Pagina 154 van 483

I could not consent to the death of any human being, but

certainly I should have thought such a creature unfit to remain

in the society of men. But she was innocent. I know, I feel she

was innocent; you are of the same opinion, and that confirms me.

Alas! Victor, when falsehood can look so like the truth, who can

assure themselves of certain happiness? I feel as if I were

walking on the edge of a precipice, towards which thousands are

crowding and endeavouring to plunge me into the abyss. William

and Justine were assassinated, and the murderer escapes; he walks

about the world free, and perhaps respected. But even if I were

condemned to suffer on the scaffold for the same crimes, I would

not change places with such a wretch."