Pagina 466 di 483

His sentence was pronounced, and I could only grieve and be

patient. I sat by his bed, watching him; his eyes were closed,

and I thought he slept; but presently he called to me in a feeble

voice, and bidding me come near, said, "Alas! The strength I

relied on is gone; I feel that I shall soon die, and he, my enemy

and persecutor, may still be in being. Think not, Walton, that in

the last moments of my existence I feel that burning hatred and

ardent desire of revenge I once expressed; but I feel myself

justified in desiring the death of my adversary. During these

last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor

do I find it blamable. In a fit of enthusiastic madness I created

a rational creature and was bound towards him to assure, as far

as was in my power, his happiness and well-being. This was my

duty, but there was another still paramount to that.