I said I was still contented to be that coward; and all that I
begged of him was to leave me to my fortune for a season, and to
the just judgement of my Creator; but he said his word and
honour were engaged on my behalf, and these, in such a case,
were not to be violated. "If you will not pity yourself, have
pity onme," added he. "Turn your eyes on me, and behold to
what I am reduced."
Involuntarily did I turn at the request, and caught a half glance of
his features. May no eye destined to reflect the beauties of the
New Jerusalem inward upon the beatific soul behold such a sight
as mine then beheld! My immortal spirit, blood and bones, were
all withered at the blasting sight; and I arose and withdrew, with
groanings which the pangs of death shall never wring from me.
Not daring to look behind me, I crept on my way, and that night
reached this hamlet on the Scottish border; and being grown
reckless of danger, and hardened to scenes of horror, I took up
my lodging with a poor hind, who is a widower, and who could
only accommodate me with a bed of rushes at his fireside. At
midnight I heard some strange sounds, too much resembling
those to which I had of late been inured; but they kept at a
distance, and I was soon persuaded that there was a power
protected that house superior to those that contended for or had
the mastery over me.
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