Pagina 499 de 1118

He passed through a thicket of plum-trees and oaks, and found

himself on the borders of a wood; he conquered his repugnance to

enter it, but as he proceeded into its depths, every object

excited his apprehensions. Strange forms appeared beneath the

bushes; and the shade of the trees, trembling on his moon-lit

path, with the crackling of the dead leaves between his

footsteps, inspired him with dread. He would have hastened

through the perilous passage, but his limbs refused their office;

the wind blew cold and sharp, and penetrating his weakened frame,

almost subdued its small remains of vigour. His senses, affected

by undefined horrors, appeared to be leaving him; aroused to his

danger, he made a violent effort to regain some degree of

resolution, in order to return through the wood, and seek shelter

in the last village he had passed through, even if it should be

in an inn!