Pagina 361 de 483

I entered the room where the corpse lay and was led up to the

coffin. How can I describe my sensations on beholding it? I feel

yet parched with horror, nor can I reflect on that terrible

moment without shuddering and agony. The examination, the

presence of the magistrate and witnesses, passed like a dream

from my memory when I saw the lifeless form of Henry Clerval

stretched before me. I gasped for breath, and throwing myself on

the body, I exclaimed, "Have my murderous machinations deprived

you also, my dearest Henry, of life? Two I have already

destroyed; other victims await their destiny; but you, Clerval,

my friend, my benefactor-"

The human frame could no longer support the agonies that I

endured, and I was carried out of the room in strong convulsions.