Chapter 15

“Such was the history of my beloved cottagers. It impressed me deeply. I learned, from the views of social life which it developed, to admire their virtues and to deprecate the vices of mankind.

“That was the story of my beloved cottagers. It moved me deeply. What it revealed about social life taught me to admire their virtues and condemn the vices of humanity.

“As yet I looked upon crime as a distant evil, benevolence and generosity were ever present before me, inciting within me a desire to become an actor in the busy scene where so many admirable qualities were called forth and displayed. But in giving an account of the progress of my intellect, I must not omit a circumstance which occurred in the beginning of the month of August of the same year.

“So far, I saw crime as a distant evil. Kindness and generosity were always before me. They inspired me to take part in the busy world where so many admirable qualities were called forth and displayed. But as I describe the growth of my mind, I must not leave out one event. It happened at the beginning of August of that same year.

“One night during my accustomed visit to the neighbouring wood where I collected my own food and brought home firing for my protectors, I found on the ground a leathern portmanteau containing several articles of dress and some books. I eagerly seized the prize and returned with it to my hovel. Fortunately the books were written in the language, the elements of which I had acquired at the cottage; they consisted of Paradise Lost, a volume of Plutarch’s Lives, and the Sorrows of Werter. The possession of these treasures gave me extreme delight; I now continually studied and exercised my mind upon these histories, whilst my friends were employed in their ordinary occupations.

“One night, I made my usual visit to the nearby woods. There I gathered my own food and collected firewood to bring home for my protectors. I found a leather suitcase on the ground, containing several items of clothing and some books. I eagerly seized the prize and returned to my hovel with it. Fortunately, the books were written in the language whose basics I had learned at the cottage. They were Paradise Lost, a volume of Plutarch’s Lives, and the Sorrows of Werter. These treasures gave me great delight. I now constantly studied the stories and thought about them while my friends went about their usual work.

“I can hardly describe to you the effect of these books. They produced in me an infinity of new images and feelings, that sometimes raised me to ecstasy, but more frequently sunk me into the lowest dejection. In the Sorrows of Werter, besides the interest of its simple and affecting story, so many opinions are canvassed and so many lights thrown upon what had hitherto been to me obscure subjects that I found in it a never-ending source of speculation and astonishment. The gentle and domestic manners it described, combined with lofty sentiments and feelings, which had for their object something out of self, accorded well with my experience among my protectors and with the wants which were for ever alive in my own bosom. But I thought Werter himself a more divine being than I had ever beheld or imagined; his character contained no pretension, but it sank deep. The disquisitions upon death and suicide were calculated to fill me with wonder. I did not pretend to enter into the merits of the case, yet I inclined towards the opinions of the hero, whose extinction I wept, without precisely understanding it.

“I can hardly describe the effect these books had on me. They filled me with countless new images and feelings. Sometimes they lifted me to ecstasy, but more often they plunged me into deep despair. Sorrows of Werter told a simple and moving story, but it also explored many opinions. It shed light on subjects that had been unclear to me until then. I found it an endless source of reflection and wonder. The book described gentle family life alongside noble thoughts and feelings directed toward something beyond the self. These matched my experience among my protectors and the needs that were always alive in my heart. But I thought Werter himself more divine than anyone I had ever seen or imagined. His character was not showy, but it touched me deeply. The discussions of death and suicide filled me with wonder. I did not claim to judge the issue, yet I tended to agree with the hero. I wept over his death without fully understanding it.

“As I read, however, I applied much personally to my own feelings and condition. I found myself similar yet at the same time strangely unlike to the beings concerning whom I read and to whose conversation I was a listener. I sympathised with and partly understood them, but I was unformed in mind; I was dependent on none and related to none. ‘The path of my departure was free,’ and there was none to lament my annihilation. My person was hideous and my stature gigantic. What did this mean? Who was I? What was I? Whence did I come? What was my destination? These questions continually recurred, but I was unable to solve them.

“As I read, however, I related much of what I read to my own feelings and situation. I found myself similar to the beings I read about and heard talking. Yet I was also strangely unlike them. I sympathized with them and partly understood them, but my mind was still undeveloped. I depended on no one and was related to no one. ‘The path of my departure was free,’ and no one would mourn my destruction. I was hideous and enormous. What did this mean? Who was I? What was I? Where did I come from? Where was I going? These questions kept coming back, but I could not answer them.

“The volume of Plutarch’s Lives which I possessed contained the histories of the first founders of the ancient republics. This book had a far different effect upon me from the Sorrows of Werter. I learned from Werter’s imaginations despondency and gloom, but Plutarch taught me high thoughts; he elevated me above the wretched sphere of my own reflections, to admire and love the heroes of past ages. Many things I read surpassed my understanding and experience. I had a very confused knowledge of kingdoms, wide extents of country, mighty rivers, and boundless seas. But I was perfectly unacquainted with towns and large assemblages of men. The cottage of my protectors had been the only school in which I had studied human nature, but this book developed new and mightier scenes of action. I read of men concerned in public affairs, governing or massacring their species. I felt the greatest ardour for virtue rise within me, and abhorrence for vice, as far as I understood the signification of those terms, relative as they were, as I applied them, to pleasure and pain alone. Induced by these feelings, I was of course led to admire peaceable lawgivers, Numa, Solon, and Lycurgus, in preference to Romulus and Theseus. The patriarchal lives of my protectors caused these impressions to take a firm hold on my mind; perhaps, if my first introduction to humanity had been made by a young soldier, burning for glory and slaughter, I should have been imbued with different sensations.

“The copy of Plutarch’s Lives I owned contained the histories of the first founders of the ancient republics. This book affected me very differently from Sorrows of Werter. Werter’s imaginings taught me despair and gloom. But Plutarch inspired lofty thoughts. He lifted me above my own miserable reflections, teaching me to admire and love the heroes of past ages. Much of what I read was beyond my understanding and experience. I had a very confused idea of kingdoms, vast lands, mighty rivers, and boundless seas. But I knew nothing at all about towns or large gatherings of people. My protectors’ cottage had been the only place where I had studied human nature. This book revealed new and grander scenes of action. I read of men involved in public affairs, governing or massacring their fellow humans. A passionate love of virtue and hatred of vice rose within me. I understood those terms only in relation to pleasure and pain, and applied them accordingly. These feelings naturally led me to admire peaceful lawgivers, Numa, Solon, and Lycurgus, more than Romulus and Theseus. The family-centered lives of my protectors made these impressions take firm hold in my mind. Perhaps I would have felt differently if a young soldier, eager for glory and slaughter, had first introduced me to humanity.

“But Paradise Lost excited different and far deeper emotions. I read it, as I had read the other volumes which had fallen into my hands, as a true history. It moved every feeling of wonder and awe that the picture of an omnipotent God warring with his creatures was capable of exciting. I often referred the several situations, as their similarity struck me, to my own. Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being in existence; but his state was far different from mine in every other respect. He had come forth from the hands of God a perfect creature, happy and prosperous, guarded by the especial care of his Creator; he was allowed to converse with and acquire knowledge from beings of a superior nature, but I was wretched, helpless, and alone. Many times I considered Satan as the fitter emblem of my condition, for often, like him, when I viewed the bliss of my protectors, the bitter gall of envy rose within me.

“But Paradise Lost stirred different and much deeper emotions in me. As with the other books I had found, I read it as a true history. The image of an all-powerful God at war with his creatures filled me with wonder and awe. Whenever I saw a similarity between events in the book and my own life, I compared them. Like Adam, I seemed to have no connection to any other being in existence. But in every other way, his situation was very different from mine. God had made him a perfect creature, happy and prosperous, and protected him with his special care. Adam was allowed to speak with and learn from superior beings, but I was miserable, helpless, and alone. I often thought Satan was a better symbol of my condition. For, like him, I often felt bitter envy rise within me when I saw how happy my protectors were.

“Another circumstance strengthened and confirmed these feelings. Soon after my arrival in the hovel I discovered some papers in the pocket of the dress which I had taken from your laboratory. At first I had neglected them, but now that I was able to decipher the characters in which they were written, I began to study them with diligence. It was your journal of the four months that preceded my creation. You minutely described in these papers every step you took in the progress of your work; this history was mingled with accounts of domestic occurrences. You doubtless recollect these papers. Here they are. Everything is related in them which bears reference to my accursed origin; the whole detail of that series of disgusting circumstances which produced it is set in view; the minutest description of my odious and loathsome person is given, in language which painted your own horrors and rendered mine indelible. I sickened as I read. ‘Hateful day when I received life!’ I exclaimed in agony. ‘Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow devils, to admire and encourage him, but I am solitary and abhorred.’

“Another discovery strengthened and confirmed these feelings. Soon after I arrived at the hovel, I found some papers in the pocket of the clothing I had taken from your laboratory. At first I had ignored them. But now that I could read the writing, I began to study them carefully. They were your journal from the four months before my creation. In these papers, you described every step of your work in detail, along with accounts of events at home. You no doubt remember these papers. Here they are. They tell everything about my cursed origin. They reveal every detail of the disgusting events that brought me into being. They describe my hateful, loathsome body in the smallest detail. Your words showed your own horror and made mine permanent. I felt sick as I read. ‘Hateful day when I was given life!’ I cried in agony. ‘Cursed creator! Why did you make a monster so hideous that even you turned away from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and attractive, in his own image. But my body is a filthy copy of yours, made even more horrible by its resemblance to you. Satan had his companions, fellow devils who admired and encouraged him. But I am alone and hated.’

“These were the reflections of my hours of despondency and solitude; but when I contemplated the virtues of the cottagers, their amiable and benevolent dispositions, I persuaded myself that when they should become acquainted with my admiration of their virtues they would compassionate me and overlook my personal deformity. Could they turn from their door one, however monstrous, who solicited their compassion and friendship? I resolved, at least, not to despair, but in every way to fit myself for an interview with them which would decide my fate. I postponed this attempt for some months longer, for the importance attached to its success inspired me with a dread lest I should fail. Besides, I found that my understanding improved so much with every day’s experience that I was unwilling to commence this undertaking until a few more months should have added to my sagacity.

“These were my thoughts during my hours of despair and loneliness. But when I thought of the cottagers’ virtues and their kind and generous natures, I convinced myself they would take pity on me. Once they knew how much I admired their virtues, they would overlook my deformity. Could they turn away someone who asked for their compassion and friendship, however monstrous he might be? I resolved, at least, not to give up hope. I would do everything I could to prepare for a meeting with them, which would decide my fate. I put off the attempt for several more months because its importance made me dread failure. Besides, I found that my understanding improved so much with each day’s experience. I did not want to make the attempt until a few more months had made me wiser.

“Several changes, in the meantime, took place in the cottage. The presence of Safie diffused happiness among its inhabitants, and I also found that a greater degree of plenty reigned there. Felix and Agatha spent more time in amusement and conversation, and were assisted in their labours by servants. They did not appear rich, but they were contented and happy; their feelings were serene and peaceful, while mine became every day more tumultuous. Increase of knowledge only discovered to me more clearly what a wretched outcast I was. I cherished hope, it is true, but it vanished when I beheld my person reflected in water or my shadow in the moonshine, even as that frail image and that inconstant shade.

“Several changes took place in the cottage during this time. Safie’s presence brought happiness to everyone there, and I also noticed that they had more to live on. Felix and Agatha spent more time enjoying themselves and talking, and servants helped them with their work. They did not seem rich, but they were content and happy. Their feelings were calm and peaceful, while mine grew more troubled every day. The more I learned, the more clearly I saw what a wretched outcast I was. I did hold on to hope, but it vanished whenever I saw my reflection in water or my shadow in the moonlight. My hope was as fragile as that reflection and as fleeting as that shadow.

“I endeavoured to crush these fears and to fortify myself for the trial which in a few months I resolved to undergo; and sometimes I allowed my thoughts, unchecked by reason, to ramble in the fields of Paradise, and dared to fancy amiable and lovely creatures sympathising with my feelings and cheering my gloom; their angelic countenances breathed smiles of consolation. But it was all a dream; no Eve soothed my sorrows nor shared my thoughts; I was alone. I remembered Adam’s supplication to his Creator. But where was mine? He had abandoned me, and in the bitterness of my heart I cursed him.

“I tried to crush these fears and prepare myself for the trial I had resolved to face in a few months. Sometimes I let my thoughts wander unchecked by reason through the fields of Paradise. I dared to imagine kind and lovely creatures who sympathized with my feelings and cheered me in my gloom. Their angelic faces smiled with comfort. But it was all a dream. No Eve soothed my sorrows or shared my thoughts. I was alone. I remembered Adam’s plea to his Creator. But where was mine? He had abandoned me, and in the bitterness of my heart I cursed him.

“Autumn passed thus. I saw, with surprise and grief, the leaves decay and fall, and nature again assume the barren and bleak appearance it had worn when I first beheld the woods and the lovely moon. Yet I did not heed the bleakness of the weather; I was better fitted by my conformation for the endurance of cold than heat. But my chief delights were the sight of the flowers, the birds, and all the gay apparel of summer; when those deserted me, I turned with more attention towards the cottagers. Their happiness was not decreased by the absence of summer. They loved and sympathised with one another; and their joys, depending on each other, were not interrupted by the casualties that took place around them. The more I saw of them, the greater became my desire to claim their protection and kindness; my heart yearned to be known and loved by these amiable creatures; to see their sweet looks directed towards me with affection was the utmost limit of my ambition. I dared not think that they would turn them from me with disdain and horror. The poor that stopped at their door were never driven away. I asked, it is true, for greater treasures than a little food or rest: I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not believe myself utterly unworthy of it.

“Autumn passed in this way. I watched with surprise and sorrow as the leaves withered and fell. Nature again looked barren and bleak, as it had when I first saw the woods and the lovely moon. Yet I paid no attention to the bleak weather. My body was better suited to enduring cold than heat. But my greatest delights were the flowers, the birds, and all the bright colors of summer. When they left me, I paid more attention to the cottagers. Their happiness did not fade with the passing of summer. They loved and cared for one another. Because their joys depended on one another, the misfortunes around them did not disturb those joys. The more I saw of them, the more I longed for their protection and kindness. My heart ached for these gentle people to know and love me. My greatest wish was to see them look at me with affection. I dared not think they would turn those sweet looks away from me in disgust and horror. They never turned away the poor who stopped at their door. It is true that I asked for greater treasures than a little food or rest. I needed kindness and sympathy, but I did not believe I was completely unworthy of them.

“The winter advanced, and an entire revolution of the seasons had taken place since I awoke into life. My attention at this time was solely directed towards my plan of introducing myself into the cottage of my protectors. I revolved many projects, but that on which I finally fixed was to enter the dwelling when the blind old man should be alone. I had sagacity enough to discover that the unnatural hideousness of my person was the chief object of horror with those who had formerly beheld me. My voice, although harsh, had nothing terrible in it; I thought, therefore, that if in the absence of his children I could gain the good will and mediation of the old De Lacey, I might by his means be tolerated by my younger protectors.

“Winter wore on, and a full year had passed since I awoke to life. By then, I was focused entirely on my plan to introduce myself to my protectors at their cottage. I considered many plans, but finally decided to enter the cottage when the blind old man was alone. I was perceptive enough to realize that my unnatural ugliness was the main reason people had recoiled from me before. My voice was harsh, but there was nothing frightening about it. So I thought that, if I could win old De Lacey’s goodwill while his children were away, he could speak on my behalf. Through him, I might be tolerated by my younger protectors.

“One day, when the sun shone on the red leaves that strewed the ground and diffused cheerfulness, although it denied warmth, Safie, Agatha, and Felix departed on a long country walk, and the old man, at his own desire, was left alone in the cottage. When his children had departed, he took up his guitar and played several mournful but sweet airs, more sweet and mournful than I had ever heard him play before. At first his countenance was illuminated with pleasure, but as he continued, thoughtfulness and sadness succeeded; at length, laying aside the instrument, he sat absorbed in reflection.

“One day, the sun shone on the red leaves scattered across the ground. It brought cheer, though no warmth. Safie, Agatha, and Felix went for a long walk in the countryside. At his own request, the old man was left alone in the cottage. After his children had gone, he picked up his guitar and played several sad but sweet tunes. They were sweeter and sadder than any I had heard him play before. At first, his face lit up with pleasure. But as he continued playing, he grew thoughtful and sad. At last, he put down the guitar and sat lost in thought.

“My heart beat quick; this was the hour and moment of trial, which would decide my hopes or realise my fears. The servants were gone to a neighbouring fair. All was silent in and around the cottage; it was an excellent opportunity; yet, when I proceeded to execute my plan, my limbs failed me and I sank to the ground. Again I rose, and exerting all the firmness of which I was master, removed the planks which I had placed before my hovel to conceal my retreat. The fresh air revived me, and with renewed determination I approached the door of their cottage.

“My heart beat fast. This was the moment of trial that would determine whether my hopes or my fears came true. The servants had gone to a nearby fair. All was quiet in and around the cottage. It was an excellent opportunity. But when I tried to carry out my plan, my limbs gave way and I sank to the ground. I got up again and gathered all the resolve I could. Then I removed the planks I had placed in front of my hovel to hide my hiding place. The fresh air revived me, and I approached the cottage door with renewed determination.

“I knocked. ‘Who is there?’ said the old man. ‘Come in.’

“I knocked. ‘Who is there?’ the old man said. ‘Come in.’

“I entered. ‘Pardon this intrusion,’ said I; ‘I am a traveller in want of a little rest; you would greatly oblige me if you would allow me to remain a few minutes before the fire.’

“I entered. ‘Sorry to intrude,’ I said. ‘I’m a traveler who needs a little rest. I would be grateful if you let me stay by the fire for a few minutes.’

“‘Enter,’ said De Lacey, ‘and I will try in what manner I can to relieve your wants; but, unfortunately, my children are from home, and as I am blind, I am afraid I shall find it difficult to procure food for you.’

“‘Come in,’ said De Lacey, ‘and I will try to help you however I can. But unfortunately, my children are away from home. Since I am blind, I’m afraid I will have difficulty getting food for you.’

“‘Do not trouble yourself, my kind host; I have food; it is warmth and rest only that I need.’

“‘Please don't trouble yourself, my kind host. I have food. I only need warmth and rest.’

“I sat down, and a silence ensued. I knew that every minute was precious to me, yet I remained irresolute in what manner to commence the interview, when the old man addressed me.

“I sat down, and we fell silent. I knew every minute was precious, but I could not decide how to begin the conversation. Then the old man spoke to me.

‘By your language, stranger, I suppose you are my countryman; are you French?’

‘From the way you speak, stranger, I think you are from my country. Are you French?’

“‘No; but I was educated by a French family and understand that language only. I am now going to claim the protection of some friends, whom I sincerely love, and of whose favour I have some hopes.’

“‘No, but I was educated by a French family and understand only French. I am now going to seek protection from some friends. I sincerely love them and have some hope of winning their favor.’

“‘Are they Germans?’

“‘Are they Germans?’

“‘No, they are French. But let us change the subject. I am an unfortunate and deserted creature, I look around and I have no relation or friend upon earth. These amiable people to whom I go have never seen me and know little of me. I am full of fears, for if I fail there, I am an outcast in the world for ever.’

“‘No, they are French. But let us change the subject. I am an unfortunate and abandoned creature. I look around and see that I have no family or friends on earth. The kind people I am going to have never seen me and know little about me. I am full of fear, because if I fail there, I will be an outcast in the world forever.’

“‘Do not despair. To be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate, but the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious self-interest, are full of brotherly love and charity. Rely, therefore, on your hopes; and if these friends are good and amiable, do not despair.’

“‘Do not despair. Having no friends is truly unfortunate. But people’s hearts are full of brotherly love and kindness when they are not influenced by obvious self-interest. So hold on to your hopes. If these friends are good and kind, do not despair.’

“‘They are kind—they are the most excellent creatures in the world; but, unfortunately, they are prejudiced against me. I have good dispositions; my life has been hitherto harmless and in some degree beneficial; but a fatal prejudice clouds their eyes, and where they ought to see a feeling and kind friend, they behold only a detestable monster.’

“‘They are kind. They are the most wonderful creatures in the world, but unfortunately, they are prejudiced against me. I have a good nature. My life so far has been harmless and, to some extent, helpful. But a terrible prejudice clouds their eyes. Where they should see a caring and kind friend, they see only a hateful monster.’

“‘That is indeed unfortunate; but if you are really blameless, cannot you undeceive them?’

“‘That is unfortunate. But if you are really innocent, can't you convince them of that?’

“‘I am about to undertake that task; and it is on that account that I feel so many overwhelming terrors. I tenderly love these friends; I have, unknown to them, been for many months in the habits of daily kindness towards them; but they believe that I wish to injure them, and it is that prejudice which I wish to overcome.’

“‘I am about to undertake that task, and that is why I feel such overwhelming fear. I love these friends dearly. For many months, I have shown them kindness every day without their knowing it. But they believe I want to hurt them, and I want to overcome that prejudice.’

“‘Where do these friends reside?’

“‘Where do these friends live?’

“‘Near this spot.’

“‘Near this place.’

“The old man paused and then continued, ‘If you will unreservedly confide to me the particulars of your tale, I perhaps may be of use in undeceiving them. I am blind and cannot judge of your countenance, but there is something in your words which persuades me that you are sincere. I am poor and an exile, but it will afford me true pleasure to be in any way serviceable to a human creature.’

“The old man paused and then continued, ‘If you tell me your whole story openly, perhaps I can help them see the truth. I am blind and cannot judge your appearance, but something in your words persuades me that you are sincere. I am poor and an exile, but it would give me real pleasure to help another human being in any way.’

“‘Excellent man! I thank you and accept your generous offer. You raise me from the dust by this kindness; and I trust that, by your aid, I shall not be driven from the society and sympathy of your fellow creatures.’

“‘Good man! I thank you and accept your generous offer. Your kindness lifts me from the dust. And I trust that, with your help, I will not be denied the company and sympathy of other people.’

“‘Heaven forbid! Even if you were really criminal, for that can only drive you to desperation, and not instigate you to virtue. I also am unfortunate; I and my family have been condemned, although innocent; judge, therefore, if I do not feel for your misfortunes.’

“‘Heaven forbid! Even if you really were a criminal, that could only drive you to despair, not inspire you to be good. I have suffered too. My family and I have been condemned, even though we are innocent. So you can judge whether I feel for your suffering.’

“‘How can I thank you, my best and only benefactor? From your lips first have I heard the voice of kindness directed towards me; I shall be for ever grateful; and your present humanity assures me of success with those friends whom I am on the point of meeting.’

“‘How can I thank you, my best and only benefactor? You are the first person to speak kindly to me. I will be forever grateful. Your kindness now assures me that I will succeed with the friends I am about to meet.’

“‘May I know the names and residence of those friends?’

“‘May I know the names of those friends and where they live?’

“I paused. This, I thought, was the moment of decision, which was to rob me of or bestow happiness on me for ever. I struggled vainly for firmness sufficient to answer him, but the effort destroyed all my remaining strength; I sank on the chair and sobbed aloud. At that moment I heard the steps of my younger protectors. I had not a moment to lose, but seizing the hand of the old man, I cried, ‘Now is the time! Save and protect me! You and your family are the friends whom I seek. Do not you desert me in the hour of trial!’

“I paused. I thought this was the moment that would decide whether I would be happy or miserable forever. I tried in vain to steady myself enough to answer him. But the effort destroyed all the strength I had left. I sank into the chair and sobbed aloud. At that moment I heard the footsteps of my younger protectors. I had no time to lose. I seized the old man’s hand and cried, ‘Now is the time! Save and protect me! You and your family are the friends I am looking for. Do not abandon me in my time of need!’

“‘Great God!’ exclaimed the old man. ‘Who are you?’

“‘Great God!’ cried the old man. ‘Who are you?’

“At that instant the cottage door was opened, and Felix, Safie, and Agatha entered. Who can describe their horror and consternation on beholding me? Agatha fainted, and Safie, unable to attend to her friend, rushed out of the cottage. Felix darted forward, and with supernatural force tore me from his father, to whose knees I clung, in a transport of fury, he dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick. I could have torn him limb from limb, as the lion rends the antelope. But my heart sank within me as with bitter sickness, and I refrained. I saw him on the point of repeating his blow, when, overcome by pain and anguish, I quitted the cottage, and in the general tumult escaped unperceived to my hovel.”

“At that moment, the cottage door opened, and Felix, Safie, and Agatha entered. Who can describe their horror and shock when they saw me? Agatha fainted, and Safie, unable to help her friend, rushed out of the cottage. Felix rushed forward and tore me from his father’s knees, which I was clinging to, with superhuman force. In a fit of fury, he threw me to the ground and beat me violently with a stick. I could have torn him limb from limb, as a lion tears apart an antelope. But my heart sank with bitter sickness, and I held back. I saw that he was about to strike me again. Overcome by pain and anguish, I left the cottage and escaped to my hovel, unnoticed in the confusion.”