Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/183

 fully stored every memorable part of their contents, and no human being could forthwith interpose between me and Elmira. CHAP. XIII.

now proceed to give a faithful extract of that part of Elmira's history, and use as far as a lively imagination permits it, her own expressions.

—"I awoke, half insensible, from that long swoon, and found myself in a coffin. Several others stood about me, and the putrescent exhalations of the vault were the first impression my senses received. A pale glimmering lamp hung from the middle of the dread abode, and keenly penetrated my mind with all its concomitant terrors.

"An awful situation! I knew not what to do. Was I to call out for help, or quietly wait the issue? The lamp told me, I was in a place not intirely forsaken by men, and a general lassitude and relaxation of strength, were the next torturing sensation I felt. But they would not leave me time for long re-