Chapter 24 My present situation was one in which all voluntary thought

was swallowed up and lost. I was hurried away by fury. Revenge alone endowed me with strength

and composure. It molded my feelings, and allowed me to be calculating, and calm, at periods

when otherwise delirium or depth would have been my portion.

My first resolution was to quit Geneva forever. My country, which, when I was happy and

beloved, was dear to me. Now, in my adversity, became hateful.

I provided myself with a sum of money, together with a few jewels which had belonged to my

mother, and departed. And now my wanderings began, which are to cease but with life.

I have traversed a vast portion of the earth, and have endured all the hardships which

travelers and deserts, and countries are want to meet. How I have lived, I hardly know.

Many times have I stretched my failing limbs upon the sandy plain, and prayed for death.

But revenge kept me alive. I dared not die and leave my adversary in being.

When I quit at Geneva, my first labor was to gain some clue by which I might trace

the steps of my fiendish enemy. But my plan was unsettled, and I wandered many hours

around the confines of the town, uncertain what path I should pursue.

As night approached, I found myself the entrance of the cemetery, where William, a Elizabeth

and my father reposed. I entered it and approached the tomb which marked their graves. Everything

was silent except the leaves of the trees, which were gently agitated by the wind.

The night was nearly dark, and the scene would have been solemn and affecting even to an

uninterested observer. The spirits of the departed seemed to flip around and to cast a shadow,

which was felt but not seen around the head of the mourner.

The deep grief which the scene had at first excited quickly gave way to rage and despair.

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