FrankensteinortheModernPrometheusbyMaryWollstonecraftGodwinShelleyCONTENTSLetterLetterLetterLetterLetterToMrsSavilleEnglandStPetersburghDecthYouwillrejoicetohearthatnodisasterhasaccompaniedthecommencementofanenterprisewhichyouhaveregardedwithsuchevilforebodingsIarrivedhereyesterdayandmyfirsttaskistoassuremydearsisterofmywelfareandincreasingconfidenceinthesuccessofmyundertakingIamalreadyfarnorthofLondonandasIwalkinthestreetsofPetersburghIfeelacoldnorthernbreezeplayuponmycheekswhichbracesmynervesandfillsmewithdelightDoyouunderstandthisfeelingThisbreezewhichhastravelledfromtheregionstowardswhichIamadvancinggivesmeaforetasteofthoseicyclimesInspiritedbythiswindofpromisemydaydreamsbecomemoreferventandvividItryinvaintobepersuadedthatthepoleistheseatoffrostanddesolationiteverpresentsitselftomyimaginationastheregionofbeautyanddelightThereMargaretthesunisforevervisibleitsbroaddiskjustskirtingthehorizonanddiffusingaperpetualsplendourThereforwithyourleavemysisterIwillputsometrustinprecedingnavigatorstheresnowandfrostarebanishedandsailingoveracalmseawemaybewaftedtoalandsurpassinginwondersandinbeautyeveryregionhithertodiscoveredonthehabitableglobeItsproductionsandfeaturesmaybewithoutexampleasthephenomenaoftheheavenlybodiesundoubtedlyareinthoseundiscoveredsolitudesWhatmaynotbeexpectedinacountryofeternallightImaytherediscoverthewondrouspowerwhichattractstheneedleandmayregulateathousandcelestialobservationsthatrequireonlythisvoyagetorendertheirseemingeccentricitiesconsistentforeverIshallsatiatemyardentcuriositywiththesightofapartoftheworldneverbeforevisitedandmaytreadalandneverbeforeimprintedbythefootofmanThesearemyenticementsandtheyaresufficienttoconquerallfearofdangerordeathandtoinducemetocommencethislaboriousvoyagewiththejoyachildfeelswhenheembarksinalittleboatwithhisholidaymatesonanexpeditionofdiscoveryuphisnativeriverButsupposingalltheseconjecturestobefalseyoucannotcontesttheinestimablebenefitwhichIshallconferonallmankindtothelastgenerationbydiscoveringapassagenearthepoletothosecountriestoreachwhichatpresentsomanymonthsarerequisiteorbyascertainingthesecretofthemagnetwhichifatallpossiblecanonlybeeffectedbyanundertakingsuchasmineThesereflectionshavedispelledtheagitationwithwhichIbeganmyletterandIfeelmyheartglowwithanenthusiasmwhichelevatesmetoheavenfornothingcontributessomuchtotranquillisethemindasasteadypurposeapointonwhichthesoulmayfixitsintellectualeyeThisexpeditionhasbeenthefavouritedreamofmyearlyyearsIhavereadwithardourtheaccountsofthevariousvoyageswhichhavebeenmadeintheprospectofarrivingattheNorthPacificOceanthroughtheseaswhichsurroundthepoleYoumayrememberthatahistoryofallthevoyagesmadeforpurposesofdiscoverycomposedthewholeofourgoodUncleThomaslibraryMyeducationwasneglectedyetIwaspassionatelyfondofreadingThesevolumesweremystudydayandnightandmyfamiliaritywiththemincreasedthatregretwhichIhadfeltasachildonlearningthatmyfathersdyinginjunctionhadforbiddenmyuncletoallowmetoembarkinaseafaringlifeThesevisionsfadedwhenIperusedforthefirsttimethosepoetswhoseeffusionsentrancedmysoulandliftedittoheavenIalsobecameapoetandforoneyearlivedinaparadiseofmyowncreationIimaginedthatIalsomightobtainanicheinthetemplewherethenamesofHomerandShakespeareareconsecratedYouarewellacquaintedwithmyfailureandhowheavilyIborethedisappointmentButjustatthattimeIinheritedthefortuneofmycousinandmythoughtswereturnedintothechanneloftheirearlierbentSixyearshavepassedsinceIresolvedonmypresentundertakingIcanevennowrememberthehourfromwhichIdedicatedmyselftothisgreatenterpriseIcommencedbyinuringmybodytohardshipIaccompaniedthewhalefishersonseveralexpeditionstotheNorthSeaIvoluntarilyenduredcoldfaminethirstandwantofsleepIoftenworkedharderthanthecommonsailorsduringthedayanddevotedmynightstothestudyofmathematicsthetheoryofmedicineandthosebranchesofphysicalsciencefromwhichanavaladventurermightderivethegreatestpracticaladvantageTwiceIactuallyhiredmyselfasanundermateinaGreenlandwhalerandacquittedmyselftoadmirationImustownIfeltalittleproudwhenmycaptainofferedmetheseconddignityinthevesselandentreatedmetoremainwiththegreatestearnestnesssovaluabledidheconsidermyservicesAndnowdearMargaretdoInotdeservetoaccomplishsomegreatpurposeMylifemighthavebeenpassedineaseandluxurybutIpreferredglorytoeveryenticementthatwealthplacedinmypathOhthatsomeencouragingvoicewouldanswerintheaffirmativeMycourageandmyresolutionisfirmbutmyhopesfluctuateandmyspiritsareoftendepressedIamabouttoproceedonalonganddifficultvoyagetheemergenciesofwhichwilldemandallmyfortitudeIamrequirednotonlytoraisethespiritsofothersbutsometimestosustainmyownwhentheirsarefailingThisisthemostfavourableperiodfortravellinginRussiaTheyflyquicklyoverthesnowintheirsledgesthemotionispleasantandinmyopinionfarmoreagreeablethanthatofanEnglishstagecoachThecoldisnotexcessiveifyouarewrappedinfursadresswhichIhavealreadyadoptedforthereisagreatdifferencebetweenwalkingthedeckandremainingseatedmotionlessforhourswhennoexercisepreventsthebloodfromactuallyfreezinginyourveinsIhavenoambitiontolosemylifeonthepostroadbetweenStPetersburghandArchangelIshalldepartforthelattertowninafortnightorthreeweeksandmyintentionistohireashiptherewhichcaneasilybedonebypayingtheinsurancefortheownerandtoengageasmanysailorsasIthinknecessaryamongthosewhoareaccustomedtothewhalefishingIdonotintendtosailuntilthemonthofJuneandwhenshallIreturnAhdearsisterhowcanIanswerthisquestionIfIsucceedmanymanymonthsperhapsyearswillpassbeforeyouandImaymeetIfIfailyouwillseemeagainsoonorneverFarewellmydearexcellentMargaretHeavenshowerdownblessingsonyouandsavemethatImayagainandagaintestifymygratitudeforallyourloveandkindnessYouraffectionatebrotherRWaltonLetterToMrsSavilleEnglandArchangelthMarchHowslowlythetimepasseshereencompassedasIambyfrostandsnowYetasecondstepistakentowardsmyenterpriseIhavehiredavesselandamoccupiedincollectingmysailorsthosewhomIhavealreadyengagedappeartobemenonwhomIcandependandarecertainlypossessedofdauntlesscourageButIhaveonewantwhichIhaveneveryetbeenabletosatisfyandtheabsenceoftheobjectofwhichInowfeelasamostsevereevilIhavenofriendMargaretwhenIamglowingwiththeenthusiasmofsuccesstherewillbenonetoparticipatemyjoyifIamassailedbydisappointmentnoonewillendeavourtosustainmeindejectionIshallcommitmythoughtstopaperitistruebutthatisapoormediumforthecommunicationoffeelingIdesirethecompanyofamanwhocouldsympathisewithmewhoseeyeswouldreplytomineYoumaydeemmeromanticmydearsisterbutIbitterlyfeelthewantofafriendIhavenoonenearmegentleyetcourageouspossessedofacultivatedaswellasofacapaciousmindwhosetastesarelikemyowntoapproveoramendmyplansHowwouldsuchafriendrepairthefaultsofyourpoorbrotherIamtooardentinexecutionandtooimpatientofdifficultiesButitisastillgreatereviltomethatIamselfeducatedforthefirstfourteenyearsofmylifeIranwildonacommonandreadnothingbutourUncleThomasbooksofvoyagesAtthatageIbecameacquaintedwiththecelebratedpoetsofourowncountrybutitwasonlywhenithadceasedtobeinmypowertoderiveitsmostimportantbenefitsfromsuchaconvictionthatIperceivedthenecessityofbecomingacquaintedwithmorelanguagesthanthatofmynativecountryNowIamtwentyeightandaminrealitymoreilliteratethanmanyschoolboysoffifteenItistruethatIhavethoughtmoreandthatmydaydreamsaremoreextendedandmagnificentbuttheywantasthepainterscallitkeepingandIgreatlyneedafriendwhowouldhavesenseenoughnottodespisemeasromanticandaffectionenoughformetoendeavourtoregulatemymindWelltheseareuselesscomplaintsIshallcertainlyfindnofriendonthewideoceannorevenhereinArchangelamongmerchantsandseamenYetsomefeelingsunalliedtothedrossofhumannaturebeatevenintheseruggedbosomsMylieutenantforinstanceisamanofwonderfulcourageandenterpriseheismadlydesirousofgloryorrathertowordmyphrasemorecharacteristicallyofadvancementinhisprofessionHeisanEnglishmanandinthemidstofnationalandprofessionalprejudicesunsoftenedbycultivationretainssomeofthenoblestendowmentsofhumanityIfirstbecameacquaintedwithhimonboardawhalevesselfindingthathewasunemployedinthiscityIeasilyengagedhimtoassistinmyenterpriseThemasterisapersonofanexcellentdispositionandisremarkableintheshipforhisgentlenessandthemildnessofhisdisciplineThiscircumstanceaddedtohiswellknownintegrityanddauntlesscouragemademeverydesiroustoengagehimAyouthpassedinsolitudemybestyearsspentunderyourgentleandfemininefosteragehassorefinedthegroundworkofmycharacterthatIcannotovercomeanintensedistastetotheusualbrutalityexercisedonboardshipIhaveneverbelievedittobenecessaryandwhenIheardofamarinerequallynotedforhiskindlinessofheartandtherespectandobediencepaidtohimbyhiscrewIfeltmyselfpeculiarlyfortunateinbeingabletosecurehisservicesIheardofhimfirstinratheraromanticmannerfromaladywhoowestohimthehappinessofherlifeThisbrieflyishisstorySomeyearsagohelovedayoungRussianladyofmoderatefortuneandhavingamassedaconsiderablesuminprizemoneythefatherofthegirlconsentedtothematchHesawhismistressoncebeforethedestinedceremonybutshewasbathedintearsandthrowingherselfathisfeetentreatedhimtospareherconfessingatthesametimethatshelovedanotherbutthathewaspoorandthatherfatherwouldneverconsenttotheunionMygenerousfriendreassuredthesuppliantandonbeinginformedofthenameofherloverinstantlyabandonedhispursuitHehadalreadyboughtafarmwithhismoneyonwhichhehaddesignedtopasstheremainderofhislifebuthebestowedthewholeonhisrivaltogetherwiththeremainsofhisprizemoneytopurchasestockandthenhimselfsolicitedtheyoungwomansfathertoconsenttohermarriagewithherloverButtheoldmandecidedlyrefusedthinkinghimselfboundinhonourtomyfriendwhowhenhefoundthefatherinexorablequittedhiscountrynorreturneduntilheheardthathisformermistresswasmarriedaccordingtoherinclinationsWhatanoblefellowyouwillexclaimHeissobutthenheiswhollyuneducatedheisassilentasaTurkandakindofignorantcarelessnessattendshimwhichwhileitrendershisconductthemoreastonishingdetractsfromtheinterestandsympathywhichotherwisehewouldcommandYetdonotsupposebecauseIcomplainalittleorbecauseIcanconceiveaconsolationformytoilswhichImayneverknowthatIamwaveringinmyresolutionsThoseareasfixedasfateandmyvoyageisonlynowdelayeduntiltheweathershallpermitmyembarkationThewinterhasbeendreadfullyseverebutthespringpromiseswellanditisconsideredasaremarkablyearlyseasonsothatperhapsImaysailsoonerthanIexpectedIshalldonothingrashlyyouknowmesufficientlytoconfideinmyprudenceandconsideratenesswheneverthesafetyofothersiscommittedtomycareIcannotdescribetoyoumysensationsonthenearprospectofmyundertakingItisimpossibletocommunicatetoyouaconceptionofthetremblingsensationhalfpleasurableandhalffearfulwithwhichIampreparingtodepartIamgoingtounexploredregionstothelandofmistandsnowbutIshallkillnoalbatrossthereforedonotbealarmedformysafetyorifIshouldcomebacktoyouaswornandwoefulastheAncientMarinerYouwillsmileatmyallusionbutIwilldiscloseasecretIhaveoftenattributedmyattachmenttomypassionateenthusiasmforthedangerousmysteriesofoceantothatproductionofthemostimaginativeofmodernpoetsThereissomethingatworkinmysoulwhichIdonotunderstandIampracticallyindustriouspainstakingaworkmantoexecutewithperseveranceandlabourbutbesidesthisthereisaloveforthemarvellousabeliefinthemarvellousintertwinedinallmyprojectswhichhurriesmeoutofthecommonpathwaysofmeneventothewildseaandunvisitedregionsIamabouttoexploreButtoreturntodearerconsiderationsShallImeetyouagainafterhavingtraversedimmenseseasandreturnedbythemostsoutherncapeofAfricaorAmericaIdarenotexpectsuchsuccessyetIcannotbeartolookonthereverseofthepictureContinueforthepresenttowritetomebyeveryopportunityImayreceiveyourlettersonsomeoccasionswhenIneedthemmosttosupportmyspiritsIloveyouverytenderlyRemembermewithaffectionshouldyouneverhearfrommeagainYouraffectionatebrotherRobertWaltonLetterToMrsSavilleEnglandJulythMydearSisterIwriteafewlinesinhastetosaythatIamsafeandwelladvancedonmyvoyageThisletterwillreachEnglandbyamerchantmannowonitshomewardvoyagefromArchangelmorefortunatethanIwhomaynotseemynativelandperhapsformanyyearsIamhoweveringoodspiritsmymenareboldandapparentlyfirmofpurposenordothefloatingsheetsoficethatcontinuallypassusindicatingthedangersoftheregiontowardswhichweareadvancingappeartodismaythemWehavealreadyreachedaveryhighlatitudebutitistheheightofsummerandalthoughnotsowarmasinEnglandthesoutherngaleswhichblowusspeedilytowardsthoseshoreswhichIsoardentlydesiretoattainbreatheadegreeofrenovatingwarmthwhichIhadnotexpectedNoincidentshavehithertobefallenusthatwouldmakeafigureinaletterOneortwostiffgalesandthespringingofaleakareaccidentswhichexperiencednavigatorsscarcelyremembertorecordandIshallbewellcontentifnothingworsehappentousduringourvoyageAdieumydearMargaretBeassuredthatformyownsakeaswellasyoursIwillnotrashlyencounterdangerIwillbecoolperseveringandprudentButsuccessshallcrownmyendeavoursWhereforenotThusfarIhavegonetracingasecurewayoverthepathlessseastheverystarsthemselvesbeingwitnessesandtestimoniesofmytriumphWhynotstillproceedovertheuntamedyetobedientelementWhatcanstopthedeterminedheartandresolvedwillofmanMyswellingheartinvoluntarilypoursitselfoutthusButImustfinishHeavenblessmybelovedsisterRWLetterToMrsSavilleEnglandAugustthSostrangeanaccidenthashappenedtousthatIcannotforbearrecordingitalthoughitisveryprobablethatyouwillseemebeforethesepaperscancomeintoyourpossessionLastMondayJulystwewerenearlysurroundedbyicewhichclosedintheshiponallsidesscarcelyleavingherthesearoominwhichshefloatedOursituationwassomewhatdangerousespeciallyaswewerecompassedroundbyaverythickfogWeaccordinglylaytohopingthatsomechangewouldtakeplaceintheatmosphereandweatherAbouttwooclockthemistclearedawayandwebeheldstretchedoutineverydirectionvastandirregularplainsoficewhichseemedtohavenoendSomeofmycomradesgroanedandmyownmindbegantogrowwatchfulwithanxiousthoughtswhenastrangesightsuddenlyattractedourattentionanddivertedoursolicitudefromourownsituationWeperceivedalowcarriagefixedonasledgeanddrawnbydogspassontowardsthenorthatthedistanceofhalfamileabeingwhichhadtheshapeofamanbutapparentlyofgiganticstaturesatinthesledgeandguidedthedogsWewatchedtherapidprogressofthetravellerwithourtelescopesuntilhewaslostamongthedistantinequalitiesoftheiceThisappearanceexcitedourunqualifiedwonderWewereaswebelievedmanyhundredmilesfromanylandbutthisapparitionseemedtodenotethatitwasnotinrealitysodistantaswehadsupposedShutinhoweverbyiceitwasimpossibletofollowhistrackwhichwehadobservedwiththegreatestattentionAbouttwohoursafterthisoccurrenceweheardthegroundseaandbeforenighttheicebrokeandfreedourshipWehoweverlaytountilthemorningfearingtoencounterinthedarkthoselargeloosemasseswhichfloataboutafterthebreakingupoftheiceIprofitedofthistimetorestforafewhoursInthemorninghoweverassoonasitwaslightIwentupondeckandfoundallthesailorsbusyononesideofthevesselapparentlytalkingtosomeoneintheseaItwasinfactasledgelikethatwehadseenbeforewhichhaddriftedtowardsusinthenightonalargefragmentoficeOnlyonedogremainedalivebuttherewasahumanbeingwithinitwhomthesailorswerepersuadingtoenterthevesselHewasnotastheothertravellerseemedtobeasavageinhabitantofsomeundiscoveredislandbutaEuropeanWhenIappearedondeckthemastersaidHereisourcaptainandhewillnotallowyoutoperishontheopenseaOnperceivingmethestrangeraddressedmeinEnglishalthoughwithaforeignaccentBeforeIcomeonboardyourvesselsaidhewillyouhavethekindnesstoinformmewhitheryouareboundYoumayconceivemyastonishmentonhearingsuchaquestionaddressedtomefromamanonthebrinkofdestructionandtowhomIshouldhavesupposedthatmyvesselwouldhavebeenaresourcewhichhewouldnothaveexchangedforthemostpreciouswealththeearthcanaffordIrepliedhoweverthatwewereonavoyageofdiscoverytowardsthenorthernpoleUponhearingthisheappearedsatisfiedandconsentedtocomeonboardGoodGodMargaretifyouhadseenthemanwhothuscapitulatedforhissafetyyoursurprisewouldhavebeenboundlessHislimbswerenearlyfrozenandhisbodydreadfullyemaciatedbyfatigueandsufferingIneversawamaninsowretchedaconditionWeattemptedtocarryhimintothecabinbutassoonashehadquittedthefreshairhefaintedWeaccordinglybroughthimbacktothedeckandrestoredhimtoanimationbyrubbinghimwithbrandyandforcinghimtoswallowasmallquantityAssoonasheshowedsignsoflifewewrappedhimupinblanketsandplacedhimnearthechimneyofthekitchenstoveByslowdegreesherecoveredandatealittlesoupwhichrestoredhimwonderfullyTwodayspassedinthismannerbeforehewasabletospeakandIoftenfearedthathissufferingshaddeprivedhimofunderstandingWhenhehadinsomemeasurerecoveredIremovedhimtomyowncabinandattendedonhimasmuchasmydutywouldpermitIneversawamoreinterestingcreaturehiseyeshavegenerallyanexpressionofwildnessandevenmadnessbuttherearemomentswhenifanyoneperformsanactofkindnesstowardshimordoeshimanythemosttriflingservicehiswholecountenanceislightedupasitwerewithabeamofbenevolenceandsweetnessthatIneversawequalledButheisgenerallymelancholyanddespairingandsometimeshegnasheshisteethasifimpatientoftheweightofwoesthatoppresseshimWhenmyguestwasalittlerecoveredIhadgreattroubletokeepoffthemenwhowishedtoaskhimathousandquestionsbutIwouldnotallowhimtobetormentedbytheiridlecuriosityinastateofbodyandmindwhoserestorationevidentlydependeduponentirereposeOncehoweverthelieutenantaskedwhyhehadcomesofarupontheiceinsostrangeavehicleHiscountenanceinstantlyassumedanaspectofthedeepestgloomandherepliedToseekonewhofledfrommeAnddidthemanwhomyoupursuedtravelinthesamefashionYesThenIfancywehaveseenhimforthedaybeforewepickedyouupwesawsomedogsdrawingasledgewithamaninitacrosstheiceThisarousedthestrangersattentionandheaskedamultitudeofquestionsconcerningtheroutewhichthedmonashecalledhimhadpursuedSoonafterwhenhewasalonewithmehesaidIhavedoubtlessexcitedyourcuriosityaswellasthatofthesegoodpeoplebutyouaretooconsideratetomakeinquiriesCertainlyitwouldindeedbeveryimpertinentandinhumaninmetotroubleyouwithanyinquisitivenessofmineAndyetyourescuedmefromastrangeandperiloussituationyouhavebenevolentlyrestoredmetolifeSoonafterthisheinquiredifIthoughtthatthebreakingupoftheicehaddestroyedtheothersledgeIrepliedthatIcouldnotanswerwithanydegreeofcertaintyfortheicehadnotbrokenuntilnearmidnightandthetravellermighthavearrivedataplaceofsafetybeforethattimebutofthisIcouldnotjudgeFromthistimeanewspiritoflifeanimatedthedecayingframeofthestrangerHemanifestedthegreatesteagernesstobeupondecktowatchforthesledgewhichhadbeforeappearedbutIhavepersuadedhimtoremaininthecabinforheisfartooweaktosustaintherawnessoftheatmosphereIhavepromisedthatsomeoneshouldwatchforhimandgivehiminstantnoticeifanynewobjectshouldappearinsightSuchismyjournalofwhatrelatestothisstrangeoccurrenceuptothepresentdayThestrangerhasgraduallyimprovedinhealthbutisverysilentandappearsuneasywhenanyoneexceptmyselfentershiscabinYethismannersaresoconciliatingandgentlethatthesailorsareallinterestedinhimalthoughtheyhavehadverylittlecommunicationwithhimFormyownpartIbegintolovehimasabrotherandhisconstantanddeepgrieffillsmewithsympathyandcompassionHemusthavebeenanoblecreatureinhisbetterdaysbeingevennowinwrecksoattractiveandamiableIsaidinoneofmylettersmydearMargaretthatIshouldfindnofriendonthewideoceanyetIhavefoundamanwhobeforehisspirithadbeenbrokenbymiseryIshouldhavebeenhappytohavepossessedasthebrotherofmyheartIshallcontinuemyjournalconcerningthestrangeratintervalsshouldIhaveanyfreshincidentstorecordAugustthMyaffectionformyguestincreaseseverydayHeexcitesatoncemyadmirationandmypitytoanastonishingdegreeHowcanIseesonobleacreaturedestroyedbymiserywithoutfeelingthemostpoignantgriefHeissogentleyetsowisehismindissocultivatedandwhenhespeaksalthoughhiswordsareculledwiththechoicestartyettheyflowwithrapidityandunparalleledeloquenceHeisnowmuchrecoveredfromhisillnessandiscontinuallyonthedeckapparentlywatchingforthesledgethatprecededhisownYetalthoughunhappyheisnotsoutterlyoccupiedbyhisownmiserybutthatheinterestshimselfdeeplyintheprojectsofothersHehasfrequentlyconversedwithmeonminewhichIhavecommunicatedtohimwithoutdisguiseHeenteredattentivelyintoallmyargumentsinfavourofmyeventualsuccessandintoeveryminutedetailofthemeasuresIhadtakentosecureitIwaseasilyledbythesympathywhichheevincedtousethelanguageofmyhearttogiveutterancetotheburningardourofmysoulandtosaywithallthefervourthatwarmedmehowgladlyIwouldsacrificemyfortunemyexistencemyeveryhopetothefurtheranceofmyenterpriseOnemanslifeordeathwerebutasmallpricetopayfortheacquirementoftheknowledgewhichIsoughtforthedominionIshouldacquireandtransmitovertheelementalfoesofourraceAsIspokeadarkgloomspreadovermylistenerscountenanceAtfirstIperceivedthathetriedtosuppresshisemotionheplacedhishandsbeforehiseyesandmyvoicequiveredandfailedmeasIbeheldtearstricklefastfrombetweenhisfingersagroanburstfromhisheavingbreastIpausedatlengthhespokeinbrokenaccentsUnhappymanDoyousharemymadnessHaveyoudrunkalsooftheintoxicatingdraughtHearmeletmerevealmytaleandyouwilldashthecupfromyourlipsSuchwordsyoumayimaginestronglyexcitedmycuriositybuttheparoxysmofgriefthathadseizedthestrangerovercamehisweakenedpowersandmanyhoursofreposeandtranquilconversationwerenecessarytorestorehiscomposureHavingconqueredtheviolenceofhisfeelingsheappearedtodespisehimselfforbeingtheslaveofpassionandquellingthedarktyrannyofdespairheledmeagaintoconverseconcerningmyselfpersonallyHeaskedmethehistoryofmyearlieryearsThetalewasquicklytoldbutitawakenedvarioustrainsofreflectionIspokeofmydesireoffindingafriendofmythirstforamoreintimatesympathywithafellowmindthanhadeverfallentomylotandexpressedmyconvictionthatamancouldboastoflittlehappinesswhodidnotenjoythisblessingIagreewithyourepliedthestrangerweareunfashionedcreaturesbuthalfmadeupifonewiserbetterdearerthanourselvessuchafriendoughttobedonotlendhisaidtoperfectionateourweakandfaultynaturesIoncehadafriendthemostnobleofhumancreaturesandamentitledthereforetojudgerespectingfriendshipYouhavehopeandtheworldbeforeyouandhavenocausefordespairButIIhavelosteverythingandcannotbeginlifeanewAshesaidthishiscountenancebecameexpressiveofacalmsettledgriefthattouchedmetotheheartButhewassilentandpresentlyretiredtohiscabinEvenbrokeninspiritasheisnoonecanfeelmoredeeplythanhedoesthebeautiesofnatureThestarryskytheseaandeverysightaffordedbythesewonderfulregionsseemstilltohavethepowerofelevatinghissoulfromearthSuchamanhasadoubleexistencehemaysuffermiseryandbeoverwhelmedbydisappointmentsyetwhenhehasretiredintohimselfhewillbelikeacelestialspiritthathasahaloaroundhimwithinwhosecirclenogrieforfollyventuresWillyousmileattheenthusiasmIexpressconcerningthisdivinewandererYouwouldnotifyousawhimYouhavebeentutoredandrefinedbybooksandretirementfromtheworldandyouarethereforesomewhatfastidiousbutthisonlyrendersyouthemorefittoappreciatetheextraordinarymeritsofthiswonderfulmanSometimesIhaveendeavouredtodiscoverwhatqualityitiswhichhepossessesthatelevateshimsoimmeasurablyaboveanyotherpersonIeverknewIbelieveittobeanintuitivediscernmentaquickbutneverfailingpowerofjudgmentapenetrationintothecausesofthingsunequalledforclearnessandprecisionaddtothisafacilityofexpressionandavoicewhosevariedintonationsaresoulsubduingmusicAugustthYesterdaythestrangersaidtomeYoumayeasilyperceiveCaptainWaltonthatIhavesufferedgreatandunparalleledmisfortunesIhaddeterminedatonetimethatthememoryoftheseevilsshoulddiewithmebutyouhavewonmetoaltermydeterminationYouseekforknowledgeandwisdomasIoncedidandIardentlyhopethatthegratificationofyourwishesmaynotbeaserpenttostingyouasminehasbeenIdonotknowthattherelationofmydisasterswillbeusefultoyouyetwhenIreflectthatyouarepursuingthesamecourseexposingyourselftothesamedangerswhichhaverenderedmewhatIamIimaginethatyoumaydeduceanaptmoralfrommytaleonethatmaydirectyouifyousucceedinyourundertakingandconsoleyouincaseoffailurePreparetohearofoccurrenceswhichareusuallydeemedmarvellousWereweamongthetamerscenesofnatureImightfeartoencounteryourunbeliefperhapsyourridiculebutmanythingswillappearpossibleinthesewildandmysteriousregionswhichwouldprovokethelaughterofthoseunacquaintedwiththeevervariedpowersofnaturenorcanIdoubtbutthatmytaleconveysinitsseriesinternalevidenceofthetruthoftheeventsofwhichitiscomposedYoumayeasilyimaginethatIwasmuchgratifiedbytheofferedcommunicationyetIcouldnotendurethatheshouldrenewhisgriefbyarecitalofhismisfortunesIfeltthegreatesteagernesstohearthepromisednarrativepartlyfromcuriosityandpartlyfromastrongdesiretoamelioratehisfateifitwereinmypowerIexpressedthesefeelingsinmyanswerIthankyouherepliedforyoursympathybutitisuselessmyfateisnearlyfulfilledIwaitbutforoneeventandthenIshallreposeinpeaceIunderstandyourfeelingcontinuedheperceivingthatIwishedtointerrupthimbutyouaremistakenmyfriendifthusyouwillallowmetonameyounothingcanaltermydestinylistentomyhistoryandyouwillperceivehowirrevocablyitisdeterminedHethentoldmethathewouldcommencehisnarrativethenextdaywhenIshouldbeatleisureThispromisedrewfrommethewarmestthanksIhaveresolvedeverynightwhenIamnotimperativelyoccupiedbymydutiestorecordasnearlyaspossibleinhisownwordswhathehasrelatedduringthedayIfIshouldbeengagedIwillatleastmakenotesThismanuscriptwilldoubtlessaffordyouthegreatestpleasurebuttomewhoknowhimandwhohearitfromhisownlipswithwhatinterestandsympathyshallIreaditinsomefuturedayEvennowasIcommencemytaskhisfulltonedvoiceswellsinmyearshislustrouseyesdwellonmewithalltheirmelancholysweetnessIseehisthinhandraisedinanimationwhilethelineamentsofhisfaceareirradiatedbythesoulwithinStrangeandharrowingmustbehisstoryfrightfulthestormwhichembracedthegallantvesselonitscourseandwreckeditthusIambybirthaGeneveseandmyfamilyisoneofthemostdistinguishedofthatrepublicMyancestorshadbeenformanyyearscounsellorsandsyndicsandmyfatherhadfilledseveralpublicsituationswithhonourandreputationHewasrespectedbyallwhoknewhimforhisintegrityandindefatigableattentiontopublicbusinessHepassedhisyoungerdaysperpetuallyoccupiedbytheaffairsofhiscountryavarietyofcircumstanceshadpreventedhismarryingearlynorwasituntilthedeclineoflifethathebecameahusbandandthefatherofafamilyAsthecircumstancesofhismarriageillustratehischaracterIcannotrefrainfromrelatingthemOneofhismostintimatefriendswasamerchantwhofromaflourishingstatefellthroughnumerousmischancesintopovertyThismanwhosenamewasBeaufortwasofaproudandunbendingdispositionandcouldnotbeartoliveinpovertyandoblivioninthesamecountrywherehehadformerlybeendistinguishedforhisrankandmagnificenceHavingpaidhisdebtsthereforeinthemosthonourablemannerheretreatedwithhisdaughtertothetownofLucernewherehelivedunknownandinwretchednessMyfatherlovedBeaufortwiththetruestfriendshipandwasdeeplygrievedbyhisretreatintheseunfortunatecircumstancesHebitterlydeploredthefalsepridewhichledhisfriendtoaconductsolittleworthyoftheaffectionthatunitedthemHelostnotimeinendeavouringtoseekhimoutwiththehopeofpersuadinghimtobegintheworldagainthroughhiscreditandassistanceBeauforthadtakeneffectualmeasurestoconcealhimselfanditwastenmonthsbeforemyfatherdiscoveredhisabodeOverjoyedatthisdiscoveryhehastenedtothehousewhichwassituatedinameanstreetneartheReussButwhenheenteredmiseryanddespairalonewelcomedhimBeauforthadsavedbutaverysmallsumofmoneyfromthewreckofhisfortunesbutitwassufficienttoprovidehimwithsustenanceforsomemonthsandinthemeantimehehopedtoprocuresomerespectableemploymentinamerchantshouseTheintervalwasconsequentlyspentininactionhisgriefonlybecamemoredeepandranklingwhenhehadleisureforreflectionandatlengthittooksofastholdofhismindthatattheendofthreemonthshelayonabedofsicknessincapableofanyexertionHisdaughterattendedhimwiththegreatesttendernessbutshesawwithdespairthattheirlittlefundwasrapidlydecreasingandthattherewasnootherprospectofsupportButCarolineBeaufortpossessedamindofanuncommonmouldandhercouragerosetosupportherinheradversitySheprocuredplainworksheplaitedstrawandbyvariousmeanscontrivedtoearnapittancescarcelysufficienttosupportlifeSeveralmonthspassedinthismannerHerfathergrewworsehertimewasmoreentirelyoccupiedinattendinghimhermeansofsubsistencedecreasedandinthetenthmonthherfatherdiedinherarmsleavingheranorphanandabeggarThislastblowovercameherandshekneltbyBeaufortscoffinweepingbitterlywhenmyfatherenteredthechamberHecamelikeaprotectingspirittothepoorgirlwhocommittedherselftohiscareandaftertheintermentofhisfriendheconductedhertoGenevaandplacedherundertheprotectionofarelationTwoyearsafterthiseventCarolinebecamehiswifeTherewasaconsiderabledifferencebetweentheagesofmyparentsbutthiscircumstanceseemedtounitethemonlycloserinbondsofdevotedaffectionTherewasasenseofjusticeinmyfathersuprightmindwhichrendereditnecessarythatheshouldapprovehighlytolovestronglyPerhapsduringformeryearshehadsufferedfromthelatediscoveredunworthinessofonebelovedandsowasdisposedtosetagreatervalueontriedworthTherewasashowofgratitudeandworshipinhisattachmenttomymotherdifferingwhollyfromthedotingfondnessofageforitwasinspiredbyreverenceforhervirtuesandadesiretobethemeansofinsomedegreerecompensingherforthesorrowsshehadenduredbutwhichgaveinexpressiblegracetohisbehaviourtoherEverythingwasmadetoyieldtoherwishesandherconvenienceHestrovetoshelterherasafairexoticisshelteredbythegardenerfromeveryrougherwindandtosurroundherwithallthatcouldtendtoexcitepleasurableemotioninhersoftandbenevolentmindHerhealthandeventhetranquillityofherhithertoconstantspirithadbeenshakenbywhatshehadgonethroughDuringthetwoyearsthathadelapsedprevioustotheirmarriagemyfatherhadgraduallyrelinquishedallhispublicfunctionsandimmediatelyaftertheiruniontheysoughtthepleasantclimateofItalyandthechangeofsceneandinterestattendantonatourthroughthatlandofwondersasarestorativeforherweakenedframeFromItalytheyvisitedGermanyandFranceItheireldestchildwasbornatNaplesandasaninfantaccompaniedthemintheirramblesIremainedforseveralyearstheironlychildMuchastheywereattachedtoeachothertheyseemedtodrawinexhaustiblestoresofaffectionfromaverymineoflovetobestowthemuponmeMymotherstendercaressesandmyfatherssmileofbenevolentpleasurewhileregardingmearemyfirstrecollectionsIwastheirplaythingandtheiridolandsomethingbettertheirchildtheinnocentandhelplesscreaturebestowedonthembyHeavenwhomtobringuptogoodandwhosefuturelotitwasintheirhandstodirecttohappinessormiseryaccordingastheyfulfilledtheirdutiestowardsmeWiththisdeepconsciousnessofwhattheyowedtowardsthebeingtowhichtheyhadgivenlifeaddedtotheactivespiritoftendernessthatanimatedbothitmaybeimaginedthatwhileduringeveryhourofmyinfantlifeIreceivedalessonofpatienceofcharityandofselfcontrolIwassoguidedbyasilkencordthatallseemedbutonetrainofenjoymenttomeForalongtimeIwastheironlycareMymotherhadmuchdesiredtohaveadaughterbutIcontinuedtheirsingleoffspringWhenIwasaboutfiveyearsoldwhilemakinganexcursionbeyondthefrontiersofItalytheypassedaweekontheshoresoftheLakeofComoTheirbenevolentdispositionoftenmadethementerthecottagesofthepoorThistomymotherwasmorethanadutyitwasanecessityapassionrememberingwhatshehadsufferedandhowshehadbeenrelievedforhertoactinherturntheguardianangeltotheafflictedDuringoneoftheirwalksapoorcotinthefoldingsofavaleattractedtheirnoticeasbeingsingularlydisconsolatewhilethenumberofhalfclothedchildrengatheredaboutitspokeofpenuryinitsworstshapeOnedaywhenmyfatherhadgonebyhimselftoMilanmymotheraccompaniedbymevisitedthisabodeShefoundapeasantandhiswifehardworkingbentdownbycareandlabourdistributingascantymealtofivehungrybabesAmongthesetherewasonewhichattractedmymotherfarabovealltherestSheappearedofadifferentstockThefourothersweredarkeyedhardylittlevagrantsthischildwasthinandveryfairHerhairwasthebrightestlivinggoldanddespitethepovertyofherclothingseemedtosetacrownofdistinctiononherheadHerbrowwasclearandampleherblueeyescloudlessandherlipsandthemouldingofherfacesoexpressiveofsensibilityandsweetnessthatnonecouldbeholdherwithoutlookingonherasofadistinctspeciesabeingheavensentandbearingacelestialstampinallherfeaturesThepeasantwomanperceivingthatmymotherfixedeyesofwonderandadmirationonthislovelygirleagerlycommunicatedherhistoryShewasnotherchildbutthedaughterofaMilanesenoblemanHermotherwasaGermanandhaddiedongivingherbirthTheinfanthadbeenplacedwiththesegoodpeopletonursetheywerebetteroffthenTheyhadnotbeenlongmarriedandtheireldestchildwasbutjustbornThefatheroftheirchargewasoneofthoseItaliansnursedinthememoryoftheantiquegloryofItalyoneamongtheschiaviognorfrementiwhoexertedhimselftoobtainthelibertyofhiscountryHebecamethevictimofitsweaknessWhetherhehaddiedorstilllingeredinthedungeonsofAustriawasnotknownHispropertywasconfiscatedhischildbecameanorphanandabeggarShecontinuedwithherfosterparentsandbloomedintheirrudeabodefairerthanagardenroseamongdarkleavedbramblesWhenmyfatherreturnedfromMilanhefoundplayingwithmeinthehallofourvillaachildfairerthanpicturedcherubacreaturewhoseemedtoshedradiancefromherlooksandwhoseformandmotionswerelighterthanthechamoisofthehillsTheapparitionwassoonexplainedWithhispermissionmymotherprevailedonherrusticguardianstoyieldtheirchargetoherTheywerefondofthesweetorphanHerpresencehadseemedablessingtothembutitwouldbeunfairtohertokeepherinpovertyandwantwhenProvidenceaffordedhersuchpowerfulprotectionTheyconsultedtheirvillagepriestandtheresultwasthatElizabethLavenzabecametheinmateofmyparentshousemymorethansisterthebeautifulandadoredcompanionofallmyoccupationsandmypleasuresEveryonelovedElizabethThepassionateandalmostreverentialattachmentwithwhichallregardedherbecamewhileIshareditmyprideandmydelightOntheeveningprevioustoherbeingbroughttomyhomemymotherhadsaidplayfullyIhaveaprettypresentformyVictortomorrowheshallhaveitAndwhenonthemorrowshepresentedElizabethtomeasherpromisedgiftIwithchildishseriousnessinterpretedherwordsliterallyandlookeduponElizabethasmineminetoprotectloveandcherishAllpraisesbestowedonherIreceivedasmadetoapossessionofmyownWecalledeachotherfamiliarlybythenameofcousinNowordnoexpressioncouldbodyforththekindofrelationinwhichshestoodtomemymorethansistersincetilldeathshewastobemineonlyWewerebroughtuptogethertherewasnotquiteayeardifferenceinouragesIneednotsaythatwewerestrangerstoanyspeciesofdisunionordisputeHarmonywasthesoulofourcompanionshipandthediversityandcontrastthatsubsistedinourcharactersdrewusnearertogetherElizabethwasofacalmerandmoreconcentrateddispositionbutwithallmyardourIwascapableofamoreintenseapplicationandwasmoredeeplysmittenwiththethirstforknowledgeShebusiedherselfwithfollowingtheaerialcreationsofthepoetsandinthemajesticandwondroussceneswhichsurroundedourSwisshomethesublimeshapesofthemountainsthechangesoftheseasonstempestandcalmthesilenceofwinterandthelifeandturbulenceofourAlpinesummersshefoundamplescopeforadmirationanddelightWhilemycompanioncontemplatedwithaseriousandsatisfiedspiritthemagnificentappearancesofthingsIdelightedininvestigatingtheircausesTheworldwastomeasecretwhichIdesiredtodivineCuriosityearnestresearchtolearnthehiddenlawsofnaturegladnessakintoraptureastheywereunfoldedtomeareamongtheearliestsensationsIcanrememberOnthebirthofasecondsonmyjuniorbysevenyearsmyparentsgaveupentirelytheirwanderinglifeandfixedthemselvesintheirnativecountryWepossessedahouseinGenevaandacampagneonBelrivetheeasternshoreofthelakeatthedistanceofrathermorethanaleaguefromthecityWeresidedprincipallyinthelatterandthelivesofmyparentswerepassedinconsiderableseclusionItwasmytempertoavoidacrowdandtoattachmyselfferventlytoafewIwasindifferentthereforetomyschoolfellowsingeneralbutIunitedmyselfinthebondsoftheclosestfriendshiptooneamongthemHenryClervalwasthesonofamerchantofGenevaHewasaboyofsingulartalentandfancyHelovedenterprisehardshipandevendangerforitsownsakeHewasdeeplyreadinbooksofchivalryandromanceHecomposedheroicsongsandbegantowritemanyataleofenchantmentandknightlyadventureHetriedtomakeusactplaysandtoenterintomasqueradesinwhichthecharactersweredrawnfromtheheroesofRoncesvallesoftheRoundTableofKingArthurandthechivalroustrainwhoshedtheirbloodtoredeemtheholysepulchrefromthehandsoftheinfidelsNohumanbeingcouldhavepassedahappierchildhoodthanmyselfMyparentswerepossessedbytheveryspiritofkindnessandindulgenceWefeltthattheywerenotthetyrantstoruleourlotaccordingtotheircapricebuttheagentsandcreatorsofallthemanydelightswhichweenjoyedWhenImingledwithotherfamiliesIdistinctlydiscernedhowpeculiarlyfortunatemylotwasandgratitudeassistedthedevelopmentoffilialloveMytemperwassometimesviolentandmypassionsvehementbutbysomelawinmytemperaturetheywereturnednottowardschildishpursuitsbuttoaneagerdesiretolearnandnottolearnallthingsindiscriminatelyIconfessthatneitherthestructureoflanguagesnorthecodeofgovernmentsnorthepoliticsofvariousstatespossessedattractionsformeItwasthesecretsofheavenandearththatIdesiredtolearnandwhetheritwastheoutwardsubstanceofthingsortheinnerspiritofnatureandthemysterioussoulofmanthatoccupiedmestillmyinquiriesweredirectedtothemetaphysicalorinitshighestsensethephysicalsecretsoftheworldMeanwhileClervaloccupiedhimselfsotospeakwiththemoralrelationsofthingsThebusystageoflifethevirtuesofheroesandtheactionsofmenwerehisthemeandhishopeandhisdreamwastobecomeoneamongthosewhosenamesarerecordedinstoryasthegallantandadventurousbenefactorsofourspeciesThesaintlysoulofElizabethshonelikeashrinededicatedlampinourpeacefulhomeHersympathywasourshersmilehersoftvoicethesweetglanceofhercelestialeyeswereevertheretoblessandanimateusShewasthelivingspiritoflovetosoftenandattractImighthavebecomesulleninmystudyroughthroughtheardourofmynaturebutthatshewastheretosubduemetoasemblanceofherowngentlenessAndClervalcouldaughtillentrenchonthenoblespiritofClervalYethemightnothavebeensoperfectlyhumanesothoughtfulinhisgenerositysofullofkindnessandtendernessamidsthispassionforadventurousexploithadshenotunfoldedtohimthereallovelinessofbeneficenceandmadethedoinggoodtheendandaimofhissoaringambitionIfeelexquisitepleasureindwellingontherecollectionsofchildhoodbeforemisfortunehadtaintedmymindandchangeditsbrightvisionsofextensiveusefulnessintogloomyandnarrowreflectionsuponselfBesidesindrawingthepictureofmyearlydaysIalsorecordthoseeventswhichledbyinsensiblestepstomyaftertaleofmiseryforwhenIwouldaccounttomyselfforthebirthofthatpassionwhichafterwardsruledmydestinyIfinditariselikeamountainriverfromignobleandalmostforgottensourcesbutswellingasitproceededitbecamethetorrentwhichinitscoursehassweptawayallmyhopesandjoysNaturalphilosophyisthegeniusthathasregulatedmyfateIdesirethereforeinthisnarrationtostatethosefactswhichledtomypredilectionforthatscienceWhenIwasthirteenyearsofageweallwentonapartyofpleasuretothebathsnearThonontheinclemencyoftheweatherobligedustoremainadayconfinedtotheinnInthishouseIchancedtofindavolumeoftheworksofCorneliusAgrippaIopeneditwithapathythetheorywhichheattemptstodemonstrateandthewonderfulfactswhichherelatessoonchangedthisfeelingintoenthusiasmAnewlightseemedtodawnuponmymindandboundingwithjoyIcommunicatedmydiscoverytomyfatherMyfatherlookedcarelesslyatthetitlepageofmybookandsaidAhCorneliusAgrippaMydearVictordonotwasteyourtimeuponthisitissadtrashIfinsteadofthisremarkmyfatherhadtakenthepainstoexplaintomethattheprinciplesofAgrippahadbeenentirelyexplodedandthatamodernsystemofsciencehadbeenintroducedwhichpossessedmuchgreaterpowersthantheancientbecausethepowersofthelatterwerechimericalwhilethoseoftheformerwererealandpracticalundersuchcircumstancesIshouldcertainlyhavethrownAgrippaasideandhavecontentedmyimaginationwarmedasitwasbyreturningwithgreaterardourtomyformerstudiesItisevenpossiblethatthetrainofmyideaswouldneverhavereceivedthefatalimpulsethatledtomyruinButthecursoryglancemyfatherhadtakenofmyvolumebynomeansassuredmethathewasacquaintedwithitscontentsandIcontinuedtoreadwiththegreatestavidityWhenIreturnedhomemyfirstcarewastoprocurethewholeworksofthisauthorandafterwardsofParacelsusandAlbertusMagnusIreadandstudiedthewildfanciesofthesewriterswithdelighttheyappearedtometreasuresknowntofewbesidesmyselfIhavedescribedmyselfasalwayshavingbeenimbuedwithaferventlongingtopenetratethesecretsofnatureInspiteoftheintenselabourandwonderfuldiscoveriesofmodernphilosophersIalwayscamefrommystudiesdiscontentedandunsatisfiedSirIsaacNewtonissaidtohaveavowedthathefeltlikeachildpickingupshellsbesidethegreatandunexploredoceanoftruthThoseofhissuccessorsineachbranchofnaturalphilosophywithwhomIwasacquaintedappearedeventomyboysapprehensionsastyrosengagedinthesamepursuitTheuntaughtpeasantbeheldtheelementsaroundhimandwasacquaintedwiththeirpracticalusesThemostlearnedphilosopherknewlittlemoreHehadpartiallyunveiledthefaceofNaturebutherimmortallineamentswerestillawonderandamysteryHemightdissectanatomiseandgivenamesbutnottospeakofafinalcausecausesintheirsecondaryandtertiarygradeswereutterlyunknowntohimIhadgazeduponthefortificationsandimpedimentsthatseemedtokeephumanbeingsfromenteringthecitadelofnatureandrashlyandignorantlyIhadrepinedButherewerebooksandhereweremenwhohadpenetrateddeeperandknewmoreItooktheirwordforallthattheyaverredandIbecametheirdiscipleItmayappearstrangethatsuchshouldariseintheeighteenthcenturybutwhileIfollowedtheroutineofeducationintheschoolsofGenevaIwastoagreatdegreeselftaughtwithregardtomyfavouritestudiesMyfatherwasnotscientificandIwaslefttostrugglewithachildsblindnessaddedtoastudentsthirstforknowledgeUndertheguidanceofmynewpreceptorsIenteredwiththegreatestdiligenceintothesearchofthephilosophersstoneandtheelixiroflifebutthelattersoonobtainedmyundividedattentionWealthwasaninferiorobjectbutwhatglorywouldattendthediscoveryifIcouldbanishdiseasefromthehumanframeandrendermaninvulnerabletoanybutaviolentdeathNorwerethesemyonlyvisionsTheraisingofghostsordevilswasapromiseliberallyaccordedbymyfavouriteauthorsthefulfilmentofwhichImosteagerlysoughtandifmyincantationswerealwaysunsuccessfulIattributedthefailurerathertomyowninexperienceandmistakethantoawantofskillorfidelityinmyinstructorsAndthusforatimeIwasoccupiedbyexplodedsystemsminglinglikeanunadeptathousandcontradictorytheoriesandflounderingdesperatelyinaverysloughofmultifariousknowledgeguidedbyanardentimaginationandchildishreasoningtillanaccidentagainchangedthecurrentofmyideasWhenIwasaboutfifteenyearsoldwehadretiredtoourhousenearBelrivewhenwewitnessedamostviolentandterriblethunderstormItadvancedfrombehindthemountainsofJuraandthethunderburstatoncewithfrightfulloudnessfromvariousquartersoftheheavensIremainedwhilethestormlastedwatchingitsprogresswithcuriosityanddelightAsIstoodatthedooronasuddenIbeheldastreamoffireissuefromanoldandbeautifuloakwhichstoodabouttwentyyardsfromourhouseandsosoonasthedazzlinglightvanishedtheoakhaddisappearedandnothingremainedbutablastedstumpWhenwevisiteditthenextmorningwefoundthetreeshatteredinasingularmannerItwasnotsplinteredbytheshockbutentirelyreducedtothinribbonsofwoodIneverbeheldanythingsoutterlydestroyedBeforethisIwasnotunacquaintedwiththemoreobviouslawsofelectricityOnthisoccasionamanofgreatresearchinnaturalphilosophywaswithusandexcitedbythiscatastropheheenteredontheexplanationofatheorywhichhehadformedonthesubjectofelectricityandgalvanismwhichwasatoncenewandastonishingtomeAllthathesaidthrewgreatlyintotheshadeCorneliusAgrippaAlbertusMagnusandParacelsusthelordsofmyimaginationbutbysomefatalitytheoverthrowofthesemendisinclinedmetopursuemyaccustomedstudiesItseemedtomeasifnothingwouldorcouldeverbeknownAllthathadsolongengagedmyattentionsuddenlygrewdespicableByoneofthosecapricesofthemindwhichweareperhapsmostsubjecttoinearlyyouthIatoncegaveupmyformeroccupationssetdownnaturalhistoryandallitsprogenyasadeformedandabortivecreationandentertainedthegreatestdisdainforawouldbesciencewhichcouldneverevenstepwithinthethresholdofrealknowledgeInthismoodofmindIbetookmyselftothemathematicsandthebranchesofstudyappertainingtothatscienceasbeingbuiltuponsecurefoundationsandsoworthyofmyconsiderationThusstrangelyareoursoulsconstructedandbysuchslightligamentsareweboundtoprosperityorruinWhenIlookbackitseemstomeasifthisalmostmiraculouschangeofinclinationandwillwastheimmediatesuggestionoftheguardianangelofmylifethelasteffortmadebythespiritofpreservationtoavertthestormthatwaseventhenhanginginthestarsandreadytoenvelopmeHervictorywasannouncedbyanunusualtranquillityandgladnessofsoulwhichfollowedtherelinquishingofmyancientandlatterlytormentingstudiesItwasthusthatIwastobetaughttoassociateevilwiththeirprosecutionhappinesswiththeirdisregardItwasastrongeffortofthespiritofgoodbutitwasineffectualDestinywastoopotentandherimmutablelawshaddecreedmyutterandterribledestructionWhenIhadattainedtheageofseventeenmyparentsresolvedthatIshouldbecomeastudentattheuniversityofIngolstadtIhadhithertoattendedtheschoolsofGenevabutmyfatherthoughtitnecessaryforthecompletionofmyeducationthatIshouldbemadeacquaintedwithothercustomsthanthoseofmynativecountryMydeparturewasthereforefixedatanearlydatebutbeforethedayresolveduponcouldarrivethefirstmisfortuneofmylifeoccurredanomenasitwereofmyfuturemiseryElizabethhadcaughtthescarletfeverherillnesswassevereandshewasinthegreatestdangerDuringherillnessmanyargumentshadbeenurgedtopersuademymothertorefrainfromattendinguponherShehadatfirstyieldedtoourentreatiesbutwhensheheardthatthelifeofherfavouritewasmenacedshecouldnolongercontrolheranxietySheattendedhersickbedherwatchfulattentionstriumphedoverthemalignityofthedistemperElizabethwassavedbuttheconsequencesofthisimprudencewerefataltoherpreserverOnthethirddaymymothersickenedherfeverwasaccompaniedbythemostalarmingsymptomsandthelooksofhermedicalattendantsprognosticatedtheworsteventOnherdeathbedthefortitudeandbenignityofthisbestofwomendidnotdesertherShejoinedthehandsofElizabethandmyselfMychildrenshesaidmyfirmesthopesoffuturehappinesswereplacedontheprospectofyourunionThisexpectationwillnowbetheconsolationofyourfatherElizabethmyloveyoumustsupplymyplacetomyyoungerchildrenAlasIregretthatIamtakenfromyouandhappyandbelovedasIhavebeenisitnothardtoquityouallButthesearenotthoughtsbefittingmeIwillendeavourtoresignmyselfcheerfullytodeathandwillindulgeahopeofmeetingyouinanotherworldShediedcalmlyandhercountenanceexpressedaffectionevenindeathIneednotdescribethefeelingsofthosewhosedearesttiesarerentbythatmostirreparableevilthevoidthatpresentsitselftothesoulandthedespairthatisexhibitedonthecountenanceItissolongbeforethemindcanpersuadeitselfthatshewhomwesaweverydayandwhoseveryexistenceappearedapartofourowncanhavedepartedforeverthatthebrightnessofabelovedeyecanhavebeenextinguishedandthesoundofavoicesofamiliaranddeartotheearcanbehushednevermoretobeheardThesearethereflectionsofthefirstdaysbutwhenthelapseoftimeprovestherealityoftheevilthentheactualbitternessofgriefcommencesYetfromwhomhasnotthatrudehandrentawaysomedearconnectionAndwhyshouldIdescribeasorrowwhichallhavefeltandmustfeelThetimeatlengtharriveswhengriefisratheranindulgencethananecessityandthesmilethatplaysuponthelipsalthoughitmaybedeemedasacrilegeisnotbanishedMymotherwasdeadbutwehadstilldutieswhichweoughttoperformwemustcontinueourcoursewiththerestandlearntothinkourselvesfortunatewhilstoneremainswhomthespoilerhasnotseizedMydepartureforIngolstadtwhichhadbeendeferredbytheseeventswasnowagaindetermineduponIobtainedfrommyfatherarespiteofsomeweeksItappearedtomesacrilegesosoontoleavethereposeakintodeathofthehouseofmourningandtorushintothethickoflifeIwasnewtosorrowbutitdidnotthelessalarmmeIwasunwillingtoquitthesightofthosethatremainedtomeandaboveallIdesiredtoseemysweetElizabethinsomedegreeconsoledSheindeedveiledhergriefandstrovetoactthecomfortertousallShelookedsteadilyonlifeandassumeditsdutieswithcourageandzealShedevotedherselftothosewhomshehadbeentaughttocallheruncleandcousinsNeverwasshesoenchantingasatthistimewhensherecalledthesunshineofhersmilesandspentthemuponusSheforgotevenherownregretinherendeavourstomakeusforgetThedayofmydepartureatlengtharrivedClervalspentthelasteveningwithusHehadendeavouredtopersuadehisfathertopermithimtoaccompanymeandtobecomemyfellowstudentbutinvainHisfatherwasanarrowmindedtraderandsawidlenessandruinintheaspirationsandambitionofhissonHenrydeeplyfeltthemisfortuneofbeingdebarredfromaliberaleducationHesaidlittlebutwhenhespokeIreadinhiskindlingeyeandinhisanimatedglancearestrainedbutfirmresolvenottobechainedtothemiserabledetailsofcommerceWesatlateWecouldnottearourselvesawayfromeachothernorpersuadeourselvestosaythewordFarewellItwassaidandweretiredunderthepretenceofseekingreposeeachfancyingthattheotherwasdeceivedbutwhenatmorningsdawnIdescendedtothecarriagewhichwastoconveymeawaytheywerealltheremyfatheragaintoblessmeClervaltopressmyhandoncemoremyElizabethtorenewherentreatiesthatIwouldwriteoftenandtobestowthelastfeminineattentionsonherplaymateandfriendIthrewmyselfintothechaisethatwastoconveymeawayandindulgedinthemostmelancholyreflectionsIwhohadeverbeensurroundedbyamiablecompanionscontinuallyengagedinendeavouringtobestowmutualpleasureIwasnowaloneIntheuniversitywhitherIwasgoingImustformmyownfriendsandbemyownprotectorMylifehadhithertobeenremarkablysecludedanddomesticandthishadgivenmeinvinciblerepugnancetonewcountenancesIlovedmybrothersElizabethandClervalthesewereoldfamiliarfacesbutIbelievedmyselftotallyunfittedforthecompanyofstrangersSuchweremyreflectionsasIcommencedmyjourneybutasIproceededmyspiritsandhopesroseIardentlydesiredtheacquisitionofknowledgeIhadoftenwhenathomethoughtithardtoremainduringmyyouthcoopedupinoneplaceandhadlongedtoentertheworldandtakemystationamongotherhumanbeingsNowmydesireswerecompliedwithanditwouldindeedhavebeenfollytorepentIhadsufficientleisurefortheseandmanyotherreflectionsduringmyjourneytoIngolstadtwhichwaslongandfatiguingAtlengththehighwhitesteepleofthetownmetmyeyesIalightedandwasconductedtomysolitaryapartmenttospendtheeveningasIpleasedThenextmorningIdeliveredmylettersofintroductionandpaidavisittosomeoftheprincipalprofessorsChanceorrathertheevilinfluencetheAngelofDestructionwhichassertedomnipotentswayovermefromthemomentIturnedmyreluctantstepsfrommyfathersdoorledmefirsttoMKrempeprofessorofnaturalphilosophyHewasanuncouthmanbutdeeplyimbuedinthesecretsofhisscienceHeaskedmeseveralquestionsconcerningmyprogressinthedifferentbranchesofscienceappertainingtonaturalphilosophyIrepliedcarelesslyandpartlyincontemptmentionedthenamesofmyalchemistsastheprincipalauthorsIhadstudiedTheprofessorstaredHaveyouhesaidreallyspentyourtimeinstudyingsuchnonsenseIrepliedintheaffirmativeEveryminutecontinuedMKrempewithwarmtheveryinstantthatyouhavewastedonthosebooksisutterlyandentirelylostYouhaveburdenedyourmemorywithexplodedsystemsanduselessnamesGoodGodInwhatdesertlandhaveyoulivedwherenoonewaskindenoughtoinformyouthatthesefancieswhichyouhavesogreedilyimbibedareathousandyearsoldandasmustyastheyareancientIlittleexpectedinthisenlightenedandscientificagetofindadiscipleofAlbertusMagnusandParacelsusMydearsiryoumustbeginyourstudiesentirelyanewSosayinghesteppedasideandwrotedownalistofseveralbookstreatingofnaturalphilosophywhichhedesiredmetoprocureanddismissedmeaftermentioningthatinthebeginningofthefollowingweekheintendedtocommenceacourseoflecturesuponnaturalphilosophyinitsgeneralrelationsandthatMWaldmanafellowprofessorwouldlectureuponchemistrythealternatedaysthatheomittedIreturnedhomenotdisappointedforIhavesaidthatIhadlongconsideredthoseauthorsuselesswhomtheprofessorreprobatedbutIreturnednotatallthemoreinclinedtorecurtothesestudiesinanyshapeMKrempewasalittlesquatmanwithagruffvoiceandarepulsivecountenancetheteacherthereforedidnotprepossessmeinfavourofhispursuitsInratheratoophilosophicalandconnectedastrainperhapsIhavegivenanaccountoftheconclusionsIhadcometoconcerningtheminmyearlyyearsAsachildIhadnotbeencontentwiththeresultspromisedbythemodernprofessorsofnaturalscienceWithaconfusionofideasonlytobeaccountedforbymyextremeyouthandmywantofaguideonsuchmattersIhadretrodthestepsofknowledgealongthepathsoftimeandexchangedthediscoveriesofrecentinquirersforthedreamsofforgottenalchemistsBesidesIhadacontemptfortheusesofmodernnaturalphilosophyItwasverydifferentwhenthemastersofthesciencesoughtimmortalityandpowersuchviewsalthoughfutileweregrandbutnowthescenewaschangedTheambitionoftheinquirerseemedtolimititselftotheannihilationofthosevisionsonwhichmyinterestinsciencewaschieflyfoundedIwasrequiredtoexchangechimerasofboundlessgrandeurforrealitiesoflittleworthSuchweremyreflectionsduringthefirsttwoorthreedaysofmyresidenceatIngolstadtwhichwerechieflyspentinbecomingacquaintedwiththelocalitiesandtheprincipalresidentsinmynewabodeButastheensuingweekcommencedIthoughtoftheinformationwhichMKrempehadgivenmeconcerningthelecturesAndalthoughIcouldnotconsenttogoandhearthatlittleconceitedfellowdeliversentencesoutofapulpitIrecollectedwhathehadsaidofMWaldmanwhomIhadneverseenashehadhithertobeenoutoftownPartlyfromcuriosityandpartlyfromidlenessIwentintothelecturingroomwhichMWaldmanenteredshortlyafterThisprofessorwasveryunlikehiscolleagueHeappearedaboutfiftyyearsofagebutwithanaspectexpressiveofthegreatestbenevolenceafewgreyhairscoveredhistemplesbutthoseatthebackofhisheadwerenearlyblackHispersonwasshortbutremarkablyerectandhisvoicethesweetestIhadeverheardHebeganhislecturebyarecapitulationofthehistoryofchemistryandthevariousimprovementsmadebydifferentmenoflearningpronouncingwithfervourthenamesofthemostdistinguisheddiscoverersHethentookacursoryviewofthepresentstateofthescienceandexplainedmanyofitselementarytermsAfterhavingmadeafewpreparatoryexperimentsheconcludedwithapanegyricuponmodernchemistrythetermsofwhichIshallneverforgetTheancientteachersofthissciencesaidhepromisedimpossibilitiesandperformednothingThemodernmasterspromiseverylittletheyknowthatmetalscannotbetransmutedandthattheelixiroflifeisachimerabutthesephilosopherswhosehandsseemonlymadetodabbleindirtandtheireyestoporeoverthemicroscopeorcruciblehaveindeedperformedmiraclesTheypenetrateintotherecessesofnatureandshowhowsheworksinherhidingplacesTheyascendintotheheavenstheyhavediscoveredhowthebloodcirculatesandthenatureoftheairwebreatheTheyhaveacquirednewandalmostunlimitedpowerstheycancommandthethundersofheavenmimictheearthquakeandevenmocktheinvisibleworldwithitsownshadowsSuchweretheprofessorswordsratherletmesaysuchthewordsofthefateenouncedtodestroymeAshewentonIfeltasifmysoulweregrapplingwithapalpableenemyonebyonethevariouskeysweretouchedwhichformedthemechanismofmybeingchordafterchordwassoundedandsoonmymindwasfilledwithonethoughtoneconceptiononepurposeSomuchhasbeendoneexclaimedthesoulofFrankensteinmorefarmorewillIachievetreadinginthestepsalreadymarkedIwillpioneeranewwayexploreunknownpowersandunfoldtotheworldthedeepestmysteriesofcreationIclosednotmyeyesthatnightMyinternalbeingwasinastateofinsurrectionandturmoilIfeltthatorderwouldthencearisebutIhadnopowertoproduceitBydegreesafterthemorningsdawnsleepcameIawokeandmyyesternightsthoughtswereasadreamThereonlyremainedaresolutiontoreturntomyancientstudiesandtodevotemyselftoascienceforwhichIbelievedmyselftopossessanaturaltalentOnthesamedayIpaidMWaldmanavisitHismannersinprivatewereevenmoremildandattractivethaninpublicfortherewasacertaindignityinhismienduringhislecturewhichinhisownhousewasreplacedbythegreatestaffabilityandkindnessIgavehimprettynearlythesameaccountofmyformerpursuitsasIhadgiventohisfellowprofessorHeheardwithattentionthelittlenarrationconcerningmystudiesandsmiledatthenamesofCorneliusAgrippaandParacelsusbutwithoutthecontemptthatMKrempehadexhibitedHesaidthatThesewerementowhoseindefatigablezealmodernphilosopherswereindebtedformostofthefoundationsoftheirknowledgeTheyhadlefttousasaneasiertasktogivenewnamesandarrangeinconnectedclassificationsthefactswhichtheyinagreatdegreehadbeentheinstrumentsofbringingtolightThelaboursofmenofgeniushowevererroneouslydirectedscarcelyeverfailinultimatelyturningtothesolidadvantageofmankindIlistenedtohisstatementwhichwasdeliveredwithoutanypresumptionoraffectationandthenaddedthathislecturehadremovedmyprejudicesagainstmodernchemistsIexpressedmyselfinmeasuredtermswiththemodestyanddeferenceduefromayouthtohisinstructorwithoutlettingescapeinexperienceinlifewouldhavemademeashamedanyoftheenthusiasmwhichstimulatedmyintendedlaboursIrequestedhisadviceconcerningthebooksIoughttoprocureIamhappysaidMWaldmantohavegainedadiscipleandifyourapplicationequalsyourabilityIhavenodoubtofyoursuccessChemistryisthatbranchofnaturalphilosophyinwhichthegreatestimprovementshavebeenandmaybemadeitisonthataccountthatIhavemadeitmypeculiarstudybutatthesametimeIhavenotneglectedtheotherbranchesofscienceAmanwouldmakebutaverysorrychemistifheattendedtothatdepartmentofhumanknowledgealoneIfyourwishistobecomereallyamanofscienceandnotmerelyapettyexperimentalistIshouldadviseyoutoapplytoeverybranchofnaturalphilosophyincludingmathematicsHethentookmeintohislaboratoryandexplainedtometheusesofhisvariousmachinesinstructingmeastowhatIoughttoprocureandpromisingmetheuseofhisownwhenIshouldhaveadvancedfarenoughinthesciencenottoderangetheirmechanismHealsogavemethelistofbookswhichIhadrequestedandItookmyleaveThusendedadaymemorabletomeitdecidedmyfuturedestinyFromthisdaynaturalphilosophyandparticularlychemistryinthemostcomprehensivesenseofthetermbecamenearlymysoleoccupationIreadwithardourthoseworkssofullofgeniusanddiscriminationwhichmoderninquirershavewrittenonthesesubjectsIattendedthelecturesandcultivatedtheacquaintanceofthemenofscienceoftheuniversityandIfoundeveninMKrempeagreatdealofsoundsenseandrealinformationcombineditistruewitharepulsivephysiognomyandmannersbutnotonthataccountthelessvaluableInMWaldmanIfoundatruefriendHisgentlenesswasnevertingedbydogmatismandhisinstructionsweregivenwithanairoffranknessandgoodnaturethatbanishedeveryideaofpedantryInathousandwayshesmoothedformethepathofknowledgeandmadethemostabstruseinquiriesclearandfaciletomyapprehensionMyapplicationwasatfirstfluctuatinganduncertainitgainedstrengthasIproceededandsoonbecamesoardentandeagerthatthestarsoftendisappearedinthelightofmorningwhilstIwasyetengagedinmylaboratoryAsIappliedsocloselyitmaybeeasilyconceivedthatmyprogresswasrapidMyardourwasindeedtheastonishmentofthestudentsandmyproficiencythatofthemastersProfessorKrempeoftenaskedmewithaslysmilehowCorneliusAgrippawentonwhilstMWaldmanexpressedthemostheartfeltexultationinmyprogressTwoyearspassedinthismannerduringwhichIpaidnovisittoGenevabutwasengagedheartandsoulinthepursuitofsomediscoverieswhichIhopedtomakeNonebutthosewhohaveexperiencedthemcanconceiveoftheenticementsofscienceInotherstudiesyougoasfarasothershavegonebeforeyouandthereisnothingmoretoknowbutinascientificpursuitthereiscontinualfoodfordiscoveryandwonderAmindofmoderatecapacitywhichcloselypursuesonestudymustinfalliblyarriveatgreatproficiencyinthatstudyandIwhocontinuallysoughttheattainmentofoneobjectofpursuitandwassolelywrappedupinthisimprovedsorapidlythatattheendoftwoyearsImadesomediscoveriesintheimprovementofsomechemicalinstrumentswhichprocuredmegreatesteemandadmirationattheuniversityWhenIhadarrivedatthispointandhadbecomeaswellacquaintedwiththetheoryandpracticeofnaturalphilosophyasdependedonthelessonsofanyoftheprofessorsatIngolstadtmyresidencetherebeingnolongerconducivetomyimprovementsIthoughtofreturningtomyfriendsandmynativetownwhenanincidenthappenedthatprotractedmystayOneofthephenomenawhichhadpeculiarlyattractedmyattentionwasthestructureofthehumanframeandindeedanyanimalenduedwithlifeWhenceIoftenaskedmyselfdidtheprincipleoflifeproceedItwasaboldquestionandonewhichhaseverbeenconsideredasamysteryyetwithhowmanythingsareweuponthebrinkofbecomingacquaintedifcowardiceorcarelessnessdidnotrestrainourinquiriesIrevolvedthesecircumstancesinmymindanddeterminedthenceforthtoapplymyselfmoreparticularlytothosebranchesofnaturalphilosophywhichrelatetophysiologyUnlessIhadbeenanimatedbyanalmostsupernaturalenthusiasmmyapplicationtothisstudywouldhavebeenirksomeandalmostintolerableToexaminethecausesoflifewemustfirsthaverecoursetodeathIbecameacquaintedwiththescienceofanatomybutthiswasnotsufficientImustalsoobservethenaturaldecayandcorruptionofthehumanbodyInmyeducationmyfatherhadtakenthegreatestprecautionsthatmymindshouldbeimpressedwithnosupernaturalhorrorsIdonoteverremembertohavetrembledatataleofsuperstitionortohavefearedtheapparitionofaspiritDarknesshadnoeffectuponmyfancyandachurchyardwastomemerelythereceptacleofbodiesdeprivedoflifewhichfrombeingtheseatofbeautyandstrengthhadbecomefoodforthewormNowIwasledtoexaminethecauseandprogressofthisdecayandforcedtospenddaysandnightsinvaultsandcharnelhousesMyattentionwasfixeduponeveryobjectthemostinsupportabletothedelicacyofthehumanfeelingsIsawhowthefineformofmanwasdegradedandwastedIbeheldthecorruptionofdeathsucceedtothebloomingcheekoflifeIsawhowtheworminheritedthewondersoftheeyeandbrainIpausedexaminingandanalysingalltheminutiaeofcausationasexemplifiedinthechangefromlifetodeathanddeathtolifeuntilfromthemidstofthisdarknessasuddenlightbrokeinuponmealightsobrilliantandwondrousyetsosimplethatwhileIbecamedizzywiththeimmensityoftheprospectwhichitillustratedIwassurprisedthatamongsomanymenofgeniuswhohaddirectedtheirinquiriestowardsthesamesciencethatIaloneshouldbereservedtodiscoversoastonishingasecretRememberIamnotrecordingthevisionofamadmanThesundoesnotmorecertainlyshineintheheavensthanthatwhichInowaffirmistrueSomemiraclemighthaveproducedityetthestagesofthediscoveryweredistinctandprobableAfterdaysandnightsofincrediblelabourandfatigueIsucceededindiscoveringthecauseofgenerationandlifenaymoreIbecamemyselfcapableofbestowinganimationuponlifelessmatterTheastonishmentwhichIhadatfirstexperiencedonthisdiscoverysoongaveplacetodelightandraptureAftersomuchtimespentinpainfullabourtoarriveatonceatthesummitofmydesireswasthemostgratifyingconsummationofmytoilsButthisdiscoverywassogreatandoverwhelmingthatallthestepsbywhichIhadbeenprogressivelyledtoitwereobliteratedandIbeheldonlytheresultWhathadbeenthestudyanddesireofthewisestmensincethecreationoftheworldwasnowwithinmygraspNotthatlikeamagicsceneitallopeneduponmeatoncetheinformationIhadobtainedwasofanaturerathertodirectmyendeavourssosoonasIshouldpointthemtowardstheobjectofmysearchthantoexhibitthatobjectalreadyaccomplishedIwasliketheArabianwhohadbeenburiedwiththedeadandfoundapassagetolifeaidedonlybyoneglimmeringandseeminglyineffectuallightIseebyyoureagernessandthewonderandhopewhichyoureyesexpressmyfriendthatyouexpecttobeinformedofthesecretwithwhichIamacquaintedthatcannotbelistenpatientlyuntiltheendofmystoryandyouwilleasilyperceivewhyIamreserveduponthatsubjectIwillnotleadyouonunguardedandardentasIthenwastoyourdestructionandinfalliblemiseryLearnfrommeifnotbymypreceptsatleastbymyexamplehowdangerousistheacquirementofknowledgeandhowmuchhappierthatmaniswhobelieveshisnativetowntobetheworldthanhewhoaspirestobecomegreaterthanhisnaturewillallowWhenIfoundsoastonishingapowerplacedwithinmyhandsIhesitatedalongtimeconcerningthemannerinwhichIshouldemployitAlthoughIpossessedthecapacityofbestowinganimationyettoprepareaframeforthereceptionofitwithallitsintricaciesoffibresmusclesandveinsstillremainedaworkofinconceivabledifficultyandlabourIdoubtedatfirstwhetherIshouldattemptthecreationofabeinglikemyselforoneofsimplerorganizationbutmyimaginationwastoomuchexaltedbymyfirstsuccesstopermitmetodoubtofmyabilitytogivelifetoananimalascomplexandwonderfulasmanThematerialsatpresentwithinmycommandhardlyappearedadequatetosoarduousanundertakingbutIdoubtednotthatIshouldultimatelysucceedIpreparedmyselfforamultitudeofreversesmyoperationsmightbeincessantlybaffledandatlastmyworkbeimperfectyetwhenIconsideredtheimprovementwhicheverydaytakesplaceinscienceandmechanicsIwasencouragedtohopemypresentattemptswouldatleastlaythefoundationsoffuturesuccessNorcouldIconsiderthemagnitudeandcomplexityofmyplanasanyargumentofitsimpracticabilityItwaswiththesefeelingsthatIbeganthecreationofahumanbeingAstheminutenessofthepartsformedagreathindrancetomyspeedIresolvedcontrarytomyfirstintentiontomakethebeingofagiganticstaturethatistosayabouteightfeetinheightandproportionablylargeAfterhavingformedthisdeterminationandhavingspentsomemonthsinsuccessfullycollectingandarrangingmymaterialsIbeganNoonecanconceivethevarietyoffeelingswhichboremeonwardslikeahurricaneinthefirstenthusiasmofsuccessLifeanddeathappearedtomeidealboundswhichIshouldfirstbreakthroughandpouratorrentoflightintoourdarkworldAnewspecieswouldblessmeasitscreatorandsourcemanyhappyandexcellentnatureswouldowetheirbeingtomeNofathercouldclaimthegratitudeofhischildsocompletelyasIshoulddeservetheirsPursuingthesereflectionsIthoughtthatifIcouldbestowanimationuponlifelessmatterImightinprocessoftimealthoughInowfounditimpossiblerenewlifewheredeathhadapparentlydevotedthebodytocorruptionThesethoughtssupportedmyspiritswhileIpursuedmyundertakingwithunremittingardourMycheekhadgrownpalewithstudyandmypersonhadbecomeemaciatedwithconfinementSometimesontheverybrinkofcertaintyIfailedyetstillIclungtothehopewhichthenextdayorthenexthourmightrealiseOnesecretwhichIalonepossessedwasthehopetowhichIhaddedicatedmyselfandthemoongazedonmymidnightlabourswhilewithunrelaxedandbreathlesseagernessIpursuednaturetoherhidingplacesWhoshallconceivethehorrorsofmysecrettoilasIdabbledamongtheunhalloweddampsofthegraveortorturedthelivinganimaltoanimatethelifelessclayMylimbsnowtrembleandmyeyesswimwiththeremembrancebutthenaresistlessandalmostfranticimpulseurgedmeforwardIseemedtohavelostallsoulorsensationbutforthisonepursuitItwasindeedbutapassingtrancethatonlymademefeelwithrenewedacutenesssosoonastheunnaturalstimulusceasingtooperateIhadreturnedtomyoldhabitsIcollectedbonesfromcharnelhousesanddisturbedwithprofanefingersthetremendoussecretsofthehumanframeInasolitarychamberorrathercellatthetopofthehouseandseparatedfromalltheotherapartmentsbyagalleryandstaircaseIkeptmyworkshopoffilthycreationmyeyeballswerestartingfromtheirsocketsinattendingtothedetailsofmyemploymentThedissectingroomandtheslaughterhousefurnishedmanyofmymaterialsandoftendidmyhumannatureturnwithloathingfrommyoccupationwhilststillurgedonbyaneagernesswhichperpetuallyincreasedIbroughtmyworkneartoaconclusionThesummermonthspassedwhileIwasthusengagedheartandsoulinonepursuitItwasamostbeautifulseasonneverdidthefieldsbestowamoreplentifulharvestorthevinesyieldamoreluxuriantvintagebutmyeyeswereinsensibletothecharmsofnatureAndthesamefeelingswhichmademeneglectthescenesaroundmecausedmealsotoforgetthosefriendswhoweresomanymilesabsentandwhomIhadnotseenforsolongatimeIknewmysilencedisquietedthemandIwellrememberedthewordsofmyfatherIknowthatwhileyouarepleasedwithyourselfyouwillthinkofuswithaffectionandweshallhearregularlyfromyouYoumustpardonmeifIregardanyinterruptioninyourcorrespondenceasaproofthatyourotherdutiesareequallyneglectedIknewwellthereforewhatwouldbemyfathersfeelingsbutIcouldnottearmythoughtsfrommyemploymentloathsomeinitselfbutwhichhadtakenanirresistibleholdofmyimaginationIwishedasitweretoprocrastinateallthatrelatedtomyfeelingsofaffectionuntilthegreatobjectwhichswallowedupeveryhabitofmynatureshouldbecompletedIthenthoughtthatmyfatherwouldbeunjustifheascribedmyneglecttoviceorfaultinessonmypartbutIamnowconvincedthathewasjustifiedinconceivingthatIshouldnotbealtogetherfreefromblameAhumanbeinginperfectionoughtalwaystopreserveacalmandpeacefulmindandnevertoallowpassionoratransitorydesiretodisturbhistranquillityIdonotthinkthatthepursuitofknowledgeisanexceptiontothisruleIfthestudytowhichyouapplyyourselfhasatendencytoweakenyouraffectionsandtodestroyyourtasteforthosesimplepleasuresinwhichnoalloycanpossiblymixthenthatstudyiscertainlyunlawfulthatistosaynotbefittingthehumanmindIfthisrulewerealwaysobservedifnomanallowedanypursuitwhatsoevertointerferewiththetranquillityofhisdomesticaffectionsGreecehadnotbeenenslavedCsarwouldhavesparedhiscountryAmericawouldhavebeendiscoveredmoregraduallyandtheempiresofMexicoandPeruhadnotbeendestroyedButIforgetthatIammoralizinginthemostinterestingpartofmytaleandyourlooksremindmetoproceedMyfathermadenoreproachinhislettersandonlytooknoticeofmysilencebyinquiringintomyoccupationsmoreparticularlythanbeforeWinterspringandsummerpassedawayduringmylaboursbutIdidnotwatchtheblossomortheexpandingleavessightswhichbeforealwaysyieldedmesupremedelightsodeeplywasIengrossedinmyoccupationTheleavesofthatyearhadwitheredbeforemyworkdrewneartoacloseandnoweverydayshowedmemoreplainlyhowwellIhadsucceededButmyenthusiasmwascheckedbymyanxietyandIappearedratherlikeonedoomedbyslaverytotoilintheminesoranyotherunwholesometradethananartistoccupiedbyhisfavouriteemploymentEverynightIwasoppressedbyaslowfeverandIbecamenervoustoamostpainfuldegreethefallofaleafstartledmeandIshunnedmyfellowcreaturesasifIhadbeenguiltyofacrimeSometimesIgrewalarmedatthewreckIperceivedthatIhadbecometheenergyofmypurposealonesustainedmemylabourswouldsoonendandIbelievedthatexerciseandamusementwouldthendriveawayincipientdiseaseandIpromisedmyselfbothofthesewhenmycreationshouldbecompleteItwasonadrearynightofNovemberthatIbeheldtheaccomplishmentofmytoilsWithananxietythatalmostamountedtoagonyIcollectedtheinstrumentsoflifearoundmethatImightinfuseasparkofbeingintothelifelessthingthatlayatmyfeetItwasalreadyoneinthemorningtherainpattereddismallyagainstthepanesandmycandlewasnearlyburntoutwhenbytheglimmerofthehalfextinguishedlightIsawthedullyelloweyeofthecreatureopenitbreathedhardandaconvulsivemotionagitateditslimbsHowcanIdescribemyemotionsatthiscatastropheorhowdelineatethewretchwhomwithsuchinfinitepainsandcareIhadendeavouredtoformHislimbswereinproportionandIhadselectedhisfeaturesasbeautifulBeautifulGreatGodHisyellowskinscarcelycoveredtheworkofmusclesandarteriesbeneathhishairwasofalustrousblackandflowinghisteethofapearlywhitenessbuttheseluxuriancesonlyformedamorehorridcontrastwithhiswateryeyesthatseemedalmostofthesamecolourasthedunwhitesocketsinwhichtheyweresethisshrivelledcomplexionandstraightblacklipsThedifferentaccidentsoflifearenotsochangeableasthefeelingsofhumannatureIhadworkedhardfornearlytwoyearsforthesolepurposeofinfusinglifeintoaninanimatebodyForthisIhaddeprivedmyselfofrestandhealthIhaddesireditwithanardourthatfarexceededmoderationbutnowthatIhadfinishedthebeautyofthedreamvanishedandbreathlesshorroranddisgustfilledmyheartUnabletoenduretheaspectofthebeingIhadcreatedIrushedoutoftheroomandcontinuedalongtimetraversingmybedchamberunabletocomposemymindtosleepAtlengthlassitudesucceededtothetumultIhadbeforeenduredandIthrewmyselfonthebedinmyclothesendeavouringtoseekafewmomentsofforgetfulnessButitwasinvainIsleptindeedbutIwasdisturbedbythewildestdreamsIthoughtIsawElizabethinthebloomofhealthwalkinginthestreetsofIngolstadtDelightedandsurprisedIembracedherbutasIimprintedthefirstkissonherlipstheybecamelividwiththehueofdeathherfeaturesappearedtochangeandIthoughtthatIheldthecorpseofmydeadmotherinmyarmsashroudenvelopedherformandIsawthegravewormscrawlinginthefoldsoftheflannelIstartedfrommysleepwithhorroracolddewcoveredmyforeheadmyteethchatteredandeverylimbbecameconvulsedwhenbythedimandyellowlightofthemoonasitforceditswaythroughthewindowshuttersIbeheldthewretchthemiserablemonsterwhomIhadcreatedHeheldupthecurtainofthebedandhiseyesifeyestheymaybecalledwerefixedonmeHisjawsopenedandhemutteredsomeinarticulatesoundswhileagrinwrinkledhischeeksHemighthavespokenbutIdidnothearonehandwasstretchedoutseeminglytodetainmebutIescapedandrusheddownstairsItookrefugeinthecourtyardbelongingtothehousewhichIinhabitedwhereIremainedduringtherestofthenightwalkingupanddowninthegreatestagitationlisteningattentivelycatchingandfearingeachsoundasifitweretoannouncetheapproachofthedemoniacalcorpsetowhichIhadsomiserablygivenlifeOhNomortalcouldsupportthehorrorofthatcountenanceAmummyagainenduedwithanimationcouldnotbesohideousasthatwretchIhadgazedonhimwhileunfinishedhewasuglythenbutwhenthosemusclesandjointswererenderedcapableofmotionitbecameathingsuchasevenDantecouldnothaveconceivedIpassedthenightwretchedlySometimesmypulsebeatsoquicklyandhardlythatIfeltthepalpitationofeveryarteryatothersInearlysanktothegroundthroughlanguorandextremeweaknessMingledwiththishorrorIfeltthebitternessofdisappointmentdreamsthathadbeenmyfoodandpleasantrestforsolongaspacewerenowbecomeahelltomeandthechangewassorapidtheoverthrowsocompleteMorningdismalandwetatlengthdawnedanddiscoveredtomysleeplessandachingeyesthechurchofIngolstadtitswhitesteepleandclockwhichindicatedthesixthhourTheporteropenedthegatesofthecourtwhichhadthatnightbeenmyasylumandIissuedintothestreetspacingthemwithquickstepsasifIsoughttoavoidthewretchwhomIfearedeveryturningofthestreetwouldpresenttomyviewIdidnotdarereturntotheapartmentwhichIinhabitedbutfeltimpelledtohurryonalthoughdrenchedbytherainwhichpouredfromablackandcomfortlessskyIcontinuedwalkinginthismannerforsometimeendeavouringbybodilyexercisetoeasetheloadthatweigheduponmymindItraversedthestreetswithoutanyclearconceptionofwhereIwasorwhatIwasdoingMyheartpalpitatedinthesicknessoffearandIhurriedonwithirregularstepsnotdaringtolookaboutmeLikeonewhoonalonelyroadDothwalkinfearanddreadAndhavingonceturnedroundwalksonAndturnsnomorehisheadBecauseheknowsafrightfulfiendDothclosebehindhimtreadColeridgesAncientMarinerContinuingthusIcameatlengthoppositetotheinnatwhichthevariousdiligencesandcarriagesusuallystoppedHereIpausedIknewnotwhybutIremainedsomeminuteswithmyeyesfixedonacoachthatwascomingtowardsmefromtheotherendofthestreetAsitdrewnearerIobservedthatitwastheSwissdiligenceitstoppedjustwhereIwasstandingandonthedoorbeingopenedIperceivedHenryClervalwhoonseeingmeinstantlysprungoutMydearFrankensteinexclaimedhehowgladIamtoseeyouHowfortunatethatyoushouldbehereattheverymomentofmyalightingNothingcouldequalmydelightonseeingClervalhispresencebroughtbacktomythoughtsmyfatherElizabethandallthosescenesofhomesodeartomyrecollectionIgraspedhishandandinamomentforgotmyhorrorandmisfortuneIfeltsuddenlyandforthefirsttimeduringmanymonthscalmandserenejoyIwelcomedmyfriendthereforeinthemostcordialmannerandwewalkedtowardsmycollegeClervalcontinuedtalkingforsometimeaboutourmutualfriendsandhisowngoodfortuneinbeingpermittedtocometoIngolstadtYoumayeasilybelievesaidhehowgreatwasthedifficultytopersuademyfatherthatallnecessaryknowledgewasnotcomprisedinthenobleartofbookkeepingandindeedIbelieveIlefthimincreduloustothelastforhisconstantanswertomyunweariedentreatieswasthesameasthatoftheDutchschoolmasterinTheVicarofWakefieldIhavetenthousandflorinsayearwithoutGreekIeatheartilywithoutGreekButhisaffectionformeatlengthovercamehisdislikeoflearningandhehaspermittedmetoundertakeavoyageofdiscoverytothelandofknowledgeItgivesmethegreatestdelighttoseeyoubuttellmehowyouleftmyfatherbrothersandElizabethVerywellandveryhappyonlyalittleuneasythattheyhearfromyousoseldomBythebyImeantolectureyoualittleupontheiraccountmyselfButmydearFrankensteincontinuedhestoppingshortandgazingfullinmyfaceIdidnotbeforeremarkhowveryillyouappearsothinandpaleyoulookasifyouhadbeenwatchingforseveralnightsYouhaveguessedrightIhavelatelybeensodeeplyengagedinoneoccupationthatIhavenotallowedmyselfsufficientrestasyouseebutIhopeIsincerelyhopethatalltheseemploymentsarenowatanendandthatIamatlengthfreeItrembledexcessivelyIcouldnotenduretothinkofandfarlesstoalludetotheoccurrencesoftheprecedingnightIwalkedwithaquickpaceandwesoonarrivedatmycollegeIthenreflectedandthethoughtmademeshiverthatthecreaturewhomIhadleftinmyapartmentmightstillbetherealiveandwalkingaboutIdreadedtobeholdthismonsterbutIfearedstillmorethatHenryshouldseehimEntreatinghimthereforetoremainafewminutesatthebottomofthestairsIdarteduptowardsmyownroomMyhandwasalreadyonthelockofthedoorbeforeIrecollectedmyselfIthenpausedandacoldshiveringcameovermeIthrewthedoorforciblyopenaschildrenareaccustomedtodowhentheyexpectaspectretostandinwaitingforthemontheothersidebutnothingappearedIsteppedfearfullyintheapartmentwasemptyandmybedroomwasalsofreedfromitshideousguestIcouldhardlybelievethatsogreatagoodfortunecouldhavebefallenmebutwhenIbecameassuredthatmyenemyhadindeedfledIclappedmyhandsforjoyandrandowntoClervalWeascendedintomyroomandtheservantpresentlybroughtbreakfastbutIwasunabletocontainmyselfItwasnotjoyonlythatpossessedmeIfeltmyfleshtinglewithexcessofsensitivenessandmypulsebeatrapidlyIwasunabletoremainforasingleinstantinthesameplaceIjumpedoverthechairsclappedmyhandsandlaughedaloudClervalatfirstattributedmyunusualspiritstojoyonhisarrivalbutwhenheobservedmemoreattentivelyhesawawildnessinmyeyesforwhichhecouldnotaccountandmyloudunrestrainedheartlesslaughterfrightenedandastonishedhimMydearVictorcriedhewhatforGodssakeisthematterDonotlaughinthatmannerHowillyouareWhatisthecauseofallthisDonotaskmecriedIputtingmyhandsbeforemyeyesforIthoughtIsawthedreadedspectreglideintotheroomhecantellOhsavemeSavemeIimaginedthatthemonsterseizedmeIstruggledfuriouslyandfelldowninafitPoorClervalWhatmusthavebeenhisfeelingsAmeetingwhichheanticipatedwithsuchjoysostrangelyturnedtobitternessButIwasnotthewitnessofhisgriefforIwaslifelessanddidnotrecovermysensesforalonglongtimeThiswasthecommencementofanervousfeverwhichconfinedmeforseveralmonthsDuringallthattimeHenrywasmyonlynurseIafterwardslearnedthatknowingmyfathersadvancedageandunfitnessforsolongajourneyandhowwretchedmysicknesswouldmakeElizabethhesparedthemthisgriefbyconcealingtheextentofmydisorderHeknewthatIcouldnothaveamorekindandattentivenursethanhimselfandfirminthehopehefeltofmyrecoveryhedidnotdoubtthatinsteadofdoingharmheperformedthekindestactionthathecouldtowardsthemButIwasinrealityveryillandsurelynothingbuttheunboundedandunremittingattentionsofmyfriendcouldhaverestoredmetolifeTheformofthemonsteronwhomIhadbestowedexistencewasforeverbeforemyeyesandIravedincessantlyconcerninghimDoubtlessmywordssurprisedHenryheatfirstbelievedthemtobethewanderingsofmydisturbedimaginationbutthepertinacitywithwhichIcontinuallyrecurredtothesamesubjectpersuadedhimthatmydisorderindeedoweditsorigintosomeuncommonandterribleeventByveryslowdegreesandwithfrequentrelapsesthatalarmedandgrievedmyfriendIrecoveredIrememberthefirsttimeIbecamecapableofobservingoutwardobjectswithanykindofpleasureIperceivedthatthefallenleaveshaddisappearedandthattheyoungbudswereshootingforthfromthetreesthatshadedmywindowItwasadivinespringandtheseasoncontributedgreatlytomyconvalescenceIfeltalsosentimentsofjoyandaffectionreviveinmybosommygloomdisappearedandinashorttimeIbecameascheerfulasbeforeIwasattackedbythefatalpassionDearestClervalexclaimedIhowkindhowverygoodyouaretomeThiswholewinterinsteadofbeingspentinstudyasyoupromisedyourselfhasbeenconsumedinmysickroomHowshallIeverrepayyouIfeelthegreatestremorseforthedisappointmentofwhichIhavebeentheoccasionbutyouwillforgivemeYouwillrepaymeentirelyifyoudonotdiscomposeyourselfbutgetwellasfastasyoucanandsinceyouappearinsuchgoodspiritsImayspeaktoyouononesubjectmayInotItrembledOnesubjectWhatcoulditbeCouldhealludetoanobjectonwhomIdarednoteventhinkComposeyourselfsaidClervalwhoobservedmychangeofcolourIwillnotmentionitifitagitatesyoubutyourfatherandcousinwouldbeveryhappyiftheyreceivedaletterfromyouinyourownhandwritingTheyhardlyknowhowillyouhavebeenandareuneasyatyourlongsilenceIsthatallmydearHenryHowcouldyousupposethatmyfirstthoughtwouldnotflytowardsthosedeardearfriendswhomIloveandwhoaresodeservingofmyloveIfthisisyourpresenttempermyfriendyouwillperhapsbegladtoseealetterthathasbeenlyingheresomedaysforyouitisfromyourcousinIbelieveClervalthenputthefollowingletterintomyhandsItwasfrommyownElizabethMydearestCousinYouhavebeenillveryillandeventheconstantlettersofdearkindHenryarenotsufficienttoreassuremeonyouraccountYouareforbiddentowritetoholdapenyetonewordfromyoudearVictorisnecessarytocalmourapprehensionsForalongtimeIhavethoughtthateachpostwouldbringthislineandmypersuasionshaverestrainedmyunclefromundertakingajourneytoIngolstadtIhavepreventedhisencounteringtheinconveniencesandperhapsdangersofsolongajourneyyethowoftenhaveIregrettednotbeingabletoperformitmyselfIfiguretomyselfthatthetaskofattendingonyoursickbedhasdevolvedonsomemercenaryoldnursewhocouldneverguessyourwishesnorministertothemwiththecareandaffectionofyourpoorcousinYetthatisovernowClervalwritesthatindeedyouaregettingbetterIeagerlyhopethatyouwillconfirmthisintelligencesooninyourownhandwritingGetwellandreturntousYouwillfindahappycheerfulhomeandfriendswholoveyoudearlyYourfathershealthisvigorousandheasksbuttoseeyoubuttobeassuredthatyouarewellandnotacarewillevercloudhisbenevolentcountenanceHowpleasedyouwouldbetoremarktheimprovementofourErnestHeisnowsixteenandfullofactivityandspiritHeisdesiroustobeatrueSwissandtoenterintoforeignservicebutwecannotpartwithhimatleastuntilhiselderbrotherreturnstousMyuncleisnotpleasedwiththeideaofamilitarycareerinadistantcountrybutErnestneverhadyourpowersofapplicationHelooksuponstudyasanodiousfetterhistimeisspentintheopenairclimbingthehillsorrowingonthelakeIfearthathewillbecomeanidlerunlessweyieldthepointandpermithimtoenterontheprofessionwhichhehasselectedLittlealterationexceptthegrowthofourdearchildrenhastakenplacesinceyouleftusThebluelakeandsnowcladmountainstheyneverchangeandIthinkourplacidhomeandourcontentedheartsareregulatedbythesameimmutablelawsMytriflingoccupationstakeupmytimeandamusemeandIamrewardedforanyexertionsbyseeingnonebuthappykindfacesaroundmeSinceyouleftusbutonechangehastakenplaceinourlittlehouseholdDoyourememberonwhatoccasionJustineMoritzenteredourfamilyProbablyyoudonotIwillrelateherhistorythereforeinafewwordsMadameMoritzhermotherwasawidowwithfourchildrenofwhomJustinewasthethirdThisgirlhadalwaysbeenthefavouriteofherfatherbutthroughastrangeperversityhermothercouldnotendureherandafterthedeathofMMoritztreatedherveryillMyauntobservedthisandwhenJustinewastwelveyearsofageprevailedonhermothertoallowhertoliveatourhouseTherepublicaninstitutionsofourcountryhaveproducedsimplerandhappiermannersthanthosewhichprevailinthegreatmonarchiesthatsurrounditHencethereislessdistinctionbetweentheseveralclassesofitsinhabitantsandthelowerordersbeingneithersopoornorsodespisedtheirmannersaremorerefinedandmoralAservantinGenevadoesnotmeanthesamethingasaservantinFranceandEnglandJustinethusreceivedinourfamilylearnedthedutiesofaservantaconditionwhichinourfortunatecountrydoesnotincludetheideaofignoranceandasacrificeofthedignityofahumanbeingJustineyoumayrememberwasagreatfavouriteofyoursandIrecollectyouonceremarkedthatifyouwereinanillhumouroneglancefromJustinecoulddissipateitforthesamereasonthatAriostogivesconcerningthebeautyofAngelicashelookedsofrankheartedandhappyMyauntconceivedagreatattachmentforherbywhichshewasinducedtogiveheraneducationsuperiortothatwhichshehadatfirstintendedThisbenefitwasfullyrepaidJustinewasthemostgratefullittlecreatureintheworldIdonotmeanthatshemadeanyprofessionsIneverheardonepassherlipsbutyoucouldseebyhereyesthatshealmostadoredherprotectressAlthoughherdispositionwasgayandinmanyrespectsinconsiderateyetshepaidthegreatestattentiontoeverygestureofmyauntShethoughtherthemodelofallexcellenceandendeavouredtoimitateherphraseologyandmannerssothatevennowsheoftenremindsmeofherWhenmydearestauntdiedeveryonewastoomuchoccupiedintheirowngrieftonoticepoorJustinewhohadattendedherduringherillnesswiththemostanxiousaffectionPoorJustinewasveryillbutothertrialswerereservedforherOnebyoneherbrothersandsisterdiedandhermotherwiththeexceptionofherneglecteddaughterwasleftchildlessTheconscienceofthewomanwastroubledshebegantothinkthatthedeathsofherfavouriteswasajudgementfromheaventochastiseherpartialityShewasaRomanCatholicandIbelieveherconfessorconfirmedtheideawhichshehadconceivedAccordinglyafewmonthsafteryourdepartureforIngolstadtJustinewascalledhomebyherrepentantmotherPoorgirlSheweptwhenshequittedourhouseshewasmuchalteredsincethedeathofmyauntgriefhadgivensoftnessandawinningmildnesstohermannerswhichhadbeforebeenremarkableforvivacityNorwasherresidenceathermothershouseofanaturetorestorehergaietyThepoorwomanwasveryvacillatinginherrepentanceShesometimesbeggedJustinetoforgiveherunkindnessbutmuchofteneraccusedherofhavingcausedthedeathsofherbrothersandsisterPerpetualfrettingatlengththrewMadameMoritzintoadeclinewhichatfirstincreasedherirritabilitybutsheisnowatpeaceforeverShediedonthefirstapproachofcoldweatheratthebeginningofthislastwinterJustinehasjustreturnedtousandIassureyouIlovehertenderlySheisverycleverandgentleandextremelyprettyasImentionedbeforehermienandherexpressioncontinuallyremindmeofmydearauntImustsayalsoafewwordstoyoumydearcousinoflittledarlingWilliamIwishyoucouldseehimheisverytallofhisagewithsweetlaughingblueeyesdarkeyelashesandcurlinghairWhenhesmilestwolittledimplesappearoneachcheekwhicharerosywithhealthHehasalreadyhadoneortwolittlewivesbutLouisaBironishisfavouriteaprettylittlegirloffiveyearsofageNowdearVictorIdaresayyouwishtobeindulgedinalittlegossipconcerningthegoodpeopleofGenevaTheprettyMissMansfieldhasalreadyreceivedthecongratulatoryvisitsonherapproachingmarriagewithayoungEnglishmanJohnMelbourneEsqHeruglysisterManonmarriedMDuvillardtherichbankerlastautumnYourfavouriteschoolfellowLouisManoirhassufferedseveralmisfortunessincethedepartureofClervalfromGenevaButhehasalreadyrecoveredhisspiritsandisreportedtobeonthepointofmarryingalivelyprettyFrenchwomanMadameTavernierSheisawidowandmucholderthanManoirbutsheisverymuchadmiredandafavouritewitheverybodyIhavewrittenmyselfintobetterspiritsdearcousinbutmyanxietyreturnsuponmeasIconcludeWritedearestVictoronelineonewordwillbeablessingtousTenthousandthankstoHenryforhiskindnesshisaffectionandhismanyletterswearesincerelygratefulAdieumycousintakecareofyourselfandIentreatyouwriteElizabethLavenzaGenevaMarchthDeardearElizabethIexclaimedwhenIhadreadherletterIwillwriteinstantlyandrelievethemfromtheanxietytheymustfeelIwroteandthisexertiongreatlyfatiguedmebutmyconvalescencehadcommencedandproceededregularlyInanotherfortnightIwasabletoleavemychamberOneofmyfirstdutiesonmyrecoverywastointroduceClervaltotheseveralprofessorsoftheuniversityIndoingthisIunderwentakindofroughusageillbefittingthewoundsthatmymindhadsustainedEversincethefatalnighttheendofmylaboursandthebeginningofmymisfortunesIhadconceivedaviolentantipathyeventothenameofnaturalphilosophyWhenIwasotherwisequiterestoredtohealththesightofachemicalinstrumentwouldrenewalltheagonyofmynervoussymptomsHenrysawthisandhadremovedallmyapparatusfrommyviewHehadalsochangedmyapartmentforheperceivedthatIhadacquiredadislikefortheroomwhichhadpreviouslybeenmylaboratoryButthesecaresofClervalweremadeofnoavailwhenIvisitedtheprofessorsMWaldmaninflictedtorturewhenhepraisedwithkindnessandwarmththeastonishingprogressIhadmadeinthesciencesHesoonperceivedthatIdislikedthesubjectbutnotguessingtherealcauseheattributedmyfeelingstomodestyandchangedthesubjectfrommyimprovementtothescienceitselfwithadesireasIevidentlysawofdrawingmeoutWhatcouldIdoHemeanttopleaseandhetormentedmeIfeltasifhehadplacedcarefullyonebyoneinmyviewthoseinstrumentswhichweretobeafterwardsusedinputtingmetoaslowandcrueldeathIwrithedunderhiswordsyetdarednotexhibitthepainIfeltClervalwhoseeyesandfeelingswerealwaysquickindiscerningthesensationsofothersdeclinedthesubjectalleginginexcusehistotalignoranceandtheconversationtookamoregeneralturnIthankedmyfriendfrommyheartbutIdidnotspeakIsawplainlythathewassurprisedbutheneverattemptedtodrawmysecretfrommeandalthoughIlovedhimwithamixtureofaffectionandreverencethatknewnoboundsyetIcouldneverpersuademyselftoconfideinhimthateventwhichwassooftenpresenttomyrecollectionbutwhichIfearedthedetailtoanotherwouldonlyimpressmoredeeplyMKrempewasnotequallydocileandinmyconditionatthattimeofalmostinsupportablesensitivenesshisharshbluntencomiumsgavemeevenmorepainthanthebenevolentapprobationofMWaldmanDnthefellowcriedhewhyMClervalIassureyouhehasoutstriptusallAystareifyoupleasebutitisneverthelesstrueAyoungsterwhobutafewyearsagobelievedinCorneliusAgrippaasfirmlyasinthegospelhasnowsethimselfattheheadoftheuniversityandifheisnotsoonpulleddownweshallallbeoutofcountenanceAyaycontinuedheobservingmyfaceexpressiveofsufferingMFrankensteinismodestanexcellentqualityinayoungmanYoungmenshouldbediffidentofthemselvesyouknowMClervalIwasmyselfwhenyoungbutthatwearsoutinaveryshorttimeMKrempehadnowcommencedaneulogyonhimselfwhichhappilyturnedtheconversationfromasubjectthatwassoannoyingtomeClervalhadneversympathisedinmytastesfornaturalscienceandhisliterarypursuitsdifferedwhollyfromthosewhichhadoccupiedmeHecametotheuniversitywiththedesignofmakinghimselfcompletemasteroftheorientallanguagesandthusheshouldopenafieldfortheplanoflifehehadmarkedoutforhimselfResolvedtopursuenoingloriouscareerheturnedhiseyestowardtheEastasaffordingscopeforhisspiritofenterpriseThePersianArabicandSanskritlanguagesengagedhisattentionandIwaseasilyinducedtoenteronthesamestudiesIdlenesshadeverbeenirksometomeandnowthatIwishedtoflyfromreflectionandhatedmyformerstudiesIfeltgreatreliefinbeingthefellowpupilwithmyfriendandfoundnotonlyinstructionbutconsolationintheworksoftheorientalistsIdidnotlikehimattemptacriticalknowledgeoftheirdialectsforIdidnotcontemplatemakinganyotheruseofthemthantemporaryamusementIreadmerelytounderstandtheirmeaningandtheywellrepaidmylaboursTheirmelancholyissoothingandtheirjoyelevatingtoadegreeIneverexperiencedinstudyingtheauthorsofanyothercountryWhenyoureadtheirwritingslifeappearstoconsistinawarmsunandagardenofrosesinthesmilesandfrownsofafairenemyandthefirethatconsumesyourownheartHowdifferentfromthemanlyandheroicalpoetryofGreeceandRomeSummerpassedawayintheseoccupationsandmyreturntoGenevawasfixedforthelatterendofautumnbutbeingdelayedbyseveralaccidentswinterandsnowarrivedtheroadsweredeemedimpassableandmyjourneywasretardeduntiltheensuingspringIfeltthisdelayverybitterlyforIlongedtoseemynativetownandmybelovedfriendsMyreturnhadonlybeendelayedsolongfromanunwillingnesstoleaveClervalinastrangeplacebeforehehadbecomeacquaintedwithanyofitsinhabitantsThewinterhoweverwasspentcheerfullyandalthoughthespringwasuncommonlylatewhenitcameitsbeautycompensatedforitsdilatorinessThemonthofMayhadalreadycommencedandIexpectedtheletterdailywhichwastofixthedateofmydeparturewhenHenryproposedapedestriantourintheenvironsofIngolstadtthatImightbidapersonalfarewelltothecountryIhadsolonginhabitedIaccededwithpleasuretothispropositionIwasfondofexerciseandClervalhadalwaysbeenmyfavouritecompanionintherambleofthisnaturethatIhadtakenamongthescenesofmynativecountryWepassedafortnightintheseperambulationsmyhealthandspiritshadlongbeenrestoredandtheygainedadditionalstrengthfromthesalubriousairIbreathedthenaturalincidentsofourprogressandtheconversationofmyfriendStudyhadbeforesecludedmefromtheintercourseofmyfellowcreaturesandrenderedmeunsocialbutClervalcalledforththebetterfeelingsofmyheartheagaintaughtmetolovetheaspectofnatureandthecheerfulfacesofchildrenExcellentfriendhowsincerelyyoudidlovemeandendeavourtoelevatemyminduntilitwasonalevelwithyourownAselfishpursuithadcrampedandnarrowedmeuntilyourgentlenessandaffectionwarmedandopenedmysensesIbecamethesamehappycreaturewhoafewyearsagolovedandbelovedbyallhadnosorroworcareWhenhappyinanimatenaturehadthepowerofbestowingonmethemostdelightfulsensationsAsereneskyandverdantfieldsfilledmewithecstasyThepresentseasonwasindeeddivinetheflowersofspringbloomedinthehedgeswhilethoseofsummerwerealreadyinbudIwasundisturbedbythoughtswhichduringtheprecedingyearhadpresseduponmenotwithstandingmyendeavourstothrowthemoffwithaninvincibleburdenHenryrejoicedinmygaietyandsincerelysympathisedinmyfeelingsheexertedhimselftoamusemewhileheexpressedthesensationsthatfilledhissoulTheresourcesofhismindonthisoccasionweretrulyastonishinghisconversationwasfullofimaginationandveryofteninimitationofthePersianandArabicwritersheinventedtalesofwonderfulfancyandpassionAtothertimesherepeatedmyfavouritepoemsordrewmeoutintoargumentswhichhesupportedwithgreatingenuityWereturnedtoourcollegeonaSundayafternoonthepeasantsweredancingandeveryonewemetappearedgayandhappyMyownspiritswerehighandIboundedalongwithfeelingsofunbridledjoyandhilarityOnmyreturnIfoundthefollowingletterfrommyfatherMydearVictorYouhaveprobablywaitedimpatientlyforalettertofixthedateofyourreturntousandIwasatfirsttemptedtowriteonlyafewlinesmerelymentioningthedayonwhichIshouldexpectyouButthatwouldbeacruelkindnessandIdarenotdoitWhatwouldbeyoursurprisemysonwhenyouexpectedahappyandgladwelcometobeholdonthecontrarytearsandwretchednessAndhowVictorcanIrelateourmisfortuneAbsencecannothaverenderedyoucalloustoourjoysandgriefsandhowshallIinflictpainonmylongabsentsonIwishtoprepareyouforthewoefulnewsbutIknowitisimpossibleevennowyoureyeskimsoverthepagetoseekthewordswhicharetoconveytoyouthehorribletidingsWilliamisdeadthatsweetchildwhosesmilesdelightedandwarmedmyheartwhowassogentleyetsogayVictorheismurderedIwillnotattempttoconsoleyoubutwillsimplyrelatethecircumstancesofthetransactionLastThursdayMaythImynieceandyourtwobrotherswenttowalkinPlainpalaisTheeveningwaswarmandsereneandweprolongedourwalkfartherthanusualItwasalreadyduskbeforewethoughtofreturningandthenwediscoveredthatWilliamandErnestwhohadgoneonbeforewerenottobefoundWeaccordinglyrestedonaseatuntiltheyshouldreturnPresentlyErnestcameandenquiredifwehadseenhisbrotherhesaidthathehadbeenplayingwithhimthatWilliamhadrunawaytohidehimselfandthathevainlysoughtforhimandafterwardswaitedforalongtimebutthathedidnotreturnThisaccountratheralarmedusandwecontinuedtosearchforhimuntilnightfellwhenElizabethconjecturedthathemighthavereturnedtothehouseHewasnotthereWereturnedagainwithtorchesforIcouldnotrestwhenIthoughtthatmysweetboyhadlosthimselfandwasexposedtoallthedampsanddewsofnightElizabethalsosufferedextremeanguishAboutfiveinthemorningIdiscoveredmylovelyboywhomthenightbeforeIhadseenbloomingandactiveinhealthstretchedonthegrasslividandmotionlesstheprintofthemurdersfingerwasonhisneckHewasconveyedhomeandtheanguishthatwasvisibleinmycountenancebetrayedthesecrettoElizabethShewasveryearnesttoseethecorpseAtfirstIattemptedtopreventherbutshepersistedandenteringtheroomwhereitlayhastilyexaminedtheneckofthevictimandclaspingherhandsexclaimedOGodIhavemurderedmydarlingchildShefaintedandwasrestoredwithextremedifficultyWhensheagainliveditwasonlytoweepandsighShetoldmethatthatsameeveningWilliamhadteasedhertolethimwearaveryvaluableminiaturethatshepossessedofyourmotherThispictureisgoneandwasdoubtlessthetemptationwhichurgedthemurderertothedeedWehavenotraceofhimatpresentalthoughourexertionstodiscoverhimareunremittedbuttheywillnotrestoremybelovedWilliamComedearestVictoryoualonecanconsoleElizabethSheweepscontinuallyandaccusesherselfunjustlyasthecauseofhisdeathherwordspiercemyheartWeareallunhappybutwillnotthatbeanadditionalmotiveforyoumysontoreturnandbeourcomforterYourdearmotherAlasVictorInowsayThankGodshedidnotlivetowitnessthecruelmiserabledeathofheryoungestdarlingComeVictornotbroodingthoughtsofvengeanceagainsttheassassinbutwithfeelingsofpeaceandgentlenessthatwillhealinsteadoffesteringthewoundsofourmindsEnterthehouseofmourningmyfriendbutwithkindnessandaffectionforthosewholoveyouandnotwithhatredforyourenemiesYouraffectionateandafflictedfatherAlphonseFrankensteinGenevaMaythClervalwhohadwatchedmycountenanceasIreadthisletterwassurprisedtoobservethedespairthatsucceededthejoyIatfirstexpressedonreceivingnewfrommyfriendsIthrewtheletteronthetableandcoveredmyfacewithmyhandsMydearFrankensteinexclaimedHenrywhenheperceivedmeweepwithbitternessareyoualwaystobeunhappyMydearfriendwhathashappenedImotionedhimtotakeuptheletterwhileIwalkedupanddowntheroomintheextremestagitationTearsalsogushedfromtheeyesofClervalashereadtheaccountofmymisfortuneIcanofferyounoconsolationmyfriendsaidheyourdisasterisirreparableWhatdoyouintendtodoTogoinstantlytoGenevacomewithmeHenrytoorderthehorsesDuringourwalkClervalendeavouredtosayafewwordsofconsolationhecouldonlyexpresshisheartfeltsympathyPoorWilliamsaidhedearlovelychildhenowsleepswithhisangelmotherWhothathadseenhimbrightandjoyousinhisyoungbeautybutmustweepoverhisuntimelylossTodiesomiserablytofeelthemurderersgraspHowmuchmoreamurderedthatcoulddestroyradiantinnocencePoorlittlefellowoneonlyconsolationhavewehisfriendsmournandweepbutheisatrestThepangisoverhissufferingsareatanendforeverAsodcovershisgentleformandheknowsnopainHecannolongerbeasubjectforpitywemustreservethatforhismiserablesurvivorsClervalspokethusaswehurriedthroughthestreetsthewordsimpressedthemselvesonmymindandIrememberedthemafterwardsinsolitudeButnowassoonasthehorsesarrivedIhurriedintoacabrioletandbadefarewelltomyfriendMyjourneywasverymelancholyAtfirstIwishedtohurryonforIlongedtoconsoleandsympathisewithmylovedandsorrowingfriendsbutwhenIdrewnearmynativetownIslackenedmyprogressIcouldhardlysustainthemultitudeoffeelingsthatcrowdedintomymindIpassedthroughscenesfamiliartomyyouthbutwhichIhadnotseenfornearlysixyearsHowalteredeverythingmightbeduringthattimeOnesuddenanddesolatingchangehadtakenplacebutathousandlittlecircumstancesmighthavebydegreesworkedotheralterationswhichalthoughtheyweredonemoretranquillymightnotbethelessdecisiveFearovercamemeIdarednoadvancedreadingathousandnamelessevilsthatmademetremblealthoughIwasunabletodefinethemIremainedtwodaysatLausanneinthispainfulstateofmindIcontemplatedthelakethewaterswereplacidallaroundwascalmandthesnowymountainsthepalacesofnaturewerenotchangedBydegreesthecalmandheavenlyscenerestoredmeandIcontinuedmyjourneytowardsGenevaTheroadranbythesideofthelakewhichbecamenarrowerasIapproachedmynativetownIdiscoveredmoredistinctlytheblacksidesofJuraandthebrightsummitofMontBlancIweptlikeachildDearmountainsmyownbeautifullakehowdoyouwelcomeyourwandererYoursummitsarecleartheskyandlakeareblueandplacidIsthistoprognosticatepeaceortomockatmyunhappinessIfearmyfriendthatIshallrendermyselftediousbydwellingonthesepreliminarycircumstancesbuttheyweredaysofcomparativehappinessandIthinkofthemwithpleasureMycountrymybelovedcountrywhobutanativecantellthedelightItookinagainbeholdingthystreamsthymountainsandmorethanallthylovelylakeYetasIdrewnearerhomegriefandfearagainovercamemeNightalsoclosedaroundandwhenIcouldhardlyseethedarkmountainsIfeltstillmoregloomilyThepictureappearedavastanddimsceneofevilandIforesawobscurelythatIwasdestinedtobecomethemostwretchedofhumanbeingsAlasIprophesiedtrulyandfailedonlyinonesinglecircumstancethatinallthemiseryIimaginedanddreadedIdidnotconceivethehundredthpartoftheanguishIwasdestinedtoendureItwascompletelydarkwhenIarrivedintheenvironsofGenevathegatesofthetownwerealreadyshutandIwasobligedtopassthenightatSecheronavillageatthedistanceofhalfaleaguefromthecityTheskywassereneandasIwasunabletorestIresolvedtovisitthespotwheremypoorWilliamhadbeenmurderedAsIcouldnotpassthroughthetownIwasobligedtocrossthelakeinaboattoarriveatPlainpalaisDuringthisshortvoyageIsawthelightningplayingonthesummitofMontBlancinthemostbeautifulfiguresThestormappearedtoapproachrapidlyandonlandingIascendedalowhillthatImightobserveitsprogressItadvancedtheheavenswerecloudedandIsoonfelttheraincomingslowlyinlargedropsbutitsviolencequicklyincreasedIquittedmyseatandwalkedonalthoughthedarknessandstormincreasedeveryminuteandthethunderburstwithaterrificcrashovermyheadItwasechoedfromSalevetheJurasandtheAlpsofSavoyvividflashesoflightningdazzledmyeyesilluminatingthelakemakingitappearlikeavastsheetoffirethenforaninstanteverythingseemedofapitchydarknessuntiltheeyerecovereditselffromtheprecedingflashThestormasisoftenthecaseinSwitzerlandappearedatonceinvariouspartsoftheheavensThemostviolentstormhungexactlynorthofthetownoverthepartofthelakewhichliesbetweenthepromontoryofBelriveandthevillageofCopetAnotherstormenlightenedJurawithfaintflashesandanotherdarkenedandsometimesdisclosedtheMoleapeakedmountaintotheeastofthelakeWhileIwatchedthetempestsobeautifulyetterrificIwanderedonwithahastystepThisnoblewarintheskyelevatedmyspiritsIclaspedmyhandsandexclaimedaloudWilliamdearangelthisisthyfuneralthisthydirgeAsIsaidthesewordsIperceivedinthegloomafigurewhichstolefrombehindaclumpoftreesnearmeIstoodfixedgazingintentlyIcouldnotbemistakenAflashoflightningilluminatedtheobjectanddiscovereditsshapeplainlytomeitsgiganticstatureandthedeformityofitsaspectmorehideousthanbelongstohumanityinstantlyinformedmethatitwasthewretchthefilthydmontowhomIhadgivenlifeWhatdidhethereCouldhebeIshudderedattheconceptionthemurdererofmybrotherNosoonerdidthatideacrossmyimaginationthanIbecameconvincedofitstruthmyteethchatteredandIwasforcedtoleanagainstatreeforsupportThefigurepassedmequicklyandIlostitinthegloomNothinginhumanshapecouldhavedestroyedthefairchildHewasthemurdererIcouldnotdoubtitThemerepresenceoftheideawasanirresistibleproofofthefactIthoughtofpursuingthedevilbutitwouldhavebeeninvainforanotherflashdiscoveredhimtomehangingamongtherocksofthenearlyperpendicularascentofMontSaleveahillthatboundsPlainpalaisonthesouthHesoonreachedthesummitanddisappearedIremainedmotionlessThethunderceasedbuttherainstillcontinuedandthescenewasenvelopedinanimpenetrabledarknessIrevolvedinmymindtheeventswhichIhaduntilnowsoughttoforgetthewholetrainofmyprogresstowardthecreationtheappearanceoftheworksofmyownhandsatmybedsideitsdepartureTwoyearshadnownearlyelapsedsincethenightonwhichhefirstreceivedlifeandwasthishisfirstcrimeAlasIhadturnedlooseintotheworldadepravedwretchwhosedelightwasincarnageandmiseryhadhenotmurderedmybrotherNoonecanconceivetheanguishIsufferedduringtheremainderofthenightwhichIspentcoldandwetintheopenairButIdidnotfeeltheinconvenienceoftheweathermyimaginationwasbusyinscenesofevilanddespairIconsideredthebeingwhomIhadcastamongmankindandendowedwiththewillandpowertoeffectpurposesofhorrorsuchasthedeedwhichhehadnowdonenearlyinthelightofmyownvampiremyownspiritletloosefromthegraveandforcedtodestroyallthatwasdeartomeDaydawnedandIdirectedmystepstowardsthetownThegateswereopenandIhastenedtomyfathershouseMyfirstthoughtwastodiscoverwhatIknewofthemurdererandcauseinstantpursuittobemadeButIpausedwhenIreflectedonthestorythatIhadtotellAbeingwhomImyselfhadformedandenduedwithlifehadmetmeatmidnightamongtheprecipicesofaninaccessiblemountainIrememberedalsothenervousfeverwithwhichIhadbeenseizedjustatthetimethatIdatedmycreationandwhichwouldgiveanairofdeliriumtoataleotherwisesoutterlyimprobableIwellknewthatifanyotherhadcommunicatedsucharelationtomeIshouldhavelookeduponitastheravingsofinsanityBesidesthestrangenatureoftheanimalwouldeludeallpursuitevenifIweresofarcreditedastopersuademyrelativestocommenceitAndthenofwhatusewouldbepursuitWhocouldarrestacreaturecapableofscalingtheoverhangingsidesofMontSaleveThesereflectionsdeterminedmeandIresolvedtoremainsilentItwasaboutfiveinthemorningwhenIenteredmyfathershouseItoldtheservantsnottodisturbthefamilyandwentintothelibrarytoattendtheirusualhourofrisingSixyearshadelapsedpassedinadreambutforoneindelibletraceandIstoodinthesameplacewhereIhadlastembracedmyfatherbeforemydepartureforIngolstadtBelovedandvenerableparentHestillremainedtomeIgazedonthepictureofmymotherwhichstoodoverthemantelpieceItwasanhistoricalsubjectpaintedatmyfathersdesireandrepresentedCarolineBeaufortinanagonyofdespairkneelingbythecoffinofherdeadfatherHergarbwasrusticandhercheekpalebuttherewasanairofdignityandbeautythathardlypermittedthesentimentofpityBelowthispicturewasaminiatureofWilliamandmytearsflowedwhenIlookeduponitWhileIwasthusengagedErnestenteredhehadheardmearriveandhastenedtowelcomemeWelcomemydearestVictorsaidheAhIwishyouhadcomethreemonthsagoandthenyouwouldhavefoundusalljoyousanddelightedYoucometousnowtoshareamiserywhichnothingcanalleviateyetyourpresencewillIhopereviveourfatherwhoseemssinkingunderhismisfortuneandyourpersuasionswillinducepoorElizabethtoceasehervainandtormentingselfaccusationsPoorWilliamhewasourdarlingandourprideTearsunrestrainedfellfrommybrotherseyesasenseofmortalagonycreptovermyframeBeforeIhadonlyimaginedthewretchednessofmydesolatedhometherealitycameonmeasanewandanotlessterribledisasterItriedtocalmErnestIenquiredmoreminutelyconcerningmyfatherandhereInamedmycousinShemostofallsaidErnestrequiresconsolationsheaccusedherselfofhavingcausedthedeathofmybrotherandthatmadeherverywretchedButsincethemurdererhasbeendiscoveredThemurdererdiscoveredGoodGodhowcanthatbewhocouldattempttopursuehimItisimpossibleonemightaswelltrytoovertakethewindsorconfineamountainstreamwithastrawIsawhimtoohewasfreelastnightIdonotknowwhatyoumeanrepliedmybrotherinaccentsofwonderbuttousthediscoverywehavemadecompletesourmiseryNoonewouldbelieveitatfirstandevennowElizabethwillnotbeconvincednotwithstandingalltheevidenceIndeedwhowouldcreditthatJustineMoritzwhowassoamiableandfondofallthefamilycouldsuddenlybecomesocapableofsofrightfulsoappallingacrimeJustineMoritzPoorpoorgirlisshetheaccusedButitiswrongfullyeveryoneknowsthatnoonebelievesitsurelyErnestNoonedidatfirstbutseveralcircumstancescameoutthathavealmostforcedconvictionuponusandherownbehaviourhasbeensoconfusedastoaddtotheevidenceoffactsaweightthatIfearleavesnohopefordoubtButshewillbetriedtodayandyouwillthenhearallHethenrelatedthatthemorningonwhichthemurderofpoorWilliamhadbeendiscoveredJustinehadbeentakenillandconfinedtoherbedforseveraldaysDuringthisintervaloneoftheservantshappeningtoexaminetheapparelshehadwornonthenightofthemurderhaddiscoveredinherpocketthepictureofmymotherwhichhadbeenjudgedtobethetemptationofthemurdererTheservantinstantlyshowedittooneoftheotherswhowithoutsayingawordtoanyofthefamilywenttoamagistrateandupontheirdepositionJustinewasapprehendedOnbeingchargedwiththefactthepoorgirlconfirmedthesuspicioninagreatmeasurebyherextremeconfusionofmannerThiswasastrangetalebutitdidnotshakemyfaithandIrepliedearnestlyYouareallmistakenIknowthemurdererJustinepoorgoodJustineisinnocentAtthatinstantmyfatherenteredIsawunhappinessdeeplyimpressedonhiscountenancebutheendeavouredtowelcomemecheerfullyandafterwehadexchangedourmournfulgreetingwouldhaveintroducedsomeothertopicthanthatofourdisasterhadnotErnestexclaimedGoodGodpapaVictorsaysthatheknowswhowasthemurdererofpoorWilliamWedoalsounfortunatelyrepliedmyfatherforindeedIhadratherhavebeenforeverignorantthanhavediscoveredsomuchdepravityandungratitudeinoneIvaluedsohighlyMydearfatheryouaremistakenJustineisinnocentIfsheisGodforbidthatsheshouldsufferasguiltySheistobetriedtodayandIhopeIsincerelyhopethatshewillbeacquittedThisspeechcalmedmeIwasfirmlyconvincedinmyownmindthatJustineandindeedeveryhumanbeingwasguiltlessofthismurderIhadnofearthereforethatanycircumstantialevidencecouldbebroughtforwardstrongenoughtoconvictherMytalewasnotonetoannouncepubliclyitsastoundinghorrorwouldbelookeduponasmadnessbythevulgarDidanyoneindeedexistexceptIthecreatorwhowouldbelieveunlesshissensesconvincedhimintheexistenceofthelivingmonumentofpresumptionandrashignorancewhichIhadletlooseupontheworldWeweresoonjoinedbyElizabethTimehadalteredhersinceIlastbeheldherithadendowedherwithlovelinesssurpassingthebeautyofherchildishyearsTherewasthesamecandourthesamevivacitybutitwasalliedtoanexpressionmorefullofsensibilityandintellectShewelcomedmewiththegreatestaffectionYourarrivalmydearcousinsaidshefillsmewithhopeYouperhapswillfindsomemeanstojustifymypoorguiltlessJustineAlaswhoissafeifshebeconvictedofcrimeIrelyonherinnocenceascertainlyasIdouponmyownOurmisfortuneisdoublyhardtouswehavenotonlylostthatlovelydarlingboybutthispoorgirlwhomIsincerelyloveistobetornawaybyevenaworsefateIfsheiscondemnedInevershallknowjoymoreButshewillnotIamsureshewillnotandthenIshallbehappyagainevenafterthesaddeathofmylittleWilliamSheisinnocentmyElizabethsaidIandthatshallbeprovedfearnothingbutletyourspiritsbecheeredbytheassuranceofheracquittalHowkindandgenerousyouareeveryoneelsebelievesinherguiltandthatmademewretchedforIknewthatitwasimpossibleandtoseeeveryoneelseprejudicedinsodeadlyamannerrenderedmehopelessanddespairingSheweptDearestniecesaidmyfatherdryyourtearsIfsheisasyoubelieveinnocentrelyonthejusticeofourlawsandtheactivitywithwhichIshallpreventtheslightestshadowofpartialityWepassedafewsadhoursuntilelevenoclockwhenthetrialwastocommenceMyfatherandtherestofthefamilybeingobligedtoattendaswitnessesIaccompaniedthemtothecourtDuringthewholeofthiswretchedmockeryofjusticeIsufferedlivingtortureItwastobedecidedwhethertheresultofmycuriosityandlawlessdeviceswouldcausethedeathoftwoofmyfellowbeingsoneasmilingbabefullofinnocenceandjoytheotherfarmoredreadfullymurderedwitheveryaggravationofinfamythatcouldmakethemurdermemorableinhorrorJustinealsowasagirlofmeritandpossessedqualitieswhichpromisedtorenderherlifehappynowallwastobeobliteratedinanignominiousgraveandIthecauseAthousandtimesratherwouldIhaveconfessedmyselfguiltyofthecrimeascribedtoJustinebutIwasabsentwhenitwascommittedandsuchadeclarationwouldhavebeenconsideredastheravingsofamadmanandwouldnothaveexculpatedherwhosufferedthroughmeTheappearanceofJustinewascalmShewasdressedinmourningandhercountenancealwaysengagingwasrenderedbythesolemnityofherfeelingsexquisitelybeautifulYetsheappearedconfidentininnocenceanddidnottremblealthoughgazedonandexecratedbythousandsforallthekindnesswhichherbeautymightotherwisehaveexcitedwasobliteratedinthemindsofthespectatorsbytheimaginationoftheenormityshewassupposedtohavecommittedShewastranquilyethertranquillitywasevidentlyconstrainedandasherconfusionhadbeforebeenadducedasaproofofherguiltsheworkeduphermindtoanappearanceofcourageWhensheenteredthecourtshethrewhereyesrounditandquicklydiscoveredwherewewereseatedAtearseemedtodimhereyewhenshesawusbutshequicklyrecoveredherselfandalookofsorrowfulaffectionseemedtoattestherutterguiltlessnessThetrialbeganandaftertheadvocateagainstherhadstatedthechargeseveralwitnesseswerecalledSeveralstrangefactscombinedagainstherwhichmighthavestaggeredanyonewhohadnotsuchproofofherinnocenceasIhadShehadbeenoutthewholeofthenightonwhichthemurderhadbeencommittedandtowardsmorninghadbeenperceivedbyamarketwomannotfarfromthespotwherethebodyofthemurderedchildhadbeenafterwardsfoundThewomanaskedherwhatshedidtherebutshelookedverystrangelyandonlyreturnedaconfusedandunintelligibleanswerShereturnedtothehouseabouteightoclockandwhenoneinquiredwhereshehadpassedthenightsherepliedthatshehadbeenlookingforthechildanddemandedearnestlyifanythinghadbeenheardconcerninghimWhenshownthebodyshefellintoviolenthystericsandkeptherbedforseveraldaysThepicturewasthenproducedwhichtheservanthadfoundinherpocketandwhenElizabethinafalteringvoiceprovedthatitwasthesamewhichanhourbeforethechildhadbeenmissedshehadplacedroundhisneckamurmurofhorrorandindignationfilledthecourtJustinewascalledonforherdefenceAsthetrialhadproceededhercountenancehadalteredSurprisehorrorandmiserywerestronglyexpressedSometimesshestruggledwithhertearsbutwhenshewasdesiredtopleadshecollectedherpowersandspokeinanaudiblealthoughvariablevoiceGodknowsshesaidhowentirelyIaminnocentButIdonotpretendthatmyprotestationsshouldacquitmeIrestmyinnocenceonaplainandsimpleexplanationofthefactswhichhavebeenadducedagainstmeandIhopethecharacterIhavealwaysbornewillinclinemyjudgestoafavourableinterpretationwhereanycircumstanceappearsdoubtfulorsuspiciousShethenrelatedthatbythepermissionofElizabethshehadpassedtheeveningofthenightonwhichthemurderhadbeencommittedatthehouseofanauntatCheneavillagesituatedataboutaleaguefromGenevaOnherreturnataboutnineoclockshemetamanwhoaskedherifshehadseenanythingofthechildwhowaslostShewasalarmedbythisaccountandpassedseveralhoursinlookingforhimwhenthegatesofGenevawereshutandshewasforcedtoremainseveralhoursofthenightinabarnbelongingtoacottagebeingunwillingtocalluptheinhabitantstowhomshewaswellknownMostofthenightshespentherewatchingtowardsmorningshebelievedthatshesleptforafewminutessomestepsdisturbedherandsheawokeItwasdawnandshequittedherasylumthatshemightagainendeavourtofindmybrotherIfshehadgonenearthespotwherehisbodylayitwaswithoutherknowledgeThatshehadbeenbewilderedwhenquestionedbythemarketwomanwasnotsurprisingsinceshehadpassedasleeplessnightandthefateofpoorWilliamwasyetuncertainConcerningthepictureshecouldgivenoaccountIknowcontinuedtheunhappyvictimhowheavilyandfatallythisonecircumstanceweighsagainstmebutIhavenopowerofexplainingitandwhenIhaveexpressedmyutterignoranceIamonlylefttoconjectureconcerningtheprobabilitiesbywhichitmighthavebeenplacedinmypocketButherealsoIamcheckedIbelievethatIhavenoenemyonearthandnonesurelywouldhavebeensowickedastodestroymewantonlyDidthemurdererplaceitthereIknowofnoopportunityaffordedhimforsodoingorifIhadwhyshouldhehavestolenthejeweltopartwithitagainsosoonIcommitmycausetothejusticeofmyjudgesyetIseenoroomforhopeIbegpermissiontohaveafewwitnessesexaminedconcerningmycharacterandiftheirtestimonyshallnotoverweighmysupposedguiltImustbecondemnedalthoughIwouldpledgemysalvationonmyinnocenceSeveralwitnesseswerecalledwhohadknownherformanyyearsandtheyspokewellofherbutfearandhatredofthecrimeofwhichtheysupposedherguiltyrenderedthemtimorousandunwillingtocomeforwardElizabethsaweventhislastresourceherexcellentdispositionsandirreproachableconductabouttofailtheaccusedwhenalthoughviolentlyagitatedshedesiredpermissiontoaddressthecourtIamsaidshethecousinoftheunhappychildwhowasmurderedorratherhissisterforIwaseducatedbyandhavelivedwithhisparentseversinceandevenlongbeforehisbirthItmaythereforebejudgedindecentinmetocomeforwardonthisoccasionbutwhenIseeafellowcreatureabouttoperishthroughthecowardiceofherpretendedfriendsIwishtobeallowedtospeakthatImaysaywhatIknowofhercharacterIamwellacquaintedwiththeaccusedIhavelivedinthesamehousewithheratonetimeforfiveandatanotherfornearlytwoyearsDuringallthatperiodsheappearedtomethemostamiableandbenevolentofhumancreaturesShenursedMadameFrankensteinmyauntinherlastillnesswiththegreatestaffectionandcareandafterwardsattendedherownmotherduringatediousillnessinamannerthatexcitedtheadmirationofallwhoknewherafterwhichsheagainlivedinmyuncleshousewhereshewasbelovedbyallthefamilyShewaswarmlyattachedtothechildwhoisnowdeadandactedtowardshimlikeamostaffectionatemotherFormyownpartIdonothesitatetosaythatnotwithstandingalltheevidenceproducedagainstherIbelieveandrelyonherperfectinnocenceShehadnotemptationforsuchanactionastothebaubleonwhichthechiefproofrestsifshehadearnestlydesireditIshouldhavewillinglygivenittohersomuchdoIesteemandvalueherAmurmurofapprobationfollowedElizabethssimpleandpowerfulappealbutitwasexcitedbyhergenerousinterferenceandnotinfavourofpoorJustineonwhomthepublicindignationwasturnedwithrenewedviolencechargingherwiththeblackestingratitudeSheherselfweptasElizabethspokebutshedidnotanswerMyownagitationandanguishwasextremeduringthewholetrialIbelievedinherinnocenceIknewitCouldthedmonwhohadIdidnotforaminutedoubtmurderedmybrotheralsoinhishellishsporthavebetrayedtheinnocenttodeathandignominyIcouldnotsustainthehorrorofmysituationandwhenIperceivedthatthepopularvoiceandthecountenancesofthejudgeshadalreadycondemnedmyunhappyvictimIrushedoutofthecourtinagonyThetorturesoftheaccuseddidnotequalmineshewassustainedbyinnocencebutthefangsofremorsetoremybosomandwouldnotforgotheirholdIpassedanightofunmingledwretchednessInthemorningIwenttothecourtmylipsandthroatwereparchedIdarednotaskthefatalquestionbutIwasknownandtheofficerguessedthecauseofmyvisitTheballotshadbeenthrowntheywereallblackandJustinewascondemnedIcannotpretendtodescribewhatIthenfeltIhadbeforeexperiencedsensationsofhorrorandIhaveendeavouredtobestowuponthemadequateexpressionsbutwordscannotconveyanideaoftheheartsickeningdespairthatIthenenduredThepersontowhomIaddressedmyselfaddedthatJustinehadalreadyconfessedherguiltThatevidenceheobservedwashardlyrequiredinsoglaringacasebutIamgladofitandindeednoneofourjudgesliketocondemnacriminaluponcircumstantialevidencebeiteversodecisiveThiswasstrangeandunexpectedintelligencewhatcoulditmeanHadmyeyesdeceivedmeAndwasIreallyasmadasthewholeworldwouldbelievemetobeifIdisclosedtheobjectofmysuspicionsIhastenedtoreturnhomeandElizabetheagerlydemandedtheresultMycousinrepliedIitisdecidedasyoumayhaveexpectedalljudgeshadratherthatteninnocentshouldsufferthanthatoneguiltyshouldescapeButshehasconfessedThiswasadireblowtopoorElizabethwhohadreliedwithfirmnessuponJustinesinnocenceAlassaidsheHowshallIeveragainbelieveinhumangoodnessJustinewhomIlovedandesteemedasmysisterhowcouldsheputonthosesmilesofinnocenceonlytobetrayHermildeyesseemedincapableofanyseverityorguileandyetshehascommittedamurderSoonafterweheardthatthepoorvictimhadexpressedadesiretoseemycousinMyfatherwishedhernottogobutsaidthatheleftittoherownjudgmentandfeelingstodecideYessaidElizabethIwillgoalthoughsheisguiltyandyouVictorshallaccompanymeIcannotgoaloneTheideaofthisvisitwastorturetomeyetIcouldnotrefuseWeenteredthegloomyprisonchamberandbeheldJustinesittingonsomestrawatthefartherendherhandsweremanacledandherheadrestedonherkneesSheroseonseeingusenterandwhenwewereleftalonewithhershethrewherselfatthefeetofElizabethweepingbitterlyMycousinweptalsoOhJustinesaidsheWhydidyourobmeofmylastconsolationIreliedonyourinnocenceandalthoughIwasthenverywretchedIwasnotsomiserableasIamnowAnddoyoualsobelievethatIamsoveryverywickedDoyoualsojoinwithmyenemiestocrushmetocondemnmeasamurdererHervoicewassuffocatedwithsobsRisemypoorgirlsaidElizabethwhydoyoukneelifyouareinnocentIamnotoneofyourenemiesIbelievedyouguiltlessnotwithstandingeveryevidenceuntilIheardthatyouhadyourselfdeclaredyourguiltThatreportyousayisfalseandbeassureddearJustinethatnothingcanshakemyconfidenceinyouforamomentbutyourownconfessionIdidconfessbutIconfessedalieIconfessedthatImightobtainabsolutionbutnowthatfalsehoodliesheavieratmyheartthanallmyothersinsTheGodofheavenforgivemeEversinceIwascondemnedmyconfessorhasbesiegedmehethreatenedandmenaceduntilIalmostbegantothinkthatIwasthemonsterthathesaidIwasHethreatenedexcommunicationandhellfireinmylastmomentsifIcontinuedobdurateDearladyIhadnonetosupportmealllookedonmeasawretchdoomedtoignominyandperditionWhatcouldIdoInanevilhourIsubscribedtoalieandnowonlyamItrulymiserableShepausedweepingandthencontinuedIthoughtwithhorrormysweetladythatyoushouldbelieveyourJustinewhomyourblessedaunthadsohighlyhonouredandwhomyoulovedwasacreaturecapableofacrimewhichnonebutthedevilhimselfcouldhaveperpetratedDearWilliamdearestblessedchildIsoonshallseeyouagaininheavenwhereweshallallbehappyandthatconsolesmegoingasIamtosufferignominyanddeathOhJustineForgivemeforhavingforonemomentdistrustedyouWhydidyouconfessButdonotmourndeargirlDonotfearIwillproclaimIwillproveyourinnocenceIwillmeltthestonyheartsofyourenemiesbymytearsandprayersYoushallnotdieYoumyplayfellowmycompanionmysisterperishonthescaffoldNoNoInevercouldsurvivesohorribleamisfortuneJustineshookherheadmournfullyIdonotfeartodieshesaidthatpangispastGodraisesmyweaknessandgivesmecouragetoenduretheworstIleaveasadandbitterworldandifyouremembermeandthinkofmeasofoneunjustlycondemnedIamresignedtothefateawaitingmeLearnfrommedearladytosubmitinpatiencetothewillofheavenDuringthisconversationIhadretiredtoacorneroftheprisonroomwhereIcouldconcealthehorridanguishthatpossessedmeDespairWhodaredtalkofthatThepoorvictimwhoonthemorrowwastopasstheawfulboundarybetweenlifeanddeathfeltnotasIdidsuchdeepandbitteragonyIgnashedmyteethandgroundthemtogetherutteringagroanthatcamefrommyinmostsoulJustinestartedWhenshesawwhoitwassheapproachedmeandsaidDearsiryouareverykindtovisitmeyouIhopedonotbelievethatIamguiltyIcouldnotanswerNoJustinesaidElizabethheismoreconvincedofyourinnocencethanIwasforevenwhenheheardthatyouhadconfessedhedidnotcredititItrulythankhimIntheselastmomentsIfeelthesincerestgratitudetowardsthosewhothinkofmewithkindnessHowsweetistheaffectionofotherstosuchawretchasIamItremovesmorethanhalfmymisfortuneandIfeelasifIcoulddieinpeacenowthatmyinnocenceisacknowledgedbyyoudearladyandyourcousinThusthepoorsufferertriedtocomfortothersandherselfSheindeedgainedtheresignationshedesiredButIthetruemurdererfelttheneverdyingwormaliveinmybosomwhichallowedofnohopeorconsolationElizabethalsoweptandwasunhappybuthersalsowasthemiseryofinnocencewhichlikeacloudthatpassesoverthefairmoonforawhilehidesbutcannottarnishitsbrightnessAnguishanddespairhadpenetratedintothecoreofmyheartIboreahellwithinmewhichnothingcouldextinguishWestayedseveralhourswithJustineanditwaswithgreatdifficultythatElizabethcouldtearherselfawayIwishcriedshethatIweretodiewithyouIcannotliveinthisworldofmiseryJustineassumedanairofcheerfulnesswhileshewithdifficultyrepressedherbittertearsSheembracedElizabethandsaidinavoiceofhalfsuppressedemotionFarewellsweetladydearestElizabethmybelovedandonlyfriendmayheaveninitsbountyblessandpreserveyoumaythisbethelastmisfortunethatyouwilleversufferLiveandbehappyandmakeotherssoAndonthemorrowJustinediedElizabethsheartrendingeloquencefailedtomovethejudgesfromtheirsettledconvictioninthecriminalityofthesaintlysuffererMypassionateandindignantappealswerelostuponthemAndwhenIreceivedtheircoldanswersandheardtheharshunfeelingreasoningofthesemenmypurposedavowaldiedawayonmylipsThusImightproclaimmyselfamadmanbutnotrevokethesentencepasseduponmywretchedvictimSheperishedonthescaffoldasamurderessFromthetorturesofmyownheartIturnedtocontemplatethedeepandvoicelessgriefofmyElizabethThisalsowasmydoingAndmyfatherswoeandthedesolationofthatlatesosmilinghomeallwastheworkofmythriceaccursedhandsYeweepunhappyonesbutthesearenotyourlasttearsAgainshallyouraisethefuneralwailandthesoundofyourlamentationsshallagainandagainbeheardFrankensteinyoursonyourkinsmanyourearlymuchlovedfriendhewhowouldspendeachvitaldropofbloodforyoursakeswhohasnothoughtnorsenseofjoyexceptasitismirroredalsoinyourdearcountenanceswhowouldfilltheairwithblessingsandspendhislifeinservingyouhebidsyouweeptoshedcountlesstearshappybeyondhishopesifthusinexorablefatebesatisfiedandifthedestructionpausebeforethepeaceofthegravehavesucceededtoyoursadtormentsThusspokemypropheticsoulastornbyremorsehorroranddespairIbeheldthoseIlovedspendvainsorrowuponthegravesofWilliamandJustinethefirsthaplessvictimstomyunhallowedartsNothingismorepainfultothehumanmindthanafterthefeelingshavebeenworkedupbyaquicksuccessionofeventsthedeadcalmnessofinactionandcertaintywhichfollowsanddeprivesthesoulbothofhopeandfearJustinediedsherestedandIwasaliveThebloodflowedfreelyinmyveinsbutaweightofdespairandremorsepressedonmyheartwhichnothingcouldremoveSleepfledfrommyeyesIwanderedlikeanevilspiritforIhadcommitteddeedsofmischiefbeyonddescriptionhorribleandmoremuchmoreIpersuadedmyselfwasyetbehindYetmyheartoverflowedwithkindnessandtheloveofvirtueIhadbegunlifewithbenevolentintentionsandthirstedforthemomentwhenIshouldputtheminpracticeandmakemyselfusefultomyfellowbeingsNowallwasblastedinsteadofthatserenityofconsciencewhichallowedmetolookbackuponthepastwithselfsatisfactionandfromthencetogatherpromiseofnewhopesIwasseizedbyremorseandthesenseofguiltwhichhurriedmeawaytoahellofintensetorturessuchasnolanguagecandescribeThisstateofmindpreyeduponmyhealthwhichhadperhapsneverentirelyrecoveredfromthefirstshockithadsustainedIshunnedthefaceofmanallsoundofjoyorcomplacencywastorturetomesolitudewasmyonlyconsolationdeepdarkdeathlikesolitudeMyfatherobservedwithpainthealterationperceptibleinmydispositionandhabitsandendeavouredbyargumentsdeducedfromthefeelingsofhissereneconscienceandguiltlesslifetoinspiremewithfortitudeandawakeninmethecouragetodispelthedarkcloudwhichbroodedovermeDoyouthinkVictorsaidhethatIdonotsufferalsoNoonecouldloveachildmorethanIlovedyourbrothertearscameintohiseyesashespokebutisitnotadutytothesurvivorsthatweshouldrefrainfromaugmentingtheirunhappinessbyanappearanceofimmoderategriefItisalsoadutyowedtoyourselfforexcessivesorrowpreventsimprovementorenjoymentoreventhedischargeofdailyusefulnesswithoutwhichnomanisfitforsocietyThisadvicealthoughgoodwastotallyinapplicabletomycaseIshouldhavebeenthefirsttohidemygriefandconsolemyfriendsifremorsehadnotmingleditsbitternessandterroritsalarmwithmyothersensationsNowIcouldonlyanswermyfatherwithalookofdespairandendeavourtohidemyselffromhisviewAboutthistimeweretiredtoourhouseatBelriveThischangewasparticularlyagreeabletomeTheshuttingofthegatesregularlyattenoclockandtheimpossibilityofremainingonthelakeafterthathourhadrenderedourresidencewithinthewallsofGenevaveryirksometomeIwasnowfreeOftenaftertherestofthefamilyhadretiredforthenightItooktheboatandpassedmanyhoursuponthewaterSometimeswithmysailssetIwascarriedbythewindandsometimesafterrowingintothemiddleofthelakeIlefttheboattopursueitsowncourseandgavewaytomyownmiserablereflectionsIwasoftentemptedwhenallwasatpeacearoundmeandItheonlyunquietthingthatwanderedrestlessinascenesobeautifulandheavenlyifIexceptsomebatorthefrogswhoseharshandinterruptedcroakingwasheardonlywhenIapproachedtheshoreoftenIsayIwastemptedtoplungeintothesilentlakethatthewatersmightcloseovermeandmycalamitiesforeverButIwasrestrainedwhenIthoughtoftheheroicandsufferingElizabethwhomItenderlylovedandwhoseexistencewasboundupinmineIthoughtalsoofmyfatherandsurvivingbrothershouldIbymybasedesertionleavethemexposedandunprotectedtothemaliceofthefiendwhomIhadletlooseamongthemAtthesemomentsIweptbitterlyandwishedthatpeacewouldrevisitmymindonlythatImightaffordthemconsolationandhappinessButthatcouldnotbeRemorseextinguishedeveryhopeIhadbeentheauthorofunalterableevilsandIlivedindailyfearlestthemonsterwhomIhadcreatedshouldperpetratesomenewwickednessIhadanobscurefeelingthatallwasnotoverandthathewouldstillcommitsomesignalcrimewhichbyitsenormityshouldalmosteffacetherecollectionofthepastTherewasalwaysscopeforfearsolongasanythingIlovedremainedbehindMyabhorrenceofthisfiendcannotbeconceivedWhenIthoughtofhimIgnashedmyteethmyeyesbecameinflamedandIardentlywishedtoextinguishthatlifewhichIhadsothoughtlesslybestowedWhenIreflectedonhiscrimesandmalicemyhatredandrevengeburstallboundsofmoderationIwouldhavemadeapilgrimagetothehighestpeakoftheAndescouldIwhentherehaveprecipitatedhimtotheirbaseIwishedtoseehimagainthatImightwreaktheutmostextentofabhorrenceonhisheadandavengethedeathsofWilliamandJustineOurhousewasthehouseofmourningMyfathershealthwasdeeplyshakenbythehorroroftherecenteventsElizabethwassadanddespondingshenolongertookdelightinherordinaryoccupationsallpleasureseemedtohersacrilegetowardthedeadeternalwoeandtearsshethenthoughtwasthejusttributesheshouldpaytoinnocencesoblastedanddestroyedShewasnolongerthathappycreaturewhoinearlieryouthwanderedwithmeonthebanksofthelakeandtalkedwithecstasyofourfutureprospectsThefirstofthosesorrowswhicharesenttoweanusfromtheearthhadvisitedheranditsdimminginfluencequenchedherdearestsmilesWhenIreflectmydearcousinsaidsheonthemiserabledeathofJustineMoritzInolongerseetheworldanditsworksastheybeforeappearedtomeBeforeIlookedupontheaccountsofviceandinjusticethatIreadinbooksorheardfromothersastalesofancientdaysorimaginaryevilsatleasttheywereremoteandmorefamiliartoreasonthantotheimaginationbutnowmiseryhascomehomeandmenappeartomeasmonstersthirstingforeachothersbloodYetIamcertainlyunjustEverybodybelievedthatpoorgirltobeguiltyandifshecouldhavecommittedthecrimeforwhichshesufferedassuredlyshewouldhavebeenthemostdepravedofhumancreaturesForthesakeofafewjewelstohavemurderedthesonofherbenefactorandfriendachildwhomshehadnursedfromitsbirthandappearedtoloveasifithadbeenherownIcouldnotconsenttothedeathofanyhumanbeingbutcertainlyIshouldhavethoughtsuchacreatureunfittoremaininthesocietyofmenButshewasinnocentIknowIfeelshewasinnocentyouareofthesameopinionandthatconfirmsmeAlasVictorwhenfalsehoodcanlooksolikethetruthwhocanassurethemselvesofcertainhappinessIfeelasifIwerewalkingontheedgeofaprecipicetowardswhichthousandsarecrowdingandendeavouringtoplungemeintotheabyssWilliamandJustinewereassassinatedandthemurdererescapeshewalksabouttheworldfreeandperhapsrespectedButevenifIwerecondemnedtosufferonthescaffoldforthesamecrimesIwouldnotchangeplaceswithsuchawretchIlistenedtothisdiscoursewiththeextremestagonyInotindeedbutineffectwasthetruemurdererElizabethreadmyanguishinmycountenanceandkindlytakingmyhandsaidMydearestfriendyoumustcalmyourselfTheseeventshaveaffectedmeGodknowshowdeeplybutIamnotsowretchedasyouareThereisanexpressionofdespairandsometimesofrevengeinyourcountenancethatmakesmetrembleDearVictorbanishthesedarkpassionsRememberthefriendsaroundyouwhocentrealltheirhopesinyouHavewelostthepowerofrenderingyouhappyAhWhilewelovewhilewearetruetoeachotherhereinthislandofpeaceandbeautyyournativecountrywemayreapeverytranquilblessingwhatcandisturbourpeaceAndcouldnotsuchwordsfromherwhomIfondlyprizedbeforeeveryothergiftoffortunesufficetochaseawaythefiendthatlurkedinmyheartEvenasshespokeIdrewneartoherasifinterrorlestatthatverymomentthedestroyerhadbeenneartorobmeofherThusnotthetendernessoffriendshipnorthebeautyofearthnorofheavencouldredeemmysoulfromwoetheveryaccentsoflovewereineffectualIwasencompassedbyacloudwhichnobeneficialinfluencecouldpenetrateThewoundeddeerdraggingitsfaintinglimbstosomeuntroddenbraketheretogazeuponthearrowwhichhadpierceditandtodiewasbutatypeofmeSometimesIcouldcopewiththesullendespairthatoverwhelmedmebutsometimesthewhirlwindpassionsofmysouldrovemetoseekbybodilyexerciseandbychangeofplacesomerelieffrommyintolerablesensationsItwasduringanaccessofthiskindthatIsuddenlyleftmyhomeandbendingmystepstowardsthenearAlpinevalleyssoughtinthemagnificencetheeternityofsuchscenestoforgetmyselfandmyephemeralbecausehumansorrowsMywanderingsweredirectedtowardsthevalleyofChamounixIhadvisiteditfrequentlyduringmyboyhoodSixyearshadpassedsincethenIwasawreckbutnoughthadchangedinthosesavageandenduringscenesIperformedthefirstpartofmyjourneyonhorsebackIafterwardshiredamuleasthemoresurefootedandleastliabletoreceiveinjuryontheseruggedroadsTheweatherwasfineitwasaboutthemiddleofthemonthofAugustnearlytwomonthsafterthedeathofJustinethatmiserableepochfromwhichIdatedallmywoeTheweightuponmyspiritwassensiblylightenedasIplungedyetdeeperintheravineofArveTheimmensemountainsandprecipicesthatoverhungmeoneverysidethesoundoftheriverragingamongtherocksandthedashingofthewaterfallsaroundspokeofapowermightyasOmnipotenceandIceasedtofearortobendbeforeanybeinglessalmightythanthatwhichhadcreatedandruledtheelementsheredisplayedintheirmostterrificguiseStillasIascendedhigherthevalleyassumedamoremagnificentandastonishingcharacterRuinedcastleshangingontheprecipicesofpinymountainstheimpetuousArveandcottageseveryhereandtherepeepingforthfromamongthetreesformedasceneofsingularbeautyButitwasaugmentedandrenderedsublimebythemightyAlpswhosewhiteandshiningpyramidsanddomestoweredaboveallasbelongingtoanotherearththehabitationsofanotherraceofbeingsIpassedthebridgeofPelissierwheretheravinewhichtheriverformsopenedbeforemeandIbegantoascendthemountainthatoverhangsitSoonafterIenteredthevalleyofChamounixThisvalleyismorewonderfulandsublimebutnotsobeautifulandpicturesqueasthatofServoxthroughwhichIhadjustpassedThehighandsnowymountainswereitsimmediateboundariesbutIsawnomoreruinedcastlesandfertilefieldsImmenseglaciersapproachedtheroadIheardtherumblingthunderofthefallingavalancheandmarkedthesmokeofitspassageMontBlancthesupremeandmagnificentMontBlancraiseditselffromthesurroundingaiguillesanditstremendousdomeoverlookedthevalleyAtinglinglonglostsenseofpleasureoftencameacrossmeduringthisjourneySometurnintheroadsomenewobjectsuddenlyperceivedandrecognisedremindedmeofdaysgonebyandwereassociatedwiththelightheartedgaietyofboyhoodTheverywindswhisperedinsoothingaccentsandmaternalNaturebademeweepnomoreThenagainthekindlyinfluenceceasedtoactIfoundmyselffetteredagaintogriefandindulginginallthemiseryofreflectionThenIspurredonmyanimalstrivingsotoforgettheworldmyfearsandmorethanallmyselforinamoredesperatefashionIalightedandthrewmyselfonthegrassweigheddownbyhorroranddespairAtlengthIarrivedatthevillageofChamounixExhaustionsucceededtotheextremefatiguebothofbodyandofmindwhichIhadenduredForashortspaceoftimeIremainedatthewindowwatchingthepallidlightningsthatplayedaboveMontBlancandlisteningtotherushingoftheArvewhichpursueditsnoisywaybeneathThesamelullingsoundsactedasalullabytomytookeensensationswhenIplacedmyheaduponmypillowsleepcreptovermeIfeltitasitcameandblessedthegiverofoblivionIspentthefollowingdayroamingthroughthevalleyIstoodbesidethesourcesoftheArveironwhichtaketheirriseinaglacierthatwithslowpaceisadvancingdownfromthesummitofthehillstobarricadethevalleyTheabruptsidesofvastmountainswerebeforemetheicywalloftheglacieroverhungmeafewshatteredpineswerescatteredaroundandthesolemnsilenceofthisgloriouspresencechamberofimperialNaturewasbrokenonlybythebrawlingwavesorthefallofsomevastfragmentthethundersoundoftheavalancheorthecrackingreverberatedalongthemountainsoftheaccumulatedicewhichthroughthesilentworkingofimmutablelawswaseverandanonrentandtornasifithadbeenbutaplaythingintheirhandsThesesublimeandmagnificentscenesaffordedmethegreatestconsolationthatIwascapableofreceivingTheyelevatedmefromalllittlenessoffeelingandalthoughtheydidnotremovemygrieftheysubduedandtranquilliseditInsomedegreealsotheydivertedmymindfromthethoughtsoverwhichithadbroodedforthelastmonthIretiredtorestatnightmyslumbersasitwerewaitedonandministeredtobytheassemblanceofgrandshapeswhichIhadcontemplatedduringthedayTheycongregatedroundmetheunstainedsnowymountaintoptheglitteringpinnaclethepinewoodsandraggedbareravinetheeaglesoaringamidstthecloudstheyallgatheredroundmeandbademebeatpeaceWherehadtheyfledwhenthenextmorningIawokeAllofsoulinspiritingfledwithsleepanddarkmelancholycloudedeverythoughtTherainwaspouringintorrentsandthickmistshidthesummitsofthemountainssothatIevensawnotthefacesofthosemightyfriendsStillIwouldpenetratetheirmistyveilandseekthemintheircloudyretreatsWhatwererainandstormtomeMymulewasbroughttothedoorandIresolvedtoascendtothesummitofMontanvertIrememberedtheeffectthattheviewofthetremendousandevermovingglacierhadproduceduponmymindwhenIfirstsawitIthadthenfilledmewithasublimeecstasythatgavewingstothesoulandallowedittosoarfromtheobscureworldtolightandjoyThesightoftheawfulandmajesticinnaturehadindeedalwaystheeffectofsolemnisingmymindandcausingmetoforgetthepassingcaresoflifeIdeterminedtogowithoutaguideforIwaswellacquaintedwiththepathandthepresenceofanotherwoulddestroythesolitarygrandeurofthesceneTheascentisprecipitousbutthepathiscutintocontinualandshortwindingswhichenableyoutosurmounttheperpendicularityofthemountainItisasceneterrificallydesolateInathousandspotsthetracesofthewinteravalanchemaybeperceivedwheretreesliebrokenandstrewedonthegroundsomeentirelydestroyedothersbentleaninguponthejuttingrocksofthemountainortransverselyuponothertreesThepathasyouascendhigherisintersectedbyravinesofsnowdownwhichstonescontinuallyrollfromaboveoneofthemisparticularlydangerousastheslightestsoundsuchasevenspeakinginaloudvoiceproducesaconcussionofairsufficienttodrawdestructionupontheheadofthespeakerThepinesarenottallorluxuriantbuttheyaresombreandaddanairofseveritytothesceneIlookedonthevalleybeneathvastmistswererisingfromtheriverswhichranthroughitandcurlinginthickwreathsaroundtheoppositemountainswhosesummitswerehidintheuniformcloudswhilerainpouredfromthedarkskyandaddedtothemelancholyimpressionIreceivedfromtheobjectsaroundmeAlasWhydoesmanboastofsensibilitiessuperiortothoseapparentinthebruteitonlyrendersthemmorenecessarybeingsIfourimpulseswereconfinedtohungerthirstanddesirewemightbenearlyfreebutnowwearemovedbyeverywindthatblowsandachancewordorscenethatthatwordmayconveytousWerestadreamhaspowertopoisonsleepWeriseonewandringthoughtpollutesthedayWefeelconceiveorreasonlaughorweepEmbracefondwoeorcastourcaresawayItisthesameforbeitjoyorsorrowThepathofitsdeparturestillisfreeMansyesterdaymayneerbelikehismorrowNoughtmayendurebutmutabilityItwasnearlynoonwhenIarrivedatthetopoftheascentForsometimeIsatupontherockthatoverlookstheseaoficeAmistcoveredboththatandthesurroundingmountainsPresentlyabreezedissipatedthecloudandIdescendedupontheglacierThesurfaceisveryunevenrisinglikethewavesofatroubledseadescendinglowandinterspersedbyriftsthatsinkdeepThefieldoficeisalmostaleagueinwidthbutIspentnearlytwohoursincrossingitTheoppositemountainisabareperpendicularrockFromthesidewhereInowstoodMontanvertwasexactlyoppositeatthedistanceofaleagueandaboveitroseMontBlancinawfulmajestyIremainedinarecessoftherockgazingonthiswonderfulandstupendoussceneTheseaorratherthevastriveroficewoundamongitsdependentmountainswhoseaerialsummitshungoveritsrecessesTheiricyandglitteringpeaksshoneinthesunlightoverthecloudsMyheartwhichwasbeforesorrowfulnowswelledwithsomethinglikejoyIexclaimedWanderingspiritsifindeedyewanderanddonotrestinyournarrowbedsallowmethisfainthappinessortakemeasyourcompanionawayfromthejoysoflifeAsIsaidthisIsuddenlybeheldthefigureofamanatsomedistanceadvancingtowardsmewithsuperhumanspeedHeboundedoverthecrevicesintheiceamongwhichIhadwalkedwithcautionhisstaturealsoasheapproachedseemedtoexceedthatofmanIwastroubledamistcameovermyeyesandIfeltafaintnessseizemebutIwasquicklyrestoredbythecoldgaleofthemountainsIperceivedastheshapecamenearersighttremendousandabhorredthatitwasthewretchwhomIhadcreatedItrembledwithrageandhorrorresolvingtowaithisapproachandthenclosewithhiminmortalcombatHeapproachedhiscountenancebespokebitteranguishcombinedwithdisdainandmalignitywhileitsunearthlyuglinessrendereditalmosttoohorribleforhumaneyesButIscarcelyobservedthisrageandhatredhadatfirstdeprivedmeofutteranceandIrecoveredonlytooverwhelmhimwithwordsexpressiveoffuriousdetestationandcontemptDevilIexclaimeddoyoudareapproachmeAnddonotyoufearthefiercevengeanceofmyarmwreakedonyourmiserableheadBegonevileinsectOrratherstaythatImaytrampleyoutodustAndohThatIcouldwiththeextinctionofyourmiserableexistencerestorethosevictimswhomyouhavesodiabolicallymurderedIexpectedthisreceptionsaidthedmonAllmenhatethewretchedhowthenmustIbehatedwhoammiserablebeyondalllivingthingsYetyoumycreatordetestandspurnmethycreaturetowhomthouartboundbytiesonlydissolublebytheannihilationofoneofusYoupurposetokillmeHowdareyousportthuswithlifeDoyourdutytowardsmeandIwilldominetowardsyouandtherestofmankindIfyouwillcomplywithmyconditionsIwillleavethemandyouatpeacebutifyourefuseIwillglutthemawofdeathuntilitbesatiatedwiththebloodofyourremainingfriendsAbhorredmonsterFiendthatthouartThetorturesofhellaretoomildavengeanceforthycrimesWretcheddevilYoureproachmewithyourcreationcomeonthenthatImayextinguishthesparkwhichIsonegligentlybestowedMyragewaswithoutboundsIsprangonhimimpelledbyallthefeelingswhichcanarmonebeingagainsttheexistenceofanotherHeeasilyeludedmeandsaidBecalmIentreatyoutohearmebeforeyougiveventtoyourhatredonmydevotedheadHaveInotsufferedenoughthatyouseektoincreasemymiseryLifealthoughitmayonlybeanaccumulationofanguishisdeartomeandIwilldefenditRememberthouhastmadememorepowerfulthanthyselfmyheightissuperiortothinemyjointsmoresuppleButIwillnotbetemptedtosetmyselfinoppositiontotheeIamthycreatureandIwillbeevenmildanddociletomynaturallordandkingifthouwiltalsoperformthypartthewhichthouowestmeOhFrankensteinbenotequitabletoeveryotherandtrampleuponmealonetowhomthyjusticeandeventhyclemencyandaffectionismostdueRememberthatIamthycreatureIoughttobethyAdambutIamratherthefallenangelwhomthoudrivestfromjoyfornomisdeedEverywhereIseeblissfromwhichIaloneamirrevocablyexcludedIwasbenevolentandgoodmiserymademeafiendMakemehappyandIshallagainbevirtuousBegoneIwillnothearyouTherecanbenocommunitybetweenyouandmeweareenemiesBegoneorletustryourstrengthinafightinwhichonemustfallHowcanImovetheeWillnoentreatiescausetheetoturnafavourableeyeuponthycreaturewhoimploresthygoodnessandcompassionBelievemeFrankensteinIwasbenevolentmysoulglowedwithloveandhumanitybutamInotalonemiserablyaloneYoumycreatorabhormewhathopecanIgatherfromyourfellowcreatureswhoowemenothingTheyspurnandhatemeThedesertmountainsanddrearyglaciersaremyrefugeIhavewanderedheremanydaysthecavesoficewhichIonlydonotfearareadwellingtomeandtheonlyonewhichmandoesnotgrudgeThesebleakskiesIhailfortheyarekindertomethanyourfellowbeingsIfthemultitudeofmankindknewofmyexistencetheywoulddoasyoudoandarmthemselvesformydestructionShallInotthenhatethemwhoabhormeIwillkeepnotermswithmyenemiesIammiserableandtheyshallsharemywretchednessYetitisinyourpowertorecompensemeanddeliverthemfromanevilwhichitonlyremainsforyoutomakesogreatthatnotonlyyouandyourfamilybutthousandsofothersshallbeswallowedupinthewhirlwindsofitsrageLetyourcompassionbemovedanddonotdisdainmeListentomytalewhenyouhaveheardthatabandonorcommiseratemeasyoushalljudgethatIdeserveButhearmeTheguiltyareallowedbyhumanlawsbloodyastheyaretospeakintheirowndefencebeforetheyarecondemnedListentomeFrankensteinYouaccusemeofmurderandyetyouwouldwithasatisfiedconsciencedestroyyourowncreatureOhpraisetheeternaljusticeofmanYetIaskyounottosparemelistentomeandthenifyoucanandifyouwilldestroytheworkofyourhandsWhydoyoucalltomyremembranceIrejoinedcircumstancesofwhichIshuddertoreflectthatIhavebeenthemiserableoriginandauthorCursedbethedayabhorreddevilinwhichyoufirstsawlightCursedalthoughIcursemyselfbethehandsthatformedyouYouhavemademewretchedbeyondexpressionYouhaveleftmenopowertoconsiderwhetherIamjusttoyouornotBegoneRelievemefromthesightofyourdetestedformThusIrelievetheemycreatorhesaidandplacedhishatedhandsbeforemyeyeswhichIflungfrommewithviolencethusItakefromtheeasightwhichyouabhorStillthoucanstlistentomeandgrantmethycompassionBythevirtuesthatIoncepossessedIdemandthisfromyouHearmytaleitislongandstrangeandthetemperatureofthisplaceisnotfittingtoyourfinesensationscometothehutuponthemountainThesunisyethighintheheavensbeforeitdescendstohideitselfbehindyoursnowyprecipicesandilluminateanotherworldyouwillhaveheardmystoryandcandecideOnyouitrestswhetherIquitforevertheneighbourhoodofmanandleadaharmlesslifeorbecomethescourgeofyourfellowcreaturesandtheauthorofyourownspeedyruinAshesaidthisheledthewayacrosstheiceIfollowedMyheartwasfullandIdidnotanswerhimbutasIproceededIweighedthevariousargumentsthathehadusedanddeterminedatleasttolistentohistaleIwaspartlyurgedbycuriosityandcompassionconfirmedmyresolutionIhadhithertosupposedhimtobethemurdererofmybrotherandIeagerlysoughtaconfirmationordenialofthisopinionForthefirsttimealsoIfeltwhatthedutiesofacreatortowardshiscreaturewereandthatIoughttorenderhimhappybeforeIcomplainedofhiswickednessThesemotivesurgedmetocomplywithhisdemandWecrossedtheicethereforeandascendedtheoppositerockTheairwascoldandtherainagainbegantodescendweenteredthehutthefiendwithanairofexultationIwithaheavyheartanddepressedspiritsButIconsentedtolistenandseatingmyselfbythefirewhichmyodiouscompanionhadlightedhethusbeganhistaleItiswithconsiderabledifficultythatIremembertheoriginaleraofmybeingalltheeventsofthatperiodappearconfusedandindistinctAstrangemultiplicityofsensationsseizedmeandIsawfeltheardandsmeltatthesametimeanditwasindeedalongtimebeforeIlearnedtodistinguishbetweentheoperationsofmyvarioussensesBydegreesIrememberastrongerlightpresseduponmynervessothatIwasobligedtoshutmyeyesDarknessthencameovermeandtroubledmebuthardlyhadIfeltthiswhenbyopeningmyeyesasInowsupposethelightpouredinuponmeagainIwalkedandIbelievedescendedbutIpresentlyfoundagreatalterationinmysensationsBeforedarkandopaquebodieshadsurroundedmeimpervioustomytouchorsightbutInowfoundthatIcouldwanderonatlibertywithnoobstacleswhichIcouldnoteithersurmountoravoidThelightbecamemoreandmoreoppressivetomeandtheheatwearyingmeasIwalkedIsoughtaplacewhereIcouldreceiveshadeThiswastheforestnearIngolstadtandhereIlaybythesideofabrookrestingfrommyfatigueuntilIfelttormentedbyhungerandthirstThisrousedmefrommynearlydormantstateandIatesomeberrieswhichIfoundhangingonthetreesorlyingonthegroundIslakedmythirstatthebrookandthenlyingdownwasovercomebysleepItwasdarkwhenIawokeIfeltcoldalsoandhalffrightenedasitwereinstinctivelyfindingmyselfsodesolateBeforeIhadquittedyourapartmentonasensationofcoldIhadcoveredmyselfwithsomeclothesbutthesewereinsufficienttosecuremefromthedewsofnightIwasapoorhelplessmiserablewretchIknewandcoulddistinguishnothingbutfeelingpaininvademeonallsidesIsatdownandweptSoonagentlelightstoleovertheheavensandgavemeasensationofpleasureIstartedupandbeheldaradiantformrisefromamongthetreesThemoonIgazedwithakindofwonderItmovedslowlybutitenlightenedmypathandIagainwentoutinsearchofberriesIwasstillcoldwhenunderoneofthetreesIfoundahugecloakwithwhichIcoveredmyselfandsatdownuponthegroundNodistinctideasoccupiedmymindallwasconfusedIfeltlightandhungerandthirstanddarknessinnumerablesoundsranginmyearsandonallsidesvariousscentssalutedmetheonlyobjectthatIcoulddistinguishwasthebrightmoonandIfixedmyeyesonthatwithpleasureSeveralchangesofdayandnightpassedandtheorbofnighthadgreatlylessenedwhenIbegantodistinguishmysensationsfromeachotherIgraduallysawplainlytheclearstreamthatsuppliedmewithdrinkandthetreesthatshadedmewiththeirfoliageIwasdelightedwhenIfirstdiscoveredthatapleasantsoundwhichoftensalutedmyearsproceededfromthethroatsofthelittlewingedanimalswhohadofteninterceptedthelightfrommyeyesIbeganalsotoobservewithgreateraccuracytheformsthatsurroundedmeandtoperceivetheboundariesoftheradiantroofoflightwhichcanopiedmeSometimesItriedtoimitatethepleasantsongsofthebirdsbutwasunableSometimesIwishedtoexpressmysensationsinmyownmodebuttheuncouthandinarticulatesoundswhichbrokefrommefrightenedmeintosilenceagainThemoonhaddisappearedfromthenightandagainwithalessenedformshoweditselfwhileIstillremainedintheforestMysensationshadbythistimebecomedistinctandmymindreceivedeverydayadditionalideasMyeyesbecameaccustomedtothelightandtoperceiveobjectsintheirrightformsIdistinguishedtheinsectfromtheherbandbydegreesoneherbfromanotherIfoundthatthesparrowutterednonebutharshnoteswhilstthoseoftheblackbirdandthrushweresweetandenticingOnedaywhenIwasoppressedbycoldIfoundafirewhichhadbeenleftbysomewanderingbeggarsandwasovercomewithdelightatthewarmthIexperiencedfromitInmyjoyIthrustmyhandintotheliveembersbutquicklydrewitoutagainwithacryofpainHowstrangeIthoughtthatthesamecauseshouldproducesuchoppositeeffectsIexaminedthematerialsofthefireandtomyjoyfoundittobecomposedofwoodIquicklycollectedsomebranchesbuttheywerewetandwouldnotburnIwaspainedatthisandsatstillwatchingtheoperationofthefireThewetwoodwhichIhadplacedneartheheatdriedanditselfbecameinflamedIreflectedonthisandbytouchingthevariousbranchesIdiscoveredthecauseandbusiedmyselfincollectingagreatquantityofwoodthatImightdryitandhaveaplentifulsupplyoffireWhennightcameonandbroughtsleepwithitIwasinthegreatestfearlestmyfireshouldbeextinguishedIcovereditcarefullywithdrywoodandleavesandplacedwetbranchesuponitandthenspreadingmycloakIlayonthegroundandsankintosleepItwasmorningwhenIawokeandmyfirstcarewastovisitthefireIuncovereditandagentlebreezequicklyfanneditintoaflameIobservedthisalsoandcontrivedafanofbrancheswhichrousedtheemberswhentheywerenearlyextinguishedWhennightcameagainIfoundwithpleasurethatthefiregavelightaswellasheatandthatthediscoveryofthiselementwasusefultomeinmyfoodforIfoundsomeoftheoffalsthatthetravellershadlefthadbeenroastedandtastedmuchmoresavourythantheberriesIgatheredfromthetreesItriedthereforetodressmyfoodinthesamemannerplacingitontheliveembersIfoundthattheberrieswerespoiledbythisoperationandthenutsandrootsmuchimprovedFoodhoweverbecamescarceandIoftenspentthewholedaysearchinginvainforafewacornstoassuagethepangsofhungerWhenIfoundthisIresolvedtoquittheplacethatIhadhithertoinhabitedtoseekforonewherethefewwantsIexperiencedwouldbemoreeasilysatisfiedInthisemigrationIexceedinglylamentedthelossofthefirewhichIhadobtainedthroughaccidentandknewnothowtoreproduceitIgaveseveralhourstotheseriousconsiderationofthisdifficultybutIwasobligedtorelinquishallattempttosupplyitandwrappingmyselfupinmycloakIstruckacrossthewoodtowardsthesettingsunIpassedthreedaysintheseramblesandatlengthdiscoveredtheopencountryAgreatfallofsnowhadtakenplacethenightbeforeandthefieldswereofoneuniformwhitetheappearancewasdisconsolateandIfoundmyfeetchilledbythecolddampsubstancethatcoveredthegroundItwasaboutseveninthemorningandIlongedtoobtainfoodandshelteratlengthIperceivedasmallhutonarisinggroundwhichhaddoubtlessbeenbuiltfortheconvenienceofsomeshepherdThiswasanewsighttomeandIexaminedthestructurewithgreatcuriosityFindingthedooropenIenteredAnoldmansatinitnearafireoverwhichhewaspreparinghisbreakfastHeturnedonhearinganoiseandperceivingmeshriekedloudlyandquittingthehutranacrossthefieldswithaspeedofwhichhisdebilitatedformhardlyappearedcapableHisappearancedifferentfromanyIhadeverbeforeseenandhisflightsomewhatsurprisedmeButIwasenchantedbytheappearanceofthehutherethesnowandraincouldnotpenetratethegroundwasdryanditpresentedtomethenasexquisiteanddivinearetreatasPandmoniumappearedtothedmonsofhellaftertheirsufferingsinthelakeoffireIgreedilydevouredtheremnantsoftheshepherdsbreakfastwhichconsistedofbreadcheesemilkandwinethelatterhoweverIdidnotlikeThenovercomebyfatigueIlaydownamongsomestrawandfellasleepItwasnoonwhenIawokeandalluredbythewarmthofthesunwhichshonebrightlyonthewhitegroundIdeterminedtorecommencemytravelsanddepositingtheremainsofthepeasantsbreakfastinawalletIfoundIproceededacrossthefieldsforseveralhoursuntilatsunsetIarrivedatavillageHowmiraculousdidthisappearThehutstheneatercottagesandstatelyhousesengagedmyadmirationbyturnsThevegetablesinthegardensthemilkandcheesethatIsawplacedatthewindowsofsomeofthecottagesalluredmyappetiteOneofthebestoftheseIenteredbutIhadhardlyplacedmyfootwithinthedoorbeforethechildrenshriekedandoneofthewomenfaintedThewholevillagewasrousedsomefledsomeattackedmeuntilgrievouslybruisedbystonesandmanyotherkindsofmissileweaponsIescapedtotheopencountryandfearfullytookrefugeinalowhovelquitebareandmakingawretchedappearanceafterthepalacesIhadbeheldinthevillageThishovelhoweverjoinedacottageofaneatandpleasantappearancebutaftermylatedearlyboughtexperienceIdarednotenteritMyplaceofrefugewasconstructedofwoodbutsolowthatIcouldwithdifficultysituprightinitNowoodhoweverwasplacedontheearthwhichformedthefloorbutitwasdryandalthoughthewindentereditbyinnumerablechinksIfounditanagreeableasylumfromthesnowandrainHerethenIretreatedandlaydownhappytohavefoundashelterhowevermiserablefromtheinclemencyoftheseasonandstillmorefromthebarbarityofmanAssoonasmorningdawnedIcreptfrommykennelthatImightviewtheadjacentcottageanddiscoverifIcouldremaininthehabitationIhadfoundItwassituatedagainstthebackofthecottageandsurroundedonthesideswhichwereexposedbyapigstyandaclearpoolofwaterOnepartwasopenandbythatIhadcreptinbutnowIcoveredeverycrevicebywhichImightbeperceivedwithstonesandwoodyetinsuchamannerthatImightmovethemonoccasiontopassoutallthelightIenjoyedcamethroughthestyandthatwassufficientformeHavingthusarrangedmydwellingandcarpeteditwithcleanstrawIretiredforIsawthefigureofamanatadistanceandIrememberedtoowellmytreatmentthenightbeforetotrustmyselfinhispowerIhadfirsthoweverprovidedformysustenanceforthatdaybyaloafofcoarsebreadwhichIpurloinedandacupwithwhichIcoulddrinkmoreconvenientlythanfrommyhandofthepurewaterwhichflowedbymyretreatThefloorwasalittleraisedsothatitwaskeptperfectlydryandbyitsvicinitytothechimneyofthecottageitwastolerablywarmBeingthusprovidedIresolvedtoresideinthishoveluntilsomethingshouldoccurwhichmightaltermydeterminationItwasindeedaparadisecomparedtothebleakforestmyformerresidencetheraindroppingbranchesanddankearthIatemybreakfastwithpleasureandwasabouttoremoveaplanktoprocuremyselfalittlewaterwhenIheardastepandlookingthroughasmallchinkIbeheldayoungcreaturewithapailonherheadpassingbeforemyhovelThegirlwasyoungandofgentledemeanourunlikewhatIhavesincefoundcottagersandfarmhouseservantstobeYetshewasmeanlydressedacoarsebluepetticoatandalinenjacketbeingheronlygarbherfairhairwasplaitedbutnotadornedshelookedpatientyetsadIlostsightofherandinaboutaquarterofanhourshereturnedbearingthepailwhichwasnowpartlyfilledwithmilkAsshewalkedalongseeminglyincommodedbytheburdenayoungmanmetherwhosecountenanceexpressedadeeperdespondenceUtteringafewsoundswithanairofmelancholyhetookthepailfromherheadandboreittothecottagehimselfShefollowedandtheydisappearedPresentlyIsawtheyoungmanagainwithsometoolsinhishandcrossthefieldbehindthecottageandthegirlwasalsobusiedsometimesinthehouseandsometimesintheyardOnexaminingmydwellingIfoundthatoneofthewindowsofthecottagehadformerlyoccupiedapartofitbutthepaneshadbeenfilledupwithwoodInoneofthesewasasmallandalmostimperceptiblechinkthroughwhichtheeyecouldjustpenetrateThroughthiscreviceasmallroomwasvisiblewhitewashedandcleanbutverybareoffurnitureInonecornernearasmallfiresatanoldmanleaninghisheadonhishandsinadisconsolateattitudeTheyounggirlwasoccupiedinarrangingthecottagebutpresentlyshetooksomethingoutofadrawerwhichemployedherhandsandshesatdownbesidetheoldmanwhotakingupaninstrumentbegantoplayandtoproducesoundssweeterthanthevoiceofthethrushorthenightingaleItwasalovelysighteventomepoorwretchwhohadneverbeheldaughtbeautifulbeforeThesilverhairandbenevolentcountenanceoftheagedcottagerwonmyreverencewhilethegentlemannersofthegirlenticedmyloveHeplayedasweetmournfulairwhichIperceiveddrewtearsfromtheeyesofhisamiablecompanionofwhichtheoldmantooknonoticeuntilshesobbedaudiblyhethenpronouncedafewsoundsandthefaircreatureleavingherworkkneltathisfeetHeraisedherandsmiledwithsuchkindnessandaffectionthatIfeltsensationsofapeculiarandoverpoweringnaturetheywereamixtureofpainandpleasuresuchasIhadneverbeforeexperiencedeitherfromhungerorcoldwarmthorfoodandIwithdrewfromthewindowunabletobeartheseemotionsSoonafterthistheyoungmanreturnedbearingonhisshouldersaloadofwoodThegirlmethimatthedoorhelpedtorelievehimofhisburdenandtakingsomeofthefuelintothecottageplaceditonthefirethensheandtheyouthwentapartintoanookofthecottageandheshowedheralargeloafandapieceofcheeseSheseemedpleasedandwentintothegardenforsomerootsandplantswhichsheplacedinwaterandthenuponthefireSheafterwardscontinuedherworkwhilsttheyoungmanwentintothegardenandappearedbusilyemployedindiggingandpullinguprootsAfterhehadbeenemployedthusaboutanhourtheyoungwomanjoinedhimandtheyenteredthecottagetogetherTheoldmanhadinthemeantimebeenpensivebutontheappearanceofhiscompanionsheassumedamorecheerfulairandtheysatdowntoeatThemealwasquicklydispatchedTheyoungwomanwasagainoccupiedinarrangingthecottagetheoldmanwalkedbeforethecottageinthesunforafewminutesleaningonthearmoftheyouthNothingcouldexceedinbeautythecontrastbetweenthesetwoexcellentcreaturesOnewasoldwithsilverhairsandacountenancebeamingwithbenevolenceandlovetheyoungerwasslightandgracefulinhisfigureandhisfeaturesweremouldedwiththefinestsymmetryyethiseyesandattitudeexpressedtheutmostsadnessanddespondencyTheoldmanreturnedtothecottageandtheyouthwithtoolsdifferentfromthosehehadusedinthemorningdirectedhisstepsacrossthefieldsNightquicklyshutinbuttomyextremewonderIfoundthatthecottagershadameansofprolonginglightbytheuseoftapersandwasdelightedtofindthatthesettingofthesundidnotputanendtothepleasureIexperiencedinwatchingmyhumanneighboursIntheeveningtheyounggirlandhercompanionwereemployedinvariousoccupationswhichIdidnotunderstandandtheoldmanagaintookuptheinstrumentwhichproducedthedivinesoundsthathadenchantedmeinthemorningSosoonashehadfinishedtheyouthbegannottoplaybuttouttersoundsthatweremonotonousandneitherresemblingtheharmonyoftheoldmansinstrumentnorthesongsofthebirdsIsincefoundthathereadaloudbutatthattimeIknewnothingofthescienceofwordsorlettersThefamilyafterhavingbeenthusoccupiedforashorttimeextinguishedtheirlightsandretiredasIconjecturedtorestIlayonmystrawbutIcouldnotsleepIthoughtoftheoccurrencesofthedayWhatchieflystruckmewasthegentlemannersofthesepeopleandIlongedtojointhembutdarednotIrememberedtoowellthetreatmentIhadsufferedthenightbeforefromthebarbarousvillagersandresolvedwhatevercourseofconductImighthereafterthinkitrighttopursuethatforthepresentIwouldremainquietlyinmyhovelwatchingandendeavouringtodiscoverthemotiveswhichinfluencedtheiractionsThecottagersarosethenextmorningbeforethesunTheyoungwomanarrangedthecottageandpreparedthefoodandtheyouthdepartedafterthefirstmealThisdaywaspassedinthesameroutineasthatwhichprecededitTheyoungmanwasconstantlyemployedoutofdoorsandthegirlinvariouslaboriousoccupationswithinTheoldmanwhomIsoonperceivedtobeblindemployedhisleisurehoursonhisinstrumentorincontemplationNothingcouldexceedtheloveandrespectwhichtheyoungercottagersexhibitedtowardstheirvenerablecompanionTheyperformedtowardshimeverylittleofficeofaffectionanddutywithgentlenessandherewardedthembyhisbenevolentsmilesTheywerenotentirelyhappyTheyoungmanandhiscompanionoftenwentapartandappearedtoweepIsawnocausefortheirunhappinessbutIwasdeeplyaffectedbyitIfsuchlovelycreaturesweremiserableitwaslessstrangethatIanimperfectandsolitarybeingshouldbewretchedYetwhywerethesegentlebeingsunhappyTheypossessedadelightfulhouseforsuchitwasinmyeyesandeveryluxurytheyhadafiretowarmthemwhenchillanddeliciousviandswhenhungrytheyweredressedinexcellentclothesandstillmoretheyenjoyedoneanotherscompanyandspeechinterchangingeachdaylooksofaffectionandkindnessWhatdidtheirtearsimplyDidtheyreallyexpresspainIwasatfirstunabletosolvethesequestionsbutperpetualattentionandtimeexplainedtomemanyappearanceswhichwereatfirstenigmaticAconsiderableperiodelapsedbeforeIdiscoveredoneofthecausesoftheuneasinessofthisamiablefamilyitwaspovertyandtheysufferedthatevilinaverydistressingdegreeTheirnourishmentconsistedentirelyofthevegetablesoftheirgardenandthemilkofonecowwhichgaveverylittleduringthewinterwhenitsmasterscouldscarcelyprocurefoodtosupportitTheyoftenIbelievesufferedthepangsofhungerverypoignantlyespeciallythetwoyoungercottagersforseveraltimestheyplacedfoodbeforetheoldmanwhentheyreservednoneforthemselvesThistraitofkindnessmovedmesensiblyIhadbeenaccustomedduringthenighttostealapartoftheirstoreformyownconsumptionbutwhenIfoundthatindoingthisIinflictedpainonthecottagersIabstainedandsatisfiedmyselfwithberriesnutsandrootswhichIgatheredfromaneighbouringwoodIdiscoveredalsoanothermeansthroughwhichIwasenabledtoassisttheirlaboursIfoundthattheyouthspentagreatpartofeachdayincollectingwoodforthefamilyfireandduringthenightIoftentookhistoolstheuseofwhichIquicklydiscoveredandbroughthomefiringsufficientfortheconsumptionofseveraldaysIrememberthefirsttimethatIdidthistheyoungwomanwhensheopenedthedoorinthemorningappearedgreatlyastonishedonseeingagreatpileofwoodontheoutsideSheutteredsomewordsinaloudvoiceandtheyouthjoinedherwhoalsoexpressedsurpriseIobservedwithpleasurethathedidnotgototheforestthatdaybutspentitinrepairingthecottageandcultivatingthegardenBydegreesImadeadiscoveryofstillgreatermomentIfoundthatthesepeoplepossessedamethodofcommunicatingtheirexperienceandfeelingstooneanotherbyarticulatesoundsIperceivedthatthewordstheyspokesometimesproducedpleasureorpainsmilesorsadnessinthemindsandcountenancesofthehearersThiswasindeedagodlikescienceandIardentlydesiredtobecomeacquaintedwithitButIwasbaffledineveryattemptImadeforthispurposeTheirpronunciationwasquickandthewordstheyutterednothavinganyapparentconnectionwithvisibleobjectsIwasunabletodiscoveranycluebywhichIcouldunravelthemysteryoftheirreferenceBygreatapplicationhoweverandafterhavingremainedduringthespaceofseveralrevolutionsofthemooninmyhovelIdiscoveredthenamesthatweregiventosomeofthemostfamiliarobjectsofdiscourseIlearnedandappliedthewordsfiremilkbreadandwoodIlearnedalsothenamesofthecottagersthemselvesTheyouthandhiscompanionhadeachofthemseveralnamesbuttheoldmanhadonlyonewhichwasfatherThegirlwascalledsisterorAgathaandtheyouthFelixbrotherorsonIcannotdescribethedelightIfeltwhenIlearnedtheideasappropriatedtoeachofthesesoundsandwasabletopronouncethemIdistinguishedseveralotherwordswithoutbeingableasyettounderstandorapplythemsuchasgooddearestunhappyIspentthewinterinthismannerThegentlemannersandbeautyofthecottagersgreatlyendearedthemtomewhentheywereunhappyIfeltdepressedwhentheyrejoicedIsympathisedintheirjoysIsawfewhumanbeingsbesidesthemandifanyotherhappenedtoenterthecottagetheirharshmannersandrudegaitonlyenhancedtomethesuperioraccomplishmentsofmyfriendsTheoldmanIcouldperceiveoftenendeavouredtoencouragehischildrenassometimesIfoundthathecalledthemtocastofftheirmelancholyHewouldtalkinacheerfulaccentwithanexpressionofgoodnessthatbestowedpleasureevenuponmeAgathalistenedwithrespecthereyessometimesfilledwithtearswhichsheendeavouredtowipeawayunperceivedbutIgenerallyfoundthathercountenanceandtoneweremorecheerfulafterhavinglistenedtotheexhortationsofherfatherItwasnotthuswithFelixHewasalwaysthesaddestofthegroupandeventomyunpractisedsensesheappearedtohavesufferedmoredeeplythanhisfriendsButifhiscountenancewasmoresorrowfulhisvoicewasmorecheerfulthanthatofhissisterespeciallywhenheaddressedtheoldmanIcouldmentioninnumerableinstanceswhichalthoughslightmarkedthedispositionsoftheseamiablecottagersInthemidstofpovertyandwantFelixcarriedwithpleasuretohissisterthefirstlittlewhiteflowerthatpeepedoutfrombeneaththesnowygroundEarlyinthemorningbeforeshehadrisenheclearedawaythesnowthatobstructedherpathtothemilkhousedrewwaterfromthewellandbroughtthewoodfromtheouthousewheretohisperpetualastonishmenthefoundhisstorealwaysreplenishedbyaninvisiblehandInthedayIbelieveheworkedsometimesforaneighbouringfarmerbecauseheoftenwentforthanddidnotreturnuntildinneryetbroughtnowoodwithhimAtothertimesheworkedinthegardenbutastherewaslittletodointhefrostyseasonhereadtotheoldmanandAgathaThisreadinghadpuzzledmeextremelyatfirstbutbydegreesIdiscoveredthatheutteredmanyofthesamesoundswhenhereadaswhenhetalkedIconjecturedthereforethathefoundonthepapersignsforspeechwhichheunderstoodandIardentlylongedtocomprehendthesealsobuthowwasthatpossiblewhenIdidnotevenunderstandthesoundsforwhichtheystoodassignsIimprovedhoweversensiblyinthissciencebutnotsufficientlytofollowupanykindofconversationalthoughIappliedmywholemindtotheendeavourforIeasilyperceivedthatalthoughIeagerlylongedtodiscovermyselftothecottagersIoughtnottomaketheattemptuntilIhadfirstbecomemasteroftheirlanguagewhichknowledgemightenablemetomakethemoverlookthedeformityofmyfigureforwiththisalsothecontrastperpetuallypresentedtomyeyeshadmademeacquaintedIhadadmiredtheperfectformsofmycottagerstheirgracebeautyanddelicatecomplexionsbuthowwasIterrifiedwhenIviewedmyselfinatransparentpoolAtfirstIstartedbackunabletobelievethatitwasindeedIwhowasreflectedinthemirrorandwhenIbecamefullyconvincedthatIwasinrealitythemonsterthatIamIwasfilledwiththebitterestsensationsofdespondenceandmortificationAlasIdidnotyetentirelyknowthefataleffectsofthismiserabledeformityAsthesunbecamewarmerandthelightofdaylongerthesnowvanishedandIbeheldthebaretreesandtheblackearthFromthistimeFelixwasmoreemployedandtheheartmovingindicationsofimpendingfaminedisappearedTheirfoodasIafterwardsfoundwascoarsebutitwaswholesomeandtheyprocuredasufficiencyofitSeveralnewkindsofplantssprangupinthegardenwhichtheydressedandthesesignsofcomfortincreaseddailyastheseasonadvancedTheoldmanleaningonhissonwalkedeachdayatnoonwhenitdidnotrainasIfounditwascalledwhentheheavenspouredforthitswatersThisfrequentlytookplacebutahighwindquicklydriedtheearthandtheseasonbecamefarmorepleasantthanithadbeenMymodeoflifeinmyhovelwasuniformDuringthemorningIattendedthemotionsofthecottagersandwhentheyweredispersedinvariousoccupationsIslepttheremainderofthedaywasspentinobservingmyfriendsWhentheyhadretiredtorestiftherewasanymoonorthenightwasstarlightIwentintothewoodsandcollectedmyownfoodandfuelforthecottageWhenIreturnedasoftenasitwasnecessaryIclearedtheirpathfromthesnowandperformedthoseofficesthatIhadseendonebyFelixIafterwardsfoundthattheselaboursperformedbyaninvisiblehandgreatlyastonishedthemandonceortwiceIheardthemontheseoccasionsutterthewordsgoodspiritwonderfulbutIdidnotthenunderstandthesignificationofthesetermsMythoughtsnowbecamemoreactiveandIlongedtodiscoverthemotivesandfeelingsoftheselovelycreaturesIwasinquisitivetoknowwhyFelixappearedsomiserableandAgathasosadIthoughtfoolishwretchthatitmightbeinmypowertorestorehappinesstothesedeservingpeopleWhenIsleptorwasabsenttheformsofthevenerableblindfatherthegentleAgathaandtheexcellentFelixflittedbeforemeIlookeduponthemassuperiorbeingswhowouldbethearbitersofmyfuturedestinyIformedinmyimaginationathousandpicturesofpresentingmyselftothemandtheirreceptionofmeIimaginedthattheywouldbedisgusteduntilbymygentledemeanourandconciliatingwordsIshouldfirstwintheirfavourandafterwardstheirloveThesethoughtsexhilaratedmeandledmetoapplywithfreshardourtotheacquiringtheartoflanguageMyorganswereindeedharshbutsuppleandalthoughmyvoicewasveryunlikethesoftmusicoftheirtonesyetIpronouncedsuchwordsasIunderstoodwithtolerableeaseItwasastheassandthelapdogyetsurelythegentleasswhoseintentionswereaffectionatealthoughhismannerswererudedeservedbettertreatmentthanblowsandexecrationThepleasantshowersandgenialwarmthofspringgreatlyalteredtheaspectoftheearthMenwhobeforethischangeseemedtohavebeenhidincavesdispersedthemselvesandwereemployedinvariousartsofcultivationThebirdssanginmorecheerfulnotesandtheleavesbegantobudforthonthetreesHappyhappyearthFithabitationforgodswhichsoshortatimebeforewasbleakdampandunwholesomeMyspiritswereelevatedbytheenchantingappearanceofnaturethepastwasblottedfrommymemorythepresentwastranquilandthefuturegildedbybrightraysofhopeandanticipationsofjoyInowhastentothemoremovingpartofmystoryIshallrelateeventsthatimpressedmewithfeelingswhichfromwhatIhadbeenhavemademewhatIamSpringadvancedrapidlytheweatherbecamefineandtheskiescloudlessItsurprisedmethatwhatbeforewasdesertandgloomyshouldnowbloomwiththemostbeautifulflowersandverdureMysensesweregratifiedandrefreshedbyathousandscentsofdelightandathousandsightsofbeautyItwasononeofthesedayswhenmycottagersperiodicallyrestedfromlabourtheoldmanplayedonhisguitarandthechildrenlistenedtohimthatIobservedthecountenanceofFelixwasmelancholybeyondexpressionhesighedfrequentlyandoncehisfatherpausedinhismusicandIconjecturedbyhismannerthatheinquiredthecauseofhissonssorrowFelixrepliedinacheerfulaccentandtheoldmanwasrecommencinghismusicwhensomeonetappedatthedoorItwasaladyonhorsebackaccompaniedbyacountrymanasaguideTheladywasdressedinadarksuitandcoveredwithathickblackveilAgathaaskedaquestiontowhichthestrangeronlyrepliedbypronouncinginasweetaccentthenameofFelixHervoicewasmusicalbutunlikethatofeitherofmyfriendsOnhearingthiswordFelixcameuphastilytotheladywhowhenshesawhimthrewupherveilandIbeheldacountenanceofangelicbeautyandexpressionHerhairofashiningravenblackandcuriouslybraidedhereyesweredarkbutgentlealthoughanimatedherfeaturesofaregularproportionandhercomplexionwondrouslyfaireachcheektingedwithalovelypinkFelixseemedravishedwithdelightwhenhesawhereverytraitofsorrowvanishedfromhisfaceanditinstantlyexpressedadegreeofecstaticjoyofwhichIcouldhardlyhavebelieveditcapablehiseyessparkledashischeekflushedwithpleasureandatthatmomentIthoughthimasbeautifulasthestrangerSheappearedaffectedbydifferentfeelingswipingafewtearsfromherlovelyeyessheheldoutherhandtoFelixwhokisseditrapturouslyandcalledheraswellasIcoulddistinguishhissweetArabianShedidnotappeartounderstandhimbutsmiledHeassistedhertodismountanddismissingherguideconductedherintothecottageSomeconversationtookplacebetweenhimandhisfatherandtheyoungstrangerkneltattheoldmansfeetandwouldhavekissedhishandbutheraisedherandembracedheraffectionatelyIsoonperceivedthatalthoughthestrangerutteredarticulatesoundsandappearedtohavealanguageofherownshewasneitherunderstoodbynorherselfunderstoodthecottagersTheymademanysignswhichIdidnotcomprehendbutIsawthatherpresencediffusedgladnessthroughthecottagedispellingtheirsorrowasthesundissipatesthemorningmistsFelixseemedpeculiarlyhappyandwithsmilesofdelightwelcomedhisArabianAgathatheevergentleAgathakissedthehandsofthelovelystrangerandpointingtoherbrothermadesignswhichappearedtometomeanthathehadbeensorrowfuluntilshecameSomehourspassedthuswhiletheybytheircountenancesexpressedjoythecauseofwhichIdidnotcomprehendPresentlyIfoundbythefrequentrecurrenceofsomesoundwhichthestrangerrepeatedafterthemthatshewasendeavouringtolearntheirlanguageandtheideainstantlyoccurredtomethatIshouldmakeuseofthesameinstructionstothesameendThestrangerlearnedabouttwentywordsatthefirstlessonmostofthemindeedwerethosewhichIhadbeforeunderstoodbutIprofitedbytheothersAsnightcameonAgathaandtheArabianretiredearlyWhentheyseparatedFelixkissedthehandofthestrangerandsaidGoodnightsweetSafieHesatupmuchlongerconversingwithhisfatherandbythefrequentrepetitionofhernameIconjecturedthattheirlovelyguestwasthesubjectoftheirconversationIardentlydesiredtounderstandthemandbenteveryfacultytowardsthatpurposebutfounditutterlyimpossibleThenextmorningFelixwentouttohisworkandaftertheusualoccupationsofAgathawerefinishedtheArabiansatatthefeetoftheoldmanandtakinghisguitarplayedsomeairssoentrancinglybeautifulthattheyatoncedrewtearsofsorrowanddelightfrommyeyesShesangandhervoiceflowedinarichcadenceswellingordyingawaylikeanightingaleofthewoodsWhenshehadfinishedshegavetheguitartoAgathawhoatfirstdeclineditSheplayedasimpleairandhervoiceaccompanieditinsweetaccentsbutunlikethewondrousstrainofthestrangerTheoldmanappearedenrapturedandsaidsomewordswhichAgathaendeavouredtoexplaintoSafieandbywhichheappearedtowishtoexpressthatshebestowedonhimthegreatestdelightbyhermusicThedaysnowpassedaspeaceablyasbeforewiththesolealterationthatjoyhadtakenplaceofsadnessinthecountenancesofmyfriendsSafiewasalwaysgayandhappysheandIimprovedrapidlyintheknowledgeoflanguagesothatintwomonthsIbegantocomprehendmostofthewordsutteredbymyprotectorsInthemeanwhilealsotheblackgroundwascoveredwithherbageandthegreenbanksinterspersedwithinnumerableflowerssweettothescentandtheeyesstarsofpaleradianceamongthemoonlightwoodsthesunbecamewarmerthenightsclearandbalmyandmynocturnalrambleswereanextremepleasuretomealthoughtheywereconsiderablyshortenedbythelatesettingandearlyrisingofthesunforIneverventuredabroadduringdaylightfearfulofmeetingwiththesametreatmentIhadformerlyenduredinthefirstvillagewhichIenteredMydayswerespentincloseattentionthatImightmorespeedilymasterthelanguageandImayboastthatIimprovedmorerapidlythantheArabianwhounderstoodverylittleandconversedinbrokenaccentswhilstIcomprehendedandcouldimitatealmosteverywordthatwasspokenWhileIimprovedinspeechIalsolearnedthescienceoflettersasitwastaughttothestrangerandthisopenedbeforemeawidefieldforwonderanddelightThebookfromwhichFelixinstructedSafiewasVolneysRuinsofEmpiresIshouldnothaveunderstoodthepurportofthisbookhadnotFelixinreadingitgivenveryminuteexplanationsHehadchosenthisworkhesaidbecausethedeclamatorystylewasframedinimitationoftheEasternauthorsThroughthisworkIobtainedacursoryknowledgeofhistoryandaviewoftheseveralempiresatpresentexistingintheworlditgavemeaninsightintothemannersgovernmentsandreligionsofthedifferentnationsoftheearthIheardoftheslothfulAsiaticsofthestupendousgeniusandmentalactivityoftheGreciansofthewarsandwonderfulvirtueoftheearlyRomansoftheirsubsequentdegeneratingofthedeclineofthatmightyempireofchivalryChristianityandkingsIheardofthediscoveryoftheAmericanhemisphereandweptwithSafieoverthehaplessfateofitsoriginalinhabitantsThesewonderfulnarrationsinspiredmewithstrangefeelingsWasmanindeedatoncesopowerfulsovirtuousandmagnificentyetsoviciousandbaseHeappearedatonetimeamerescionoftheevilprincipleandatanotherasallthatcanbeconceivedofnobleandgodlikeTobeagreatandvirtuousmanappearedthehighesthonourthatcanbefallasensitivebeingtobebaseandviciousasmanyonrecordhavebeenappearedthelowestdegradationaconditionmoreabjectthanthatoftheblindmoleorharmlesswormForalongtimeIcouldnotconceivehowonemancouldgoforthtomurderhisfelloworevenwhytherewerelawsandgovernmentsbutwhenIhearddetailsofviceandbloodshedmywonderceasedandIturnedawaywithdisgustandloathingEveryconversationofthecottagersnowopenednewwonderstomeWhileIlistenedtotheinstructionswhichFelixbestowedupontheArabianthestrangesystemofhumansocietywasexplainedtomeIheardofthedivisionofpropertyofimmensewealthandsqualidpovertyofrankdescentandnoblebloodThewordsinducedmetoturntowardsmyselfIlearnedthatthepossessionsmostesteemedbyyourfellowcreatureswerehighandunsullieddescentunitedwithrichesAmanmightberespectedwithonlyoneoftheseadvantagesbutwithouteitherhewasconsideredexceptinveryrareinstancesasavagabondandaslavedoomedtowastehispowersfortheprofitsofthechosenfewAndwhatwasIOfmycreationandcreatorIwasabsolutelyignorantbutIknewthatIpossessednomoneynofriendsnokindofpropertyIwasbesidesenduedwithafigurehideouslydeformedandloathsomeIwasnotevenofthesamenatureasmanIwasmoreagilethantheyandcouldsubsistuponcoarserdietIboretheextremesofheatandcoldwithlessinjurytomyframemystaturefarexceededtheirsWhenIlookedaroundIsawandheardofnonelikemeWasIthenamonsterablotupontheearthfromwhichallmenfledandwhomallmendisownedIcannotdescribetoyoutheagonythatthesereflectionsinflicteduponmeItriedtodispelthembutsorrowonlyincreasedwithknowledgeOhthatIhadforeverremainedinmynativewoodnorknownnorfeltbeyondthesensationsofhungerthirstandheatOfwhatastrangenatureisknowledgeItclingstothemindwhenithasonceseizedonitlikealichenontherockIwishedsometimestoshakeoffallthoughtandfeelingbutIlearnedthattherewasbutonemeanstoovercomethesensationofpainandthatwasdeathastatewhichIfearedyetdidnotunderstandIadmiredvirtueandgoodfeelingsandlovedthegentlemannersandamiablequalitiesofmycottagersbutIwasshutoutfromintercoursewiththemexceptthroughmeanswhichIobtainedbystealthwhenIwasunseenandunknownandwhichratherincreasedthansatisfiedthedesireIhadofbecomingoneamongmyfellowsThegentlewordsofAgathaandtheanimatedsmilesofthecharmingArabianwerenotformeThemildexhortationsoftheoldmanandthelivelyconversationofthelovedFelixwerenotformeMiserableunhappywretchOtherlessonswereimpresseduponmeevenmoredeeplyIheardofthedifferenceofsexesandthebirthandgrowthofchildrenhowthefatherdotedonthesmilesoftheinfantandthelivelysalliesoftheolderchildhowallthelifeandcaresofthemotherwerewrappedupinthepreciouschargehowthemindofyouthexpandedandgainedknowledgeofbrothersisterandallthevariousrelationshipswhichbindonehumanbeingtoanotherinmutualbondsButwhereweremyfriendsandrelationsNofatherhadwatchedmyinfantdaysnomotherhadblessedmewithsmilesandcaressesoriftheyhadallmypastlifewasnowablotablindvacancyinwhichIdistinguishednothingFrommyearliestremembranceIhadbeenasIthenwasinheightandproportionIhadneveryetseenabeingresemblingmeorwhoclaimedanyintercoursewithmeWhatwasIThequestionagainrecurredtobeansweredonlywithgroansIwillsoonexplaintowhatthesefeelingstendedbutallowmenowtoreturntothecottagerswhosestoryexcitedinmesuchvariousfeelingsofindignationdelightandwonderbutwhichallterminatedinadditionalloveandreverenceformyprotectorsforsoIlovedinaninnocenthalfpainfulselfdeceittocallthemSometimeelapsedbeforeIlearnedthehistoryofmyfriendsItwasonewhichcouldnotfailtoimpressitselfdeeplyonmymindunfoldingasitdidanumberofcircumstanceseachinterestingandwonderfultoonesoutterlyinexperiencedasIwasThenameoftheoldmanwasDeLaceyHewasdescendedfromagoodfamilyinFrancewherehehadlivedformanyyearsinaffluencerespectedbyhissuperiorsandbelovedbyhisequalsHissonwasbredintheserviceofhiscountryandAgathahadrankedwithladiesofthehighestdistinctionAfewmonthsbeforemyarrivaltheyhadlivedinalargeandluxuriouscitycalledParissurroundedbyfriendsandpossessedofeveryenjoymentwhichvirtuerefinementofintellectortasteaccompaniedbyamoderatefortunecouldaffordThefatherofSafiehadbeenthecauseoftheirruinHewasaTurkishmerchantandhadinhabitedParisformanyyearswhenforsomereasonwhichIcouldnotlearnhebecameobnoxioustothegovernmentHewasseizedandcastintoprisontheverydaythatSafiearrivedfromConstantinopletojoinhimHewastriedandcondemnedtodeathTheinjusticeofhissentencewasveryflagrantallPariswasindignantanditwasjudgedthathisreligionandwealthratherthanthecrimeallegedagainsthimhadbeenthecauseofhiscondemnationFelixhadaccidentallybeenpresentatthetrialhishorrorandindignationwereuncontrollablewhenheheardthedecisionofthecourtHemadeatthatmomentasolemnvowtodeliverhimandthenlookedaroundforthemeansAftermanyfruitlessattemptstogainadmittancetotheprisonhefoundastronglygratedwindowinanunguardedpartofthebuildingwhichlightedthedungeonoftheunfortunateMuhammadanwholoadedwithchainswaitedindespairtheexecutionofthebarbaroussentenceFelixvisitedthegrateatnightandmadeknowntotheprisonerhisintentionsinhisfavourTheTurkamazedanddelightedendeavouredtokindlethezealofhisdelivererbypromisesofrewardandwealthFelixrejectedhisofferswithcontemptyetwhenhesawthelovelySafiewhowasallowedtovisitherfatherandwhobyhergesturesexpressedherlivelygratitudetheyouthcouldnothelpowningtohisownmindthatthecaptivepossessedatreasurewhichwouldfullyrewardhistoilandhazardTheTurkquicklyperceivedtheimpressionthathisdaughterhadmadeontheheartofFelixandendeavouredtosecurehimmoreentirelyinhisinterestsbythepromiseofherhandinmarriagesosoonasheshouldbeconveyedtoaplaceofsafetyFelixwastoodelicatetoacceptthisofferyethelookedforwardtotheprobabilityoftheeventastotheconsummationofhishappinessDuringtheensuingdayswhilethepreparationsweregoingforwardfortheescapeofthemerchantthezealofFelixwaswarmedbyseverallettersthathereceivedfromthislovelygirlwhofoundmeanstoexpressherthoughtsinthelanguageofherloverbytheaidofanoldmanaservantofherfatherwhounderstoodFrenchShethankedhiminthemostardenttermsforhisintendedservicestowardsherparentandatthesametimeshegentlydeploredherownfateIhavecopiesoftheselettersforIfoundmeansduringmyresidenceinthehoveltoprocuretheimplementsofwritingandtheletterswereofteninthehandsofFelixorAgathaBeforeIdepartIwillgivethemtoyoutheywillprovethetruthofmytalebutatpresentasthesunisalreadyfardeclinedIshallonlyhavetimetorepeatthesubstanceofthemtoyouSafierelatedthathermotherwasaChristianArabseizedandmadeaslavebytheTurksrecommendedbyherbeautyshehadwontheheartofthefatherofSafiewhomarriedherTheyounggirlspokeinhighandenthusiastictermsofhermotherwhoborninfreedomspurnedthebondagetowhichshewasnowreducedSheinstructedherdaughterinthetenetsofherreligionandtaughthertoaspiretohigherpowersofintellectandanindependenceofspiritforbiddentothefemalefollowersofMuhammadThisladydiedbutherlessonswereindeliblyimpressedonthemindofSafiewhosickenedattheprospectofagainreturningtoAsiaandbeingimmuredwithinthewallsofaharemallowedonlytooccupyherselfwithinfantileamusementsillsuitedtothetemperofhersoulnowaccustomedtograndideasandanobleemulationforvirtueTheprospectofmarryingaChristianandremaininginacountrywherewomenwereallowedtotakearankinsocietywasenchantingtoherThedayfortheexecutionoftheTurkwasfixedbutonthenightprevioustoithequittedhisprisonandbeforemorningwasdistantmanyleaguesfromParisFelixhadprocuredpassportsinthenameofhisfathersisterandhimselfHehadpreviouslycommunicatedhisplantotheformerwhoaidedthedeceitbyquittinghishouseunderthepretenceofajourneyandconcealedhimselfwithhisdaughterinanobscurepartofParisFelixconductedthefugitivesthroughFrancetoLyonsandacrossMontCenistoLeghornwherethemerchanthaddecidedtowaitafavourableopportunityofpassingintosomepartoftheTurkishdominionsSafieresolvedtoremainwithherfatheruntilthemomentofhisdeparturebeforewhichtimetheTurkrenewedhispromisethatsheshouldbeunitedtohisdelivererandFelixremainedwiththeminexpectationofthateventandinthemeantimeheenjoyedthesocietyoftheArabianwhoexhibitedtowardshimthesimplestandtenderestaffectionTheyconversedwithoneanotherthroughthemeansofaninterpreterandsometimeswiththeinterpretationoflooksandSafiesangtohimthedivineairsofhernativecountryTheTurkallowedthisintimacytotakeplaceandencouragedthehopesoftheyouthfulloverswhileinhishearthehadformedfarotherplansHeloathedtheideathathisdaughtershouldbeunitedtoaChristianbuthefearedtheresentmentofFelixifheshouldappearlukewarmforheknewthathewasstillinthepowerofhisdelivererifheshouldchoosetobetrayhimtotheItalianstatewhichtheyinhabitedHerevolvedathousandplansbywhichheshouldbeenabledtoprolongthedeceituntilitmightbenolongernecessaryandsecretlytotakehisdaughterwithhimwhenhedepartedHisplanswerefacilitatedbythenewswhicharrivedfromParisThegovernmentofFranceweregreatlyenragedattheescapeoftheirvictimandsparednopainstodetectandpunishhisdelivererTheplotofFelixwasquicklydiscoveredandDeLaceyandAgathawerethrownintoprisonThenewsreachedFelixandrousedhimfromhisdreamofpleasureHisblindandagedfatherandhisgentlesisterlayinanoisomedungeonwhileheenjoyedthefreeairandthesocietyofherwhomhelovedThisideawastorturetohimHequicklyarrangedwiththeTurkthatifthelattershouldfindafavourableopportunityforescapebeforeFelixcouldreturntoItalySafieshouldremainasaboarderataconventatLeghornandthenquittingthelovelyArabianhehastenedtoParisanddeliveredhimselfuptothevengeanceofthelawhopingtofreeDeLaceyandAgathabythisproceedingHedidnotsucceedTheyremainedconfinedforfivemonthsbeforethetrialtookplacetheresultofwhichdeprivedthemoftheirfortuneandcondemnedthemtoaperpetualexilefromtheirnativecountryTheyfoundamiserableasyluminthecottageinGermanywhereIdiscoveredthemFelixsoonlearnedthatthetreacherousTurkforwhomheandhisfamilyenduredsuchunheardofoppressionondiscoveringthathisdelivererwasthusreducedtopovertyandruinbecameatraitortogoodfeelingandhonourandhadquittedItalywithhisdaughterinsultinglysendingFelixapittanceofmoneytoaidhimashesaidinsomeplanoffuturemaintenanceSuchweretheeventsthatpreyedontheheartofFelixandrenderedhimwhenIfirstsawhimthemostmiserableofhisfamilyHecouldhaveenduredpovertyandwhilethisdistresshadbeenthemeedofhisvirtuehegloriedinitbuttheingratitudeoftheTurkandthelossofhisbelovedSafieweremisfortunesmorebitterandirreparableThearrivaloftheArabiannowinfusednewlifeintohissoulWhenthenewsreachedLeghornthatFelixwasdeprivedofhiswealthandrankthemerchantcommandedhisdaughtertothinknomoreofherloverbuttopreparetoreturntohernativecountryThegenerousnatureofSafiewasoutragedbythiscommandsheattemptedtoexpostulatewithherfatherbutheleftherangrilyreiteratinghistyrannicalmandateAfewdaysaftertheTurkenteredhisdaughtersapartmentandtoldherhastilythathehadreasontobelievethathisresidenceatLeghornhadbeendivulgedandthatheshouldspeedilybedelivereduptotheFrenchgovernmenthehadconsequentlyhiredavesseltoconveyhimtoConstantinopleforwhichcityheshouldsailinafewhoursHeintendedtoleavehisdaughterunderthecareofaconfidentialservanttofollowatherleisurewiththegreaterpartofhispropertywhichhadnotyetarrivedatLeghornWhenaloneSafieresolvedinherownmindtheplanofconductthatitwouldbecomehertopursueinthisemergencyAresidenceinTurkeywasabhorrenttoherherreligionandherfeelingswerealikeaversetoitBysomepapersofherfatherwhichfellintoherhandssheheardoftheexileofherloverandlearntthenameofthespotwherehethenresidedShehesitatedsometimebutatlengthsheformedherdeterminationTakingwithhersomejewelsthatbelongedtoherandasumofmoneyshequittedItalywithanattendantanativeofLeghornbutwhounderstoodthecommonlanguageofTurkeyanddepartedforGermanyShearrivedinsafetyatatownabouttwentyleaguesfromthecottageofDeLaceywhenherattendantfelldangerouslyillSafienursedherwiththemostdevotedaffectionbutthepoorgirldiedandtheArabianwasleftaloneunacquaintedwiththelanguageofthecountryandutterlyignorantofthecustomsoftheworldShefellhoweverintogoodhandsTheItalianhadmentionedthenameofthespotforwhichtheywereboundandafterherdeaththewomanofthehouseinwhichtheyhadlivedtookcarethatSafieshouldarriveinsafetyatthecottageofherloverSuchwasthehistoryofmybelovedcottagersItimpressedmedeeplyIlearnedfromtheviewsofsociallifewhichitdevelopedtoadmiretheirvirtuesandtodeprecatethevicesofmankindAsyetIlookeduponcrimeasadistantevilbenevolenceandgenerositywereeverpresentbeforemeincitingwithinmeadesiretobecomeanactorinthebusyscenewheresomanyadmirablequalitieswerecalledforthanddisplayedButingivinganaccountoftheprogressofmyintellectImustnotomitacircumstancewhichoccurredinthebeginningofthemonthofAugustofthesameyearOnenightduringmyaccustomedvisittotheneighbouringwoodwhereIcollectedmyownfoodandbroughthomefiringformyprotectorsIfoundonthegroundaleathernportmanteaucontainingseveralarticlesofdressandsomebooksIeagerlyseizedtheprizeandreturnedwithittomyhovelFortunatelythebookswerewritteninthelanguagetheelementsofwhichIhadacquiredatthecottagetheyconsistedofParadiseLostavolumeofPlutarchsLivesandtheSorrowsofWerterThepossessionofthesetreasuresgavemeextremedelightInowcontinuallystudiedandexercisedmyminduponthesehistorieswhilstmyfriendswereemployedintheirordinaryoccupationsIcanhardlydescribetoyoutheeffectofthesebooksTheyproducedinmeaninfinityofnewimagesandfeelingsthatsometimesraisedmetoecstasybutmorefrequentlysunkmeintothelowestdejectionIntheSorrowsofWerterbesidestheinterestofitssimpleandaffectingstorysomanyopinionsarecanvassedandsomanylightsthrownuponwhathadhithertobeentomeobscuresubjectsthatIfoundinitaneverendingsourceofspeculationandastonishmentThegentleanddomesticmannersitdescribedcombinedwithloftysentimentsandfeelingswhichhadfortheirobjectsomethingoutofselfaccordedwellwithmyexperienceamongmyprotectorsandwiththewantswhichwereforeveraliveinmyownbosomButIthoughtWerterhimselfamoredivinebeingthanIhadeverbeheldorimaginedhischaractercontainednopretensionbutitsankdeepThedisquisitionsupondeathandsuicidewerecalculatedtofillmewithwonderIdidnotpretendtoenterintothemeritsofthecaseyetIinclinedtowardstheopinionsoftheherowhoseextinctionIweptwithoutpreciselyunderstandingitAsIreadhoweverIappliedmuchpersonallytomyownfeelingsandconditionIfoundmyselfsimilaryetatthesametimestrangelyunliketothebeingsconcerningwhomIreadandtowhoseconversationIwasalistenerIsympathisedwithandpartlyunderstoodthembutIwasunformedinmindIwasdependentonnoneandrelatedtononeThepathofmydeparturewasfreeandtherewasnonetolamentmyannihilationMypersonwashideousandmystaturegiganticWhatdidthismeanWhowasIWhatwasIWhencedidIcomeWhatwasmydestinationThesequestionscontinuallyrecurredbutIwasunabletosolvethemThevolumeofPlutarchsLiveswhichIpossessedcontainedthehistoriesofthefirstfoundersoftheancientrepublicsThisbookhadafardifferenteffectuponmefromtheSorrowsofWerterIlearnedfromWertersimaginationsdespondencyandgloombutPlutarchtaughtmehighthoughtsheelevatedmeabovethewretchedsphereofmyownreflectionstoadmireandlovetheheroesofpastagesManythingsIreadsurpassedmyunderstandingandexperienceIhadaveryconfusedknowledgeofkingdomswideextentsofcountrymightyriversandboundlessseasButIwasperfectlyunacquaintedwithtownsandlargeassemblagesofmenThecottageofmyprotectorshadbeentheonlyschoolinwhichIhadstudiedhumannaturebutthisbookdevelopednewandmightierscenesofactionIreadofmenconcernedinpublicaffairsgoverningormassacringtheirspeciesIfeltthegreatestardourforvirtuerisewithinmeandabhorrenceforviceasfarasIunderstoodthesignificationofthosetermsrelativeastheywereasIappliedthemtopleasureandpainaloneInducedbythesefeelingsIwasofcourseledtoadmirepeaceablelawgiversNumaSolonandLycurgusinpreferencetoRomulusandTheseusThepatriarchallivesofmyprotectorscausedtheseimpressionstotakeafirmholdonmymindperhapsifmyfirstintroductiontohumanityhadbeenmadebyayoungsoldierburningforgloryandslaughterIshouldhavebeenimbuedwithdifferentsensationsButParadiseLostexciteddifferentandfardeeperemotionsIreaditasIhadreadtheothervolumeswhichhadfallenintomyhandsasatruehistoryItmovedeveryfeelingofwonderandawethatthepictureofanomnipotentGodwarringwithhiscreatureswascapableofexcitingIoftenreferredtheseveralsituationsastheirsimilaritystruckmetomyownLikeAdamIwasapparentlyunitedbynolinktoanyotherbeinginexistencebuthisstatewasfardifferentfrommineineveryotherrespectHehadcomeforthfromthehandsofGodaperfectcreaturehappyandprosperousguardedbytheespecialcareofhisCreatorhewasallowedtoconversewithandacquireknowledgefrombeingsofasuperiornaturebutIwaswretchedhelplessandaloneManytimesIconsideredSatanasthefitteremblemofmyconditionforoftenlikehimwhenIviewedtheblissofmyprotectorsthebittergallofenvyrosewithinmeAnothercircumstancestrengthenedandconfirmedthesefeelingsSoonaftermyarrivalinthehovelIdiscoveredsomepapersinthepocketofthedresswhichIhadtakenfromyourlaboratoryAtfirstIhadneglectedthembutnowthatIwasabletodecipherthecharactersinwhichtheywerewrittenIbegantostudythemwithdiligenceItwasyourjournalofthefourmonthsthatprecededmycreationYouminutelydescribedinthesepaperseverystepyoutookintheprogressofyourworkthishistorywasmingledwithaccountsofdomesticoccurrencesYoudoubtlessrecollectthesepapersHeretheyareEverythingisrelatedinthemwhichbearsreferencetomyaccursedoriginthewholedetailofthatseriesofdisgustingcircumstanceswhichproduceditissetinviewtheminutestdescriptionofmyodiousandloathsomepersonisgiveninlanguagewhichpaintedyourownhorrorsandrenderedmineindelibleIsickenedasIreadHatefuldaywhenIreceivedlifeIexclaimedinagonyAccursedcreatorWhydidyouformamonstersohideousthatevenyouturnedfrommeindisgustGodinpitymademanbeautifulandalluringafterhisownimagebutmyformisafilthytypeofyoursmorehorridevenfromtheveryresemblanceSatanhadhiscompanionsfellowdevilstoadmireandencouragehimbutIamsolitaryandabhorredThesewerethereflectionsofmyhoursofdespondencyandsolitudebutwhenIcontemplatedthevirtuesofthecottagerstheiramiableandbenevolentdispositionsIpersuadedmyselfthatwhentheyshouldbecomeacquaintedwithmyadmirationoftheirvirtuestheywouldcompassionatemeandoverlookmypersonaldeformityCouldtheyturnfromtheirdooronehowevermonstrouswhosolicitedtheircompassionandfriendshipIresolvedatleastnottodespairbutineverywaytofitmyselfforaninterviewwiththemwhichwoulddecidemyfateIpostponedthisattemptforsomemonthslongerfortheimportanceattachedtoitssuccessinspiredmewithadreadlestIshouldfailBesidesIfoundthatmyunderstandingimprovedsomuchwitheverydaysexperiencethatIwasunwillingtocommencethisundertakinguntilafewmoremonthsshouldhaveaddedtomysagacitySeveralchangesinthemeantimetookplaceinthecottageThepresenceofSafiediffusedhappinessamongitsinhabitantsandIalsofoundthatagreaterdegreeofplentyreignedthereFelixandAgathaspentmoretimeinamusementandconversationandwereassistedintheirlaboursbyservantsTheydidnotappearrichbuttheywerecontentedandhappytheirfeelingsweresereneandpeacefulwhileminebecameeverydaymoretumultuousIncreaseofknowledgeonlydiscoveredtomemoreclearlywhatawretchedoutcastIwasIcherishedhopeitistruebutitvanishedwhenIbeheldmypersonreflectedinwaterormyshadowinthemoonshineevenasthatfrailimageandthatinconstantshadeIendeavouredtocrushthesefearsandtofortifymyselfforthetrialwhichinafewmonthsIresolvedtoundergoandsometimesIallowedmythoughtsuncheckedbyreasontorambleinthefieldsofParadiseanddaredtofancyamiableandlovelycreaturessympathisingwithmyfeelingsandcheeringmygloomtheirangeliccountenancesbreathedsmilesofconsolationButitwasalladreamnoEvesoothedmysorrowsnorsharedmythoughtsIwasaloneIrememberedAdamssupplicationtohisCreatorButwherewasmineHehadabandonedmeandinthebitternessofmyheartIcursedhimAutumnpassedthusIsawwithsurpriseandgrieftheleavesdecayandfallandnatureagainassumethebarrenandbleakappearanceithadwornwhenIfirstbeheldthewoodsandthelovelymoonYetIdidnotheedthebleaknessoftheweatherIwasbetterfittedbymyconformationfortheenduranceofcoldthanheatButmychiefdelightswerethesightoftheflowersthebirdsandallthegayapparelofsummerwhenthosedesertedmeIturnedwithmoreattentiontowardsthecottagersTheirhappinesswasnotdecreasedbytheabsenceofsummerTheylovedandsympathisedwithoneanotherandtheirjoysdependingoneachotherwerenotinterruptedbythecasualtiesthattookplacearoundthemThemoreIsawofthemthegreaterbecamemydesiretoclaimtheirprotectionandkindnessmyheartyearnedtobeknownandlovedbytheseamiablecreaturestoseetheirsweetlooksdirectedtowardsmewithaffectionwastheutmostlimitofmyambitionIdarednotthinkthattheywouldturnthemfrommewithdisdainandhorrorThepoorthatstoppedattheirdoorwereneverdrivenawayIaskeditistrueforgreatertreasuresthanalittlefoodorrestIrequiredkindnessandsympathybutIdidnotbelievemyselfutterlyunworthyofitThewinteradvancedandanentirerevolutionoftheseasonshadtakenplacesinceIawokeintolifeMyattentionatthistimewassolelydirectedtowardsmyplanofintroducingmyselfintothecottageofmyprotectorsIrevolvedmanyprojectsbutthatonwhichIfinallyfixedwastoenterthedwellingwhentheblindoldmanshouldbealoneIhadsagacityenoughtodiscoverthattheunnaturalhideousnessofmypersonwasthechiefobjectofhorrorwiththosewhohadformerlybeheldmeMyvoicealthoughharshhadnothingterribleinitIthoughtthereforethatifintheabsenceofhischildrenIcouldgainthegoodwillandmediationoftheoldDeLaceyImightbyhismeansbetoleratedbymyyoungerprotectorsOnedaywhenthesunshoneontheredleavesthatstrewedthegroundanddiffusedcheerfulnessalthoughitdeniedwarmthSafieAgathaandFelixdepartedonalongcountrywalkandtheoldmanathisowndesirewasleftaloneinthecottageWhenhischildrenhaddepartedhetookuphisguitarandplayedseveralmournfulbutsweetairsmoresweetandmournfulthanIhadeverheardhimplaybeforeAtfirsthiscountenancewasilluminatedwithpleasurebutashecontinuedthoughtfulnessandsadnesssucceededatlengthlayingasidetheinstrumenthesatabsorbedinreflectionMyheartbeatquickthiswasthehourandmomentoftrialwhichwoulddecidemyhopesorrealisemyfearsTheservantsweregonetoaneighbouringfairAllwassilentinandaroundthecottageitwasanexcellentopportunityyetwhenIproceededtoexecutemyplanmylimbsfailedmeandIsanktothegroundAgainIroseandexertingallthefirmnessofwhichIwasmasterremovedtheplankswhichIhadplacedbeforemyhoveltoconcealmyretreatThefreshairrevivedmeandwithreneweddeterminationIapproachedthedooroftheircottageIknockedWhoistheresaidtheoldmanComeinIenteredPardonthisintrusionsaidIIamatravellerinwantofalittlerestyouwouldgreatlyobligemeifyouwouldallowmetoremainafewminutesbeforethefireEntersaidDeLaceyandIwilltryinwhatmannerIcantorelieveyourwantsbutunfortunatelymychildrenarefromhomeandasIamblindIamafraidIshallfinditdifficulttoprocurefoodforyouDonottroubleyourselfmykindhostIhavefooditiswarmthandrestonlythatIneedIsatdownandasilenceensuedIknewthateveryminutewasprecioustomeyetIremainedirresoluteinwhatmannertocommencetheinterviewwhentheoldmanaddressedmeByyourlanguagestrangerIsupposeyouaremycountrymanareyouFrenchNobutIwaseducatedbyaFrenchfamilyandunderstandthatlanguageonlyIamnowgoingtoclaimtheprotectionofsomefriendswhomIsincerelyloveandofwhosefavourIhavesomehopesAretheyGermansNotheyareFrenchButletuschangethesubjectIamanunfortunateanddesertedcreatureIlookaroundandIhavenorelationorfrienduponearthTheseamiablepeopletowhomIgohaveneverseenmeandknowlittleofmeIamfulloffearsforifIfailthereIamanoutcastintheworldforeverDonotdespairTobefriendlessisindeedtobeunfortunatebuttheheartsofmenwhenunprejudicedbyanyobviousselfinterestarefullofbrotherlyloveandcharityRelythereforeonyourhopesandifthesefriendsaregoodandamiabledonotdespairTheyarekindtheyarethemostexcellentcreaturesintheworldbutunfortunatelytheyareprejudicedagainstmeIhavegooddispositionsmylifehasbeenhithertoharmlessandinsomedegreebeneficialbutafatalprejudicecloudstheireyesandwheretheyoughttoseeafeelingandkindfriendtheybeholdonlyadetestablemonsterThatisindeedunfortunatebutifyouarereallyblamelesscannotyouundeceivethemIamabouttoundertakethattaskanditisonthataccountthatIfeelsomanyoverwhelmingterrorsItenderlylovethesefriendsIhaveunknowntothembeenformanymonthsinthehabitsofdailykindnesstowardsthembuttheybelievethatIwishtoinjurethemanditisthatprejudicewhichIwishtoovercomeWheredothesefriendsresideNearthisspotTheoldmanpausedandthencontinuedIfyouwillunreservedlyconfidetometheparticularsofyourtaleIperhapsmaybeofuseinundeceivingthemIamblindandcannotjudgeofyourcountenancebutthereissomethinginyourwordswhichpersuadesmethatyouaresincereIampoorandanexilebutitwillaffordmetruepleasuretobeinanywayserviceabletoahumancreatureExcellentmanIthankyouandacceptyourgenerousofferYouraisemefromthedustbythiskindnessandItrustthatbyyouraidIshallnotbedrivenfromthesocietyandsympathyofyourfellowcreaturesHeavenforbidEvenifyouwerereallycriminalforthatcanonlydriveyoutodesperationandnotinstigateyoutovirtueIalsoamunfortunateIandmyfamilyhavebeencondemnedalthoughinnocentjudgethereforeifIdonotfeelforyourmisfortunesHowcanIthankyoumybestandonlybenefactorFromyourlipsfirsthaveIheardthevoiceofkindnessdirectedtowardsmeIshallbeforevergratefulandyourpresenthumanityassuresmeofsuccesswiththosefriendswhomIamonthepointofmeetingMayIknowthenamesandresidenceofthosefriendsIpausedThisIthoughtwasthemomentofdecisionwhichwastorobmeoforbestowhappinessonmeforeverIstruggledvainlyforfirmnesssufficienttoanswerhimbuttheeffortdestroyedallmyremainingstrengthIsankonthechairandsobbedaloudAtthatmomentIheardthestepsofmyyoungerprotectorsIhadnotamomenttolosebutseizingthehandoftheoldmanIcriedNowisthetimeSaveandprotectmeYouandyourfamilyarethefriendswhomIseekDonotyoudesertmeinthehouroftrialGreatGodexclaimedtheoldmanWhoareyouAtthatinstantthecottagedoorwasopenedandFelixSafieandAgathaenteredWhocandescribetheirhorrorandconsternationonbeholdingmeAgathafaintedandSafieunabletoattendtoherfriendrushedoutofthecottageFelixdartedforwardandwithsupernaturalforcetoremefromhisfathertowhosekneesIclunginatransportoffuryhedashedmetothegroundandstruckmeviolentlywithastickIcouldhavetornhimlimbfromlimbasthelionrendstheantelopeButmyheartsankwithinmeaswithbittersicknessandIrefrainedIsawhimonthepointofrepeatinghisblowwhenovercomebypainandanguishIquittedthecottageandinthegeneraltumultescapedunperceivedtomyhovelCursedcursedcreatorWhydidIliveWhyinthatinstantdidInotextinguishthesparkofexistencewhichyouhadsowantonlybestowedIknownotdespairhadnotyettakenpossessionofmemyfeelingswerethoseofrageandrevengeIcouldwithpleasurehavedestroyedthecottageanditsinhabitantsandhavegluttedmyselfwiththeirshrieksandmiseryWhennightcameIquittedmyretreatandwanderedinthewoodandnownolongerrestrainedbythefearofdiscoveryIgaveventtomyanguishinfearfulhowlingsIwaslikeawildbeastthathadbrokenthetoilsdestroyingtheobjectsthatobstructedmeandrangingthroughthewoodwithastaglikeswiftnessOhWhatamiserablenightIpassedThecoldstarsshoneinmockeryandthebaretreeswavedtheirbranchesabovemenowandthenthesweetvoiceofabirdburstforthamidsttheuniversalstillnessAllsaveIwereatrestorinenjoymentIlikethearchfiendboreahellwithinmeandfindingmyselfunsympathisedwithwishedtotearupthetreesspreadhavocanddestructionaroundmeandthentohavesatdownandenjoyedtheruinButthiswasaluxuryofsensationthatcouldnotendureIbecamefatiguedwithexcessofbodilyexertionandsankonthedampgrassinthesickimpotenceofdespairTherewasnoneamongthemyriadsofmenthatexistedwhowouldpityorassistmeandshouldIfeelkindnesstowardsmyenemiesNofromthatmomentIdeclaredeverlastingwaragainstthespeciesandmorethanallagainsthimwhohadformedmeandsentmeforthtothisinsupportablemiseryThesunroseIheardthevoicesofmenandknewthatitwasimpossibletoreturntomyretreatduringthatdayAccordinglyIhidmyselfinsomethickunderwooddeterminingtodevotetheensuinghourstoreflectiononmysituationThepleasantsunshineandthepureairofdayrestoredmetosomedegreeoftranquillityandwhenIconsideredwhathadpassedatthecottageIcouldnothelpbelievingthatIhadbeentoohastyinmyconclusionsIhadcertainlyactedimprudentlyItwasapparentthatmyconversationhadinterestedthefatherinmybehalfandIwasafoolinhavingexposedmypersontothehorrorofhischildrenIoughttohavefamiliarisedtheoldDeLaceytomeandbydegreestohavediscoveredmyselftotherestofhisfamilywhentheyshouldhavebeenpreparedformyapproachButIdidnotbelievemyerrorstobeirretrievableandaftermuchconsiderationIresolvedtoreturntothecottageseektheoldmanandbymyrepresentationswinhimtomypartyThesethoughtscalmedmeandintheafternoonIsankintoaprofoundsleepbutthefeverofmyblooddidnotallowmetobevisitedbypeacefuldreamsThehorriblesceneoftheprecedingdaywasforeveractingbeforemyeyesthefemaleswereflyingandtheenragedFelixtearingmefromhisfathersfeetIawokeexhaustedandfindingthatitwasalreadynightIcreptforthfrommyhidingplaceandwentinsearchoffoodWhenmyhungerwasappeasedIdirectedmystepstowardsthewellknownpaththatconductedtothecottageAlltherewasatpeaceIcreptintomyhovelandremainedinsilentexpectationoftheaccustomedhourwhenthefamilyaroseThathourpassedthesunmountedhighintheheavensbutthecottagersdidnotappearItrembledviolentlyapprehendingsomedreadfulmisfortuneTheinsideofthecottagewasdarkandIheardnomotionIcannotdescribetheagonyofthissuspensePresentlytwocountrymenpassedbybutpausingnearthecottagetheyenteredintoconversationusingviolentgesticulationsbutIdidnotunderstandwhattheysaidastheyspokethelanguageofthecountrywhichdifferedfromthatofmyprotectorsSoonafterhoweverFelixapproachedwithanothermanIwassurprisedasIknewthathehadnotquittedthecottagethatmorningandwaitedanxiouslytodiscoverfromhisdiscoursethemeaningoftheseunusualappearancesDoyouconsidersaidhiscompaniontohimthatyouwillbeobligedtopaythreemonthsrentandtolosetheproduceofyourgardenIdonotwishtotakeanyunfairadvantageandIbegthereforethatyouwilltakesomedaystoconsiderofyourdeterminationItisutterlyuselessrepliedFelixwecanneveragaininhabityourcottageThelifeofmyfatherisinthegreatestdangerowingtothedreadfulcircumstancethatIhaverelatedMywifeandmysisterwillneverrecoverfromtheirhorrorIentreatyounottoreasonwithmeanymoreTakepossessionofyourtenementandletmeflyfromthisplaceFelixtrembledviolentlyashesaidthisHeandhiscompanionenteredthecottageinwhichtheyremainedforafewminutesandthendepartedIneversawanyofthefamilyofDeLaceymoreIcontinuedfortheremainderofthedayinmyhovelinastateofutterandstupiddespairMyprotectorshaddepartedandhadbrokentheonlylinkthatheldmetotheworldForthefirsttimethefeelingsofrevengeandhatredfilledmybosomandIdidnotstrivetocontrolthembutallowingmyselftobeborneawaybythestreamIbentmymindtowardsinjuryanddeathWhenIthoughtofmyfriendsofthemildvoiceofDeLaceythegentleeyesofAgathaandtheexquisitebeautyoftheArabianthesethoughtsvanishedandagushoftearssomewhatsoothedmeButagainwhenIreflectedthattheyhadspurnedanddesertedmeangerreturnedarageofangerandunabletoinjureanythinghumanIturnedmyfurytowardsinanimateobjectsAsnightadvancedIplacedavarietyofcombustiblesaroundthecottageandafterhavingdestroyedeveryvestigeofcultivationinthegardenIwaitedwithforcedimpatienceuntilthemoonhadsunktocommencemyoperationsAsthenightadvancedafiercewindarosefromthewoodsandquicklydispersedthecloudsthathadloiteredintheheavenstheblasttorealonglikeamightyavalancheandproducedakindofinsanityinmyspiritsthatburstallboundsofreasonandreflectionIlightedthedrybranchofatreeanddancedwithfuryaroundthedevotedcottagemyeyesstillfixedonthewesternhorizontheedgeofwhichthemoonnearlytouchedApartofitsorbwasatlengthhidandIwavedmybranditsankandwithaloudscreamIfiredthestrawandheathandbusheswhichIhadcollectedThewindfannedthefireandthecottagewasquicklyenvelopedbytheflameswhichclungtoitandlickeditwiththeirforkedanddestroyingtonguesAssoonasIwasconvincedthatnoassistancecouldsaveanypartofthehabitationIquittedthesceneandsoughtforrefugeinthewoodsAndnowwiththeworldbeforemewhithershouldIbendmystepsIresolvedtoflyfarfromthesceneofmymisfortunesbuttomehatedanddespisedeverycountrymustbeequallyhorribleAtlengththethoughtofyoucrossedmymindIlearnedfromyourpapersthatyouweremyfathermycreatorandtowhomcouldIapplywithmorefitnessthantohimwhohadgivenmelifeAmongthelessonsthatFelixhadbestoweduponSafiegeographyhadnotbeenomittedIhadlearnedfromthesetherelativesituationsofthedifferentcountriesoftheearthYouhadmentionedGenevaasthenameofyournativetownandtowardsthisplaceIresolvedtoproceedButhowwasItodirectmyselfIknewthatImusttravelinasouthwesterlydirectiontoreachmydestinationbutthesunwasmyonlyguideIdidnotknowthenamesofthetownsthatIwastopassthroughnorcouldIaskinformationfromasinglehumanbeingbutIdidnotdespairFromyouonlycouldIhopeforsuccouralthoughtowardsyouIfeltnosentimentbutthatofhatredUnfeelingheartlesscreatorYouhadendowedmewithperceptionsandpassionsandthencastmeabroadanobjectforthescornandhorrorofmankindButonyouonlyhadIanyclaimforpityandredressandfromyouIdeterminedtoseekthatjusticewhichIvainlyattemptedtogainfromanyotherbeingthatworethehumanformMytravelswerelongandthesufferingsIenduredintenseItwaslateinautumnwhenIquittedthedistrictwhereIhadsolongresidedItravelledonlyatnightfearfulofencounteringthevisageofahumanbeingNaturedecayedaroundmeandthesunbecameheatlessrainandsnowpouredaroundmemightyriverswerefrozenthesurfaceoftheearthwashardandchillandbareandIfoundnoshelterOhearthHowoftendidIimprecatecursesonthecauseofmybeingThemildnessofmynaturehadfledandallwithinmewasturnedtogallandbitternessThenearerIapproachedtoyourhabitationthemoredeeplydidIfeelthespiritofrevengeenkindledinmyheartSnowfellandthewaterswerehardenedbutIrestednotAfewincidentsnowandthendirectedmeandIpossessedamapofthecountrybutIoftenwanderedwidefrommypathTheagonyofmyfeelingsallowedmenorespitenoincidentoccurredfromwhichmyrageandmiserycouldnotextractitsfoodbutacircumstancethathappenedwhenIarrivedontheconfinesofSwitzerlandwhenthesunhadrecovereditswarmthandtheearthagainbegantolookgreenconfirmedinanespecialmannerthebitternessandhorrorofmyfeelingsIgenerallyrestedduringthedayandtravelledonlywhenIwassecuredbynightfromtheviewofmanOnemorninghoweverfindingthatmypathlaythroughadeepwoodIventuredtocontinuemyjourneyafterthesunhadrisenthedaywhichwasoneofthefirstofspringcheeredevenmebythelovelinessofitssunshineandthebalminessoftheairIfeltemotionsofgentlenessandpleasurethathadlongappeareddeadrevivewithinmeHalfsurprisedbythenoveltyofthesesensationsIallowedmyselftobeborneawaybythemandforgettingmysolitudeanddeformitydaredtobehappySofttearsagainbedewedmycheeksandIevenraisedmyhumideyeswiththankfulnesstowardstheblessedsunwhichbestowedsuchjoyuponmeIcontinuedtowindamongthepathsofthewooduntilIcametoitsboundarywhichwasskirtedbyadeepandrapidriverintowhichmanyofthetreesbenttheirbranchesnowbuddingwiththefreshspringHereIpausednotexactlyknowingwhatpathtopursuewhenIheardthesoundofvoicesthatinducedmetoconcealmyselfundertheshadeofacypressIwasscarcelyhidwhenayounggirlcamerunningtowardsthespotwhereIwasconcealedlaughingasifsheranfromsomeoneinsportShecontinuedhercoursealongtheprecipitoussidesoftheriverwhensuddenlyherfootslippedandshefellintotherapidstreamIrushedfrommyhidingplaceandwithextremelabourfromtheforceofthecurrentsavedheranddraggedhertoshoreShewassenselessandIendeavouredbyeverymeansinmypowertorestoreanimationwhenIwassuddenlyinterruptedbytheapproachofarusticwhowasprobablythepersonfromwhomshehadplayfullyfledOnseeingmehedartedtowardsmeandtearingthegirlfrommyarmshastenedtowardsthedeeperpartsofthewoodIfollowedspeedilyIhardlyknewwhybutwhenthemansawmedrawnearheaimedagunwhichhecarriedatmybodyandfiredIsanktothegroundandmyinjurerwithincreasedswiftnessescapedintothewoodThiswasthentherewardofmybenevolenceIhadsavedahumanbeingfromdestructionandasarecompenseInowwrithedunderthemiserablepainofawoundwhichshatteredthefleshandboneThefeelingsofkindnessandgentlenesswhichIhadentertainedbutafewmomentsbeforegaveplacetohellishrageandgnashingofteethInflamedbypainIvowedeternalhatredandvengeancetoallmankindButtheagonyofmywoundovercamememypulsespausedandIfaintedForsomeweeksIledamiserablelifeinthewoodsendeavouringtocurethewoundwhichIhadreceivedTheballhadenteredmyshoulderandIknewnotwhetherithadremainedthereorpassedthroughatanyrateIhadnomeansofextractingitMysufferingswereaugmentedalsobytheoppressivesenseoftheinjusticeandingratitudeoftheirinflictionMydailyvowsroseforrevengeadeepanddeadlyrevengesuchaswouldalonecompensatefortheoutragesandanguishIhadenduredAftersomeweeksmywoundhealedandIcontinuedmyjourneyThelaboursIenduredwerenolongertobealleviatedbythebrightsunorgentlebreezesofspringalljoywasbutamockerywhichinsultedmydesolatestateandmademefeelmorepainfullythatIwasnotmadefortheenjoymentofpleasureButmytoilsnowdrewnearacloseandintwomonthsfromthistimeIreachedtheenvironsofGenevaItwaseveningwhenIarrivedandIretiredtoahidingplaceamongthefieldsthatsurroundittomeditateinwhatmannerIshouldapplytoyouIwasoppressedbyfatigueandhungerandfartoounhappytoenjoythegentlebreezesofeveningortheprospectofthesunsettingbehindthestupendousmountainsofJuraAtthistimeaslightsleeprelievedmefromthepainofreflectionwhichwasdisturbedbytheapproachofabeautifulchildwhocamerunningintotherecessIhadchosenwithallthesportivenessofinfancySuddenlyasIgazedonhimanideaseizedmethatthislittlecreaturewasunprejudicedandhadlivedtooshortatimetohaveimbibedahorrorofdeformityIfthereforeIcouldseizehimandeducatehimasmycompanionandfriendIshouldnotbesodesolateinthispeopledearthUrgedbythisimpulseIseizedontheboyashepassedanddrewhimtowardsmeAssoonashebeheldmyformheplacedhishandsbeforehiseyesandutteredashrillscreamIdrewhishandforciblyfromhisfaceandsaidChildwhatisthemeaningofthisIdonotintendtohurtyoulistentomeHestruggledviolentlyLetmegohecriedmonsterUglywretchYouwishtoeatmeandtearmetopiecesYouareanogreLetmegoorIwilltellmypapaBoyyouwillneverseeyourfatheragainyoumustcomewithmeHideousmonsterLetmegoMypapaisasyndicheisMFrankensteinhewillpunishyouYoudarenotkeepmeFrankensteinyoubelongthentomyenemytohimtowardswhomIhavesworneternalrevengeyoushallbemyfirstvictimThechildstillstruggledandloadedmewithepithetswhichcarrieddespairtomyheartIgraspedhisthroattosilencehimandinamomenthelaydeadatmyfeetIgazedonmyvictimandmyheartswelledwithexultationandhellishtriumphclappingmyhandsIexclaimedItoocancreatedesolationmyenemyisnotinvulnerablethisdeathwillcarrydespairtohimandathousandothermiseriesshalltormentanddestroyhimAsIfixedmyeyesonthechildIsawsomethingglitteringonhisbreastItookititwasaportraitofamostlovelywomanInspiteofmymalignityitsoftenedandattractedmeForafewmomentsIgazedwithdelightonherdarkeyesfringedbydeeplashesandherlovelylipsbutpresentlymyragereturnedIrememberedthatIwasforeverdeprivedofthedelightsthatsuchbeautifulcreaturescouldbestowandthatshewhoseresemblanceIcontemplatedwouldinregardingmehavechangedthatairofdivinebenignitytooneexpressiveofdisgustandaffrightCanyouwonderthatsuchthoughtstransportedmewithrageIonlywonderthatatthatmomentinsteadofventingmysensationsinexclamationsandagonyIdidnotrushamongmankindandperishintheattempttodestroythemWhileIwasovercomebythesefeelingsIleftthespotwhereIhadcommittedthemurderandseekingamoresecludedhidingplaceIenteredabarnwhichhadappearedtometobeemptyAwomanwassleepingonsomestrawshewasyoungnotindeedsobeautifulasherwhoseportraitIheldbutofanagreeableaspectandbloominginthelovelinessofyouthandhealthHereIthoughtisoneofthosewhosejoyimpartingsmilesarebestowedonallbutmeAndthenIbentoverherandwhisperedAwakefairestthyloverisnearhewhowouldgivehislifebuttoobtainonelookofaffectionfromthineeyesmybelovedawakeThesleeperstirredathrillofterrorranthroughmeShouldsheindeedawakeandseemeandcursemeanddenouncethemurdererThuswouldsheassuredlyactifherdarkenedeyesopenedandshebeheldmeThethoughtwasmadnessitstirredthefiendwithinmenotIbutsheshallsufferthemurderIhavecommittedbecauseIamforeverrobbedofallthatshecouldgivemesheshallatoneThecrimehaditssourceinherbehersthepunishmentThankstothelessonsofFelixandthesanguinarylawsofmanIhadlearnednowtoworkmischiefIbentoverherandplacedtheportraitsecurelyinoneofthefoldsofherdressShemovedagainandIfledForsomedaysIhauntedthespotwherethesesceneshadtakenplacesometimeswishingtoseeyousometimesresolvedtoquittheworldanditsmiseriesforeverAtlengthIwanderedtowardsthesemountainsandhaverangedthroughtheirimmenserecessesconsumedbyaburningpassionwhichyoualonecangratifyWemaynotpartuntilyouhavepromisedtocomplywithmyrequisitionIamaloneandmiserablemanwillnotassociatewithmebutoneasdeformedandhorribleasmyselfwouldnotdenyherselftomeMycompanionmustbeofthesamespeciesandhavethesamedefectsThisbeingyoumustcreateThebeingfinishedspeakingandfixedhislooksuponmeintheexpectationofareplyButIwasbewilderedperplexedandunabletoarrangemyideassufficientlytounderstandthefullextentofhispropositionHecontinuedYoumustcreateafemaleformewithwhomIcanliveintheinterchangeofthosesympathiesnecessaryformybeingThisyoualonecandoandIdemanditofyouasarightwhichyoumustnotrefusetoconcedeThelatterpartofhistalehadkindledanewinmetheangerthathaddiedawaywhilehenarratedhispeacefullifeamongthecottagersandashesaidthisIcouldnolongersuppresstheragethatburnedwithinmeIdorefuseitIrepliedandnotortureshalleverextortaconsentfrommeYoumayrendermethemostmiserableofmenbutyoushallnevermakemebaseinmyowneyesShallIcreateanotherlikeyourselfwhosejointwickednessmightdesolatetheworldBegoneIhaveansweredyouyoumaytorturemebutIwillneverconsentYouareinthewrongrepliedthefiendandinsteadofthreateningIamcontenttoreasonwithyouIammaliciousbecauseIammiserableAmInotshunnedandhatedbyallmankindYoumycreatorwouldtearmetopiecesandtriumphrememberthatandtellmewhyIshouldpitymanmorethanhepitiesmeYouwouldnotcallitmurderifyoucouldprecipitatemeintooneofthoseiceriftsanddestroymyframetheworkofyourownhandsShallIrespectmanwhenhecondemnsmeLethimlivewithmeintheinterchangeofkindnessandinsteadofinjuryIwouldbestoweverybenefituponhimwithtearsofgratitudeathisacceptanceButthatcannotbethehumansensesareinsurmountablebarrierstoourunionYetmineshallnotbethesubmissionofabjectslaveryIwillrevengemyinjuriesifIcannotinspireloveIwillcausefearandchieflytowardsyoumyarchenemybecausemycreatordoIswearinextinguishablehatredHaveacareIwillworkatyourdestructionnorfinishuntilIdesolateyourheartsothatyoushallcursethehourofyourbirthAfiendishrageanimatedhimashesaidthishisfacewaswrinkledintocontortionstoohorribleforhumaneyestobeholdbutpresentlyhecalmedhimselfandproceededIintendedtoreasonThispassionisdetrimentaltomeforyoudonotreflectthatyouarethecauseofitsexcessIfanybeingfeltemotionsofbenevolencetowardsmeIshouldreturnthemahundredandahundredfoldforthatonecreaturessakeIwouldmakepeacewiththewholekindButInowindulgeindreamsofblissthatcannotberealisedWhatIaskofyouisreasonableandmoderateIdemandacreatureofanothersexbutashideousasmyselfthegratificationissmallbutitisallthatIcanreceiveanditshallcontentmeItistrueweshallbemonsterscutofffromalltheworldbutonthataccountweshallbemoreattachedtooneanotherOurliveswillnotbehappybuttheywillbeharmlessandfreefromthemiseryInowfeelOhMycreatormakemehappyletmefeelgratitudetowardsyouforonebenefitLetmeseethatIexcitethesympathyofsomeexistingthingdonotdenymemyrequestIwasmovedIshudderedwhenIthoughtofthepossibleconsequencesofmyconsentbutIfeltthattherewassomejusticeinhisargumentHistaleandthefeelingshenowexpressedprovedhimtobeacreatureoffinesensationsanddidInotashismakerowehimalltheportionofhappinessthatitwasinmypowertobestowHesawmychangeoffeelingandcontinuedIfyouconsentneitheryounoranyotherhumanbeingshalleverseeusagainIwillgotothevastwildsofSouthAmericaMyfoodisnotthatofmanIdonotdestroythelambandthekidtoglutmyappetiteacornsandberriesaffordmesufficientnourishmentMycompanionwillbeofthesamenatureasmyselfandwillbecontentwiththesamefareWeshallmakeourbedofdriedleavesthesunwillshineonusasonmanandwillripenourfoodThepictureIpresenttoyouispeacefulandhumanandyoumustfeelthatyoucoulddenyitonlyinthewantonnessofpowerandcrueltyPitilessasyouhavebeentowardsmeInowseecompassioninyoureyesletmeseizethefavourablemomentandpersuadeyoutopromisewhatIsoardentlydesireYouproposerepliedItoflyfromthehabitationsofmantodwellinthosewildswherethebeastsofthefieldwillbeyouronlycompanionsHowcanyouwholongfortheloveandsympathyofmanpersevereinthisexileYouwillreturnandagainseektheirkindnessandyouwillmeetwiththeirdetestationyourevilpassionswillberenewedandyouwillthenhaveacompaniontoaidyouinthetaskofdestructionThismaynotbeceasetoarguethepointforIcannotconsentHowinconstantareyourfeelingsButamomentagoyouweremovedbymyrepresentationsandwhydoyouagainhardenyourselftomycomplaintsIsweartoyoubytheearthwhichIinhabitandbyyouthatmademethatwiththecompanionyoubestowIwillquittheneighbourhoodofmananddwellasitmaychanceinthemostsavageofplacesMyevilpassionswillhavefledforIshallmeetwithsympathyMylifewillflowquietlyawayandinmydyingmomentsIshallnotcursemymakerHiswordshadastrangeeffectuponmeIcompassionatedhimandsometimesfeltawishtoconsolehimbutwhenIlookeduponhimwhenIsawthefilthymassthatmovedandtalkedmyheartsickenedandmyfeelingswerealteredtothoseofhorrorandhatredItriedtostiflethesesensationsIthoughtthatasIcouldnotsympathisewithhimIhadnorighttowithholdfromhimthesmallportionofhappinesswhichwasyetinmypowertobestowYouswearIsaidtobeharmlessbuthaveyounotalreadyshownadegreeofmalicethatshouldreasonablymakemedistrustyouMaynoteventhisbeafeintthatwillincreaseyourtriumphbyaffordingawiderscopeforyourrevengeHowisthisImustnotbetrifledwithandIdemandananswerIfIhavenotiesandnoaffectionshatredandvicemustbemyportiontheloveofanotherwilldestroythecauseofmycrimesandIshallbecomeathingofwhoseexistenceeveryonewillbeignorantMyvicesarethechildrenofaforcedsolitudethatIabhorandmyvirtueswillnecessarilyarisewhenIliveincommunionwithanequalIshallfeeltheaffectionsofasensitivebeingandbecomelinkedtothechainofexistenceandeventsfromwhichIamnowexcludedIpausedsometimetoreflectonallhehadrelatedandthevariousargumentswhichhehademployedIthoughtofthepromiseofvirtueswhichhehaddisplayedontheopeningofhisexistenceandthesubsequentblightofallkindlyfeelingbytheloathingandscornwhichhisprotectorshadmanifestedtowardshimHispowerandthreatswerenotomittedinmycalculationsacreaturewhocouldexistintheicecavesoftheglaciersandhidehimselffrompursuitamongtheridgesofinaccessibleprecipiceswasabeingpossessingfacultiesitwouldbevaintocopewithAfteralongpauseofreflectionIconcludedthatthejusticeduebothtohimandmyfellowcreaturesdemandedofmethatIshouldcomplywithhisrequestTurningtohimthereforeIsaidIconsenttoyourdemandonyoursolemnoathtoquitEuropeforeverandeveryotherplaceintheneighbourhoodofmanassoonasIshalldeliverintoyourhandsafemalewhowillaccompanyyouinyourexileIswearhecriedbythesunandbytheblueskyofheavenandbythefireoflovethatburnsmyheartthatifyougrantmyprayerwhiletheyexistyoushallneverbeholdmeagainDeparttoyourhomeandcommenceyourlaboursIshallwatchtheirprogresswithunutterableanxietyandfearnotbutthatwhenyouarereadyIshallappearSayingthishesuddenlyquittedmefearfulperhapsofanychangeinmysentimentsIsawhimdescendthemountainwithgreaterspeedthantheflightofaneagleandquicklylostamongtheundulationsoftheseaoficeHistalehadoccupiedthewholedayandthesunwasuponthevergeofthehorizonwhenhedepartedIknewthatIoughttohastenmydescenttowardsthevalleyasIshouldsoonbeencompassedindarknessbutmyheartwasheavyandmystepsslowThelabourofwindingamongthelittlepathsofthemountainandfixingmyfeetfirmlyasIadvancedperplexedmeoccupiedasIwasbytheemotionswhichtheoccurrencesofthedayhadproducedNightwasfaradvancedwhenIcametothehalfwayrestingplaceandseatedmyselfbesidethefountainThestarsshoneatintervalsasthecloudspassedfromoverthemthedarkpinesrosebeforemeandeveryhereandthereabrokentreelayonthegrounditwasasceneofwonderfulsolemnityandstirredstrangethoughtswithinmeIweptbitterlyandclaspingmyhandsinagonyIexclaimedOhstarsandcloudsandwindsyeareallabouttomockmeifyereallypitymecrushsensationandmemoryletmebecomeasnoughtbutifnotdepartdepartandleavemeindarknessThesewerewildandmiserablethoughtsbutIcannotdescribetoyouhowtheeternaltwinklingofthestarsweigheduponmeandhowIlistenedtoeveryblastofwindasifitwereadulluglysiroconitswaytoconsumemeMorningdawnedbeforeIarrivedatthevillageofChamounixItooknorestbutreturnedimmediatelytoGenevaEveninmyownheartIcouldgivenoexpressiontomysensationstheyweighedonmewithamountainsweightandtheirexcessdestroyedmyagonybeneaththemThusIreturnedhomeandenteringthehousepresentedmyselftothefamilyMyhaggardandwildappearanceawokeintensealarmbutIanswerednoquestionscarcelydidIspeakIfeltasifIwereplacedunderabanasifIhadnorighttoclaimtheirsympathiesasifnevermoremightIenjoycompanionshipwiththemYeteventhusIlovedthemtoadorationandtosavethemIresolvedtodedicatemyselftomymostabhorredtaskTheprospectofsuchanoccupationmadeeveryothercircumstanceofexistencepassbeforemelikeadreamandthatthoughtonlyhadtometherealityoflifeDayafterdayweekafterweekpassedawayonmyreturntoGenevaandIcouldnotcollectthecouragetorecommencemyworkIfearedthevengeanceofthedisappointedfiendyetIwasunabletoovercomemyrepugnancetothetaskwhichwasenjoinedmeIfoundthatIcouldnotcomposeafemalewithoutagaindevotingseveralmonthstoprofoundstudyandlaboriousdisquisitionIhadheardofsomediscoverieshavingbeenmadebyanEnglishphilosophertheknowledgeofwhichwasmaterialtomysuccessandIsometimesthoughtofobtainingmyfathersconsenttovisitEnglandforthispurposebutIclungtoeverypretenceofdelayandshrankfromtakingthefirststepinanundertakingwhoseimmediatenecessitybegantoappearlessabsolutetomeAchangeindeedhadtakenplaceinmemyhealthwhichhadhithertodeclinedwasnowmuchrestoredandmyspiritswhenuncheckedbythememoryofmyunhappypromiseroseproportionablyMyfathersawthischangewithpleasureandheturnedhisthoughtstowardsthebestmethodoferadicatingtheremainsofmymelancholywhicheverynowandthenwouldreturnbyfitsandwithadevouringblacknessovercasttheapproachingsunshineAtthesemomentsItookrefugeinthemostperfectsolitudeIpassedwholedaysonthelakealoneinalittleboatwatchingthecloudsandlisteningtotheripplingofthewavessilentandlistlessButthefreshairandbrightsunseldomfailedtorestoremetosomedegreeofcomposureandonmyreturnImetthesalutationsofmyfriendswithareadiersmileandamorecheerfulheartItwasaftermyreturnfromoneoftheseramblesthatmyfathercallingmeasidethusaddressedmeIamhappytoremarkmydearsonthatyouhaveresumedyourformerpleasuresandseemtobereturningtoyourselfAndyetyouarestillunhappyandstillavoidoursocietyForsometimeIwaslostinconjectureastothecauseofthisbutyesterdayanideastruckmeandifitiswellfoundedIconjureyoutoavowitReserveonsuchapointwouldbenotonlyuselessbutdrawdowntreblemiseryonusallItrembledviolentlyathisexordiumandmyfathercontinuedIconfessmysonthatIhavealwayslookedforwardtoyourmarriagewithourdearElizabethasthetieofourdomesticcomfortandthestayofmydecliningyearsYouwereattachedtoeachotherfromyourearliestinfancyyoustudiedtogetherandappearedindispositionsandtastesentirelysuitedtooneanotherButsoblindistheexperienceofmanthatwhatIconceivedtobethebestassistantstomyplanmayhaveentirelydestroyeditYouperhapsregardherasyoursisterwithoutanywishthatshemightbecomeyourwifeNayyoumayhavemetwithanotherwhomyoumayloveandconsideringyourselfasboundinhonourtoElizabeththisstrugglemayoccasionthepoignantmiserywhichyouappeartofeelMydearfatherreassureyourselfIlovemycousintenderlyandsincerelyIneversawanywomanwhoexcitedasElizabethdoesmywarmestadmirationandaffectionMyfuturehopesandprospectsareentirelyboundupintheexpectationofourunionTheexpressionofyoursentimentsofthissubjectmydearVictorgivesmemorepleasurethanIhaveforsometimeexperiencedIfyoufeelthusweshallassuredlybehappyhoweverpresenteventsmaycastagloomoverusButitisthisgloomwhichappearstohavetakensostrongaholdofyourmindthatIwishtodissipateTellmethereforewhetheryouobjecttoanimmediatesolemnisationofthemarriageWehavebeenunfortunateandrecenteventshavedrawnusfromthateverydaytranquillitybefittingmyyearsandinfirmitiesYouareyoungeryetIdonotsupposepossessedasyouareofacompetentfortunethatanearlymarriagewouldatallinterferewithanyfutureplansofhonourandutilitythatyoumayhaveformedDonotsupposehoweverthatIwishtodictatehappinesstoyouorthatadelayonyourpartwouldcausemeanyseriousuneasinessInterpretmywordswithcandourandanswermeIconjureyouwithconfidenceandsincerityIlistenedtomyfatherinsilenceandremainedforsometimeincapableofofferinganyreplyIrevolvedrapidlyinmymindamultitudeofthoughtsandendeavouredtoarriveatsomeconclusionAlasTometheideaofanimmediateunionwithmyElizabethwasoneofhorroranddismayIwasboundbyasolemnpromisewhichIhadnotyetfulfilledanddarednotbreakorifIdidwhatmanifoldmiseriesmightnotimpendovermeandmydevotedfamilyCouldIenterintoafestivalwiththisdeadlyweightyethangingroundmyneckandbowingmetothegroundImustperformmyengagementandletthemonsterdepartwithhismatebeforeIallowedmyselftoenjoythedelightofaunionfromwhichIexpectedpeaceIrememberedalsothenecessityimposeduponmeofeitherjourneyingtoEnglandorenteringintoalongcorrespondencewiththosephilosophersofthatcountrywhoseknowledgeanddiscoverieswereofindispensableusetomeinmypresentundertakingThelattermethodofobtainingthedesiredintelligencewasdilatoryandunsatisfactorybesidesIhadaninsurmountableaversiontotheideaofengagingmyselfinmyloathsometaskinmyfathershousewhileinhabitsoffamiliarintercoursewiththoseIlovedIknewthatathousandfearfulaccidentsmightoccurtheslightestofwhichwoulddiscloseataletothrillallconnectedwithmewithhorrorIwasawarealsothatIshouldoftenloseallselfcommandallcapacityofhidingtheharrowingsensationsthatwouldpossessmeduringtheprogressofmyunearthlyoccupationImustabsentmyselffromallIlovedwhilethusemployedOncecommenceditwouldquicklybeachievedandImightberestoredtomyfamilyinpeaceandhappinessMypromisefulfilledthemonsterwoulddepartforeverOrsomyfondfancyimagedsomeaccidentmightmeanwhileoccurtodestroyhimandputanendtomyslaveryforeverThesefeelingsdictatedmyanswertomyfatherIexpressedawishtovisitEnglandbutconcealingthetruereasonsofthisrequestIclothedmydesiresunderaguisewhichexcitednosuspicionwhileIurgedmydesirewithanearnestnessthateasilyinducedmyfathertocomplyAftersolongaperiodofanabsorbingmelancholythatresembledmadnessinitsintensityandeffectshewasgladtofindthatIwascapableoftakingpleasureintheideaofsuchajourneyandhehopedthatchangeofsceneandvariedamusementwouldbeforemyreturnhaverestoredmeentirelytomyselfThedurationofmyabsencewaslefttomyownchoiceafewmonthsoratmostayearwastheperiodcontemplatedOnepaternalkindprecautionhehadtakentoensuremyhavingacompanionWithoutpreviouslycommunicatingwithmehehadinconcertwithElizabetharrangedthatClervalshouldjoinmeatStrasburghThisinterferedwiththesolitudeIcovetedfortheprosecutionofmytaskyetatthecommencementofmyjourneythepresenceofmyfriendcouldinnowaybeanimpedimentandtrulyIrejoicedthatthusIshouldbesavedmanyhoursoflonelymaddeningreflectionNayHenrymightstandbetweenmeandtheintrusionofmyfoeIfIwerealonewouldhenotattimesforcehisabhorredpresenceonmetoremindmeofmytaskortocontemplateitsprogressToEnglandthereforeIwasboundanditwasunderstoodthatmyunionwithElizabethshouldtakeplaceimmediatelyonmyreturnMyfathersagerenderedhimextremelyaversetodelayFormyselftherewasonerewardIpromisedmyselffrommydetestedtoilsoneconsolationformyunparalleledsufferingsitwastheprospectofthatdaywhenenfranchisedfrommymiserableslaveryImightclaimElizabethandforgetthepastinmyunionwithherInowmadearrangementsformyjourneybutonefeelinghauntedmewhichfilledmewithfearandagitationDuringmyabsenceIshouldleavemyfriendsunconsciousoftheexistenceoftheirenemyandunprotectedfromhisattacksexasperatedashemightbebymydepartureButhehadpromisedtofollowmewhereverImightgoandwouldhenotaccompanymetoEnglandThisimaginationwasdreadfulinitselfbutsoothinginasmuchasitsupposedthesafetyofmyfriendsIwasagonisedwiththeideaofthepossibilitythatthereverseofthismighthappenButthroughthewholeperiodduringwhichIwastheslaveofmycreatureIallowedmyselftobegovernedbytheimpulsesofthemomentandmypresentsensationsstronglyintimatedthatthefiendwouldfollowmeandexemptmyfamilyfromthedangerofhismachinationsItwasinthelatterendofSeptemberthatIagainquittedmynativecountryMyjourneyhadbeenmyownsuggestionandElizabeththereforeacquiescedbutshewasfilledwithdisquietattheideaofmysufferingawayfromhertheinroadsofmiseryandgriefIthadbeenhercarewhichprovidedmeacompanioninClervalandyetamanisblindtoathousandminutecircumstanceswhichcallforthawomanssedulousattentionShelongedtobidmehastenmyreturnathousandconflictingemotionsrenderedhermuteasshebademeatearfulsilentfarewellIthrewmyselfintothecarriagethatwastoconveymeawayhardlyknowingwhitherIwasgoingandcarelessofwhatwaspassingaroundIrememberedonlyanditwaswithabitteranguishthatIreflectedonittoorderthatmychemicalinstrumentsshouldbepackedtogowithmeFilledwithdrearyimaginationsIpassedthroughmanybeautifulandmajesticscenesbutmyeyeswerefixedandunobservingIcouldonlythinkofthebourneofmytravelsandtheworkwhichwastooccupymewhilsttheyenduredAftersomedaysspentinlistlessindolenceduringwhichItraversedmanyleaguesIarrivedatStrasburghwhereIwaitedtwodaysforClervalHecameAlashowgreatwasthecontrastbetweenusHewasalivetoeverynewscenejoyfulwhenhesawthebeautiesofthesettingsunandmorehappywhenhebehelditriseandrecommenceanewdayHepointedouttometheshiftingcoloursofthelandscapeandtheappearancesoftheskyThisiswhatitistolivehecriednowIenjoyexistenceButyoumydearFrankensteinwhereforeareyoudespondingandsorrowfulIntruthIwasoccupiedbygloomythoughtsandneithersawthedescentoftheeveningstarnorthegoldensunrisereflectedintheRhineAndyoumyfriendwouldbefarmoreamusedwiththejournalofClervalwhoobservedthescenerywithaneyeoffeelinganddelightthaninlisteningtomyreflectionsIamiserablewretchhauntedbyacursethatshutupeveryavenuetoenjoymentWehadagreedtodescendtheRhineinaboatfromStrasburghtoRotterdamwhencewemighttakeshippingforLondonDuringthisvoyagewepassedmanywillowyislandsandsawseveralbeautifultownsWestayedadayatMannheimandonthefifthfromourdeparturefromStrasburgharrivedatMainzThecourseoftheRhinebelowMainzbecomesmuchmorepicturesqueTheriverdescendsrapidlyandwindsbetweenhillsnothighbutsteepandofbeautifulformsWesawmanyruinedcastlesstandingontheedgesofprecipicessurroundedbyblackwoodshighandinaccessibleThispartoftheRhineindeedpresentsasingularlyvariegatedlandscapeInonespotyouviewruggedhillsruinedcastlesoverlookingtremendousprecipiceswiththedarkRhinerushingbeneathandonthesuddenturnofapromontoryflourishingvineyardswithgreenslopingbanksandameanderingriverandpopuloustownsoccupythesceneWetravelledatthetimeofthevintageandheardthesongofthelabourersasweglideddownthestreamEvenIdepressedinmindandmyspiritscontinuallyagitatedbygloomyfeelingsevenIwaspleasedIlayatthebottomoftheboatandasIgazedonthecloudlessblueskyIseemedtodrinkinatranquillitytowhichIhadlongbeenastrangerAndiftheseweremysensationswhocandescribethoseofHenryHefeltasifhehadbeentransportedtoFairylandandenjoyedahappinessseldomtastedbymanIhaveseenhesaidthemostbeautifulscenesofmyowncountryIhavevisitedthelakesofLucerneandUriwherethesnowymountainsdescendalmostperpendicularlytothewatercastingblackandimpenetrableshadeswhichwouldcauseagloomyandmournfulappearancewereitnotforthemostverdantislandsthatrelievetheeyebytheirgayappearanceIhaveseenthislakeagitatedbyatempestwhenthewindtoreupwhirlwindsofwaterandgaveyouanideaofwhatthewaterspoutmustbeonthegreatoceanandthewavesdashwithfurythebaseofthemountainwherethepriestandhismistresswereoverwhelmedbyanavalancheandwheretheirdyingvoicesarestillsaidtobeheardamidthepausesofthenightlywindIhaveseenthemountainsofLaValaisandthePaysdeVaudbutthiscountryVictorpleasesmemorethanallthosewondersThemountainsofSwitzerlandaremoremajesticandstrangebutthereisacharminthebanksofthisdivineriverthatIneverbeforesawequalledLookatthatcastlewhichoverhangsyonprecipiceandthatalsoontheislandalmostconcealedamongstthefoliageofthoselovelytreesandnowthatgroupoflabourerscomingfromamongtheirvinesandthatvillagehalfhidintherecessofthemountainOhsurelythespiritthatinhabitsandguardsthisplacehasasoulmoreinharmonywithmanthanthosewhopiletheglacierorretiretotheinaccessiblepeaksofthemountainsofourowncountryClervalBelovedfriendEvennowitdelightsmetorecordyourwordsandtodwellonthepraiseofwhichyouaresoeminentlydeservingHewasabeingformedintheverypoetryofnatureHiswildandenthusiasticimaginationwaschastenedbythesensibilityofhisheartHissouloverflowedwithardentaffectionsandhisfriendshipwasofthatdevotedandwondrousnaturethattheworldlymindedteachustolookforonlyintheimaginationButevenhumansympathieswerenotsufficienttosatisfyhiseagermindThesceneryofexternalnaturewhichothersregardonlywithadmirationhelovedwithardourThesoundingcataractHauntedhimlikeapassionthetallrockThemountainandthedeepandgloomywoodTheircoloursandtheirformswerethentohimAnappetiteafeelingandaloveThathadnoneedofaremotercharmBythoughtsuppliedoranyinterestUnborrowdfromtheeyeWordsworthsTinternAbbeyAndwheredoeshenowexistIsthisgentleandlovelybeinglostforeverHasthismindsorepletewithideasimaginationsfancifulandmagnificentwhichformedaworldwhoseexistencedependedonthelifeofitscreatorhasthismindperishedDoesitnowonlyexistinmymemoryNoitisnotthusyourformsodivinelywroughtandbeamingwithbeautyhasdecayedbutyourspiritstillvisitsandconsolesyourunhappyfriendPardonthisgushofsorrowtheseineffectualwordsarebutaslighttributetotheunexampledworthofHenrybuttheysoothemyheartoverflowingwiththeanguishwhichhisremembrancecreatesIwillproceedwithmytaleBeyondColognewedescendedtotheplainsofHollandandweresolvedtoposttheremainderofourwayforthewindwascontraryandthestreamoftheriverwastoogentletoaidusOurjourneyherelosttheinterestarisingfrombeautifulscenerybutwearrivedinafewdaysatRotterdamwhenceweproceededbyseatoEnglandItwasonaclearmorninginthelatterdaysofDecemberthatIfirstsawthewhitecliffsofBritainThebanksoftheThamespresentedanewscenetheywereflatbutfertileandalmosteverytownwasmarkedbytheremembranceofsomestoryWesawTilburyFortandrememberedtheSpanishArmadaGravesendWoolwichandGreenwichplaceswhichIhadheardofeveninmycountryAtlengthwesawthenumeroussteeplesofLondonStPaulstoweringaboveallandtheTowerfamedinEnglishhistoryLondonwasourpresentpointofrestwedeterminedtoremainseveralmonthsinthiswonderfulandcelebratedcityClervaldesiredtheintercourseofthemenofgeniusandtalentwhoflourishedatthistimebutthiswaswithmeasecondaryobjectIwasprincipallyoccupiedwiththemeansofobtainingtheinformationnecessaryforthecompletionofmypromiseandquicklyavailedmyselfofthelettersofintroductionthatIhadbroughtwithmeaddressedtothemostdistinguishednaturalphilosophersIfthisjourneyhadtakenplaceduringmydaysofstudyandhappinessitwouldhaveaffordedmeinexpressiblepleasureButablighthadcomeovermyexistenceandIonlyvisitedthesepeopleforthesakeoftheinformationtheymightgivemeonthesubjectinwhichmyinterestwassoterriblyprofoundCompanywasirksometomewhenaloneIcouldfillmymindwiththesightsofheavenandearththevoiceofHenrysoothedmeandIcouldthuscheatmyselfintoatransitorypeaceButbusyuninterestingjoyousfacesbroughtbackdespairtomyheartIsawaninsurmountablebarrierplacedbetweenmeandmyfellowmenthisbarrierwassealedwiththebloodofWilliamandJustineandtoreflectontheeventsconnectedwiththosenamesfilledmysoulwithanguishButinClervalIsawtheimageofmyformerselfhewasinquisitiveandanxioustogainexperienceandinstructionThedifferenceofmannerswhichheobservedwastohimaninexhaustiblesourceofinstructionandamusementHewasalsopursuinganobjecthehadlonghadinviewHisdesignwastovisitIndiainthebeliefthathehadinhisknowledgeofitsvariouslanguagesandintheviewshehadtakenofitssocietythemeansofmateriallyassistingtheprogressofEuropeancolonizationandtradeInBritainonlycouldhefurthertheexecutionofhisplanHewasforeverbusyandtheonlychecktohisenjoymentswasmysorrowfulanddejectedmindItriedtoconcealthisasmuchaspossiblethatImightnotdebarhimfromthepleasuresnaturaltoonewhowasenteringonanewsceneoflifeundisturbedbyanycareorbitterrecollectionIoftenrefusedtoaccompanyhimalleginganotherengagementthatImightremainaloneInowalsobegantocollectthematerialsnecessaryformynewcreationandthiswastomelikethetortureofsingledropsofwatercontinuallyfallingontheheadEverythoughtthatwasdevotedtoitwasanextremeanguishandeverywordthatIspokeinallusiontoitcausedmylipstoquiverandmyhearttopalpitateAfterpassingsomemonthsinLondonwereceivedaletterfromapersoninScotlandwhohadformerlybeenourvisitoratGenevaHementionedthebeautiesofhisnativecountryandaskedusifthosewerenotsufficientallurementstoinduceustoprolongourjourneyasfarnorthasPerthwhereheresidedClervaleagerlydesiredtoacceptthisinvitationandIalthoughIabhorredsocietywishedtoviewagainmountainsandstreamsandallthewondrousworkswithwhichNatureadornsherchosendwellingplacesWehadarrivedinEnglandatthebeginningofOctoberanditwasnowFebruaryWeaccordinglydeterminedtocommenceourjourneytowardsthenorthattheexpirationofanothermonthInthisexpeditionwedidnotintendtofollowthegreatroadtoEdinburghbuttovisitWindsorOxfordMatlockandtheCumberlandlakesresolvingtoarriveatthecompletionofthistourabouttheendofJulyIpackedupmychemicalinstrumentsandthematerialsIhadcollectedresolvingtofinishmylaboursinsomeobscurenookinthenorthernhighlandsofScotlandWequittedLondononthethofMarchandremainedafewdaysatWindsorramblinginitsbeautifulforestThiswasanewscenetousmountaineersthemajesticoaksthequantityofgameandtheherdsofstatelydeerwereallnoveltiestousFromthenceweproceededtoOxfordAsweenteredthiscityourmindswerefilledwiththeremembranceoftheeventsthathadbeentransactedtheremorethanacenturyandahalfbeforeItwasherethatCharlesIhadcollectedhisforcesThiscityhadremainedfaithfultohimafterthewholenationhadforsakenhiscausetojointhestandardofParliamentandlibertyThememoryofthatunfortunatekingandhiscompanionstheamiableFalklandtheinsolentGoringhisqueenandsongaveapeculiarinteresttoeverypartofthecitywhichtheymightbesupposedtohaveinhabitedThespiritofelderdaysfoundadwellinghereandwedelightedtotraceitsfootstepsIfthesefeelingshadnotfoundanimaginarygratificationtheappearanceofthecityhadyetinitselfsufficientbeautytoobtainouradmirationThecollegesareancientandpicturesquethestreetsarealmostmagnificentandthelovelyIsiswhichflowsbesideitthroughmeadowsofexquisiteverdureisspreadforthintoaplacidexpanseofwaterswhichreflectsitsmajesticassemblageoftowersandspiresanddomesembosomedamongagedtreesIenjoyedthissceneandyetmyenjoymentwasembitteredbothbythememoryofthepastandtheanticipationofthefutureIwasformedforpeacefulhappinessDuringmyyouthfuldaysdiscontentnevervisitedmymindandifIwaseverovercomebyennuithesightofwhatisbeautifulinnatureorthestudyofwhatisexcellentandsublimeintheproductionsofmancouldalwaysinterestmyheartandcommunicateelasticitytomyspiritsButIamablastedtreethebolthasenteredmysoulandIfeltthenthatIshouldsurvivetoexhibitwhatIshallsoonceasetobeamiserablespectacleofwreckedhumanitypitiabletoothersandintolerabletomyselfWepassedaconsiderableperiodatOxfordramblingamongitsenvironsandendeavouringtoidentifyeveryspotwhichmightrelatetothemostanimatingepochofEnglishhistoryOurlittlevoyagesofdiscoverywereoftenprolongedbythesuccessiveobjectsthatpresentedthemselvesWevisitedthetomboftheillustriousHampdenandthefieldonwhichthatpatriotfellForamomentmysoulwaselevatedfromitsdebasingandmiserablefearstocontemplatethedivineideasoflibertyandselfsacrificeofwhichthesesightswerethemonumentsandtheremembrancersForaninstantIdaredtoshakeoffmychainsandlookaroundmewithafreeandloftyspiritbuttheironhadeatenintomyfleshandIsankagaintremblingandhopelessintomymiserableselfWeleftOxfordwithregretandproceededtoMatlockwhichwasournextplaceofrestThecountryintheneighbourhoodofthisvillageresembledtoagreaterdegreethesceneryofSwitzerlandbuteverythingisonalowerscaleandthegreenhillswantthecrownofdistantwhiteAlpswhichalwaysattendonthepinymountainsofmynativecountryWevisitedthewondrouscaveandthelittlecabinetsofnaturalhistorywherethecuriositiesaredisposedinthesamemannerasinthecollectionsatServoxandChamounixThelatternamemademetremblewhenpronouncedbyHenryandIhastenedtoquitMatlockwithwhichthatterriblescenewasthusassociatedFromDerbystilljourneyingnorthwardswepassedtwomonthsinCumberlandandWestmorlandIcouldnowalmostfancymyselfamongtheSwissmountainsThelittlepatchesofsnowwhichyetlingeredonthenorthernsidesofthemountainsthelakesandthedashingoftherockystreamswereallfamiliaranddearsightstomeHerealsowemadesomeacquaintanceswhoalmostcontrivedtocheatmeintohappinessThedelightofClervalwasproportionablygreaterthanminehismindexpandedinthecompanyofmenoftalentandhefoundinhisownnaturegreatercapacitiesandresourcesthanhecouldhaveimaginedhimselftohavepossessedwhileheassociatedwithhisinferiorsIcouldpassmylifeheresaidhetomeandamongthesemountainsIshouldscarcelyregretSwitzerlandandtheRhineButhefoundthatatravellerslifeisonethatincludesmuchpainamidstitsenjoymentsHisfeelingsareforeveronthestretchandwhenhebeginstosinkintoreposehefindshimselfobligedtoquitthatonwhichherestsinpleasureforsomethingnewwhichagainengageshisattentionandwhichalsoheforsakesforothernoveltiesWehadscarcelyvisitedthevariouslakesofCumberlandandWestmorlandandconceivedanaffectionforsomeoftheinhabitantswhentheperiodofourappointmentwithourScotchfriendapproachedandweleftthemtotravelonFormyownpartIwasnotsorryIhadnowneglectedmypromiseforsometimeandIfearedtheeffectsofthedmonsdisappointmentHemightremaininSwitzerlandandwreakhisvengeanceonmyrelativesThisideapursuedmeandtormentedmeateverymomentfromwhichImightotherwisehavesnatchedreposeandpeaceIwaitedformyletterswithfeverishimpatienceiftheyweredelayedIwasmiserableandovercomebyathousandfearsandwhentheyarrivedandIsawthesuperscriptionofElizabethormyfatherIhardlydaredtoreadandascertainmyfateSometimesIthoughtthatthefiendfollowedmeandmightexpeditemyremissnessbymurderingmycompanionWhenthesethoughtspossessedmeIwouldnotquitHenryforamomentbutfollowedhimashisshadowtoprotecthimfromthefanciedrageofhisdestroyerIfeltasifIhadcommittedsomegreatcrimetheconsciousnessofwhichhauntedmeIwasguiltlessbutIhadindeeddrawndownahorriblecurseuponmyheadasmortalasthatofcrimeIvisitedEdinburghwithlanguideyesandmindandyetthatcitymighthaveinterestedthemostunfortunatebeingClervaldidnotlikeitsowellasOxfordfortheantiquityofthelattercitywasmorepleasingtohimButthebeautyandregularityofthenewtownofEdinburghitsromanticcastleanditsenvironsthemostdelightfulintheworldArthursSeatStBernardsWellandthePentlandHillscompensatedhimforthechangeandfilledhimwithcheerfulnessandadmirationButIwasimpatienttoarriveattheterminationofmyjourneyWeleftEdinburghinaweekpassingthroughCouparStAndrewsandalongthebanksoftheTaytoPerthwhereourfriendexpectedusButIwasinnomoodtolaughandtalkwithstrangersorenterintotheirfeelingsorplanswiththegoodhumourexpectedfromaguestandaccordinglyItoldClervalthatIwishedtomakethetourofScotlandaloneDoyousaidIenjoyyourselfandletthisbeourrendezvousImaybeabsentamonthortwobutdonotinterferewithmymotionsIentreatyouleavemetopeaceandsolitudeforashorttimeandwhenIreturnIhopeitwillbewithalighterheartmorecongenialtoyourowntemperHenrywishedtodissuademebutseeingmebentonthisplanceasedtoremonstrateHeentreatedmetowriteoftenIhadratherbewithyouhesaidinyoursolitaryramblesthanwiththeseScotchpeoplewhomIdonotknowhastenthenmydearfriendtoreturnthatImayagainfeelmyselfsomewhatathomewhichIcannotdoinyourabsenceHavingpartedfrommyfriendIdeterminedtovisitsomeremotespotofScotlandandfinishmyworkinsolitudeIdidnotdoubtbutthatthemonsterfollowedmeandwoulddiscoverhimselftomewhenIshouldhavefinishedthathemightreceivehiscompanionWiththisresolutionItraversedthenorthernhighlandsandfixedononeoftheremotestoftheOrkneysasthesceneofmylaboursItwasaplacefittedforsuchaworkbeinghardlymorethanarockwhosehighsideswerecontinuallybeatenuponbythewavesThesoilwasbarrenscarcelyaffordingpastureforafewmiserablecowsandoatmealforitsinhabitantswhichconsistedoffivepersonswhosegauntandscraggylimbsgavetokensoftheirmiserablefareVegetablesandbreadwhentheyindulgedinsuchluxuriesandevenfreshwaterwastobeprocuredfromthemainlandwhichwasaboutfivemilesdistantOnthewholeislandtherewerebutthreemiserablehutsandoneofthesewasvacantwhenIarrivedThisIhiredItcontainedbuttworoomsandtheseexhibitedallthesqualidnessofthemostmiserablepenuryThethatchhadfalleninthewallswereunplasteredandthedoorwasoffitshingesIorderedittoberepairedboughtsomefurnitureandtookpossessionanincidentwhichwoulddoubtlesshaveoccasionedsomesurprisehadnotallthesensesofthecottagersbeenbenumbedbywantandsqualidpovertyAsitwasIlivedungazedatandunmolestedhardlythankedforthepittanceoffoodandclotheswhichIgavesomuchdoessufferingblunteventhecoarsestsensationsofmenInthisretreatIdevotedthemorningtolabourbutintheeveningwhentheweatherpermittedIwalkedonthestonybeachoftheseatolistentothewavesastheyroaredanddashedatmyfeetItwasamonotonousyeteverchangingsceneIthoughtofSwitzerlanditwasfardifferentfromthisdesolateandappallinglandscapeItshillsarecoveredwithvinesanditscottagesarescatteredthicklyintheplainsItsfairlakesreflectablueandgentleskyandwhentroubledbythewindstheirtumultisbutastheplayofalivelyinfantwhencomparedtotheroaringsofthegiantoceanInthismannerIdistributedmyoccupationswhenIfirstarrivedbutasIproceededinmylabouritbecameeverydaymorehorribleandirksometomeSometimesIcouldnotprevailonmyselftoentermylaboratoryforseveraldaysandatothertimesItoileddayandnightinordertocompletemyworkItwasindeedafilthyprocessinwhichIwasengagedDuringmyfirstexperimentakindofenthusiasticfrenzyhadblindedmetothehorrorofmyemploymentmymindwasintentlyfixedontheconsummationofmylabourandmyeyeswereshuttothehorrorofmyproceedingsButnowIwenttoitincoldbloodandmyheartoftensickenedattheworkofmyhandsThussituatedemployedinthemostdetestableoccupationimmersedinasolitudewherenothingcouldforaninstantcallmyattentionfromtheactualsceneinwhichIwasengagedmyspiritsbecameunequalIgrewrestlessandnervousEverymomentIfearedtomeetmypersecutorSometimesIsatwithmyeyesfixedonthegroundfearingtoraisethemlesttheyshouldencountertheobjectwhichIsomuchdreadedtobeholdIfearedtowanderfromthesightofmyfellowcreatureslestwhenaloneheshouldcometoclaimhiscompanionInthemeantimeIworkedonandmylabourwasalreadyconsiderablyadvancedIlookedtowardsitscompletionwithatremulousandeagerhopewhichIdarednottrustmyselftoquestionbutwhichwasintermixedwithobscureforebodingsofevilthatmademyheartsickeninmybosomIsatoneeveninginmylaboratorythesunhadsetandthemoonwasjustrisingfromtheseaIhadnotsufficientlightformyemploymentandIremainedidleinapauseofconsiderationofwhetherIshouldleavemylabourforthenightorhastenitsconclusionbyanunremittingattentiontoitAsIsatatrainofreflectionoccurredtomewhichledmetoconsidertheeffectsofwhatIwasnowdoingThreeyearsbeforeIwasengagedinthesamemannerandhadcreatedafiendwhoseunparalleledbarbarityhaddesolatedmyheartandfilleditforeverwiththebitterestremorseIwasnowabouttoformanotherbeingofwhosedispositionsIwasalikeignorantshemightbecometenthousandtimesmoremalignantthanhermateanddelightforitsownsakeinmurderandwretchednessHehadsworntoquittheneighbourhoodofmanandhidehimselfindesertsbutshehadnotandshewhoinallprobabilitywastobecomeathinkingandreasoninganimalmightrefusetocomplywithacompactmadebeforehercreationTheymightevenhateeachotherthecreaturewhoalreadylivedloathedhisowndeformityandmighthenotconceiveagreaterabhorrenceforitwhenitcamebeforehiseyesinthefemaleformShealsomightturnwithdisgustfromhimtothesuperiorbeautyofmanshemightquithimandhebeagainaloneexasperatedbythefreshprovocationofbeingdesertedbyoneofhisownspeciesEveniftheyweretoleaveEuropeandinhabitthedesertsofthenewworldyetoneofthefirstresultsofthosesympathiesforwhichthedmonthirstedwouldbechildrenandaraceofdevilswouldbepropagatedupontheearthwhomightmaketheveryexistenceofthespeciesofmanaconditionprecariousandfullofterrorHadIrightformyownbenefittoinflictthiscurseuponeverlastinggenerationsIhadbeforebeenmovedbythesophismsofthebeingIhadcreatedIhadbeenstrucksenselessbyhisfiendishthreatsbutnowforthefirsttimethewickednessofmypromiseburstuponmeIshudderedtothinkthatfutureagesmightcursemeastheirpestwhoseselfishnesshadnothesitatedtobuyitsownpeaceatthepriceperhapsoftheexistenceofthewholehumanraceItrembledandmyheartfailedwithinmewhenonlookingupIsawbythelightofthemoonthedmonatthecasementAghastlygrinwrinkledhislipsashegazedonmewhereIsatfulfillingthetaskwhichhehadallottedtomeYeshehadfollowedmeinmytravelshehadloiteredinforestshidhimselfincavesortakenrefugeinwideanddesertheathsandhenowcametomarkmyprogressandclaimthefulfilmentofmypromiseAsIlookedonhimhiscountenanceexpressedtheutmostextentofmaliceandtreacheryIthoughtwithasensationofmadnessonmypromiseofcreatinganotherliketohimandtremblingwithpassiontoretopiecesthethingonwhichIwasengagedThewretchsawmedestroythecreatureonwhosefutureexistencehedependedforhappinessandwithahowlofdevilishdespairandrevengewithdrewIlefttheroomandlockingthedoormadeasolemnvowinmyownheartnevertoresumemylaboursandthenwithtremblingstepsIsoughtmyownapartmentIwasalonenonewerenearmetodissipatethegloomandrelievemefromthesickeningoppressionofthemostterriblereveriesSeveralhourspassedandIremainednearmywindowgazingontheseaitwasalmostmotionlessforthewindswerehushedandallnaturereposedundertheeyeofthequietmoonAfewfishingvesselsalonespeckedthewaterandnowandthenthegentlebreezewaftedthesoundofvoicesasthefishermencalledtooneanotherIfeltthesilencealthoughIwashardlyconsciousofitsextremeprofundityuntilmyearwassuddenlyarrestedbythepaddlingofoarsneartheshoreandapersonlandedclosetomyhouseInafewminutesafterIheardthecreakingofmydoorasifsomeoneendeavouredtoopenitsoftlyItrembledfromheadtofootIfeltapresentimentofwhoitwasandwishedtorouseoneofthepeasantswhodweltinacottagenotfarfromminebutIwasovercomebythesensationofhelplessnesssooftenfeltinfrightfuldreamswhenyouinvainendeavourtoflyfromanimpendingdangerandwasrootedtothespotPresentlyIheardthesoundoffootstepsalongthepassagethedooropenedandthewretchwhomIdreadedappearedShuttingthedoorheapproachedmeandsaidinasmotheredvoiceYouhavedestroyedtheworkwhichyoubeganwhatisitthatyouintendDoyoudaretobreakyourpromiseIhaveenduredtoilandmiseryIleftSwitzerlandwithyouIcreptalongtheshoresoftheRhineamongitswillowislandsandoverthesummitsofitshillsIhavedweltmanymonthsintheheathsofEnglandandamongthedesertsofScotlandIhaveenduredincalculablefatigueandcoldandhungerdoyoudaredestroymyhopesBegoneIdobreakmypromiseneverwillIcreateanotherlikeyourselfequalindeformityandwickednessSlaveIbeforereasonedwithyoubutyouhaveprovedyourselfunworthyofmycondescensionRememberthatIhavepoweryoubelieveyourselfmiserablebutIcanmakeyousowretchedthatthelightofdaywillbehatefultoyouYouaremycreatorbutIamyourmasterobeyThehourofmyirresolutionispastandtheperiodofyourpowerisarrivedYourthreatscannotmovemetodoanactofwickednessbuttheyconfirmmeinadeterminationofnotcreatingyouacompanioninviceShallIincoolbloodsetlooseupontheearthadmonwhosedelightisindeathandwretchednessBegoneIamfirmandyourwordswillonlyexasperatemyrageThemonstersawmydeterminationinmyfaceandgnashedhisteethintheimpotenceofangerShalleachmancriedhefindawifeforhisbosomandeachbeasthavehismateandIbealoneIhadfeelingsofaffectionandtheywererequitedbydetestationandscornManYoumayhatebutbewareYourhourswillpassindreadandmiseryandsoontheboltwillfallwhichmustravishfromyouyourhappinessforeverAreyoutobehappywhileIgrovelintheintensityofmywretchednessYoucanblastmyotherpassionsbutrevengeremainsrevengehenceforthdearerthanlightorfoodImaydiebutfirstyoumytyrantandtormentorshallcursethesunthatgazesonyourmiseryBewareforIamfearlessandthereforepowerfulIwillwatchwiththewilinessofasnakethatImaystingwithitsvenomManyoushallrepentoftheinjuriesyouinflictDevilceaseanddonotpoisontheairwiththesesoundsofmaliceIhavedeclaredmyresolutiontoyouandIamnocowardtobendbeneathwordsLeavemeIaminexorableItiswellIgobutrememberIshallbewithyouonyourweddingnightIstartedforwardandexclaimedVillainBeforeyousignmydeathwarrantbesurethatyouareyourselfsafeIwouldhaveseizedhimbutheeludedmeandquittedthehousewithprecipitationInafewmomentsIsawhiminhisboatwhichshotacrossthewaterswithanarrowyswiftnessandwassoonlostamidstthewavesAllwasagainsilentbuthiswordsranginmyearsIburnedwithragetopursuethemurdererofmypeaceandprecipitatehimintotheoceanIwalkedupanddownmyroomhastilyandperturbedwhilemyimaginationconjuredupathousandimagestotormentandstingmeWhyhadInotfollowedhimandclosedwithhiminmortalstrifeButIhadsufferedhimtodepartandhehaddirectedhiscoursetowardsthemainlandIshudderedtothinkwhomightbethenextvictimsacrificedtohisinsatiaterevengeAndthenIthoughtagainofhiswordsIwillbewithyouonyourweddingnightThatthenwastheperiodfixedforthefulfilmentofmydestinyInthathourIshoulddieandatoncesatisfyandextinguishhismaliceTheprospectdidnotmovemetofearyetwhenIthoughtofmybelovedElizabethofhertearsandendlesssorrowwhensheshouldfindherloversobarbarouslysnatchedfromhertearsthefirstIhadshedformanymonthsstreamedfrommyeyesandIresolvednottofallbeforemyenemywithoutabitterstruggleThenightpassedawayandthesunrosefromtheoceanmyfeelingsbecamecalmerifitmaybecalledcalmnesswhentheviolenceofragesinksintothedepthsofdespairIleftthehousethehorridsceneofthelastnightscontentionandwalkedonthebeachoftheseawhichIalmostregardedasaninsuperablebarrierbetweenmeandmyfellowcreaturesnayawishthatsuchshouldprovethefactstoleacrossmeIdesiredthatImightpassmylifeonthatbarrenrockwearilyitistruebutuninterruptedbyanysuddenshockofmiseryIfIreturneditwastobesacrificedortoseethosewhomImostloveddieunderthegraspofadmonwhomIhadmyselfcreatedIwalkedabouttheislelikearestlessspectreseparatedfromallitlovedandmiserableintheseparationWhenitbecamenoonandthesunrosehigherIlaydownonthegrassandwasoverpoweredbyadeepsleepIhadbeenawakethewholeoftheprecedingnightmynerveswereagitatedandmyeyesinflamedbywatchingandmiseryThesleepintowhichInowsankrefreshedmeandwhenIawokeIagainfeltasifIbelongedtoaraceofhumanbeingslikemyselfandIbegantoreflectuponwhathadpassedwithgreatercomposureyetstillthewordsofthefiendranginmyearslikeadeathknelltheyappearedlikeadreamyetdistinctandoppressiveasarealityThesunhadfardescendedandIstillsatontheshoresatisfyingmyappetitewhichhadbecomeravenouswithanoatencakewhenIsawafishingboatlandclosetomeandoneofthemenbroughtmeapacketitcontainedlettersfromGenevaandonefromClervalentreatingmetojoinhimHesaidthathewaswearingawayhistimefruitlesslywherehewasthatlettersfromthefriendshehadformedinLondondesiredhisreturntocompletethenegotiationtheyhadenteredintoforhisIndianenterpriseHecouldnotanylongerdelayhisdeparturebutashisjourneytoLondonmightbefollowedevensoonerthanhenowconjecturedbyhislongervoyageheentreatedmetobestowasmuchofmysocietyonhimasIcouldspareHebesoughtmethereforetoleavemysolitaryisleandtomeethimatPerththatwemightproceedsouthwardstogetherThisletterinadegreerecalledmetolifeandIdeterminedtoquitmyislandattheexpirationoftwodaysYetbeforeIdepartedtherewasatasktoperformonwhichIshudderedtoreflectImustpackupmychemicalinstrumentsandforthatpurposeImustentertheroomwhichhadbeenthesceneofmyodiousworkandImusthandlethoseutensilsthesightofwhichwassickeningtomeThenextmorningatdaybreakIsummonedsufficientcourageandunlockedthedoorofmylaboratoryTheremainsofthehalffinishedcreaturewhomIhaddestroyedlayscatteredonthefloorandIalmostfeltasifIhadmangledthelivingfleshofahumanbeingIpausedtocollectmyselfandthenenteredthechamberWithtremblinghandIconveyedtheinstrumentsoutoftheroombutIreflectedthatIoughtnottoleavetherelicsofmyworktoexcitethehorrorandsuspicionofthepeasantsandIaccordinglyputthemintoabasketwithagreatquantityofstonesandlayingthemupdeterminedtothrowthemintotheseathatverynightandinthemeantimeIsatuponthebeachemployedincleaningandarrangingmychemicalapparatusNothingcouldbemorecompletethanthealterationthathadtakenplaceinmyfeelingssincethenightoftheappearanceofthedmonIhadbeforeregardedmypromisewithagloomydespairasathingthatwithwhateverconsequencesmustbefulfilledbutInowfeltasifafilmhadbeentakenfrombeforemyeyesandthatIforthefirsttimesawclearlyTheideaofrenewingmylaboursdidnotforoneinstantoccurtomethethreatIhadheardweighedonmythoughtsbutIdidnotreflectthatavoluntaryactofminecouldavertitIhadresolvedinmyownmindthattocreateanotherlikethefiendIhadfirstmadewouldbeanactofthebasestandmostatrociousselfishnessandIbanishedfrommymindeverythoughtthatcouldleadtoadifferentconclusionBetweentwoandthreeinthemorningthemoonroseandIthenputtingmybasketaboardalittleskiffsailedoutaboutfourmilesfromtheshoreThescenewasperfectlysolitaryafewboatswerereturningtowardslandbutIsailedawayfromthemIfeltasifIwasaboutthecommissionofadreadfulcrimeandavoidedwithshudderinganxietyanyencounterwithmyfellowcreaturesAtonetimethemoonwhichhadbeforebeenclearwassuddenlyoverspreadbyathickcloudandItookadvantageofthemomentofdarknessandcastmybasketintotheseaIlistenedtothegurglingsoundasitsankandthensailedawayfromthespotTheskybecamecloudedbuttheairwaspurealthoughchilledbythenortheastbreezethatwasthenrisingButitrefreshedmeandfilledmewithsuchagreeablesensationsthatIresolvedtoprolongmystayonthewaterandfixingtherudderinadirectpositionstretchedmyselfatthebottomoftheboatCloudshidthemooneverythingwasobscureandIheardonlythesoundoftheboatasitskeelcutthroughthewavesthemurmurlulledmeandinashorttimeIsleptsoundlyIdonotknowhowlongIremainedinthissituationbutwhenIawokeIfoundthatthesunhadalreadymountedconsiderablyThewindwashighandthewavescontinuallythreatenedthesafetyofmylittleskiffIfoundthatthewindwasnortheastandmusthavedrivenmefarfromthecoastfromwhichIhadembarkedIendeavouredtochangemycoursebutquicklyfoundthatifIagainmadetheattempttheboatwouldbeinstantlyfilledwithwaterThussituatedmyonlyresourcewastodrivebeforethewindIconfessthatIfeltafewsensationsofterrorIhadnocompasswithmeandwassoslenderlyacquaintedwiththegeographyofthispartoftheworldthatthesunwasoflittlebenefittomeImightbedrivenintothewideAtlanticandfeelallthetorturesofstarvationorbeswallowedupintheimmeasurablewatersthatroaredandbuffetedaroundmeIhadalreadybeenoutmanyhoursandfeltthetormentofaburningthirstapreludetomyothersufferingsIlookedontheheavenswhichwerecoveredbycloudsthatflewbeforethewindonlytobereplacedbyothersIlookedupontheseaitwastobemygraveFiendIexclaimedyourtaskisalreadyfulfilledIthoughtofElizabethofmyfatherandofClervalallleftbehindonwhomthemonstermightsatisfyhissanguinaryandmercilesspassionsThisideaplungedmeintoareveriesodespairingandfrightfulthatevennowwhenthesceneisonthepointofclosingbeforemeforeverIshuddertoreflectonitSomehourspassedthusbutbydegreesasthesundeclinedtowardsthehorizonthewinddiedawayintoagentlebreezeandtheseabecamefreefrombreakersButthesegaveplacetoaheavyswellIfeltsickandhardlyabletoholdtherudderwhensuddenlyIsawalineofhighlandtowardsthesouthAlmostspentasIwasbyfatigueandthedreadfulsuspenseIenduredforseveralhoursthissuddencertaintyofliferushedlikeafloodofwarmjoytomyheartandtearsgushedfrommyeyesHowmutableareourfeelingsandhowstrangeisthatclinginglovewehaveoflifeevenintheexcessofmiseryIconstructedanothersailwithapartofmydressandeagerlysteeredmycoursetowardsthelandIthadawildandrockyappearancebutasIapproachednearerIeasilyperceivedthetracesofcultivationIsawvesselsneartheshoreandfoundmyselfsuddenlytransportedbacktotheneighbourhoodofcivilisedmanIcarefullytracedthewindingsofthelandandhailedasteeplewhichIatlengthsawissuingfrombehindasmallpromontoryAsIwasinastateofextremedebilityIresolvedtosaildirectlytowardsthetownasaplacewhereIcouldmosteasilyprocurenourishmentFortunatelyIhadmoneywithmeAsIturnedthepromontoryIperceivedasmallneattownandagoodharbourwhichIenteredmyheartboundingwithjoyatmyunexpectedescapeAsIwasoccupiedinfixingtheboatandarrangingthesailsseveralpeoplecrowdedtowardsthespotTheyseemedmuchsurprisedatmyappearancebutinsteadofofferingmeanyassistancewhisperedtogetherwithgesturesthatatanyothertimemighthaveproducedinmeaslightsensationofalarmAsitwasImerelyremarkedthattheyspokeEnglishandIthereforeaddressedtheminthatlanguageMygoodfriendssaidIwillyoubesokindastotellmethenameofthistownandinformmewhereIamYouwillknowthatsoonenoughrepliedamanwithahoarsevoiceMaybeyouarecometoaplacethatwillnotprovemuchtoyourtastebutyouwillnotbeconsultedastoyourquartersIpromiseyouIwasexceedinglysurprisedonreceivingsorudeananswerfromastrangerandIwasalsodisconcertedonperceivingthefrowningandangrycountenancesofhiscompanionsWhydoyouanswermesoroughlyIrepliedSurelyitisnotthecustomofEnglishmentoreceivestrangerssoinhospitablyIdonotknowsaidthemanwhatthecustomoftheEnglishmaybebutitisthecustomoftheIrishtohatevillainsWhilethisstrangedialoguecontinuedIperceivedthecrowdrapidlyincreaseTheirfacesexpressedamixtureofcuriosityandangerwhichannoyedandinsomedegreealarmedmeIinquiredthewaytotheinnbutnoonerepliedIthenmovedforwardandamurmuringsoundarosefromthecrowdastheyfollowedandsurroundedmewhenanilllookingmanapproachingtappedmeontheshoulderandsaidComesiryoumustfollowmetoMrKirwinstogiveanaccountofyourselfWhoisMrKirwinWhyamItogiveanaccountofmyselfIsnotthisafreecountryAysirfreeenoughforhonestfolksMrKirwinisamagistrateandyouaretogiveanaccountofthedeathofagentlemanwhowasfoundmurderedherelastnightThisanswerstartledmebutIpresentlyrecoveredmyselfIwasinnocentthatcouldeasilybeprovedaccordinglyIfollowedmyconductorinsilenceandwasledtooneofthebesthousesinthetownIwasreadytosinkfromfatigueandhungerbutbeingsurroundedbyacrowdIthoughtitpolitictorouseallmystrengththatnophysicaldebilitymightbeconstruedintoapprehensionorconsciousguiltLittledidIthenexpectthecalamitythatwasinafewmomentstooverwhelmmeandextinguishinhorroranddespairallfearofignominyordeathImustpausehereforitrequiresallmyfortitudetorecallthememoryofthefrightfuleventswhichIamabouttorelateinproperdetailtomyrecollectionIwassoonintroducedintothepresenceofthemagistrateanoldbenevolentmanwithcalmandmildmannersHelookeduponmehoweverwithsomedegreeofseverityandthenturningtowardsmyconductorsheaskedwhoappearedaswitnessesonthisoccasionAbouthalfadozenmencameforwardandonebeingselectedbythemagistratehedeposedthathehadbeenoutfishingthenightbeforewithhissonandbrotherinlawDanielNugentwhenabouttenoclocktheyobservedastrongnortherlyblastrisingandtheyaccordinglyputinforportItwasaverydarknightasthemoonhadnotyetrisentheydidnotlandattheharbourbutastheyhadbeenaccustomedatacreekabouttwomilesbelowHewalkedonfirstcarryingapartofthefishingtackleandhiscompanionsfollowedhimatsomedistanceAshewasproceedingalongthesandshestruckhisfootagainstsomethingandfellathislengthonthegroundHiscompanionscameuptoassisthimandbythelightoftheirlanterntheyfoundthathehadfallenonthebodyofamanwhowastoallappearancedeadTheirfirstsuppositionwasthatitwasthecorpseofsomepersonwhohadbeendrownedandwasthrownonshorebythewavesbutonexaminationtheyfoundthattheclotheswerenotwetandeventhatthebodywasnotthencoldTheyinstantlycarriedittothecottageofanoldwomannearthespotandendeavouredbutinvaintorestoreittolifeItappearedtobeahandsomeyoungmanaboutfiveandtwentyyearsofageHehadapparentlybeenstrangledfortherewasnosignofanyviolenceexcepttheblackmarkoffingersonhisneckThefirstpartofthisdepositiondidnotintheleastinterestmebutwhenthemarkofthefingerswasmentionedIrememberedthemurderofmybrotherandfeltmyselfextremelyagitatedmylimbstrembledandamistcameovermyeyeswhichobligedmetoleanonachairforsupportThemagistrateobservedmewithakeeneyeandofcoursedrewanunfavourableauguryfrommymannerThesonconfirmedhisfathersaccountbutwhenDanielNugentwascalledhesworepositivelythatjustbeforethefallofhiscompanionhesawaboatwithasinglemaninitatashortdistancefromtheshoreandasfarashecouldjudgebythelightofafewstarsitwasthesameboatinwhichIhadjustlandedAwomandeposedthatshelivednearthebeachandwasstandingatthedoorofhercottagewaitingforthereturnofthefishermenaboutanhourbeforesheheardofthediscoveryofthebodywhenshesawaboatwithonlyonemaninitpushofffromthatpartoftheshorewherethecorpsewasafterwardsfoundAnotherwomanconfirmedtheaccountofthefishermenhavingbroughtthebodyintoherhouseitwasnotcoldTheyputitintoabedandrubbeditandDanielwenttothetownforanapothecarybutlifewasquitegoneSeveralothermenwereexaminedconcerningmylandingandtheyagreedthatwiththestrongnorthwindthathadarisenduringthenightitwasveryprobablethatIhadbeatenaboutformanyhoursandhadbeenobligedtoreturnnearlytothesamespotfromwhichIhaddepartedBesidestheyobservedthatitappearedthatIhadbroughtthebodyfromanotherplaceanditwaslikelythatasIdidnotappeartoknowtheshoreImighthaveputintotheharbourignorantofthedistanceofthetownoffromtheplacewhereIhaddepositedthecorpseMrKirwinonhearingthisevidencedesiredthatIshouldbetakenintotheroomwherethebodylayforintermentthatitmightbeobservedwhateffectthesightofitwouldproduceuponmeThisideawasprobablysuggestedbytheextremeagitationIhadexhibitedwhenthemodeofthemurderhadbeendescribedIwasaccordinglyconductedbythemagistrateandseveralotherpersonstotheinnIcouldnothelpbeingstruckbythestrangecoincidencesthathadtakenplaceduringthiseventfulnightbutknowingthatIhadbeenconversingwithseveralpersonsintheislandIhadinhabitedaboutthetimethatthebodyhadbeenfoundIwasperfectlytranquilastotheconsequencesoftheaffairIenteredtheroomwherethecorpselayandwasleduptothecoffinHowcanIdescribemysensationsonbeholdingitIfeelyetparchedwithhorrornorcanIreflectonthatterriblemomentwithoutshudderingandagonyTheexaminationthepresenceofthemagistrateandwitnessespassedlikeadreamfrommymemorywhenIsawthelifelessformofHenryClervalstretchedbeforemeIgaspedforbreathandthrowingmyselfonthebodyIexclaimedHavemymurderousmachinationsdeprivedyoualsomydearestHenryoflifeTwoIhavealreadydestroyedothervictimsawaittheirdestinybutyouClervalmyfriendmybenefactorThehumanframecouldnolongersupporttheagoniesthatIenduredandIwascarriedoutoftheroominstrongconvulsionsAfeversucceededtothisIlayfortwomonthsonthepointofdeathmyravingsasIafterwardsheardwerefrightfulIcalledmyselfthemurdererofWilliamofJustineandofClervalSometimesIentreatedmyattendantstoassistmeinthedestructionofthefiendbywhomIwastormentedandatothersIfeltthefingersofthemonsteralreadygraspingmyneckandscreamedaloudwithagonyandterrorFortunatelyasIspokemynativelanguageMrKirwinaloneunderstoodmebutmygesturesandbittercriesweresufficienttoaffrighttheotherwitnessesWhydidInotdieMoremiserablethanmaneverwasbeforewhydidInotsinkintoforgetfulnessandrestDeathsnatchesawaymanybloomingchildrentheonlyhopesoftheirdotingparentshowmanybridesandyouthfullovershavebeenonedayinthebloomofhealthandhopeandthenextapreyforwormsandthedecayofthetombOfwhatmaterialswasImadethatIcouldthusresistsomanyshockswhichliketheturningofthewheelcontinuallyrenewedthetortureButIwasdoomedtoliveandintwomonthsfoundmyselfasawakingfromadreaminaprisonstretchedonawretchedbedsurroundedbygaolersturnkeysboltsandallthemiserableapparatusofadungeonItwasmorningIrememberwhenIthusawoketounderstandingIhadforgottentheparticularsofwhathadhappenedandonlyfeltasifsomegreatmisfortunehadsuddenlyoverwhelmedmebutwhenIlookedaroundandsawthebarredwindowsandthesqualidnessoftheroominwhichIwasallflashedacrossmymemoryandIgroanedbitterlyThissounddisturbedanoldwomanwhowassleepinginachairbesidemeShewasahirednursethewifeofoneoftheturnkeysandhercountenanceexpressedallthosebadqualitieswhichoftencharacterisethatclassThelinesofherfacewerehardandrudelikethatofpersonsaccustomedtoseewithoutsympathisinginsightsofmiseryHertoneexpressedherentireindifferencesheaddressedmeinEnglishandthevoicestruckmeasonethatIhadheardduringmysufferingsAreyoubetternowsirsaidsheIrepliedinthesamelanguagewithafeeblevoiceIbelieveIambutifitbealltrueifindeedIdidnotdreamIamsorrythatIamstillalivetofeelthismiseryandhorrorForthatmatterrepliedtheoldwomanifyoumeanaboutthegentlemanyoumurderedIbelievethatitwerebetterforyouifyouweredeadforIfancyitwillgohardwithyouHoweverthatsnoneofmybusinessIamsenttonurseyouandgetyouwellIdomydutywithasafeconscienceitwerewellifeverybodydidthesameIturnedwithloathingfromthewomanwhocoulduttersounfeelingaspeechtoapersonjustsavedontheveryedgeofdeathbutIfeltlanguidandunabletoreflectonallthathadpassedThewholeseriesofmylifeappearedtomeasadreamIsometimesdoubtedifindeeditwerealltrueforitneverpresenteditselftomymindwiththeforceofrealityAstheimagesthatfloatedbeforemebecamemoredistinctIgrewfeverishadarknesspressedaroundmenoonewasnearmewhosoothedmewiththegentlevoiceoflovenodearhandsupportedmeThephysiciancameandprescribedmedicinesandtheoldwomanpreparedthemformebututtercarelessnesswasvisibleinthefirstandtheexpressionofbrutalitywasstronglymarkedinthevisageofthesecondWhocouldbeinterestedinthefateofamurdererbutthehangmanwhowouldgainhisfeeTheseweremyfirstreflectionsbutIsoonlearnedthatMrKirwinhadshownmeextremekindnessHehadcausedthebestroomintheprisontobepreparedformewretchedindeedwasthebestanditwashewhohadprovidedaphysicianandanurseItistrueheseldomcametoseemeforalthoughheardentlydesiredtorelievethesufferingsofeveryhumancreaturehedidnotwishtobepresentattheagoniesandmiserableravingsofamurdererHecamethereforesometimestoseethatIwasnotneglectedbuthisvisitswereshortandwithlongintervalsOnedaywhileIwasgraduallyrecoveringIwasseatedinachairmyeyeshalfopenandmycheekslividlikethoseindeathIwasovercomebygloomandmiseryandoftenreflectedIhadbetterseekdeaththandesiretoremaininaworldwhichtomewasrepletewithwretchednessAtonetimeIconsideredwhetherIshouldnotdeclaremyselfguiltyandsufferthepenaltyofthelawlessinnocentthanpoorJustinehadbeenSuchweremythoughtswhenthedoorofmyapartmentwasopenedandMrKirwinenteredHiscountenanceexpressedsympathyandcompassionhedrewachairclosetomineandaddressedmeinFrenchIfearthatthisplaceisveryshockingtoyoucanIdoanythingtomakeyoumorecomfortableIthankyoubutallthatyoumentionisnothingtomeonthewholeearththereisnocomfortwhichIamcapableofreceivingIknowthatthesympathyofastrangercanbebutoflittlerelieftoonebornedownasyouarebysostrangeamisfortuneButyouwillIhopesoonquitthismelancholyabodefordoubtlessevidencecaneasilybebroughttofreeyoufromthecriminalchargeThatismyleastconcernIambyacourseofstrangeeventsbecomethemostmiserableofmortalsPersecutedandtorturedasIamandhavebeencandeathbeanyeviltomeNothingindeedcouldbemoreunfortunateandagonisingthanthestrangechancesthathavelatelyoccurredYouwerethrownbysomesurprisingaccidentonthisshorerenownedforitshospitalityseizedimmediatelyandchargedwithmurderThefirstsightthatwaspresentedtoyoureyeswasthebodyofyourfriendmurderedinsounaccountableamannerandplacedasitwerebysomefiendacrossyourpathAsMrKirwinsaidthisnotwithstandingtheagitationIenduredonthisretrospectofmysufferingsIalsofeltconsiderablesurpriseattheknowledgeheseemedtopossessconcerningmeIsupposesomeastonishmentwasexhibitedinmycountenanceforMrKirwinhastenedtosayImmediatelyuponyourbeingtakenillallthepapersthatwereonyourpersonwerebroughtmeandIexaminedthemthatImightdiscoversometracebywhichIcouldsendtoyourrelationsanaccountofyourmisfortuneandillnessIfoundseverallettersandamongothersonewhichIdiscoveredfromitscommencementtobefromyourfatherIinstantlywrotetoGenevanearlytwomonthshaveelapsedsincethedepartureofmyletterButyouareillevennowyoutrembleyouareunfitforagitationofanykindThissuspenseisathousandtimesworsethanthemosthorribleeventtellmewhatnewsceneofdeathhasbeenactedandwhosemurderIamnowtolamentYourfamilyisperfectlywellsaidMrKirwinwithgentlenessandsomeoneafriendiscometovisityouIknownotbywhatchainofthoughttheideapresenteditselfbutitinstantlydartedintomymindthatthemurdererhadcometomockatmymiseryandtauntmewiththedeathofClervalasanewincitementformetocomplywithhishellishdesiresIputmyhandbeforemyeyesandcriedoutinagonyOhTakehimawayIcannotseehimforGodssakedonotlethimenterMrKirwinregardedmewithatroubledcountenanceHecouldnothelpregardingmyexclamationasapresumptionofmyguiltandsaidinratheraseveretoneIshouldhavethoughtyoungmanthatthepresenceofyourfatherwouldhavebeenwelcomeinsteadofinspiringsuchviolentrepugnanceMyfathercriedIwhileeveryfeatureandeverymusclewasrelaxedfromanguishtopleasureIsmyfatherindeedcomeHowkindhowverykindButwhereishewhydoeshenothastentomeMychangeofmannersurprisedandpleasedthemagistrateperhapshethoughtthatmyformerexclamationwasamomentaryreturnofdeliriumandnowheinstantlyresumedhisformerbenevolenceHeroseandquittedtheroomwithmynurseandinamomentmyfatherentereditNothingatthismomentcouldhavegivenmegreaterpleasurethanthearrivalofmyfatherIstretchedoutmyhandtohimandcriedAreyouthensafeandElizabethandErnestMyfathercalmedmewithassurancesoftheirwelfareandendeavouredbydwellingonthesesubjectssointerestingtomyhearttoraisemydespondingspiritsbuthesoonfeltthataprisoncannotbetheabodeofcheerfulnessWhataplaceisthisthatyouinhabitmysonsaidhelookingmournfullyatthebarredwindowsandwretchedappearanceoftheroomYoutravelledtoseekhappinessbutafatalityseemstopursueyouAndpoorClervalThenameofmyunfortunateandmurderedfriendwasanagitationtoogreattobeenduredinmyweakstateIshedtearsAlasYesmyfatherrepliedIsomedestinyofthemosthorriblekindhangsovermeandImustlivetofulfilitorsurelyIshouldhavediedonthecoffinofHenryWewerenotallowedtoconverseforanylengthoftimefortheprecariousstateofmyhealthrenderedeveryprecautionnecessarythatcouldensuretranquillityMrKirwincameinandinsistedthatmystrengthshouldnotbeexhaustedbytoomuchexertionButtheappearanceofmyfatherwastomelikethatofmygoodangelandIgraduallyrecoveredmyhealthAsmysicknessquittedmeIwasabsorbedbyagloomyandblackmelancholythatnothingcoulddissipateTheimageofClervalwasforeverbeforemeghastlyandmurderedMorethanoncetheagitationintowhichthesereflectionsthrewmemademyfriendsdreadadangerousrelapseAlasWhydidtheypreservesomiserableanddetestedalifeItwassurelythatImightfulfilmydestinywhichisnowdrawingtoacloseSoonohverysoonwilldeathextinguishthesethrobbingsandrelievemefromthemightyweightofanguishthatbearsmetothedustandinexecutingtheawardofjusticeIshallalsosinktorestThentheappearanceofdeathwasdistantalthoughthewishwaseverpresenttomythoughtsandIoftensatforhoursmotionlessandspeechlesswishingforsomemightyrevolutionthatmightburymeandmydestroyerinitsruinsTheseasonoftheassizesapproachedIhadalreadybeenthreemonthsinprisonandalthoughIwasstillweakandincontinualdangerofarelapseIwasobligedtotravelnearlyahundredmilestothecountrytownwherethecourtwasheldMrKirwinchargedhimselfwitheverycareofcollectingwitnessesandarrangingmydefenceIwassparedthedisgraceofappearingpubliclyasacriminalasthecasewasnotbroughtbeforethecourtthatdecidesonlifeanddeathThegrandjuryrejectedthebillonitsbeingprovedthatIwasontheOrkneyIslandsatthehourthebodyofmyfriendwasfoundandafortnightaftermyremovalIwasliberatedfromprisonMyfatherwasenrapturedonfindingmefreedfromthevexationsofacriminalchargethatIwasagainallowedtobreathethefreshatmosphereandpermittedtoreturntomynativecountryIdidnotparticipateinthesefeelingsfortomethewallsofadungeonorapalacewerealikehatefulThecupoflifewaspoisonedforeverandalthoughthesunshoneuponmeasuponthehappyandgayofheartIsawaroundmenothingbutadenseandfrightfuldarknesspenetratedbynolightbuttheglimmeroftwoeyesthatglareduponmeSometimestheyweretheexpressiveeyesofHenrylanguishingindeaththedarkorbsnearlycoveredbythelidsandthelongblacklashesthatfringedthemsometimesitwasthewaterycloudedeyesofthemonsterasIfirstsawtheminmychamberatIngolstadtMyfathertriedtoawakeninmethefeelingsofaffectionHetalkedofGenevawhichIshouldsoonvisitofElizabethandErnestbutthesewordsonlydrewdeepgroansfrommeSometimesindeedIfeltawishforhappinessandthoughtwithmelancholydelightofmybelovedcousinorlongedwithadevouringmaladiedupaystoseeoncemorethebluelakeandrapidRhonethathadbeensodeartomeinearlychildhoodbutmygeneralstateoffeelingwasatorporinwhichaprisonwasaswelcomearesidenceasthedivinestsceneinnatureandthesefitswereseldominterruptedbutbyparoxysmsofanguishanddespairAtthesemomentsIoftenendeavouredtoputanendtotheexistenceIloathedanditrequiredunceasingattendanceandvigilancetorestrainmefromcommittingsomedreadfulactofviolenceYetonedutyremainedtometherecollectionofwhichfinallytriumphedovermyselfishdespairItwasnecessarythatIshouldreturnwithoutdelaytoGenevatheretowatchoverthelivesofthoseIsofondlylovedandtolieinwaitforthemurdererthatifanychanceledmetotheplaceofhisconcealmentorifhedaredagaintoblastmebyhispresenceImightwithunfailingaimputanendtotheexistenceofthemonstrousimagewhichIhadenduedwiththemockeryofasoulstillmoremonstrousMyfatherstilldesiredtodelayourdeparturefearfulthatIcouldnotsustainthefatiguesofajourneyforIwasashatteredwrecktheshadowofahumanbeingMystrengthwasgoneIwasamereskeletonandfevernightanddaypreyeduponmywastedframeStillasIurgedourleavingIrelandwithsuchinquietudeandimpatiencemyfatherthoughtitbesttoyieldWetookourpassageonboardavesselboundforHavredeGraceandsailedwithafairwindfromtheIrishshoresItwasmidnightIlayonthedecklookingatthestarsandlisteningtothedashingofthewavesIhailedthedarknessthatshutIrelandfrommysightandmypulsebeatwithafeverishjoywhenIreflectedthatIshouldsoonseeGenevaThepastappearedtomeinthelightofafrightfuldreamyetthevesselinwhichIwasthewindthatblewmefromthedetestedshoreofIrelandandtheseawhichsurroundedmetoldmetooforciblythatIwasdeceivedbynovisionandthatClervalmyfriendanddearestcompanionhadfallenavictimtomeandthemonsterofmycreationIrepassedinmymemorymywholelifemyquiethappinesswhileresidingwithmyfamilyinGenevathedeathofmymotherandmydepartureforIngolstadtIrememberedshudderingthemadenthusiasmthathurriedmeontothecreationofmyhideousenemyandIcalledtomindthenightinwhichhefirstlivedIwasunabletopursuethetrainofthoughtathousandfeelingspresseduponmeandIweptbitterlyEversincemyrecoveryfromthefeverIhadbeeninthecustomoftakingeverynightasmallquantityoflaudanumforitwasbymeansofthisdrugonlythatIwasenabledtogaintherestnecessaryforthepreservationoflifeOppressedbytherecollectionofmyvariousmisfortunesInowswalloweddoublemyusualquantityandsoonsleptprofoundlyButsleepdidnotaffordmerespitefromthoughtandmiserymydreamspresentedathousandobjectsthatscaredmeTowardsmorningIwaspossessedbyakindofnightmareIfeltthefiendsgraspinmyneckandcouldnotfreemyselffromitgroansandcriesranginmyearsMyfatherwhowaswatchingovermeperceivingmyrestlessnessawokemethedashingwaveswerearoundthecloudyskyabovethefiendwasnothereasenseofsecurityafeelingthatatrucewasestablishedbetweenthepresenthourandtheirresistibledisastrousfutureimpartedtomeakindofcalmforgetfulnessofwhichthehumanmindisbyitsstructurepeculiarlysusceptibleThevoyagecametoanendWelandedandproceededtoParisIsoonfoundthatIhadovertaxedmystrengthandthatImustreposebeforeIcouldcontinuemyjourneyMyfatherscareandattentionswereindefatigablebuthedidnotknowtheoriginofmysufferingsandsoughterroneousmethodstoremedytheincurableillHewishedmetoseekamusementinsocietyIabhorredthefaceofmanOhnotabhorredTheyweremybrethrenmyfellowbeingsandIfeltattractedeventothemostrepulsiveamongthemastocreaturesofanangelicnatureandcelestialmechanismButIfeltthatIhadnorighttosharetheirintercourseIhadunchainedanenemyamongthemwhosejoyitwastoshedtheirbloodandtorevelintheirgroansHowtheywouldeachandallabhormeandhuntmefromtheworlddidtheyknowmyunhallowedactsandthecrimeswhichhadtheirsourceinmeMyfatheryieldedatlengthtomydesiretoavoidsocietyandstrovebyvariousargumentstobanishmydespairSometimeshethoughtthatIfeltdeeplythedegradationofbeingobligedtoanswerachargeofmurderandheendeavouredtoprovetomethefutilityofprideAlasMyfathersaidIhowlittledoyouknowmeHumanbeingstheirfeelingsandpassionswouldindeedbedegradedifsuchawretchasIfeltprideJustinepoorunhappyJustinewasasinnocentasIandshesufferedthesamechargeshediedforitandIamthecauseofthisImurderedherWilliamJustineandHenrytheyalldiedbymyhandsMyfatherhadoftenduringmyimprisonmentheardmemakethesameassertionwhenIthusaccusedmyselfhesometimesseemedtodesireanexplanationandatothersheappearedtoconsideritastheoffspringofdeliriumandthatduringmyillnesssomeideaofthiskindhadpresenteditselftomyimaginationtheremembranceofwhichIpreservedinmyconvalescenceIavoidedexplanationandmaintainedacontinualsilenceconcerningthewretchIhadcreatedIhadapersuasionthatIshouldbesupposedmadandthisinitselfwouldforeverhavechainedmytongueButbesidesIcouldnotbringmyselftodiscloseasecretwhichwouldfillmyhearerwithconsternationandmakefearandunnaturalhorrortheinmatesofhisbreastIcheckedthereforemyimpatientthirstforsympathyandwassilentwhenIwouldhavegiventheworldtohaveconfidedthefatalsecretYetstillwordslikethoseIhaverecordedwouldburstuncontrollablyfrommeIcouldoffernoexplanationofthembuttheirtruthinpartrelievedtheburdenofmymysteriouswoeUponthisoccasionmyfathersaidwithanexpressionofunboundedwonderMydearestVictorwhatinfatuationisthisMydearsonIentreatyounevertomakesuchanassertionagainIamnotmadIcriedenergeticallythesunandtheheavenswhohaveviewedmyoperationscanbearwitnessofmytruthIamtheassassinofthosemostinnocentvictimstheydiedbymymachinationsAthousandtimeswouldIhaveshedmyownblooddropbydroptohavesavedtheirlivesbutIcouldnotmyfatherindeedIcouldnotsacrificethewholehumanraceTheconclusionofthisspeechconvincedmyfatherthatmyideaswerederangedandheinstantlychangedthesubjectofourconversationandendeavouredtoalterthecourseofmythoughtsHewishedasmuchaspossibletoobliteratethememoryofthescenesthathadtakenplaceinIrelandandneveralludedtothemorsufferedmetospeakofmymisfortunesAstimepassedawayIbecamemorecalmmiseryhadherdwellinginmyheartbutInolongertalkedinthesameincoherentmannerofmyowncrimessufficientformewastheconsciousnessofthemBytheutmostselfviolenceIcurbedtheimperiousvoiceofwretchednesswhichsometimesdesiredtodeclareitselftothewholeworldandmymannerswerecalmerandmorecomposedthantheyhadeverbeensincemyjourneytotheseaoficeAfewdaysbeforeweleftParisonourwaytoSwitzerlandIreceivedthefollowingletterfromElizabethMydearFriendItgavemethegreatestpleasuretoreceivealetterfrommyuncledatedatParisyouarenolongerataformidabledistanceandImayhopetoseeyouinlessthanafortnightMypoorcousinhowmuchyoumusthavesufferedIexpecttoseeyoulookingevenmoreillthanwhenyouquittedGenevaThiswinterhasbeenpassedmostmiserablytorturedasIhavebeenbyanxioussuspenseyetIhopetoseepeaceinyourcountenanceandtofindthatyourheartisnottotallyvoidofcomfortandtranquillityYetIfearthatthesamefeelingsnowexistthatmadeyousomiserableayearagoevenperhapsaugmentedbytimeIwouldnotdisturbyouatthisperiodwhensomanymisfortunesweighuponyoubutaconversationthatIhadwithmyuncleprevioustohisdeparturerenderssomeexplanationnecessarybeforewemeetExplanationYoumaypossiblysayWhatcanElizabethhavetoexplainIfyoureallysaythismyquestionsareansweredandallmydoubtssatisfiedButyouaredistantfrommeanditispossiblethatyoumaydreadandyetbepleasedwiththisexplanationandinaprobabilityofthisbeingthecaseIdarenotanylongerpostponewritingwhatduringyourabsenceIhaveoftenwishedtoexpresstoyoubuthaveneverhadthecouragetobeginYouwellknowVictorthatourunionhadbeenthefavouriteplanofyourparentseversinceourinfancyWeweretoldthiswhenyoungandtaughttolookforwardtoitasaneventthatwouldcertainlytakeplaceWewereaffectionateplayfellowsduringchildhoodandIbelievedearandvaluedfriendstooneanotheraswegrewolderButasbrotherandsisteroftenentertainalivelyaffectiontowardseachotherwithoutdesiringamoreintimateunionmaynotsuchalsobeourcaseTellmedearestVictorAnswermeIconjureyoubyourmutualhappinesswithsimpletruthDoyounotloveanotherYouhavetravelledyouhavespentseveralyearsofyourlifeatIngolstadtandIconfesstoyoumyfriendthatwhenIsawyoulastautumnsounhappyflyingtosolitudefromthesocietyofeverycreatureIcouldnothelpsupposingthatyoumightregretourconnectionandbelieveyourselfboundinhonourtofulfilthewishesofyourparentsalthoughtheyopposedthemselvestoyourinclinationsButthisisfalsereasoningIconfesstoyoumyfriendthatIloveyouandthatinmyairydreamsoffuturityyouhavebeenmyconstantfriendandcompanionButitisyourhappinessIdesireaswellasmyownwhenIdeclaretoyouthatourmarriagewouldrendermeeternallymiserableunlessitwerethedictateofyourownfreechoiceEvennowIweeptothinkthatbornedownasyouarebythecruellestmisfortunesyoumaystiflebythewordhonourallhopeofthatloveandhappinesswhichwouldalonerestoreyoutoyourselfIwhohavesodisinterestedanaffectionforyoumayincreaseyourmiseriestenfoldbybeinganobstacletoyourwishesAhVictorbeassuredthatyourcousinandplaymatehastoosincerealoveforyounottobemademiserablebythissuppositionBehappymyfriendandifyouobeymeinthisonerequestremainsatisfiedthatnothingonearthwillhavethepowertointerruptmytranquillityDonotletthisletterdisturbyoudonotanswertomorroworthenextdayorevenuntilyoucomeifitwillgiveyoupainMyunclewillsendmenewsofyourhealthandifIseebutonesmileonyourlipswhenwemeetoccasionedbythisoranyotherexertionofmineIshallneednootherhappinessElizabethLavenzaGenevaMaythThisletterrevivedinmymemorywhatIhadbeforeforgottenthethreatofthefiendIwillbewithyouonyourweddingnightSuchwasmysentenceandonthatnightwouldthedmonemployeveryarttodestroymeandtearmefromtheglimpseofhappinesswhichpromisedpartlytoconsolemysufferingsOnthatnighthehaddeterminedtoconsummatehiscrimesbymydeathWellbeitsoadeadlystrugglewouldthenassuredlytakeplaceinwhichifhewerevictoriousIshouldbeatpeaceandhispowerovermebeatanendIfhewerevanquishedIshouldbeafreemanAlasWhatfreedomSuchasthepeasantenjoyswhenhisfamilyhavebeenmassacredbeforehiseyeshiscottageburnthislandslaidwasteandheisturnedadrifthomelesspennilessandalonebutfreeSuchwouldbemylibertyexceptthatinmyElizabethIpossessedatreasurealasbalancedbythosehorrorsofremorseandguiltwhichwouldpursuemeuntildeathSweetandbelovedElizabethIreadandrereadherletterandsomesoftenedfeelingsstoleintomyheartanddaredtowhisperparadisiacaldreamsofloveandjoybuttheapplewasalreadyeatenandtheangelsarmbaredtodrivemefromallhopeYetIwoulddietomakeherhappyIfthemonsterexecutedhisthreatdeathwasinevitableyetagainIconsideredwhethermymarriagewouldhastenmyfateMydestructionmightindeedarriveafewmonthssoonerbutifmytorturershouldsuspectthatIpostponeditinfluencedbyhismenaceshewouldsurelyfindotherandperhapsmoredreadfulmeansofrevengeHehadvowedtobewithmeonmyweddingnightyethedidnotconsiderthatthreatasbindinghimtopeaceinthemeantimeforasiftoshowmethathewasnotyetsatiatedwithbloodhehadmurderedClervalimmediatelyaftertheenunciationofhisthreatsIresolvedthereforethatifmyimmediateunionwithmycousinwouldconduceeithertohersormyfathershappinessmyadversarysdesignsagainstmylifeshouldnotretarditasinglehourInthisstateofmindIwrotetoElizabethMyletterwascalmandaffectionateIfearmybelovedgirlIsaidlittlehappinessremainsforusonearthyetallthatImayonedayenjoyiscentredinyouChaseawayyouridlefearstoyoualonedoIconsecratemylifeandmyendeavoursforcontentmentIhaveonesecretElizabethadreadfulonewhenrevealedtoyouitwillchillyourframewithhorrorandthenfarfrombeingsurprisedatmymiseryyouwillonlywonderthatIsurvivewhatIhaveenduredIwillconfidethistaleofmiseryandterrortoyouthedayafterourmarriageshalltakeplaceformysweetcousintheremustbeperfectconfidencebetweenusButuntilthenIconjureyoudonotmentionoralludetoitThisImostearnestlyentreatandIknowyouwillcomplyInaboutaweekafterthearrivalofElizabethsletterwereturnedtoGenevaThesweetgirlwelcomedmewithwarmaffectionyettearswereinhereyesasshebeheldmyemaciatedframeandfeverishcheeksIsawachangeinheralsoShewasthinnerandhadlostmuchofthatheavenlyvivacitythathadbeforecharmedmebuthergentlenessandsoftlooksofcompassionmadeheramorefitcompanionforoneblastedandmiserableasIwasThetranquillitywhichInowenjoyeddidnotendureMemorybroughtmadnesswithitandwhenIthoughtofwhathadpassedarealinsanitypossessedmesometimesIwasfuriousandburntwithragesometimeslowanddespondentIneitherspokenorlookedatanyonebutsatmotionlessbewilderedbythemultitudeofmiseriesthatovercamemeElizabethalonehadthepowertodrawmefromthesefitshergentlevoicewouldsoothemewhentransportedbypassionandinspiremewithhumanfeelingswhensunkintorporSheweptwithmeandformeWhenreasonreturnedshewouldremonstrateandendeavourtoinspiremewithresignationAhItiswellfortheunfortunatetoberesignedbutfortheguiltythereisnopeaceTheagoniesofremorsepoisontheluxurythereisotherwisesometimesfoundinindulgingtheexcessofgriefSoonaftermyarrivalmyfatherspokeofmyimmediatemarriagewithElizabethIremainedsilentHaveyouthensomeotherattachmentNoneonearthIloveElizabethandlookforwardtoourunionwithdelightLetthedaythereforebefixedandonitIwillconsecratemyselfinlifeordeathtothehappinessofmycousinMydearVictordonotspeakthusHeavymisfortuneshavebefallenusbutletusonlyclingclosertowhatremainsandtransferourloveforthosewhomwehavelosttothosewhoyetliveOurcirclewillbesmallbutboundclosebythetiesofaffectionandmutualmisfortuneAndwhentimeshallhavesoftenedyourdespairnewanddearobjectsofcarewillbeborntoreplacethoseofwhomwehavebeensocruellydeprivedSuchwerethelessonsofmyfatherButtometheremembranceofthethreatreturnednorcanyouwonderthatomnipotentasthefiendhadyetbeeninhisdeedsofbloodIshouldalmostregardhimasinvincibleandthatwhenhehadpronouncedthewordsIshallbewithyouonyourweddingnightIshouldregardthethreatenedfateasunavoidableButdeathwasnoeviltomeifthelossofElizabethwerebalancedwithitandIthereforewithacontentedandevencheerfulcountenanceagreedwithmyfatherthatifmycousinwouldconsenttheceremonyshouldtakeplaceintendaysandthusputasIimaginedthesealtomyfateGreatGodIfforoneinstantIhadthoughtwhatmightbethehellishintentionofmyfiendishadversaryIwouldratherhavebanishedmyselfforeverfrommynativecountryandwanderedafriendlessoutcastovertheearththanhaveconsentedtothismiserablemarriageButasifpossessedofmagicpowersthemonsterhadblindedmetohisrealintentionsandwhenIthoughtthatIhadpreparedonlymyowndeathIhastenedthatofafardearervictimAstheperiodfixedforourmarriagedrewnearerwhetherfromcowardiceorapropheticfeelingIfeltmyheartsinkwithinmeButIconcealedmyfeelingsbyanappearanceofhilaritythatbroughtsmilesandjoytothecountenanceofmyfatherbuthardlydeceivedtheeverwatchfulandnicereyeofElizabethShelookedforwardtoourunionwithplacidcontentmentnotunmingledwithalittlefearwhichpastmisfortuneshadimpressedthatwhatnowappearedcertainandtangiblehappinessmightsoondissipateintoanairydreamandleavenotracebutdeepandeverlastingregretPreparationsweremadefortheeventcongratulatoryvisitswerereceivedandallworeasmilingappearanceIshutupaswellasIcouldinmyownhearttheanxietythatpreyedthereandenteredwithseemingearnestnessintotheplansofmyfatheralthoughtheymightonlyserveasthedecorationsofmytragedyThroughmyfathersexertionsapartoftheinheritanceofElizabethhadbeenrestoredtoherbytheAustriangovernmentAsmallpossessionontheshoresofComobelongedtoherItwasagreedthatimmediatelyafterourunionweshouldproceedtoVillaLavenzaandspendourfirstdaysofhappinessbesidethebeautifullakenearwhichitstoodInthemeantimeItookeveryprecautiontodefendmypersonincasethefiendshouldopenlyattackmeIcarriedpistolsandadaggerconstantlyaboutmeandwaseveronthewatchtopreventartificeandbythesemeansgainedagreaterdegreeoftranquillityIndeedastheperiodapproachedthethreatappearedmoreasadelusionnottoberegardedasworthytodisturbmypeacewhilethehappinessIhopedforinmymarriageworeagreaterappearanceofcertaintyasthedayfixedforitssolemnisationdrewnearerandIhearditcontinuallyspokenofasanoccurrencewhichnoaccidentcouldpossiblypreventElizabethseemedhappymytranquildemeanourcontributedgreatlytocalmhermindButonthedaythatwastofulfilmywishesandmydestinyshewasmelancholyandapresentimentofevilpervadedherandperhapsalsoshethoughtofthedreadfulsecretwhichIhadpromisedtorevealtoheronthefollowingdayMyfatherwasinthemeantimeoverjoyedandinthebustleofpreparationonlyrecognisedinthemelancholyofhisniecethediffidenceofabrideAftertheceremonywasperformedalargepartyassembledatmyfathersbutitwasagreedthatElizabethandIshouldcommenceourjourneybywatersleepingthatnightatEvianandcontinuingourvoyageonthefollowingdayThedaywasfairthewindfavourableallsmiledonournuptialembarkationThosewerethelastmomentsofmylifeduringwhichIenjoyedthefeelingofhappinessWepassedrapidlyalongthesunwashotbutwewereshelteredfromitsraysbyakindofcanopywhileweenjoyedthebeautyofthescenesometimesononesideofthelakewherewesawMontSalêvethepleasantbanksofMontalègreandatadistancesurmountingallthebeautifulMontBlancandtheassemblageofsnowymountainsthatinvainendeavourtoemulatehersometimescoastingtheoppositebankswesawthemightyJuraopposingitsdarksidetotheambitionthatwouldquititsnativecountryandanalmostinsurmountablebarriertotheinvaderwhoshouldwishtoenslaveitItookthehandofElizabethYouaresorrowfulmyloveAhIfyouknewwhatIhavesufferedandwhatImayyetendureyouwouldendeavourtoletmetastethequietandfreedomfromdespairthatthisonedayatleastpermitsmetoenjoyBehappymydearVictorrepliedElizabeththereisIhopenothingtodistressyouandbeassuredthatifalivelyjoyisnotpaintedinmyfacemyheartiscontentedSomethingwhisperstomenottodependtoomuchontheprospectthatisopenedbeforeusbutIwillnotlistentosuchasinistervoiceObservehowfastwemovealongandhowthecloudswhichsometimesobscureandsometimesriseabovethedomeofMontBlancrenderthissceneofbeautystillmoreinterestingLookalsoattheinnumerablefishthatareswimmingintheclearwaterswherewecandistinguisheverypebblethatliesatthebottomWhatadivinedayHowhappyandsereneallnatureappearsThusElizabethendeavouredtodivertherthoughtsandminefromallreflectionuponmelancholysubjectsButhertemperwasfluctuatingjoyforafewinstantsshoneinhereyesbutitcontinuallygaveplacetodistractionandreverieThesunsanklowerintheheavenswepassedtheriverDranceandobserveditspaththroughthechasmsofthehigherandtheglensofthelowerhillsTheAlpsherecomeclosertothelakeandweapproachedtheamphitheatreofmountainswhichformsitseasternboundaryThespireofEvianshoneunderthewoodsthatsurroundeditandtherangeofmountainabovemountainbywhichitwasoverhungThewindwhichhadhithertocarriedusalongwithamazingrapiditysankatsunsettoalightbreezethesoftairjustruffledthewaterandcausedapleasantmotionamongthetreesasweapproachedtheshorefromwhichitwaftedthemostdelightfulscentofflowersandhayThesunsankbeneaththehorizonaswelandedandasItouchedtheshoreIfeltthosecaresandfearsrevivewhichsoonweretoclaspmeandclingtomeforeverItwaseightoclockwhenwelandedwewalkedforashorttimeontheshoreenjoyingthetransitorylightandthenretiredtotheinnandcontemplatedthelovelysceneofwaterswoodsandmountainsobscuredindarknessyetstilldisplayingtheirblackoutlinesThewindwhichhadfalleninthesouthnowrosewithgreatviolenceinthewestThemoonhadreachedhersummitintheheavensandwasbeginningtodescendthecloudssweptacrossitswifterthantheflightofthevultureanddimmedherrayswhilethelakereflectedthesceneofthebusyheavensrenderedstillbusierbytherestlesswavesthatwerebeginningtoriseSuddenlyaheavystormofraindescendedIhadbeencalmduringthedaybutsosoonasnightobscuredtheshapesofobjectsathousandfearsaroseinmymindIwasanxiousandwatchfulwhilemyrighthandgraspedapistolwhichwashiddeninmybosomeverysoundterrifiedmebutIresolvedthatIwouldsellmylifedearlyandnotshrinkfromtheconflictuntilmyownlifeorthatofmyadversarywasextinguishedElizabethobservedmyagitationforsometimeintimidandfearfulsilencebuttherewassomethinginmyglancewhichcommunicatedterrortoherandtremblingsheaskedWhatisitthatagitatesyoumydearVictorWhatisityoufearOhPeacepeacemyloverepliedIthisnightandallwillbesafebutthisnightisdreadfulverydreadfulIpassedanhourinthisstateofmindwhensuddenlyIreflectedhowfearfulthecombatwhichImomentarilyexpectedwouldbetomywifeandIearnestlyentreatedhertoretireresolvingnottojoinheruntilIhadobtainedsomeknowledgeastothesituationofmyenemySheleftmeandIcontinuedsometimewalkingupanddownthepassagesofthehouseandinspectingeverycornerthatmightaffordaretreattomyadversaryButIdiscoverednotraceofhimandwasbeginningtoconjecturethatsomefortunatechancehadintervenedtopreventtheexecutionofhismenaceswhensuddenlyIheardashrillanddreadfulscreamItcamefromtheroomintowhichElizabethhadretiredAsIhearditthewholetruthrushedintomymindmyarmsdroppedthemotionofeverymuscleandfibrewassuspendedIcouldfeelthebloodtricklinginmyveinsandtinglingintheextremitiesofmylimbsThisstatelastedbutforaninstantthescreamwasrepeatedandIrushedintotheroomGreatGodWhydidInotthenexpireWhyamIheretorelatethedestructionofthebesthopeandthepurestcreatureonearthShewastherelifelessandinanimatethrownacrossthebedherheadhangingdownandherpaleanddistortedfeatureshalfcoveredbyherhairEverywhereIturnIseethesamefigureherbloodlessarmsandrelaxedformflungbythemurdereronitsbridalbierCouldIbeholdthisandliveAlasLifeisobstinateandclingsclosestwhereitismosthatedForamomentonlydidIloserecollectionIfellsenselessonthegroundWhenIrecoveredIfoundmyselfsurroundedbythepeopleoftheinntheircountenancesexpressedabreathlessterrorbutthehorrorofothersappearedonlyasamockeryashadowofthefeelingsthatoppressedmeIescapedfromthemtotheroomwherelaythebodyofElizabethmylovemywifesolatelylivingsodearsoworthyShehadbeenmovedfromthepostureinwhichIhadfirstbeheldherandnowasshelayherheaduponherarmandahandkerchiefthrownacrossherfaceandneckImighthavesupposedherasleepIrushedtowardsherandembracedherwithardourbutthedeadlylanguorandcoldnessofthelimbstoldmethatwhatInowheldinmyarmshadceasedtobetheElizabethwhomIhadlovedandcherishedThemurderousmarkofthefiendsgraspwasonherneckandthebreathhadceasedtoissuefromherlipsWhileIstillhungoverherintheagonyofdespairIhappenedtolookupThewindowsoftheroomhadbeforebeendarkenedandIfeltakindofpaniconseeingthepaleyellowlightofthemoonilluminatethechamberTheshuttershadbeenthrownbackandwithasensationofhorrornottobedescribedIsawattheopenwindowafigurethemosthideousandabhorredAgrinwasonthefaceofthemonsterheseemedtojeeraswithhisfiendishfingerhepointedtowardsthecorpseofmywifeIrushedtowardsthewindowanddrawingapistolfrommybosomfiredbutheeludedmeleapedfromhisstationandrunningwiththeswiftnessoflightningplungedintothelakeThereportofthepistolbroughtacrowdintotheroomIpointedtothespotwherehehaddisappearedandwefollowedthetrackwithboatsnetswerecastbutinvainAfterpassingseveralhourswereturnedhopelessmostofmycompanionsbelievingittohavebeenaformconjuredupbymyfancyAfterhavinglandedtheyproceededtosearchthecountrypartiesgoingindifferentdirectionsamongthewoodsandvinesIattemptedtoaccompanythemandproceededashortdistancefromthehousebutmyheadwhirledroundmystepswerelikethoseofadrunkenmanIfellatlastinastateofutterexhaustionafilmcoveredmyeyesandmyskinwasparchedwiththeheatoffeverInthisstateIwascarriedbackandplacedonabedhardlyconsciousofwhathadhappenedmyeyeswanderedroundtheroomasiftoseeksomethingthatIhadlostAfteranintervalIaroseandasifbyinstinctcrawledintotheroomwherethecorpseofmybelovedlayTherewerewomenweepingaroundIhungoveritandjoinedmysadtearstotheirsallthistimenodistinctideapresenteditselftomymindbutmythoughtsrambledtovarioussubjectsreflectingconfusedlyonmymisfortunesandtheircauseIwasbewilderedinacloudofwonderandhorrorThedeathofWilliamtheexecutionofJustinethemurderofClervalandlastlyofmywifeevenatthatmomentIknewnotthatmyonlyremainingfriendsweresafefromthemalignityofthefiendmyfatherevennowmightbewrithingunderhisgraspandErnestmightbedeadathisfeetThisideamademeshudderandrecalledmetoactionIstartedupandresolvedtoreturntoGenevawithallpossiblespeedTherewerenohorsestobeprocuredandImustreturnbythelakebutthewindwasunfavourableandtherainfellintorrentsHoweveritwashardlymorningandImightreasonablyhopetoarrivebynightIhiredmentorowandtookanoarmyselfforIhadalwaysexperiencedrelieffrommentaltormentinbodilyexerciseButtheoverflowingmiseryInowfeltandtheexcessofagitationthatIenduredrenderedmeincapableofanyexertionIthrewdowntheoarandleaningmyheaduponmyhandsgavewaytoeverygloomyideathataroseIfIlookedupIsawsceneswhichwerefamiliartomeinmyhappiertimeandwhichIhadcontemplatedbutthedaybeforeinthecompanyofherwhowasnowbutashadowandarecollectionTearsstreamedfrommyeyesTherainhadceasedforamomentandIsawthefishplayinthewatersastheyhaddoneafewhoursbeforetheyhadthenbeenobservedbyElizabethNothingissopainfultothehumanmindasagreatandsuddenchangeThesunmightshineorthecloudsmightlowerbutnothingcouldappeartomeasithaddonethedaybeforeAfiendhadsnatchedfrommeeveryhopeoffuturehappinessnocreaturehadeverbeensomiserableasIwassofrightfulaneventissingleinthehistoryofmanButwhyshouldIdwellupontheincidentsthatfollowedthislastoverwhelmingeventMinehasbeenataleofhorrorsIhavereachedtheiracmeandwhatImustnowrelatecanbutbetedioustoyouKnowthatonebyonemyfriendsweresnatchedawayIwasleftdesolateMyownstrengthisexhaustedandImusttellinafewwordswhatremainsofmyhideousnarrationIarrivedatGenevaMyfatherandErnestyetlivedbuttheformersunkunderthetidingsthatIboreIseehimnowexcellentandvenerableoldmanHiseyeswanderedinvacancyfortheyhadlosttheircharmandtheirdelighthisElizabethhismorethandaughterwhomhedotedonwithallthataffectionwhichamanfeelswhointhedeclineoflifehavingfewaffectionsclingsmoreearnestlytothosethatremainCursedcursedbethefiendthatbroughtmiseryonhisgreyhairsanddoomedhimtowasteinwretchednessHecouldnotliveunderthehorrorsthatwereaccumulatedaroundhimthespringsofexistencesuddenlygavewayhewasunabletorisefromhisbedandinafewdayshediedinmyarmsWhatthenbecameofmeIknownotIlostsensationandchainsanddarknessweretheonlyobjectsthatpresseduponmeSometimesindeedIdreamtthatIwanderedinflowerymeadowsandpleasantvaleswiththefriendsofmyyouthbutIawokeandfoundmyselfinadungeonMelancholyfollowedbutbydegreesIgainedaclearconceptionofmymiseriesandsituationandwasthenreleasedfrommyprisonFortheyhadcalledmemadandduringmanymonthsasIunderstoodasolitarycellhadbeenmyhabitationLibertyhoweverhadbeenauselessgifttomehadInotasIawakenedtoreasonatthesametimeawakenedtorevengeAsthememoryofpastmisfortunespresseduponmeIbegantoreflectontheircausethemonsterwhomIhadcreatedthemiserabledmonwhomIhadsentabroadintotheworldformydestructionIwaspossessedbyamaddeningragewhenIthoughtofhimanddesiredandardentlyprayedthatImighthavehimwithinmygrasptowreakagreatandsignalrevengeonhiscursedheadNordidmyhatelongconfineitselftouselesswishesIbegantoreflectonthebestmeansofsecuringhimandforthispurposeaboutamonthaftermyreleaseIrepairedtoacriminaljudgeinthetownandtoldhimthatIhadanaccusationtomakethatIknewthedestroyerofmyfamilyandthatIrequiredhimtoexerthiswholeauthorityfortheapprehensionofthemurdererThemagistratelistenedtomewithattentionandkindnessBeassuredsirsaidhenopainsorexertionsonmypartshallbesparedtodiscoverthevillainIthankyourepliedIlistenthereforetothedepositionthatIhavetomakeItisindeedatalesostrangethatIshouldfearyouwouldnotcredititweretherenotsomethingintruthwhichhoweverwonderfulforcesconvictionThestoryistooconnectedtobemistakenforadreamandIhavenomotiveforfalsehoodMymannerasIthusaddressedhimwasimpressivebutcalmIhadformedinmyownheartaresolutiontopursuemydestroyertodeathandthispurposequietedmyagonyandforanintervalreconciledmetolifeInowrelatedmyhistorybrieflybutwithfirmnessandprecisionmarkingthedateswithaccuracyandneverdeviatingintoinvectiveorexclamationThemagistrateappearedatfirstperfectlyincredulousbutasIcontinuedhebecamemoreattentiveandinterestedIsawhimsometimesshudderwithhorroratothersalivelysurpriseunmingledwithdisbeliefwaspaintedonhiscountenanceWhenIhadconcludedmynarrationIsaidThisisthebeingwhomIaccuseandforwhoseseizureandpunishmentIcalluponyoutoexertyourwholepowerItisyourdutyasamagistrateandIbelieveandhopethatyourfeelingsasamanwillnotrevoltfromtheexecutionofthosefunctionsonthisoccasionThisaddresscausedaconsiderablechangeinthephysiognomyofmyownauditorHehadheardmystorywiththathalfkindofbeliefthatisgiventoataleofspiritsandsupernaturaleventsbutwhenhewascalledupontoactofficiallyinconsequencethewholetideofhisincredulityreturnedHehoweveransweredmildlyIwouldwillinglyaffordyoueveryaidinyourpursuitbutthecreatureofwhomyouspeakappearstohavepowerswhichwouldputallmyexertionstodefianceWhocanfollowananimalwhichcantraversetheseaoficeandinhabitcavesanddenswherenomanwouldventuretointrudeBesidessomemonthshaveelapsedsincethecommissionofhiscrimesandnoonecanconjecturetowhatplacehehaswanderedorwhatregionhemaynowinhabitIdonotdoubtthathehoversnearthespotwhichIinhabitandifhehasindeedtakenrefugeintheAlpshemaybehuntedlikethechamoisanddestroyedasabeastofpreyButIperceiveyourthoughtsyoudonotcreditmynarrativeanddonotintendtopursuemyenemywiththepunishmentwhichishisdesertAsIspokeragesparkledinmyeyesthemagistratewasintimidatedYouaremistakensaidheIwillexertmyselfandifitisinmypowertoseizethemonsterbeassuredthatheshallsufferpunishmentproportionatetohiscrimesButIfearfromwhatyouhaveyourselfdescribedtobehispropertiesthatthiswillproveimpracticableandthuswhileeverypropermeasureispursuedyoushouldmakeupyourmindtodisappointmentThatcannotbebutallthatIcansaywillbeoflittleavailMyrevengeisofnomomenttoyouyetwhileIallowittobeaviceIconfessthatitisthedevouringandonlypassionofmysoulMyrageisunspeakablewhenIreflectthatthemurdererwhomIhaveturnedlooseuponsocietystillexistsYourefusemyjustdemandIhavebutoneresourceandIdevotemyselfeitherinmylifeordeathtohisdestructionItrembledwithexcessofagitationasIsaidthistherewasafrenzyinmymannerandsomethingIdoubtnotofthathaughtyfiercenesswhichthemartyrsofoldaresaidtohavepossessedButtoaGenevanmagistratewhosemindwasoccupiedbyfarotherideasthanthoseofdevotionandheroismthiselevationofmindhadmuchtheappearanceofmadnessHeendeavouredtosoothemeasanursedoesachildandrevertedtomytaleastheeffectsofdeliriumManIcriedhowignorantartthouinthyprideofwisdomCeaseyouknownotwhatitisyousayIbrokefromthehouseangryanddisturbedandretiredtomeditateonsomeothermodeofactionMypresentsituationwasoneinwhichallvoluntarythoughtwasswallowedupandlostIwashurriedawaybyfuryrevengealoneendowedmewithstrengthandcomposureitmouldedmyfeelingsandallowedmetobecalculatingandcalmatperiodswhenotherwisedeliriumordeathwouldhavebeenmyportionMyfirstresolutionwastoquitGenevaforevermycountrywhichwhenIwashappyandbelovedwasdeartomenowinmyadversitybecamehatefulIprovidedmyselfwithasumofmoneytogetherwithafewjewelswhichhadbelongedtomymotheranddepartedAndnowmywanderingsbeganwhicharetoceasebutwithlifeIhavetraversedavastportionoftheearthandhaveenduredallthehardshipswhichtravellersindesertsandbarbarouscountriesarewonttomeetHowIhavelivedIhardlyknowmanytimeshaveIstretchedmyfailinglimbsuponthesandyplainandprayedfordeathButrevengekeptmealiveIdarednotdieandleavemyadversaryinbeingWhenIquittedGenevamyfirstlabourwastogainsomecluebywhichImighttracethestepsofmyfiendishenemyButmyplanwasunsettledandIwanderedmanyhoursroundtheconfinesofthetownuncertainwhatpathIshouldpursueAsnightapproachedIfoundmyselfattheentranceofthecemeterywhereWilliamElizabethandmyfatherreposedIentereditandapproachedthetombwhichmarkedtheirgravesEverythingwassilentexcepttheleavesofthetreeswhichweregentlyagitatedbythewindthenightwasnearlydarkandthescenewouldhavebeensolemnandaffectingeventoanuninterestedobserverThespiritsofthedepartedseemedtoflitaroundandtocastashadowwhichwasfeltbutnotseenaroundtheheadofthemournerThedeepgriefwhichthisscenehadatfirstexcitedquicklygavewaytorageanddespairTheyweredeadandIlivedtheirmurdereralsolivedandtodestroyhimImustdragoutmywearyexistenceIkneltonthegrassandkissedtheearthandwithquiveringlipsexclaimedBythesacredearthonwhichIkneelbytheshadesthatwandernearmebythedeepandeternalgriefthatIfeelIswearandbytheeONightandthespiritsthatpresideovertheetopursuethedmonwhocausedthismiseryuntilheorIshallperishinmortalconflictForthispurposeIwillpreservemylifetoexecutethisdearrevengewillIagainbeholdthesunandtreadthegreenherbageofearthwhichotherwiseshouldvanishfrommyeyesforeverAndIcallonyouspiritsofthedeadandonyouwanderingministersofvengeancetoaidandconductmeinmyworkLetthecursedandhellishmonsterdrinkdeepofagonylethimfeelthedespairthatnowtormentsmeIhadbegunmyadjurationwithsolemnityandanawewhichalmostassuredmethattheshadesofmymurderedfriendsheardandapprovedmydevotionbutthefuriespossessedmeasIconcludedandragechokedmyutteranceIwasansweredthroughthestillnessofnightbyaloudandfiendishlaughItrangonmyearslongandheavilythemountainsreechoeditandIfeltasifallhellsurroundedmewithmockeryandlaughterSurelyinthatmomentIshouldhavebeenpossessedbyfrenzyandhavedestroyedmymiserableexistencebutthatmyvowwasheardandthatIwasreservedforvengeanceThelaughterdiedawaywhenawellknownandabhorredvoiceapparentlyclosetomyearaddressedmeinanaudiblewhisperIamsatisfiedmiserablewretchYouhavedeterminedtoliveandIamsatisfiedIdartedtowardsthespotfromwhichthesoundproceededbutthedevileludedmygraspSuddenlythebroaddiskofthemoonaroseandshonefulluponhisghastlyanddistortedshapeashefledwithmorethanmortalspeedIpursuedhimandformanymonthsthishasbeenmytaskGuidedbyaslightclueIfollowedthewindingsoftheRhonebutvainlyTheblueMediterraneanappearedandbyastrangechanceIsawthefiendenterbynightandhidehimselfinavesselboundfortheBlackSeaItookmypassageinthesameshipbutheescapedIknownothowAmidstthewildsofTartaryandRussiaalthoughhestillevadedmeIhaveeverfollowedinhistrackSometimesthepeasantsscaredbythishorridapparitioninformedmeofhispathsometimeshehimselfwhofearedthatifIlostalltraceofhimIshoulddespairanddieleftsomemarktoguidemeThesnowsdescendedonmyheadandIsawtheprintofhishugesteponthewhiteplainToyoufirstenteringonlifetowhomcareisnewandagonyunknownhowcanyouunderstandwhatIhavefeltandstillfeelColdwantandfatigueweretheleastpainswhichIwasdestinedtoendureIwascursedbysomedevilandcarriedaboutwithmemyeternalhellyetstillaspiritofgoodfollowedanddirectedmystepsandwhenImostmurmuredwouldsuddenlyextricatemefromseeminglyinsurmountabledifficultiesSometimeswhennatureovercomebyhungersankundertheexhaustionarepastwaspreparedformeinthedesertthatrestoredandinspiritedmeThefarewasindeedcoarsesuchasthepeasantsofthecountryatebutIwillnotdoubtthatitwassettherebythespiritsthatIhadinvokedtoaidmeOftenwhenallwasdrytheheavenscloudlessandIwasparchedbythirstaslightcloudwouldbedimtheskyshedthefewdropsthatrevivedmeandvanishIfollowedwhenIcouldthecoursesoftheriversbutthedmongenerallyavoidedtheseasitwasherethatthepopulationofthecountrychieflycollectedInotherplaceshumanbeingswereseldomseenandIgenerallysubsistedonthewildanimalsthatcrossedmypathIhadmoneywithmeandgainedthefriendshipofthevillagersbydistributingitorIbroughtwithmesomefoodthatIhadkilledwhichaftertakingasmallpartIalwayspresentedtothosewhohadprovidedmewithfireandutensilsforcookingMylifeasitpassedthuswasindeedhatefultomeanditwasduringsleepalonethatIcouldtastejoyOblessedsleepOftenwhenmostmiserableIsanktoreposeandmydreamslulledmeeventoraptureThespiritsthatguardedmehadprovidedthesemomentsorratherhoursofhappinessthatImightretainstrengthtofulfilmypilgrimageDeprivedofthisrespiteIshouldhavesunkundermyhardshipsDuringthedayIwassustainedandinspiritedbythehopeofnightforinsleepIsawmyfriendsmywifeandmybelovedcountryagainIsawthebenevolentcountenanceofmyfatherheardthesilvertonesofmyElizabethsvoiceandbeheldClervalenjoyinghealthandyouthOftenwhenweariedbyatoilsomemarchIpersuadedmyselfthatIwasdreaminguntilnightshouldcomeandthatIshouldthenenjoyrealityinthearmsofmydearestfriendsWhatagonisingfondnessdidIfeelforthemHowdidIclingtotheirdearformsassometimestheyhauntedevenmywakinghoursandpersuademyselfthattheystilllivedAtsuchmomentsvengeancethatburnedwithinmediedinmyheartandIpursuedmypathtowardsthedestructionofthedmonmoreasataskenjoinedbyheavenasthemechanicalimpulseofsomepowerofwhichIwasunconsciousthanastheardentdesireofmysoulWhathisfeelingswerewhomIpursuedIcannotknowSometimesindeedheleftmarksinwritingonthebarksofthetreesorcutinstonethatguidedmeandinstigatedmyfuryMyreignisnotyetoverthesewordswerelegibleinoneoftheseinscriptionsyouliveandmypoweriscompleteFollowmeIseektheeverlastingicesofthenorthwhereyouwillfeelthemiseryofcoldandfrosttowhichIamimpassiveYouwillfindnearthisplaceifyoufollownottootardilyadeadhareeatandberefreshedComeonmyenemywehaveyettowrestleforourlivesbutmanyhardandmiserablehoursmustyouendureuntilthatperiodshallarriveScoffingdevilAgaindoIvowvengeanceagaindoIdevotetheemiserablefiendtotortureanddeathNeverwillIgiveupmysearchuntilheorIperishandthenwithwhatecstasyshallIjoinmyElizabethandmydepartedfriendswhoevennowprepareformetherewardofmytedioustoilandhorriblepilgrimageAsIstillpursuedmyjourneytothenorthwardthesnowsthickenedandthecoldincreasedinadegreealmosttooseveretosupportThepeasantswereshutupintheirhovelsandonlyafewofthemosthardyventuredforthtoseizetheanimalswhomstarvationhadforcedfromtheirhidingplacestoseekforpreyTheriverswerecoveredwithiceandnofishcouldbeprocuredandthusIwascutofffrommychiefarticleofmaintenanceThetriumphofmyenemyincreasedwiththedifficultyofmylaboursOneinscriptionthatheleftwasinthesewordsPrepareYourtoilsonlybeginwrapyourselfinfursandprovidefoodforweshallsoonenteruponajourneywhereyoursufferingswillsatisfymyeverlastinghatredMycourageandperseverancewereinvigoratedbythesescoffingwordsIresolvednottofailinmypurposeandcallingonHeaventosupportmeIcontinuedwithunabatedfervourtotraverseimmensedesertsuntiltheoceanappearedatadistanceandformedtheutmostboundaryofthehorizonOhHowunlikeitwastotheblueseasonsofthesouthCoveredwithiceitwasonlytobedistinguishedfromlandbyitssuperiorwildnessandruggednessTheGreeksweptforjoywhentheybeheldtheMediterraneanfromthehillsofAsiaandhailedwithrapturetheboundaryoftheirtoilsIdidnotweepbutIkneltdownandwithafullheartthankedmyguidingspiritforconductingmeinsafetytotheplacewhereIhopednotwithstandingmyadversarysgibetomeetandgrapplewithhimSomeweeksbeforethisperiodIhadprocuredasledgeanddogsandthustraversedthesnowswithinconceivablespeedIknownotwhetherthefiendpossessedthesameadvantagesbutIfoundthatasbeforeIhaddailylostgroundinthepursuitInowgainedonhimsomuchsothatwhenIfirstsawtheoceanhewasbutonedaysjourneyinadvanceandIhopedtointercepthimbeforeheshouldreachthebeachWithnewcouragethereforeIpressedonandintwodaysarrivedatawretchedhamletontheseashoreIinquiredoftheinhabitantsconcerningthefiendandgainedaccurateinformationAgiganticmonstertheysaidhadarrivedthenightbeforearmedwithagunandmanypistolsputtingtoflighttheinhabitantsofasolitarycottagethroughfearofhisterrificappearanceHehadcarriedofftheirstoreofwinterfoodandplacingitinasledgetodrawwhichhehadseizedonanumerousdroveoftraineddogshehadharnessedthemandthesamenighttothejoyofthehorrorstruckvillagershadpursuedhisjourneyacrosstheseainadirectionthatledtonolandandtheyconjecturedthathemustspeedilybedestroyedbythebreakingoftheiceorfrozenbytheeternalfrostsOnhearingthisinformationIsufferedatemporaryaccessofdespairHehadescapedmeandImustcommenceadestructiveandalmostendlessjourneyacrossthemountainousicesoftheoceanamidstcoldthatfewoftheinhabitantscouldlongendureandwhichIthenativeofagenialandsunnyclimatecouldnothopetosurviveYetattheideathatthefiendshouldliveandbetriumphantmyrageandvengeancereturnedandlikeamightytideoverwhelmedeveryotherfeelingAfteraslightreposeduringwhichthespiritsofthedeadhoveredroundandinstigatedmetotoilandrevengeIpreparedformyjourneyIexchangedmylandsledgeforonefashionedfortheinequalitiesoftheFrozenOceanandpurchasingaplentifulstockofprovisionsIdepartedfromlandIcannotguesshowmanydayshavepassedsincethenbutIhaveenduredmiserywhichnothingbuttheeternalsentimentofajustretributionburningwithinmyheartcouldhaveenabledmetosupportImmenseandruggedmountainsoficeoftenbarredupmypassageandIoftenheardthethunderofthegroundseawhichthreatenedmydestructionButagainthefrostcameandmadethepathsoftheseasecureBythequantityofprovisionwhichIhadconsumedIshouldguessthatIhadpassedthreeweeksinthisjourneyandthecontinualprotractionofhopereturningbackupontheheartoftenwrungbitterdropsofdespondencyandgrieffrommyeyesDespairhadindeedalmostsecuredherpreyandIshouldsoonhavesunkbeneaththismiseryOnceafterthepooranimalsthatconveyedmehadwithincredibletoilgainedthesummitofaslopingicemountainandonesinkingunderhisfatiguediedIviewedtheexpansebeforemewithanguishwhensuddenlymyeyecaughtadarkspeckupontheduskyplainIstrainedmysighttodiscoverwhatitcouldbeandutteredawildcryofecstasywhenIdistinguishedasledgeandthedistortedproportionsofawellknownformwithinOhWithwhataburninggushdidhoperevisitmyheartWarmtearsfilledmyeyeswhichIhastilywipedawaythattheymightnotintercepttheviewIhadofthedmonbutstillmysightwasdimmedbytheburningdropsuntilgivingwaytotheemotionsthatoppressedmeIweptaloudButthiswasnotthetimefordelayIdisencumberedthedogsoftheirdeadcompaniongavethemaplentifulportionoffoodandafteranhoursrestwhichwasabsolutelynecessaryandyetwhichwasbitterlyirksometomeIcontinuedmyrouteThesledgewasstillvisiblenordidIagainlosesightofitexceptatthemomentswhenforashorttimesomeicerockconcealeditwithitsinterveningcragsIindeedperceptiblygainedonitandwhenafternearlytwodaysjourneyIbeheldmyenemyatnomorethanamiledistantmyheartboundedwithinmeButnowwhenIappearedalmostwithingraspofmyfoemyhopesweresuddenlyextinguishedandIlostalltraceofhimmoreutterlythanIhadeverdonebeforeAgroundseawasheardthethunderofitsprogressasthewatersrolledandswelledbeneathmebecameeverymomentmoreominousandterrificIpressedonbutinvainThewindarosethesearoaredandaswiththemightyshockofanearthquakeitsplitandcrackedwithatremendousandoverwhelmingsoundTheworkwassoonfinishedinafewminutesatumultuoussearolledbetweenmeandmyenemyandIwasleftdriftingonascatteredpieceoficethatwascontinuallylesseningandthuspreparingformeahideousdeathInthismannermanyappallinghourspassedseveralofmydogsdiedandImyselfwasabouttosinkundertheaccumulationofdistresswhenIsawyourvesselridingatanchorandholdingforthtomehopesofsuccourandlifeIhadnoconceptionthatvesselsevercamesofarnorthandwasastoundedatthesightIquicklydestroyedpartofmysledgetoconstructoarsandbythesemeanswasenabledwithinfinitefatiguetomovemyiceraftinthedirectionofyourshipIhaddeterminedifyouweregoingsouthwardsstilltotrustmyselftothemercyoftheseasratherthanabandonmypurposeIhopedtoinduceyoutograntmeaboatwithwhichIcouldpursuemyenemyButyourdirectionwasnorthwardsYoutookmeonboardwhenmyvigourwasexhaustedandIshouldsoonhavesunkundermymultipliedhardshipsintoadeathwhichIstilldreadformytaskisunfulfilledOhWhenwillmyguidingspiritinconductingmetothedmonallowmetherestIsomuchdesireormustIdieandheyetliveIfIdosweartomeWaltonthatheshallnotescapethatyouwillseekhimandsatisfymyvengeanceinhisdeathAnddoIdaretoaskofyoutoundertakemypilgrimagetoendurethehardshipsthatIhaveundergoneNoIamnotsoselfishYetwhenIamdeadifheshouldappeariftheministersofvengeanceshouldconducthimtoyouswearthatheshallnotliveswearthatheshallnottriumphovermyaccumulatedwoesandsurvivetoaddtothelistofhisdarkcrimesHeiseloquentandpersuasiveandoncehiswordshadevenpowerovermyheartbuttrusthimnotHissoulisashellishashisformfulloftreacheryandfiendlikemaliceHearhimnotcallonthenamesofWilliamJustineClervalElizabethmyfatherandofthewretchedVictorandthrustyourswordintohisheartIwillhovernearanddirectthesteelarightWaltonincontinuationAugustthYouhavereadthisstrangeandterrificstoryMargaretanddoyounotfeelyourbloodcongealwithhorrorlikethatwhichevennowcurdlesmineSometimesseizedwithsuddenagonyhecouldnotcontinuehistaleatothershisvoicebrokenyetpiercingutteredwithdifficultythewordssorepletewithanguishHisfineandlovelyeyeswerenowlightedupwithindignationnowsubduedtodowncastsorrowandquenchedininfinitewretchednessSometimeshecommandedhiscountenanceandtonesandrelatedthemosthorribleincidentswithatranquilvoicesuppressingeverymarkofagitationthenlikeavolcanoburstingforthhisfacewouldsuddenlychangetoanexpressionofthewildestrageasheshriekedoutimprecationsonhispersecutorHistaleisconnectedandtoldwithanappearanceofthesimplesttruthyetIowntoyouthatthelettersofFelixandSafiewhichheshowedmeandtheapparitionofthemonsterseenfromourshipbroughttomeagreaterconvictionofthetruthofhisnarrativethanhisasseverationshoweverearnestandconnectedSuchamonsterhasthenreallyexistenceIcannotdoubtityetIamlostinsurpriseandadmirationSometimesIendeavouredtogainfromFrankensteintheparticularsofhiscreaturesformationbutonthispointhewasimpenetrableAreyoumadmyfriendsaidheOrwhitherdoesyoursenselesscuriosityleadyouWouldyoualsocreateforyourselfandtheworldademoniacalenemyPeacepeaceLearnmymiseriesanddonotseektoincreaseyourownFrankensteindiscoveredthatImadenotesconcerninghishistoryheaskedtoseethemandthenhimselfcorrectedandaugmentedtheminmanyplacesbutprincipallyingivingthelifeandspirittotheconversationsheheldwithhisenemySinceyouhavepreservedmynarrationsaidheIwouldnotthatamutilatedoneshouldgodowntoposterityThushasaweekpassedawaywhileIhavelistenedtothestrangesttalethateverimaginationformedMythoughtsandeveryfeelingofmysoulhavebeendrunkupbytheinterestformyguestwhichthistaleandhisownelevatedandgentlemannershavecreatedIwishtosoothehimyetcanIcounselonesoinfinitelymiserablesodestituteofeveryhopeofconsolationtoliveOhnoTheonlyjoythathecannowknowwillbewhenhecomposeshisshatteredspirittopeaceanddeathYetheenjoysonecomforttheoffspringofsolitudeanddeliriumhebelievesthatwhenindreamsheholdsconversewithhisfriendsandderivesfromthatcommunionconsolationforhismiseriesorexcitementstohisvengeancethattheyarenotthecreationsofhisfancybutthebeingsthemselveswhovisithimfromtheregionsofaremoteworldThisfaithgivesasolemnitytohisreveriesthatrenderthemtomealmostasimposingandinterestingastruthOurconversationsarenotalwaysconfinedtohisownhistoryandmisfortunesOneverypointofgeneralliteraturehedisplaysunboundedknowledgeandaquickandpiercingapprehensionHiseloquenceisforcibleandtouchingnorcanIhearhimwhenherelatesapatheticincidentorendeavourstomovethepassionsofpityorlovewithouttearsWhatagloriouscreaturemusthehavebeeninthedaysofhisprosperitywhenheisthusnobleandgodlikeinruinHeseemstofeelhisownworthandthegreatnessofhisfallWhenyoungersaidheIbelievedmyselfdestinedforsomegreatenterpriseMyfeelingsareprofoundbutIpossessedacoolnessofjudgmentthatfittedmeforillustriousachievementsThissentimentoftheworthofmynaturesupportedmewhenotherswouldhavebeenoppressedforIdeemeditcriminaltothrowawayinuselessgriefthosetalentsthatmightbeusefultomyfellowcreaturesWhenIreflectedontheworkIhadcompletednolessaonethanthecreationofasensitiveandrationalanimalIcouldnotrankmyselfwiththeherdofcommonprojectorsButthisthoughtwhichsupportedmeinthecommencementofmycareernowservesonlytoplungemelowerinthedustAllmyspeculationsandhopesareasnothingandlikethearchangelwhoaspiredtoomnipotenceIamchainedinaneternalhellMyimaginationwasvividyetmypowersofanalysisandapplicationwereintensebytheunionofthesequalitiesIconceivedtheideaandexecutedthecreationofamanEvennowIcannotrecollectwithoutpassionmyreverieswhiletheworkwasincompleteItrodheaveninmythoughtsnowexultinginmypowersnowburningwiththeideaoftheireffectsFrommyinfancyIwasimbuedwithhighhopesandaloftyambitionbuthowamIsunkOhMyfriendifyouhadknownmeasIoncewasyouwouldnotrecognisemeinthisstateofdegradationDespondencyrarelyvisitedmyheartahighdestinyseemedtobearmeonuntilIfellneverneveragaintoriseMustIthenlosethisadmirablebeingIhavelongedforafriendIhavesoughtonewhowouldsympathisewithandlovemeBeholdonthesedesertseasIhavefoundsuchaonebutIfearIhavegainedhimonlytoknowhisvalueandlosehimIwouldreconcilehimtolifebutherepulsestheideaIthankyouWaltonhesaidforyourkindintentionstowardssomiserableawretchbutwhenyouspeakofnewtiesandfreshaffectionsthinkyouthatanycanreplacethosewhoaregoneCananymanbetomeasClervalwasoranywomananotherElizabethEvenwheretheaffectionsarenotstronglymovedbyanysuperiorexcellencethecompanionsofourchildhoodalwayspossessacertainpoweroverourmindswhichhardlyanylaterfriendcanobtainTheyknowourinfantinedispositionswhichhowevertheymaybeafterwardsmodifiedarenevereradicatedandtheycanjudgeofouractionswithmorecertainconclusionsastotheintegrityofourmotivesAsisterorabrothercanneverunlessindeedsuchsymptomshavebeenshownearlysuspecttheotheroffraudorfalsedealingwhenanotherfriendhoweverstronglyhemaybeattachedmayinspiteofhimselfbecontemplatedwithsuspicionButIenjoyedfriendsdearnotonlythroughhabitandassociationbutfromtheirownmeritsandwhereverIamthesoothingvoiceofmyElizabethandtheconversationofClervalwillbeeverwhisperedinmyearTheyaredeadandbutonefeelinginsuchasolitudecanpersuademetopreservemylifeIfIwereengagedinanyhighundertakingordesignfraughtwithextensiveutilitytomyfellowcreaturesthencouldIlivetofulfilitButsuchisnotmydestinyImustpursueanddestroythebeingtowhomIgaveexistencethenmylotonearthwillbefulfilledandImaydieMybelovedSisterSeptemberdIwritetoyouencompassedbyperilandignorantwhetherIameverdoomedtoseeagaindearEnglandandthedearerfriendsthatinhabititIamsurroundedbymountainsoficewhichadmitofnoescapeandthreateneverymomenttocrushmyvesselThebravefellowswhomIhavepersuadedtobemycompanionslooktowardsmeforaidbutIhavenonetobestowThereissomethingterriblyappallinginoursituationyetmycourageandhopesdonotdesertmeYetitisterribletoreflectthatthelivesofallthesemenareendangeredthroughmeIfwearelostmymadschemesarethecauseAndwhatMargaretwillbethestateofyourmindYouwillnothearofmydestructionandyouwillanxiouslyawaitmyreturnYearswillpassandyouwillhavevisitingsofdespairandyetbetorturedbyhopeOhMybelovedsisterthesickeningfailingofyourheartfeltexpectationsisinprospectmoreterribletomethanmyowndeathButyouhaveahusbandandlovelychildrenyoumaybehappyHeavenblessyouandmakeyousoMyunfortunateguestregardsmewiththetenderestcompassionHeendeavourstofillmewithhopeandtalksasiflifewereapossessionwhichhevaluedHeremindsmehowoftenthesameaccidentshavehappenedtoothernavigatorswhohaveattemptedthisseaandinspiteofmyselfhefillsmewithcheerfulauguriesEventhesailorsfeelthepowerofhiseloquencewhenhespeakstheynolongerdespairherousestheirenergiesandwhiletheyhearhisvoicetheybelievethesevastmountainsoficearemolehillswhichwillvanishbeforetheresolutionsofmanThesefeelingsaretransitoryeachdayofexpectationdelayedfillsthemwithfearandIalmostdreadamutinycausedbythisdespairSeptemberthAscenehasjustpassedofsuchuncommoninterestthatalthoughitishighlyprobablethatthesepapersmayneverreachyouyetIcannotforbearrecordingitWearestillsurroundedbymountainsoficestillinimminentdangerofbeingcrushedintheirconflictThecoldisexcessiveandmanyofmyunfortunatecomradeshavealreadyfoundagraveamidstthissceneofdesolationFrankensteinhasdailydeclinedinhealthafeverishfirestillglimmersinhiseyesbutheisexhaustedandwhensuddenlyrousedtoanyexertionhespeedilysinksagainintoapparentlifelessnessImentionedinmylastletterthefearsIentertainedofamutinyThismorningasIsatwatchingthewancountenanceofmyfriendhiseyeshalfclosedandhislimbshanginglistlesslyIwasrousedbyhalfadozenofthesailorswhodemandedadmissionintothecabinTheyenteredandtheirleaderaddressedmeHetoldmethatheandhiscompanionshadbeenchosenbytheothersailorstocomeindeputationtometomakemearequisitionwhichinjusticeIcouldnotrefuseWewereimmurediniceandshouldprobablyneverescapebuttheyfearedthatifaswaspossibletheiceshoulddissipateandafreepassagebeopenedIshouldberashenoughtocontinuemyvoyageandleadthemintofreshdangersaftertheymighthappilyhavesurmountedthisTheyinsistedthereforethatIshouldengagewithasolemnpromisethatifthevesselshouldbefreedIwouldinstantlydirectmycoursesouthwardsThisspeechtroubledmeIhadnotdespairednorhadIyetconceivedtheideaofreturningifsetfreeYetcouldIinjusticeoreveninpossibilityrefusethisdemandIhesitatedbeforeIansweredwhenFrankensteinwhohadatfirstbeensilentandindeedappearedhardlytohaveforceenoughtoattendnowrousedhimselfhiseyessparkledandhischeeksflushedwithmomentaryvigourTurningtowardsthemenhesaidWhatdoyoumeanWhatdoyoudemandofyourcaptainAreyouthensoeasilyturnedfromyourdesignDidyounotcallthisagloriousexpeditionAndwhereforewasitgloriousNotbecausethewaywassmoothandplacidasasouthernseabutbecauseitwasfullofdangersandterrorbecauseateverynewincidentyourfortitudewastobecalledforthandyourcourageexhibitedbecausedangeranddeathsurroundeditandtheseyouweretobraveandovercomeForthiswasitagloriousforthiswasitanhonourableundertakingYouwerehereaftertobehailedasthebenefactorsofyourspeciesyournamesadoredasbelongingtobravemenwhoencountereddeathforhonourandthebenefitofmankindAndnowbeholdwiththefirstimaginationofdangerorifyouwillthefirstmightyandterrifictrialofyourcourageyoushrinkawayandarecontenttobehandeddownasmenwhohadnotstrengthenoughtoendurecoldandperilandsopoorsoulstheywerechillyandreturnedtotheirwarmfiresidesWhythatrequiresnotthispreparationyeneednothavecomethusfaranddraggedyourcaptaintotheshameofadefeatmerelytoproveyourselvescowardsOhBemenorbemorethanmenBesteadytoyourpurposesandfirmasarockThisiceisnotmadeofsuchstuffasyourheartsmaybeitismutableandcannotwithstandyouifyousaythatitshallnotDonotreturntoyourfamilieswiththestigmaofdisgracemarkedonyourbrowsReturnasheroeswhohavefoughtandconqueredandwhoknownotwhatitistoturntheirbacksonthefoeHespokethiswithavoicesomodulatedtothedifferentfeelingsexpressedinhisspeechwithaneyesofullofloftydesignandheroismthatcanyouwonderthatthesemenweremovedTheylookedatoneanotherandwereunabletoreplyIspokeItoldthemtoretireandconsiderofwhathadbeensaidthatIwouldnotleadthemfarthernorthiftheystrenuouslydesiredthecontrarybutthatIhopedthatwithreflectiontheircouragewouldreturnTheyretiredandIturnedtowardsmyfriendbuthewassunkinlanguorandalmostdeprivedoflifeHowallthiswillterminateIknownotbutIhadratherdiethanreturnshamefullymypurposeunfulfilledYetIfearsuchwillbemyfatethemenunsupportedbyideasofgloryandhonourcanneverwillinglycontinuetoenduretheirpresenthardshipsSeptemberthThedieiscastIhaveconsentedtoreturnifwearenotdestroyedThusaremyhopesblastedbycowardiceandindecisionIcomebackignorantanddisappointedItrequiresmorephilosophythanIpossesstobearthisinjusticewithpatienceSeptemberthItispastIamreturningtoEnglandIhavelostmyhopesofutilityandgloryIhavelostmyfriendButIwillendeavourtodetailthesebittercircumstancestoyoumydearsisterandwhileIamwaftedtowardsEnglandandtowardsyouIwillnotdespondSeptemberththeicebegantomoveandroaringslikethunderwereheardatadistanceastheislandssplitandcrackedineverydirectionWewereinthemostimminentperilbutaswecouldonlyremainpassivemychiefattentionwasoccupiedbymyunfortunateguestwhoseillnessincreasedinsuchadegreethathewasentirelyconfinedtohisbedTheicecrackedbehindusandwasdrivenwithforcetowardsthenorthabreezesprangfromthewestandontheththepassagetowardsthesouthbecameperfectlyfreeWhenthesailorssawthisandthattheirreturntotheirnativecountrywasapparentlyassuredashoutoftumultuousjoybrokefromthemloudandlongcontinuedFrankensteinwhowasdozingawokeandaskedthecauseofthetumultTheyshoutIsaidbecausetheywillsoonreturntoEnglandDoyouthenreallyreturnAlasYesIcannotwithstandtheirdemandsIcannotleadthemunwillinglytodangerandImustreturnDosoifyouwillbutIwillnotYoumaygiveupyourpurposebutmineisassignedtomebyHeavenandIdarenotIamweakbutsurelythespiritswhoassistmyvengeancewillendowmewithsufficientstrengthSayingthisheendeavouredtospringfromthebedbuttheexertionwastoogreatforhimhefellbackandfaintedItwaslongbeforehewasrestoredandIoftenthoughtthatlifewasentirelyextinctAtlengthheopenedhiseyeshebreathedwithdifficultyandwasunabletospeakThesurgeongavehimacomposingdraughtandorderedustoleavehimundisturbedInthemeantimehetoldmethatmyfriendhadcertainlynotmanyhourstoliveHissentencewaspronouncedandIcouldonlygrieveandbepatientIsatbyhisbedwatchinghimhiseyeswereclosedandIthoughthesleptbutpresentlyhecalledtomeinafeeblevoiceandbiddingmecomenearsaidAlasThestrengthIreliedonisgoneIfeelthatIshallsoondieandhemyenemyandpersecutormaystillbeinbeingThinknotWaltonthatinthelastmomentsofmyexistenceIfeelthatburninghatredandardentdesireofrevengeIonceexpressedbutIfeelmyselfjustifiedindesiringthedeathofmyadversaryDuringtheselastdaysIhavebeenoccupiedinexaminingmypastconductnordoIfinditblamableInafitofenthusiasticmadnessIcreatedarationalcreatureandwasboundtowardshimtoassureasfaraswasinmypowerhishappinessandwellbeingThiswasmydutybuttherewasanotherstillparamounttothatMydutiestowardsthebeingsofmyownspecieshadgreaterclaimstomyattentionbecausetheyincludedagreaterproportionofhappinessormiseryUrgedbythisviewIrefusedandIdidrightinrefusingtocreateacompanionforthefirstcreatureHeshowedunparalleledmalignityandselfishnessinevilhedestroyedmyfriendshedevotedtodestructionbeingswhopossessedexquisitesensationshappinessandwisdomnordoIknowwherethisthirstforvengeancemayendMiserablehimselfthathemayrendernootherwretchedheoughttodieThetaskofhisdestructionwasminebutIhavefailedWhenactuatedbyselfishandviciousmotivesIaskedyoutoundertakemyunfinishedworkandIrenewthisrequestnowwhenIamonlyinducedbyreasonandvirtueYetIcannotaskyoutorenounceyourcountryandfriendstofulfilthistaskandnowthatyouarereturningtoEnglandyouwillhavelittlechanceofmeetingwithhimButtheconsiderationofthesepointsandthewellbalancingofwhatyoumayesteemyourdutiesIleavetoyoumyjudgmentandideasarealreadydisturbedbythenearapproachofdeathIdarenotaskyoutodowhatIthinkrightforImaystillbemisledbypassionThatheshouldlivetobeaninstrumentofmischiefdisturbsmeinotherrespectsthishourwhenImomentarilyexpectmyreleaseistheonlyhappyonewhichIhaveenjoyedforseveralyearsTheformsofthebeloveddeadflitbeforemeandIhastentotheirarmsFarewellWaltonSeekhappinessintranquillityandavoidambitionevenifitbeonlytheapparentlyinnocentoneofdistinguishingyourselfinscienceanddiscoveriesYetwhydoIsaythisIhavemyselfbeenblastedinthesehopesyetanothermaysucceedHisvoicebecamefainterashespokeandatlengthexhaustedbyhisefforthesankintosilenceAbouthalfanhourafterwardsheattemptedagaintospeakbutwasunablehepressedmyhandfeeblyandhiseyesclosedforeverwhiletheirradiationofagentlesmilepassedawayfromhislipsMargaretwhatcommentcanImakeontheuntimelyextinctionofthisgloriousspiritWhatcanIsaythatwillenableyoutounderstandthedepthofmysorrowAllthatIshouldexpresswouldbeinadequateandfeebleMytearsflowmymindisovershadowedbyacloudofdisappointmentButIjourneytowardsEnglandandImaytherefindconsolationIaminterruptedWhatdothesesoundsportendItismidnightthebreezeblowsfairlyandthewatchondeckscarcelystirAgainthereisasoundasofahumanvoicebuthoarseritcomesfromthecabinwheretheremainsofFrankensteinstilllieImustariseandexamineGoodnightmysisterGreatGodwhatascenehasjusttakenplaceIamyetdizzywiththeremembranceofitIhardlyknowwhetherIshallhavethepowertodetailityetthetalewhichIhaverecordedwouldbeincompletewithoutthisfinalandwonderfulcatastropheIenteredthecabinwherelaytheremainsofmyillfatedandadmirablefriendOverhimhungaformwhichIcannotfindwordstodescribegiganticinstatureyetuncouthanddistortedinitsproportionsAshehungoverthecoffinhisfacewasconcealedbylonglocksofraggedhairbutonevasthandwasextendedincolourandapparenttexturelikethatofamummyWhenheheardthesoundofmyapproachheceasedtoutterexclamationsofgriefandhorrorandsprungtowardsthewindowNeverdidIbeholdavisionsohorribleashisfaceofsuchloathsomeyetappallinghideousnessIshutmyeyesinvoluntarilyandendeavouredtorecollectwhatweremydutieswithregardtothisdestroyerIcalledonhimtostayHepausedlookingonmewithwonderandagainturningtowardsthelifelessformofhiscreatorheseemedtoforgetmypresenceandeveryfeatureandgestureseemedinstigatedbythewildestrageofsomeuncontrollablepassionThatisalsomyvictimheexclaimedInhismurdermycrimesareconsummatedthemiserableseriesofmybeingiswoundtoitscloseOhFrankensteinGenerousandselfdevotedbeingWhatdoesitavailthatInowasktheetopardonmeIwhoirretrievablydestroyedtheebydestroyingallthoulovedstAlasHeiscoldhecannotanswermeHisvoiceseemedsuffocatedandmyfirstimpulseswhichhadsuggestedtomethedutyofobeyingthedyingrequestofmyfriendindestroyinghisenemywerenowsuspendedbyamixtureofcuriosityandcompassionIapproachedthistremendousbeingIdarednotagainraisemyeyestohisfacetherewassomethingsoscaringandunearthlyinhisuglinessIattemptedtospeakbutthewordsdiedawayonmylipsThemonstercontinuedtoutterwildandincoherentselfreproachesAtlengthIgatheredresolutiontoaddresshiminapauseofthetempestofhispassionYourrepentanceIsaidisnowsuperfluousIfyouhadlistenedtothevoiceofconscienceandheededthestingsofremorsebeforeyouhadurgedyourdiabolicalvengeancetothisextremityFrankensteinwouldyethavelivedAnddoyoudreamsaidthedmonDoyouthinkthatIwasthendeadtoagonyandremorseHehecontinuedpointingtothecorpsehesufferednotintheconsummationofthedeedOhNotthetenthousandthportionoftheanguishthatwasmineduringthelingeringdetailofitsexecutionAfrightfulselfishnesshurriedmeonwhilemyheartwaspoisonedwithremorseThinkyouthatthegroansofClervalweremusictomyearsMyheartwasfashionedtobesusceptibleofloveandsympathyandwhenwrenchedbymiserytoviceandhatreditdidnotenduretheviolenceofthechangewithouttorturesuchasyoucannotevenimagineAfterthemurderofClervalIreturnedtoSwitzerlandheartbrokenandovercomeIpitiedFrankensteinmypityamountedtohorrorIabhorredmyselfButwhenIdiscoveredthathetheauthoratonceofmyexistenceandofitsunspeakabletormentsdaredtohopeforhappinessthatwhileheaccumulatedwretchednessanddespairuponmehesoughthisownenjoymentinfeelingsandpassionsfromtheindulgenceofwhichIwasforeverbarredthenimpotentenvyandbitterindignationfilledmewithaninsatiablethirstforvengeanceIrecollectedmythreatandresolvedthatitshouldbeaccomplishedIknewthatIwaspreparingformyselfadeadlytorturebutIwastheslavenotthemasterofanimpulsewhichIdetestedyetcouldnotdisobeyYetwhenshediedNaythenIwasnotmiserableIhadcastoffallfeelingsubduedallanguishtoriotintheexcessofmydespairEvilthenceforthbecamemygoodUrgedthusfarIhadnochoicebuttoadaptmynaturetoanelementwhichIhadwillinglychosenThecompletionofmydemoniacaldesignbecameaninsatiablepassionAndnowitisendedthereismylastvictimIwasatfirsttouchedbytheexpressionsofhismiseryyetwhenIcalledtomindwhatFrankensteinhadsaidofhispowersofeloquenceandpersuasionandwhenIagaincastmyeyesonthelifelessformofmyfriendindignationwasrekindledwithinmeWretchIsaidItiswellthatyoucomeheretowhineoverthedesolationthatyouhavemadeYouthrowatorchintoapileofbuildingsandwhentheyareconsumedyousitamongtheruinsandlamentthefallHypocriticalfiendIfhewhomyoumournstilllivedstillwouldhebetheobjectagainwouldhebecomethepreyofyouraccursedvengeanceItisnotpitythatyoufeelyoulamentonlybecausethevictimofyourmalignityiswithdrawnfromyourpowerOhitisnotthusnotthusinterruptedthebeingYetsuchmustbetheimpressionconveyedtoyoubywhatappearstobethepurportofmyactionsYetIseeknotafellowfeelinginmymiseryNosympathymayIeverfindWhenIfirstsoughtititwastheloveofvirtuethefeelingsofhappinessandaffectionwithwhichmywholebeingoverflowedthatIwishedtobeparticipatedButnowthatvirtuehasbecometomeashadowandthathappinessandaffectionareturnedintobitterandloathingdespairinwhatshouldIseekforsympathyIamcontenttosufferalonewhilemysufferingsshallendurewhenIdieIamwellsatisfiedthatabhorrenceandopprobriumshouldloadmymemoryOncemyfancywassoothedwithdreamsofvirtueoffameandofenjoymentOnceIfalselyhopedtomeetwithbeingswhopardoningmyoutwardformwouldlovemefortheexcellentqualitieswhichIwascapableofunfoldingIwasnourishedwithhighthoughtsofhonouranddevotionButnowcrimehasdegradedmebeneaththemeanestanimalNoguiltnomischiefnomalignitynomiserycanbefoundcomparabletomineWhenIrunoverthefrightfulcatalogueofmysinsIcannotbelievethatIamthesamecreaturewhosethoughtswereoncefilledwithsublimeandtranscendentvisionsofthebeautyandthemajestyofgoodnessButitisevensothefallenangelbecomesamalignantdevilYeteventhatenemyofGodandmanhadfriendsandassociatesinhisdesolationIamaloneYouwhocallFrankensteinyourfriendseemtohaveaknowledgeofmycrimesandhismisfortunesButinthedetailwhichhegaveyouofthemhecouldnotsumupthehoursandmonthsofmiserywhichIenduredwastinginimpotentpassionsForwhileIdestroyedhishopesIdidnotsatisfymyowndesiresTheywereforeverardentandcravingstillIdesiredloveandfellowshipandIwasstillspurnedWastherenoinjusticeinthisAmItobethoughttheonlycriminalwhenallhumankindsinnedagainstmeWhydoyounothateFelixwhodrovehisfriendfromhisdoorwithcontumelyWhydoyounotexecratetherusticwhosoughttodestroythesaviourofhischildNaythesearevirtuousandimmaculatebeingsIthemiserableandtheabandonedamanabortiontobespurnedatandkickedandtrampledonEvennowmybloodboilsattherecollectionofthisinjusticeButitistruethatIamawretchIhavemurderedthelovelyandthehelplessIhavestrangledtheinnocentastheysleptandgraspedtodeathhisthroatwhoneverinjuredmeoranyotherlivingthingIhavedevotedmycreatortheselectspecimenofallthatisworthyofloveandadmirationamongmentomiseryIhavepursuedhimeventothatirremediableruinTherehelieswhiteandcoldindeathYouhatemebutyourabhorrencecannotequalthatwithwhichIregardmyselfIlookonthehandswhichexecutedthedeedIthinkontheheartinwhichtheimaginationofitwasconceivedandlongforthemomentwhenthesehandswillmeetmyeyeswhenthatimaginationwillhauntmythoughtsnomoreFearnotthatIshallbetheinstrumentoffuturemischiefMyworkisnearlycompleteNeitheryoursnoranymansdeathisneededtoconsummatetheseriesofmybeingandaccomplishthatwhichmustbedonebutitrequiresmyownDonotthinkthatIshallbeslowtoperformthissacrificeIshallquityourvesselontheiceraftwhichbroughtmethitherandshallseekthemostnorthernextremityoftheglobeIshallcollectmyfuneralpileandconsumetoashesthismiserableframethatitsremainsmayaffordnolighttoanycuriousandunhallowedwretchwhowouldcreatesuchanotherasIhavebeenIshalldieIshallnolongerfeeltheagonieswhichnowconsumemeorbethepreyoffeelingsunsatisfiedyetunquenchedHeisdeadwhocalledmeintobeingandwhenIshallbenomoretheveryremembranceofusbothwillspeedilyvanishIshallnolongerseethesunorstarsorfeelthewindsplayonmycheeksLightfeelingandsensewillpassawayandinthisconditionmustIfindmyhappinessSomeyearsagowhentheimageswhichthisworldaffordsfirstopeneduponmewhenIfeltthecheeringwarmthofsummerandheardtherustlingoftheleavesandthewarblingofthebirdsandthesewerealltomeIshouldhavewepttodienowitismyonlyconsolationPollutedbycrimesandtornbythebitterestremorsewherecanIfindrestbutindeathFarewellIleaveyouandinyouthelastofhumankindwhomtheseeyeswilleverbeholdFarewellFrankensteinIfthouwertyetaliveandyetcherishedadesireofrevengeagainstmeitwouldbebettersatiatedinmylifethaninmydestructionButitwasnotsothoudidstseekmyextinctionthatImightnotcausegreaterwretchednessandifyetinsomemodeunknowntomethouhadstnotceasedtothinkandfeelthouwouldstnotdesireagainstmeavengeancegreaterthanthatwhichIfeelBlastedasthouwertmyagonywasstillsuperiortothineforthebitterstingofremorsewillnotceasetorankleinmywoundsuntildeathshallclosethemforeverButsoonhecriedwithsadandsolemnenthusiasmIshalldieandwhatInowfeelbenolongerfeltSoontheseburningmiserieswillbeextinctIshallascendmyfuneralpiletriumphantlyandexultintheagonyofthetorturingflamesThelightofthatconflagrationwillfadeawaymyasheswillbesweptintotheseabythewindsMyspiritwillsleepinpeaceorifitthinksitwillnotsurelythinkthusFarewellHesprangfromthecabinwindowashesaidthisupontheiceraftwhichlayclosetothevesselHewassoonborneawaybythewavesandlostindarknessanddistance