Chapter 11 It is with considerable difficulty that I remember

the original era of my being.

All the events of that period appear confused and indistinct.

A strange multiplicity of sensations seized me, and I saw, felt, heard, and smelt at the

same time.

And it was, indeed, a long time before I learned to distinguish between the operations of my

various senses.

By degrees I remember a stronger light pressed upon my nerves, so that I was obliged to shut

my eyes.

Darkness then came over me and traveled me, but hardly had I felt this when, by opening

my eyes, as I now suppose, the light poured in upon me again.

I walked, and I believed descended, but I presently found a great alteration in my sensations.

Or, dark and opaque bodies had surrounded me, impervious to my touch or sight.

But I now found that I could wander on at liberty, with no obstacles which I could not

either surmount or avoid.

The light became more and more oppressive to me, and the heat, wearing me as I walked,

I saw a place where I could receive shade.

This was the forest near Inglestot, and here I lay by the sight of a brook resting for

my fatigue, until I felt tormented by hunger and thirst.

This roused me for my nearly dormant state, and I ate some berries which I found hanging

on the trees or lying on the ground, and then lying down was overcome by sleep.

It was dark when I awoke, I felt cold also, and half frightened, as it were instinctively

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