Thus was I distressed by opposite conjectures; thus was I tormented by phantoms own creation not always thus ascertain the date when my mind became the victim imbecility; perhaps coeval inroad of fatal passion,--a passion never rank me number eulogists; alone sufficient extermination peace; itself plenteous source of calamity, and needed not the concurrence of other evils away the attractions of existence and dig an untimely grave

The state mind naturally introduced train of reflections dangers and cares which inevitably beset human being By no violent transition was I led to ponder turbulent life and mysterious end father I cherished utmost veneration the memory man, and every relic connected fate was preserved most scrupulous care was numbered manuscript containing memoirs own life The narrative was by no means recommended by its eloquence; but neither did all its value flow from my relationship author Its style had an unaffected and picturesque simplicity The great variety and circumstantial display incidents, together with their intrinsic importance as descriptive of human manners and passions, made it the most useful book in my collection late: but, being sensible of no inclination to sleep, I resolved to betake myself perusal of it

To , requisite to procure light The girl had long since retired to her chamber: therefore proper to wait upon myself lamp, means of lighting it, were only found kitchen Thither I resolved forthwith to repair; but the light was of use merely to enable me to read the book the shelf spot where it stood Whether down the book, or prepared the lamp first place, appeared matter of no moment The latter was preferred, and, leaving my seat, I approached the closet , as I mentioned formerly, my books and papers were deposited

Suddenly the remembrance of what had lately passed closet occurred Whether midnight was approaching, or had passed, not , as then, alone and defenseless The wind was direction , aided deathlike repose of nature, it brought the murmur waterfall mingled solemn and enchanting sound which breeze produces leaves of pines The words mysterious dialogue, their fearful import, wild excess transported by my terrors, filled my imagination anew My steps faltered, and I stood moment to recover myself

I prevailed on myself to move toward the closet I touched the lock, but my fingers were powerless; visited afresh by unconquerable apprehensions sort of belief darted into my mind that some being was concealed within whose purposes were evil I began to contend with those fears, when it occurred that , without impropriety, go for lamp previously to opening the closet I receded few steps; but before I reached the chamber door my thoughts took new direction Motion seemed mechanical influence upon me ashamed weakness Besides, what aid afforded me by lamp ?

My fears had pictured to themselves no precise object It difficult to depict in words the ingredients and hues phantom which haunted me hand invisible and of preternatural strength, lifted by human passions, and selecting my life for its aim, were parts terrific image All places were alike accessible foe; or, if his empire were restricted by local bounds, those bounds were utterly inscrutable by me But had I not been told, by some one in league enemy, that every place but the recess bank was exempt from danger ?

I returned closet, and once more put my hand lock Oh, may my ears lose their sensibility ere they be again assailed by shriek so terrible ! Not merely my understanding was subdued sound; it acted on my nerves like an edge of steel It appeared to cut asunder the fibers brain and rack every joint with agony

The cry, loud and piercing as , was nevertheless human No articulation was ever more distinct The breath which accompanied it fan my hair, yet did every circumstance combine me lips which uttered it touched my very shoulder

"Hold ! hold ! " were the words tremendous prohibition, in whose tone the whole soul seemed wrapped up, and every energy converted into eagerness and terror

Shuddering, I dashed myself against the wall, and, same involuntary impulse, turned my face backward to examine the mysterious monitor The moonlight streamed into each window, and every corner room was conspicuous, and yet I beheld nothing !

The interval was too brief artificially measured, utterance words and my scrutiny directed quarter whence they came Yet, if human being there, could he fail visible ? Which senses prey of fatal illusion ? The shock which the sound produced was still felt in every part frame The sound, therefore, but be genuine commotion But that I had heard not more true than being who uttered stationed at my right ear; yet my attendant was invisible

describe the state thoughts moment Surprise had mastered my faculties My frame shook, vital current was congealed conscious only vehemence sensations This condition lasting Like tide, which suddenly mounts to an overwhelming height and then gradually subsides, my confusion slowly gave place to order, and my tumults to calm able to deliberate and move I resumed my feet, and advanced midst room Upward, and behind, and on each side, I threw penetrating glances not satisfied with one examination He that hitherto refused seen might change his purpose, and next survey be clearly distinguishable

Solitude imposes least restraint fancy Dark is less fertile of images feeble luster moon alone, walls were checkered by shadowy forms moon passed behind cloud and emerged, these shadows seemed endowed with life, and to move The apartment was open breeze, curtain was occasionally blown from its ordinary position This motion was not unaccompanied with sound I failed not to snatch look and to listen motion and this sound occurred My belief that my monitor was posted near was strong, and instantly converted these appearances to tokens presence; and yet discern nothing

When my thoughts were permitted to revert past, the first idea that occurred resemblance words voice which I had just heard and those which had terminated my dream summer-house means by able to distinguish substance from shadow, reality phantom of dream The pit, my brother beckoning me forward, the seizure arm, voice behind, were surely imaginary incidents were fashioned in my sleep is supported same indubitable evidence that compels me myself awake at present; yet the words voice were the same Then, by some inexplicable contrivance, aware danger, while my actions and sensations were those of one wholly unacquainted with it Now, not equally true that my actions and persuasions were at war ? the belief that evil lurked closet gained admittance, and my actions betokened an unwarrantable security ? To obviate the effects infatuation, the same means used

In my dream, he that tempted me to my destruction was my brother Death was ambushed in my path From what evil was I now rescued ? What minister or implement of ill was shut up recess ? Who whose suffocating grasp should I dare to enter it ? What monstrous conception ? My brother ?

No; protection, and not injury, is his province Strange and terrible chimera ! Yet it suddenly dismissed surely no vulgar agency that gave this form to my fears He all parts are equally present, whom no contingency approaches, author spell which now seized upon me Life was dear No consideration was present that enjoined me to relinquish it Sacred duty combined with every spontaneous sentiment to endear my being Should I not shudder when my being was endangered ? But what emotion should possess me arm lifted against me was Wieland's ?