Strona 175 z 483

As he said this he led the way across the ice; I followed. My

heart was full, and I did not answer him, but as I proceeded, I

weighed the various arguments that he had used and determined at

least to listen to his tale. I was partly urged by curiosity, and

compassion confirmed my resolution. I had hitherto supposed him

to be the murderer of my brother, and I eagerly sought a

confirmation or denial of this opinion. For the first time, also,

I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were,

and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his

wickedness. These motives urged me to comply with his demand. We

crossed the ice, therefore, and ascended the opposite rock. The

air was cold, and the rain again began to descend; we entered the

hut, the fiend with an air of exultation, I with a heavy heart

and depressed spirits. But I consented to listen, and seating

myself by the fire which my odious companion had lighted, he thus

began his tale.

Chapter 11