As he said this he walked across the ice. I followed. I did not answer him, but I decided to listen to his tale. Curiosity and compassion confirmed my resolution. I looked at him as at the murderer of my brother, and I wanted a confirmation or denial of this opinion. Also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were. I must make him happy before I complain of his wickedness. These motives urged me to follow him.
We crossed the ice and ascended the opposite rock. The air was cold, and the rain again began to descend. We entered the hut. I was ready to listen. So he began his tale.
Chapter 11
“I hardly remember the first moments of my life. All the events of that period appear confused and indistinct. A strange multiplicity of sensations seized me. I saw, felt, heard, and smelt at the same time. I remember, a strong light pressed upon my nerves, so I shut my eyes. Darkness then came over me and troubled me. Then I opened my eyes again. I walked and descended.
Dark and opaque bodies surrounded me. The light became more and more oppressive to me, and I walked to look for a place where I could receive shade. This was the forest near Ingolstadt. Here I lay by the side of a brook, until I felt hunger and thirst. This roused me from my dormant state. I ate some berries which I found on the trees or on the ground. I drank from the brook and then slept.
It was dark when I awoke. I felt cold also, and half frightened. I was desolate. Before I quitted your apartment, I covered myself with some clothes. But these were insufficient to secure me from the dews of night. I was a poor, helpless, miserable wretch. Pain invaded me on all sides. I sat down and wept.
Soon a gentle light gave me a sensation of pleasure. I beheld a radiant form rise from among the trees. It was the moon. It moved slowly, but it enlightened my path, and I again went out to look for berries.
I was still cold when under the tree I found a huge cloak. I sat down upon the ground. I felt hunger, and thirst, and darkness. Innumerable sounds rang in my ears. On all sides various scents saluted me. I could distinguish the bright moon, and I fixed my eyes on that with pleasure.
Some days and nights passed, when I began to distinguish my sensations. I began to observe the forms that surrounded me. Sometimes I tried to imitate the pleasant songs of the birds. Sometimes I wished to express my sensations, but the inarticulate sounds frightened me.
I remained in the forest. My sensations became distinct, and my mind received every day additional ideas. My eyes began to perceive objects in their right forms. I distinguished the insect from the herb, and one herb from another.
One day, I found a fire. Some beggars left it. I experienced warmth from it. In my joy I thrust my hand into the fire, but quickly drew it out again with a cry of pain. How strange, I thought! I examined the materials of the fire. It was wood. I quickly collected some branches. When night came, I covered the fire carefully with dry wood and leaves and placed wet branches. Then I lay on the ground and slept.
It was morning when I awoke, and I uncovered the fire. I found some roasted offals. They tasted much more savoury than the berries I gathered from the trees. I tried, therefore, to roast my food. The nuts and roots were tasty.
Food, however, became scarce, and I often spent the whole day to search for a few acorns. I resolved to quit the place. I lamented the loss of the fire, I did not know how to reproduce it. I passed three days in rambles and at length discovered the open country[21]
Примечания
1
early years – юность
2
my education was neglected – моим образованием не занимались
3
to embark in a seafaring life – отправиться в море
4
under-mate – подшкипер
5
by every opportunity – при каждой возможности
6
merchantman – торговое судно
7
attended on him – ухаживал за ним
8
moral relations of things – нравственные проблемы
9
caught the scarlet fever – заболела скарлатиной
10
letters of introduction – рекомендательные письма
11
at length – наконец
12
book-keeping – бухгалтерское дело
13
did not recover my senses – не приходил в себя
14
that indeed you are getting better – что тебе становится лучше
15
treated her very ill – обращалась с ней очень плохо
16
she will be tried today – сегодня её будут судить
17
if she is condemned – если её осудят
18
in mourning – в трауре
19
fallen angel – падший ангел
20
cursed be – да будет проклят
21
open country – открытое место