 he was restored; and I often thought that life was
entirely extinct. At length he opened his eyes; he breathed with difficulty, and
was unable to speak. The surgeon gave him a composing draught, and ordered us to
leave him undisturbed. In the mean time he told me, that my friend had certainly
not many hours to live.
    His sentence was pronounced; and I could only grieve, and be patient. I sat
by his bed, watching him; his eyes were closed, and I thought he slept; but
presently he called to me in a feeble voice, and, bidding me come near, said -
»Alas! the strength I relied on is gone; I feel that I shall soon die, and he,
my enemy and persecutor, may still be in being. Think not, Walton, that in the
last moments of my existence I feel that burning hatred, and ardent desire of
revenge, I once expressed; but I feel myself justified in desiring the death of
my adversary. During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past
conduct; nor do I find it blameable. In a fit of enthusiastic madness I created
a rational creature, and was bound towards him, to assure, as far as was in my
power, his happiness and well-being. This was my duty; but there was another
still paramount to that. My duties towards the beings of my own species had
greater claims to my attention, because they included a greater proportion of
happiness or misery. Urged by this view, I refused, and I did right in refusing,
to create a companion for the first creature. He showed unparalleled malignity
and selfishness, in evil: he destroyed my friends; he devoted to destruction
beings who possessed exquisite sensations, happiness, and wisdom; nor do I know
where this thirst for vengeance may end. Miserable himself, that he may render
no other wretched, he ought to die. The task of his destruction was mine, but I
have failed. When actuated by selfishness and vicious motives, I asked you to
undertake my unfinished work; and I renew this request now, when I am only
induced by reason and virtue.
    Yet I cannot ask you to renounce your country and friends, to fulfil this
task; and now, that you are returning to England, you will have little chance of
meeting with him. But the consideration of these points, and the well balancing
of what you may esteem your duties, I leave to you; my judgment and ideas are
already disturbed by the near approach of death. I
