed the relinquishing of my ancient andlatterlytormentingstudies.ItwasthusthatIwastobetaughttoassociateevilwiththeirprosecution,happinesswiththeirdisregard.

Itwasastrongeffortofthespiritofgood;butitwasineffectual.Destinywas too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terribledestruction.

CHAPTERIII.

When I had attained the age of seventeen, my parents resolved that IshouldbecomeastudentattheuniversityofIngolstadt.IhadhithertoattendedtheschoolsofGeneva;butmyfatherthoughtitnecessary,forthecompletionofmy education, that I should bemade acquaintedwith other customs thanthoseofmynativecountry.Mydeparturewasthereforefixedatanearlydate;but,beforethedayresolveduponcouldarrive,thefirstmisfortuneofmylifeoccurred—anomen,asitwere,ofmyfuturemisery.

Elizabethhadcaughtthescarletfever;herillnesswassevere,andshewasinthegreatestdanger.Duringherillness,manyargumentshadbeenurgedtopersuade my mother to refrain from attending upon her. She had, at first,yieldedtoourentreaties;butwhensheheardthatthelifeofherfavouritewasmenaced,shecouldnolongercontrolheranxiety.Sheattendedhersickbed,—her watchful attentions triumphed over the malignity of the distemper,—Elizabethwas saved, but the consequences of this imprudencewere fatal to

her preserver. On the third day my mother sickened; her fever wasaccompaniedby themost alarming symptoms, and the looksof hermedicalattendantsprognosticatedtheworstevent.Onherdeath-bedthefortitudeandbenignity of this best ofwomendid not desert her. She joined the hands ofElizabethandmyself:—"Mychildren,"shesaid,"myfirmesthopesoffuturehappinesswere placed on the prospect of your union. This expectationwillnowbetheconsolationofyourfather.Elizabeth,mylove,youmustsupplymyplace tomyyounger children.Alas! I regret that I am taken fromyou; and,happyandbelovedasIhavebeen,isitnothardtoquityouall?Butthesearenot thoughts befitting me; I will endeavour to resign myself cheerfully todeath,andwillindulgeahopeofmeetingyouinanotherworld."

Shediedcalmly;andhercountenanceexpressedaffectionevenindeath.Ineednotdescribethefeelingsofthosewhosedearesttiesarerentbythatmostirreparableevil;thevoidthatpresentsitselftothesoul;andthedespairthatisexhibitedonthecountenance.Itissolongbeforethemindcanpersuadeitselfthatshe,whomwesaweveryday,andwhoseveryexistenceappearedapartofourown,canhavedepartedforever—thatthebrightnessofabelovedeyecanhavebeenextinguished,andthesoundofavoicesofamiliar,anddeartotheear, canbehushed,nevermore tobeheard.These are the reflectionsof thefirstdays;butwhen the lapseof timeproves the realityof theevil, then theactualbitternessofgriefcommences.Yetfromwhomhasnotthatrudehandrentawaysomedearconnection?andwhyshouldIdescribeasorrowwhichallhavefelt,andmustfeel?Thetimeatlengtharrives,whengriefisratheranindulgencethananecessity;andthesmilethatplaysuponthelips,althoughitmaybedeemedasacrilege,isnotbanished.Mymotherwasdead,butwehadstilldutieswhichweoughttoperform;wemustcontinueourcoursewiththerest, and learn to think ourselves fortunate, whilst one remains whom thespoilerhasnotseized.

MydepartureforIngolstadt,whichhadbeendeferredbytheseevents,wasnow again determined upon. I obtained from my father a respite of someweeks.Itappearedtomesacrilegesosoontoleavetherepose,akintodeath,of the house of mourning, and to rush into the thick of life. I was new tosorrow,but itdidnot the lessalarmme. Iwasunwilling toquit thesightofthosethatremainedtome;and,aboveall,IdesiredtoseemysweetElizabethinsomedegreeconsoled.

Sheindeedveiledhergrief,andstrovetoact thecomforter tousall.Shelooked steadily on life, and assumed its duties with courage and zeal. Shedevoted herself to those whom she had been taught to call her uncle andcousins.Neverwas she so enchantingas at this time,when she recalled thesunshineofhersmilesandspentthemuponus.Sheforgotevenherownregretinherendeavourstomakeusforget.

Thedayofmydepartureat lengtharrived.Clervalspent the lasteveningwith us. He had endeavoured to persuade his father to permit him toaccompanyme,andtobecomemyfellowstudent;butinvain.Hisfatherwasanarrow-minded trader, and saw idleness and ruin in the aspirations andambitionofhisson.Henrydeeplyfeltthemisfortuneofbeingdebarredfromaliberaleducation.Hesaidlittle;butwhenhespoke,Ireadinhiskindlingeyeandinhisanimatedglancearestrainedbutfirmresolve,nottobechainedtothemiserabledetailsofcommerce.

We sat late. We could not tear ourselves away from each other, norpersuade ourselves to say the word "Farewell!" It was said; and we retiredunder the pretence of seeking repose, each fancying that the other wasdeceived:butwhenatmorning'sdawnIdescendedtothecarriagewhichwastoconveymeaway,theywereallthere—myfatheragaintoblessme,Clervaltopressmyhandoncemore,myElizabethtorenewherentreatiesthatIwouldwrite often, and to bestow the last feminine attentions on her playmate andfriend.

Ithrewmyselfintothechaisethatwastoconveymeaway,andindulgedinthemostmelancholyreflections.I,whohadeverbeensurroundedbyamiablecompanions,continuallyengagedinendeavouringtobestowmutualpleasure,Iwasnowalone.Intheuniversity,whitherIwasgoing,Imustformmyownfriends, and be my own protector. My life had hitherto been remarkablysecludedanddomestic;and thishadgivenme invincible repugnance tonewcountenances. I lovedmy brothers, Elizabeth, and Clerval; these were "oldfamiliar faces;" but I believed myself totally unfitted for the company ofstrangers. Such were my reflections as I commenced my journey; but as Iproceeded, my spirits and hopes rose. I ardently desired the acquisition ofknowledge. Ihadoften,whenathome, thought ithard to remainduringmyyouthcoopedupinoneplace,andhadlongedtoentertheworld,andtakemystationamongotherhumanbeings.Nowmydesireswerecompliedwith,anditwould,indeed,havebeenfollytorepent.

I had sufficient leisure for these and many other reflections during myjourneytoIngolstadt,whichwaslongandfatiguing.Atlengththehighwhitesteepleofthetownmetmyeyes.Ialighted,andwasconductedtomysolitaryapartment,tospendtheeveningasIpleased.

ThenextmorningIdeliveredmylettersofintroduction,andpaidavisittosome of the principal professors. Chance—or rather the evil influence, theAngel of Destruction, which asserted omnipotent sway over me from themomentIturnedmyreluctantstepsfrommyfather'sdoor—ledmefirsttoMr.Krempe,professorofnaturalphilosophy.Hewasanuncouthman,butdeeplyembued in the secrets of his science. He asked me several questionsconcerningmy progress in the different branches of science appertaining to

naturalphilosophy.Irepliedcarelessly;and,partlyincontempt,mentionedthenamesofmyalchymistsastheprincipalauthorsIhadstudied.Theprofessorstared: "Have you," he said, "really spent your time in studying suchnonsense?"

I replied in the affirmative. "Everyminute," continuedM. Krempewithwarmth, "every instant that you have wasted on those books is utterly andentirely lost. You have burdened your memory with exploded systems anduselessnames.GoodGod!inwhatdesertlandhaveyoulived,wherenoonewaskindenoughtoinformyouthatthesefancies,whichyouhavesogreedilyimbibed, are a thousandyearsold, andasmusty as theyare ancient? I littleexpected,inthisenlightenedandscientificage,tofindadiscipleofAlbertusMagnus and Paracelsus. My dear sir, you must begin your studies entirelyanew."

Sosaying,hesteptaside,andwrotedownalistofseveralbookstreatingofnaturalphilosophy,whichhedesiredme toprocure;anddismissedme,aftermentioning that in the beginning of the following week he intended tocommence a course of lectures upon natural philosophy in its generalrelations, and that M. Waldman, a fellow-professor, would lecture uponchemistrythealternatedaysthatheomitted.

I returned home, not disappointed, for I have said that I had longconsidered those authors useless whom the professor reprobated; but Ireturned,notatallthemoreinclinedtorecurtothesestudiesinanyshape.M.Krempewasalittlesquatman,withagruffvoiceandarepulsivecountenance;theteacher,therefore,didnotprepossessmeinfavourofhispursuits.Inratheratoophilosophicalandconnectedastrain,perhaps,IhavegivenanaccountoftheconclusionsIhadcometoconcerningtheminmyearlyyears.Asachild,Ihadnot been contentwith the results promisedby themodernprofessors ofnatural science.With a confusion of ideas only to be accounted for bymyextremeyouth,andmywantofaguideonsuchmatters,Ihadretrodthestepsofknowledgealongthepathsoftime,andexchangedthediscoveriesofrecentenquirersforthedreamsofforgottenalchymists.Besides,Ihadacontemptfortheusesofmodernnaturalphilosophy.Itwasverydifferent,whenthemastersofthesciencesoughtimmortalityandpower;suchviews,althoughfutile,weregrand:butnowthescenewaschanged.Theambitionoftheenquirerseemedto limit itself to the annihilation of those visions on which my interest inscience was chiefly founded. I was required to exchange chimeras ofboundlessgrandeurforrealitiesoflittleworth.

Suchweremyreflectionsduringthefirsttwoorthreedaysofmyresidenceat Ingolstadt, which were chiefly spent in becoming acquainted with thelocalities, and the principal residents in my new abode. But as the ensuingweekcommenced,I thoughtof theinformationwhichM.Krempehadgiven

meconcerningthelectures.AndalthoughIcouldnotconsenttogoandhearthatlittleconceitedfellowdeliversentencesoutofapulpit,IrecollectedwhathehadsaidofM.Waldman,whomIhadneverseen,ashehadhithertobeenoutoftown.

Partly from curiosity, and partly from idleness, Iwent into the lecturingroom,whichM.Waldmanenteredshortlyafter.Thisprofessorwasveryunlikehis colleague. He appeared about fifty years of age, but with an aspectexpressiveofthegreatestbenevolence;afewgreyhairscoveredhistemples,butthoseatthebackofhisheadwerenearlyblack.Hispersonwasshort,butremarkablyerect; andhisvoice the sweetest Ihadeverheard.Hebeganhislecture by a recapitulation of the history of chemistry, and the variousimprovementsmadebydifferentmenof learning, pronouncingwith fervourthenamesofthemostdistinguisheddiscoverers.Hethentookacursoryviewofthepresentstateofthescience,andexplainedmanyofitselementaryterms.After having made a few preparatory experiments, he concluded with apanegyricuponmodernchemistry,thetermsofwhichIshallneverforget:—

"Theancient teachersof thisscience,"saidhe,"promised impossibilities,and performed nothing. Themodernmasters promise very little; they knowthatmetalscannotbetransmuted,andthattheelixiroflifeisachimera.Butthesephilosophers,whosehandsseemonlymade todabble indirt,and theireyestoporeoverthemicroscopeorcrucible,haveindeedperformedmiracles.They penetrate into the recesses of nature, and show how sheworks in herhiding places. They ascend into the heavens: they have discovered how thebloodcirculates,andthenatureoftheairwebreathe.Theyhaveacquirednewand almost unlimited powers; they can command the thunders of heaven,mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with its ownshadows."

Suchweretheprofessor'swords—ratherletmesaysuchthewordsoffate,enounced todestroyme.Ashewenton, I felt as ifmy soulweregrapplingwith a palpable enemy; one by one the various keys were touched whichformedthemechanismofmybeing:chordafterchordwassounded,andsoonmymindwasfilledwithonethought,oneconception,onepurpose.Somuchhas been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein,—more, farmore,will Iachieve: treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way,explore unknown powers, and unfold to theworld the deepestmysteries ofcreation.

I closed not my eyes that night. My internal being was in a state ofinsurrection and turmoil; I felt that order would thence arise, but I had nopower to produce it. By degrees, after the morning's dawn, sleep came. Iawoke,andmyyesternight'sthoughtswereasadream.Thereonlyremainedaresolutiontoreturntomyancientstudies,andtodevotemyselftoasciencefor

whichIbelievedmyselftopossessanaturaltalent.Onthesameday,IpaidM.Waldmanavisit.Hismanners inprivatewereevenmoremildandattractivethan inpublic; for therewasacertaindignity inhismienduringhis lecture,whichinhisownhousewasreplacedbythegreatestaffabilityandkindness.IgavehimprettynearlythesameaccountofmyformerpursuitsasIhadgiventohisfellow-professor.Heheardwithattentionthelittlenarrationconcerningmystudies,andsmiledatthenamesofCorneliusAgrippaandParacelsus,butwithoutthecontemptthatM.Krempehadexhibited.Hesaid,that"thesewerementowhoseindefatigablezealmodernphilosopherswereindebtedformostofthefoundationsoftheirknowledge.Theyhadlefttous,asaneasiertask,togivenewnames,andarrangeinconnectedclassifications,thefactswhichtheyinagreatdegreehadbeentheinstrumentsofbringingtolight.Thelaboursofmenofgenius,howevererroneouslydirected,scarcelyeverfail inultimatelyturningtothesolidadvantageofmankind."Ilistenedtohisstatement,whichwasdeliveredwithoutanypresumptionoraffectation;andthenadded,thathislecture had removed my prejudices against modern chemists; I expressedmyselfinmeasuredterms,withthemodestyanddeferenceduefromayouthtohisinstructor,withoutlettingescape(inexperienceinlifewouldhavemademeashamed)anyoftheenthusiasmwhichstimulatedmyintendedlabours.IrequestedhisadviceconcerningthebooksIoughttoprocure.

"I amhappy," saidM.Waldman, "to havegained a disciple; and if yourapplicationequalsyourability,Ihavenodoubtofyoursuccess.Chemistryisthat branch of natural philosophy in which the greatest improvements havebeenandmaybemade:it isonthataccountthatIhavemadeitmypeculiarstudy;butatthesametimeIhavenotneglectedtheotherbranchesofscience.Amanwouldmakebutaverysorrychemistifheattendedtothatdepartmentofhumanknowledgealone.Ifyourwishistobecomereallyamanofscience,andnotmerelyapettyexperimentalist,Ishouldadviseyoutoapplytoeverybranchofnaturalphilosophy,includingmathematics."

He then tookme intohis laboratory,andexplained tome theusesofhisvariousmachines;instructingmeastowhatIoughttoprocure,andpromisingmetheuseofhisownwhenIshouldhaveadvancedfarenoughinthesciencenottoderangetheirmechanism.HealsogavemethelistofbookswhichIhadrequested;andItookmyleave.

Thusendedadaymemorabletome:itdecidedmyfuturedestiny.

CHAPTERIV.

From thisdaynaturalphilosophy,andparticularlychemistry, in themost

comprehensive senseof the term,becamenearlymy soleoccupation. I readwithardourthoseworks,sofullofgeniusanddiscrimination,whichmodernenquirershavewrittenonthesesubjects.Iattendedthelectures,andcultivatedtheacquaintance,ofthemenofscienceoftheuniversity;andIfoundeveninM.Krempeagreatdealofsoundsenseandreal information,combined, it istrue,witharepulsivephysiognomyandmanners,butnotonthataccountthelessvaluable.InM.WaldmanIfoundatruefriend.Hisgentlenesswasnevertingedbydogmatism;andhisinstructionsweregivenwithanairoffranknessandgoodnature,thatbanishedeveryideaofpedantry.Inathousandwayshesmoothedformethepathofknowledge,andmadethemostabstruseenquiriesclear and facile tomy apprehension.My applicationwas at first fluctuatinganduncertain; it gained strengthas Iproceeded, and soonbecamesoardentandeager,thatthestarsoftendisappearedinthelightofmorningwhilstIwasyetengagedinmylaboratory.

AsIappliedsoclosely, itmaybeeasilyconceived thatmyprogresswasrapid. My ardour was indeed the astonishment of the students, and myproficiencythatofthemasters.ProfessorKrempeoftenaskedme,withaslysmile, how Cornelius Agrippa went on? whilst M.Waldman expressed themost heart-felt exultation inmy progress. Two years passed in thismanner,duringwhichIpaidnovisittoGeneva,butwasengaged,heartandsoul,inthepursuitofsomediscoveries,whichIhopedtomake.Nonebutthosewhohaveexperiencedthemcanconceiveoftheenticementsofscience.Inotherstudiesyou go as far as others have gone before you, and there is nothingmore toknow; but in a scientific pursuit there is continual food for discovery andwonder.Amindofmoderatecapacity,whichcloselypursuesonestudy,mustinfallibly arrive at great proficiency in that study; and I, who continuallysoughttheattainmentofoneobjectofpursuit,andwassolelywraptupinthis,improvedsorapidly,that,attheendoftwoyears,Imadesomediscoveriesinthe improvement of some chemical instruments, which procured me greatesteemandadmirationattheuniversity.WhenIhadarrivedatthispoint,andhad become as well acquainted with the theory and practice of naturalphilosophyasdependedonthelessonsofanyoftheprofessorsatIngolstadt,myresidencetherebeingnolongerconducivetomyimprovements,Ithoughtof returning tomy friends andmy native town,when an incident happenedthatprotractedmystay.

Oneofthephenomenawhichhadpeculiarlyattractedmyattentionwasthestructure of the human frame, and, indeed, any animal endued with life.Whence,Ioftenaskedmyself,didtheprincipleoflifeproceed?Itwasaboldquestion,andonewhichhaseverbeenconsideredasamystery;yetwithhowmany thingsareweupon thebrinkofbecomingacquainted, ifcowardiceorcarelessnessdidnot restrainourenquiries. I revolved thesecircumstances inmy mind, and determined thenceforth to apply myself more particularly to

thosebranchesofnaturalphilosophywhichrelatetophysiology.UnlessIhadbeen animated by an almost supernatural enthusiasm,my application to thisstudywouldhavebeenirksome,andalmostintolerable.Toexaminethecausesof life, wemust first have recourse to death. I became acquaintedwith thescienceofanatomy:butthiswasnotsufficient;Imustalsoobservethenaturaldecayandcorruptionofthehumanbody.Inmyeducationmyfatherhadtakenthe greatest precautions that my mind should be impressed with nosupernatural horrors. I do not ever remember to have trembled at a tale ofsuperstition,ortohavefearedtheapparitionofaspirit.Darknesshadnoeffectuponmyfancy;andachurchyardwastomemerelythereceptacleofbodiesdeprived of life, which, from being the seat of beauty and strength, hadbecomefoodfortheworm.NowIwasledtoexaminethecauseandprogressof this decay, and forced to spend days and nights in vaults and charnel-houses.Myattentionwas fixeduponeveryobject themost insupportable tothe delicacy of the human feelings. I saw how the fine form of man wasdegradedandwasted;Ibeheldthecorruptionofdeathsucceedtothebloomingcheekoflife;Isawhowtheworminheritedthewondersoftheeyeandbrain.Ipaused,examiningandanalysingalltheminutiæofcausation,asexemplifiedinthechangefromlifetodeath,anddeathtolife,untilfromthemidstofthisdarknessasuddenlightbrokeinuponme—alightsobrilliantandwondrous,yetsosimple, thatwhile Ibecamedizzywith the immensityof theprospectwhichitillustrated,Iwassurprised,thatamongsomanymenofgeniuswhohaddirected theirenquiries towards thesamescience, that Ialoneshouldbereservedtodiscoversoastonishingasecret.

Remember,Iamnotrecordingthevisionofamadman.Thesundoesnotmorecertainlyshineintheheavens,thanthatwhichInowaffirmistrue.Somemiraclemighthaveproducedit,yet thestagesof thediscoveryweredistinctand probable. After days and nights of incredible labour and fatigue, Isucceededindiscoveringthecauseofgenerationandlife;nay,more,Ibecamemyselfcapableofbestowinganimationuponlifelessmatter.

TheastonishmentwhichIhadatfirstexperiencedonthisdiscoverysoongaveplacetodelightandrapture.Aftersomuchtimespentinpainfullabour,to arrive at once at the summit of my desires, was the most gratifyingconsummationofmytoils.Butthisdiscoverywassogreatandoverwhelming,thatallthestepsbywhichIhadbeenprogressivelyledtoitwereobliterated,andIbeheldonlytheresult.Whathadbeenthestudyanddesireofthewisestmensincethecreationoftheworldwasnowwithinmygrasp.Notthat,likeamagic scene, it all opened uponme at once: the information I had obtainedwasofanaturerathertodirectmyendeavourssosoonasIshouldpointthemtowards the object of my search, than to exhibit that object alreadyaccomplished.IwasliketheArabianwhohadbeenburiedwiththedead,andfound a passage to life, aided only by one glimmering, and seemingly

ineffectual,light.

Iseebyyoureagerness,andthewonderandhopewhichyoureyesexpress,my friend, that you expect to be informed of the secret with which I amacquainted;thatcannotbe:listenpatientlyuntiltheendofmystory,andyouwilleasilyperceivewhyIamreserveduponthatsubject.Iwillnot leadyouon, unguarded and ardent as I then was, to your destruction and infalliblemisery.Learn fromme, ifnotbymyprecepts,at leastbymyexample,howdangerousistheacquirementofknowledge,andhowmuchhappierthatmaniswhobelieveshisnativetowntobetheworld,thanhewhoaspirestobecomegreaterthanhisnaturewillallow.

WhenIfoundsoastonishingapowerplacedwithinmyhands,Ihesitatedalong time concerning the manner in which I should employ it. Although Ipossessedthecapacityofbestowinganimation,yettoprepareaframeforthereception of it, with all its intricacies of fibres, muscles, and veins, stillremained a work of inconceivable difficulty and labour. I doubted at firstwhetherIshouldattemptthecreationofabeinglikemyself,oroneofsimplerorganization;butmyimaginationwastoomuchexaltedbymyfirstsuccesstopermitme to doubt ofmy ability to give life to an animal as complex andwonderful as man. The materials at present within my command hardlyappeared adequate to so arduous an undertaking; but I doubted not that Ishouldultimatelysucceed.Ipreparedmyself foramultitudeofreverses;myoperationsmightbeincessantlybaffled,andatlastmyworkbeimperfect:yet,when I considered the improvementwhich every day takes place in scienceandmechanics,Iwasencouragedtohopemypresentattemptswouldatleastlaythefoundationsoffuturesuccess.NorcouldIconsiderthemagnitudeandcomplexity of my plan as any argument of its impracticability. It was withthesefeelingsthatIbeganthecreationofahumanbeing.Astheminutenessoftheparts formedagreathinderance tomyspeed, I resolved, contrary tomyfirst intention, tomake the being of a gigantic stature; that is to say, abouteight feet in height, and proportionably large. After having formed thisdetermination, andhaving spent somemonths in successfully collecting andarrangingmymaterials,Ibegan.

Noonecanconceivethevarietyoffeelingswhichboremeonwards,likeahurricane, in the first enthusiasmof success.Life anddeath appeared tomeidealbounds,which I should first break through, andpour a torrentof lightintoourdarkworld.Anewspecieswouldblessmeasitscreatorandsource;many happy and excellent natures would owe their being tome. No fathercouldclaimthegratitudeofhischildsocompletelyasIshoulddeservetheirs.Pursuing these reflections, I thought, that if I could bestow animation uponlifelessmatter,Imightinprocessoftime(althoughInowfounditimpossible)renewlifewheredeathhadapparentlydevotedthebodytocorruption.

Thesethoughtssupportedmyspirits,whileIpursuedmyundertakingwithunremittingardour.Mycheekhadgrownpalewithstudy,andmypersonhadbecome emaciated with confinement. Sometimes, on the very brink ofcertainty,Ifailed;yetstillIclungtothehopewhichthenextdayorthenexthourmightrealise.OnesecretwhichIalonepossessedwasthehopetowhichIhaddedicatedmyself;and themoongazedonmymidnight labours,while,withunrelaxedandbreathlesseagerness,Ipursuednaturetoherhiding-places.Who shall conceive the horrors of my secret toil, as I dabbled among theunhalloweddampsof thegrave,or tortured the livinganimal toanimate thelifeless clay? My limbs now tremble, and my eyes swim with theremembrance; but then a resistless, and almost frantic, impulse, urged meforward;Iseemedtohavelostallsoulorsensationbutforthisonepursuit.Itwas indeed but a passing trance, that only made me feel with renewedacutenesssosoonas,theunnaturalstimulusceasingtooperate,Ihadreturnedtomyoldhabits. I collectedbones fromcharnel-houses;anddisturbed,withprofane fingers, the tremendous secrets of the human frame. In a solitarychamber,orrathercell,atthetopofthehouse,andseparatedfromalltheotherapartmentsbyagalleryandstaircase,Ikeptmyworkshopoffilthycreation:myeye-ballswerestartingfromtheirsocketsinattendingtothedetailsofmyemployment.Thedissectingroomandtheslaughter-housefurnishedmanyofmy materials; and often did my human nature turn with loathing from myoccupation,whilst,stillurgedonbyaneagernesswhichperpetuallyincreased,Ibroughtmyworkneartoaconclusion.

Thesummermonthspassedwhile Iwas thusengaged,heartandsoul, inonepursuit.Itwasamostbeautifulseason;neverdidthefieldsbestowamoreplentifulharvest,orthevinesyieldamoreluxuriantvintage:butmyeyeswereinsensible to the charms of nature. And the same feelings which made meneglectthescenesaroundmecausedmealsotoforgetthosefriendswhoweresomanymilesabsent,andwhomIhadnotseenforsolongatime.Iknewmysilence disquieted them; and Iwell remembered thewords ofmy father: "Iknow that while you are pleased with yourself, you will think of us withaffection, and we shall hear regularly from you. You must pardon me if Iregard any interruption in your correspondence as a proof that your otherdutiesareequallyneglected."

Iknewwellthereforewhatwouldbemyfather'sfeelings;butIcouldnottear my thoughts frommy employment, loathsome in itself, but which hadtaken an irresistible hold of my imagination. I wished, as it were, toprocrastinateallthatrelatedtomyfeelingsofaffectionuntilthegreatobject,whichswallowedupeveryhabitofmynature,shouldbecompleted.

Ithenthoughtthatmyfatherwouldbeunjustifheascribedmyneglecttovice,orfaultinessonmypart;butIamnowconvincedthathewasjustifiedin

conceivingthatIshouldnotbealtogetherfreefromblame.Ahumanbeinginperfectionoughtalways topreserveacalmandpeacefulmind,andnever toallowpassionor a transitorydesire todisturbhis tranquillity. I donot thinkthatthepursuitofknowledgeisanexceptiontothisrule.Ifthestudytowhichyouapplyyourselfhasa tendency toweakenyouraffections,and todestroyyourtasteforthosesimplepleasuresinwhichnoalloycanpossiblymix,thenthatstudyiscertainlyunlawful,thatistosay,notbefittingthehumanmind.Ifthisrulewerealwaysobserved;ifnomanallowedanypursuitwhatsoevertointerferewiththetranquillityofhisdomesticaffections,Greecehadnotbeenenslaved; Cæsar would have spared his country; America would have beendiscoveredmoregradually;andtheempiresofMexicoandPeruhadnotbeendestroyed.

But I forget that I ammoralising in themost interestingpartofmy tale;andyourlooksremindmetoproceed.

My father made no reproach in his letters, and only took notice of mysilence by enquiring into my occupations more particularly than before.Winter, spring, and summer passed away during my labours; but I did notwatch the blossom or the expanding leaves—sights which before alwaysyieldedme supreme delight—so deeply was I engrossed inmy occupation.Theleavesofthatyearhadwitheredbeforemyworkdrewneartoaclose;andnoweveryday showedmemoreplainlyhowwell I had succeeded.Butmyenthusiasm was checked by my anxiety, and I appeared rather like onedoomedbyslaverytotoilinthemines,oranyotherunwholesometrade,thananartistoccupiedbyhisfavouriteemployment.EverynightIwasoppressedbyaslowfever,andIbecamenervoustoamostpainfuldegree;thefallofaleafstartledme,andIshunnedmyfellow-creaturesasifIhadbeenguiltyofacrime.SometimesIgrewalarmedatthewreckIperceivedthatIhadbecome;theenergyofmypurposealonesustainedme:mylabourswouldsoonend,andI believed that exercise and amusement would then drive away incipientdisease; and I promised myself both of these when my creation should becomplete.

CHAPTERV.

ItwasonadrearynightofNovember,thatIbeheldtheaccomplishmentofmy toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected theinstruments of life aroundme, that Imight infuse a spark of being into thelifeless thing that layatmyfeet. Itwasalreadyone in themorning; therainpattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out,

when,bytheglimmerofthehalf-extinguishedlight,Isawthedullyelloweyeof the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsivemotion agitated itslimbs.

HowcanIdescribemyemotionsatthiscatastrophe,orhowdelineatethewretchwhomwith such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form?His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful.Beautiful!—GreatGod!Hisyellowskinscarcelycoveredtheworkofmusclesandarteriesbeneath;hishairwasofalustrousblack,andflowing;histeethofapearlywhiteness;buttheseluxuriancesonlyformedamorehorridcontrastwithhiswateryeyes,thatseemedalmostofthesamecolourasthedunwhitesockets inwhich theywere set,his shrivelledcomplexionandstraightblacklips.

The different accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings ofhumannature.Ihadworkedhardfornearlytwoyears,forthesolepurposeofinfusinglifeintoaninanimatebody.ForthisIhaddeprivedmyselfofrestandhealth.Ihaddesireditwithanardourthatfarexceededmoderation;butnowthat I had finished, the beauty of the dreamvanished, and breathless horrorand disgust filledmy heart.Unable to endure the aspect of the being I hadcreated, I rushed out of the room, and continued a long time traversingmybedchamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep. At length lassitudesucceededtothetumultIhadbeforeendured;andIthrewmyselfonthebedinmyclothes,endeavouringtoseekafewmomentsofforgetfulness.Butitwasinvain:Islept,indeed,butIwasdisturbedbythewildestdreams.IthoughtIsaw Elizabeth, in the bloom of health, walking in the streets of Ingolstadt.Delightedandsurprised,Iembracedher;butasIimprintedthefirstkissonherlips,theybecamelividwiththehueofdeath;herfeaturesappearedtochange,andIthoughtthatIheldthecorpseofmydeadmotherinmyarms;ashroudenvelopedher form,andI saw thegrave-wormscrawling in the foldsof theflannel.Istartedfrommysleepwithhorror;acolddewcoveredmyforehead,myteethchattered,andeverylimbbecameconvulsed:when,bythedimandyellowlightofthemoon,asitforceditswaythroughthewindowshutters,Ibeheldthewretch—themiserablemonsterwhomIhadcreated.Heheldupthecurtainofthebed;andhiseyes,ifeyestheymaybecalled,werefixedonme.His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grinwrinkledhischeeks.Hemighthavespoken,butIdidnothear;onehandwasstretchedout,seeminglytodetainme,butIescaped,andrusheddownstairs.ItookrefugeinthecourtyardbelongingtothehousewhichIinhabited;whereIremained during the rest of the night, walking up and down in the greatestagitation,listeningattentively,catchingandfearingeachsoundasifitweretoannouncetheapproachofthedemoniacalcorpsetowhichIhadsomiserablygivenlife.

Oh! nomortal could support the horror of that countenance. Amummyagain enduedwith animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I hadgazedonhimwhileunfinished;hewasuglythen;butwhenthosemusclesandjointswererenderedcapableofmotion,itbecameathingsuchasevenDantecouldnothaveconceived.

I passed the nightwretchedly. Sometimesmy pulse beat so quickly andhardly,thatIfeltthepalpitationofeveryartery;atothers,Inearlysanktothegroundthroughlanguorandextremeweakness.Mingledwiththishorror,Ifeltthebitternessofdisappointment;dreamsthathadbeenmyfoodandpleasantrestforsolongaspacewerenowbecomeahelltome;andthechangewassorapid,theoverthrowsocomplete!

Morning, dismal and wet, at length dawned, and discovered to mysleeplessandachingeyesthechurchofIngolstadt,itswhitesteepleandclock,whichindicatedthesixthhour.Theporteropenedthegatesofthecourt,whichhadthatnightbeenmyasylum,andIissuedintothestreets,pacingthemwithquicksteps,asifIsoughttoavoidthewretchwhomIfearedeveryturningofthe street would present tomy view. I did not dare return to the apartmentwhichIinhabited,butfeltimpelledtohurryon,althoughdrenchedbytherainwhichpouredfromablackandcomfortlesssky.

Icontinuedwalkinginthismannerforsometime,endeavouring,bybodilyexercise,toeasetheloadthatweigheduponmymind.Itraversedthestreets,withoutanyclearconceptionofwhereIwas,orwhatIwasdoing.Myheartpalpitated in the sickness of fear; and I hurried onwith irregular steps, notdaringtolookaboutme:—

"Likeonewho,onalonelyroad,

Dothwalkinfearanddread,

And,havingonceturnedround,walkson,

Andturnsnomorehishead;

Becauseheknowsafrightfulfiend

Dothclosebehindhimtread."

Continuingthus,Icameatlengthoppositetotheinnatwhichthevariousdiligencesandcarriagesusuallystopped.HereIpaused,Iknewnotwhy;butIremained some minutes with my eyes fixed on a coach that was comingtowardsmefromtheotherendofthestreet.Asitdrewnearer,Iobservedthatitwas theSwissdiligence: it stopped justwhere Iwasstanding;and,on thedoorbeingopened, I perceivedHenryClerval,who,on seeingme, instantlysprungout."MydearFrankenstein,"exclaimedhe,"howgladIamtoseeyou!howfortunatethatyoushouldbehereattheverymomentofmyalighting!"

Nothing could equalmy delight on seeingClerval; his presence broughtbacktomythoughtsmyfather,Elizabeth,andallthosescenesofhomesodeartomyrecollection.Igraspedhishand,andinamomentforgotmyhorrorandmisfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first timeduringmanymonths, calmandserenejoy.Iwelcomedmyfriend,therefore,inthemostcordialmanner,andwewalkedtowardsmycollege.Clervalcontinuedtalkingforsometimeaboutourmutualfriends,andhisowngoodfortuneinbeingpermittedtocometoIngolstadt."Youmayeasilybelieve,"saidhe,"howgreatwasthedifficultytopersuademyfatherthatallnecessaryknowledgewasnotcomprisedinthenobleartofbook-keeping;and,indeed,IbelieveIlefthimincreduloustothelast,forhisconstantanswertomyunweariedentreatieswasthesameasthatof theDutch schoolmaster in theVicar ofWakefield:—'I have ten thousandflorinsayearwithoutGreek,IeatheartilywithoutGreek.'Buthisaffectionforme at length overcame his dislike of learning, and he has permitted me toundertakeavoyageofdiscoverytothelandofknowledge."

"Itgivesme thegreatestdelight toseeyou;but tellmehowyou leftmyfather,brothers,andElizabeth."

"Verywell,andveryhappy,onlyalittleuneasythattheyhearfromyousoseldom.Bytheby,Imeantolectureyoualittleupontheiraccountmyself.—But,mydearFrankenstein,"continuedhe, stoppingshort, andgazing full inmyface,"Ididnotbeforeremarkhowveryillyouappear;sothinandpale;youlookasifyouhadbeenwatchingforseveralnights."

"You have guessed right; I have lately been so deeply engaged in oneoccupation, that I have not allowedmyself sufficient rest, as you see: but Ihope,Isincerelyhope,thatalltheseemploymentsarenowatanend,andthatIamatlengthfree."

Itrembledexcessively;Icouldnotenduretothinkof,andfarlesstoalludeto,theoccurrencesoftheprecedingnight.Iwalkedwithaquickpace,andwesoonarrivedatmycollege.Ithenreflected,andthethoughtmademeshiver,that thecreaturewhomIhadleft inmyapartmentmightstillbethere,alive,andwalking about. I dreaded tobehold thismonster; but I feared stillmorethatHenryshouldseehim.Entreatinghim,therefore,toremainafewminutesat thebottomof thestairs, Idarteduptowardsmyownroom.MyhandwasalreadyonthelockofthedoorbeforeIrecollectedmyself.Ithenpaused;andacoldshiveringcameoverme.Ithrewthedoorforciblyopen,aschildrenareaccustomedtodowhentheyexpectaspectretostandinwaitingforthemontheotherside;butnothingappeared.Isteppedfearfullyin:theapartmentwasempty;andmybed-roomwasalsofreedfromitshideousguest.Icouldhardlybelieve that so great a good fortune could have befallen me; but when Ibecameassured thatmyenemyhad indeedfled, Iclappedmyhandsfor joy,andrandowntoClerval.

Weascended intomy room, and the servant presently brought breakfast;but Iwasunable tocontainmyself. Itwasnot joyonly thatpossessedme; Ifeltmyfleshtinglewithexcessofsensitiveness,andmypulsebeatrapidly.Iwasunabletoremainforasingleinstantinthesameplace;Ijumpedoverthechairs, clappedmy hands, and laughed aloud. Clerval at first attributedmyunusualspiritstojoyonhisarrival;butwhenheobservedmemoreattentively,hesawawildnessinmyeyesforwhichhecouldnotaccount;andmyloud,unrestrained,heartlesslaughter,frightenedandastonishedhim.

"MydearVictor," criedhe, "what, forGod's sake, is thematter?Donotlaughinthatmanner.Howillyouare!Whatisthecauseofallthis?"

"Donotaskme,"criedI,puttingmyhandsbeforemyeyes,forIthoughtIsawthedreadedspectreglideintotheroom;"hecantell.—Oh,saveme!saveme!" I imagined that themonster seizedme; I struggled furiously, and felldowninafit.

Poor Clerval! what must have been his feelings? A meeting, which heanticipatedwithsuchjoy,sostrangelyturnedtobitterness.ButIwasnotthewitness of his grief; for Iwas lifeless, and did not recovermy senses for along,longtime.

Thiswas the commencement of a nervous fever,which confinedme forseveralmonths.Duringall that timeHenrywasmyonlynurse. I afterwardslearned that, knowingmy father's advanced age, andunfitness for so longajourney, and how wretched my sickness would make Elizabeth, he sparedthemthisgriefbyconcealingtheextentofmydisorder.HeknewthatIcouldnothaveamorekindandattentivenursethanhimself;and,firminthehopehefeltofmyrecovery,hedidnotdoubtthat,insteadofdoingharm,heperformedthekindestactionthathecouldtowardsthem.

But I was in reality very ill; and surely nothing but the unbounded andunremittingattentionsofmyfriendcouldhaverestoredmetolife.TheformofthemonsteronwhomIhadbestowedexistencewasforeverbeforemyeyes,andIravedincessantlyconcerninghim.DoubtlessmywordssurprisedHenry:he at first believed them tobe thewanderingsofmydisturbed imagination;but the pertinacity with which I continually recurred to the same subject,persuaded him thatmy disorder indeed owed its origin to some uncommonandterribleevent.

Byveryslowdegrees,andwithfrequentrelapses,thatalarmedandgrievedmy friend, I recovered. I remember the first time I became capable ofobserving outward objects with any kind of pleasure, I perceived that thefallen leaves had disappeared, and that the young budswere shooting forthfromthetreesthatshadedmywindow.Itwasadivinespring;andtheseasoncontributed greatly to my convalescence. I felt also sentiments of joy and

affection revive inmybosom;mygloomdisappeared, and in a short time IbecameascheerfulasbeforeIwasattackedbythefatalpassion.

"DearestClerval,"exclaimedI,"howkind,howverygoodyouaretome.Thiswholewinter,insteadofbeingspentinstudy,asyoupromisedyourself,hasbeenconsumedinmysickroom.Howshall Ieverrepayyou?I feel thegreatestremorseforthedisappointmentofwhichIhavebeentheoccasion;butyouwillforgiveme."

"Youwill repayme entirely, if you do not discompose yourself, but getwellasfastasyoucan;andsinceyouappearinsuchgoodspirits,Imayspeaktoyouononesubject,mayInot?"

Itrembled.Onesubject!whatcoulditbe?CouldhealludetoanobjectonwhomIdarednoteventhink?

"Composeyourself,"saidClerval,whoobservedmychangeofcolour,"Iwillnotmentionit,ifitagitatesyou;butyourfatherandcousinwouldbeveryhappyiftheyreceivedaletterfromyouinyourownhandwriting.Theyhardlyknowhowillyouhavebeen,andareuneasyatyourlongsilence."

"Isthatall,mydearHenry?Howcouldyousupposethatmyfirstthoughtwouldnot fly towards thosedear,dear friendswhomI love,andwhoaresodeservingofmylove."

"Ifthisisyourpresenttemper,myfriend,youwillperhapsbegladtoseealetter that has been lying here some days for you: it is from your cousin, Ibelieve."

CHAPTERVI.

Clerval thenput thefollowing letter intomyhands. ItwasfrommyownElizabeth:—

"MydearestCousin,

"You have been ill, very ill, and even the constant letters of dear kindHenryarenotsufficienttoreassuremeonyouraccount.Youareforbiddentowrite—toholdapen;yetonewordfromyou,dearVictor,isnecessarytocalmourapprehensions.ForalongtimeIhavethoughtthateachpostwouldbringthis line, andmy persuasions have restrainedmy uncle from undertaking ajourney to Ingolstadt. I have prevented his encountering the inconveniencesandperhapsdangersofsolongajourney;yethowoftenhaveIregrettednotbeingabletoperformitmyself!Ifiguretomyselfthatthetaskofattendingonyour sickbedhas devolvedon somemercenaryoldnurse,who couldnever

guessyourwishes, norminister to themwith the care and affectionof yourpoorcousin.Yet that isovernow:Clervalwrites that indeedyouaregettingbetter.Ieagerlyhopethatyouwillconfirmthisintelligencesooninyourownhandwriting.

"Getwell—and return to us.Youwill find a happy, cheerful home, andfriendswholoveyoudearly.Yourfather'shealthisvigorous,andheasksbuttoseeyou,—buttobeassuredthatyouarewell;andnotacarewillevercloudhis benevolent countenance. How pleased you would be to remark theimprovementofourErnest!Heisnowsixteen,andfullofactivityandspirit.He is desirous to be a true Swiss, and to enter into foreign service; butwecannotpartwithhim,atleastuntilhiselderbrotherreturntous.Myuncleisnotpleasedwiththeideaofamilitarycareerinadistantcountry;butErnestneverhadyourpowersofapplication.Helooksuponstudyasanodiousfetter;—histimeisspentintheopenair,climbingthehillsorrowingonthelake.Ifearthathewillbecomeanidler,unlessweyieldthepoint,andpermithimtoenterontheprofessionwhichhehasselected.

"Littlealteration,except thegrowthofourdearchildren,has takenplacesinceyouleftus.Thebluelake,andsnow-cladmountains,theyneverchange;—andIthinkourplacidhome,andourcontentedheartsareregulatedbythesameimmutablelaws.Mytriflingoccupationstakeupmytimeandamuseme,and I am rewarded for any exertions by seeing none but happy, kind facesaround me. Since you left us, but one change has taken place in our littlehousehold. Do you remember on what occasion JustineMoritz entered ourfamily? Probably you do not; I will relate her history, therefore, in a fewwords.MadameMoritz,hermother,wasawidowwithfourchildren,ofwhomJustinewasthethird.Thisgirlhadalwaysbeenthefavouriteofherfather;but,througha strangeperversity,hermother couldnot endureher, and, after thedeath ofM.Moritz, treated her very ill.My aunt observed this; and, whenJustinewastwelveyearsofage,prevailedonhermothertoallowhertoliveatourhouse.The republican institutionsofourcountryhaveproducedsimplerand happier manners than those which prevail in the great monarchies thatsurround it.Hence there is lessdistinctionbetween the several classesof itsinhabitants;andthelowerorders,beingneithersopoornorsodespised,theirmannersaremorerefinedandmoral.AservantinGenevadoesnotmeanthesame thingasaservant inFranceandEngland.Justine, thus received inourfamily, learned the duties of a servant; a condition which, in our fortunatecountry,doesnotincludetheideaofignorance,andasacrificeofthedignityofahumanbeing.

"Justine,youmayremember,wasagreatfavouriteofyours;andIrecollectyouonceremarked,thatifyouwereinanill-humour,oneglancefromJustinecoulddissipateit,forthesamereasonthatAriostogivesconcerningthebeauty

of Angelica—she looked so frank-hearted and happy.My aunt conceived agreatattachmentforher,bywhichshewasinducedtogiveheraneducationsuperiortothatwhichshehadatfirstintended.Thisbenefitwasfullyrepaid;Justinewas themostgrateful littlecreature in theworld: Idonotmean thatshemadeanyprofessions;Ineverheardonepassherlips;butyoucouldseebyhereyes that shealmost adoredherprotectress.Althoughherdispositionwasgay,andinmanyrespectsinconsiderate,yetshepaidthegreatestattentiontoeverygestureofmyaunt.Shethoughtherthemodelofallexcellence,andendeavoured to imitate her phraseology andmanners, so that even now sheoftenremindsmeofher.

"Whenmy dearest aunt died, every onewas toomuch occupied in theirowngrieftonoticepoorJustine,whohadattendedherduringherillnesswiththe most anxious affection. Poor Justine was very ill; but other trials werereservedforher.

"One by one, her brothers and sister died; and her mother, with theexceptionofherneglecteddaughter,wasleftchildless.Theconscienceofthewomanwastroubled;shebegantothinkthatthedeathsofherfavouriteswasajudgment fromheaven to chastise her partiality. Shewas aRoman catholic;and I believe her confessor confirmed the idea which she had conceived.Accordingly, a few months after your departure for Ingolstadt, Justine wascalledhomebyherrepentantmother.Poorgirl!sheweptwhenshequittedourhouse; she was much altered since the death of my aunt; grief had givensoftness and a winning mildness to her manners, which had before beenremarkable for vivacity. Nor was her residence at her mother's house of anature to restore her gaiety. The poor woman was very vacillating in herrepentance. She sometimes begged Justine to forgive her unkindness, butmuch oftener accused her of having caused the deaths of her brothers andsister.PerpetualfrettingatlengththrewMadameMoritzintoadecline,whichatfirstincreasedherirritability,butsheisnowatpeaceforever.Shediedonthefirstapproachofcoldweather,atthebeginningofthislastwinter.Justinehasreturnedtous;andIassureyouIlovehertenderly.Sheisverycleverandgentle, and extremely pretty; as I mentioned before, her mien and herexpressionscontinuallyremindmeofmydearaunt.

"I must say also a few words to you, my dear cousin, of little darlingWilliam. I wish you could see him; he is very tall of his age, with sweetlaughingblueeyes,darkeyelashes,andcurlinghair.Whenhesmiles,twolittledimplesappearoneachcheek,whicharerosywithhealth.Hehasalreadyhadoneortwolittlewives,butLouisaBironishisfavourite,aprettylittlegirloffiveyearsofage.

"Now, dearVictor, I dare say youwish to be indulged in a little gossipconcerningthegoodpeopleofGeneva.TheprettyMissMansfieldhasalready

received thecongratulatoryvisitsonherapproachingmarriagewithayoungEnglishman, John Melbourne, Esq. Her ugly sister, Manon, married M.Duvillard, the rich banker, last autumn. Your favourite schoolfellow, LouisManoir,hassufferedseveralmisfortunessince thedepartureofClerval fromGeneva.Buthehasalreadyrecoveredhisspirits,andisreportedtobeonthepointofmarryingaverylivelyprettyFrenchwoman,MadameTavernier.Sheisawidow,andmucholderthanManoir;butsheisverymuchadmired,andafavouritewitheverybody.

"I have written myself into better spirits, dear cousin; but my anxietyreturns uponme as I conclude.Write, dearest Victor,—one line—onewordwill be ablessing tous.Ten thousand thanks toHenry forhiskindness, hisaffection,andhismany letters:weare sincerelygrateful.Adieu!mycousin;takecareofyourself;and,Ientreatyou,write!

"ElizabethLavenza.

"Geneva,March18th,17—."

"Dear, dear Elizabeth!" I exclaimed, when I had read her letter, "I willwriteinstantly,andrelievethemfromtheanxietytheymustfeel."Iwrote,andthisexertiongreatlyfatiguedme;butmyconvalescencehadcommenced,andproceededregularly.InanotherfortnightIwasabletoleavemychamber.

One of my first duties on my recovery was to introduce Clerval to theseveralprofessorsoftheuniversity.Indoingthis,Iunderwentakindofroughusage,illbefittingthewoundsthatmymindhadsustained.Eversincethefatalnight, the end of my labours, and the beginning of my misfortunes, I hadconceivedaviolentantipathyeventothenameofnaturalphilosophy.WhenIwas otherwise quite restored to health, the sight of a chemical instrumentwouldrenewalltheagonyofmynervoussymptoms.Henrysawthis,andhadremovedallmyapparatusfrommyview.Hehadalsochangedmyapartment;for he perceived that I had acquired a dislike for the room which hadpreviously beenmy laboratory.But these cares ofClervalweremade of noavail when I visited the professors. M.Waldman inflicted torture when hepraised,withkindnessandwarmth,theastonishingprogressIhadmadeinthesciences.He soonperceived that I disliked the subject; but notguessing therealcause,heattributedmyfeelingstomodesty,andchangedthesubjectfrommy improvement, to the science itself, with a desire, as I evidently saw, ofdrawingmeout.WhatcouldIdo?Hemeanttoplease,andhetormentedme.Ifelt as if hehadplacedcarefully,onebyone, inmyview those instrumentswhichwere tobeafterwardsused inputtingme toaslowandcrueldeath. Iwrithedunderhiswords,yetdarednotexhibitthepainIfelt.Clerval,whoseeyes and feelingswere always quick in discerning the sensations of others,declined the subject, alleging, in excuse, his total ignorance; and the

conversationtookamoregeneralturn.Ithankedmyfriendfrommyheart,butIdidnotspeak.Isawplainlythathewassurprised,butheneverattemptedtodrawmysecretfromme;andalthoughIlovedhimwithamixtureofaffectionand reverence that knew no bounds, yet I could never persuade myself toconfidetohimthateventwhichwassooftenpresent tomyrecollection,butwhichIfearedthedetailtoanotherwouldonlyimpressmoredeeply.

M.Krempewas not equally docile; and inmy condition at that time, ofalmostinsupportablesensitiveness,hisharshbluntencomiumsgavemeevenmore pain than the benevolent approbation of M. Waldman. "D—n thefellow!"criedhe; "why,M.Clerval, I assureyouhehasoutstriptusall.Ay,stare if you please; but it is nevertheless true. A youngster who, but a fewyearsago,believedinCorneliusAgrippaasfirmlyasinthegospel,hasnowsethimselfattheheadoftheuniversity;andifheisnotsoonpulleddown,weshall all be out of countenance.—Ay, ay," continued he, observingmy faceexpressiveofsuffering,"M.Frankensteinismodest;anexcellentqualityinayoung man. Young men should be diffident of themselves, you know, M.Clerval:Iwasmyselfwhenyoung;butthatwearsoutinaveryshorttime."

M. Krempe had now commenced an eulogy on himself, which happilyturnedtheconversationfromasubjectthatwassoannoyingtome.

Clerval had never sympathised inmy tastes for natural science; and hisliterarypursuitsdifferedwhollyfromthosewhichhadoccupiedme.Hecameto the universitywith the design ofmaking himself completemaster of theoriental languages,as thusheshouldopena field for theplanof lifehehadmarkedoutforhimself.Resolvedtopursuenoingloriouscareer,heturnedhiseyes toward the East, as affording scope for his spirit of enterprise. ThePersian,Arabic,andSanscritlanguagesengagedhisattention,andIwaseasilyinduced toenteron thesamestudies. Idlenesshadeverbeen irksometome,andnowthat Iwished toflyfromreflection,andhatedmyformerstudies, Ifeltgreatrelief inbeingthefellow-pupilwithmyfriend,andfoundnotonlyinstructionbutconsolationintheworksoftheorientalists.Ididnot,likehim,attemptacriticalknowledgeoftheirdialects,forIdidnotcontemplatemakinganyotheruseofthemthantemporaryamusement.Ireadmerelytounderstandtheirmeaning,andtheywellrepaidmylabours.Theirmelancholyissoothing,andtheirjoyelevating,toadegreeIneverexperiencedinstudyingtheauthorsofanyothercountry.Whenyoureadtheirwritings,lifeappearstoconsistinawarmsunandagardenof roses,—in thesmilesandfrownsofa fairenemy,andthefirethatconsumesyourownheart.HowdifferentfromthemanlyandheroicalpoetryofGreeceandRome!

Summerpassedawayintheseoccupations,andmyreturntoGenevawasfixed for the latter end of autumn; but being delayed by several accidents,winterandsnowarrived,theroadsweredeemedimpassable,andmyjourney

was retarded until the ensuing spring. I felt this delay very bitterly; for Ilonged to seemy native town andmy beloved friends.My return had onlybeen delayed so long, from an unwillingness to leave Clerval in a strangeplace, before he had become acquainted with any of its inhabitants. Thewinter, however, was spent cheerfully; and although the spring wasuncommonlylate,whenitcameitsbeautycompensatedforitsdilatoriness.

ThemonthofMayhadalreadycommenced,andIexpectedtheletterdailywhichwastofixthedateofmydeparture,whenHenryproposedapedestriantour in theenvironsof Ingolstadt, that Imightbidapersonal farewell to thecountryIhadsolonginhabited.Iaccededwithpleasuretothisproposition:Iwasfondofexercise,andClervalhadalwaysbeenmyfavouritecompanioninthe rambles of this nature that I had taken among the scenes of my nativecountry.

Wepasseda fortnight in theseperambulations:myhealthandspiritshadlongbeenrestored,andtheygainedadditionalstrengthfromthesalubriousairIbreathed, thenatural incidentsofourprogress,and theconversationofmyfriend. Study had before secluded me from the intercourse of my fellow-creatures,andrenderedmeunsocial;butClervalcalledforththebetterfeelingsofmyheart;heagaintaughtmetolovetheaspectofnature,andthecheerfulfaces of children. Excellent friend! how sincerely did you love me, andendeavourtoelevatemyminduntilitwasonalevelwithyourown!Aselfishpursuit had cramped and narrowed me, until your gentleness and affectionwarmedandopenedmysenses;Ibecamethesamehappycreaturewho,afewyears ago, loved and beloved by all, had no sorrow or care. When happy,inanimate nature had the power of bestowing on me the most delightfulsensations.Asereneskyandverdantfieldsfilledmewithecstasy.Thepresentseasonwasindeeddivine;theflowersofspringbloomedinthehedges,whilethoseof summerwere already in bud. Iwasundisturbedby thoughtswhichduring the preceding year had pressed upon me, notwithstanding myendeavourstothrowthemoff,withaninvincibleburden.

Henryrejoicedinmygaiety,andsincerelysympathisedinmyfeelings:heexertedhimselftoamuseme,whileheexpressedthesensationsthatfilledhissoul.The resources of hismindon this occasionwere truly astonishing: hisconversation was full of imagination; and very often, in imitation of thePersianandArabicwriters,heinventedtalesofwonderfulfancyandpassion.At other times he repeated my favourite poems, or drew me out intoarguments,whichhesupportedwithgreatingenuity.

We returned to our college on a Sunday afternoon: the peasants weredancing,andeveryonewemetappearedgayandhappy.Myownspiritswerehigh,andIboundedalongwithfeelingsofunbridledjoyandhilarity.

CHAPTERVII.

Onmyreturn,Ifoundthefollowingletterfrommyfather:—

"MydearVictor,

"Youhaveprobablywaitedimpatientlyforaletter tofixthedateofyourreturn to us; and I was at first tempted to write only a few lines, merelymentioningthedayonwhichIshouldexpectyou.Butthatwouldbeacruelkindness,andIdarenotdoit.Whatwouldbeyoursurprise,myson,whenyouexpected a happy and glad welcome, to behold, on the contrary, tears andwretchedness?Andhow,Victor,canIrelateourmisfortune?Absencecannothaverenderedyoucalloustoourjoysandgriefs;andhowshallIinflictpainonmylongabsentson?Iwishtoprepareyouforthewofulnews,butIknowitis impossible; even now your eye skims over the page, to seek the wordswhicharetoconveytoyouthehorribletidings.

"Williamisdead!—thatsweetchild,whosesmilesdelightedandwarmedmyheart,whowassogentle,yetsogay!Victor,heismurdered!

"Iwillnotattempttoconsoleyou;butwillsimplyrelatethecircumstancesofthetransaction.

"Last Thursday (May 7th), I, my niece, and your two brothers, went towalkinPlainpalais.Theeveningwaswarmandserene,andweprolongedourwalk farther thanusual. Itwasalreadyduskbeforewe thoughtof returning;and then we discovered thatWilliam and Ernest, who had gone on before,werenottobefound.Weaccordinglyrestedonaseatuntiltheyshouldreturn.PresentlyErnestcame,andenquiredifwehadseenhisbrother:hesaid,thathehadbeenplayingwithhim,thatWilliamhadrunawaytohidehimself,andthathevainlysoughtforhim,andafterwardswaitedforhimalongtime,butthathedidnotreturn.

"Thisaccountratheralarmedus,andwecontinuedtosearchforhimuntilnight fell, when Elizabeth conjectured that he might have returned to thehouse.Hewasnotthere.Wereturnedagain,withtorches;forIcouldnotrest,whenIthoughtthatmysweetboyhadlosthimself,andwasexposedtoallthedampsanddewsofnight;Elizabethalsosufferedextremeanguish.AboutfiveinthemorningIdiscoveredmylovelyboy,whomthenightbeforeIhadseenbloomingandactiveinhealth,stretchedonthegrasslividandmotionless:theprintofthemurderer'sfingerwasonhisneck.

"He was conveyed home, and the anguish that was visible in mycountenancebetrayedthesecrettoElizabeth.Shewasveryearnesttoseethecorpse.AtfirstIattemptedtopreventher;butshepersisted,andenteringthe

roomwhere it lay,hastilyexaminedtheneckof thevictim,andclaspingherhandsexclaimed,'OGod!Ihavemurderedmydarlingchild!'

"She fainted, and was restored with extreme difficulty.When she againlived, it was only to weep and sigh. She told me, that that same eveningWilliam had teased her to let him wear a very valuable miniature that shepossessed of your mother. This picture is gone, and was doubtless thetemptationwhichurgedthemurderertothedeed.Wehavenotraceofhimatpresent,althoughourexertions todiscoverhimareunremitted;but theywillnotrestoremybelovedWilliam!

"Come, dearest Victor; you alone can console Elizabeth. She weepscontinually,andaccusesherselfunjustlyasthecauseofhisdeath;herwordspiercemyheart.Weareallunhappy;butwillnotthatbeanadditionalmotivefor you, my son, to return and be our comforter? Your dear mother! Alas,Victor!Inowsay,ThankGodshedidnotlivetowitnessthecruel,miserabledeathofheryoungestdarling!

"Come,Victor; not brooding thoughts of vengeance against the assassin,butwithfeelingsofpeaceandgentleness,thatwillheal,insteadoffestering,thewoundsofourminds.Enter thehouseofmourning,my friend,butwithkindnessandaffection for thosewho loveyou,andnotwithhatred foryourenemies.

"Youraffectionateandafflictedfather,

"AlphonseFrankenstein.

"Geneva,May12th,17—."

Clerval, who had watched my countenance as I read this letter, wassurprisedtoobservethedespair thatsucceededto thejoyIatfirstexpressedonreceivingnewsfrommyfriends.Ithrewtheletteronthetable,andcoveredmyfacewithmyhands.

"My dear Frankenstein," exclaimedHenry, when he perceivedmeweepwith bitterness, "are you always to be unhappy?My dear friend, what hashappened?"

Imotioned tohim to takeup the letter,while Iwalkedupanddown theroomintheextremestagitation.TearsalsogushedfromtheeyesofClerval,ashereadtheaccountofmymisfortune.

"I can offer you no consolation, my friend," said he; "your disaster isirreparable.Whatdoyouintendtodo?"

"TogoinstantlytoGeneva:comewithme,Henry,toorderthehorses."

Duringourwalk,Clervalendeavouredtosayafewwordsofconsolation;

hecouldonlyexpresshisheart-feltsympathy."PoorWilliam!"saidhe,"dearlovely child, he now sleepswith his angelmother!Who that had seen himbrightandjoyousinhisyoungbeauty,butmustweepoverhisuntimelyloss!Todiesomiserably;tofeelthemurderer'sgrasp!Howmuchmoreamurderer,that could destroy such radiant innocence! Poor little fellow! one onlyconsolationhavewe;hisfriendsmournandweep,butheisatrest.Thepangisover,hissufferingsareatanendforever.Asodcovershisgentleform,andheknowsnopain.Hecannolongerbeasubjectforpity;wemustreservethatforhismiserablesurvivors."

Clervalspokethusaswehurriedthroughthestreets;thewordsimpressedthemselvesonmymind,and I remembered themafterwards in solitude.Butnow,assoonasthehorsesarrived,Ihurriedintoacabriolet,andbadefarewelltomyfriend.

My journey was very melancholy. At first I wished to hurry on, for Ilonged toconsoleand sympathisewithmy lovedand sorrowing friends;butwhen I drew nearmy native town, I slackenedmy progress. I could hardlysustainthemultitudeoffeelingsthatcrowdedintomymind.Ipassedthroughscenes familiar tomy youth, butwhich I had not seen for nearly six years.Howalteredeverythingmightbeduringthattime!Onesuddenanddesolatingchange had taken place; but a thousand little circumstances might have bydegrees worked other alterations, which, although they were done moretranquilly, might not be the less decisive. Fear overcame me; I dared notadvance,dreadingathousandnamelessevilsthatmademetremble,althoughIwasunabletodefinethem.

I remained two days at Lausanne, in this painful state of mind. Icontemplated the lake: thewaterswereplacid;all aroundwascalm;and thesnowymountains,"thepalacesofnature,"werenotchanged.Bydegreesthecalm and heavenly scene restoredme, and I continuedmy journey towardsGeneva.

The road ran by the side of the lake, which became narrower as Iapproachedmy native town. I discoveredmore distinctly the black sides ofJura, and the bright summit of Mont Blanc. I wept like a child. "Dearmountains!myownbeautifullake!howdoyouwelcomeyourwanderer?Yoursummitsareclear;theskyandlakeareblueandplacid.Isthistoprognosticatepeace,ortomockatmyunhappiness?"

I fear,my friend, that I shall rendermyself tediousbydwellingon thesepreliminarycircumstances;buttheyweredaysofcomparativehappiness,andI think of themwith pleasure.My country,my beloved country!who but anative can tell the delight I took in again beholding thy streams, thymountains,and,morethanall,thylovelylake!

Yet,asIdrewnearerhome,griefandfearagainovercameme.Nightalsoclosed around; and when I could hardly see the darkmountains, I felt stillmore gloomily. The picture appeared a vast and dim scene of evil, and IforesawobscurelythatIwasdestinedtobecomethemostwretchedofhumanbeings.Alas! I prophesied truly, and failed only in one single circumstance,thatinallthemiseryIimaginedanddreaded,IdidnotconceivethehundredthpartoftheanguishIwasdestinedtoendure.

ItwascompletelydarkwhenIarrivedintheenvironsofGeneva;thegatesofthetownwerealreadyshut;andIwasobligedtopassthenightatSecheron,avillage at thedistanceof half a league from the city.The skywas serene;and,asIwasunabletorest,IresolvedtovisitthespotwheremypoorWilliamhadbeenmurdered.As I couldnot pass through the town, Iwasobliged tocrossthelakeinaboattoarriveatPlainpalais.DuringthisshortvoyageIsawthe lightnings playing on the summit of Mont Blanc in the most beautifulfigures.Thestormappearedtoapproachrapidly;and,onlanding,Iascendedalow hill, that I might observe its progress. It advanced; the heavens wereclouded,andIsoonfelttheraincomingslowlyinlargedrops,butitsviolencequicklyincreased.

I quitted my seat, and walked on, although the darkness and stormincreased everyminute, and the thunder burstwith a terrific crash overmyhead. It was echoed from Salêve, the Juras, and the Alps of Savoy; vividflashesof lightningdazzledmyeyes, illuminatingthelake,makingitappearlike a vast sheet of fire; then for an instant every thing seemed of a pitchydarkness,untiltheeyerecovereditselffromtheprecedingflash.Thestorm,asis often the case in Switzerland, appeared at once in various parts of theheavens.Themostviolentstormhungexactlynorthofthetown,overthatpartof the lakewhich liesbetween thepromontoryofBelriveand thevillageofCopêt. Another storm enlightened Jura with faint flashes; and anotherdarkenedandsometimesdisclosedtheMôle,apeakedmountaintotheeastofthelake.

WhileIwatchedthetempest,sobeautifulyetterrific,Iwanderedonwithahastystep.Thisnoblewarintheskyelevatedmyspirits;Iclaspedmyhands,andexclaimedaloud,"William,dearangel!thisisthyfuneral,thisthydirge!"As I said these words, I perceived in the gloom a figure which stole frombehindaclumpoftreesnearme;Istoodfixed,gazingintently:Icouldnotbemistaken.Aflashoflightningilluminatedtheobject,anddiscovereditsshapeplainly to me; its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect, morehideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was thewretch,thefilthydæmon,towhomIhadgivenlife.Whatdidhethere?Couldhebe(Ishudderedattheconception)themurdererofmybrother?Nosoonerdidthatideacrossmyimagination,thanIbecameconvincedofitstruth;my

teethchattered,andIwasforcedtoleanagainstatreeforsupport.Thefigurepassedmequickly,andIlostit inthegloom.Nothinginhumanshapecouldhavedestroyedthatfairchild.Hewasthemurderer!Icouldnotdoubtit.Themere presence of the ideawas an irresistible proof of the fact. I thought ofpursuingthedevil;butitwouldhavebeeninvain,foranotherflashdiscoveredhim to me hanging among the rocks of the nearly perpendicular ascent ofMontSalêve,ahillthatboundsPlainpalaisonthesouth.Hesoonreachedthesummit,anddisappeared.

Iremainedmotionless.Thethunderceased;buttherainstillcontinued,andthescenewasenvelopedinanimpenetrabledarkness.Irevolvedinmymindthe events which I had until now sought to forget: the whole train of myprogress towards thecreation; theappearanceof theworkofmyownhandsaliveatmybedside;itsdeparture.Twoyearshadnownearlyelapsedsincethenightonwhichhefirstreceivedlife;andwasthishisfirstcrime?Alas!Ihadturnedlooseintotheworldadepravedwretch,whosedelightwasincarnageandmisery;hadhenotmurderedmybrother?

No one can conceive the anguish I suffered during the remainder of thenight, which I spent, cold and wet, in the open air. But I did not feel theinconvenienceoftheweather;myimaginationwasbusyinscenesofevilanddespair.IconsideredthebeingwhomIhadcastamongmankind,andendowedwiththewillandpowertoeffectpurposesofhorror,suchasthedeedwhichhehadnowdone,nearlyinthelightofmyownvampire,myownspiritletloosefromthegrave,andforcedtodestroyallthatwasdeartome.

Day dawned; and I directedmy steps towards the town.The gateswereopen, and Ihastened tomy father's house.My first thoughtwas todiscoverwhat I knew of the murderer, and cause instant pursuit to be made. But IpausedwhenIreflectedonthestorythatIhadtotell.AbeingwhomImyselfhad formed, and endued with life, had met me at midnight among theprecipicesofan inaccessiblemountain. I rememberedalso thenervousfeverwithwhich I had been seized just at the time that I datedmy creation, andwhichwouldgiveanairofdeliriumtoataleotherwisesoutterlyimprobable.Iwellknewthatifanyotherhadcommunicatedsucharelationtome,Ishouldhavelookeduponitas theravingsof insanity.Besides, thestrangenatureoftheanimalwouldeludeallpursuit,evenifIweresofarcreditedastopersuademy relatives to commence it.And thenofwhat usewouldbepursuit?Whocould arrest a creature capable of scaling the overhanging sides of MontSalêve?Thesereflectionsdeterminedme,andIresolvedtoremainsilent.

ItwasaboutfiveinthemorningwhenIenteredmyfather'shouse.I toldtheservantsnottodisturbthefamily,andwentintothelibrarytoattendtheirusualhourofrising.

Sixyearshadelapsed,passedasadreambutforoneindelibletrace,andIstood in the same place where I had last embraced my father before mydeparture for Ingolstadt.Beloved andvenerable parent!He still remained tome.Igazedonthepictureofmymother,whichstoodoverthemantel-piece.Itwas an historical subject, painted at my father's desire, and representedCarolineBeaufort inanagonyofdespair,kneelingby thecoffinofherdeadfather.Hergarbwasrustic,andhercheekpale;buttherewasanairofdignityandbeauty,thathardlypermittedthesentimentofpity.BelowthispicturewasaminiatureofWilliam;andmytearsflowedwhenI lookeduponit.WhileIwas thus engaged, Ernest entered: he had heardme arrive, and hastened towelcome me. He expressed a sorrowful delight to see me: "Welcome, mydearestVictor,"saidhe."Ah!Iwishyouhadcomethreemonthsago,andthenyouwould have found us all joyous and delighted.You come to us now toshare amiserywhich nothing can alleviate; yet your presencewill, I hope,revive our father, who seems sinking under his misfortune; and yourpersuasionswillinducepoorElizabethtoceasehervainandtormentingself-accusations.—PoorWilliam!hewasourdarlingandourpride!"

Tears, unrestrained, fell frommybrother's eyes; a senseofmortal agonycrept over my frame. Before, I had only imagined the wretchedness of mydesolated home; the reality came on me as a new, and a not less terrible,disaster. I tried to calm Ernest; I enquired more minutely concerning myfather,andherInamedmycousin.

"Shemostofall,"saidErnest,"requiresconsolation;sheaccusedherselfofhavingcausedthedeathofmybrother,andthatmadeherverywretched.Butsincethemurdererhasbeendiscovered—"

"The murderer discovered! Good God! how can that be? who couldattempttopursuehim?Itisimpossible;onemightaswelltrytoovertakethewinds,orconfineamountain-streamwithastraw.Isawhimtoo;hewasfreelastnight!"

"Idonotknowwhatyoumean,"repliedmybrother,inaccentsofwonder,"but tous thediscoverywehavemadecompletesourmisery.Noonewouldbelieve it at first; and even now Elizabeth will not be convinced,notwithstanding all the evidence. Indeed, who would credit that JustineMoritz, who was so amiable, and fond of all the family, could suddenlybecomecapableofsofrightful,soappallingacrime?"

"JustineMoritz!Poor,poorgirl, isshe theaccused?But it iswrongfully;everyoneknowsthat;noonebelievesit,surely,Ernest?"

"Noonedidatfirst;butseveralcircumstancescameout,thathavealmostforcedconvictionuponus;andherownbehaviourhasbeensoconfused,astoaddtotheevidenceoffactsaweightthat,Ifear,leavesnohopefordoubt.But

shewillbetriedto-day,andyouwillthenhearall."

He related that, the morning on which the murder of poorWilliam hadbeendiscovered,Justinehadbeentakenill,andconfinedtoherbedforseveraldays. During this interval, one of the servants, happening to examine theapparelshehadwornonthenightofthemurder,haddiscoveredinherpocketthepictureofmymother,whichhadbeenjudgedtobethetemptationofthemurderer.Theservant instantlyshowed it tooneof theothers,who,withoutsaying a word to any of the family, went to a magistrate; and, upon theirdeposition,Justinewasapprehended.Onbeingchargedwiththefact,thepoorgirlconfirmed thesuspicion inagreatmeasurebyherextremeconfusionofmanner.

This was a strange tale, but it did not shake my faith; and I repliedearnestly, "You are all mistaken; I know the murderer. Justine, poor, goodJustine,isinnocent."

Atthatinstantmyfatherentered.Isawunhappinessdeeplyimpressedonhiscountenance,butheendeavouredtowelcomemecheerfully;and,afterwehad exchanged our mournful greeting, would have introduced some othertopic than that of our disaster, hadnotErnest exclaimed, "GoodGod, papa!VictorsaysthatheknowswhowasthemurdererofpoorWilliam."

"We do also, unfortunately," repliedmy father; "for indeed I had ratherhave been for ever ignorant than have discovered so much depravity andingratitudeinoneIvaluedsohighly."

"Mydearfather,youaremistaken;Justineisinnocent."

"Ifsheis,Godforbidthatsheshouldsufferasguilty.Sheistobetriedto-day,andIhope,Isincerelyhope,thatshewillbeacquitted."

This speech calmed me. I was firmly convinced in my own mind thatJustine,andindeedeveryhumanbeing,wasguiltlessofthismurder.Ihadnofear, therefore, that any circumstantial evidence could be brought forwardstrongenough toconvicther.My talewasnotone toannouncepublicly; itsastoundinghorrorwouldbe lookeduponasmadnessby thevulgar.Didanyone indeedexist, except I, thecreator,whowouldbelieve,unlesshis sensesconvincedhim, in theexistenceof the livingmonumentofpresumptionandrashignorancewhichIhadletlooseupontheworld?

WeweresoonjoinedbyElizabeth.TimehadalteredhersinceIlastbeheldher;ithadendowedherwithlovelinesssurpassingthebeautyofherchildishyears.Therewasthesamecandour,thesamevivacity,butitwasalliedtoanexpressionmore full of sensibility and intellect. Shewelcomedmewith thegreatest affection. "Your arrival, my dear cousin," said she, "fills me withhope.YouperhapswillfindsomemeanstojustifymypoorguiltlessJustine.

Alas!who is safe, if she be convicted of crime? I rely on her innocence ascertainlyasIdouponmyown.Ourmisfortuneisdoublyhardtous;wehavenotonlylostthatlovelydarlingboy,butthispoorgirl,whomIsincerelylove,is to be torn awayby even aworse fate. If she is condemned, I never shallknowjoymore.Butshewillnot, Iamsureshewillnot;and thenIshallbehappyagain,evenafterthesaddeathofmylittleWilliam."

"She is innocent, my Elizabeth," said I, "and that shall be proved; fearnothing,butletyourspiritsbecheeredbytheassuranceofheracquittal."

"Howkindandgenerousyouare!everyoneelsebelievesinherguilt,andthatmademewretched,forIknewthatitwasimpossible:andtoseeeveryoneelseprejudicedinsodeadlyamannerrenderedmehopelessanddespairing."Shewept.

"Dearestniece,"saidmyfather,"dryyour tears.Ifsheis,asyoubelieve,innocent, relyon the justiceofour laws, and the activitywithwhich I shallpreventtheslightestshadowofpartiality."

CHAPTERVIII.

We passed a few sad hours, until eleven o'clock, when the trial was tocommence.My father and the rest of the family being obliged to attend aswitnesses,Iaccompaniedthemtothecourt.DuringthewholeofthiswretchedmockeryofjusticeIsufferedlivingtorture.Itwastobedecided,whethertheresultofmycuriosityandlawlessdeviceswouldcausethedeathoftwoofmyfellow-beings: one a smiling babe, full of innocence and joy; the other farmoredreadfullymurdered,witheveryaggravationofinfamythatcouldmakethe murder memorable in horror. Justine also was a girl of merit, andpossessedqualitieswhichpromisedtorenderherlifehappy:nowallwastobeobliteratedinanignominiousgrave;andIthecause!Athousandtimesratherwould Ihaveconfessedmyselfguiltyof thecrimeascribed to Justine;but Iwasabsentwhen itwascommitted,andsuchadeclarationwouldhavebeenconsidered as the ravings of amadman, andwould not have exculpated herwhosufferedthroughme.

TheappearanceofJustinewascalm.Shewasdressedinmourning;andhercountenance,alwaysengaging,wasrendered,bythesolemnityofherfeelings,exquisitely beautiful. Yet she appeared confident in innocence, and did nottremble, althoughgazedonandexecratedby thousands; for all thekindnesswhichherbeautymightotherwisehaveexcited,wasobliteratedinthemindsofthespectatorsbytheimaginationoftheenormityshewassupposedtohave

committed. Shewas tranquil, yet her tranquillitywas evidently constrained;and as her confusion had before been adduced as a proof of her guilt, sheworkeduphermindtoanappearanceofcourage.Whensheenteredthecourt,shethrewhereyesroundit,andquicklydiscoveredwherewewereseated.Atear seemed to dim her eye when she saw us; but she quickly recoveredherself, and a look of sorrowful affection seemed to attest her utterguiltlessness.

Thetrialbegan;and,after theadvocateagainstherhadstatedthecharge,several witnesses were called. Several strange facts combined against her,whichmighthavestaggeredanyonewhohadnotsuchproofofherinnocenceas Ihad.Shehadbeenout thewholeof thenightonwhich themurderhadbeen committed, and towards morning had been perceived by a market-womannotfarfromthespotwherethebodyofthemurderedchildhadbeenafterwards found.Thewoman askedherwhat she did there; but she lookedvery strangely, and only returned a confused and unintelligible answer. Shereturnedtothehouseabouteighto'clock;and,whenoneenquiredwhereshehadpassedthenight,sherepliedthatshehadbeenlookingforthechild,anddemandedearnestlyifanythinghadbeenheardconcerninghim.Whenshownthebody,shefellintoviolenthysterics,andkeptherbedforseveraldays.Thepicturewas then produced,which the servant had found in her pocket; andwhenElizabeth, in a faltering voice, proved that itwas the samewhich, anhour before the child had been missed, she had placed round his neck, amurmurofhorrorandindignationfilledthecourt.

Justine was called on for her defence. As the trial had proceeded, hercountenancehadaltered.Surprise,horror,andmiserywerestronglyexpressed.Sometimesshestruggledwithher tears;but,whenshewasdesired toplead,shecollectedherpowers,andspoke,inanaudible,althoughvariablevoice.

"Godknows,"shesaid,"howentirelyIaminnocent.ButIdonotpretendthatmy protestations should acquitme: I restmy innocence on a plain andsimple explanation of the factswhich have been adduced againstme; and IhopethecharacterIhavealwaysbornewillinclinemyjudgestoafavourableinterpretation,whereanycircumstanceappearsdoubtfulorsuspicious."

She then related that,by thepermissionofElizabeth, shehadpassed theeveningofthenightonwhichthemurderhadbeencommittedatthehouseofan aunt atChêne, a village situated at about a league fromGeneva.On herreturn,ataboutnineo'clock,shemetaman,whoaskedherifshehadseenanythingofthechildwhowaslost.Shewasalarmedbythisaccount,andpassedseveralhoursinlookingforhim,whenthegatesofGenevawereshut,andshewas forced to remain several hours of the night in a barn belonging to acottage, being unwilling to call up the inhabitants, to whom she was wellknown. Most of the night she spent here watching; towards morning she

believed that she slept for a fewminutes; some stepsdisturbedher, and sheawoke. It was dawn, and she quitted her asylum, that she might againendeavour to findmybrother. If shehadgonenear the spotwherehisbodylay, it was without her knowledge. That she had been bewildered whenquestionedby themarket-womanwasnot surprising, sinceshehadpassedasleeplessnight,andthefateofpoorWilliamwasyetuncertain.Concerningthepictureshecouldgivenoaccount.

"Iknow,"continuedtheunhappyvictim,"howheavilyandfatallythisonecircumstanceweighs againstme, but I have no power of explaining it; andwhen I have expressed my utter ignorance, I am only left to conjectureconcerningtheprobabilitiesbywhichitmighthavebeenplacedinmypocket.ButherealsoIamchecked.IbelievethatIhavenoenemyonearth,andnonesurely would have been so wicked as to destroy me wantonly. Did themurdererplaceitthere?Iknowofnoopportunityaffordedhimforsodoing;or,ifIhad,whyshouldhehavestolenthejewel,topartwithitagainsosoon?

"Icommitmycausetothejusticeofmyjudges,yetIseenoroomforhope.Ibegpermissiontohaveafewwitnessesexaminedconcerningmycharacter;and if their testimony shall not overweigh my supposed guilt, I must becondemned,althoughIwouldpledgemysalvationonmyinnocence."

Severalwitnesseswere called,who had known her formany years, andthey spoke well of her; but fear, and hatred of the crime of which theysupposedherguilty,renderedthemtimorous,andunwillingtocomeforward.Elizabeth saw even this last resource, her excellent dispositions andirreproachable conduct, about to fail the accused, when, although violentlyagitated,shedesiredpermissiontoaddressthecourt.

"Iam,"saidshe,"thecousinof theunhappychildwhowasmurdered,orratherhis sister, for Iwaseducatedby, andhave livedwithhisparents eversinceandeven longbefore,hisbirth. Itmay thereforebe judged indecent inmetocomeforwardonthisoccasion;butwhenIseeafellow-creatureabouttoperishthroughthecowardiceofherpretendedfriends,Iwishtobeallowedtospeak, that Imaysaywhat Iknowofhercharacter. Iamwellacquaintedwiththeaccused.Ihavelivedinthesamehousewithher,atonetimeforfive,andatanotherfornearlytwoyears.Duringallthatperiodsheappearedtomethe most amiable and benevolent of human creatures. She nursedMadameFrankenstein,myaunt,inherlastillness,withthegreatestaffectionandcare;andafterwardsattendedherownmotherduringatediousillness,inamannerthatexcitedtheadmirationofallwhoknewher;afterwhichsheagainlivedinmyuncle'shouse,whereshewasbelovedbyall thefamily.Shewaswarmlyattached to the child who is now dead, and acted towards him like a mostaffectionate mother. For my own part, I do not hesitate to say, that,notwithstanding all the evidenceproduced against her, I believe and relyon

her perfect innocence. She had no temptation for such an action: as to thebaubleonwhichthechiefproofrests,ifshehadearnestlydesiredit,Ishouldhavewillinglygivenittoher;somuchdoIesteemandvalueher."

A murmur of approbation followed Elizabeth's simple and powerfulappeal;but itwasexcitedbyhergenerous interference,andnot in favourofpoor Justine, on whom the public indignation was turned with renewedviolence, charging her with the blackest ingratitude. She herself wept asElizabethspoke,but shedidnotanswer.Myownagitationandanguishwasextremeduringthewholetrial.Ibelievedinherinnocence;Iknewit.Couldthedæmon,whohad(Ididnotforaminutedoubt)murderedmybrother,alsoinhishellishsporthavebetrayedtheinnocenttodeathandignominy?Icouldnotsustainthehorrorofmysituation;andwhenIperceivedthatthepopularvoice, and the countenances of the judges, had already condemned myunhappyvictim,Irushedoutofthecourtinagony.Thetorturesoftheaccuseddidnotequalmine;shewassustainedbyinnocence,butthefangsofremorsetoremybosom,andwouldnotforegotheirhold.

Ipassedanightofunmingledwretchedness.InthemorningIwenttothecourt;mylipsandthroatwereparched.Idarednotaskthefatalquestion;butIwasknown,andtheofficerguessedthecauseofmyvisit.Theballotshadbeenthrown;theywereallblack,andJustinewascondemned.

I cannot pretend to describe what I then felt. I had before experiencedsensationsofhorror;and Ihaveendeavoured tobestowupon themadequateexpressions, butwords cannot conveyan ideaof theheart-sickeningdespairthat I then endured. The person to whom I addressed myself added, thatJustine had already confessed her guilt. "That evidence," he observed, "washardlyrequiredinsoglaringacase,butIamgladofit;and,indeed,noneofourjudgesliketocondemnacriminaluponcircumstantialevidence,beiteversodecisive."

Thiswasstrangeandunexpectedintelligence;whatcoulditmean?Hadmyeyesdeceivedme?andwasIreallyasmadasthewholeworldwouldbelievemetobe,ifIdisclosedtheobjectofmysuspicions?Ihastenedtoreturnhome,andElizabetheagerlydemandedtheresult.

"Mycousin,"repliedI,"itisdecidedasyoumayhaveexpected;alljudgeshadratherthatteninnocentshouldsuffer,thanthatoneguiltyshouldescape.Butshehasconfessed."

ThiswasadireblowtopoorElizabeth,whohadreliedwithfirmnessuponJustine'sinnocence."Alas!"saidshe,"howshallIeveragainbelieveinhumangoodness? Justine,whom I loved and esteemedasmy sister, howcould sheput on those smiles of innocence only to betray? her mild eyes seemedincapableofanyseverityorguile,andyetshehascommittedamurder."

Soonafterweheardthatthepoorvictimhadexpressedadesiretoseemycousin.My fatherwished her not to go; but said, that he left it to her ownjudgmentandfeelingstodecide."Yes,"saidElizabeth,"Iwillgo,althoughsheisguilty;andyou,Victor,shallaccompanyme:Icannotgoalone."Theideaofthisvisitwastorturetome,yetIcouldnotrefuse.

Weenteredthegloomyprison-chamber,andbeheldJustinesittingonsomestrawatthefartherend;herhandsweremanacled,andherheadrestedonherknees.Sheroseonseeingusenter;andwhenwewereleftalonewithher,shethrewherselfatthefeetofElizabeth,weepingbitterly.Mycousinweptalso.

"Oh, Justine!" said she, "why did you robme ofmy last consolation? Ireliedonyourinnocence;andalthoughIwasthenverywretched,IwasnotsomiserableasIamnow."

"AnddoyoualsobelievethatIamsovery,verywicked?Doyoualsojoinwithmyenemiestocrushme,tocondemnmeasamurderer?"Hervoicewassuffocatedwithsobs.

"Rise, my poor girl," said Elizabeth, "why do you kneel, if you areinnocent? I am not one of your enemies; I believed you guiltless,notwithstandingeveryevidence,until Iheard thatyouhadyourselfdeclaredyour guilt. That report, you say, is false; and be assured, dear Justine, thatnothing can shake my confidence in you for a moment, but your ownconfession."

"I did confess; but I confessed a lie. I confessed, that I might obtainabsolution;butnowthatfalsehoodliesheavieratmyheartthanallmyothersins. The God of heaven forgive me! Ever since I was condemned, myconfessorhasbesiegedme;hethreatenedandmenaced,untilIalmostbegantothink that I was the monster that he said I was. He threatenedexcommunication andhell fire inmy lastmoments, if I continuedobdurate.Dearlady,Ihadnonetosupportme;alllookedonmeasawretchdoomedtoignominyandperdition.WhatcouldIdo?InanevilhourIsubscribedtoalie;andnowonlyamItrulymiserable."

She paused, weeping, and then continued—"I thought with horror, mysweetlady,thatyoushouldbelieveyourJustine,whomyourblessedaunthadsohighlyhonoured,andwhomyouloved,wasacreaturecapableofacrimewhich none but the devil himself could have perpetrated. Dear William!dearestblessedchild!Isoonshallseeyouagaininheaven,whereweshallallbehappy;andthatconsolesme,goingasIamtosufferignominyanddeath."

"Oh,Justine!forgivemeforhavingforonemomentdistrustedyou.Whydidyouconfess?Butdonotmourn,deargirl.Donotfear. Iwillproclaim,Iwillproveyourinnocence.Iwillmeltthestonyheartsofyourenemiesbymy

tears and prayers.You shall not die!—You,myplay-fellow,my companion,mysister,perishonthescaffold!No!no!Inevercouldsurvivesohorribleamisfortune."

Justine shook her headmournfully. "I do nownot fear to die," she said;"thatpangispast.Godraisesmyweakness,andgivesmecouragetoenduretheworst.Ileaveasadandbitterworld;andifyourememberme,andthinkofmeasofoneunjustlycondemned,Iamresignedtothefateawaitingme.Learnfromme,dearlady,tosubmitinpatiencetothewillofHeaven!"

During this conversation I had retired to a corner of the prison-room,where I could conceal the horrid anguish that possessedme.Despair!Whodaredtalkofthat?Thepoorvictim,whoonthemorrowwastopasstheawfulboundarybetweenlifeanddeath,feltnotasIdid,suchdeepandbitteragony.Ignashedmyteeth,andgroundthemtogether,utteringagroanthatcamefrommy inmost soul. Justine started.When she sawwho itwas, she approachedme, and said, "Dear sir, you are very kind to visitme; you, I hope, do notbelievethatIamguilty?"

Icouldnotanswer."No,Justine,"saidElizabeth;"heismoreconvincedofyourinnocencethanIwas;forevenwhenheheardthatyouhadconfessed,hedidnotcreditit."

"I truly thank him. In these last moments I feel the sincerest gratitudetowardsthosewhothinkofmewithkindness.Howsweet is theaffectionofotherstosuchawretchasIam!Itremovesmorethanhalfmymisfortune;andI feelas if Icoulddie inpeace,nowthatmy innocence isacknowledgedbyyou,dearlady,andyourcousin."

Thus the poor sufferer tried to comfort others and herself. She indeedgained the resignation she desired. But I, the truemurderer, felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom, which allowed of no hope or consolation.Elizabeth also wept, and was unhappy; but her's also was the misery ofinnocence,which,likeacloudthatpassesoverthefairmoon,forawhilehidesbutcannottarnishitsbrightness.Anguishanddespairhadpenetratedintothecoreofmyheart;Iboreahellwithinme,whichnothingcouldextinguish.Westayed several hours with Justine; and it was with great difficulty thatElizabethcouldtearherselfaway."Iwish,"criedshe,"thatIweretodiewithyou;Icannotliveinthisworldofmisery."

Justineassumedanairofcheerfulness,whileshewithdifficultyrepressedher bitter tears. She embraced Elizabeth, and said, in a voice of half-suppressedemotion,"Farewell,sweetlady,dearestElizabeth,mybelovedandonlyfriend;mayHeaven,initsbounty,blessandpreserveyou;maythisbethelastmisfortunethatyouwilleversuffer!Live,andbehappy,andmakeothersso."

AndonthemorrowJustinedied.Elizabeth'sheart-rendingeloquencefailedto move the judges from their settled conviction in the criminality of thesaintly sufferer.My passionate and indignant appeals were lost upon them.And when I received their cold answers, and heard the harsh unfeelingreasoningof thesemen,mypurposed avowaldied awayonmy lips.Thus Imight proclaimmyself amadman, but not revoke the sentence passed uponmywretchedvictim.Sheperishedonthescaffoldasamurderess!

Fromthe torturesofmyownheart, I turned tocontemplate thedeepandvoicelessgriefofmyElizabeth.Thisalsowasmydoing!Andmyfather'swoe,and the desolation of that late so smiling home—all was the work of mythrice-accursed hands! Ye weep, unhappy ones; but these are not your lasttears! Again shall you raise the funeral wail, and the sound of yourlamentations shall again and again be heard! Frankenstein, your son, yourkinsman,yourearly,much-lovedfriend;hewhowouldspendeachvitaldropofbloodforyoursakes—whohasnothoughtnorsenseofjoy,exceptasitismirrored also in your dear countenances—who would fill the air withblessings, and spend his life in serving you—he bids you weep—to shedcountless tears;happybeyondhishopes, if thus inexorable fatebe satisfied,and if thedestructionpausebefore thepeaceof thegravehavesucceeded toyoursadtorments!

Thusspokemypropheticsoul,as, tornbyremorse,horror,anddespair, Ibeheld those I loved spend vain sorrow upon the graves of William andJustine,thefirsthaplessvictimstomyunhallowedarts.

CHAPTERIX.

Nothing ismorepainful to thehumanmind, than,after the feelingshavebeenworkedupbyaquicksuccessionofevents,thedeadcalmnessofinactionand certainty which follows, and deprives the soul both of hope and fear.Justinedied;sherested;andIwasalive.Thebloodflowedfreelyinmyveins,butaweightofdespairandremorsepressedonmyheart,whichnothingcouldremove. Sleep fled frommy eyes; I wandered like an evil spirit, for I hadcommitted deeds of mischief beyond description horrible, and more, muchmore (I persuaded myself), was yet behind. Yet my heart overflowed withkindness,andtheloveofvirtue.Ihadbegunlifewithbenevolent intentions,and thirsted for themomentwhen I should put them in practice, andmakemyself useful to my fellow-beings. Now all was blasted: instead of thatserenityofconscience,whichallowedmetolookbackuponthepastwithself-satisfaction,andfromthencetogatherpromiseofnewhopes,Iwasseizedby

remorse and the sense of guilt,which hurriedme away to a hell of intensetortures,suchasnolanguagecandescribe.

This state of mind preyed upon my health, which had perhaps neverentirelyrecoveredfromthefirstshockithadsustained.Ishunnedthefaceofman;allsoundofjoyorcomplacencywastorturetome;solitudewasmyonlyconsolation—deep,dark,deathlikesolitude.

Myfatherobservedwithpain thealterationperceptible inmydispositionandhabits, and endeavouredby arguments deduced from the feelings of hissereneconscienceandguiltlesslife,toinspiremewithfortitude,andawakeninmethecouragetodispelthedarkcloudwhichbroodedoverme."Doyouthink,Victor," saidhe, "that Idonot sufferalso?Noonecould loveachildmorethanIlovedyourbrother;"(tearscameintohiseyesashespoke;)"butisit not a duty to the survivors, thatwe should refrain from augmenting theirunhappinessbyanappearanceofimmoderategrief?Itisalsoadutyowedtoyourself; for excessive sorrow prevents improvement or enjoyment, or eventhedischargeofdailyusefulness,withoutwhichnomanisfitforsociety."

Thisadvice,althoughgood,wastotally inapplicabletomycase;Ishouldhavebeen the first tohidemygrief,andconsolemyfriends, if remorsehadnotmingleditsbitterness,andterroritsalarmwithmyothersensations.NowIcould only answermy fatherwith a look of despair, and endeavour to hidemyselffromhisview.

About this time we retired to our house at Belrive. This change wasparticularlyagreeabletome.Theshuttingofthegatesregularlyatteno'clock,andtheimpossibilityofremainingonthelakeafterthathour,hadrenderedourresidence within the walls of Geneva very irksome tome. I was now free.Often,aftertherestofthefamilyhadretiredforthenight,Itooktheboat,andpassedmanyhoursuponthewater.Sometimes,withmysailsset,Iwascarriedbythewind;andsometimes,afterrowingintothemiddleofthelake,Ilefttheboattopursueitsowncourse,andgavewaytomyownmiserablereflections.Iwasoftentempted,whenallwasatpeacearoundme,andItheonlyunquietthingthatwanderedrestlessinascenesobeautifulandheavenly—ifIexceptsomebat,orthefrogs,whoseharshandinterruptedcroakingwasheardonlywhenIapproached theshore—often, Isay, Iwas tempted toplunge into thesilentlake,thatthewatersmightcloseovermeandmycalamitiesforever.ButIwasrestrained,whenIthoughtoftheheroicandsufferingElizabeth,whomItenderlyloved,andwhoseexistencewasboundupinmine.Ithoughtalsoofmy father, and surviving brother: should I bymybase desertion leave themexposed and unprotected to the malice of the fiend whom I had let looseamongthem?

AtthesemomentsIweptbitterly,andwishedthatpeacewouldrevisitmy

mindonlythatImightaffordthemconsolationandhappiness.Butthatcouldnotbe.Remorseextinguishedeveryhope.Ihadbeentheauthorofunalterableevils; and I lived in daily fear, lest themonsterwhom I had created shouldperpetrate some newwickedness. I had an obscure feeling that all was notover,andthathewouldstillcommitsomesignalcrime,whichbyitsenormityshouldalmosteffacetherecollectionofthepast.Therewasalwaysscopeforfear, so long as any thing I loved remained behind.My abhorrence of thisfiend cannot be conceived.When I thought of him, I gnashedmy teeth,myeyesbecame inflamed, and I ardentlywished to extinguish that lifewhich Ihadsothoughtlesslybestowed.WhenIreflectedonhiscrimesandmalice,myhatred and revenge burst all bounds of moderation. I would have made apilgrimage to the highest peak of the Andes, could I, when there, haveprecipitatedhimto theirbase. Iwished toseehimagain, that Imightwreaktheutmostextentofabhorrenceonhishead,andavengethedeathsofWilliamandJustine.

Our house was the house of mourning. My father's health was deeplyshakenbythehorroroftherecentevents.Elizabethwassadanddesponding;shenolongertookdelightinherordinaryoccupations;allpleasureseemedtohersacrilegetowardthedead;eternalwoeandtearsshethenthoughtwasthejusttributesheshouldpaytoinnocencesoblastedanddestroyed.Shewasnolonger that happy creature, who in earlier youth wandered with me on thebanksofthelake,andtalkedwithecstasyofourfutureprospects.Thefirstofthosesorrowswhicharesenttoweanusfromtheearth,hadvisitedher,anditsdimminginfluencequenchedherdearestsmiles.

"When I reflect, my dear cousin," said she, "on the miserable death ofJustineMoritz,Inolongerseetheworldanditsworksastheybeforeappearedtome.Before,Ilookedupontheaccountsofviceandinjustice,thatIreadinbooks or heard from others, as tales of ancient days, or imaginary evils; atleast theywere remote,andmore familiar to reason than to the imagination;butnowmiseryhascomehome,andmenappeartomeasmonstersthirstingforeachother'sblood.YetIamcertainlyunjust.Everybodybelievedthatpoorgirl to be guilty; and if she could have committed the crime forwhich shesuffered, assuredly she would have been the most depraved of humancreatures. For the sake of a few jewels, to have murdered the son of herbenefactor and friend, a child whom she had nursed from its birth, andappearedtoloveasifithadbeenherown!Icouldnotconsenttothedeathofanyhumanbeing;butcertainlyIshouldhavethoughtsuchacreatureunfittoremain in the society ofmen.But shewas innocent. I know, I feel shewasinnocent; you are of the same opinion, and that confirmsme. Alas! Victor,when falsehood can look so like the truth, who can assure themselves ofcertain happiness? I feel as if I were walking on the edge of a precipice,towardswhich thousandsarecrowding,andendeavouring toplungeme into

theabyss.WilliamandJustinewereassassinated,andthemurdererescapes;hewalks about the world free, and perhaps respected. But even if I werecondemnedtosufferonthescaffoldforthesamecrimes,Iwouldnotchangeplaceswithsuchawretch."

Ilistenedtothisdiscoursewiththeextremestagony.I,notindeed,butineffect,wasthetruemurderer.Elizabethreadmyanguishinmycountenance,andkindlytakingmyhand,said,"Mydearestfriend,youmustcalmyourself.These events have affected me, God knows how deeply; but I am not sowretched as you are. There is an expression of despair, and sometimes ofrevenge, in your countenance, that makes me tremble. Dear Victor, banishthese dark passions.Remember the friends around you,who centre all theirhopesinyou.Havewelostthepowerofrenderingyouhappy?Ah!whilewelove—whilewearetruetoeachother,hereinthis landofpeaceandbeauty,yournativecountry,wemayreapevery tranquilblessing,—whatcandisturbourpeace?"

And could not suchwords from herwhom I fondly prized before everyothergiftoffortune,sufficetochaseawaythefiendthatlurkedinmyheart?EvenasshespokeIdrewneartoher,asifinterror;lestatthatverymomentthedestroyerhadbeenneartorobmeofher.

Thus not the tenderness of friendship, nor the beauty of earth, nor ofheaven, could redeem my soul from woe: the very accents of love wereineffectual.Iwasencompassedbyacloudwhichnobeneficialinfluencecouldpenetrate. Thewounded deer dragging its fainting limbs to some untroddenbrake,theretogazeuponthearrowwhichhadpiercedit,andtodie—wasbutatypeofme.

SometimesIcouldcopewiththesullendespairthatoverwhelmedme:butsometimes the whirlwind passions ofmy soul droveme to seek, by bodilyexerciseandbychangeofplace,somerelieffrommyintolerablesensations.ItwasduringanaccessofthiskindthatIsuddenlyleftmyhome,andbendingmy steps towards the near Alpine valleys, sought in the magnificence, theeternityofsuchscenes, to forgetmyselfandmyephemeral,becausehuman,sorrows.Mywanderings were directed towards the valley of Chamounix. Ihadvisiteditfrequentlyduringmyboyhood.Sixyearshadpassedsincethen:Iwasawreck—butnoughthadchangedinthosesavageandenduringscenes.

Iperformedthefirstpartofmyjourneyonhorseback.Iafterwardshiredamule, as the more sure-footed, and least liable to receive injury on theseruggedroads.Theweatherwasfine:itwasaboutthemiddleofthemonthofAugust, nearly twomonths after the death of Justine; that miserable epochfrom which I dated all my woe. The weight upon my spirit was sensiblylightened as I plunged yet deeper in the ravine of Arve. The immense

mountainsandprecipices thatoverhungmeoneveryside—thesoundof theriverragingamongtherocks,andthedashingofthewaterfallsaround,spokeofapowermightyasOmnipotence—andIceased to fear,or tobendbeforeanybeing lessalmighty than thatwhichhadcreatedand ruled theelements,here displayed in their most terrific guise. Still, as I ascended higher, thevalleyassumedamoremagnificentandastonishingcharacter.Ruinedcastleshanging on the precipices of piny mountains; the impetuous Arve, andcottages everyhere and therepeeping forth fromamong the trees, formedasceneofsingularbeauty.But itwasaugmentedandrenderedsublimeby themightyAlps,whosewhiteandshiningpyramidsanddomestoweredaboveall,asbelongingtoanotherearth,thehabitationsofanotherraceofbeings.

I passed thebridgeofPélissier,where the ravine,which the river forms,openedbeforeme,andIbegantoascendthemountainthatoverhangsit.Soonafter I entered the valley ofChamounix.This valley ismorewonderful andsublime,butnotsobeautifulandpicturesque,asthatofServox,throughwhichI had just passed. The high and snowy mountains were its immediateboundaries; but I saw no more ruined castles and fertile fields. Immenseglaciers approached the road; I heard the rumbling thunder of the fallingavalanche,andmarkedthesmokeofitspassage.MontBlanc,thesupremeandmagnificentMontBlanc, raised itself from the surroundingaiguilles, and itstremendousdômeoverlookedthevalley.

A tingling long-lost sense of pleasure often came across me during thisjourney. Some turn in the road, some new object suddenly perceived andrecognised,remindedmeofdaysgoneby,andwereassociatedwiththelight-heartedgaietyofboyhood.Theverywindswhisperedinsoothingaccents,andmaternal nature bade me weep no more. Then again the kindly influenceceasedtoact—Ifoundmyselffetteredagaintogrief,andindulginginallthemisery of reflection.Then I spurred onmy animal, striving so to forget theworld,myfears,and,morethanall,myself—or,inamoredesperatefashion,Ialighted,andthrewmyselfonthegrass,weigheddownbyhorroranddespair.

AtlengthIarrivedat thevillageofChamounix.ExhaustionsucceededtotheextremefatiguebothofbodyandofmindwhichIhadendured.Forashortspace of time I remained at thewindow,watching the pallid lightnings thatplayed aboveMont Blanc, and listening to the rushing of the Arve, whichpursueditsnoisywaybeneath.Thesamelullingsoundsactedasalullabytomytookeensensations:whenIplacedmyheaduponmypillow,sleepcreptoverme;Ifeltitasitcame,andblestthegiverofoblivion.

CHAPTERX.

I spent the following day roaming through the valley. I stood beside thesourcesoftheArveiron,whichtaketheirriseinaglacier,thatwithslowpaceisadvancingdownfromthesummitof thehills, tobarricade thevalley.Theabrupt sides of vast mountains were before me; the icy wall of the glacieroverhungme; a few shattered pines were scattered around; and the solemnsilenceofthisgloriouspresence-chamberofimperialNaturewasbrokenonlybythebrawlingwaves,orthefallofsomevastfragment,thethundersoundofthe avalanche, or the cracking, reverberated along the mountains of theaccumulated ice,which, through the silentworking of immutable laws,waseverandanonrentand torn,as if ithadbeenbutaplaything in theirhands.These sublime andmagnificent scenes affordedme the greatest consolationthatIwascapableofreceiving.Theyelevatedmefromalllittlenessoffeeling;andalthoughtheydidnotremovemygrief,theysubduedandtranquillisedit.Insomedegree,also,theydivertedmymindfromthethoughtsoverwhichithadbrooded for the lastmonth. I retired to rest at night;my slumbers, as itwere,waitedonandministeredtobytheassemblanceofgrandshapeswhichIhadcontemplatedduringtheday.Theycongregatedroundme; theunstainedsnowymountain-top,theglitteringpinnacle,thepinewoods,andraggedbareravine;theeagle,soaringamidsttheclouds—theyallgatheredroundme,andbademebeatpeace.

Where had they fled when the next morning I awoke? All of soul-inspiriting fledwith sleep, anddarkmelancholy cloudedevery thought.Therainwaspouringintorrents,andthickmistshidthesummitsofthemountains,sothatIevensawnotthefacesofthosemightyfriends.StillIwouldpenetratetheirmisty veil, and seek them in their cloudy retreats.Whatwere rain andstormtome?Mymulewasbroughttothedoor,andIresolvedtoascendtothesummit of Montanvert. I remembered the effect that the view of thetremendousandever-movingglacierhadproduceduponmymindwhenIfirstsaw it. It had then filledmewith a sublime ecstasy, that gavewings to thesoul,andallowedittosoarfromtheobscureworldtolightandjoy.Thesightof the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect ofsolemnisingmymind, and causingme to forget the passing cares of life. Ideterminedtogowithoutaguide,forIwaswellacquaintedwiththepath,andthepresenceofanotherwoulddestroythesolitarygrandeurofthescene.

The ascent is precipitous, but the path is cut into continual and shortwindings,whichenableyoutosurmounttheperpendicularityofthemountain.It isasceneterrificallydesolate. Ina thousandspots the tracesof thewinteravalanche may be perceived, where trees lie broken and strewed on theground;someentirelydestroyed,othersbent,leaninguponthejuttingrocksofthemountain,ortransverselyuponothertrees.Thepath,asyouascendhigher,

is intersected by ravines of snow, downwhich stones continually roll fromabove;oneof them isparticularlydangerous,as theslightest sound, suchasevenspeakinginaloudvoice,producesaconcussionofairsufficienttodrawdestructionupon theheadof thespeaker.Thepinesarenot tallor luxuriant,but theyaresombre,andaddanairofseverity to thescene. I lookedon thevalleybeneath;vastmistswererisingfromtheriverswhichranthroughit,andcurlinginthickwreathsaroundtheoppositemountains,whosesummitswerehidintheuniformclouds,whilerainpouredfromthedarksky,andaddedtothemelancholyimpressionIreceivedfromtheobjectsaroundme.Alas!whydoesmanboastofsensibilitiessuperiortothoseapparentinthebrute;itonlyrendersthemmorenecessarybeings.Ifourimpulseswereconfinedtohunger,thirst, anddesire,wemightbenearly free;butnowwearemovedbyeverywindthatblows,andachancewordorscenethatthatwordmayconveytous.

Werest;adreamhaspowertopoisonsleep.

Werise;onewand'ringthoughtpollutestheday.

Wefeel,conceive,orreason;laughorweep,

Embracefondwoe,orcastourcaresaway;

Itisthesame:for,beitjoyorsorrow,

Thepathofitsdeparturestillisfree.

Man'syesterdaymayne'erbelikehismorrow;

Noughtmayendurebutmutability!

ItwasnearlynoonwhenIarrivedatthetopoftheascent.ForsometimeIsatupontherockthatoverlookstheseaofice.Amistcoveredboththatandthe surrounding mountains. Presently a breeze dissipated the cloud, and Idescendedupontheglacier.Thesurfaceisveryuneven,risinglikethewavesofatroubledsea,descendinglow,andinterspersedbyriftsthatsinkdeep.Thefieldoficeisalmostaleagueinwidth,butIspentnearlytwohoursincrossingit.Theoppositemountainisabareperpendicularrock.FromthesidewhereInowstoodMontanvertwasexactlyopposite,at thedistanceofa league;andaboveitroseMontBlanc,inawfulmajesty.Iremainedinarecessoftherock,gazing on this wonderful and stupendous scene. The sea, or rather the vastriver of ice, wound among its dependent mountains, whose aerial summitshungoveritsrecesses.Theiricyandglitteringpeaksshoneinthesunlightoverthe clouds. My heart, which was before sorrowful, now swelled withsomethinglikejoy;Iexclaimed—"Wanderingspirits,ifindeedyewander,anddonotrestinyournarrowbeds,allowmethisfainthappiness,ortakeme,asyourcompanion,awayfromthejoysoflife."

As I said this, I suddenly beheld the figure of aman, at some distance,

advancingtowardsmewithsuperhumanspeed.Heboundedoverthecrevicesin the ice, amongwhich I hadwalkedwith caution; his stature, also, as heapproached,seemedtoexceedthatofman.Iwastroubled:amistcameovermyeyes,andIfeltafaintnessseizeme;butIwasquicklyrestoredbythecoldgaleofthemountains.Iperceived,astheshapecamenearer(sighttremendousandabhorred!)thatitwasthewretchwhomIhadcreated.Itrembledwithrageandhorror,resolvingtowaithisapproach,andthenclosewithhiminmortalcombat. He approached; his countenance bespoke bitter anguish, combinedwithdisdainandmalignity,whileitsunearthlyuglinessrendereditalmosttoohorribleforhumaneyes.ButIscarcelyobservedthis;rageandhatredhadatfirstdeprivedmeofutterance, and I recoveredonly tooverwhelmhimwithwordsexpressiveoffuriousdetestationandcontempt.

"Devil,"Iexclaimed,"doyoudareapproachme?anddonotyoufearthefierce vengeance ofmy armwreaked on yourmiserable head?Begone, vileinsect!or rather, stay, that Imay trampleyou todust! and,oh! that I could,with the extinction of yourmiserable existence, restore those victimswhomyouhavesodiabolicallymurdered!"

"Iexpected thisreception,"said thedæmon."Allmenhate thewretched;how, then,must I behated,whoammiserablebeyond all living things!Yetyou,mycreator,detestandspurnme,thycreature,towhomthouartboundbytiesonlydissolublebytheannihilationofoneofus.Youpurposetokillme.Howdareyousport thuswith life?Doyourduty towardsme,and Iwilldomine towards you and the rest of mankind. If you will comply with myconditions,Iwillleavethemandyouatpeace;butifyourefuse,Iwillglutthemawofdeath,untilitbesatiatedwiththebloodofyourremainingfriends."

"Abhorredmonster!fiendthatthouart!thetorturesofhellaretoomildavengeance for thy crimes. Wretched devil! you reproach me with yourcreation;comeon,then,thatImayextinguishthesparkwhichIsonegligentlybestowed."

Myragewaswithoutbounds;Isprangonhim,impelledbyallthefeelingswhichcanarmonebeingagainsttheexistenceofanother.

Heeasilyeludedme,andsaid—

"Becalm!Ientreatyoutohearme,beforeyougiveventtoyourhatredonmydevotedhead.Have Inot sufferedenough, thatyouseek to increasemymisery?Life,althoughitmayonlybeanaccumulationofanguish,isdeartome,andIwilldefendit.Remember, thouhastmadememorepowerful thanthyself;myheightissuperiortothine;myjointsmoresupple.ButIwillnotbetempted to setmyself inopposition to thee. I am thycreature, and Iwill beevenmildanddociletomynaturallordandking,ifthouwiltalsoperformthypart, thewhich thou owestme.Oh, Frankenstein, be not equitable to every

other,andtrampleuponmealone,towhomthyjustice,andeventhyclemencyandaffection,ismostdue.Remember,thatIamthycreature;IoughttobethyAdam; but I am rather the fallen angel,whom thou drivest from joy for nomisdeed. Every where I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocablyexcluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make mehappy,andIshallagainbevirtuous."

"Begone!Iwillnothearyou.Therecanbenocommunitybetweenyouandme;weareenemies.Begone,orletustryourstrengthinafight,inwhichonemustfall."

"HowcanImovethee?Willnoentreatiescausetheetoturnafavourableeyeupon thycreature,who implores thygoodnessandcompassion?Believeme,Frankenstein:Iwasbenevolent;mysoulglowedwithloveandhumanity:butamInotalone,miserablyalone?You,mycreator, abhorme;whathopecanIgatherfromyourfellow-creatures,whoowemenothing?Theyspurnandhate me. The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I havewandered heremanydays; the caves of ice,which I only do not fear, are adwelling tome, and the only onewhichman does not grudge. These bleakskiesIhail,fortheyarekindertomethanyourfellow-beings.Ifthemultitudeof mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and armthemselves formydestruction. Shall I not then hate themwho abhorme? Iwillkeepnotermswithmyenemies.Iammiserable,andtheyshallsharemywretchedness. Yet it is in your power to recompense me, and deliver themfromanevilwhichitonlyremainsforyoutomakesogreat,thatnotonlyyouand your family, but thousands of others, shall be swallowed up in thewhirlwindsofitsrage.Letyourcompassionbemoved,anddonotdisdainme.Listentomytale:whenyouhaveheardthat,abandonorcommiserateme,asyoushalljudgethatIdeserve.Buthearme.Theguiltyareallowed,byhumanlaws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they arecondemned. Listen tome, Frankenstein.You accuseme ofmurder; and yetyouwould,withasatisfiedconscience,destroyyourowncreature.Oh,praisethe eternal justice ofman!Yet I ask you not to spareme: listen tome; andthen,ifyoucan,andifyouwill,destroytheworkofyourhands."

"Why do you call to my remembrance," I rejoined, "circumstances, ofwhichIshudder toreflect, that Ihavebeen themiserableoriginandauthor?Cursed be the day, abhorred devil, in which you first saw light! Cursed(although Icursemyself)be thehands that formedyou!Youhavemademewretchedbeyondexpression.YouhaveleftmenopowertoconsiderwhetherIam just to you, or not. Begone! relieveme from the sight of your detestedform."

"Thus I relieve thee, my creator," he said, and placed his hated handsbeforemyeyes,whichIflungfrommewithviolence;"thusItakefromtheea

sight which you abhor. Still thou canst listen to me, and grant me thycompassion. By the virtues that I once possessed, I demand this from you.Hearmy tale; it is longandstrange,and the temperatureof thisplace isnotfittingtoyourfinesensations;cometothehutuponthemountain.Thesunisyet high in the heavens; before it descends to hide itself behind yon snowyprecipices, and illuminate anotherworld, youwill haveheardmy story, andcandecide.Onyouitrests,whetherIquitforevertheneighbourhoodofman,andleadaharmlesslife,orbecomethescourgeofyourfellow-creatures,andtheauthorofyourownspeedyruin."

Ashe said this, he led thewayacross the ice: I followed.Myheartwasfull, and I did not answer him; but, as I proceeded, I weighed the variousargumentsthathehadused,anddeterminedatleasttolistentohistale.Iwaspartly urged by curiosity, and compassion confirmed my resolution. I hadhithertosupposedhimtobethemurdererofmybrother,andIeagerlysoughtaconfirmationordenialofthisopinion.Forthefirsttime,also,Ifeltwhatthedutiesofacreator towardshiscreaturewere,and that Iought to renderhimhappy before I complained of his wickedness. These motives urged me tocomply with his demand. We crossed the ice, therefore, and ascended theopposite rock. The air was cold, and the rain again began to descend: weenteredthehut, thefiendwithanairofexultation,Iwithaheavyheart,anddepressed spirits. But I consented to listen; and, seating myself by the firewhichmyodiouscompanionhadlighted,hethusbeganhistale.

CHAPTERXI.

"It iswith considerabledifficulty that I remember theoriginal eraofmybeing:all theeventsof thatperiodappearconfusedand indistinct.Astrangemultiplicityof sensationsseizedme,and I saw, felt,heard,andsmelt, at thesame time; and it was, indeed, a long time before I learned to distinguishbetween the operations of my various senses. By degrees, I remember, astrongerlightpresseduponmynerves,sothatIwasobligedtoshutmyeyes.Darkness then came over me, and troubled me; but hardly had I felt this,when, by openingmy eyes, as I now suppose, the light poured in uponmeagain. I walked, and, I believe, descended; but I presently found a greatalteration inmy sensations.Before, dark andopaquebodies had surroundedme,impervioustomytouchorsight;butInowfoundthatIcouldwanderonat liberty,withnoobstacleswhichIcouldnoteithersurmountoravoid.Thelightbecamemoreandmoreoppressivetome;and,theheatwearyingmeasIwalked,IsoughtaplacewhereIcouldreceiveshade.ThiswastheforestnearIngolstadt;andhereIlaybythesideofabrookrestingfrommyfatigue,untilI

felttormentedbyhungerandthirst.Thisrousedmefrommynearlydormantstate,andIatesomeberrieswhichIfoundhangingonthe trees,or lyingonthe ground. I slaked my thirst at the brook; and then lying down, wasovercomebysleep.

"ItwasdarkwhenIawoke;Ifeltcoldalso,andhalf-frightened,asitwereinstinctively,findingmyselfsodesolate.BeforeIhadquittedyourapartment,onasensationofcold,Ihadcoveredmyselfwithsomeclothes;butthesewereinsufficient to secure me from the dews of night. I was a poor, helpless,miserable wretch; I knew, and could distinguish, nothing; but feeling paininvademeonallsides,Isatdownandwept.

"Soon a gentle light stole over the heavens, and gaveme a sensation ofpleasure.Istartedup,andbeheldaradiantformrisefromamongthetrees. Igazedwithakindofwonder.Itmovedslowly,butitenlightenedmypath;andIagainwentout insearchofberries.Iwasstillcold,whenunderoneof thetreesIfoundahugecloak,withwhichIcoveredmyself,andsatdownupontheground.Nodistinctideasoccupiedmymind;allwasconfused.Ifeltlight,andhunger,andthirst,anddarkness;innumerablesoundsrunginmyears,andonallsidesvariousscentssalutedme:theonlyobjectthatIcoulddistinguishwasthebrightmoon,andIfixedmyeyesonthatwithpleasure.

"Severalchangesofdayandnightpassed,andtheorbofnighthadgreatlylessened, when I began to distinguish my sensations from each other. Igradually saw plainly the clear stream that suppliedmewith drink, and thetreesthatshadedmewiththeirfoliage.IwasdelightedwhenIfirstdiscoveredthatapleasantsound,whichoftensalutedmyears,proceededfromthethroatsofthelittlewingedanimalswhohadofteninterceptedthelightfrommyeyes.Ibeganalsotoobserve,withgreateraccuracy,theformsthatsurroundedme,andtoperceivetheboundariesoftheradiantroofoflightwhichcanopiedme.Sometimes I tried to imitate thepleasantsongsof thebirds,butwasunable.Sometimes I wished to express my sensations in my own mode, but theuncouth and inarticulate sounds which broke from me frightened me intosilenceagain.

"The moon had disappeared from the night, and again, with a lessenedform,showeditself,whileIstillremainedintheforest.Mysensationshad,bythistime,becomedistinct,andmymindreceivedeverydayadditionalideas.Myeyesbecameaccustomedtothelight,andtoperceiveobjectsintheirrightforms;Idistinguishedtheinsectfromtheherb,and,bydegrees,oneherbfromanother.Ifoundthatthesparrowutterednonebutharshnotes,whilstthoseoftheblackbirdandthrushweresweetandenticing.

"Oneday,whenIwasoppressedbycold,Ifoundafirewhichhadbeenleftbysomewanderingbeggars,andwasovercomewithdelightat thewarmthI

experienced from it. In my joy I thrust my hand into the live embers, butquicklydrewitoutagainwithacryofpain.Howstrange,Ithought,thatthesamecauseshouldproducesuchoppositeeffects!Iexaminedthematerialsofthefire,andtomyjoyfoundit tobecomposedofwood.Iquicklycollectedsomebranches;but theywerewet,andwouldnotburn.Iwaspainedat this,and sat still watching the operation of the fire. Thewet woodwhich I hadplacedneartheheatdried,anditselfbecameinflamed.Ireflectedonthis;and,bytouchingthevariousbranches,Idiscoveredthecause,andbusiedmyselfincollectingagreatquantityofwood, that Imightdry it, andhaveaplentifulsupplyof fire.Whennight cameon, andbrought sleepwith it, Iwas in thegreatest fear lestmy fire shouldbe extinguished. I covered it carefullywithdrywoodandleaves,andplacedwetbranchesuponit;andthen,spreadingmycloak,Ilayontheground,andsunkintosleep.

"Itwasmorningwhen I awoke, andmy first carewas tovisit the fire. Iuncoveredit,andagentlebreezequicklyfanneditintoaflame.Iobservedthisalso, and contrived a fan of branches, which roused the embers when theywerenearlyextinguished.Whennightcameagain,Ifound,withpleasure,thatthefiregavelightaswellasheat;andthatthediscoveryofthiselementwasusefultomeinmyfood;forIfoundsomeoftheoffalsthatthetravellershadleft had been roasted, and tasted much more savoury than the berries Igathered from the trees. I tried, therefore, to dress my food in the samemanner,placingitontheliveembers.Ifoundthattheberrieswerespoiledbythisoperation,andthenutsandrootsmuchimproved.

"Food,however,becamescarce;andIoftenspentthewholedaysearchinginvainforafewacornstoassuagethepangsofhunger.WhenIfoundthis,IresolvedtoquittheplacethatIhadhithertoinhabited,toseekforonewherethefewwantsIexperiencedwouldbemoreeasilysatisfied.Inthisemigration,I exceedingly lamented the loss of the fire which I had obtained throughaccident,andknewnothowtoreproduceit.Igaveseveralhourstotheseriousconsiderationof thisdifficulty;but Iwasobliged to relinquishallattempt tosupply it; and, wrapping myself up in my cloak, I struck across the woodtowards the setting sun. I passed three days in these rambles, and at lengthdiscovered the open country.Agreat fall of snowhad takenplace the nightbefore, and the fields were of one uniform white; the appearance wasdisconsolate, and I found my feet chilled by the cold damp substance thatcoveredtheground.

"It was about seven in the morning, and I longed to obtain food andshelter; at length I perceived a small hut, on a rising ground, which haddoubtlessbeenbuilt for the convenienceof some shepherd.Thiswas anewsighttome;andIexaminedthestructurewithgreatcuriosity.Findingthedooropen,Ientered.Anoldmansatinit,nearafire,overwhichhewaspreparing

his breakfast. He turned on hearing a noise; and, perceiving me, shriekedloudly, and,quitting thehut, ranacross the fieldswith a speedofwhichhisdebilitatedformhardlyappearedcapable.Hisappearance,differentfromanyIhad ever before seen, and his flight, somewhat surprised me. But I wasenchanted by the appearance of the hut: here the snow and rain could notpenetrate; the groundwas dry; and it presented tome then as exquisite anddivinea retreatasPandæmoniumappeared to thedæmonsofhellafter theirsufferings in the lake of fire. I greedily devoured the remnants of theshepherd's breakfast, which consisted of bread, cheese, milk, and wine; thelatter,however,Ididnotlike.Then,overcomebyfatigue,Ilaydownamongsomestraw,andfellasleep.

"ItwasnoonwhenIawoke;and,alluredbythewarmthofthesun,whichshonebrightlyonthewhiteground,Ideterminedtorecommencemytravels;and, depositing the remains of the peasant's breakfast in awallet I found, Iproceeded across the fields for several hours, until at sunset I arrived at avillage. How miraculous did this appear! the huts, the neater cottages, andstately houses, engaged my admiration by turns. The vegetables in thegardens,themilkandcheesethatIsawplacedatthewindowsofsomeofthecottages, alluredmy appetite. One of the best of these I entered; but I hadhardlyplacedmyfootwithinthedoor,beforethechildrenshrieked,andoneofthewomenfainted.Thewholevillagewasroused;somefled,someattackedme, until, grievously bruised by stones and many other kinds of missileweapons, I escaped to the open country, and fearfully took refuge in a lowhovel,quitebare,andmakingawretchedappearanceafter thepalaces Ihadbeheld in the village. This hovel, however, joined a cottage of a neat andpleasantappearance;but,aftermylatedearlyboughtexperience,Idarednotenterit.Myplaceofrefugewasconstructedofwood,butsolow,thatIcouldwithdifficulty situpright in it.Nowood,however,wasplacedon theearth,which formed the floor, but itwasdry; and although thewind entered it byinnumerablechinks,Ifounditanagreeableasylumfromthesnowandrain.

"Here then I retreated, and lay down happy to have found a shelter,howevermiserable,fromtheinclemencyoftheseason,andstillmorefromthebarbarityofman.

"Assoonasmorningdawned, Icrept frommykennel, that Imightviewthe adjacent cottage, and discover if I could remain in the habitation I hadfound.Itwassituatedagainst thebackof thecottage,andsurroundedonthesideswhichwereexposedbyapig-styandaclearpoolofwater.Onepartwasopen,andbythatIhadcreptin;butnowIcoveredeverycrevicebywhichImightbeperceivedwithstonesandwood,yet insuchamanner thatImightmovethemonoccasiontopassout:all the lightIenjoyedcamethroughthesty,andthatwassufficientforme.

"Having thus arranged my dwelling, and carpeted it with clean straw, Iretired;forIsawthefigureofamanatadistance,andIrememberedtoowellmy treatment the night before, to trust myself in his power. I had first,however,providedformysustenancefor thatday,bya loafofcoarsebread,whichIpurloined,andacupwithwhichIcoulddrink,moreconvenientlythanfrommyhand,ofthepurewaterwhichflowedbymyretreat.Thefloorwasalittleraised,sothatitwaskeptperfectlydry,andbyitsvicinitytothechimneyofthecottageitwastolerablywarm.

"Being thus provided, I resolved to reside in this hovel, until somethingshould occurwhichmight altermydetermination. Itwas indeed a paradise,compared to the bleak forest, my former residence, the rain-droppingbranches,anddankearth.Iatemybreakfastwithpleasure,andwasabouttoremove a plank to procure myself a little water, when I heard a step, andlooking throughasmallchink, Ibeheldayoungcreature,withapailonherhead,passingbeforemyhovel.Thegirlwasyoung,andofgentledemeanour,unlikewhat Ihave since foundcottagersand farm-house servants tobe.Yetshewasmeanlydressed,acoarsebluepetticoatanda linen jacketbeingheronlygarb;her fairhairwasplaited,butnotadorned: she lookedpatient,yetsad.Ilostsightofher;andinaboutaquarterofanhourshereturned,bearingthe pail, which was now partly filled with milk. As she walked along,seemingly incommoded by the burden, a young man met her, whosecountenanceexpressedadeeperdespondence.Utteringafewsoundswithanairofmelancholy,he took thepail fromherhead,andbore it to thecottagehimself.Shefollowed,andtheydisappeared.PresentlyIsawtheyoungmanagain,withsometoolsinhishand,crossthefieldbehindthecottage;andthegirlwasalsobusied,sometimesinthehouse,andsometimesintheyard.

"On examining my dwelling, I found that one of the windows of thecottage had formerly occupied a part of it, but the panes hadbeen filled upwith wood. In one of these was a small and almost imperceptible chink,throughwhichtheeyecouldjustpenetrate.Throughthiscreviceasmallroomwasvisible,whitewashedandclean,butverybareoffurniture.Inonecorner,near a small fire, sat an old man, leaning his head on his hands in adisconsolate attitude.The younggirlwas occupied in arranging the cottage;butpresentlyshetooksomethingoutofadrawer,whichemployedherhands,andshesatdownbesidetheoldman,who,takingupaninstrument,begantoplay, and to produce sounds sweeter than the voice of the thrush or thenightingale. Itwas a lovely sight, even tome, poorwretch!who had neverbeheldaughtbeautifulbefore.Thesilverhairandbenevolentcountenanceofthe aged cottager won my reverence, while the gentle manners of the girlenticedmylove.Heplayedasweetmournfulair,whichIperceiveddrewtearsfromtheeyesofhisamiablecompanion,ofwhichtheoldmantooknonotice,until she sobbed audibly; he then pronounced a few sounds, and the fair

creature, leaving herwork, knelt at his feet.He raised her, and smiledwithsuch kindness and affection, that I felt sensations of a peculiar andoverpoweringnature:theywereamixtureofpainandpleasure,suchasIhadneverbeforeexperienced,eitherfromhungerorcold,warmthorfood;andIwithdrewfromthewindow,unabletobeartheseemotions.

"Soonafterthistheyoungmanreturned,bearingonhisshouldersaloadofwood.Thegirlmethimatthedoor,helpedtorelievehimofhisburden,and,takingsomeofthefuelintothecottage,placeditonthefire;thensheandtheyouthwentapartintoanookofthecottage,andheshowedheralargeloafanda piece of cheese. She seemed pleased, andwent into the garden for someroots and plants, which she placed in water, and then upon the fire. Sheafterwards continued herwork,whilst the youngmanwent into the garden,andappearedbusilyemployed indiggingandpullingup roots.Afterhehadbeen employed thus about an hour, the youngwoman joined him, and theyenteredthecottagetogether.

"Theoldmanhad,inthemeantime,beenpensive;but,ontheappearanceofhiscompanions,heassumedamorecheerfulair,andtheysatdowntoeat.Themealwasquicklydespatched.Theyoungwomanwasagainoccupiedinarrangingthecottage;theoldmanwalkedbeforethecottageinthesunforafewminutes,leaningonthearmoftheyouth.Nothingcouldexceedinbeautythe contrast between these twoexcellent creatures.Onewasold,with silverhairsandacountenancebeamingwithbenevolenceandlove:theyoungerwasslightandgracefulinhisfigure,andhisfeaturesweremouldedwiththefinestsymmetry; yet his eyes and attitude expressed the utmost sadness anddespondency.Theoldmanreturned to thecottage;and theyouth,with toolsdifferentfromthosehehadusedinthemorning,directedhisstepsacrossthefields.

"Night quickly shut in; but, to my extreme wonder, I found that thecottagers had a means of prolonging light by the use of tapers, and wasdelightedtofindthatthesettingofthesundidnotputanendtothepleasureIexperiencedinwatchingmyhumanneighbours.Intheevening,theyounggirland her companion were employed in various occupations which I did notunderstand;andtheoldmanagaintookuptheinstrumentwhichproducedthedivine sounds that had enchanted me in the morning. So soon as he hadfinished, the youth began, not to play, but to utter sounds that weremonotonous,andneitherresemblingtheharmonyoftheoldman'sinstrumentnorthesongsofthebirds:Isincefoundthathereadaloud,butatthattimeIknewnothingofthescienceofwordsorletters.

"Thefamily,afterhavingbeenthusoccupiedforashorttime,extinguishedtheirlights,andretired,asIconjectured,torest."

CHAPTERXII.

"I layonmystraw,butIcouldnotsleep.I thoughtof theoccurrencesoftheday.Whatchieflystruckmewasthegentlemannersofthesepeople;andIlongedtojointhem,butdarednot.IrememberedtoowellthetreatmentIhadsufferedthenightbeforefromthebarbarousvillagers,andresolved,whatevercourseofconductImighthereafterthinkitrighttopursue,thatforthepresentIwouldremainquietlyinmyhovel,watching,andendeavouringtodiscoverthemotiveswhichinfluencedtheiractions.

"Thecottagersarosethenextmorningbeforethesun.Theyoungwomanarrangedthecottage,andpreparedthefood;andtheyouthdepartedafterthefirstmeal.

"Thisdaywaspassed in the same routineas thatwhichpreceded it.Theyoung man was constantly employed out of doors, and the girl in variouslaborious occupations within. The old man, whom I soon perceived to beblind, employed his leisure hours on his instrument or in contemplation.Nothing could exceed the love and respect which the younger cottagersexhibited towards their venerable companion. They performed towards himeverylittleofficeofaffectionanddutywithgentleness;andherewardedthembyhisbenevolentsmiles.

"Theywerenotentirelyhappy.Theyoungmanandhiscompanionoftenwentapart,andappearedtoweep.Isawnocausefortheirunhappiness;butIwasdeeplyaffectedbyit.Ifsuchlovelycreaturesweremiserable,itwaslessstrange that I, an imperfect and solitarybeing, shouldbewretched.Yetwhywere these gentle beings unhappy? They possessed a delightful house (forsuchitwasinmyeyes)andeveryluxury;theyhadafiretowarmthemwhenchill, and delicious viands when hungry; they were dressed in excellentclothes; and, still more, they enjoyed one another's company and speech,interchangingeachday looksofaffectionandkindness.Whatdid their tearsimply? Did they really express pain? I was at first unable to solve thesequestions;butperpetualattentionandtimeexplainedtomemanyappearanceswhichwereatfirstenigmatic.

"AconsiderableperiodelapsedbeforeIdiscoveredoneofthecausesoftheuneasinessofthisamiablefamily:itwaspoverty;andtheysufferedthatevilina very distressing degree. Their nourishment consisted entirely of thevegetables of their garden, and themilk of one cow,which gave very littleduringthewinter,whenitsmasterscouldscarcelyprocurefoodtosupportit.Theyoften,Ibelieve,sufferedthepangsofhungerverypoignantly,especiallythe twoyoungercottagers; for several times theyplaced foodbefore theold

man,whentheyreservednoneforthemselves.

"Thistraitofkindnessmovedmesensibly.Ihadbeenaccustomed,duringthenight, to steal apartof their store formyownconsumption;butwhen Ifound that in doing this I inflicted pain on the cottagers, I abstained, andsatisfied myself with berries, nuts, and roots, which I gathered from aneighbouringwood.

"I discovered also anothermeans throughwhich I was enabled to assisttheirlabours.Ifoundthattheyouthspentagreatpartofeachdayincollectingwoodforthefamilyfire;and,duringthenight,Ioftentookhistools,theuseof which I quickly discovered, and brought home firing sufficient for theconsumptionofseveraldays.

"I remember, the first time that I did this, the youngwoman, when sheopenedthedoorinthemorning,appearedgreatlyastonishedonseeingagreatpileofwoodontheoutside.Sheutteredsomewordsinaloudvoice,andtheyouthjoinedher,whoalsoexpressedsurprise.Iobserved,withpleasure,thathedidnotgo to theforest thatday,butspent it inrepairing thecottage,andcultivatingthegarden.

"BydegreesImadeadiscoveryofstillgreatermoment.Ifoundthatthesepeoplepossessedamethodofcommunicatingtheirexperienceandfeelingstoone another by articulate sounds. I perceived that the words they spokesometimes, produced pleasure or pain, smiles or sadness, in the minds andcountenancesofthehearers.Thiswasindeedagodlikescience,andIardentlydesired to become acquainted with it. But I was baffled in every attempt Imade for this purpose. Their pronunciation was quick; and the words theyuttered,nothavinganyapparentconnectionwithvisibleobjects,IwasunabletodiscoveranycluebywhichIcouldunravelthemysteryoftheirreference.Bygreatapplication,however,andafterhavingremainedduringthespaceofseveralrevolutionsofthemooninmyhovel,Idiscoveredthenamesthatweregiventosomeofthemostfamiliarobjectsofdiscourse;Ilearnedandappliedthe words, fire, milk, bread, and wood. I learned also the names of thecottagersthemselves.Theyouthandhiscompanionhadeachofthemseveralnames,but theoldmanhadonlyone,whichwas father.Thegirlwascalledsister, orAgatha; and the youthFelix, brother, or son. I cannot describe thedelight I feltwhen I learned the ideas appropriated to eachof these sounds,andwasabletopronouncethem.Idistinguishedseveralotherwords,withoutbeingableasyettounderstandorapplythem;suchasgood,dearest,unhappy.

"Ispent thewinter in thismanner.Thegentlemannersandbeautyof thecottagers greatly endeared them to me: when they were unhappy, I feltdepressed;whentheyrejoiced,Isympathisedintheir joys.Isawfewhumanbeingsbesidethem;andifanyotherhappenedtoenterthecottage,theirharsh

mannersandrudegaitonlyenhancedtomethesuperioraccomplishmentsofmyfriends.Theoldman,Icouldperceive,oftenendeavouredtoencouragehischildren, as sometimes I found that he called them, to cast off theirmelancholy. He would talk in a cheerful accent, with an expression ofgoodnessthatbestowedpleasureevenuponme.Agathalistenedwithrespect,her eyes sometimes filledwith tears, which she endeavoured to wipe awayunperceived;butIgenerallyfoundthathercountenanceandtoneweremorecheerfulafterhavinglistenedtotheexhortationsofherfather.Itwasnotthuswith Felix. He was always the saddest of the group; and, even to myunpractisedsenses,heappearedtohavesufferedmoredeeplythanhisfriends.Butifhiscountenancewasmoresorrowful,hisvoicewasmorecheerfulthanthatofhissister,especiallywhenheaddressedtheoldman.

"I could mention innumerable instances, which, although slight, markedthedispositionsoftheseamiablecottagers.Inthemidstofpovertyandwant,Felixcarriedwithpleasuretohissisterthefirstlittlewhiteflowerthatpeepedout from beneath the snowy ground. Early in the morning, before she hadrisen, he cleared away the snow that obstructed her path to themilk-house,drewwaterfromthewell,andbroughtthewoodfromtheout-house,where,tohis perpetual astonishment, he found his store always replenished by aninvisiblehand.Intheday,Ibelieve,heworkedsometimesforaneighbouringfarmer, because he often went forth, and did not return until dinner, yetbroughtnowoodwithhim.Atother timesheworked in thegarden;but, astherewaslittletodointhefrostyseason,hereadtotheoldmanandAgatha.

"This reading had puzzled me extremely at first; but, by degrees, Idiscoveredthatheutteredmanyofthesamesoundswhenheread,aswhenhetalked. I conjectured, therefore, that he found on the paper signs for speechwhichheunderstood,andIardentlylongedtocomprehendthesealso;buthowwasthatpossible,whenIdidnotevenunderstandthesoundsforwhichtheystood as signs? I improved, however, sensibly in this science, but notsufficiently to follow up any kind of conversation, although I applied mywholemind to theendeavour: for I easilyperceived that, although I eagerlylonged to discovermyself to the cottagers, I ought not tomake the attemptuntil I had first become master of their language; which knowledge mightenableme tomake themoverlook the deformity ofmy figure; forwith thisalsothecontrastperpetuallypresentedtomyeyeshadmademeacquainted.

"Ihadadmiredtheperfectformsofmycottagers—theirgrace,beauty,anddelicate complexions: but how was I terrified, when I viewed myself in atransparentpool!AtfirstIstartedback,unabletobelievethatitwasindeedIwhowasreflectedinthemirror;andwhenIbecamefullyconvincedthatIwasin reality themonster that I am, Iwas filledwith the bitterest sensations ofdespondence and mortification. Alas! I did not yet entirely know the fatal

effectsofthismiserabledeformity.

"As the sun became warmer, and the light of day longer, the snowvanished,andIbeheldthebaretreesandtheblackearth.FromthistimeFelixwasmore employed; and the heart-moving indications of impending faminedisappeared. Their food, as I afterwards found, was coarse, but it waswholesome;andtheyprocuredasufficiencyofit.Severalnewkindsofplantssprung up in the garden, which they dressed; and these signs of comfortincreaseddailyastheseasonadvanced.

"Theoldman,leaningonhisson,walkedeachdayatnoon,whenitdidnotrain,asI founditwascalledwhentheheavenspouredforth itswaters.Thisfrequentlytookplace;butahighwindquicklydriedtheearth,andtheseasonbecamefarmorepleasantthanithadbeen.

"Mymodeoflifeinmyhovelwasuniform.Duringthemorning,Iattendedthe motions of the cottagers; and when they were dispersed in variousoccupations, I slept: the remainder of the day was spent in observing myfriends.Whentheyhadretiredtorest,iftherewasanymoon,orthenightwasstar-light,Iwentintothewoods,andcollectedmyownfoodandfuelforthecottage.WhenIreturned,asoftenasitwasnecessary,Iclearedtheirpathfromthe snow, and performed those offices that I had seen done by Felix. Iafterwards found that these labours, performedby an invisible hand, greatlyastonishedthem;andonceortwiceIheardthem,ontheseoccasions,utterthewordsgoodspirit,wonderful;butIdidnotthenunderstandthesignificationoftheseterms.

"My thoughts now became more active, and I longed to discover themotivesandfeelingsoftheselovelycreatures;IwasinquisitivetoknowwhyFelix appeared somiserable, andAgatha so sad. I thought (foolishwretch!)that itmightbe inmypower to restorehappiness to thesedeservingpeople.WhenIslept,orwasabsent,theformsofthevenerableblindfather,thegentleAgatha, and the excellent Felix, flitted before me. I looked upon them assuperiorbeings,whowouldbe thearbitersofmyfuturedestiny. I formedinmy imagination a thousand pictures of presentingmyself to them, and theirreceptionofme.Iimaginedthattheywouldbedisgusted,until,bymygentledemeanour and conciliating words, I should first win their favour, andafterwardstheirlove.

"Thesethoughtsexhilaratedme,andledmetoapplywithfreshardourtotheacquiring theartof language.Myorganswere indeedharsh,but supple;and althoughmy voicewas very unlike the softmusic of their tones, yet IpronouncedsuchwordsasIunderstoodwithtolerableease.Itwasastheassandthelap-dog;yetsurelythegentleasswhoseintentionswereaffectionate,although his manners were rude, deserved better treatment than blows and

execration.

"The pleasant showers and genial warmth of spring greatly altered theaspectoftheearth.Men,whobeforethischangeseemedtohavebeenhidincaves,dispersedthemselves,andwereemployedinvariousartsofcultivation.Thebirdssanginmorecheerfulnotes,andtheleavesbegantobudforthonthetrees. Happy, happy earth! fit habitation for gods, which, so short a timebefore,wasbleak,damp,andunwholesome.Myspiritswereelevatedbytheenchantingappearanceofnature; thepastwasblotted frommymemory, thepresent was tranquil, and the future gilded by bright rays of hope, andanticipationsofjoy."

CHAPTERXIII.

"Inowhasten to themoremovingpartofmystory. I shall relateevents,thatimpressedmewithfeelingswhich,fromwhatIhadbeen,havemademewhatIam.

"Spring advanced rapidly; the weather became fine, and the skiescloudless.Itsurprisedme,thatwhatbeforewasdesertandgloomyshouldnowbloomwiththemostbeautifulflowersandverdure.Mysensesweregratifiedandrefreshedbyathousandscentsofdelight,andathousandsightsofbeauty.

"Itwasononeofthesedays,whenmycottagersperiodicallyrestedfromlabour—theoldmanplayedonhisguitar,andthechildrenlistenedtohim—thatIobservedthecountenanceofFelixwasmelancholybeyondexpression;he sighed frequently; and once his father paused in his music, and Iconjecturedbyhismannerthatheenquiredthecauseofhisson'ssorrow.Felixreplied in a cheerful accent, and the oldmanwas recommencinghismusic,whensomeonetappedatthedoor.

"Itwasaladyonhorseback,accompaniedbyacountrymanasaguide.Theladywasdressed inadarksuit, andcoveredwitha thickblackveil.Agathaasked a question; to which the stranger only replied by pronouncing, in asweet accent, the name of Felix. Her voicewasmusical, but unlike that ofeitherofmyfriends.Onhearingthisword,Felixcameuphastilytothelady;who, when she saw him, threw up her veil, and I beheld a countenance ofangelicbeautyandexpression.Herhairofashiningravenblack,andcuriouslybraided;hereyesweredark,butgentle,althoughanimated;herfeaturesofaregular proportion, and her complexion wondrously fair, each cheek tingedwithalovelypink.

"Felixseemedravishedwithdelightwhenhesawher,everytraitofsorrow

vanishedfromhisface,andit instantlyexpressedadegreeofecstaticjoy,ofwhichIcouldhardlyhavebelieveditcapable;hiseyessparkled,ashischeekflushedwith pleasure; and at thatmoment I thought him as beautiful as thestranger.Sheappearedaffectedbydifferentfeelings;wipingafewtearsfromherlovelyeyes,sheheldoutherhandtoFelix,whokisseditrapturously,andcalledher,aswellasIcoulddistinguish,hissweetArabian.Shedidnotappeartounderstandhim,butsmiled.Heassistedhertodismount,anddismissingherguide,conductedherintothecottage.Someconversationtookplacebetweenhim and his father; and the young stranger knelt at the oldman's feet, andwould have kissed his hand, but he raised her, and embraced heraffectionately.

"Isoonperceived,thatalthoughthestrangerutteredarticulatesounds,andappeared tohavea languageofherown,shewasneitherunderstoodby,norherself understood, the cottagers. They made many signs which I did notcomprehend;butIsawthatherpresencediffusedgladnessthroughthecottage,dispellingtheirsorrowasthesundissipatesthemorningmists.Felixseemedpeculiarlyhappy, andwith smilesofdelightwelcomedhisArabian.Agatha,theever-gentleAgatha,kissedthehandsofthelovelystranger;and,pointingto her brother,made signswhich appeared tome tomean that he had beensorrowful until she came. Some hours passed thus, while they, by theircountenances, expressed joy, the cause of which I did not comprehend.Presently I found, by the frequent recurrence of some sound which thestranger repeated after them, that she was endeavouring to learn theirlanguage;andtheideainstantlyoccurredtome,thatIshouldmakeuseofthesameinstructionstothesameend.Thestrangerlearnedabouttwentywordsatthe first lesson, most of them, indeed, were those which I had beforeunderstood,butIprofitedbytheothers.

"As night came on, Agatha and the Arabian retired early. When theyseparated,Felixkissedthehandofthestranger,andsaid, 'Goodnight,sweetSafie.'Hesatupmuchlonger,conversingwithhisfather;and,bythefrequentrepetitionofhername,Iconjecturedthattheirlovelyguestwasthesubjectoftheir conversation. I ardently desired to understand them, and bent everyfacultytowardsthatpurpose,butfounditutterlyimpossible.

"The next morning Felix went out to his work; and, after the usualoccupations of Agatha were finished, the Arabian sat at the feet of the oldman, and, taking his guitar, played some airs so entrancingly beautiful, thattheyatoncedrewtearsofsorrowanddelightfrommyeyes.Shesang,andhervoiceflowedinarichcadence,swellingordyingaway,likeanightingaleofthewoods.

"When she had finished, she gave the guitar to Agatha, who at firstdeclined it. She played a simple air, and her voice accompanied it in sweet

accents,butunlikethewondrousstrainofthestranger.Theoldmanappearedenraptured, and said some words, which Agatha endeavoured to explain toSafie,andbywhichheappearedtowishtoexpressthatshebestowedonhimthegreatestdelightbyhermusic.

"Thedaysnowpassedaspeaceablyasbefore,withthesolealteration,thatjoyhad takenplaceofsadness in thecountenancesofmyfriends.Safiewasalways gay and happy; she and I improved rapidly in the knowledge oflanguage, so that in twomonths I began to comprehendmost of thewordsutteredbymyprotectors.

"In themeanwhile also the blackgroundwas coveredwith herbage, andthegreenbanksinterspersedwithinnumerableflowers,sweettothescentandtheeyes,starsofpaleradianceamongthemoonlightwoods;thesunbecamewarmer, the nights clear and balmy; and my nocturnal rambles were anextremepleasuretome,althoughtheywereconsiderablyshortenedbythelatesettingandearlyrisingofthesun;forIneverventuredabroadduringdaylight,fearfulofmeetingwiththesametreatmentIhadformerlyenduredinthefirstvillagewhichIentered.

"Mydayswerespentincloseattention,thatImightmorespeedilymasterthelanguage;andImayboastthatIimprovedmorerapidlythantheArabian,who understood very little, and conversed in broken accents, whilst Icomprehendedandcouldimitatealmosteverywordthatwasspoken.

"WhileIimprovedinspeech,Ialsolearnedthescienceofletters,asitwastaughttothestranger;andthisopenedbeforemeawidefieldforwonderanddelight.

"The book from which Felix instructed Safie was Volney's 'Ruins ofEmpires.'Ishouldnothaveunderstoodthepurportofthisbook,hadnotFelix,in reading it, given veryminute explanations. He had chosen thiswork, hesaid, because the declamatory style was framed in imitation of the easternauthors.ThroughthisworkIobtainedacursoryknowledgeofhistory,andaview of the several empires at present existing in theworld; it gaveme aninsightintothemanners,governments,andreligionsofthedifferentnationsoftheearth.IheardoftheslothfulAsiatics;ofthestupendousgeniusandmentalactivityoftheGrecians;ofthewarsandwonderfulvirtueoftheearlyRomans—oftheirsubsequentdegenerating—ofthedeclineofthatmightyempire;ofchivalry, Christianity, and kings. I heard of the discovery of the Americanhemisphere, and wept with Safie over the hapless fate of its originalinhabitants.

"Thesewonderfulnarrations inspiredmewithstrangefeelings.Wasman,indeed,atoncesopowerful,sovirtuous,andmagnificent,yetsoviciousandbase? He appeared at one time a mere scion of the evil principle, and at

another,asall thatcanbeconceivedofnobleandgodlike.Tobeagreatandvirtuousmanappearedthehighesthonourthatcanbefallasensitivebeing;tobe base and vicious, as many on record have been, appeared the lowestdegradation,aconditionmoreabject than thatof theblindmoleorharmlessworm.Fora long time Icouldnotconceivehowonemancouldgo forth tomurderhisfellow,orevenwhytherewerelawsandgovernments;butwhenIheard details of vice and bloodshed,mywonder ceased, and I turned awaywithdisgustandloathing.

"Every conversation of the cottagers now opened new wonders to me.While I listened to the instructionswhichFelixbestowedupon theArabian,the strange system of human society was explained to me. I heard of thedivisionofproperty,ofimmensewealthandsqualidpoverty;ofrank,descent,andnobleblood.

"The words induced me to turn towards myself. I learned that thepossessionsmostesteemedbyyourfellow-creatureswere,highandunsullieddescentunitedwithriches.Amanmightberespectedwithonlyoneoftheseadvantages; but, without either, he was considered, except in very rareinstances, as a vagabond and a slave, doomed to waste his powers for theprofitsofthechosenfew!AndwhatwasI?OfmycreationandcreatorIwasabsolutelyignorant;butIknewthatIpossessednomoney,nofriends,nokindof property. I was, besides, endued with a figure hideously deformed andloathsome;Iwasnotevenof thesamenatureasman.Iwasmoreagile thanthey,andcouldsubsistuponcoarserdiet;Iboretheextremesofheatandcoldwith less injury tomyframe;mystature farexceeded theirs.WhenI lookedaround,Isawandheardofnonelikeme.WasIthenamonster,ablotupontheearth,fromwhichallmenfled,andwhomallmendisowned?

"I cannot describe to you the agony that these reflections inflicted uponme:Itriedtodispelthem,butsorrowonlyincreasedwithknowledge.Oh,thatI had for ever remained inmynativewood, nor knownnor felt beyond thesensationsofhunger,thirst,andheat!

"Ofwhatastrangenatureisknowledge!Itclingstothemind,whenithasonceseizedonit,likealichenontherock.Iwishedsometimestoshakeoffallthoughtandfeeling;butI learnedthat therewasbutonemeanstoovercomethesensationofpain,and thatwasdeath—astatewhichI fearedyetdidnotunderstand.Iadmiredvirtueandgoodfeelings,andlovedthegentlemannersandamiablequalitiesofmycottagers;butIwasshutoutfromintercoursewiththem,except throughmeanswhichIobtainedbystealth,whenIwasunseenand unknown, andwhich rather increased than satisfied the desire I had ofbecoming one among my fellows. The gentle words of Agatha, and theanimated smiles of the charming Arabian, were not for me. The mildexhortations of the oldman, and the lively conversation of the loved Felix,

werenotforme.Miserable,unhappywretch!

"Otherlessonswereimpresseduponmeevenmoredeeply.Iheardofthedifference of sexes; and the birth and growth of children; how the fatherdoatedonthesmilesoftheinfant,andthelivelysalliesoftheolderchild;howall the lifeandcaresof themotherwerewrappedup in thepreciouscharge;howthemindofyouthexpandedandgainedknowledge;ofbrother,sister,andallthevariousrelationshipswhichbindonehumanbeingtoanotherinmutualbonds.

"But where were my friends and relations? No father had watched myinfantdays,nomotherhadblessedmewithsmilesandcaresses;oriftheyhad,all my past life was now a blot, a blind vacancy in which I distinguishednothing.FrommyearliestremembranceIhadbeenasIthenwasinheightandproportion.Ihadneveryetseenabeingresemblingme,orwhoclaimedanyintercoursewithme.WhatwasI?Thequestionagainrecurred,tobeansweredonlywithgroans.

"Iwill soon explain towhat these feelings tended; but allowmenow toreturn to the cottagers, whose story excited in me such various feelings ofindignation,delight, andwonder,butwhichall terminated inadditional loveand reverence formyprotectors (for so I loved, in an innocent, halfpainfulself-deceit,tocallthem)."

CHAPTERXIV.

"SometimeelapsedbeforeIlearnedthehistoryofmyfriends.Itwasonewhichcouldnotfailtoimpressitselfdeeplyonmymind,unfoldingasitdidanumber of circumstances, each interesting and wonderful to one so utterlyinexperiencedasIwas.

"ThenameoftheoldmanwasDeLacey.HewasdescendedfromagoodfamilyinFrance,wherehehadlivedformanyyearsinaffluence,respectedbyhissuperiors,andbelovedbyhisequals.Hissonwasbredintheserviceofhiscountry;andAgathahadrankedwithladiesofthehighestdistinction.Afewmonthsbeforemyarrival,theyhadlivedinalargeandluxuriouscity,calledParis,surroundedbyfriends,andpossessedofeveryenjoymentwhichvirtue,refinement of intellect, or taste, accompanied by a moderate fortune, couldafford.

"The father of Safie had been the cause of their ruin.Hewas aTurkishmerchant, and had inhabited Paris for many years, when, for some reasonwhich I could not learn, he became obnoxious to the government. He was

seizedandcastintoprisontheverydaythatSafiearrivedfromConstantinopleto join him. He was tried, and condemned to death. The injustice of hissentencewasveryflagrant;allPariswasindignant;anditwasjudgedthathisreligion andwealth, rather than the crime alleged against him, hadbeen thecauseofhiscondemnation.

"Felixhadaccidentallybeenpresentatthetrial;hishorrorandindignationwereuncontrollable,whenheheardthedecisionofthecourt.Hemade,atthatmoment,asolemnvowtodeliverhim,andthenlookedaroundforthemeans.After many fruitless attempts to gain admittance to the prison, he found astronglygratedwindowinanunguardedpartofthebuilding,whichlightedthedungeonof theunfortunateMahometan;who, loadedwith chains,waited indespair the execution of the barbarous sentence. Felix visited the grate atnight,andmadeknowntotheprisonerhisintentionsinhisfavour.TheTurk,amazed and delighted, endeavoured to kindle the zeal of his deliverer bypromises of reward andwealth. Felix rejected his offerswith contempt; yetwhenhesawthelovelySafie,whowasallowedtovisitherfather,andwho,by her gestures, expressed her lively gratitude, the youth could not helpowning to his ownmind, that the captivepossessed a treasurewhichwouldfullyrewardhistoilandhazard.

"TheTurkquicklyperceivedtheimpressionthathisdaughterhadmadeontheheartofFelix,andendeavouredtosecurehimmoreentirelyinhisinterestsbythepromiseofherhandinmarriage,sosoonasheshouldbeconveyedtoaplace of safety. Felix was too delicate to accept this offer; yet he lookedforward to the probability of the event as to the consummation of hishappiness.

"During theensuingdays,while thepreparationsweregoing forward forthe escapeof themerchant, the zeal ofFelixwaswarmedby several lettersthat he received from this lovely girl, who found means to express herthoughtsinthelanguageofherloverbytheaidofanoldman,aservantofherfather,whounderstoodFrench.Shethankedhiminthemostardenttermsforhis intended services towards her parent; and at the same time she gentlydeploredherownfate.

"Ihavecopiesoftheseletters;forIfoundmeans,duringmyresidenceinthehovel,toprocuretheimplementsofwriting;andtheletterswereofteninthehandsofFelixorAgatha.Before Idepart, Iwillgive them toyou, theywill prove the truth of my tale; but at present, as the sun is already fardeclined,Ishallonlyhavetimetorepeatthesubstanceofthemtoyou.

"Safie related, that hermotherwas aChristianArab, seized andmade aslavebytheTurks;recommendedbyherbeauty,shehadwontheheartofthefatherofSafie,whomarriedher.Theyounggirlspokeinhighandenthusiastic

termsofhermother,who,borninfreedom,spurnedthebondagetowhichshewasnowreduced.Sheinstructedherdaughterinthetenetsofherreligion,andtaught her to aspire to higher powers of intellect, and an independence ofspirit,forbiddentothefemalefollowersofMahomet.Thisladydied;butherlessonswere indelibly impressed on themindofSafie,who sickened at theprospectofagainreturningtoAsia,andbeingimmuredwithinthewallsofaharam,allowedonlytooccupyherselfwithinfantileamusements,illsuitedtothetemperofhersoul,nowaccustomedtograndideasandanobleemulationforvirtue.TheprospectofmarryingaChristian,and remaining inacountrywherewomenwereallowedtotakearankinsociety,wasenchantingtoher.

"The day for the execution of the Turk was fixed; but, on the nightprevious to it, he quitted his prison, and before morning was distant manyleagues from Paris. Felix had procured passports in the name of his father,sister, andhimself.Hehadpreviously communicatedhisplan to the former,whoaided thedeceit byquittinghishouse,under thepretenceof a journey,andconcealedhimself,withhisdaughter,inanobscurepartofParis.

"Felixconducted thefugitives throughFrance toLyons,andacrossMontCenis to Leghorn, where the merchant had decided to wait a favourableopportunityofpassingintosomepartoftheTurkishdominions.

"Safieresolvedtoremainwithherfatheruntilthemomentofhisdeparture,beforewhichtimetheTurkrenewedhispromisethatsheshouldbeunitedtohisdeliverer;andFelixremainedwiththeminexpectationofthatevent;andinthemeantimeheenjoyedthesocietyoftheArabian,whoexhibitedtowardshim the simplest and tenderest affection. They conversed with one anotherthroughthemeansofaninterpreter,andsometimeswiththeinterpretationoflooks;andSafiesangtohimthedivineairsofhernativecountry.

"TheTurkallowedthis intimacyto takeplace,andencouragedthehopesof the youthful lovers,while in his heart he had formed far other plans.HeloathedtheideathathisdaughtershouldbeunitedtoaChristian;buthefearedthe resentment of Felix, if he should appear lukewarm; for he knew that hewasstillinthepowerofhisdeliverer,ifheshouldchoosetobetrayhimtotheItalianstatewhichtheyinhabited.Herevolvedathousandplansbywhichheshouldbeenabledtoprolongthedeceituntilitmightbenolongernecessary,andsecretlytotakehisdaughterwithhimwhenhedeparted.HisplanswerefacilitatedbythenewswhicharrivedfromParis.

"The government of France were greatly enraged at the escape of theirvictim, and spared no pains to detect and punish his deliverer. The plot ofFelix was quickly discovered, and De Lacey and Agatha were thrown intoprison.ThenewsreachedFelix,androusedhimfromhisdreamofpleasure.His blind and aged father, and his gentle sister, lay in a noisome dungeon,

whileheenjoyedthefreeair,andthesocietyofherwhomheloved.Thisideawastorturetohim.HequicklyarrangedwiththeTurks,thatifthelattershouldfind a favourable opportunity for escape before Felix could return to Italy,SafieshouldremainasaboarderataconventatLeghorn;and then,quittingthe lovely Arabian, he hastened to Paris, and delivered himself up to thevengeanceofthelaw,hopingtofreeDeLaceyandAgathabythisproceeding.

"Hedidnot succeed.They remainedconfined for fivemonthsbefore thetrial took place; the result of which deprived them of their fortune, andcondemnedthemtoaperpetualexilefromtheirnativecountry.

"They found a miserable asylum in the cottage in Germany, where Idiscovered them.Felix soon learned that the treacherousTurk, forwhomheand his family endured such unheard-of oppression, on discovering that hisdeliverer was thus reduced to poverty and ruin, became a traitor to goodfeelingandhonour,andhadquittedItalywithhisdaughter,insultinglysendingFelix a pittance of money, to aid him, as he said, in some plan of futuremaintenance.

"SuchweretheeventsthatpreyedontheheartofFelix,andrenderedhim,whenIfirstsawhim,themostmiserableofhisfamily.Hecouldhaveenduredpoverty;andwhilethisdistresshadbeenthemeedofhisvirtue,hegloriedinit: but the ingratitude of the Turk, and the loss of his beloved Safie, weremisfortunes more bitter and irreparable. The arrival of the Arabian nowinfusednewlifeintohissoul.

"When thenews reachedLeghorn, thatFelixwasdeprivedof hiswealthandrank,themerchantcommandedhisdaughtertothinknomoreofherlover,buttopreparetoreturntohernativecountry.ThegenerousnatureofSafiewasoutragedbythiscommand;sheattemptedtoexpostulatewithherfather,butheleftherangrily,reiteratinghistyrannicalmandate.

"Afewdaysafter,theTurkenteredhisdaughter'sapartment,andtoldherhastily, thathehad reason tobelieve thathis residenceatLeghornhadbeendivulged, and that he should speedily be delivered up to the Frenchgovernment; he had, consequently hired a vessel to convey him toConstantinople, forwhichcityheshouldsail ina fewhours.He intended toleave his daughter under the care of a confidential servant, to follow at herleisure with the greater part of his property, which had not yet arrived atLeghorn.

"Whenalone,Safie resolved inherownmind theplanofconduct that itwould become her to pursue in this emergency.A residence in Turkeywasabhorrent to her; her religion and her feelings were alike adverse to it. Bysomepapersofherfather,whichfellintoherhands,sheheardoftheexileofherlover,andlearntthenameofthespotwherehethenresided.Shehesitated

sometime,butatlengthsheformedherdetermination.Takingwithhersomejewels that belonged to her, and a sum ofmoney, she quitted Italywith anattendant,anativeofLeghorn,butwhounderstoodthecommonlanguageofTurkey,anddepartedforGermany.

"ShearrivedinsafetyatatownabouttwentyleaguesfromthecottageofDeLacey,whenher attendant fell dangerously ill.Safienursedherwith themostdevotedaffection;butthepoorgirldied,andtheArabianwasleftalone,unacquainted with the language of the country, and utterly ignorant of thecustoms of the world. She fell, however, into good hands. The Italian hadmentioned the name of the spot for which they were bound; and, after herdeath, thewomanof thehouse inwhich theyhad lived took care thatSafieshouldarriveinsafetyatthecottageofherlover."

CHAPTERXV.

"Suchwasthehistoryofmybelovedcottagers.It impressedmedeeply.Ilearned, from the views of social life which it developed, to admire theirvirtues,andtodeprecatethevicesofmankind.

"AsyetIlookeduponcrimeasadistantevil;benevolenceandgenerositywereeverpresentbeforeme,incitingwithinmeadesiretobecomeanactorinthe busy scene where so many admirable qualities were called forth anddisplayed.But,ingivinganaccountoftheprogressofmyintellect,ImustnotomitacircumstancewhichoccurredinthebeginningofthemonthofAugustofthesameyear.

"Onenight,duringmyaccustomedvisittotheneighbouringwood,whereIcollectedmyownfood,andbroughthomefiringformyprotectors,Ifoundonthe ground a leathern portmanteau, containing several articles of dress andsome books. I eagerly seized the prize, and returned with it to my hovel.Fortunately thebookswerewritten in the language, theelementsofwhich Ihad acquired at the cottage; they consisted of 'Paradise Lost,' a volume of'Plutarch's Lives,' and the 'Sorrows of Werter.' The possession of thesetreasures gaveme extreme delight; I now continually studied and exercisedmy mind upon these histories, whilst my friends were employed in theirordinaryoccupations.

"Icanhardlydescribetoyoutheeffectofthesebooks.Theyproducedinme an infinity of new images and feelings, that sometimes raised me toecstacy,butmorefrequentlysunkmeintothelowestdejection.Inthe'Sorrowsof Werter,' besides the interest of its simple and affecting story, so many

opinions are canvassed, and somany lights thrown uponwhat had hithertobeen to me obscure subjects, that I found in it a never-ending source ofspeculationandastonishment.Thegentleanddomesticmannersitdescribed,combined with lofty sentiments and feelings, which had for their objectsomething out of self, accorded well with my experience among myprotectors,andwith thewantswhichwere foreveralive inmyownbosom.But I thoughtWerterhimself amoredivinebeing than Ihadeverbeheldorimagined; his character contained no pretension, but it sunk deep. Thedisquisitionsupondeathandsuicidewerecalculatedtofillmewithwonder.Ididnotpretendtoenterintothemeritsofthecase,yetIinclinedtowardstheopinionsofthehero,whoseextinctionIwept,withoutpreciselyunderstandingit.

"As I read, however, I appliedmuch personally tomy own feelings andcondition.Ifoundmyselfsimilar,yetatthesametimestrangelyunliketothebeingsconcerningwhomIread,andtowhoseconversationIwasalistener.Isympathisedwith,andpartlyunderstoodthem,butIwasunformedinmind;Iwasdependentonnone,and related tonone. 'Thepathofmydeparturewasfree;'andtherewasnonetolamentmyannihilation.Mypersonwashideous,and my stature gigantic? What did this mean? Who was I? What was I?Whencedid Icome?Whatwasmydestination?Thesequestionscontinuallyrecurred,butIwasunabletosolvethem.

"The volume of 'Plutarch's Lives,' which I possessed, contained thehistories of the first founders of the ancient republics. This book had a fardifferenteffectuponmefromthe'SorrowsofWerter.'IlearnedfromWerter'simaginationsdespondencyandgloom:butPlutarch taughtmehighthoughts;heelevatedmeabove thewretchedsphereofmyown reflections, toadmireand love the heroes of past ages. Many things I read surpassed myunderstandingandexperience.Ihadaveryconfusedknowledgeofkingdoms,wideextentsofcountry,mightyrivers,andboundlessseas.ButIwasperfectlyunacquaintedwith towns, and largeassemblagesofmen.ThecottageofmyprotectorshadbeentheonlyschoolinwhichIhadstudiedhumannature;butthis book developed new and mightier scenes of action. I read of menconcerned in public affairs, governingormassacring their species. I felt thegreatestardourforvirtuerisewithinme,andabhorrenceforvice,asfarasIunderstoodthesignificationofthoseterms,relativeastheywere,asIappliedthem, topleasureandpainalone. Inducedby these feelings, Iwasofcourseledtoadmirepeaceablelawgivers,Numa,Solon,andLycurgus,inpreferencetoRomulusandTheseus.Thepatriarchallivesofmyprotectorscausedtheseimpressionstotakeafirmholdonmymind;perhaps,ifmyfirstintroductionto humanity had been made by a young soldier, burning for glory andslaughter,Ishouldhavebeenimbuedwithdifferentsensations.

"But'ParadiseLost'exciteddifferentandfardeeperemotions.Ireadit,asIhadreadtheothervolumeswhichhadfallenintomyhands,asatruehistory.Itmoved every feeling of wonder and awe, that the picture of an omnipotentGodwarringwithhis creatureswas capable of exciting. I often referred theseveralsituations,astheirsimilaritystruckme,tomyown.LikeAdam,Iwasapparentlyunitedbynolinktoanyotherbeinginexistence;buthisstatewasfar different frommine in every other respect.He had come forth from thehands of God a perfect creature, happy and prosperous, guarded by theespecial care of his Creator; he was allowed to converse with, and acquireknowledgefrom,beingsofasuperiornature:butIwaswretched,helpless,andalone.ManytimesIconsideredSatanasthefitteremblemofmycondition;foroften, like him,when I viewed the bliss ofmy protectors, the bitter gall ofenvyrosewithinme.

"Another circumstance strengthened and confirmed these feelings. Soonaftermy arrival in the hovel, I discovered somepapers in the pocket of thedresswhich Ihad takenfromyour laboratory.At first Ihadneglected them;butnowthatIwasabletodecipherthecharactersinwhichtheywerewritten,Ibegantostudythemwithdiligence.Itwasyourjournalofthefourmonthsthatprecededmycreation.Youminutelydescribedinthesepaperseverystepyoutookintheprogressofyourwork;thishistorywasmingledwithaccountsofdomestic occurrences.You, doubtless, recollect these papers.Here they are.Everythingisrelatedinthemwhichbearsreferencetomyaccursedorigin;thewholedetail of that seriesofdisgustingcircumstanceswhichproduced it, isset in view; theminutest description ofmy odious and loathsome person isgiven, in language which painted your own horrors, and rendered mineindelible.IsickenedasIread.'HatefuldaywhenIreceivedlife!'Iexclaimedinagony.'Accursedcreator!Whydidyouformamonstersohideousthatevenyouturnedfrommeindisgust?God,inpity,mademanbeautifulandalluring,afterhisownimage;butmyformisafilthytypeofyours,morehorridevenfrom the very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, toadmireandencouragehim;butIamsolitaryandabhorred.'

"Thesewerethereflectionsofmyhoursofdespondencyandsolitude;butwhenIcontemplatedthevirtuesofthecottagers,theiramiableandbenevolentdispositions, I persuaded myself that when they should become acquaintedwith my admiration of their virtues, they would compassionate me, andoverlook my personal deformity. Could they turn from their door one,however monstrous, who solicited their compassion and friendship? Iresolved,atleast,nottodespair,butineverywaytofitmyselfforaninterviewwith themwhich would decide my fate. I postponed this attempt for somemonths longer; for the importanceattached to itssuccess inspiredmewithadread lest Ishouldfail.Besides, I found thatmyunderstanding improvedsomuch with every day's experience, that I was unwilling to commence this

undertakinguntilafewmoremonthsshouldhaveaddedtomysagacity.

"Severalchanges,inthemeantime,tookplaceinthecottage.Thepresenceof Safie diffused happiness among its inhabitants; and I also found that agreaterdegreeofplenty reigned there.Felix andAgatha spentmore time inamusementandconversation, andwereassisted in their laboursby servants.Theydidnot appear rich, but theywere contented andhappy; their feelingswere serene and peaceful, while mine became every day more tumultuous.Increaseof knowledgeonlydiscovered tomemore clearlywhat awretchedoutcastIwas.Icherishedhope, it is true;but itvanished,whenIbeheldmypersonreflected inwater,ormyshadowin themoonshine,evenas that frailimageandthatinconstantshade.

"I endeavoured to crush these fears, and to fortify myself for the trialwhich in a fewmonths I resolved to undergo; and sometimes I allowedmythoughts,uncheckedbyreason,torambleinthefieldsofParadise,anddaredto fancy amiable and lovely creatures sympathising with my feelings, andcheeringmygloom;theirangeliccountenancesbreathedsmilesofconsolation.Butitwasalladream;noEvesoothedmysorrows,norsharedmythoughts;Iwasalone. I rememberedAdam'ssupplication tohisCreator.Butwherewasmine?Hehadabandonedmeand,inthebitternessofmyheart,Icursedhim.

"Autumnpassedthus.Isaw,withsurpriseandgrief,theleavesdecayandfall, and nature again assume the barren and bleak appearance it had wornwhen I first beheld thewoods and the lovelymoon.Yet I did not heed thebleakness of the weather; I was better fitted by my conformation for theendurance of cold than heat. But my chief delights were the sight of theflowers,thebirds,andallthegayapparelofsummer;whenthosedesertedme,I turnedwithmore attention towards the cottagers.Their happinesswas notdecreasedby theabsenceofsummer.Theyloved,andsympathisedwithoneanother;andtheirjoys,dependingoneachother,werenotinterruptedbythecasualties that tookplacearound them.Themore I sawof them, thegreaterbecamemydesiretoclaimtheirprotectionandkindness;myheartyearnedtobe known and loved by these amiable creatures: to see their sweet looksdirected towardsmewith affection,was the utmost limit ofmy ambition. Idarednot think that theywould turn them frommewithdisdainandhorror.Thepoorthatstoppedattheirdoorwereneverdrivenaway.Iasked,itistrue,for greater treasures than a little food or rest: I required kindness andsympathy;butIdidnotbelievemyselfutterlyunworthyofit.

"Thewinter advanced, and an entire revolutionof the seasons had takenplace since I awoke into life.Myattention, at this time,was solelydirectedtowardsmy plan of introducingmyself into the cottage ofmy protectors. Irevolvedmany projects; but that on which I finally fixed was, to enter thedwellingwhen theblindoldman shouldbe alone. I had sagacity enough to

discover,thattheunnaturalhideousnessofmypersonwasthechiefobjectofhorrorwiththosewhohadformerlybeheldme.Myvoice,althoughharsh,hadnothingterribleinit;Ithought,therefore,thatif,intheabsenceofhischildren,Icouldgainthegood-willandmediationoftheoldDeLacey,Imight,byhismeans,betoleratedbymyyoungerprotectors.

"Oneday,whenthesunshoneontheredleaves thatstrewedtheground,anddiffusedcheerfulness,althoughitdeniedwarmth,Safie,Agatha,andFelixdepartedonalongcountrywalk,andtheoldman,athisowndesire,wasleftalone in the cottage.Whenhis childrenhaddeparted, he tookuphis guitar,andplayedseveralmournfulbutsweetairs,moresweetandmournful thanIhadeverheardhimplaybefore.Atfirsthiscountenancewasilluminatedwithpleasure, but, as he continued, thoughtfulness and sadness succeeded; atlength,layingasidetheinstrument,hesatabsorbedinreflection.

"Myheartbeatquick;thiswasthehourandmomentoftrial,whichwoulddecide my hopes, or realise my fears. The servants were gone to aneighbouringfair.Allwassilentinandaroundthecottage:itwasanexcellentopportunity;yet,whenIproceeded toexecutemyplan,my limbs failedme,andIsanktotheground.AgainIrose;and,exertingallthefirmnessofwhichI was master, removed the planks which I had placed before my hovel toconceal my retreat. The fresh air revived me, and, with reneweddetermination,Iapproachedthedooroftheircottage.

"Iknocked.'Whoisthere?'saidtheoldman—'Comein.'

"Ientered;'Pardonthisintrusion,'saidI:'Iamatravellerinwantofalittlerest; youwould greatly obligeme, if youwould allowme to remain a fewminutesbeforethefire.'

"'Enter,' saidDeLacey; 'andIwill try inwhatmanner Ican relieveyourwants;but,unfortunately,mychildrenarefromhome,and,asIamblind,IamafraidIshallfinditdifficulttoprocurefoodforyou.'

"'Donottroubleyourself,mykindhost,Ihavefood;itiswarmthandrestonlythatIneed.'

"Isatdown,andasilenceensued.Iknewthateveryminutewasprecioustome,yet I remained irresolute inwhatmanner tocommence the interview;whentheoldmanaddressedme—

"'Byyourlanguage,stranger,Isupposeyouaremycountryman;—areyouFrench?'

"'No;butIwaseducatedbyaFrenchfamily,andunderstandthatlanguageonly. I am now going to claim the protection of some friends, whom Isincerelylove,andofwhosefavourIhavesomehopes.'

"'AretheyGermans?'

"'No, theyareFrench.But letuschange thesubject. Iamanunfortunateand deserted creature; I look around, and I have no relation or friend uponearth.TheseamiablepeopletowhomIgohaveneverseenme,andknowlittleofme. Iamfullof fears; for if I fail there, Iamanoutcast in theworld forever.'

"'Donotdespair.Tobefriendlessisindeedtobeunfortunate;buttheheartsofmen,whenunprejudicedbyanyobviousself-interest,arefullofbrotherlyloveandcharity.Rely,therefore,onyourhopes;andifthesefriendsaregoodandamiable,donotdespair.'

"'They arekind—they are themost excellent creatures in theworld; but,unfortunately, they are prejudiced againstme. I have good dispositions;mylife has been hitherto harmless, and in some degree beneficial; but a fatalprejudice clouds their eyes, andwhere they ought to see a feeling and kindfriend,theybeholdonlyadetestablemonster.'

"'That is indeed unfortunate; but if you are really blameless, cannot youundeceivethem?'

"'Iamabouttoundertakethattask;anditisonthataccountthatIfeelsomanyoverwhelmingterrors.Itenderlylovethesefriends;Ihave,unknowntothem,beenformanymonthsinthehabitsofdailykindnesstowardsthem;buttheybelievethatIwishtoinjurethem,anditisthatprejudicewhichIwishtoovercome.'

"'Wheredothesefriendsreside?'

"'Nearthisspot.'

"Theoldmanpaused,andthencontinued,'Ifyouwillunreservedlyconfidetome the particulars of your tale, I perhaps may be of use in undeceivingthem. I am blind, and cannot judge of your countenance, but there issomethinginyourwords,whichpersuadesmethatyouaresincere.Iampoor,andanexile;butitwillaffordmetruepleasuretobeinanywayserviceabletoahumancreature.'

"'Excellentman!Ithankyou,andacceptyourgenerousoffer.Youraisemefrom the dust by this kindness; and I trust that, by your aid, I shall not bedrivenfromthesocietyandsympathyofyourfellow-creatures.'

"'Heavenforbid!evenifyouwerereallycriminal;forthatcanonlydriveyoutodesperation,andnotinstigateyoutovirtue.Ialsoamunfortunate;Iandmyfamilyhavebeencondemned,althoughinnocent:judge,therefore,ifIdonotfeelforyourmisfortunes.'

"'HowcanIthankyou,mybestandonlybenefactor?Fromyourlipsfirst

have I heard the voice of kindness directed towardsme; I shall be for evergrateful;andyourpresenthumanityassuresmeofsuccesswiththosefriendswhomIamonthepointofmeeting.'

"'MayIknowthenamesandresidenceofthosefriends?'

"Ipaused.This,Ithought,wasthemomentofdecision,whichwastorobme of, or bestow happiness onme for ever. I struggled vainly for firmnesssufficienttoanswerhim,buttheeffortdestroyedallmyremainingstrength;Isankonthechair,andsobbedaloud.AtthatmomentIheardthestepsofmyyoungerprotectors.Ihadnotamomenttolose;but,seizingthehandoftheoldman,Icried,'Nowisthetime!—saveandprotectme!YouandyourfamilyarethefriendswhomIseek.Donotyoudesertmeinthehouroftrial!'

"'GreatGod!'exclaimedtheoldman,'whoareyou?'

"Atthatinstantthecottagedoorwasopened,andFelix,Safie,andAgathaentered.Who can describe their horror and consternation on beholdingme?Agatha fainted; and Safie, unable to attend to her friend, rushed out of thecottage. Felix darted forward, andwith supernatural force toreme from hisfather, to whose knees I clung: in a transport of fury, he dashedme to theground,andstruckmeviolentlywithastick.Icouldhavetornhimlimbfromlimb,asthelionrendstheantelope.Butmyheartsunkwithinmeaswithbittersickness,andIrefrained.Isawhimonthepointofrepeatinghisblow,when,overcomebypainandanguish,Iquittedthecottage,andinthegeneraltumultescapedunperceivedtomyhovel."

CHAPTERXVI.

"Cursed, cursed creator!Why did I live?Why, in that instant, did I notextinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed? Iknownot;despairhadnotyettakenpossessionofme;myfeelingswerethoseofrageandrevenge.Icouldwithpleasurehavedestroyedthecottageanditsinhabitants,andhavegluttedmyselfwiththeirshrieksandmisery.

"Whennight came, I quittedmy retreat, andwandered in thewood; andnow,nolongerrestrainedbythefearofdiscovery,Igaveventtomyanguishin fearful howlings. I was like a wild beast that had broken the toils;destroyingtheobjectsthatobstructedme,andrangingthroughthewoodwithastag-likeswiftness.O!whatamiserablenightIpassed!thecoldstarsshoneinmockery,andthebaretreeswavedtheirbranchesaboveme:nowandthenthesweetvoiceofabirdburstforthamidsttheuniversalstillness.All,saveI,wereatrestorinenjoyment:I,likethearch-fiend,boreahellwithinme;and,

findingmyselfunsympathisedwith,wishedtotearupthetrees,spreadhavocanddestructionaroundme,andthentohavesatdownandenjoyedtheruin.

"But this was a luxury of sensation that could not endure; I becamefatiguedwithexcessofbodilyexertion,andsankonthedampgrassinthesickimpotenceofdespair.Therewasnoneamongthemyriadsofmenthatexistedwhowouldpityorassistme;andshouldIfeelkindnesstowardsmyenemies?No: from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and,more than all, against him who had formed me, and sent me forth to thisinsupportablemisery.

"Thesunrose;Iheardthevoicesofmen,andknewthatitwasimpossibletoreturntomyretreatduringthatday.AccordinglyIhidmyselfinsomethickunderwood, determining to devote the ensuing hours to reflection on mysituation.

"The pleasant sunshine, and the pure air of day, restored me to somedegreeoftranquillity;andwhenIconsideredwhathadpassedatthecottage,Icould not help believing that I had been too hasty inmy conclusions. I hadcertainly acted imprudently. It was apparent that my conversation hadinterested the father in my behalf, and I was a fool in having exposed myperson to thehorrorof his children. I ought tohave familiarised theoldDeLacey to me, and by degrees to have discovered myself to the rest of hisfamily,whentheyshouldhavebeenpreparedformyapproach.ButIdidnotbelievemyerrorstobeirretrievable;and,aftermuchconsideration,Iresolvedtoreturntothecottage,seektheoldman,andbymyrepresentationswinhimtomyparty.

"These thoughts calmedme, and in the afternoon I sank into a profoundsleep;but the feverofmyblooddidnot allowme tobevisitedbypeacefuldreams.Thehorriblesceneoftheprecedingdaywasforeveractingbeforemyeyes; the females were flying, and the enraged Felix tearing me from hisfather'sfeet.Iawokeexhausted;and,findingthatitwasalreadynight,Icreptforthfrommyhiding-place,andwentinsearchoffood.

"Whenmy hunger was appeased, I directedmy steps towards the well-knownpaththatconductedtothecottage.Alltherewasatpeace.Icreptintomyhovel,andremainedinsilentexpectationoftheaccustomedhourwhenthefamilyarose.Thathourpassed,thesunmountedhighintheheavens,butthecottagers did not appear. I trembled violently, apprehending some dreadfulmisfortune. The inside of the cottage was dark, and I heard no motion; Icannotdescribetheagonyofthissuspense.

"Presentlytwocountrymenpassedby;but,pausingnear thecottage, theyentered into conversation, using violent gesticulations; but I did notunderstandwhat theysaid,as theyspoke the languageof thecountry,which

differed from that of my protectors. Soon after, however, Felix approachedwith another man: I was surprised, as I knew that he had not quitted thecottagethatmorning,andwaitedanxiouslytodiscover,fromhisdiscourse,themeaningoftheseunusualappearances.

"'Doyouconsider,'saidhiscompaniontohim,'thatyouwillbeobligedtopaythreemonths'rent,andtolosetheproduceofyourgarden?Idonotwishtotakeanyunfairadvantage,andIbegthereforethatyouwilltakesomedaystoconsiderofyourdetermination.'

"'It is utterly useless,' replied Felix; 'we can never again inhabit yourcottage.Thelifeofmyfatherisinthegreatestdanger,owingtothedreadfulcircumstance that I have related.Mywife andmy sister will never recovertheirhorror.Ientreatyounottoreasonwithmeanymore.Takepossessionofyourtenement,andletmeflyfromthisplace.'

"Felixtrembledviolentlyashesaidthis.Heandhiscompanionenteredthecottage,inwhichtheyremainedforafewminutes,andthendeparted.IneversawanyofthefamilyofDeLaceymore.

"Icontinuedfortheremainderofthedayinmyhovelinastateofutterandstupiddespair.Myprotectorshaddeparted,andhadbrokentheonlylinkthatheldme to the world. For the first time the feelings of revenge and hatredfilledmybosom,andIdidnotstrivetocontrolthem;but,allowingmyselftobeborneawaybythestream,Ibentmymindtowardsinjuryanddeath.WhenI thought ofmy friends, of themild voice of De Lacey, the gentle eyes ofAgatha,andtheexquisitebeautyoftheArabian,thesethoughtsvanished,andagushof tears somewhat soothedme.But again,when I reflected that theyhadspurnedanddesertedme,angerreturned,arageofanger;and,unabletoinjureanythinghuman,Iturnedmyfurytowardsinanimateobjects.Asnightadvanced, I placed a variety of combustibles around the cottage; and, afterhaving destroyed every vestige of cultivation in the garden, I waited withforcedimpatienceuntilthemoonhadsunktocommencemyoperations.

"Asthenightadvanced,afiercewindarosefromthewoods,andquicklydispersedthecloudsthathadloiteredintheheavens:theblasttorealonglikeamightyavalanche,andproducedakindofinsanityinmyspirits,thatburstallboundsofreasonandreflection.Ilightedthedrybranchofatree,anddancedwith fury around the devoted cottage, my eyes still fixed on the westernhorizon,theedgeofwhichthemoonnearlytouched.Apartofitsorbwasatlengthhid,andIwavedmybrand;itsunk,and,withaloudscream,Ifiredthestraw,andheath,andbushes,whichIhadcollected.Thewindfannedthefire,and thecottagewasquicklyenvelopedby theflames,whichclung to it,andlickeditwiththeirforkedanddestroyingtongues.

"AssoonasIwasconvincedthatnoassistancecouldsaveanypartofthe

habitation,Iquittedthescene,andsoughtforrefugeinthewoods.

"Andnow,with theworldbeforeme,whither should Ibendmysteps? Iresolved to fly far from the scene ofmymisfortunes; but tome, hated anddespised,everycountrymustbeequallyhorrible.Atlengththethoughtofyoucrossedmymind. I learned from your papers that youweremy father,mycreator; and towhomcould I applywithmore fitness than to himwho hadgiven me life? Among the lessons that Felix had bestowed upon Safie,geography had not been omitted: I had learned from these the relativesituationsofthedifferentcountriesoftheearth.YouhadmentionedGenevaasthenameofyournativetown;andtowardsthisplaceIresolvedtoproceed.

"But howwas I to direct myself? I knew that I must travel in a south-westerlydirectiontoreachmydestination;but thesunwasmyonlyguide.Ididnotknowthenamesof thetownsthatIwastopass through,norcouldIask information fromasinglehumanbeing;but Ididnotdespair.Fromyouonly could Ihope for succour, although towardsyou I felt no sentimentbutthat of hatred. Unfeeling, heartless creator! you had endowed me withperceptionsandpassions,andthencastmeabroadanobjectforthescornandhorrorofmankind.ButonyouonlyhadIanyclaimforpityandredress,andfromyou I determined to seek that justicewhich I vainly attempted to gainfromanyotherbeingthatworethehumanform.

"Mytravelswerelong,andthesufferingsIenduredintense.ItwaslateinautumnwhenIquittedthedistrictwhereIhadsolongresided.Itravelledonlyatnight,fearfulofencounteringthevisageofahumanbeing.Naturedecayedaroundme, and the sun became heatless; rain and snowpoured aroundme;mighty rivers were frozen; the surface of the earthwas hard and chill, andbare,andIfoundnoshelter.Oh,earth!howoftendidIimprecatecursesonthecauseofmybeing!Themildnessofmynaturehadfled,andallwithinmewasturnedtogallandbitterness.ThenearerIapproachedtoyourhabitation, themoredeeplydidIfeelthespiritofrevengeenkindledinmyheart.Snowfell,andthewaterswerehardened;butIrestednot.Afewincidentsnowandthendirectedme,andIpossessedamapofthecountry;butIoftenwanderedwidefrommypath.Theagonyofmyfeelingsallowedmenorespite:no incidentoccurred from which my rage and misery could not extract its food; but acircumstance that happened when I arrived on the confines of Switzerland,when the sun had recovered its warmth, and the earth again began to lookgreen, confirmed in an especial manner the bitterness and horror of myfeelings.

"Igenerallyrestedduringtheday,andtravelledonlywhenIwassecuredbynightfromtheviewofman.Onemorning,however,findingthatmypathlaythroughadeepwood,Iventuredtocontinuemyjourneyafterthesunhadrisen; theday,whichwasoneof the firstof spring,cheeredevenmeby the

loveliness of its sunshine and the balminess of the air. I felt emotions ofgentlenessandpleasure,thathadlongappeareddead,revivewithinme.Halfsurprised by the novelty of these sensations, I allowed myself to be borneawaybythem;and,forgettingmysolitudeanddeformity,daredtobehappy.Soft tearsagainbedewedmycheeks,and Ievenraisedmyhumideyeswiththankfulnesstowardstheblessedsunwhichbestowedsuchjoyuponme.

"I continued to wind among the paths of the wood, until I came to itsboundary,whichwasskirtedbyadeepandrapidriver,intowhichmanyofthetreesbent theirbranches,nowbuddingwith the freshspring.Here Ipaused,notexactlyknowingwhatpath topursue,whenIheard thesoundofvoices,thatinducedmetoconcealmyselfundertheshadeofacypress.Iwasscarcelyhid,whenayounggirlcamerunningtowardsthespotwhereIwasconcealed,laughing,asifsheranfromsomeoneinsport.Shecontinuedhercoursealongthe precipitous sides of the river,when suddenly her foot slipt, and she fellintotherapidstream.Irushedfrommyhiding-place;and,withextremelabourfrom the forceof the current, savedher, anddraggedher to shore.Shewassenseless; and I endeavoured, by every means in my power, to restoreanimation,whenIwassuddenlyinterruptedbytheapproachofarustic,whowasprobablythepersonfromwhomshehadplayfullyfled.Onseeingme,hedarted towardsme,and tearing thegirl frommyarms,hastened towards thedeeperpartsof thewood. I followedspeedily, Ihardlyknewwhy;butwhenthemansawmedrawnear,heaimedagun,whichhecarried,atmybody,andfired.Isunktotheground,andmyinjurer,withincreasedswiftness,escapedintothewood.

"Thiswasthentherewardofmybenevolence!Ihadsavedahumanbeingfrom destruction, and, as a recompense, I nowwrithed under themiserablepainofawound,whichshatteredthefleshandbone.Thefeelingsofkindnessandgentleness,whichIhadentertainedbutafewmomentsbefore,gaveplacetohellishrageandgnashingofteeth.Inflamedbypain,Ivowedeternalhatredandvengeancetoallmankind.Buttheagonyofmywoundovercameme;mypulsespaused,andIfainted.

"ForsomeweeksIledamiserablelifeinthewoods,endeavouringtocurethe wound which I had received. The ball had entered my shoulder, and Iknewnotwhetherithadremainedthereorpassedthrough;atanyrateIhadnomeansofextractingit.Mysufferingswereaugmentedalsobytheoppressivesenseoftheinjusticeandingratitudeoftheirinfliction.Mydailyvowsroseforrevenge—adeepanddeadlyrevenge,suchaswouldalonecompensatefortheoutragesandanguishIhadendured.

"After someweeksmywound healed, and I continuedmy journey. ThelaboursIenduredwerenolongertobealleviatedbythebrightsunorgentlebreezesofspring;alljoywasbutamockery,whichinsultedmydesolatestate,

andmademe feelmore painfully that Iwas notmade for the enjoyment ofpleasure.

"Butmytoilsnowdrewnearaclose;and,intwomonthsfromthistime,IreachedtheenvironsofGeneva.

"ItwaseveningwhenIarrived,andIretiredtoahiding-placeamongthefieldsthatsurroundit,tomeditateinwhatmannerIshouldapplytoyou.Iwasoppressed by fatigue and hunger, and far too unhappy to enjoy the gentlebreezesofevening,or theprospectof the sun settingbehind the stupendousmountainsofJura.

"Atthistimeaslightsleeprelievedmefromthepainofreflection,whichwasdisturbedbytheapproachofabeautifulchild,whocamerunningintotherecessIhadchosen,withallthesportivenessofinfancy.Suddenly,asIgazedonhim,anideaseizedme,thatthislittlecreaturewasunprejudiced,andhadlived too short a time tohave imbibedahorrorofdeformity. If, therefore, Icouldseizehim,andeducatehimasmycompanionandfriend,Ishouldnotbesodesolateinthispeopledearth.

"Urgedby this impulse, I seizedon theboyashepassed, anddrewhimtowardsme.As soon as hebeheldmy form, heplacedhis handsbefore hiseyes,andutteredashrillscream:Idrewhishandforciblyfromhisface,andsaid,'Child,whatisthemeaningofthis?Idonotintendtohurtyou;listentome.'

"Hestruggledviolently. 'Letmego,'hecried; 'monster!uglywretch!youwishtoeatme,andtearmetopieces—Youareanogre—Letmego,orIwilltellmypapa.'

"'Boy,youwillneverseeyourfatheragain;youmustcomewithme.'

"'Hideousmonster!letmego.MypapaisaSyndic—heisM.Frankenstein—hewillpunishyou.Youdarenotkeepme.'

"'Frankenstein! you belong then tomy enemy—to him towards whom Ihavesworneternalrevenge;youshallbemyfirstvictim.'

"The child still struggled, and loaded me with epithets which carrieddespair tomyheart; Igraspedhis throat tosilencehim,and inamomenthelaydeadatmyfeet.

"Igazedonmyvictim,andmyheart swelledwithexultationandhellishtriumph: clappingmy hands, I exclaimed, 'I, too, can create desolation;myenemyisnotinvulnerable;thisdeathwillcarrydespairtohim,andathousandothermiseriesshalltormentanddestroyhim.'

"AsIfixedmyeyesonthechild,Isawsomethingglitteringonhisbreast.Itookit;itwasaportraitofamostlovelywoman.Inspiteofmymalignity,it

softenedandattractedme.ForafewmomentsIgazedwithdelightonherdarkeyes, fringed by deep lashes, and her lovely lips; but presently my ragereturned:IrememberedthatIwasforeverdeprivedofthedelightsthatsuchbeautiful creatures could bestow; and that she whose resemblance Icontemplated would, in regarding me, have changed that air of divinebenignitytooneexpressiveofdisgustandaffright.

"Can you wonder that such thoughts transported me with rage? I onlywonderthatatthatmoment,insteadofventingmysensationsinexclamationsandagony,Ididnotrushamongmankind,andperishintheattempttodestroythem.

"While I was overcome by these feelings, I left the spot where I hadcommittedthemurder,andseekingamoresecludedhiding-place,Ienteredabarnwhichhadappearedtometobeempty.Awomanwassleepingonsomestraw;shewasyoung:notindeedsobeautifulasherwhoseportraitIheld;butof an agreeable aspect, and blooming in the loveliness of youth and health.Here,I thought, isoneof thosewhosejoy-impartingsmilesarebestowedonallbutme.AndthenIbentoverher,andwhispered'Awake,fairest,thyloverisnear—hewhowouldgivehislifebuttoobtainonelookofaffectionfromthineeyes:mybeloved,awake!'

"The sleeper stirred; a thrill of terror ran throughme.Should she indeedawake, and seeme, and curseme, anddenounce themurderer?Thuswouldshe assuredly act, if her darkened eyes opened, and she beheld me. Thethought was madness; it stirred the fiend within me—not I, but she shallsuffer:themurderIhavecommittedbecauseIamforeverrobbedofallthatshecouldgiveme,sheshallatone.Thecrimehaditssourceinher:behersthepunishment!ThankstothelessonsofFelixandthesanguinarylawsofman,Ihad learned now to workmischief. I bent over her, and placed the portraitsecurelyinoneofthefoldsofherdress.Shemovedagain,andIfled.

"For some days I haunted the spot where these scenes had taken place;sometimeswishing to seeyou, sometimes resolved toquit theworldand itsmiseries for ever. At length I wandered towards thesemountains, and haverangedthroughtheirimmenserecesses,consumedbyaburningpassionwhichyou alone can gratify.Wemay not part until you have promised to complywithmy requisition. I amalone, andmiserable;manwill not associatewithme;butoneasdeformedandhorribleasmyselfwouldnotdenyherselftome.Mycompanionmustbeofthesamespecies,andhavethesamedefects.Thisbeingyoumustcreate."

CHAPTERXVII.

Thebeingfinishedspeaking,andfixedhislooksuponmeinexpectationofa reply. But I was bewildered, perplexed, and unable to arrange my ideassufficientlytounderstandthefullextentofhisproposition.Hecontinued—

"Youmustcreateafemaleforme,withwhomIcanliveintheinterchangeof those sympathies necessary for my being. This you alone can do; and Idemanditofyouasarightwhichyoumustnotrefusetoconcede."

Thelatterpartofhistalehadkindledanewinmetheangerthathaddiedawaywhilehenarratedhispeacefullifeamongthecottagers,and,ashesaidthis,Icouldnolongersuppresstheragethatburnedwithinme.

"Idorefuseit,"Ireplied;"andnotortureshalleverextortaconsentfromme.Youmayrendermethemostmiserableofmen,butyoushallnevermakeme base in my own eyes. Shall I create another like yourself, whose jointwickednessmightdesolatetheworld.Begone!Ihaveansweredyou;youmaytortureme,butIwillneverconsent."

"Youareinthewrong,"repliedthefiend;"and,insteadofthreatening,Iamcontenttoreasonwithyou.IammaliciousbecauseIammiserable.AmInotshunnedandhatedbyallmankind?You,mycreator,wouldtearmetopieces,andtriumph;rememberthat,andtellmewhyIshouldpitymanmorethanhepitiesme?Youwouldnotcallitmurder,ifyoucouldprecipitatemeintooneofthoseice-rifts,anddestroymyframe,theworkofyourownhands.ShallIrespectman,whenhecontemnsme?Lethimlivewithmeintheinterchangeof kindness; and, instead of injury, Iwould bestow every benefit upon himwithtearsofgratitudeathisacceptance.Butthatcannotbe;thehumansensesareinsurmountablebarrierstoourunion.Yetmineshallnotbethesubmissionof abject slavery. Iwill revengemy injuries: if I cannot inspire love, Iwillcausefear;andchieflytowardsyoumyarch-enemy,becausemycreator,doIswear inextinguishable hatred.Have a care: Iwillwork at your destruction,norfinishuntilIdesolateyourheart,sothatyoushallcursethehourofyourbirth."

A fiendish rageanimatedhimashe said this;his facewaswrinkled intocontortions too horrible for human eyes to behold; but presently he calmedhimselfandproceeded—

"I intended to reason. This passion is detrimental tome; for you do notreflect that you are the cause of its excess. If any being felt emotions ofbenevolence towards me, I should return them an hundred and an hundredfold;forthatonecreature'ssake,Iwouldmakepeacewiththewholekind!ButInowindulgeindreamsofblissthatcannotberealised.WhatIaskofyouisreasonableandmoderate;Idemandacreatureofanothersex,butashideousasmyself; the gratification is small, but it is all that I can receive, and it shall

contentme.Itistrue,weshallbemonsters,cutofffromalltheworld;butonthataccountweshallbemoreattached tooneanother.Our liveswillnotbehappy,buttheywillbeharmless,andfreefromthemiseryInowfeel.Oh!mycreator,makemehappy;letmefeelgratitudetowardsyouforonebenefit!LetmeseethatIexcitethesympathyofsomeexistingthing;donotdenymemyrequest!"

Iwasmoved.IshudderedwhenIthoughtofthepossibleconsequencesofmyconsent;butIfeltthattherewassomejusticeinhisargument.Histale,andthefeelingshenowexpressed,provedhimtobeacreatureoffinesensations;anddidInotashismaker,owehimalltheportionofhappinessthatitwasinmypowertobestow?Hesawmychangeoffeeling,andcontinued—

"Ifyouconsent,neitheryounoranyotherhumanbeingshalleverseeusagain: Iwill go to the vastwilds of SouthAmerica.My food is not that ofman; I do not destroy the lamb and the kid to glutmy appetite; acorns andberriesaffordmesufficientnourishment.Mycompanionwillbeof thesamenatureasmyself,andwillbecontentwith thesamefare.Weshallmakeourbed of dried leaves; the sunwill shine on us as onman, andwill ripen ourfood.ThepictureIpresent toyouispeacefulandhuman,andyoumustfeelthatyoucoulddenyitonlyinthewantonnessofpowerandcruelty.Pitilessasyouhavebeentowardsme,Inowseecompassioninyoureyes; letmeseizethe favourable moment, and persuade you to promise what I so ardentlydesire."

"Youpropose," repliedI,"to fly fromthehabitationsofman, todwell inthosewildswherethebeastsofthefieldwillbeyouronlycompanions.Howcanyou,wholongfortheloveandsympathyofman,persevereinthisexile?Youwill return, andagain seek theirkindness, andyouwillmeetwith theirdetestation; your evil passions will be renewed, and you will then have acompanion to aid you in the task of destruction. Thismay not be: cease toarguethepoint,forIcannotconsent."

"Howinconstantareyourfeelings!butamomentagoyouweremovedbymyrepresentations,andwhydoyouagainhardenyourselftomycomplaints?Iswear toyou,by theearthwhichI inhabit,andbyyou thatmademe, that,with the companion you bestow, Iwill quit the neighbourhood ofman, anddwell as itmaychance, in themost savageofplaces.Myevilpassionswillhavefled,forIshallmeetwithsympathy!mylifewillflowquietlyaway,and,inmydyingmoments,Ishallnotcursemymaker."

His words had a strange effect upon me. I compassionated him, andsometimes felt awish to consolehim;butwhen I lookeduponhim,when Isawthefilthymassthatmovedandtalked,myheartsickened,andmyfeelingswerealteredto thoseofhorrorandhatred.I tried tostifle thesesensations;I

thought, thatas I couldnot sympathisewithhim, Ihadno right towithholdfrom him the small portion of happiness which was yet in my power tobestow.

"You swear," I said, "to be harmless; but have you not already shown adegreeofmalicethatshouldreasonablymakemedistrustyou?Maynoteventhisbeafeint thatwill increaseyourtriumphbyaffordingawiderscopeforyourrevenge."

"Howisthis?Imustnotbetrifledwith:andIdemandananswer.IfIhaveno ties and no affections, hatred and vice must be my portion; the love ofanotherwill destroy the causeofmy crimes, and I shall becomea thing, ofwhose existence every onewill be ignorant.My vices are the children of aforcedsolitudethatIabhor;andmyvirtueswillnecessarilyarisewhenIlivein communionwith an equal. I shall feel the affectionsof a sensitivebeing,andbecomelinkedtothechainofexistenceandevents,fromwhichIamnowexcluded."

I paused some time to reflect on all he had related, and the variousargumentswhichhehademployed.Ithoughtofthepromiseofvirtueswhichhehaddisplayedontheopeningofhisexistence,andthesubsequentblightofall kindly feeling by the loathing and scorn which his protectors hadmanifested towards him. His power and threats were not omitted in mycalculations: a creaturewhocould exist in the ice-cavesof theglaciers, andhidehimself frompursuitamongtheridgesof inaccessibleprecipices,wasabeingpossessingfacultiesitwouldbevaintocopewith.Afteralongpauseofreflection, I concluded that the justice due both to him and my fellow-creaturesdemandedofme that I shouldcomplywithhis request.Turning tohim,therefore,Isaid—

"Iconsent toyourdemand,onyoursolemnoath toquitEurope forever,andeveryotherplaceintheneighbourhoodofman,assoonasIshalldeliverintoyourhandsafemalewhowillaccompanyyouinyourexile."

"Iswear,"hecried,"bythesun,andbytheblueskyofHeaven,andbythefireoflovethatburnsmyheart,thatifyougrantmyprayer,whiletheyexistyoushallneverbeholdmeagain.Depart toyourhome,andcommenceyourlabours:Ishallwatchtheirprogresswithunutterableanxiety;andfearnotbutthatwhenyouarereadyIshallappear."

Sayingthis,hesuddenlyquittedme,fearful,perhaps,ofanychangeinmysentiments.Isawhimdescendthemountainwithgreaterspeedthantheflightofaneagle,andquicklylostamongtheundulationsoftheseaofice.

Histalehadoccupiedthewholeday;andthesunwasuponthevergeofthehorizonwhenhedeparted.IknewthatIoughttohastenmydescenttowards

the valley, as I should soon be encompassed in darkness; butmy heartwasheavy,andmystepsslow.Thelabourofwindingamongthelittlepathsofthemountains,andfixingmyfeetfirmlyasIadvanced,perplexedme,occupiedasIwasbytheemotionswhichtheoccurrencesofthedayhadproduced.Nightwas far advanced, when I came to the half-way resting-place, and seatedmyselfbesidethefountain.Thestarsshoneat intervals,asthecloudspassedfrom over them; the dark pines rose beforeme, and every here and there abroken tree lay on the ground: it was a scene of wonderful solemnity, andstirredstrangethoughtswithinme.Iweptbitterly;andclaspingmyhandsinagony,Iexclaimed,"Oh!starsandclouds,andwinds,yeareallabouttomockme: if ye really pity me, crush sensation and memory; let me become asnought;butifnot,depart,depart,andleavemeindarkness."

Thesewerewildandmiserablethoughts;butIcannotdescribetoyouhowthe eternal twinkling of the stars weighed upon me, and how I listened toeveryblastofwind,asifitwereadulluglysiroconitswaytoconsumeme.

Morningdawnedbefore Iarrivedat thevillageofChamounix; I tooknorest,butreturnedimmediatelytoGeneva.EveninmyownheartIcouldgiveno expression to my sensations—they weighed on me with a mountain'sweight, and their excessdestroyedmyagonybeneath them.Thus I returnedhome,andenteringthehouse,presentedmyselftothefamily.Myhaggardandwildappearanceawokeintensealarm;butIanswerednoquestion,scarcelydidI speak. I feltas if Iwereplacedunderaban—as if Ihadno right toclaimtheirsympathies—as ifnevermoremight Ienjoycompanionshipwith them.Yet even thus I loved them to adoration; and to save them, I resolved todedicatemyselftomymostabhorredtask.Theprospectofsuchanoccupationmadeeveryothercircumstanceofexistencepassbeforemelikeadream;andthatthoughtonlyhadtometherealityoflife.

CHAPTERXVIII.

Dayafterday,weekafterweek,passedawayonmyreturntoGeneva;andI could not collect the courage to recommence my work. I feared thevengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome myrepugnance to the task which was enjoined me. I found that I could notcompose a femalewithout againdevoting severalmonths to profound studyandlaboriousdisquisition.Ihadheardofsomediscoverieshavingbeenmadeby an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to mysuccess, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father's consent to visitEngland for thispurpose;but Iclung toeverypretenceofdelay,andshrunk

fromtakingthefirststepinanundertakingwhoseimmediatenecessitybeganto appear less absolute tome.A change indeed had taken place inme:myhealth,whichhadhithertodeclined,wasnowmuchrestored;andmyspirits,whenuncheckedbythememoryofmyunhappypromise,roseproportionably.Myfathersawthischangewithpleasure,andheturnedhisthoughtstowardsthe bestmethod of eradicating the remains ofmymelancholy, which everynowand thenwould returnby fits, andwithadevouringblacknessovercasttheapproachingsunshine.AtthesemomentsItookrefugeinthemostperfectsolitude. Ipassedwholedayson the lakealone ina littleboat,watching theclouds,and listening to the ripplingof thewaves, silentand listless.But thefresh air and bright sun seldom failed to restore me to some degree ofcomposure; and, on my return, I met the salutations of my friends with areadiersmileandamorecheerfulheart.

Itwasaftermyreturnfromoneoftheserambles,thatmyfather,callingmeaside,thusaddressedme:—

"Iamhappytoremark,mydearson, thatyouhaveresumedyourformerpleasures,andseemtobereturningtoyourself.Andyetyouarestillunhappy,and still avoid our society. For some time Iwas lost in conjecture as to thecause of this; but yesterday an idea struckme, and if it is well founded, Iconjureyoutoavowit.Reserveonsuchapointwouldbenotonlyuseless,butdrawdowntreblemiseryonusall."

Itrembledviolentlyathisexordium,andmyfathercontinued—

"I confess,my son, that I have always looked forward to yourmarriagewithourdearElizabethasthetieofourdomesticcomfort,andthestayofmydecliningyears.Youwereattached toeachother fromyourearliest infancy;youstudied together,andappeared, indispositionsand tastes,entirelysuitedtooneanother.Butsoblindistheexperienceofman,thatwhatIconceivedtobethebestassistantstomyplan,mayhaveentirelydestroyedit.You,perhaps,regardherasyoursister,withoutanywishthatshemightbecomeyourwife.Nay,youmayhavemetwithanotherwhomyoumay love;and,consideringyourself as bound in honour to Elizabeth, this struggle may occasion thepoignantmiserywhichyouappeartofeel."

"Mydearfather,reassureyourself.Ilovemycousintenderlyandsincerely.I never saw any woman who excited, as Elizabeth does, my warmestadmirationandaffection.Myfuturehopesandprospectsareentirelyboundupintheexpectationofourunion."

"Theexpressionofyoursentimentsof thissubject,mydearVictor,givesmemorepleasurethanIhaveforsometimeexperienced.Ifyoufeelthus,weshallassuredlybehappy,howeverpresenteventsmaycastagloomoverus.Butitisthisgloomwhichappearstohavetakensostrongaholdofyourmind,

thatIwishtodissipate.Tellme,therefore,whetheryouobjecttoanimmediatesolemnisation of themarriage.Wehave been unfortunate, and recent eventshave drawn us from that every-day tranquillity befitting my years andinfirmities.Youareyounger;yetIdonotsuppose,possessedasyouareofacompetentfortune,thatanearlymarriagewouldatallinterferewithanyfutureplans of honour and utility that you may have formed. Do not suppose,however,thatIwishtodictatehappinesstoyou,orthatadelayonyourpartwouldcausemeanyseriousuneasiness.Interpretmywordswithcandour,andanswerme,Iconjureyou,withconfidenceandsincerity."

Ilistenedtomyfatherinsilence,andremainedforsometimeincapableofofferinganyreply.Irevolvedrapidlyinmymindamultitudeofthoughts,andendeavoured to arrive at some conclusion. Alas! to me the idea of animmediate union with my Elizabeth was one of horror and dismay. I wasboundbyasolemnpromise,whichIhadnotyetfulfilled,anddarednotbreak;or,ifIdid,whatmanifoldmiseriesmightnotimpendovermeandmydevotedfamily!CouldIenterintoafestivalwiththisdeadlyweightyethangingroundmyneck,andbowingmetotheground.Imustperformmyengagement,andlet the monster depart with his mate, before I allowed myself to enjoy thedelightofanunionfromwhichIexpectedpeace.

IrememberedalsothenecessityimposeduponmeofeitherjourneyingtoEngland, or entering into a long correspondencewith those philosophers ofthat country,whoseknowledgeanddiscoverieswereof indispensableuse tome in my present undertaking. The latter method of obtaining the desiredintelligencewasdilatoryandunsatisfactory:besides,Ihadaninsurmountableaversion to the ideaofengagingmyself inmy loathsome task inmyfather'shouse,whileinhabitsoffamiliarintercoursewiththoseIloved.Iknewthatathousandfearfulaccidentsmightoccur,theslightestofwhichwoulddiscloseataletothrillallconnectedwithmewithhorror.IwasawarealsothatIshouldoften lose all self-command, all capacity of hiding the harrowing sensationsthatwouldpossessmeduringtheprogressofmyunearthlyoccupation.Imustabsent myself from all I loved while thus employed. Once commenced, itwouldquicklybeachieved,andImightberestoredtomyfamilyinpeaceandhappiness.Mypromisefulfilled,themonsterwoulddepartforever.Or(somyfondfancyimaged)someaccidentmightmeanwhileoccurtodestroyhim,andputanendtomyslaveryforever.

Thesefeelingsdictatedmyanswertomyfather.IexpressedawishtovisitEngland;but,concealingthetruereasonsofthisrequest,Iclothedmydesiresunder a guisewhich excited no suspicion,while I urgedmy desirewith anearnestnessthateasilyinducedmyfathertocomply.Aftersolongaperiodofanabsorbingmelancholy,thatresembledmadnessinitsintensityandeffects,hewasgladtofindthatIwascapableoftakingpleasureintheideaofsucha

journey, and he hoped that change of scene and varied amusement would,beforemyreturn,haverestoredmeentirelytomyself.

Thedurationofmyabsencewaslefttomyownchoice;afewmonths,oratmostayear,wastheperiodcontemplated.Onepaternalkindprecautionhehadtaken toensuremyhavingacompanion.Withoutpreviouslycommunicatingwithme,hehad,inconcertwithElizabeth,arrangedthatClervalshouldjoinme at Strasburgh. This interfered with the solitude I coveted for theprosecutionofmytask;yetatthecommencementofmyjourneythepresenceofmyfriendcouldinnowaybeanimpediment,andtrulyIrejoicedthatthusIshould be saved many hours of lonely, maddening reflection. Nay, Henrymightstandbetweenmeandtheintrusionofmyfoe.IfIwerealone,wouldhenotattimesforcehisabhorredpresenceonme,toremindmeofmytask,ortocontemplateitsprogress?

ToEngland,therefore,Iwasbound,anditwasunderstoodthatmyunionwithElizabeth should takeplace immediatelyonmy return.My father's agerenderedhimextremelyaverse todelay.Formyself, therewasone reward Ipromisedmyselffrommydetestedtoils—oneconsolationformyunparalleledsufferings; it was the prospect of that day when, enfranchised from mymiserable slavery, Imight claimElizabeth, and forget the past inmy unionwithher.

I nowmade arrangements for my journey; but one feeling haunted me,whichfilledmewithfearandagitation.DuringmyabsenceIshouldleavemyfriendsunconsciousoftheexistenceoftheirenemy,andunprotectedfromhisattacks,exasperatedashemightbebymydeparture.ButhehadpromisedtofollowmewhereverImightgo;andwouldhenotaccompanymetoEngland?Thisimaginationwasdreadfulinitself,butsoothing,inasmuchasitsupposedthesafetyofmyfriends.Iwasagonisedwiththeideaofthepossibilitythatthereverseofthismighthappen.ButthroughthewholeperiodduringwhichIwastheslaveofmycreature,Iallowedmyselftobegovernedbytheimpulsesofthemoment;andmypresentsensationsstronglyintimatedthatthefiendwouldfollowme,andexemptmyfamilyfromthedangerofhismachinations.

ItwasinthelatterendofSeptemberthatIagainquittedmynativecountry.My journey had been my own suggestion, and Elizabeth, therefore,acquiesced:butshewasfilledwithdisquietattheideaofmysuffering,awayfromher,theinroadsofmiseryandgrief.Ithadbeenhercarewhichprovidedme a companion in Clerval—and yet a man is blind to a thousand minutecircumstances,whichcall forthawoman's sedulousattention.She longed tobidmehastenmyreturn,—athousandconflictingemotionsrenderedhermute,asshebademeatearfulsilentfarewell.

I threw myself into the carriage that was to convey me away, hardly

knowing whither I was going, and careless of what was passing around. Iremembered only, and it waswith a bitter anguish that I reflected on it, toorder thatmy chemical instruments should be packed to gowithme. Filledwith dreary imaginations, I passed through many beautiful and majesticscenes; butmy eyeswere fixed and unobserving. I could only think of thebourne of my travels, and the work which was to occupy me whilst theyendured.

Aftersomedaysspentinlistlessindolence,duringwhichItraversedmanyleagues,IarrivedatStrasburgh,whereIwaitedtwodaysforClerval.Hecame.Alas, how great was the contrast between us! He was alive to every newscene; joyfulwhen he saw the beauties of the setting sun, andmore happywhenhebehelditrise,andrecommenceanewday.Hepointedouttometheshiftingcoloursofthelandscape,andtheappearancesofthesky."Thisiswhatitistolive,"hecried,"nowIenjoyexistence!Butyou,mydearFrankenstein,wherefore are you desponding and sorrowful!" In truth, I was occupied bygloomy thoughts, and neither saw the descent of the evening star, nor thegolden sunrise reflected in the Rhine.—And you, my friend, would be farmoreamusedwith the journalofClerval,whoobserved thescenerywithaneyeof feelinganddelight, than in listening tomy reflections. I, amiserablewretch,hauntedbyacursethatshutupeveryavenuetoenjoyment.

We had agreed to descend the Rhine in a boat from Strasburgh toRotterdam,whencewemight takeshippingforLondon.During thisvoyage,wepassedmanywillowyislands,andsawseveralbeautifultowns.Westayeda day at Manheim, and, on the fifth from our departure from Strasburgh,arrivedatMayence.ThecourseoftheRhinebelowMayencebecomesmuchmore picturesque. The river descends rapidly, and winds between hills, nothigh,butsteep,andofbeautifulforms.Wesawmanyruinedcastlesstandingontheedgesofprecipices,surroundedbyblackwoods,highandinaccessible.Thispartof theRhine, indeed,presentsasingularlyvariegatedlandscape.Inone spot you view rugged hills, ruined castles overlooking tremendousprecipices,withthedarkRhinerushingbeneath;and,onthesuddenturnofapromontory, flourishing vineyards, with green sloping banks, and ameanderingriver,andpopuloustownsoccupythescene.

Wetravelledatthetimeofthevintage,andheardthesongofthelabourers,as we glided down the stream. Even I, depressed in mind, and my spiritscontinually agitated by gloomy feelings, even I was pleased. I lay at thebottomoftheboat,and,asIgazedonthecloudlessbluesky,Iseemedtodrinkin a tranquillity towhich I had long been a stranger.And if theseweremysensations, who can describe those of Henry? He felt as if he had beentransported toFairy-land,andenjoyedahappiness seldom tastedbyman. "Ihave seen," he said, "themost beautiful scenes ofmy own country; I have

visited the lakes of Lucerne and Uri, where the snowy mountains descendalmost perpendicularly to thewater, casting black and impenetrable shades,whichwould cause a gloomy andmournful appearance, were it not for themostverdantislandsthatrelievetheeyebytheirgayappearance;Ihaveseenthis lake agitatedbya tempest,when thewind toreupwhirlwindsofwater,andgaveyouanideaofwhatthewater-spoutmustbeonthegreatocean;andthewavesdashwith fury thebaseof themountain,where thepriestandhismistresswereoverwhelmedbyanavalanche,andwheretheirdyingvoicesarestill said to be heard amid the pauses of the nightly wind; I have seen themountainsofLaValais,andthePaysdeVaud:butthiscountry,Victor,pleasesme more than all those wonders. The mountains of Switzerland are moremajesticandstrange;butthereisacharminthebanksofthisdivineriver,thatI never before saw equalled. Look at that castle which overhangs yonprecipice;andthatalsoontheisland,almostconcealedamongstthefoliageofthoselovelytrees;andnowthatgroupoflabourerscomingfromamongtheirvines;and thatvillagehalfhid in therecessof themountain.Oh,surely, thespiritthatinhabitsandguardsthisplacehasasoulmoreinharmonywithman,than those who pile the glacier, or retire to the inaccessible peaks of themountainsofourowncountry."

Clerval!belovedfriend!evennowitdelightsmetorecordyourwords,andto dwell on the praise of which you are so eminently deserving. He was abeing formed in the "very poetry of nature." His wild and enthusiasticimaginationwaschastenedbythesensibilityofhisheart.Hissouloverflowedwith ardent affections, andhis friendshipwasof thatdevotedandwondrousnature that theworldly-minded teachus to look foronly in the imagination.Butevenhumansympathieswerenotsufficienttosatisfyhiseagermind.Thesceneryofexternalnature,whichothersregardonlywithadmiration,helovedwithardour:—

——"Thesoundingcataract

Hauntedhimlikeapassion:thetallrock,

Themountain,andthedeepandgloomywood,

Theircoloursandtheirforms,werethentohim

Anappetite;afeeling,andalove,

Thathadnoneedofaremotercharm,

Bythoughtsupplied,oranyinterest

Unborrow'dfromtheeye"

Andwheredoeshenowexist?Isthisgentleandlovelybeinglostforever?Has thismind, so repletewith ideas, imaginations fanciful andmagnificent,

whichformedaworld,whoseexistencedependedonthelifeofitscreator;—hasthismindperished?Doesitnowonlyexist inmymemory?No, it isnotthus;yourformsodivinelywrought,andbeamingwithbeauty,hasdecayed,butyourspiritstillvisitsandconsolesyourunhappyfriend.

Pardonthisgushofsorrow;theseineffectualwordsarebutaslighttributetotheunexampledworthofHenry,buttheysoothemyheart,overflowingwiththeanguishwhichhisremembrancecreates.Iwillproceedwithmytale.

BeyondColognewedescendedtotheplainsofHolland;andweresolvedtoposttheremainderofourway;forthewindwascontrary,andthestreamoftheriverwastoogentletoaidus.

Our journey here lost the interest arising frombeautiful scenery; butwearrivedinafewdaysatRotterdam,whenceweproceededbyseatoEngland.Itwasonaclearmorning,inthelatterdaysofDecember,thatIfirstsawthewhitecliffsofBritain.ThebanksoftheThamespresentedanewscene;theywereflat,butfertile,andalmosteverytownwasmarkedbytheremembranceof some story.We saw Tilbury Fort, and remembered the Spanish armada;Gravesend,Woolwich, andGreenwich, placeswhich I had heard of even inmycountry.

At lengthwe saw the numerous steeples of London, St. Paul's toweringaboveall,andtheTowerfamedinEnglishhistory.

CHAPTERXIX.

London was our present point of rest; we determined to remain severalmonthsinthiswonderfulandcelebratedcity.Clervaldesiredtheintercourseofthemenofgeniusandtalentwhoflourishedatthistime;butthiswaswithmeasecondaryobject;Iwasprincipallyoccupiedwiththemeansofobtainingtheinformationnecessaryforthecompletionofmypromise,andquicklyavailedmyselfofthelettersofintroductionthatIhadbroughtwithme,addressedtothemostdistinguishednaturalphilosophers.

If this journeyhadtakenplaceduringmydaysofstudyandhappiness, itwouldhave affordedme inexpressible pleasure.But a blight had comeovermyexistence,andIonlyvisitedthesepeoplefor thesakeof the informationthey might give me on the subject in which my interest was so terriblyprofound.Companywasirksometome;whenalone,Icouldfillmymindwiththe sights of heaven and earth; the voice ofHenry soothedme, and I couldthuscheatmyselfintoatransitorypeace.Butbusyuninterestingjoyousfacesbrought back despair to my heart. I saw an insurmountable barrier placed

between me and my fellow-men; this barrier was sealed with the blood ofWilliamandJustine;andtoreflectontheeventsconnectedwiththosenamesfilledmysoulwithanguish.

ButinClervalIsawtheimageofmyformerself;hewasinquisitive,andanxioustogainexperienceandinstruction.Thedifferenceofmannerswhichheobservedwastohimaninexhaustiblesourceofinstructionandamusement.Hewasalsopursuinganobjecthehad longhad inview.Hisdesignwas tovisitIndia,inthebeliefthathehadinhisknowledgeofitsvariouslanguages,andintheviewshehadtakenofitssociety,themeansofmateriallyassistingthe progress of European colonisation and trade. In Britain only could hefurthertheexecutionofhisplan.Hewasforeverbusy;andtheonlychecktohisenjoymentswasmysorrowfulanddejectedmind.Itriedtoconcealthisasmuchaspossible,thatImightnotdebarhimfromthepleasuresnaturaltoone,whowas entering on a new scene of life, undisturbed by any care or bitterrecollection.Ioftenrefusedtoaccompanyhim,alleginganotherengagement,thatImightremainalone.Inowalsobegantocollectthematerialsnecessaryformy new creation, and thiswas tome like the torture of single drops ofwatercontinuallyfallingonthehead.Everythoughtthatwasdevotedtoitwasanextremeanguish,andeveryword that Ispoke inallusion to itcausedmylipstoquiver,andmyhearttopalpitate.

AfterpassingsomemonthsinLondon,wereceivedaletterfromapersoninScotland,whohadformerlybeenourvisiteratGeneva.Hementionedthebeauties of his native country, and asked us if those were not sufficientallurementstoinduceustoprolongourjourneyasfarnorthasPerth,whereheresided. Clerval eagerly desired to accept this invitation; and I, although Iabhorred society, wished to view again mountains and streams, and all thewondrousworkswithwhichNatureadornsherchosendwelling-places.

We had arrived inEngland at the beginning ofOctober, and itwas nowFebruary.We accordingly determined to commenceour journey towards thenorthattheexpirationofanothermonth.InthisexpeditionwedidnotintendtofollowthegreatroadtoEdinburgh,buttovisitWindsor,Oxford,Matlock,and theCumberland lakes, resolving to arrive at the completionof this tourabouttheendofJuly.Ipackedupmychemicalinstruments,andthematerialsI had collected, resolving to finishmy labours in someobscure nook in thenorthernhighlandsofScotland.

We quitted London on the 27th of March, and remained a few days atWindsor, rambling in its beautiful forest. This was a new scene to usmountaineers;themajesticoaks,thequantityofgame,andtheherdsofstatelydeer,wereallnoveltiestous.

FromthenceweproceededtoOxford.Asweenteredthiscity,ourminds

werefilledwiththeremembranceoftheeventsthathadbeentransactedtheremorethanacenturyandahalfbefore.ItwasherethatCharlesI.hadcollectedhisforces.Thiscityhadremainedfaithfultohim,afterthewholenationhadforsakenhiscausetojointhestandardofparliamentandliberty.Thememoryof that unfortunate king, and his companions, the amiable Falkland, theinsolentGoring,hisqueen,andson,gaveapeculiar interest toeverypartofthecity,whichtheymightbesupposedtohaveinhabited.Thespiritofelderdays found a dwelling here, andwe delighted to trace its footsteps. If thesefeelingshadnot foundan imaginarygratification, theappearanceof thecityhadyet in itself sufficient beauty to obtainour admiration.The colleges areancientandpicturesque;thestreetsarealmostmagnificent;andthelovelyIsis,which flowsbeside it throughmeadowsofexquisiteverdure, is spread forthinto a placid expanse of waters, which reflects its majestic assemblage oftowers,andspires,anddomes,embosomedamongagedtrees.

I enjoyed this scene; and yetmy enjoymentwas embittered both by thememory of the past, and the anticipation of the future. I was formed forpeaceful happiness. During my youthful days discontent never visited mymind;and if Iwaseverovercomebyennui, thesightofwhat isbeautiful innature, or the study of what is excellent and sublime in the productions ofman,couldalwaysinterestmyheart,andcommunicateelasticitytomyspirits.But I am a blasted tree; the bolt has enteredmy soul; and I felt then that Ishouldsurvivetoexhibit,whatIshallsoonceasetobe—amiserablespectacleofwreckedhumanity,pitiabletoothers,andintolerabletomyself.

WepassedaconsiderableperiodatOxford,ramblingamongitsenvirons,and endeavouring to identify every spot which might relate to the mostanimatingepochofEnglishhistory.Ourlittlevoyagesofdiscoverywereoftenprolongedbythesuccessiveobjectsthatpresentedthemselves.WevisitedthetomboftheillustriousHampden,andthefieldonwhichthatpatriotfell.Foramoment my soul was elevated from its debasing and miserable fears, tocontemplatethedivineideasoflibertyandself-sacrifice,ofwhichthesesightswerethemonumentsandtheremembrancers.ForaninstantIdaredtoshakeoffmychains,andlookaroundmewithafreeandloftyspirit;buttheironhadeaten into my flesh, and I sank again, trembling and hopeless, into mymiserableself.

WeleftOxfordwithregret,andproceededtoMatlock,whichwasournextplaceofrest.Thecountryintheneighbourhoodofthisvillageresembled,toagreaterdegree,thesceneryofSwitzerland;buteverythingisonalowerscale,andthegreenhillswantthecrownofdistantwhiteAlps,whichalwaysattendon thepinymountainsofmynativecountry.Wevisited thewondrouscave,andthelittlecabinetsofnaturalhistory,wherethecuriositiesaredisposedinthe samemanner as in the collections at Servox andChamounix.The latter

namemademe tremble,whenpronouncedbyHenry; and I hastened toquitMatlock,withwhichthatterriblescenewasthusassociated.

From Derby, still journeying northward, we passed two months inCumberland andWestmorland. I could nowalmost fancymyself among theSwiss mountains. The little patches of snow which yet lingered on thenorthern sides of the mountains, the lakes, and the dashing of the rockystreams, were all familiar and dear sights to me. Here also wemade someacquaintances,whoalmostcontrivedtocheatmeintohappiness.Thedelightof Clerval was proportionably greater thanmine; hismind expanded in thecompanyofmenof talent,andhefoundinhisownnaturegreatercapacitiesandresourcesthanhecouldhaveimaginedhimselftohavepossessedwhileheassociatedwithhisinferiors."Icouldpassmylifehere,"saidhetome;"andamongthesemountainsIshouldscarcelyregretSwitzerlandandtheRhine."

Buthefoundthatatraveller'slifeisonethatincludesmuchpainamidstitsenjoyments.His feelings are for ever on the stretch; andwhen he begins tosink into repose, he finds himself obliged to quit that onwhich he rests inpleasureforsomethingnew,whichagainengageshisattention,andwhichalsoheforsakesforothernovelties.

WehadscarcelyvisitedthevariouslakesofCumberlandandWestmorland,andconceivedanaffectionforsomeoftheinhabitants,whentheperiodofourappointmentwithourScotchfriendapproached,andweleftthemtotravelon.FormyownpartIwasnotsorry.Ihadnowneglectedmypromiseforsometime,andIfearedtheeffectsofthedæmon'sdisappointment.HemightremaininSwitzerland, andwreakhisvengeanceonmy relatives.This ideapursuedme,and tormentedmeat everymoment fromwhich Imightotherwisehavesnatchedreposeandpeace.Iwaitedformyletterswithfeverishimpatience:iftheyweredelayed, Iwasmiserable, andovercomeby a thousand fears; andwhen theyarrived, and I saw the superscriptionofElizabethormy father, Ihardlydaredtoreadandascertainmyfate.SometimesIthoughtthatthefiendfollowedme,andmightexpeditemyremissnessbymurderingmycompanion.Whenthesethoughtspossessedme,IwouldnotquitHenryforamoment,butfollowed him as his shadow, to protect him from the fancied rage of hisdestroyer.IfeltasifIhadcommittedsomegreatcrime,theconsciousnessofwhich hauntedme. Iwas guiltless, but I had indeed drawn down a horriblecurseuponmyhead,asmortalasthatofcrime.

I visitedEdinburghwith languid eyes andmind; and yet that citymighthave interested themostunfortunatebeing.Clervaldidnot like it sowellasOxford:fortheantiquityofthelattercitywasmorepleasingtohim.Butthebeautyandregularityof thenewtownofEdinburgh, itsromanticcastle,anditsenvirons,themostdelightfulintheworld,Arthur'sSeat,St.Bernard'sWell,andthePentlandHills,compensatedhimfor thechange,andfilledhimwith

cheerfulnessandadmiration.ButIwas impatient toarriveat the terminationofmyjourney.

We leftEdinburgh inaweek,passing throughCoupar,St.Andrew's, andalongthebanksoftheTay,toPerth,whereourfriendexpectedus.ButIwasinnomoodtolaughandtalkwithstrangers,orenterintotheirfeelingsorplanswith thegoodhumourexpectedfromaguest;andaccordinglyI toldClervalthat I wished tomake the tour of Scotland alone. "Do you," said I, "enjoyyourself,andletthisbeourrendezvous.Imaybeabsentamonthortwo;butdonotinterferewithmymotions,Ientreatyou:leavemetopeaceandsolitudeforashorttime;andwhenIreturn,Ihopeitwillbewithalighterheart,morecongenialtoyourowntemper."

Henrywishedtodissuademe;but,seeingmebentonthisplan,ceasedtoremonstrate.He entreatedme towrite often. "I had rather bewith you," hesaid,"inyoursolitaryrambles,thanwiththeseScotchpeople,whomIdonotknow: hasten then, my dear friend, to return, that I may again feel myselfsomewhatathome,whichIcannotdoinyourabsence."

Havingpartedfrommyfriend, IdeterminedtovisitsomeremotespotofScotland,andfinishmyworkinsolitude.Ididnotdoubtbutthatthemonsterfollowedme,andwoulddiscoverhimselftomewhenIshouldhavefinished,thathemightreceivehiscompanion.

WiththisresolutionItraversedthenorthernhighlands,andfixedononeoftheremotestoftheOrkneysasthesceneofmylabours.Itwasaplacefittedfor such a work, being hardly more than a rock, whose high sides werecontinuallybeatenuponbythewaves.Thesoilwasbarren,scarcelyaffordingpasture for a few miserable cows, and oatmeal for its inhabitants, whichconsistedoffivepersons,whosegauntandscraggylimbsgavetokensoftheirmiserablefare.Vegetablesandbread,whentheyindulgedinsuchluxuries,andevenfreshwater,wastobeprocuredfromthemainland,whichwasaboutfivemilesdistant.

Onthewholeislandtherewerebutthreemiserablehuts,andoneofthesewasvacantwhenIarrived.ThisIhired.Itcontainedbuttworooms,andtheseexhibited all the squalidness of the most miserable penury. The thatch hadfallenin,thewallswereunplastered,andthedoorwasoffitshinges.Iorderedit to be repaired, bought some furniture, and took possession; an incidentwhichwould,doubtless,haveoccasionedsomesurprise,hadnotallthesensesofthecottagersbeenbenumbedbywantandsqualidpoverty.Asitwas,Ilivedungazedatandunmolested,hardlythankedforthepittanceoffoodandclotheswhich I gave; somuch does suffering blunt even the coarsest sensations ofmen.

InthisretreatIdevotedthemorningtolabour;butintheevening,whenthe

weather permitted, I walked on the stony beach of the sea, to listen to thewaves as they roared anddashedatmy feet. Itwas amonotonousyet ever-changing scene. I thought of Switzerland; it was far different from thisdesolate and appalling landscape. Its hills are covered with vines, and itscottages are scattered thickly in the plains. Its fair lakes reflect a blue andgentlesky;and,whentroubledbythewinds,theirtumultisbutastheplayofalivelyinfant,whencomparedtotheroaringsofthegiantocean.

InthismannerIdistributedmyoccupationswhenIfirstarrived;but,asIproceededinmylabour,itbecameeverydaymorehorribleandirksometome.Sometimes I could not prevail onmyself to entermy laboratory for severaldays;andatothertimesItoileddayandnightinordertocompletemywork.Itwas, indeed, a filthy process in which I was engaged. During my firstexperiment,akindofenthusiasticfrenzyhadblindedmetothehorrorofmyemployment;mymindwasintentlyfixedontheconsummationofmylabour,andmyeyeswereshuttothehorrorofmyproceedings.ButnowIwenttoitincoldblood,andmyheartoftensickenedattheworkofmyhands.

Thussituated,employedinthemostdetestableoccupation,immersedinasolitudewherenothingcouldforan instantcallmyattentionfromtheactualsceneinwhichIwasengaged,myspiritsbecameunequal;Igrewrestlessandnervous.EverymomentIfearedtomeetmypersecutor.SometimesIsatwithmyeyesfixedontheground,fearingtoraisethem,lesttheyshouldencounterthe objectwhich I somuch dreaded to behold. I feared towander from thesight of my fellow-creatures, lest when alone he should come to claim hiscompanion.

In themean time Iworked on, andmy labourwas already considerablyadvanced. I looked towards itscompletionwitha tremulousandeagerhope,which I dared not trust myself to question, but which was intermixed withobscureforebodingsofevil,thatmademyheartsickeninmybosom.

CHAPTERXX.

Isatoneeveninginmylaboratory;thesunhadset,andthemoonwasjustrising from the sea; I had not sufficient light for my employment, and Iremainedidle,inapauseofconsiderationofwhetherIshouldleavemylabourforthenight,orhastenitsconclusionbyanunremittingattentiontoit.AsIsat,a trainof reflectionoccurred tome,which ledme to consider the effectsofwhatIwasnowdoing.ThreeyearsbeforeIwasengagedinthesamemanner,andhadcreatedafiendwhoseunparalleledbarbarityhaddesolatedmyheart,and filled it for ever with the bitterest remorse. I was now about to form

anotherbeing,ofwhosedispositionsIwasalikeignorant;shemightbecometen thousand times more malignant than her mate, and delight, for its ownsake,inmurderandwretchedness.Hehadsworntoquittheneighbourhoodofman, and hide himself in deserts; but she had not; and she, who in allprobabilitywas tobecomea thinking and reasoning animal,might refuse tocomplywithacompactmadebeforehercreation.Theymightevenhateeachother;thecreaturewhoalreadylivedloathedhisowndeformity,andmighthenotconceiveagreaterabhorrence for itwhen it camebeforehiseyes in thefemaleform?Shealsomightturnwithdisgustfromhimtothesuperiorbeautyofman;shemightquithim,andhebeagainalone,exasperatedby thefreshprovocationofbeingdesertedbyoneofhisownspecies.

Even if they were to leave Europe, and inhabit the deserts of the newworld, yet oneof the first results of those sympathies forwhich thedæmonthirstedwouldbechildren,andaraceofdevilswouldbepropagatedupontheearth,whomightmake theveryexistenceof the speciesofmanaconditionprecarious and full of terror.Had I right, formy own benefit, to inflict thiscurseuponeverlastinggenerations?IhadbeforebeenmovedbythesophismsofthebeingIhadcreated;Ihadbeenstrucksenselessbyhisfiendishthreats:but now, for the first time, thewickedness ofmy promise burst uponme; Ishuddered to think that future ages might curse me as their pest, whoseselfishnesshadnothesitatedtobuyitsownpeaceattheprice,perhaps,oftheexistenceofthewholehumanrace.

Itrembled,andmyheartfailedwithinme;when,onlookingup,Isaw,bythelightofthemoon,thedæmonatthecasement.Aghastlygrinwrinkledhislipsashegazedonme,whereIsatfulfillingthetaskwhichhehadallottedtome. Yes, he had followedme in my travels; he had loitered in forests, hidhimselfincaves,ortakenrefugeinwideanddesertheaths;andhenowcametomarkmyprogress,andclaimthefulfilmentofmypromise.

AsIlookedonhim,hiscountenanceexpressedtheutmostextentofmaliceand treachery. I thought with a sensation of madness on my promise ofcreating another like to him, and tremblingwith passion, tore to pieces thething onwhich Iwas engaged. Thewretch sawme destroy the creature onwhose future existence he depended for happiness, and, with a howl ofdevilishdespairandrevenge,withdrew.

Ilefttheroom,and,lockingthedoor,madeasolemnvowinmyownheartnevertoresumemylabours;andthen,withtremblingsteps,Isoughtmyownapartment.Iwasalone;nonewerenearmetodissipatethegloom,andrelievemefromthesickeningoppressionofthemostterriblereveries.

Severalhourspassed,andIremainednearmywindowgazingonthesea;itwas almost motionless, for the winds were hushed, and all nature reposed

under the eye of the quiet moon. A few fishing vessels alone specked thewater,andnowandthenthegentlebreezewaftedthesoundofvoices,asthefishermen called to one another. I felt the silence, although I was hardlyconsciousofitsextremeprofundity,untilmyearwassuddenlyarrestedbythepaddlingofoarsneartheshore,andapersonlandedclosetomyhouse.

In a fewminutes after, I heard the creaking ofmy door, as if some oneendeavoured to open it softly. I trembled from head to foot; I felt apresentiment of who it was, and wished to rouse one of the peasants whodweltinacottagenotfarfrommine;butIwasovercomebythesensationofhelplessness,sooftenfeltinfrightfuldreams,whenyouinvainendeavourtoflyfromanimpendingdanger,andwasrootedtothespot.

Presently I heard the sound of footsteps along the passage; the dooropened, and the wretch whom I dreaded appeared. Shutting the door, heapproachedme,andsaid,inasmotheredvoice—

"Youhavedestroyedtheworkwhichyoubegan;whatisitthatyouintend?Do you dare to break your promise? I have endured toil andmisery: I leftSwitzerlandwithyou;IcreptalongtheshoresoftheRhine,amongitswillowislands, and over the summits of its hills. I have dweltmanymonths in theheaths of England, and among the deserts of Scotland. I have enduredincalculablefatigue,andcold,andhunger;doyoudaredestroymyhopes?"

"Begone!Idobreakmypromise;neverwillIcreateanotherlikeyourself,equalindeformityandwickedness."

"Slave,Ibeforereasonedwithyou,butyouhaveprovedyourselfunworthyof my condescension. Remember that I have power; you believe yourselfmiserable,butIcanmakeyousowretchedthatthelightofdaywillbehatefultoyou.Youaremycreator,butIamyourmaster;—obey!"

"The hour of my irresolution is past, and the period of your power isarrived.Your threats cannotmoveme to do an act ofwickedness; but theyconfirmmeinadeterminationofnotcreatingyouacompanioninvice.ShallI,incoolblood,setlooseupontheearthadæmon,whosedelightisindeathandwretchedness?Begone! I am firm, andyourwordswill only exasperatemyrage."

Themonster sawmydetermination inmy face, andgnashedhis teeth intheimpotenceofanger."Shalleachman,"criedhe,"findawifeforhisbosom,andeachbeasthavehismate,andIbealone?Ihadfeelingsofaffection,andtheywererequitedbydetestationandscorn.Man!youmayhate;butbeware!your hourswill pass in dread andmisery, and soon the boltwill fallwhichmust ravish fromyouyourhappiness forever.Areyou tobehappy,while Igrovelintheintensityofmywretchedness?Youcanblastmyotherpassions;

but revenge remains—revenge, henceforth dearer than light or food! I maydie;but firstyou,my tyrantand tormentor,shallcurse thesun thatgazesonyourmisery.Beware; for Iamfearless,and thereforepowerful. Iwillwatchwiththewilinessofasnake,thatImaystingwithitsvenom.Man,youshallrepentoftheinjuriesyouinflict."

"Devil,cease;anddonotpoisontheairwiththesesoundsofmalice.Ihavedeclaredmy resolution to you, and I amno coward to bendbeneathwords.Leaveme;Iaminexorable."

"Itiswell.Igo;butremember,Ishallbewithyouonyourwedding-night."

I started forward, and exclaimed, "Villain! before you sign my death-warrant,besurethatyouareyourselfsafe."

Iwould have seized him; but he eludedme, and quitted the housewithprecipitation.InafewmomentsIsawhiminhisboat,whichshotacrossthewaterswithanarrowyswiftness,andwassoonlostamidstthewaves.

Allwasagainsilent;buthiswordsrunginmyears.Iburnedwithragetopursuethemurdererofmypeace,andprecipitatehimintotheocean.Iwalkedupanddownmyroomhastilyandperturbed,whilemyimaginationconjuredupathousandimagestotormentandstingme.WhyhadInotfollowedhim,andclosedwithhiminmortalstrife?ButIhadsufferedhimtodepart,andhehaddirectedhiscoursetowardsthemainland.Ishudderedtothinkwhomightbethenextvictimsacrificedtohisinsatiaterevenge.AndthenIthoughtagainofhiswords—"Iwillbewithyouonyourwedding-night."Thatthenwastheperiodfixedforthefulfilmentofmydestiny.InthathourIshoulddie,andatoncesatisfyandextinguishhismalice.Theprospectdidnotmovemetofear;yetwhenIthoughtofmybelovedElizabeth,—ofhertearsandendlesssorrow,whensheshouldfindherloversobarbarouslysnatchedfromher,—tears,thefirstIhadshedformanymonths,streamedfrommyeyes,andIresolvednottofallbeforemyenemywithoutabitterstruggle.

The night passed away, and the sun rose from the ocean; my feelingsbecamecalmer,if itmaybecalledcalmnesswhentheviolenceofragesinksintothedepthsofdespair.Ileftthehouse,thehorridsceneofthelastnight'scontention,andwalkedonthebeachofthesea,whichIalmostregardedasaninsuperablebarrierbetweenmeandmyfellow-creatures;nay,awishthatsuchshouldprove the fact stoleacrossme. Idesired that Imightpassmy lifeonthatbarrenrock,wearily,itistrue,butuninterruptedbyanysuddenshockofmisery.IfIreturned,itwastobesacrificed,ortoseethosewhomImostloveddieunderthegraspofadæmonwhomIhadmyselfcreated.

Iwalkedabouttheisle likearestlessspectre,separatedfromall it loved,and miserable in the separation. When it became noon, and the sun rose

higher,Ilaydownonthegrass,andwasoverpoweredbyadeepsleep.Ihadbeen awake thewhole of theprecedingnight,mynerveswere agitated, andmyeyesinflamedbywatchingandmisery.ThesleepintowhichInowsunkrefreshedme; andwhen I awoke, I again felt as if I belonged to a race ofhumanbeingslikemyself,andIbegantoreflectuponwhathadpassedwithgreater composure; yet still the words of the fiend rung in my ears like adeath-knell, they appeared like a dream, yet distinct and oppressive as areality.

The sun had far descended, and I still sat on the shore, satisfying myappetite, which had become ravenous, with an oaten cake, when I saw afishing-boat land close to me, and one of the men brought me a packet; itcontained letters fromGeneva, and one fromClerval, entreatingme to joinhim.Hesaidthathewaswearingawayhistimefruitlesslywherehewas;thatletters from the friends he had formed in London desired his return tocomplete the negotiation they had entered into for his Indian enterprise.Hecouldnotanylongerdelayhisdeparture;butashisjourneytoLondonmightbefollowed,evensooner thanhenowconjectured,byhis longervoyage,heentreatedme tobestowasmuchofmy societyonhimas I could spare.Hebesoughtme,therefore,toleavemysolitaryisle,andtomeethimatPerth,thatwemightproceedsouthwardstogether.Thisletterinadegreerecalledmetolife,andIdeterminedtoquitmyislandattheexpirationoftwodays.

Yet,beforeIdeparted,therewasatasktoperform,onwhichIshudderedto reflect: I must pack upmy chemical instruments; and for that purpose Imustentertheroomwhichhadbeenthesceneofmyodiouswork,andImusthandle those utensils, the sight of which was sickening to me. The nextmorning,atdaybreak,Isummonedsufficientcourage,andunlockedthedoorof my laboratory. The remains of the half-finished creature, whom I haddestroyed,layscatteredonthefloor,andIalmostfeltasifIhadmangledthelivingfleshofahumanbeing.Ipausedtocollectmyself,andthenenteredthechamber.WithtremblinghandIconveyedtheinstrumentsoutoftheroom;butIreflectedthatIoughtnottoleavetherelicsofmyworktoexcitethehorrorandsuspicionofthepeasants;andIaccordinglyputthemintoabasket,withagreatquantityofstones,and, layingthemup,determinedto throwthemintotheseathatverynight;andinthemeantimeIsatuponthebeach,employedincleaningandarrangingmychemicalapparatus.

Nothingcouldbemorecompletethanthealterationthathadtakenplaceinmy feelings since the night of the appearance of the dæmon. I had beforeregardedmy promisewith a gloomy despair, as a thing that,withwhateverconsequences,mustbefulfilled;butInowfeltasifafilmhadbeentakenfrombeforemyeyes,andthatI,forthefirsttime,sawclearly.Theideaofrenewingmylaboursdidnotforoneinstantoccurtome;thethreatIhadheardweighed

onmythoughts,butIdidnotreflectthatavoluntaryactofminecouldavertit.Ihadresolvedinmyownmind,thattocreateanotherlikethefiendIhadfirstmade would be an act of the basest and most atrocious selfishness; and Ibanished from my mind every thought that could lead to a differentconclusion.

Betweentwoandthreeinthemorningthemoonrose;andIthen,puttingmybasketaboardalittleskiff,sailedoutaboutfourmilesfromtheshore.Thescenewas perfectly solitary: a fewboatswere returning towards land, but Isailedawayfromthem.IfeltasifIwasaboutthecommissionofadreadfulcrime, and avoidedwith shuddering anxiety any encounterwithmy fellow-creatures.Atonetimethemoon,whichhadbeforebeenclear,wassuddenlyoverspreadbyathickcloud,andItookadvantageofthemomentofdarkness,andcastmybasketintothesea:Ilistenedtothegurglingsoundasitsunk,andthensailedawayfromthespot.Theskybecameclouded;buttheairwaspure,althoughchilledbythenorth-eastbreezethatwasthenrising.Butitrefreshedme, and filledmewith such agreeable sensations, that I resolved toprolongmy stay on the water; and, fixing the rudder in a direct position, stretchedmyself at the bottom of the boat. Clouds hid the moon, every thing wasobscure, and I heard only the sound of the boat, as its keel cut through thewaves;themurmurlulledme,andinashorttimeIsleptsoundly.

IdonotknowhowlongIremainedin thissituation,butwhenIawokeIfoundthatthesunhadalreadymountedconsiderably.Thewindwashigh,andthewavescontinuallythreatenedthesafetyofmylittleskiff.Ifoundthatthewindwasnorth-east,andmusthavedrivenmefarfromthecoastfromwhichIhadembarked.Iendeavouredtochangemycourse,butquicklyfoundthat,ifIagainmade the attempt, the boatwould be instantly filledwithwater. Thussituated,myonlyresourcewastodrivebeforethewind.IconfessthatIfeltafew sensations of terror. I had no compass with me, and was so slenderlyacquaintedwith thegeographyof thispartof theworld, that the sunwasoflittlebenefit tome.Imightbedriven into thewideAtlantic,andfeelall thetortures of starvation, or be swallowed up in the immeasurable waters thatroaredandbuffetedaroundme. Ihadalreadybeenoutmanyhours,and feltthetormentofaburningthirst,apreludetomyothersufferings.I lookedontheheavens,whichwerecoveredbycloudsthatflewbeforethewind,onlytobereplacedbyothers:Ilookeduponthesea,itwastobemygrave."Fiend,"Iexclaimed, "your task is already fulfilled!" I thought of Elizabeth, of myfather,andofClerval;allleftbehind,onwhomthemonstermightsatisfyhissanguinary andmerciless passions. This idea plungedme into a reverie, sodespairing and frightful, that even now, when the scene is on the point ofclosingbeforemeforever,Ishuddertoreflectonit.

Somehourspassed thus;butbydegrees,as thesundeclined towards the

horizon, the wind died away into a gentle breeze, and the sea became freefrombreakers.But thesegaveplace toaheavyswell: I felt sick,andhardlyabletoholdtherudder,whensuddenlyIsawalineofhighlandtowardsthesouth.

Almostspent,asIwas,byfatigue,andthedreadfulsuspenseIenduredforseveralhours,thissuddencertaintyofliferushedlikeafloodofwarmjoytomyheart,andtearsgushedfrommyeyes.

Howmutable are our feelings, and how strange is that clinging lovewehaveoflifeevenintheexcessofmisery!Iconstructedanothersailwithapartofmydress,andeagerlysteeredmycoursetowardstheland.Ithadawildandrockyappearance;but,asIapproachednearer,Ieasilyperceivedthetracesofcultivation. I saw vessels near the shore, and found myself suddenlytransportedbacktotheneighbourhoodofcivilisedman.Icarefullytracedthewindingsoftheland,andhailedasteeplewhichIatlengthsawissuingfrombehindasmallpromontory.AsIwasinastateofextremedebility,Iresolvedtosaildirectlytowardsthetown,asaplacewhereIcouldmosteasilyprocurenourishment.FortunatelyIhadmoneywithme.AsIturnedthepromontory,Iperceived a small neat town and a good harbour,which I entered,myheartboundingwithjoyatmyunexpectedescape.

AsIwasoccupiedinfixingtheboatandarrangingthesails,severalpeoplecrowded towards the spot. They seemedmuch surprised atmy appearance;but, instead of offeringme any assistance,whispered togetherwith gesturesthatatanyothertimemighthaveproducedinmeaslightsensationofalarm.As it was, I merely remarked that they spoke English; and I thereforeaddressed them in that language: "Mygood friends," said I, "willyoube sokindastotellmethenameofthistown,andinformmewhereIam?"

"You will know that soon enough," replied a man with a hoarse voice."Maybeyouarecometoaplacethatwillnotprovemuchtoyourtaste;butyouwillnotbeconsultedastoyourquarters,Ipromiseyou."

I was exceedingly surprised on receiving so rude an answer from astranger; and Iwas also disconcerted on perceiving the frowning and angrycountenances of his companions. "Why do you answer me so roughly?" Ireplied; "surely it is not the custom of Englishmen to receive strangers soinhospitably."

"Idonotknow,"saidtheman,"whatthecustomoftheEnglishmaybe;butisthecustomoftheIrishtohatevillains."

While this strange dialogue continued, I perceived the crowd rapidlyincrease. Their faces expressed a mixture of curiosity and anger, whichannoyed,andinsomedegreealarmedme.Ienquiredthewaytotheinn;but

noonereplied.Ithenmovedforward,andamurmuringsoundarosefromthecrowd as they followed and surrounded me; when an ill-looking manapproaching, tapped me on the shoulder, and said, "Come, Sir, you mustfollowmetoMr.Kirwin's,togiveanaccountofyourself."

"WhoisMr.Kirwin?WhyamItogiveanaccountofmyself?Isnotthisafreecountry?"

"Ay,sir,freeenoughforhonestfolks.Mr.Kirwinisamagistrate;andyouaretogiveanaccountofthedeathofagentlemanwhowasfoundmurderedherelastnight."

Thisanswerstartledme;butIpresentlyrecoveredmyself.Iwasinnocent;thatcouldeasilybeproved:accordinglyI followedmyconductor insilence,andwas led tooneof thebesthouses in the town. Iwas ready tosink fromfatigueandhunger;but,beingsurroundedbyacrowd, I thought itpolitic torouse all my strength, that no physical debility might be construed intoapprehensionorconsciousguilt.LittledidIthenexpectthecalamitythatwasinafewmomentstooverwhelmme,andextinguishinhorroranddespairallfearofignominyordeath.

Imustpausehere;foritrequiresallmyfortitudetorecallthememoryofthe frightful events which I am about to relate, in proper detail, to myrecollection.

CHAPTERXXI.

I was soon introduced into the presence of the magistrate, an oldbenevolentman,withcalmandmildmanners.Helookeduponme,however,with some degree of severity: and then, turning towardsmy conductors, heaskedwhoappearedaswitnessesonthisoccasion.

About half a dozen men came forward; and, one being selected by themagistrate,hedeposed,thathehadbeenoutfishingthenightbeforewithhissonandbrother-in-law,DanielNugent,when,aboutteno'clock,theyobservedastrongnortherlyblast rising,and theyaccordinglyput in forport. Itwasavery dark night, as the moon had not yet risen; they did not land at theharbour,but,astheyhadbeenaccustomed,atacreekabouttwomilesbelow.Hewalkedonfirst,carryingapartof thefishingtackle,andhiscompanionsfollowed him at some distance. As he was proceeding along the sands, hestruck his foot against something, and fell at his length on the ground.Hiscompanions came up to assist him; and, by the light of their lantern, theyfound that he had fallen on the body of aman,whowas to all appearance

dead.Their firstsuppositionwas, that itwas thecorpseofsomepersonwhohad been drowned, and was thrown on shore by the waves; but, onexamination,theyfoundthattheclotheswerenotwet,andeventhatthebodywas not then cold.They instantly carried it to the cottage of an oldwomannearthespot,andendeavoured,butinvain,torestoreittolife.Itappearedtobe a handsome young man, about five and twenty years of age. He hadapparentlybeen strangled; for therewasno signof anyviolence, except theblackmarkoffingersonhisneck.

Thefirstpartof thisdepositiondidnot intheleast interestme;butwhenthe mark of the fingers was mentioned, I remembered the murder of mybrother, and felt myself extremely agitated; my limbs trembled, and a mistcame over my eyes, which obligedme to lean on a chair for support. Themagistrateobservedmewithakeeneye,andofcoursedrewanunfavourableauguryfrommymanner.

The son confirmed his father's account: but when Daniel Nugent wascalled,hesworepositivelythat,justbeforethefallofhiscompanion,hesawaboat,withasinglemaninit,atashortdistancefromtheshore;and,asfarashecouldjudgebythelightofafewstars,itwasthesameboatinwhichIhadjustlanded.

Awomandeposed,thatshelivednearthebeach,andwasstandingatthedoor of her cottage, waiting for the return of the fishermen, about an hourbeforesheheardofthediscoveryofthebody,whenshesawaboat,withonlyone man in it, push off from that part of the shore where the corpse wasafterwardsfound.

Anotherwoman confirmed the account of the fishermen having broughtthebodyintoherhouse;itwasnotcold.Theyputitintoabed,andrubbedit;andDanielwenttothetownforanapothecary,butlifewasquitegone.

Severalothermenwereexaminedconcerningmylanding;andtheyagreed,that,with thestrongnorthwindthathadarisenduring thenight, itwasveryprobable that I had beaten about for many hours, and had been obliged toreturn nearly to the same spot from which I had departed. Besides, theyobservedthatitappearedthatIhadbroughtthebodyfromanotherplace,anditwaslikely,thatasIdidnotappeartoknowtheshore,Imighthaveputintotheharbourignorantofthedistanceofthetownof***fromtheplacewhereIhaddepositedthecorpse.

Mr.Kirwin,onhearing this evidence,desired that I shouldbe taken intothe roomwhere the body lay for interment, that itmight be observedwhateffect the sight of it would produce upon me. This idea was probablysuggested by the extreme agitation I had exhibited when the mode of themurder had been described. Iwas accordingly conducted, by themagistrate

and several other persons, to the inn. I could not help being struck by thestrange coincidences that had taken place during this eventful night; but,knowing that Ihadbeenconversingwith severalpersons in the island Ihadinhabitedaboutthetimethatthebodyhadbeenfound,Iwasperfectlytranquilastotheconsequencesoftheaffair.

Ienteredtheroomwherethecorpselay,andwasleduptothecoffin.HowcanIdescribemysensationsonbeholdingit?Ifeelyetparchedwithhorror,norcanI reflecton that terriblemomentwithoutshudderingandagony.Theexamination,thepresenceofthemagistrateandwitnesses,passedlikeadreamfrommymemory, when I saw the lifeless form of Henry Clerval stretchedbeforeme.Igaspedforbreath;and,throwingmyselfonthebody,Iexclaimed,"Havemymurderousmachinationsdeprivedyoualso,mydearestHenry, oflife?TwoIhavealreadydestroyed;othervictimsawaittheirdestiny:butyou,Clerval,myfriend,mybenefactor——"

ThehumanframecouldnolongersupporttheagoniesthatIendured,andIwascarriedoutoftheroominstrongconvulsions.

Afeversucceededtothis.Ilayfortwomonthsonthepointofdeath:myravings,asIafterwardsheard,werefrightful;IcalledmyselfthemurdererofWilliam, of Justine, and ofClerval. Sometimes I entreatedmy attendants toassist me in the destruction of the fiend bywhom I was tormented; and atothers, I felt the fingers of the monster already grasping my neck, andscreamed aloud with agony and terror. Fortunately, as I spoke my nativelanguage,Mr.Kirwin aloneunderstoodme;butmygestures andbitter criesweresufficienttoaffrighttheotherwitnesses.

WhydidInotdie?Moremiserable thanmaneverwasbefore,whydidInot sink into forgetfulness and rest? Death snatches away many bloomingchildren, the only hopes of their doating parents: how many brides andyouthful lovershavebeenoneday in thebloomofhealthandhope,and thenext a prey forworms and the decay of the tomb!Ofwhatmaterialswas Imade, that Icould thusresistsomanyshocks,which, like the turningof thewheel,continuallyrenewedthetorture?

But Iwasdoomed to live;and, in twomonths, foundmyselfasawakingfromadream,inaprison,stretchedonawretchedbed,surroundedbygaolers,turnkeys,bolts,andallthemiserableapparatusofadungeon.Itwasmorning,I remember, when I thus awoke to understanding: I had forgotten theparticulars ofwhat had happened, and only felt as if some greatmisfortunehadsuddenlyoverwhelmedme;butwhenIlookedaround,andsawthebarredwindows,and thesqualidnessof theroominwhichIwas,all flashedacrossmymemory,andIgroanedbitterly.

Thissounddisturbedanoldwomanwhowassleepinginachairbesideme.

Shewasahirednurse, thewifeofoneof the turnkeys,andhercountenanceexpressedallthosebadqualitieswhichoftencharacterisethatclass.Thelinesofherfacewerehardandrude,likethatofpersonsaccustomedtoseewithoutsympathising in sightsofmisery.Her toneexpressedherentire indifference;sheaddressedmeinEnglish,andthevoicestruckmeasonethatIhadheardduringmysufferings:—

"Areyoubetternow,sir?"saidshe.

Irepliedinthesamelanguage,withafeeblevoice,"IbelieveIam;butifitbealltrue,ifindeedIdidnotdream,IamsorrythatIamstillalivetofeelthismiseryandhorror."

"For that matter," replied the old woman, "if you mean about thegentlemanyoumurdered,Ibelievethatitwerebetterforyouifyouweredead,forIfancyitwillgohardwithyou!However,that'snoneofmybusiness;Iamsent tonurseyou,andgetyouwell; Idomydutywithasafeconscience; itwerewellifeverybodydidthesame."

I turned with loathing from the woman who could utter so unfeeling aspeechtoapersonjustsaved,ontheveryedgeofdeath;butIfeltlanguid,andunabletoreflectonallthathadpassed.Thewholeseriesofmylifeappearedtomeasadream;Isometimesdoubtedifindeeditwerealltrue,foritneverpresenteditselftomymindwiththeforceofreality.

As the images that floated before me became more distinct, I grewfeverish;adarknesspressedaroundme:noonewasnearmewhosoothedmewiththegentlevoiceoflove;nodearhandsupportedme.Thephysiciancameandprescribedmedicines,andtheoldwomanpreparedthemforme;bututtercarelessness was visible in the first, and the expression of brutality wasstronglymarked in thevisageof the second.Whocouldbe interested in thefateofamurderer,butthehangmanwhowouldgainhisfee?

Theseweremy first reflections; but I soon learned thatMr. Kirwin hadshownmeextremekindness.Hehadcausedthebestroomintheprisontobeprepared for me (wretched indeed was the best); and it was he who hadprovidedaphysicianandanurse. It is true,he seldomcame to seeme; for,althoughheardentlydesiredtorelievethesufferingsofeveryhumancreature,he did not wish to be present at the agonies and miserable ravings of amurderer.Hecame,therefore,sometimes,toseethatIwasnotneglected;buthisvisitswereshort,andwithlongintervals.

Oneday,whileIwasgraduallyrecovering,Iwasseatedinachair,myeyeshalfopen,andmycheekslividlikethoseindeath.Iwasovercomebygloomandmisery,andoftenreflectedIhadbetterseekdeaththandesiretoremaininaworldwhichtomewasrepletewithwretchedness.AtonetimeIconsidered

whetherIshouldnotdeclaremyselfguilty,andsufferthepenaltyofthelaw,less innocent thanpoor Justinehadbeen.Suchweremy thoughts,when thedoorofmyapartmentwasopened,andMr.Kirwinentered.Hiscountenanceexpressed sympathy and compassion; he drew a chair close to mine, andaddressedmeinFrench—

"Ifearthatthisplaceisveryshockingtoyou;canIdoanythingtomakeyoumorecomfortable?"

"Ithankyou;butallthatyoumentionisnothingtome:onthewholeearththereisnocomfortwhichIamcapableofreceiving."

"Iknow that the sympathyof a stranger canbebutof little relief toonebornedownasyouarebysostrangeamisfortune.Butyouwill,Ihope,soonquit thismelancholyabode;for,doubtless,evidencecaneasilybebrought tofreeyoufromthecriminalcharge."

"Thatismyleastconcern:Iam,byacourseofstrangeevents,becomethemostmiserableofmortals.PersecutedandtorturedasIamandhavebeen,candeathbeanyeviltome?"

"Nothingindeedcouldbemoreunfortunateandagonisingthanthestrangechances that have lately occurred. You were thrown, by some surprisingaccident,on thisshore, renownedfor itshospitality;seized immediately,andchargedwithmurder.Thefirstsight thatwaspresentedtoyoureyeswasthebodyofyourfriend,murderedinsounaccountableamanner,andplaced,asitwere,bysomefiendacrossyourpath."

AsMr.Kirwin said this, notwithstanding the agitation I endured on thisretrospectofmysufferings,Ialsofeltconsiderablesurpriseattheknowledgehe seemed to possess concerning me. I suppose some astonishment wasexhibitedinmycountenance;forMr.Kirwinhastenedtosay—

"Immediatelyuponyourbeing taken ill, all thepapers thatwereonyourperson were brought me, and I examined them that I might discover sometracebywhich I could send toyour relationsanaccountofyourmisfortuneandillness.Ifoundseveralletters,and,amongothers,onewhichIdiscoveredfromitscommencement tobefromyour father. I instantlywrote toGeneva:nearlytwomonthshaveelapsedsincethedepartureofmyletter.—Butyouareill;evennowyoutremble:youareunfitforagitationofanykind."

"Thissuspenseisathousandtimesworsethanthemosthorribleevent:tellmewhatnewsceneofdeathhasbeenacted,andwhosemurderIamnowtolament?"

"Your family is perfectly well," said Mr. Kirwin, with gentleness; "andsomeone,afriend,iscometovisityou."

I know not by what chain of thought, the idea presented itself, but itinstantly darted into my mind that the murderer had come to mock at mymisery,andtauntmewiththedeathofClerval,asanewincitementformetocomplywithhishellishdesires.Iputmyhandbeforemyeyes,andcriedoutinagony—

"Oh! take him away! I cannot see him; for God's sake, do not let himenter!"

Mr.Kirwin regardedmewith a troubledcountenance.Hecouldnothelpregardingmyexclamationasapresumptionofmyguilt,andsaid,inratheraseveretone—

"Ishouldhavethought,youngman,thatthepresenceofyourfatherwouldhavebeenwelcome,insteadofinspiringsuchviolentrepugnance."

"My father!" cried I, while every feature and everymuscle was relaxedfrom anguish to pleasure: "ismy father indeed come?How kind, how verykind!Butwhereishe,whydoeshenothastentome?"

My change of manner surprised and pleased the magistrate; perhaps hethoughtthatmyformerexclamationwasamomentaryreturnofdelirium,andnow he instantly resumed his former benevolence. He rose, and quitted theroomwithmynurse,andinamomentmyfatherenteredit.

Nothing, at thismoment, could have givenme greater pleasure than thearrivalofmyfather.Istretchedoutmyhandtohim,andcried—

"Areyouthensafe—andElizabeth—andErnest?"

Myfathercalmedmewithassurancesof theirwelfare, andendeavoured,by dwelling on these subjects so interesting to my heart, to raise mydesponding spirits; but he soon felt that a prison cannot be the abode ofcheerfulness."Whataplaceisthisthatyouinhabit,myson!"saidhe,lookingmournfully at the barred windows, and wretched appearance of the room."Youtravelledtoseekhappiness,butafatalityseemstopursueyou.AndpoorClerval—"

The name of my unfortunate and murdered friend was an agitation toogreattobeenduredinmyweakstate;Ishedtears.

"Alas!yes,myfather,"repliedI;"somedestinyofthemosthorriblekindhangsoverme,andImustlivetofulfilit,orsurelyIshouldhavediedonthecoffinofHenry."

Wewerenotallowedtoconverseforanylengthoftime,fortheprecariousstate of my health rendered every precaution necessary that could ensuretranquillity.Mr.Kirwincame in,and insisted thatmystrengthshouldnotbeexhaustedbytoomuchexertion.Buttheappearanceofmyfatherwastome

likethatofmygoodangel,andIgraduallyrecoveredmyhealth.

As my sickness quitted me, I was absorbed by a gloomy and blackmelancholy, thatnothingcoulddissipate.The imageofClervalwas for everbefore me, ghastly and murdered.More than once the agitation into whichthesereflectionsthrewmemademyfriendsdreadadangerousrelapse.Alas!whydid theypreserve somiserable anddetested a life? Itwas surely that Imightfulfilmydestiny,whichisnowdrawingtoaclose.Soon,oh!verysoon,willdeathextinguishthesethrobbings,andrelievemefromthemightyweightofanguishthatbearsmetothedust;and,inexecutingtheawardofjustice,Ishallalsosinktorest.Thentheappearanceofdeathwasdistant,althoughthewishwaseverpresenttomythoughts;andIoftensatforhoursmotionlessandspeechless,wishing for somemighty revolution thatmight burymeandmydestroyerinitsruins.

Theseasonoftheassizesapproached.Ihadalreadybeenthreemonthsinprison;andalthoughIwasstillweak,andincontinualdangerofarelapse,Iwas obliged to travel nearly a hundredmiles to the county-town,where thecourt was held. Mr. Kirwin charged himself with every care of collectingwitnesses,andarrangingmydefence.Iwassparedthedisgraceofappearingpublicly as a criminal, as the case was not brought before the court thatdecidesonlifeanddeath.Thegrandjuryrejectedthebill,onitsbeingprovedthatIwasontheOrkneyIslandsatthehourthebodyofmyfriendwasfound;andafortnightaftermyremovalIwasliberatedfromprison.

My father was enraptured on finding me freed from the vexations of acriminalcharge,thatIwasagainallowedtobreathethefreshatmosphere,andpermittedtoreturntomynativecountry.Ididnotparticipateinthesefeelings;fortomethewallsofadungeonorapalacewerealikehateful.Thecupoflifewas poisoned for ever; and although the sun shone upon me, as upon thehappy and gay of heart, I saw aroundme nothing but a dense and frightfuldarkness,penetratedbynolightbuttheglimmeroftwoeyesthatglareduponme.SometimestheyweretheexpressiveeyesofHenry,languishingindeath,thedarkorbsnearlycoveredbythelids,andthelongblacklashesthatfringedthem;sometimesitwasthewatery,cloudedeyesofthemonster,asIfirstsawtheminmychamberatIngolstadt.

My father tried to awaken inme the feelings of affection. He talked ofGeneva,whichIshouldsoonvisit—ofElizabethandErnest;butthesewordsonly drew deep groans from me. Sometimes, indeed, I felt a wish forhappiness; and thought, withmelancholy delight, of my beloved cousin; orlonged,withadevouringmaladiedupays,toseeoncemorethebluelakeandrapidRhone,thathadbeensodeartomeinearlychildhood:butmygeneralstateoffeelingwasatorpor,inwhichaprisonwasaswelcomearesidenceasthe divinest scene in nature; and these fits were seldom interrupted but by

paroxysmsofanguishanddespair.At thesemomentsIoftenendeavoured toputanendtotheexistenceIloathed;anditrequiredunceasingattendanceandvigilancetorestrainmefromcommittingsomedreadfulactofviolence.

Yetonedutyremainedtome,therecollectionofwhichfinallytriumphedovermyselfishdespair.ItwasnecessarythatIshouldreturnwithoutdelaytoGeneva,theretowatchoverthelivesofthoseIsofondlyloved;andtolieinwait for the murderer, that if any chance led me to the place of hisconcealment,or ifhedaredagain toblastmebyhispresence, Imight,withunfailingaim,putanendtotheexistenceofthemonstrousImagewhichIhadendued with the mockery of a soul still more monstrous. My father stilldesiredtodelayourdeparture,fearfulthatIcouldnotsustainthefatiguesofajourney: for I was a shattered wreck,—the shadow of a human being. Mystrengthwasgone.Iwasamereskeleton;andfevernightanddaypreyeduponmywastedframe.

Still,asIurgedour leavingIrelandwithsuchinquietudeandimpatience,my father thought it best to yield.We took our passage on board a vesselboundforHavre-de-Grace,andsailedwithafairwindfromtheIrishshores.Itwas midnight. I lay on the deck, looking at the stars, and listening to thedashingof thewaves. Ihailed thedarkness that shut Ireland frommysight;andmypulsebeatwithafeverishjoywhenIreflectedthatIshouldsoonseeGeneva. The past appeared to me in the light of a frightful dream; yet thevessel in which I was, the wind that blew me from the detested shore ofIreland, and the sea which surrounded me, told me too forcibly that I wasdeceivedbynovision,andthatClerval,myfriendanddearestcompanion,hadfallen a victim to me and the monster of my creation. I repassed, in mymemory,mywholelife;myquiethappinesswhileresidingwithmyfamilyinGeneva, the death of my mother, and my departure for Ingolstadt. Iremembered, shuddering, the mad enthusiasm that hurried me on to thecreationofmyhideousenemy,andIcalledtomindthenightinwhichhefirstlived.Iwasunabletopursuethetrainofthought;athousandfeelingspresseduponme,andIweptbitterly.

Eversincemyrecoveryfromthefever,Ihadbeeninthecustomoftakingevery night a small quantity of laudanum; for itwas bymeans of this drugonlythatIwasenabledtogaintherestnecessaryforthepreservationoflife.Oppressed by the recollection ofmy variousmisfortunes, I now swalloweddoublemyusualquantity,andsoonsleptprofoundly.Butsleepdidnotaffordmerespitefromthoughtandmisery;mydreamspresentedathousandobjectsthatscaredme.TowardsmorningIwaspossessedbyakindofnight-mare;Ifeltthefiend'sgraspinmyneck,andcouldnotfreemyselffromit;groansandcriesrunginmyears.Myfather,whowaswatchingoverme,perceivingmyrestlessness,awokeme;thedashingwaveswerearound:thecloudyskyabove;

the fiend was not here: a sense of security, a feeling that a truce wasestablished between the present hour and the irresistible, disastrous future,impartedtomeakindofcalmforgetfulness,ofwhichthehumanmindisbyitsstructurepeculiarlysusceptible.

CHAPTERXXII.

The voyage came to an end.We landed, and proceeded to Paris. I soonfoundthatIhadovertaxedmystrength,andthatImustreposebeforeIcouldcontinuemy journey.My father'scareandattentionswere indefatigable;buthedidnotknowtheoriginofmysufferings,andsoughterroneousmethodstoremedy the incurable ill. He wished me to seek amusement in society. Iabhorredthefaceofman.Oh,notabhorred!theyweremybrethren,myfellowbeings, and I felt attracted even to the most repulsive among them, as tocreaturesofanangelicnatureandcelestialmechanism.ButIfeltthatIhadnorighttosharetheirintercourse.Ihadunchainedanenemyamongthem,whosejoyitwastoshedtheirblood,andtorevelintheirgroans.Howtheywould,each and all, abhor me, and hunt me from the world, did they know myunhallowedacts,andthecrimeswhichhadtheirsourceinme!

My father yielded at length tomydesire to avoid society, and strove byvarious arguments to banish my despair. Sometimes he thought that I feltdeeplythedegradationofbeingobligedtoanswerachargeofmurder,andheendeavouredtoprovetomethefutilityofpride.

"Alas!myfather,"saidI,"howlittledoyouknowme.Humanbeings,theirfeelings and passions, would indeed be degraded if such a wretch as I feltpride.Justine,poorunhappyJustine,wasasinnocentasI,andshesufferedthesame charge; she died for it; and I am the cause of this—I murdered her.William,Justine,andHenry—theyalldiedbymyhands."

My father hadoften, duringmy imprisonment, heardmemake the sameassertion; when I thus accused myself, he sometimes seemed to desire anexplanation, and at others he appeared to consider it as the offspring ofdelirium, and that, duringmy illness, some idea of this kind had presenteditself to my imagination, the remembrance of which I preserved in myconvalescence. I avoided explanation, and maintained a continual silenceconcerning the wretch I had created. I had a persuasion that I should besupposedmad;andthisinitselfwouldforeverhavechainedmytongue.But,besides, I could not bring myself to disclose a secret which would fill myhearerwithconsternation,andmakefearandunnaturalhorrortheinmatesofhis breast. I checked, therefore, my impatient thirst for sympathy, and was

silentwhenIwouldhavegiventheworldtohaveconfidedthefatalsecret.YetstillwordslikethoseIhaverecorded,wouldburstuncontrollablyfromme.Icouldoffernoexplanationofthem;buttheirtruthinpartrelievedtheburdenofmymysteriouswoe.

Upon this occasion my father said, with an expression of unboundedwonder, "MydearestVictor,what infatuation is this?Mydear son, I entreatyounevertomakesuchanassertionagain."

"Iamnotmad,"Icriedenergetically;"thesunandtheheavens,whohaveviewedmyoperations,canbearwitnessofmytruth.Iamtheassassinofthosemostinnocentvictims;theydiedbymymachinations.AthousandtimeswouldIhaveshedmyownblood,dropbydrop,tohavesavedtheirlives;butIcouldnot,myfather,indeedIcouldnotsacrificethewholehumanrace."

The conclusion of this speech convinced my father that my ideas werederanged, and he instantly changed the subject of our conversation, andendeavoured to alter the course of my thoughts. He wished as much aspossibletoobliteratethememoryofthescenesthathadtakenplaceinIreland,andneveralludedtothem,orsufferedmetospeakofmymisfortunes.

AstimepassedawayIbecamemorecalm:miseryhadherdwellinginmyheart,butInolongertalkedinthesameincoherentmannerofmyowncrimes;sufficientformewastheconsciousnessofthem.Bytheutmostself-violence,Icurbed the imperious voice of wretchedness, which sometimes desired todeclare itself to the whole world; and my manners were calmer and morecomposedthantheyhadeverbeensincemyjourneytotheseaofice.

AfewdaysbeforeweleftParisonourwaytoSwitzerland,IreceivedthefollowingletterfromElizabeth:—

"MydearFriend,

"ItgavemethegreatestpleasuretoreceivealetterfrommyuncledatedatParis;youarenolongerataformidabledistance,andImayhopetoseeyouinless than a fortnight.Mypoor cousin, howmuchyoumust have suffered! Iexpecttoseeyoulookingevenmoreill thanwhenyouquittedGeneva.Thiswinter has been passedmostmiserably, tortured as I have been by anxioussuspense;yet Ihope toseepeace inyourcountenance,and to find thatyourheartisnottotallyvoidofcomfortandtranquillity.

"YetIfearthatthesamefeelingsnowexistthatmadeyousomiserableayear ago, even perhaps augmented by time. Iwould not disturb you at thisperiod,whensomanymisfortunesweighuponyou;butaconversationthatIhad with my uncle previous to his departure renders some explanationnecessarybeforewemeet.

"Explanation!youmaypossiblysay;whatcanElizabethhavetoexplain?Ifyoureallysaythis,myquestionsareanswered,andallmydoubtssatisfied.Butyouaredistantfromme,anditispossiblethatyoumaydread,andyetbepleasedwith this explanation; and, in a probability of this being the case, Idarenotanylongerpostponewritingwhat,duringyourabsence,Ihaveoftenwishedtoexpresstoyou,buthaveneverhadthecouragetobegin.

"Youwellknow,Victor,thatourunionhadbeenthefavouriteplanofyourparentseversinceour infancy.Wewere told thiswhenyoung,and taught tolook forward to it as an event that would certainly take place. We wereaffectionate playfellows during childhood, and, I believe, dear and valuedfriends to one another as we grew older. But as brother and sister oftenentertain a lively affection towards each other, without desiring a moreintimateunion,maynotsuchalsobeourcase?Tellme,dearestVictor.Answerme, I conjureyou,byourmutualhappiness,with simple truth—Doyounotloveanother?

"Youhavetravelled;youhavespentseveralyearsofyourlifeatIngolstadt;andIconfesstoyou,myfriend,thatwhenIsawyoulastautumnsounhappy,flying to solitude, from the society of every creature, I could not helpsupposingthatyoumightregretourconnection,andbelieveyourselfboundinhonourtofulfilthewishesofyourparents,althoughtheyopposedthemselvestoyour inclinations.But this is false reasoning. I confess toyou,my friend,that I love you, and that in my airy dreams of futurity you have been myconstantfriendandcompanion.ButitisyourhappinessIdesireaswellasmyown, when I declare to you, that our marriage would render me eternallymiserable,unlessitwerethedictateofyourownfreechoice.EvennowIweepto think, that, bornedown as you are by the cruellestmisfortunes, youmaystifle,by thewordhonour, allhopeof that loveandhappinesswhichwouldalonerestoreyoutoyourself.I,whohavesodisinterestedanaffectionforyou,mayincreaseyourmiseriestenfold,bybeinganobstacletoyourwishes.Ah!Victor,beassuredthatyourcousinandplaymatehastoosincerealoveforyounottobemademiserablebythissupposition.Behappy,myfriend;andifyouobeymein thisonerequest, remainsatisfied thatnothingonearthwillhavethepowertointerruptmytranquillity.

"Donot let this letter disturb you; donot answer to-morrow, or the nextday,orevenuntilyoucome,if itwillgiveyoupain.Myunclewillsendmenewsofyourhealth; and if I seebutone smileonyour lipswhenwemeet,occasioned by this or any other exertion of mine, I shall need no otherhappiness.

"ElizabethLavenza.

"Geneva,May18th,17—."

ThisletterrevivedinmymemorywhatIhadbeforeforgotten,thethreatofthe fiend—"I will be with you on your wedding night!" Such was mysentence,andonthatnightwouldthedæmonemployeveryarttodestroyme,andtearmefromtheglimpseofhappinesswhichpromisedpartlytoconsolemysufferings.Onthatnighthehaddeterminedtoconsummatehiscrimesbymydeath.Well,beitso;adeadlystrugglewouldthenassuredlytakeplace,inwhichifhewerevictoriousIshouldbeatpeace,andhispowerovermebeatanend.Ifhewerevanquished,Ishouldbeafreeman.Alas!whatfreedom?such as thepeasant enjoyswhenhis familyhavebeenmassacredbefore hiseyes,hiscottageburnt,hislandslaidwaste,andheisturnedadrift,homeless,penniless, and alone, but free. Suchwould bemy liberty, except that inmyElizabeth I possessed a treasure; alas! balancedby those horrors of remorseandguilt,whichwouldpursuemeuntildeath.

Sweet and beloved Elizabeth! I read and re-read her letter, and somesoftenedfeelingsstoleintomyheart,anddaredtowhisperparadisiacaldreamsofloveandjoy;buttheapplewasalreadyeaten,andtheangel'sarmbaredtodriveme from all hope.Yet Iwould die tomake her happy. If themonsterexecutedhisthreat,deathwasinevitable;yet,again,Iconsideredwhethermymarriage would hasten my fate. My destruction might indeed arrive a fewmonths sooner; but if my torturer should suspect that I postponed it,influenced by his menaces, he would surely find other, and perhaps moredreadful means of revenge. He had vowed to be withme onmywedding-night,yethedidnotconsiderthatthreatasbindinghimtopeaceinthemeantime; for, as if to showme that hewas not yet satiatedwith blood, he hadmurderedClervalimmediatelyaftertheenunciationofhisthreats.Iresolved,therefore,thatifmyimmediateunionwithmycousinwouldconduceeithertohersormyfather'shappiness,myadversary'sdesignsagainstmy lifeshouldnotretarditasinglehour.

In this state of mind I wrote to Elizabeth. My letter was calm andaffectionate."Ifear,mybelovedgirl,"Isaid,"littlehappinessremainsforusonearth;yetallthatImayonedayenjoyiscentredinyou.Chaseawayyouridle fears; to you alone do I consecrate my life, and my endeavours forcontentment. I have one secret, Elizabeth, a dreadful one;when revealed toyou,itwillchillyourframewithhorror,andthen,farfrombeingsurprisedatmymisery, youwill onlywonder that I survivewhat I have endured. Iwillconfide this taleofmiseryand terror toyou thedayafterourmarriageshalltakeplace;for,mysweetcousin,theremustbeperfectconfidencebetweenus.But until then, I conjure you, do not mention or allude to it. This I mostearnestlyentreat,andIknowyouwillcomply."

In about a week after the arrival of Elizabeth's letter, we returned toGeneva.Thesweetgirlwelcomedmewithwarmaffection;yet tearswerein

her eyes, as she beheld my emaciated frame and feverish cheeks. I saw achange in her also. She was thinner, and had lost much of that heavenlyvivacity that had before charmedme; but her gentleness, and soft looks ofcompassion,madeheramorefitcompanionforoneblastedandmiserableasIwas.

The tranquillity which I now enjoyed did not endure. Memory broughtmadness with it; and when I thought of what had passed, a real insanitypossessedme;sometimesIwasfurious,andburntwithrage;sometimes lowand despondent. I neither spoke, nor looked at any one, but satmotionless,bewilderedbythemultitudeofmiseriesthatovercameme.

Elizabethalonehadthepowertodrawmefromthesefits;hergentlevoicewould soothemewhen transported by passion, and inspiremewith humanfeelingswhen sunk in torpor. Sheweptwithme, and forme.When reasonreturned, she would remonstrate, and endeavour to inspire me withresignation.Ah!itiswellfortheunfortunatetoberesigned,butfortheguiltythereisnopeace.Theagoniesofremorsepoisontheluxurythereisotherwisesometimesfoundinindulgingtheexcessofgrief.

Soon after my arrival, my father spoke ofmy immediatemarriage withElizabeth.Iremainedsilent.

"Haveyou,then,someotherattachment?"

"None on earth. I love Elizabeth, and look forward to our union withdelight.Let thedaythereforebefixed;andonit Iwillconsecratemyself, inlifeordeath,tothehappinessofmycousin."

"MydearVictor,donotspeak thus.Heavymisfortuneshavebefallenus;but let us only cling closer towhat remains, and transfer our love for thosewhomwehavelost,tothosewhoyetlive.Ourcirclewillbesmall,butboundclosebythetiesofaffectionandmutualmisfortune.Andwhentimeshallhavesoftened your despair, new and dear objects of carewill be born to replacethoseofwhomwehavebeensocruellydeprived."

Suchwere the lessons ofmy father. But tome the remembrance of thethreatreturned:norcanyouwonder,that,omnipotentasthefiendhadyetbeeninhisdeedsofblood,Ishouldalmostregardhimasinvincible;andthatwhenhehadpronouncedthewords,"Ishallbewithyouonyourwedding-night,"Ishouldregardthethreatenedfateasunavoidable.Butdeathwasnoeviltome,ifthelossofElizabethwerebalancedwithit;andItherefore,withacontentedand even cheerful countenance, agreed with my father, that if my cousinwouldconsent,theceremonyshouldtakeplaceintendays,andthusput,asIimagined,thesealtomyfate.

Great God! if for one instant I had thought what might be the hellish

intentionofmy fiendish adversary, Iwould rather havebanishedmyself foreverfrommynativecountry,andwanderedafriendlessoutcastovertheearth,thanhaveconsentedtothismiserablemarriage.But,asifpossessedofmagicpowers,themonsterhadblindedmetohisrealintentions;andwhenIthoughtthatIhadpreparedonlymyowndeath,Ihastenedthatofafardearervictim.

Astheperiodfixedforourmarriagedrewnearer,whetherfromcowardiceor a prophetic feeling, I felt my heart sink withinme. But I concealedmyfeelings by an appearance of hilarity, that brought smiles and joy to thecountenanceofmyfather,buthardlydeceivedtheever-watchfulandnicereyeofElizabeth. She looked forward to our unionwith placid contentment, notunmingledwithalittlefear,whichpastmisfortuneshadimpressed,thatwhatnowappearedcertainandtangiblehappiness,mightsoondissipateintoanairydream,andleavenotracebutdeepandeverlastingregret.

Preparationsweremadefortheevent;congratulatoryvisitswerereceived;andallworea smilingappearance. I shutup,aswellas Icould, inmyownhearttheanxietythatpreyedthere,andenteredwithseemingearnestnessintotheplansofmyfather,although theymightonlyserveas thedecorationsofmy tragedy. Through my father's exertions, a part of the inheritance ofElizabeth had been restored to her by the Austrian government. A smallpossession on the shores of Como belonged to her. It was agreed that,immediatelyafterourunion,weshouldproceedtoVillaLavenza,andspendourfirstdaysofhappinessbesidethebeautifullakenearwhichitstood.

InthemeantimeItookeveryprecautiontodefendmyperson,incasethefiendshouldopenlyattackme.Icarriedpistolsandadaggerconstantlyaboutme,andwaseveronthewatchtopreventartifice;andbythesemeansgainedagreater degree of tranquillity. Indeed, as the period approached, the threatappearedmoreasadelusion,nottoberegardedasworthytodisturbmypeace,whilethehappinessIhopedforinmymarriageworeagreaterappearanceofcertainty, as the day fixed for its solemnisation drew nearer, and I heard itcontinually spoken of as an occurrence which no accident could possiblyprevent.

Elizabeth seemed happy; my tranquil demeanour contributed greatly tocalmhermind.Butonthedaythatwastofulfilmywishesandmydestiny,shewasmelancholy,andapresentimentofevilpervadedher;andperhapsalsoshethought of the dreadful secretwhich I had promised to reveal to her on thefollowingday.Myfatherwasinthemeantimeoverjoyed,and,inthebustleofpreparation,onlyrecognisedinthemelancholyofhisniecethediffidenceofabride.

Aftertheceremonywasperformed,alargepartyassembledatmyfather's;butitwasagreedthatElizabethandIshouldcommenceourjourneybywater,

sleepingthatnightatEvian,andcontinuingourvoyageonthefollowingday.Thedaywasfair,thewindfavourable,allsmiledonournuptialembarkation.

ThosewerethelastmomentsofmylifeduringwhichIenjoyedthefeelingofhappiness.Wepassedrapidlyalong:thesunwashot,butwewereshelteredfromitsraysbyakindofcanopy,whileweenjoyedthebeautyofthescene,sometimesononesideof the lake,wherewesawMontSalêve, thepleasantbanks ofMontalègre, and at a distance, surmounting all, the beautifulMontBlanc, and the assemblage of snowy mountains that in vain endeavour toemulateher;sometimescoastingtheoppositebanks,wesawthemightyJuraopposingitsdarksidetotheambitionthatwouldquit itsnativecountry,andanalmostinsurmountablebarriertotheinvaderwhoshouldwishtoenslaveit.

ItookthehandofElizabeth:"Youaresorrowful,mylove.Ah!ifyouknewwhatIhavesuffered,andwhatImayyetendure,youwouldendeavourtoletmetastethequietandfreedomfromdespair,thatthisonedayatleastpermitsmetoenjoy."

"Behappy,mydearVictor,"repliedElizabeth;"thereis,Ihope,nothingtodistressyou;andbeassuredthatifalivelyjoyisnotpaintedinmyface,myheartiscontented.Somethingwhisperstomenottodependtoomuchontheprospectthatisopenedbeforeus;butIwillnotlistentosuchasinistervoice.Observe how fast we move along, and how the clouds, which sometimesobscureandsometimesriseabovethedomeofMontBlanc,renderthissceneof beauty still more interesting. Look also at the innumerable fish that areswimmingintheclearwaters,wherewecandistinguisheverypebblethatliesatthebottom.Whatadivineday!howhappyandsereneallnatureappears!"

Thus Elizabeth endeavoured to divert her thoughts and mine from allreflectionuponmelancholysubjects.Buthertemperwasfluctuating;joyforafewinstantsshoneinhereyes,butitcontinuallygaveplacetodistractionandreverie.

The sun sunk lower in the heavens; we passed the river Drance, andobserveditspaththroughthechasmsofthehigher,andtheglensofthelowerhills. The Alps here come closer to the lake, and we approached theamphitheatre of mountains which forms its eastern boundary. The spire ofEvian shoneunder thewoods that surrounded it, and the rangeofmountainabovemountainbywhichitwasoverhung.

Thewind,whichhadhithertocarriedusalongwithamazingrapidity,sunkat sunset to a light breeze; the soft air just ruffled the water, and caused apleasantmotion among the trees asweapproached the shore, fromwhich itwaftedthemostdelightfulscentofflowersandhay.Thesunsunkbeneaththehorizonaswelanded;andasItouchedtheshore,Ifeltthosecaresandfearsrevive,whichsoonweretoclaspme,andclingtomeforever.

CHAPTERXXIII.

Itwas eight o'clockwhenwe landed;wewalked for a short timeon theshore, enjoying the transitory light, and then retired to the inn, andcontemplated the lovelysceneofwaters,woods,andmountains,obscured indarkness,yetstilldisplayingtheirblackoutlines.

Thewind,whichhadfallenin thesouth,nowrosewithgreatviolenceinthe west. The moon had reached her summit in the heavens, and wasbeginningtodescend;thecloudssweptacrossitswifterthantheflightofthevulture,anddimmedher rays,while the lake reflected thesceneof thebusyheavens,renderedstillbusierbytherestlesswavesthatwerebeginningtorise.Suddenlyaheavystormofraindescended.

Ihadbeencalmduringtheday;butsosoonasnightobscuredtheshapesofobjects,athousandfearsaroseinmymind.Iwasanxiousandwatchful,whilemyrighthandgraspedapistolwhichwashiddeninmybosom;everysoundterrifiedme; but I resolved that I would sellmy life dearly, and not shrinkfromtheconflictuntilmyownlife,orthatofmyadversary,wasextinguished.

Elizabethobservedmyagitationforsometimeintimidandfearfulsilence;buttherewassomethinginmyglancewhichcommunicatedterrortoher,andtremblingsheasked,"Whatisitthatagitatesyou,mydearVictor?Whatisityoufear?"

"Oh!peace,peace,mylove,"repliedI;"thisnight,andallwillbesafe:butthisnightisdreadful,verydreadful."

I passed an hour in this state of mind, when suddenly I reflected howfearfulthecombatwhichImomentarilyexpectedwouldbetomywife,andIearnestlyentreatedhertoretire,resolvingnottojoinheruntilIhadobtainedsomeknowledgeastothesituationofmyenemy.

Sheleftme,andIcontinuedsometimewalkingupanddownthepassagesof the house, and inspecting every corner thatmight afford a retreat tomyadversary.ButIdiscoverednotraceofhim,andwasbeginningtoconjecturethat some fortunate chance had intervened to prevent the execution of hismenaces;whensuddenlyIheardashrillanddreadfulscream.Itcamefromtheroom intowhichElizabethhad retired.As Iheard it, thewhole truth rushedintomymind,myarmsdropped, themotionof everymuscle and fibrewassuspended; I could feel the blood trickling inmy veins, and tingling in theextremitiesofmy limbs.This state lastedbut foran instant; the screamwasrepeated,andIrushedintotheroom.

Great God! why did I not then expire! Why am I here to relate thedestructionofthebesthope,andthepurestcreatureofearth?Shewasthere,lifelessandinanimate,thrownacrossthebed,herheadhangingdown,andherpaleanddistortedfeatureshalfcoveredbyherhair.EverywhereI turnIseethesamefigure—herbloodlessarmsandrelaxedformflungbythemurdereron its bridal bier. Could I behold this, and live?Alas! life is obstinate, andclings closest where it is most hated. For a moment only did I loserecollection;Ifellsenselessontheground.

When I recovered, I foundmyself surrounded by the people of the inn;their countenances expressed a breathless terror: but the horror of othersappeared only as amockery, a shadow of the feelings that oppressedme. IescapedfromthemtotheroomwherelaythebodyofElizabeth,mylove,mywife, so lately living, so dear, so worthy. She had been moved from thepostureinwhichIhadfirstbeheldher;andnow,asshelay,herheaduponherarm, and a handkerchief thrown across her face and neck, I might havesupposedherasleep.Irushedtowardsher,andembracedherwithardour;butthedeadlylanguorandcoldnessofthelimbstoldme,thatwhatInowheldinmyarmshadceasedtobetheElizabethwhomIhadlovedandcherished.Themurderous mark of the fiend's grasp was on her neck, and the breath hadceasedtoissuefromherlips.

WhileIstillhungoverherintheagonyofdespair,Ihappenedtolookup.Thewindowsoftheroomhadbeforebeendarkened,andIfeltakindofpanicon seeing the pale yellow light of the moon illuminate the chamber. Theshutters had been thrown back; and, with a sensation of horror not to bedescribed,Isawattheopenwindowafigurethemosthideousandabhorred.Agrinwason the faceof themonster; he seemed to jeer, aswithhis fiendishfingerhepointedtowardsthecorpseofmywife.Irushedtowardsthewindow,anddrawingapistolfrommybosom,fired;butheeludedme,leapedfromhisstation,and,runningwiththeswiftnessoflightning,plungedintothelake.

Thereportofthepistolbroughtacrowdintotheroom.Ipointedtothespotwhere he had disappeared, andwe followed the trackwith boats; netswerecast,but invain.Afterpassing severalhours,we returnedhopeless,mostofmy companions believing it to have been a form conjured up bymy fancy.After having landed, they proceeded to search the country, parties going indifferentdirectionsamongthewoodsandvines.

Iattempted toaccompany them,andproceededashortdistance fromthehouse;butmyheadwhirledround,mystepswerelikethoseofadrunkenman,Ifellatlastinastateofutterexhaustion;afilmcoveredmyeyes,andmyskinwasparchedwiththeheatoffever.InthisstateIwascarriedback,andplacedonabed,hardlyconsciousofwhathadhappened;myeyeswandered roundtheroom,asiftoseeksomethingthatIhadlost.

After an interval, I arose, and, as if by instinct, crawled into the roomwhere thecorpseofmybeloved lay.Therewerewomenweepingaround—Ihungoverit,andjoinedmysadtearstotheirs—all this timenodistinct ideapresented itself to my mind; but my thoughts rambled to various subjects,reflectingconfusedlyonmymisfortunes,andtheircause.Iwasbewilderedinacloudofwonderandhorror.ThedeathofWilliam,theexecutionofJustine,themurderofClerval,andlastlyofmywife;evenatthatmomentIknewnotthatmyonlyremainingfriendsweresafefromthemalignityofthefiend;myfatherevennowmightbewrithingunderhisgrasp,andErnestmightbedeadathisfeet.Thisideamademeshudder,andrecalledmetoaction.Istartedup,andresolvedtoreturntoGenevawithallpossiblespeed.

Therewerenohorsestobeprocured,andImustreturnbythelake;butthewindwasunfavourable, and the rain fell in torrents.However, itwashardlymorning,andImightreasonablyhopetoarrivebynight.Ihiredmentorow,and took an oar myself; for I had always experienced relief from mentaltorment in bodily exercise. But the overflowingmisery I now felt, and theexcess of agitation that I endured, renderedme incapable of any exertion. Ithrewdowntheoar;andleaningmyheaduponmyhands,gavewaytoeverygloomyideathatarose.IfIlookedup,Isawthesceneswhichwerefamiliartomeinmyhappiertime,andwhichIhadcontemplatedbutthedaybeforeinthecompanyofherwhowasnowbutashadowandarecollection.Tearsstreamedfrommyeyes.Therainhadceasedforamoment,andIsawthefishplayinthewatersastheyhaddoneafewhoursbefore;theyhadthenbeenobservedbyElizabeth.Nothingissopainfultothehumanmindasagreatandsuddenchange. The sunmight shine, or the cloudsmight lower: but nothing couldappear tome as it had done the day before.A fiend had snatched frommeeveryhopeof futurehappiness:nocreaturehadeverbeen somiserableas Iwas;sofrightfulaneventissingleinthehistoryofman.

But why should I dwell upon the incidents that followed this lastoverwhelming event?Mine has been a tale of horrors; I have reached theiracme,andwhatImustnowrelatecanbutbetedioustoyou.Knowthat,onebyone,myfriendsweresnatchedaway;Iwasleftdesolate.Myownstrengthis exhausted; and Imust tell, in a fewwords, what remains ofmy hideousnarration.

IarrivedatGeneva.MyfatherandErnestyet lived;but the formersunkunderthetidingsthatIbore.Iseehimnow,excellentandvenerableoldman!hiseyeswanderedinvacancy,fortheyhadlosttheircharmandtheirdelight—his Elizabeth, his more than daughter, whom he doated on with all thataffectionwhichamanfeels,whointhedeclineoflife,havingfewaffections,clingsmore earnestly to those that remain.Cursed, cursed be the fiend thatbroughtmiseryonhisgreyhairs,anddoomedhimtowasteinwretchedness!

He could not live under the horrors thatwere accumulated around him; thespringsofexistencesuddenlygaveway:hewasunable torisefromhisbed,andinafewdayshediedinmyarms.

What then became of me? I know not; I lost sensation, and chains anddarknesswere the only objects that pressed uponme. Sometimes, indeed, Idreamt that I wandered in flowery meadows and pleasant vales with thefriendsofmyyouth;butIawoke,andfoundmyselfinadungeon.Melancholyfollowed, but by degrees I gained a clear conception of my miseries andsituation,andwasthenreleasedfrommyprison.Fortheyhadcalledmemad;and during many months, as I understood, a solitary cell had been myhabitation.

Liberty,however,hadbeenanuselessgifttome,hadInot,asIawakenedto reason, at the same time awakened to revenge. As the memory of pastmisfortunespresseduponme, Ibegan to reflecton theircause—themonsterwhomIhadcreated, themiserabledæmonwhomIhad sent abroad into theworld for my destruction. I was possessed by a maddening rage when Ithoughtofhim,anddesiredandardentlyprayedthatImighthavehimwithinmygrasptowreakagreatandsignalrevengeonhiscursedhead.

Nordidmyhatelongconfineitselftouselesswishes;Ibegantoreflectonthebestmeansofsecuringhim;andforthispurpose,aboutamonthaftermyrelease,Irepairedtoacriminaljudgeinthetown,andtoldhimthatIhadanaccusationtomake;thatIknewthedestroyerofmyfamily;andthatIrequiredhimtoexerthiswholeauthorityfortheapprehensionofthemurderer.

Themagistrate listenedtomewithattentionandkindness:—"Beassured,sir,"saidhe,"nopainsorexertionsonmypartshallbesparedtodiscoverthevillain."

"Ithankyou,"repliedI;"listen,therefore,tothedepositionthatIhavetomake.Itisindeedatalesostrange,thatIshouldfearyouwouldnotcreditit,were there not something in truth which, however wonderful, forcesconviction.Thestoryistooconnectedtobemistakenforadream,andIhaveno motive for falsehood." My manner, as I thus addressed him, wasimpressive,butcalm;Ihadformedinmyownheartaresolutiontopursuemydestroyer to death; and this purpose quieted my agony, and for an intervalreconciledmetolife.Inowrelatedmyhistory,briefly,butwithfirmnessandprecision,markingthedateswithaccuracy,andneverdeviatingintoinvectiveorexclamation.

Themagistrate appearedat firstperfectly incredulous,but as I continuedhebecamemoreattentiveandinterested; Isawhimsometimesshudderwithhorror,atothersalivelysurprise,unmingledwithdisbelief,waspaintedonhiscountenance.

When I had concludedmy narration, I said, "This is the being whom Iaccuse, and forwhose seizureandpunishment I calluponyou toexertyourwholepower.Itisyourdutyasamagistrate,andIbelieveandhopethatyourfeelingsasamanwillnotrevoltfromtheexecutionofthosefunctionsonthisoccasion."

Thisaddresscausedaconsiderablechangeinthephysiognomyofmyownauditor.Hehadheardmystorywiththathalfkindofbeliefthatisgiventoatale of spirits and supernatural events; but when he was called upon to actofficially in consequence, the whole tide of his incredulity returned. He,however, answeredmildly, "I would willingly afford you every aid in yourpursuit; but the creature ofwhomyou speak appears to have powerswhichwouldputallmyexertionstodefiance.Whocanfollowananimalwhichcantraverse the sea of ice, and inhabit caves and dens where no man wouldventuretointrude?Besides,somemonthshaveelapsedsincethecommissionofhis crimes, andnoonecanconjecture towhatplacehehaswandered,orwhatregionhemaynowinhabit."

"IdonotdoubtthathehoversnearthespotwhichIinhabit;andifhehasindeed taken refuge in the Alps, he may be hunted like the chamois, anddestroyedasabeastofprey.ButIperceiveyour thoughts:youdonotcreditmy narrative, and do not intend to pursue my enemy with the punishmentwhichishisdesert."

As I spoke, rage sparkled in my eyes; the magistrate was intimidated:—"Youaremistaken,"saidhe,"Iwillexertmyself;andifitisinmypowertoseizethemonster,beassuredthatheshallsufferpunishmentproportionatetohis crimes. But I fear, from what you have yourself described to be hisproperties, that this will prove impracticable; and thus, while every propermeasureispursued,youshouldmakeupyourmindtodisappointment."

"Thatcannotbe;butallthatIcansaywillbeoflittleavail.Myrevengeisofnomomenttoyou;yet,whileIallowittobeavice,Iconfessthatitisthedevouringandonlypassionofmysoul.Myrageisunspeakable,whenIreflectthat themurderer, whom I have turned loose upon society, still exists. Yourefusemyjustdemand:Ihavebutoneresource;andIdevotemyself,eitherinmylifeordeath,tohisdestruction."

ItrembledwithexcessofagitationasIsaidthis;therewasafrenzyinmymanner, and something, I doubt not, of that haughty fierceness which themartyrsofoldaresaidtohavepossessed.ButtoaGenevanmagistrate,whosemindwasoccupiedbyfarotherideasthanthoseofdevotionandheroism,thiselevationofmindhadmuch the appearanceofmadness.Heendeavoured tosootheme as a nurse does a child, and reverted tomy tale as the effects ofdelirium.

"Man,"Icried,"howignorantartthouinthyprideofwisdom!Cease;youknownotwhatitisyousay."

I broke from the house angry and disturbed, and retired to meditate onsomeothermodeofaction.

CHAPTERXXIV.

My present situation was one in which all voluntary thought wasswallowedupand lost. Iwashurriedawayby fury; revengealoneendowedmewithstrengthandcomposure;itmouldedmyfeelings,andallowedmetobecalculatingandcalm,atperiodswhenotherwisedeliriumordeathwouldhavebeenmyportion.

MyfirstresolutionwastoquitGenevaforever;mycountry,which,whenIwashappyandbeloved,wasdeartome,now,inmyadversity,becamehateful.Iprovidedmyselfwithasumofmoney,togetherwithafewjewelswhichhadbelongedtomymother,anddeparted.

Andnowmywanderingsbegan,whichare to ceasebutwith life. Ihavetraversedavastportionoftheearth,andhaveenduredallthehardshipswhichtravellers, indeserts andbarbarouscountries, arewont tomeet.How Ihavelived Ihardlyknow;many timeshave I stretchedmyfailing limbsupon thesandyplain,andprayedfordeath.Butrevengekeptmealive;Idarednotdie,andleavemyadversaryinbeing.

WhenIquittedGeneva,myfirstlabourwastogainsomecluebywhichImighttracethestepsofmyfiendishenemy.Butmyplanwasunsettled;andIwanderedmanyhours round theconfinesof the town,uncertainwhatpath Ishould pursue. As night approached, I found myself at the entrance of thecemeterywhereWilliam,Elizabeth, andmy father reposed. I entered it, andapproached the tomb which marked their graves. Every thing was silent,except the leaves of the trees, whichwere gently agitated by thewind; thenightwasnearlydark; and the scenewouldhavebeen solemnandaffectingeven to an uninterested observer. The spirits of the departed seemed to flitaround,andtocastashadow,whichwasfeltbutnotseen,aroundtheheadofthemourner.

Thedeepgriefwhich this scenehadat first excitedquicklygaveway torageanddespair.Theyweredead,andIlived;theirmurdereralsolived,andtodestroy him Imust drag outmyweary existence. I knelt on the grass, andkissed theearth, andwithquivering lips exclaimed, "By the sacredearthonwhich I kneel, by the shades thatwander nearme, by the deep and eternal

griefthatIfeel,Iswear;andbythee,ONight,andthespiritsthatpresideoverthee,topursuethedæmon,whocausedthismisery,untilheorIshallperishinmortalconflict.For thispurposeIwillpreservemylife: toexecute thisdearrevenge, will I again behold the sun, and tread the green herbage of earth,which otherwise should vanish from my eyes for ever. And I call on you,spiritsofthedead;andonyou,wanderingministersofvengeance,toaidandconduct me in my work. Let the cursed and hellish monster drink deep ofagony;lethimfeelthedespairthatnowtormentsme."

I had begun my adjuration with solemnity, and an awe which almostassuredme that the shades ofmymurdered friends heard and approvedmydevotion; but the furies possessedme as I concluded, and rage chokedmyutterance.

Iwasansweredthroughthestillnessofnightbyaloudandfiendishlaugh.Itrungonmyearslongandheavily;themountainsre-echoedit,andIfeltasifall hell surroundedmewithmockery and laughter. Surely in thatmoment Ishould have been possessed by frenzy, and have destroyed my miserableexistence,butthatmyvowwasheard,andthatIwasreservedforvengeance.The laughterdiedaway;whenawell-knownandabhorredvoice,apparentlyclose to my ear, addressed me in an audible whisper—"I am satisfied:miserablewretch!youhavedeterminedtolive,andIamsatisfied."

Idarted towards the spot fromwhich the soundproceeded;but thedevileludedmygrasp.Suddenlythebroaddiskofthemoonarose,andshonefulluponhisghastlyanddistortedshape,ashefledwithmorethanmortalspeed.

Ipursuedhim;andformanymonths thishasbeenmytask.Guidedbyaslight clue, I followed the windings of the Rhone, but vainly. The blueMediterranean appeared; and, by a strange chance, I saw the fiend enter bynight,andhidehimselfinavesselboundfortheBlackSea.Itookmypassageinthesameship;butheescaped,Iknownothow.

AmidstthewildsofTartaryandRussia,althoughhestillevadedme,Ihaveever followed in his track. Sometimes the peasants, scared by this horridapparition,informedmeofhispath;sometimeshehimself,whofearedthatifIlostalltraceofhim,Ishoulddespairanddie,leftsomemarktoguideme.Thesnowsdescendedonmyhead,andIsawtheprintofhishugesteponthewhiteplain.Toyoufirstenteringonlife,towhomcareisnew,andagonyunknown,how can you understand what I have felt, and still feel? Cold, want, andfatigue,weretheleastpainswhichIwasdestinedtoendure;Iwascursedbysomedevil,andcarriedaboutwithmemyeternalhell;yetstillaspiritofgoodfollowedanddirectedmysteps;and,whenImostmurmured,wouldsuddenlyextricate me from seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Sometimes, whennature,overcomebyhunger,sunkundertheexhaustion,arepastwasprepared

forme in the desert, that restored and inspiritedme. The fare was, indeed,coarse,suchasthepeasantsofthecountryate;butIwillnotdoubtthatitwassettherebythespiritsthatIhadinvokedtoaidme.Often,whenallwasdry,theheavenscloudless,andIwasparchedbythirst,aslightcloudwouldbedimthesky,shedthefewdropsthatrevivedme,andvanish.

I followed, when I could, the courses of the rivers; but the dæmongenerally avoided these, as it was here that the population of the countrychiefly collected. In other places human beings were seldom seen; and Igenerally subsisted on thewild animals that crossedmy path. I hadmoneywith me, and gained the friendship of the villagers by distributing it; or IbroughtwithmesomefoodthatIhadkilled,which,aftertakingasmallpart,Ialways presented to those who had provided me with fire and utensils forcooking.

Mylife,asitpassedthus,wasindeedhatefultome,anditwasduringsleepalone that I could taste joy.O blessed sleep! often,whenmostmiserable, Isank to repose, and my dreams lulled me even to rapture. The spirits thatguardedmehadprovidedthesemoments,orratherhours,ofhappiness,thatImightretainstrengthtofulfilmypilgrimage.Deprivedofthisrespite,Ishouldhavesunkundermyhardships.DuringthedayIwassustainedandinspiritedbythehopeofnight:forinsleepIsawmyfriends,mywife,andmybelovedcountry;againIsawthebenevolentcountenanceofmyfather,heardthesilvertonesofmyElizabeth'svoice,andbeheldClervalenjoyinghealthandyouth.Often, when wearied by a toilsome march, I persuaded myself that I wasdreaminguntilnightshouldcome,andthatIshouldthenenjoyrealityinthearmsofmydearestfriends.WhatagonisingfondnessdidIfeelforthem!howdid I cling to their dear forms, as sometimes they haunted evenmywakinghours,andpersuademyselfthattheystilllived!Atsuchmomentsvengeance,thatburnedwithinme,died inmyheart,and Ipursuedmypath towards thedestruction of the dæmon, more as a task enjoined by heaven, as themechanical impulseof somepowerofwhich Iwasunconscious, thanas theardentdesireofmysoul.

What his feelings were whom I pursued I cannot know. Sometimes,indeed,heleftmarksinwritingonthebarksofthetrees,orcutinstone,thatguidedme,and instigatedmy fury. "My reign isnotyetover," (thesewordswere legible in one of these inscriptions;) "you live, and my power iscomplete.Followme;Iseektheeverlastingicesofthenorth,whereyouwillfeelthemiseryofcoldandfrost,towhichIamimpassive.Youwillfindnearthis place, if you follow not too tardily, a dead hare; eat, and be refreshed.Comeon,myenemy;wehaveyettowrestleforourlives;butmanyhardandmiserablehoursmustyouendureuntilthatperiodshallarrive."

Scoffing devil! Again do I vow vengeance; again do I devote thee,

miserablefiend,totortureanddeath.NeverwillIgiveupmysearch,untilheor I perish; and then with what ecstasy shall I join my Elizabeth, and mydepartedfriends,whoevennowprepareformetherewardofmytedioustoilandhorriblepilgrimage!

AsIstillpursuedmyjourneyto thenorthward, thesnowsthickened,andthecoldincreasedinadegreealmosttooseveretosupport.Thepeasantswereshut up in their hovels, and only a few of themost hardy ventured forth toseizetheanimalswhomstarvationhadforcedfromtheirhiding-placestoseekforprey.Theriverswerecoveredwithice,andnofishcouldbeprocured;andthusIwascutofffrommychiefarticleofmaintenance.

Thetriumphofmyenemyincreasedwiththedifficultyofmylabours.Oneinscription thathe leftwas in thesewords:—"Prepare!your toilsonlybegin:wrapyourselfinfurs,andprovidefood;forweshallsoonenteruponajourneywhereyoursufferingswillsatisfymyeverlastinghatred."

Mycourageandperseverancewereinvigoratedbythesescoffingwords;Iresolvednot to fail inmypurpose; and, callingonHeaven to supportme, Icontinuedwithunabatedfervourtotraverseimmensedeserts,until theoceanappearedatadistance,and formed theutmostboundaryof thehorizon.Oh!howunlikeitwastotheblueseasofthesouth!Coveredwithice,itwasonlyto be distinguished from land by its superiorwildness and ruggedness. TheGreeks wept for joy when they beheld theMediterranean from the hills ofAsia,andhailedwithrapturetheboundaryoftheirtoils.Ididnotweep;butIkneltdown, and,with a fullheart, thankedmyguiding spirit for conductingmeinsafetytotheplacewhereIhoped,notwithstandingmyadversary'sgibe,tomeetandgrapplewithhim.

SomeweeksbeforethisperiodIhadprocuredasledgeanddogs,andthustraversed the snowswith inconceivable speed. Iknownotwhether the fiendpossessed the same advantages; but I found that, as before I had daily lostgroundinthepursuit,Inowgainedonhim:somuchso,thatwhenIfirstsawtheocean,hewasbutoneday'sjourneyinadvance,andIhopedtointercepthimbeforeheshouldreachthebeach.Withnewcourage,therefore,Ipressedon,andintwodaysarrivedatawretchedhamletonthesea-shore.Ienquiredof the inhabitants concerning the fiend, and gained accurate information. Agiganticmonster,theysaid,hadarrivedthenightbefore,armedwithagunandmanypistols;puttingtoflighttheinhabitantsofasolitarycottage,throughfearofhis terrificappearance.Hehadcarriedoff their storeofwinter food,and,placing it ina sledge, todrawwhichhehad seizedonanumerousdroveoftrained dogs, he had harnessed them, and the same night, to the joy of thehorror-struckvillagers, hadpursuedhis journeyacross the sea in adirectionthatledtonoland;andtheyconjecturedthathemustspeedilybedestroyedbythebreakingoftheice,orfrozenbytheeternalfrosts.

Onhearingthis information,Isuffereda temporaryaccessofdespair.Hehad escaped me; and I must commence a destructive and almost endlessjourneyacrossthemountainousicesoftheocean,—amidstcoldthatfewoftheinhabitantscould longendure,andwhichI, thenativeofagenialandsunnyclimate, couldnothope to survive.Yet at the idea that the fiend should liveandbetriumphant,myrageandvengeancereturned,and, likeamightytide,overwhelmed every other feeling. After a slight repose, during which thespirits of the dead hovered round, and instigated me to toil and revenge, Ipreparedformyjourney.

I exchangedmy land-sledge for one fashioned for the inequalities of theFrozenOcean;andpurchasingaplentifulstockofprovisions,Idepartedfromland.

Icannotguesshowmanydayshavepassedsincethen;butIhaveenduredmisery,whichnothingbut theeternal sentimentof a just retributionburningwithin my heart could have enabled me to support. Immense and ruggedmountainsoficeoftenbarredupmypassage,andIoftenheardthethunderofthe ground sea,which threatenedmy destruction. But again the frost came,andmadethepathsoftheseasecure.

BythequantityofprovisionwhichIhadconsumed,IshouldguessthatIhadpassedthreeweeksinthisjourney;andthecontinualprotractionofhope,returningbackupon theheart, oftenwrungbitter dropsof despondency andgrieffrommyeyes.Despairhadindeedalmostsecuredherprey,andIshouldsoon have sunk beneath this misery. Once, after the poor animals thatconveyed me had with incredible toil gained the summit of a sloping ice-mountain, and one, sinking under his fatigue, died, I viewed the expansebeforemewithanguish,whensuddenlymyeyecaughtadarkspeckuponthedusky plain. I strainedmy sight to discoverwhat it could be, and uttered awild cry of ecstasy when I distinguished a sledge, and the distortedproportionsofawell-knownformwithin.Oh!withwhataburninggushdidhoperevisitmyheart!warmtearsfilledmyeyes,whichIhastilywipedaway,thattheymightnotintercepttheviewIhadofthedæmon;butstillmysightwas dimmed by the burning drops, until, giving way to the emotions thatoppressedme,Iweptaloud.

Butthiswasnotthetimefordelay:Idisencumberedthedogsoftheirdeadcompanion, gave them a plentiful portion of food; and, after an hour's rest,whichwasabsolutelynecessary,andyetwhichwasbitterlyirksometome,Icontinuedmyroute.Thesledgewasstillvisible;nordidIagainlosesightofit, except at themomentswhen for a short time some ice-rock concealed itwith its interveningcrags. I indeedperceptiblygainedon it;andwhen,afternearlytwodays' journey,Ibeheldmyenemyatnomorethanamiledistant,myheartboundedwithinme.

Butnow,whenIappearedalmostwithingraspofmyfoe,myhopesweresuddenlyextinguished,andIlostalltraceofhimmoreutterlythanIhadeverdonebefore.Agroundseawasheard;thethunderofitsprogress,asthewatersrolled and swelled beneath me, became every moment more ominous andterrific.Ipressedon,butinvain.Thewindarose;thesearoared;and,aswiththemightyshockofanearthquake,itsplit,andcrackedwithatremendousandoverwhelming sound. The work was soon finished: in a few minutes atumultuoussearolledbetweenmeandmyenemy,andIwasleftdriftingonascatteredpieceof ice, thatwas continually lessening, and thuspreparing formeahideousdeath.

Inthismannermanyappallinghourspassed;severalofmydogsdied;andImyself was about to sink under the accumulation of distress, when I sawyourvesselridingatanchor,andholdingforthtomehopesofsuccourandlife.Ihadnoconceptionthatvesselsevercamesofarnorth,andwasastoundedatthesight.Iquicklydestroyedpartofmysledgetoconstructoars;andbythesemeanswasenabled,withinfinitefatigue,tomovemyice-raftinthedirectionof your ship. I had determined, if you were going southward, still to trustmyself to themercyof theseas rather thanabandonmypurpose. Ihoped toinduceyoutograntmeaboatwithwhichIcouldpursuemyenemy.Butyourdirection was northward. You took me on board when my vigour wasexhausted,andIshouldsoonhavesunkundermymultipliedhardshipsintoadeathwhichIstilldread—formytaskisunfulfilled.

Oh!whenwillmyguiding spirit, in conductingme to thedæmon, allowmetherestIsomuchdesire;ormustIdie,andheyetlive?IfIdo,sweartome,Walton, thatheshallnotescape; thatyouwill seekhim,andsatisfymyvengeance in his death. And do I dare to ask of you to undertake mypilgrimage, to endure thehardships that I haveundergone?No; I amnot soselfish.Yet,whenIamdead,ifheshouldappear;iftheministersofvengeanceshouldconducthimtoyou,swear thatheshallnot live—swear thatheshallnot triumphovermyaccumulatedwoes,andsurvive toadd to the listofhisdark crimes. He is eloquent and persuasive; and once his words had evenpowerovermyheart:buttrusthimnot.Hissoulisashellishashisform,fulloftreacheryandfiendlikemalice.Hearhimnot;callonthemanesofWilliam,Justine,Clerval,Elizabeth,my father, andof thewretchedVictor, and thrustyourswordintohisheart.Iwillhovernear,anddirectthesteelaright.

Walton,incontinuation.

August26th,17—.

Youhavereadthisstrangeandterrificstory,Margaret;anddoyounotfeelyour blood congeal with horror, like that which even now curdles mine?Sometimes, seized with sudden agony, he could not continue his tale; at

others, his voice broken, yet piercing, uttered with difficulty the words soreplete with anguish. His fine and lovely eyes were now lighted up withindignation, now subdued to downcast sorrow, and quenched in infinitewretchedness. Sometimes he commanded his countenance and tones, andrelated the most horrible incidents with a tranquil voice, suppressing everymarkofagitation;then,likeavolcanoburstingforth,hisfacewouldsuddenlychangetoanexpressionofthewildestrage,asheshriekedoutimprecationsonhispersecutor.

Histaleisconnected,andtoldwithanappearanceofthesimplesttruth;yetIowntoyouthatthelettersofFelixandSafie,whichheshowedme,andtheapparition of the monster seen from our ship, brought to me a greaterconvictionofthetruthofhisnarrativethanhisasseverations,howeverearnestandconnected.Suchamonsterhasthenreallyexistence!Icannotdoubtit;yetIam lost in surpriseandadmiration.Sometimes Iendeavoured togain fromFrankenstein the particulars of his creature's formation: but on this point hewasimpenetrable.

"Are you mad, my friend?" said he; "or whither does your senselesscuriosity lead you? Would you also create for yourself and the world ademoniacal enemy? Peace, peace! learn my miseries, and do not seek toincreaseyourown."

FrankensteindiscoveredthatImadenotesconcerninghishistory:heaskedtoseethem,andthenhimselfcorrectedandaugmentedtheminmanyplaces;butprincipallyingivingthelifeandspirittotheconversationsheheldwithhisenemy."Sinceyouhavepreservedmynarration,"saidhe,"Iwouldnotthatamutilatedoneshouldgodowntoposterity."

Thushas aweekpassedaway,while I have listened to the strangest talethateverimaginationformed.Mythoughts,andeveryfeelingofmysoul,havebeen drunk up by the interest for my guest, which this tale, and his ownelevated and gentlemanners, have created. I wish to soothe him; yet can Icounselonesoinfinitelymiserable,sodestituteofeveryhopeofconsolation,tolive?Oh,no!theonlyjoythathecannowknowwillbewhenhecomposeshis shattered spirit to peace and death. Yet he enjoys one comfort, theoffspringofsolitudeanddelirium:hebelieves,that,whenindreamsheholdsconversewithhis friends, andderives from that communion consolation forhismiseries,orexcitementstohisvengeance,thattheyarenotthecreationsofhis fancy, but the beings themselves who visit him from the regions of aremoteworld.Thisfaithgivesasolemnitytohisreveriesthatrenderthemtomealmostasimposingandinterestingastruth.

Our conversations are not always confined to his own history andmisfortunes. On every point of general literature he displays unbounded

knowledge,andaquickandpiercingapprehension.Hiseloquenceisforcibleand touching; nor can I hear him, when he relates a pathetic incident, orendeavours to move the passions of pity or love, without tears. What agloriouscreaturemusthehavebeeninthedaysofhisprosperity,whenheisthus noble and godlike in ruin! He seems to feel his own worth, and thegreatnessofhisfall.

"When younger," said he, "I believed myself destined for some greatenterprise.Myfeelingsareprofound;butIpossessedacoolnessofjudgmentthatfittedmeforillustriousachievements.Thissentimentoftheworthofmynaturesupportedme,whenotherswouldhavebeenoppressed;forIdeemeditcriminaltothrowawayinuselessgriefthosetalentsthatmightbeusefultomyfellow-creatures.WhenIreflectedontheworkIhadcompleted,nolessaonethan the creationof a sensitive and rational animal, I couldnot rankmyselfwiththeherdofcommonprojectors.Butthisthought,whichsupportedmeinthecommencementofmycareer,nowservesonlytoplungemelowerinthedust.Allmy speculations and hopes are as nothing; and, like the archangelwhoaspiredtoomnipotence,Iamchainedinaneternalhell.Myimaginationwas vivid, yet my powers of analysis and application were intense; by theunionof thesequalities I conceived the idea, andexecuted the creationof aman. Even now I cannot recollect, without passion, my reveries while thework was incomplete. I trod heaven in my thoughts, now exulting in mypowers, now burningwith the idea of their effects. Frommy infancy Iwasimbuedwith high hopes and a lofty ambition; but how am I sunk!Oh!myfriend,ifyouhadknownmeasIoncewas,youwouldnotrecognisemeinthisstate of degradation. Despondency rarely visited my heart; a high destinyseemedtobearmeon,untilIfell,never,neveragaintorise."

Must I then lose thisadmirablebeing?Ihave longedfora friend; Ihavesoughtonewhowouldsympathisewithandloveme.Behold,onthesedesertseasIhavefoundsuchaone;but,Ifear,Ihavegainedhimonlytoknowhisvalue,andlosehim.Iwouldreconcilehimtolife,butherepulsestheidea.

"I thank you, Walton," he said, "for your kind intentions towards somiserable a wretch; but when you speak of new ties, and fresh affections,thinkyouthatanycanreplacethosewhoaregone?CananymanbetomeasClervalwas;oranywomananotherElizabeth?Evenwheretheaffectionsarenot strongly moved by any superior excellence, the companions of ourchildhoodalwayspossessacertainpoweroverourminds,whichhardlyanylaterfriendcanobtain.Theyknowourinfantinedispositions,which,howevertheymaybeafterwardsmodified,arenevereradicated;andtheycanjudgeofouractionswithmorecertainconclusionsastotheintegrityofourmotives.Asisterorabrothercannever,unlessindeedsuchsymptomshavebeenshownearly,suspecttheotheroffraudorfalsedealing,whenanotherfriend,however

stronglyhemaybeattached,may, in spiteofhimself,becontemplatedwithsuspicion.ButIenjoyedfriends,dearnotonlythroughhabitandassociation,but from their own merits; and wherever I am, the soothing voice of myElizabeth,andtheconversationofClerval,willbeeverwhisperedinmyear.They are dead; and but one feeling in such a solitude can persuade me topreservemylife.IfIwereengagedinanyhighundertakingordesign,fraughtwithextensiveutilitytomyfellow-creatures,thencouldIlivetofulfilit.Butsuchisnotmydestiny;ImustpursueanddestroythebeingtowhomIgaveexistence;thenmylotonearthwillbefulfilled,andImaydie."

September2d.

MybelovedSister,

I write to you, encompassed by peril, and ignorant whether I am everdoomedtoseeagaindearEngland,andthedearerfriendsthatinhabitit.Iamsurroundedbymountainsofice,whichadmitofnoescape,andthreateneverymomenttocrushmyvessel.Thebravefellows,whomIhavepersuadedtobemycompanions,looktowardsmeforaid;butIhavenonetobestow.Thereissomethingterriblyappallinginoursituation,yetmycourageandhopesdonotdesert me. Yet it is terrible to reflect that the lives of all these men areendangeredthroughme.Ifwearelost,mymadschemesarethecause.

Andwhat,Margaret,willbethestateofyourmind?Youwillnothearofmydestruction,andyouwillanxiouslyawaitmyreturn.Yearswillpass,andyou will have visitings of despair, and yet be tortured by hope. Oh! mybeloved sister, the sickening failing of your heart-felt expectations is, inprospect,moreterribletomethanmyowndeath.Butyouhaveahusband,andlovelychildren;youmaybehappy:Heavenblessyou,andmakeyouso!

My unfortunate guest regards me with the tenderest compassion. Heendeavourstofillmewithhope;andtalksasiflifewereapossessionwhichhe valued. He remindsme how often the same accidents have happened toothernavigators,whohaveattemptedthissea,and,inspiteofmyself,hefillsmewithcheerfulauguries.Even thesailors feel thepowerofhiseloquence:whenhespeaks, theyno longerdespair;he rouses theirenergies,and,whilethey hear his voice, they believe these vastmountains of ice aremole-hills,whichwillvanishbeforetheresolutionsofman.Thesefeelingsaretransitory;each day of expectation delayed fills them with fear, and I almost dread amutinycausedbythisdespair.

September5th.

A scene has just passed of such uncommon interest, that although it ishighlyprobable that thesepapersmaynever reachyou,yet I cannot forbearrecordingit.

Weare still surrounded bymountains of ice, still in imminent danger ofbeing crushed in their conflict. The cold is excessive, and many of myunfortunate comrades have already found a grave amidst this scene ofdesolation. Frankenstein has daily declined in health: a feverish fire stillglimmersinhiseyes;butheisexhausted,and,whensuddenlyrousedtoanyexertion,hespeedilysinksagainintoapparentlifelessness.

I mentioned in my last letter the fears I entertained of a mutiny. Thismorning,asIsatwatchingthewancountenanceofmyfriend—hiseyeshalfclosed,andhislimbshanginglistlessly,—Iwasrousedbyhalfadozenofthesailors, who demanded admission into the cabin. They entered, and theirleaderaddressedme.Hetoldmethatheandhiscompanionshadbeenchosenby the other sailors to come in deputation tome, tomakeme a requisition,which, in justice, I could not refuse.We were immured in ice, and shouldprobablyneverescape;buttheyfearedthatif,aswaspossible,theiceshoulddissipate,andafreepassagebeopened,Ishouldberashenoughtocontinuemyvoyage, and lead them into freshdangers, after theymighthappilyhavesurmountedthis.Theyinsisted,therefore,thatIshouldengagewithasolemnpromise,thatifthevesselshouldbefreedIwouldinstantlydirectmycoursesouthward.

Thisspeechtroubledme.Ihadnotdespaired;norhadIyetconceivedtheidea of returning, if set free. Yet could I, in justice, or even in possibility,refuse this demand? I hesitated before I answered;when Frankenstein,whohadatfirstbeensilent,and,indeed,appearedhardlytohaveforceenoughtoattend, now roused himself; his eyes sparkled, and his cheeks flushed withmomentaryvigour.Turningtowardsthemen,hesaid—

"Whatdoyoumean?Whatdoyoudemandofyourcaptain?Areyouthensoeasilyturnedfromyourdesign?Didyounotcallthisagloriousexpedition?Andwhereforewasitglorious?Notbecausethewaywassmoothandplacidas a southern sea, but because itwas full of dangers and terror; because, atevery new incident, your fortitudewas to be called forth, and your courageexhibited; because danger and death surrounded it, and these you were tobraveandovercome.Forthiswasitaglorious,forthiswasitanhonourableundertaking. You were hereafter to be hailed as the benefactors of yourspecies;yournamesadored,asbelongingtobravemenwhoencountereddeathfor honour, and the benefit of mankind. And now, behold, with the firstimaginationofdanger,or,ifyouwill,thefirstmightyandterrifictrialofyourcourage,youshrinkaway,andarecontenttobehandeddownasmenwhohadnot strength enough to endure cold and peril; and so, poor souls, theywerechilly, and returned to their warm fire-sides. Why, that requires not thispreparation;yeneednothavecomethusfar,anddraggedyourcaptaintotheshame of a defeat,merely to prove yourselves cowards.Oh! bemen, or be

morethanmen.Besteadytoyourpurposes,andfirmasarock.Thisiceisnotmadeofsuchstuffasyourheartsmaybe;itismutable,andcannotwithstandyou,ifyousaythatitshallnot.Donotreturntoyourfamilieswiththestigmaof disgracemarked on your brows. Return, as heroeswho have fought andconquered,andwhoknownotwhatitistoturntheirbacksonthefoe."

Hespokethiswithavoicesomodulatedtothedifferentfeelingsexpressedin his speech,with an eye so full of lofty design andheroism, that canyouwonder that thesemenweremoved?They looked at one another, andwereunabletoreply.Ispoke;Itoldthemtoretire,andconsiderofwhathadbeensaid:thatIwouldnotleadthemfarthernorth,if theystrenuouslydesiredthecontrary;butthatIhopedthat,withreflection,theircouragewouldreturn.

Theyretired,andIturnedtowardsmyfriend;buthewassunkinlanguor,andalmostdeprivedoflife.

How all thiswill terminate, I knownot; but I had rather die than returnshamefully,—mypurposeunfulfilled.YetIfearsuchwillbemyfate;themen,unsupported by ideas of glory and honour, can never willingly continue toenduretheirpresenthardships.

September7th.

Thedie iscast; Ihaveconsented toreturn, ifwearenotdestroyed.Thusaremyhopesblastedbycowardiceandindecision;Icomebackignorantanddisappointed.ItrequiresmorephilosophythanIpossess,tobearthisinjusticewithpatience.

September12th.

It ispast; I am returning toEngland. Ihave lostmyhopesofutility andglory;—I have lost my friend. But I will endeavour to detail these bittercircumstancestoyou,mydearsister;and,whileIamwaftedtowardsEngland,andtowardsyou,Iwillnotdespond.

September 9th, the ice began to move, and roarings like thunder wereheardatadistance,astheislandssplitandcrackedineverydirection.Wewerein themost imminent peril; but, aswe could only remain passive,my chiefattentionwas occupied bymy unfortunate guest, whose illness increased insuchadegree,thathewasentirelyconfinedtohisbed.Theicecrackedbehindus, and was drivenwith force towards the north; a breeze sprung from thewest, and on the 11th the passage towards the south became perfectly free.When the sailors saw this, and that their return to their native countrywasapparentlyassured,ashoutoftumultuousjoybrokefromthem,loudandlong-continued.Frankenstein,whowasdozing,awoke,andaskedthecauseofthetumult."Theyshout,"Isaid,"becausetheywillsoonreturntoEngland."

"Doyouthenreallyreturn?"

"Alas! yes; I cannot withstand their demands. I cannot lead themunwillinglytodanger,andImustreturn."

"Doso,ifyouwill;butIwillnot.Youmaygiveupyourpurpose,butmineisassignedtomebyHeaven,andIdarenot.Iamweak;butsurelythespiritswhoassistmyvengeancewillendowmewithsufficientstrength."Sayingthis,heendeavouredtospringfromthebed,buttheexertionwastoogreatforhim;hefellback,andfainted.

It was long before he was restored; and I often thought that life wasentirelyextinct.Atlengthheopenedhiseyes;hebreathedwithdifficulty,andwasunabletospeak.Thesurgeongavehimacomposingdraught,andorderedustoleavehimundisturbed.Inthemeantimehetoldme,thatmyfriendhadcertainlynotmanyhourstolive.

Hissentencewaspronounced;andIcouldonlygrieve,andbepatient.Isatbyhis bed,watching him; his eyeswere closed, and I thought he slept; butpresentlyhecalled tomeinafeeblevoice,and,biddingmecomenear,said—"Alas!thestrengthIreliedonisgone;IfeelthatIshallsoondie,andhe,myenemyandpersecutor,maystillbeinbeing.Thinknot,Walton,thatinthelastmoments of my existence I feel that burning hatred, and ardent desire ofrevenge,Ionceexpressed;butIfeelmyself justifiedindesiringthedeathofmyadversary.During these lastdaysIhavebeenoccupied inexaminingmypast conduct; nor do I find it blamable. In a fit of enthusiastic madness Icreated a rational creature, andwas bound towards him, to assure, as far aswasinmypower,hishappinessandwell-being.Thiswasmyduty;buttherewasanotherstillparamounttothat.Mydutiestowardsthebeingsofmyownspecies had greater claims tomy attention, because they included a greaterproportion of happiness ormisery.Urged by this view, I refused, and I didright in refusing, to create a companion for the first creature. He showedunparalleledmalignity and selfishness, in evil: he destroyedmy friends; hedevotedtodestructionbeingswhopossessedexquisitesensations,happiness,and wisdom; nor do I know where this thirst for vengeance may end.Miserablehimself,thathemayrendernootherwretched,heoughttodie.Thetaskofhisdestructionwasmine,butIhavefailed.Whenactuatedbyselfishand vicious motives, I asked you to undertake my unfinished work; and Irenewthisrequestnow,whenIamonlyinducedbyreasonandvirtue.

"Yet Icannotaskyou to renounceyourcountryandfriends, to fulfil thistask;andnow,thatyouarereturningtoEngland,youwillhavelittlechanceofmeeting with him. But the consideration of these points, and the wellbalancingofwhatyoumayesteemyourduties,I leavetoyou;myjudgmentandideasarealreadydisturbedbythenearapproachofdeath.Idarenotask

youtodowhatIthinkright,forImaystillbemisledbypassion.

"Thatheshouldlivetobeaninstrumentofmischiefdisturbsme;inotherrespects,thishour,whenImomentarilyexpectmyrelease,istheonlyhappyonewhichIhaveenjoyedforseveralyears.Theformsofthebeloveddeadflitbeforeme, and I hasten to their arms. Farewell,Walton! Seek happiness intranquillity,andavoidambition,evenifitbeonlytheapparentlyinnocentoneofdistinguishingyourselfinscienceanddiscoveries.YetwhydoIsaythis?Ihavemyselfbeenblastedinthesehopes,yetanothermaysucceed."

His voice became fainter as he spoke; and at length, exhausted by hiseffort,hesunkintosilence.Abouthalfanhourafterwardsheattemptedagaintospeak,butwasunable;hepressedmyhandfeebly,andhiseyesclosedforever,whiletheirradiationofagentlesmilepassedawayfromhislips.

Margaret, what comment can I make on the untimely extinction of thisgloriousspirit?WhatcanIsay,thatwillenableyoutounderstandthedepthofmy sorrow? All that I should express would be inadequate and feeble.Mytears flow; mymind is overshadowed by a cloud of disappointment. But IjourneytowardsEngland,andImaytherefindconsolation.

Iaminterrupted.Whatdothesesoundsportend?Itismidnight;thebreezeblowsfairly,andthewatchondeckscarcelystir.Again;thereisasoundasofa human voice, but hoarser; it comes from the cabin where the remains ofFrankensteinstilllie.Imustarise,andexamine.Goodnight,mysister.

Great God! what a scene has just taken place! I am yet dizzy with theremembranceofit.IhardlyknowwhetherIshallhavethepowertodetailit;yetthetalewhichIhaverecordedwouldbeincompletewithoutthisfinalandwonderfulcatastrophe.

I entered the cabin,where lay the remainsofmy ill-fated and admirablefriend.OverhimhungaformwhichIcannotfindwordstodescribe;giganticin stature, yet uncouth anddistorted in its proportions.Ashehungover thecoffin,hisfacewasconcealedbylonglocksofraggedhair;butonevasthandwasextended,incolourandapparenttexturelikethatofamummy.Whenheheardthesoundofmyapproach,heceasedtoutterexclamationsofgriefandhorror, and sprung towards the window. Never did I behold a vision sohorribleashisface,ofsuch loathsome,yetappallinghideousness. Ishutmyeyes involuntarily, and endeavoured to recollect what were my duties withregardtothisdestroyer.Icalledonhimtostay.

He paused, looking onmewith wonder; and, again turning towards thelifelessformofhiscreator,heseemedtoforgetmypresence,andeveryfeatureand gesture seemed instigated by the wildest rage of some uncontrollablepassion.

"That is also my victim!" he exclaimed: "in his murder my crimes areconsummated; the miserable series of my being is wound to its close! Oh,Frankenstein!generousandself-devotedbeing!whatdoesitavail thatInowask thee topardonme? I,who irretrievablydestroyed theebydestroyingallthoulovedst.Alas!heiscold,hecannotanswerme."

Hisvoiceseemedsuffocated;andmyfirstimpulses,whichhadsuggestedtome thedutyof obeying thedying request ofmy friend, in destroyinghisenemy, were now suspended by a mixture of curiosity and compassion. Iapproachedthistremendousbeing;Idarednotagainraisemyeyestohisface,therewas something so scaringandunearthly inhisugliness. I attempted tospeak, but thewords died away onmy lips.Themonster continued to utterwildandincoherentself-reproaches.AtlengthIgatheredresolutiontoaddresshiminapauseofthetempestofhispassion:"Yourrepentance,"Isaid,"isnowsuperfluous. If you had listened to the voice of conscience, and heeded thestings of remorse, before you had urged your diabolical vengeance to thisextremity,Frankensteinwouldyethavelived.

"Anddoyoudream?"saidthedæmon;"doyouthinkthatIwasthendeadto agony and remorse?—He," he continued, pointing to the corpse, "hesuffered not in the consummation of the deed—oh! not the ten-thousandthportion of the anguish that was mine during the lingering detail of itsexecution.Afrightfulselfishnesshurriedmeon,whilemyheartwaspoisonedwith remorse.Thinkyou that thegroansofClervalweremusic tomyears?Myheartwas fashioned to be susceptible of love and sympathy; and,whenwrenchedbymisery toviceandhatred, itdidnotendure theviolenceof thechange,withouttorturesuchasyoucannotevenimagine.

"After themurderofClerval, I returned toSwitzerland,heart-brokenandovercome. I pitied Frankenstein; my pity amounted to horror: I abhorredmyself.ButwhenIdiscoveredthathe,theauthoratonceofmyexistenceandof its unspeakable torments, dared to hope for happiness; that while heaccumulatedwretchednessanddespairuponme,hesoughthisownenjoymentinfeelingsandpassionsfromtheindulgenceofwhichIwasforeverbarred,thenimpotentenvyandbitterindignationfilledmewithaninsatiablethirstforvengeance. I recollected my threat, and resolved that it should beaccomplished. Iknewthat Iwaspreparingformyselfadeadly torture;but Iwas theslave,not themaster,ofan impulse,whichIdetested,yetcouldnotdisobey.Yetwhenshedied!—nay,thenIwasnotmiserable.Ihadcastoffallfeeling, subdued all anguish, to riot in the excess of my despair. Evilthenceforthbecamemygood.Urgedthusfar,Ihadnochoicebuttoadaptmynature to an element which I had willingly chosen. The completion of mydemoniacaldesignbecameaninsatiablepassion.Andnowitisended;thereismylastvictim!"

Iwasatfirsttouchedbytheexpressionsofhismisery;yet,whenIcalledtomindwhatFrankensteinhadsaidofhispowersofeloquenceandpersuasion,andwhenIagaincastmyeyesonthelifelessformofmyfriend,indignationwas rekindledwithinme."Wretch!" I said,"it iswell thatyoucomehere towhineoverthedesolationthatyouhavemade.Youthrowatorchintoapileofbuildings;and,whentheyareconsumed,yousitamongtheruins,andlamentthefall.Hypocriticalfiend!ifhewhomyoumournstilllived,stillwouldhebetheobject,againwouldhebecometheprey,ofyouraccursedvengeance.Itisnotpitythatyoufeel;youlamentonlybecausethevictimofyourmalignityiswithdrawnfromyourpower."

"Oh,itisnotthus—notthus,"interruptedthebeing;"yetsuchmustbetheimpressionconveyedtoyoubywhatappearstobethepurportofmyactions.Yet I seeknota fellow-feeling inmymisery.Nosympathymay Iever find.WhenIfirstsoughtit,itwastheloveofvirtue,thefeelingsofhappinessandaffection with which my whole being overflowed, that I wished to beparticipated. But now, that virtue has become to me a shadow, and thathappiness and affection are turned into bitter and loathing despair, in whatshouldIseekforsympathy?Iamcontenttosufferalone,whilemysufferingsshallendure:whenIdie,Iamwellsatisfiedthatabhorrenceandopprobriumshouldloadmymemory.Oncemyfancywassoothedwithdreamsofvirtue,of fame, andof enjoyment.Once I falselyhoped tomeetwithbeings,who,pardoningmyoutwardform,wouldlovemefortheexcellentqualitieswhichIwascapableofunfolding.Iwasnourishedwithhighthoughtsofhonouranddevotion.But now crime has degradedme beneath themeanest animal.Noguilt,nomischief,nomalignity,nomisery,canbefoundcomparabletomine.WhenIrunoverthefrightfulcatalogueofmysins,IcannotbelievethatIamthe same creature whose thoughts were once filled with sublime andtranscendentvisionsofthebeautyandthemajestyofgoodness.Butitisevenso; the fallenangelbecomesamalignantdevil.Yeteven thatenemyofGodandmanhadfriendsandassociatesinhisdesolation;Iamalone.

"You,whocallFrankensteinyourfriend,seemtohaveaknowledgeofmycrimesandhismisfortunes.But,inthedetailwhichhegaveyouofthem,hecouldnotsumupthehoursandmonthsofmiserywhichIendured,wastinginimpotentpassions.ForwhileIdestroyedhishopes,Ididnotsatisfymyowndesires. They were for ever ardent and craving; still I desired love andfellowship,andIwasstillspurned.Wastherenoinjusticeinthis?AmItobethought theonlycriminal,whenallhumankindsinnedagainstme?WhydoyounothateFelix,whodrovehisfriendfromhisdoorwithcontumely?Whydoyounotexecratetherusticwhosoughttodestroythesaviourofhischild?Nay, these are virtuous and immaculate beings! I, the miserable and theabandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on.Evennowmybloodboilsattherecollectionofthisinjustice.

"But it is true that I am a wretch. I have murdered the lovely and thehelpless;Ihavestrangledtheinnocentastheyslept,andgraspedtodeathhisthroat who never injured me or any other living thing. I have devoted mycreator,theselectspecimenofallthatisworthyofloveandadmirationamongmen, tomisery; Ihavepursuedhimeven to that irremediable ruin.Therehelies,whiteandcoldindeath.Youhateme;butyourabhorrencecannotequalthatwithwhichIregardmyself.Ilookonthehandswhichexecutedthedeed;Ithinkontheheartinwhichtheimaginationofitwasconceived,andlongforthemomentwhenthesehandswillmeetmyeyes,whenthatimaginationwillhauntmythoughtsnomore.

"Fear not that I shall be the instrument of future mischief. My work isnearlycomplete.Neitheryoursnoranyman'sdeathisneededtoconsummatethe series of my being, and accomplish that which must be done; but itrequiresmyown.DonotthinkthatIshallbeslowtoperformthissacrifice.Ishallquityourvesselontheice-raftwhichbroughtmethither,andshallseekthemostnorthernextremityof theglobe;Ishallcollectmyfuneralpile,andconsumetoashesthismiserableframe,thatitsremainsmayaffordnolighttoanycuriousandunhallowedwretch,whowouldcreatesuchanotherasIhavebeen.Ishalldie.Ishallnolongerfeeltheagonieswhichnowconsumeme,orbethepreyoffeelingsunsatisfied,yetunquenched.Heisdeadwhocalledmeintobeing;andwhenIshallbenomore,theveryremembranceofusbothwillspeedilyvanish.Ishallnolongerseethesunorstars,orfeelthewindsplayonmycheeks.Light,feeling,andsensewillpassaway;andinthisconditionmustI find my happiness. Some years ago, when the images which this worldaffordsfirstopeneduponme,whenIfeltthecheeringwarmthofsummer,andheardtherustlingoftheleavesandthewarblingofthebirds,andthesewerealltome,Ishouldhavewepttodie;nowitismyonlyconsolation.Pollutedbycrimes,andtornbythebitterestremorse,wherecanIfindrestbutindeath?

"Farewell!Ileaveyou,andinyouthelastofhumankindwhomtheseeyeswill ever behold. Farewell, Frankenstein! If thou wert yet alive, and yetcherishedadesireofrevengeagainstme,itwouldbebettersatiatedinmylifethaninmydestruction.Butitwasnotso;thoudidstseekmyextinction,thatImightnotcausegreaterwretchedness;and ifyet, insomemodeunknowntome,thouhadstnotceasedtothinkandfeel,thouwouldstnotdesireagainstmeavengeancegreaterthanthatwhichIfeel.Blastedasthouwert,myagonywasstillsuperiortothine;forthebitterstingofremorsewillnotceasetorankleinmywoundsuntildeathshallclosethemforever.

"But soon," he cried, with sad and solemn enthusiasm, "I shall die, andwhatInowfeelbenolongerfelt.Soontheseburningmiserieswillbeextinct.I shall ascend my funeral pile triumphantly, and exult in the agony of thetorturingflames.Thelightofthatconflagrationwillfadeaway;myasheswill

besweptintotheseabythewinds.Myspiritwillsleepinpeace;orifitthinks,itwillnotsurelythinkthus.Farewell."

Hesprungfromthecabin-window,ashesaidthis,upontheice-raftwhichlay close to the vessel. Hewas soon borne away by thewaves, and lost indarknessanddistance.

THEEND.