Pagina 261 van 483

"But this was a luxury of sensation that could not endure; I

became fatigued with excess of bodily exertion and sank on the

damp grass in the sick impotence of despair. There was none among

the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist me; and

should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No; from that moment I

declared everlasting war against the species, and more than all,

against him who had formed me and sent me forth to this

insupportable misery.

"The sun rose; I heard the voices of men and knew that it was

impossible to return to my retreat during that day. Accordingly I

hid myself in some thick underwood, determining to devote the

ensuing hours to reflection on my situation.