Erewhon, or, Over the range / by Samuel Butler.

  • Samuel Butler
Date:
1923
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Erewhon, or, Over the range / by Samuel Butler. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    55/360 page 31
    The outside of my swag had got completely wet; but, on undoing the blankets, I found things warm and dry within. How thankful I was ! I lit a fire, and was grateful for its warmth and company. I made myself some tea and ate two of my biscuits : my brandy I did not touch, for I had little left, and might want it when my courage failed me. All that I did, I did almost mechanically, for I could not realise my situation to myself, beyond knowing that I was alone, and that return through the chasm which I had just descended would be impossible. It is a dreadful feeling that of being cut off from all one's kind. I was still full of hope, and built golden castles for myself as soon as I was warmed with food and fire ; but I do not believe that any man could long retain his reason in such solitude, unless he had the companionship of animals. One begins doubting ; one's own identity. I remember deriving comfort even from the sight of my blankets, and the sound of my watch ticking— things which seemed to link me to other people ; : but the screaming of the wood-hens frightened me, as also a chattering bird which I had never heard before, and which seemed to laugh at me ; though I soon got used to it, and before long could ; fancy that it was many years since I had first heard it. I took off my clothes, and wrapped my inside blanket about me, till my things were dry. The night 1 was very still, and I made a roaring fire ; so I soon | got warm, and at last could put my clothes on again.
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