第7章

"WhenIlostallhopeofreceivingtheexpectedassistancefromTiberge，Isoldmyhorse；themoneyitbrought，joinedtowhatremainedofyourgenerousgift，amountedtothesmallsumoffortypistoles；IexpendedeightinthepurchaseofsomenecessaryarticlesforManon；andIputtheremainderby，asthecapitaluponwhichweweretorestourhopesandraiseourfortunesinAmerica。Ihadnodifficultyingettingadmittedonboardthevessel。Theywereatthetimelookingforyoungmenasvoluntaryemigrantstothecolony。Thepassageandprovisionsweresuppliedgratis。IleftaletterforTiberge，whichwastogobythepostnextmorningtoParis。Itwasnodoubtwritteninatonecalculatedtoaffecthimdeeply，sinceitinducedhimtoformaresolution，whichcouldonlybecarriedintoexecutionbythetenderestandmostgeneroussympathyforhisunhappyfriend。

XIII

Sunthieetiamsuaproemialaudi，Suntlachrymaererum，etmentemmortaliatangunt。

VIRGIL。

E’enthemutewallsrelatethevictim’sfame。

Andsinner’stearsthegoodman’spityclaim。

DRYDEN。

"Wesetsail；thewindcontinuedfavourableduringtheentirepassage。Iobtainedfromthecaptain’skindnessaseparatecabinfortheuseofManonandmyself。Hewassogoodastodistinguishusfromtheherdofourmiserableassociates。Itookanopportunity，onthesecondday，ofconciliatinghisattentions，bytellinghimpartofourunfortunatehistory。I

didnotfeelthatIwasguiltyofanyveryculpablefalsehoodinsayingthatIwasthehusbandofManon。Heappearedtobelieveit，andpromisedmehisprotection；andindeedweexperienced，duringthewholepassage，themostflatteringevidencesofhissincerity。Hetookcarethatourtablewascomfortablyprovided；

andhisattentionsprocuredusthemarkedrespectofourcompanionsinmisery。TheunweariedobjectofmysolicitudewastosaveManonfromeveryinconvenience。Shefeltthis，andhergratitude，togetherwithalivelysenseofthesingularpositioninwhichIhadplacedmyselfsolelyforhersake，renderedthedearcreaturesotenderandimpassioned，soattentivealsotomymosttriflingwants，thatitwasbetweenusacontinualemulationofattentionsandoflove。IfeltnoregretatquittingEurope；

onthecontrary，thenearerweapproachedAmerica，themoredidI

feelmyheartexpandandbecometranquil。IfIhadnotfeltadreadofourperhapswanting，byandby，theabsolutenecessariesoflife，Ishouldhavebeengratefultofateforhavingatlengthgivensofavourableaturntoouraffairs。

"`Afterapassageoftwomonths，weatlengthreachedthebanksofthedesiredriver。Thecountryofferedatfirstsightnothingagreeable。Wesawonlysterileanduninhabitedplains，coveredwithrushes，andsometreesrootedupbythewind。Notraceeitherofmenoranimals。However，thecaptainhavingdischargedsomepiecesofartillery，wepresentlyobservedagroupoftheinhabitantsofNewOrleans，whoapproacheduswithevidentsignsofjoy。Wehadnotperceivedthetown：itisconcealeduponthesideonwhichweapproacheditbyahill。Wewerereceivedaspersonsdroppedfromtheclouds。

"ThepoorinhabitantshastenedtoputathousandquestionstousuponthestateofFrance，andofthedifferentprovincesinwhichtheywereborn。Theyembracedusasbrothers，andasbelovedcompanions，whohadcometosharetheirpainsandtheirsolitude。

Weturnedtowardsthetownwiththem；butwewereastonishedtoperceive，asweadvanced，thatwhatwehadhithertoheardspokenofasarespectabletown，wasnothingmorethanacollectionofmiserablehuts。Theywereinhabitedbyfiveorsixhundredpersons。Thegovernor’shousewasalittledistinguishedfromtherestbyitsheightanditsposition。Itwassurroundedbysomeearthenramparts，andadeepditch。

"Wewerefirstpresentedtohim。Hecontinuedforsometimeinconversationwiththecaptain；andthenadvancingtowardsus，helookedattentivelyatthewomenoneafteranother：therewerethirtyofthem，foranothertroopofconvictshadjoinedusatHavre。Afterhavingthusinspectedthem，hesentforseveralyoungmenofthecolonywhoweredesiroustomarry。Heassignedthehandsomestwomentotheprincipalofthese，andtheremainderweredisposedofbylot。HehadnotyetaddressedManon；buthavingorderedtheotherstodepart，hemadeusremain。`Ilearnfromthecaptain，’saidhe，`thatyouaremarried，andheisconvincedbyyourconductonthepassagethatyouarebothpersonsofmeritandofeducation。Ihavenothingtodowiththecauseofyourmisfortunes；butifitbetruethatyouareasconversantwiththeworldandsocietyasyourappearancewouldindicate，Ishallsparenopainstosoftentheseverityofyourlot，andyoumayonyourpartcontributetowardsrenderingthissavageanddesertabodelessdisagreeabletome。’IrepliedinthemannerwhichIthoughtbestcalculatedtoconfirmtheopinionhehadformedofus。Hegaveorderstohaveahabitationpreparedforusinthetown，anddetainedustosupper。Iwasreallysurprisedtofindsomuchpolitenessinagovernoroftransportedconvicts。Inthepresenceofothersheabstainedfromenquiringaboutourpastadventures。Theconversationwasgeneral；andinspiteofourdegradation，ManonandIexertedourselvestomakeitlivelyandagreeable。

"Atnightwewereconductedtothelodgingpreparedforus。Wefoundawretchedhovelcomposedofplanksandmud，containingthreeroomsontheground，andaloftoverhead。Hehadsenttheresixchairs，andsomefewnecessariesoflife。

"Manonappearedfrightenedbythefirstviewofthismelancholydwelling。Itwasonmyaccountmuchmorethanuponherown，thatshedistressedherself。Whenwewerelefttoourselves，shesatdownandweptbitterly。Iattemptedatfirsttoconsoleher；butwhensheenabledmetounderstandthatitwasformysakeshedeploredourprivations，andthatinourcommonafflictionssheonlyconsideredmeasthesufferer，Iputonanairofresolution，andevenofcontent，sufficienttoencourageher。

"`Whatisthereinmylottolament？’saidI；`IpossessallthatIhaveeverdesired。Youloveme，Manon，doyounot？WhathappinessbeyondthishaveIeverlongedfor？LetusleavetoProvidencethedirectionofourdestiny；itbynomeansappearstomesodesperate。Thegovernoriscivilandobliging；hehasalreadygivenusmarksofhisconsideration；hewillnotallowustowantfornecessaries。Astoourrudehutandthesqualidnessofourfurniture，youmighthavenoticedthattherearefewpersonsinthecolonybetterlodgedormorecomfortablyfurnishedthanweare：andthenyouareanadmirablechemist，’addedI，embracingher；`youtransformeverythingintogold。’

"`Inthatcase，’sheanswered，`youshallbetherichestmanintheuniverse；for，asthereneverwaslovesurpassingyours，soitisimpossibleformantobelovedmoretenderlythanyouarebyme。Iwellknow，’shecontinued，`thatIhavenevermeritedthealmostincrediblefidelityandattachmentwhichyouhaveshownforme。Ihaveoftencausedyouannoyances，whichnothingbutexcessivefondnesscouldhaveinducedyoutopardon。Ihavebeenthoughtlessandvolatile；andevenwhilelovingyouasI

havealwaysdonetodistraction，Iwasneverfreefromaconsciousnessofingratitude。Butyoucannotbelievehowmuchmynatureisaltered；thosetearswhichyouhavesofrequentlyseenmeshedsincequittingtheFrenchshore，havenotbeencausedbymyownmisfortunes。Sinceyoubegantosharethemwithme，I

havebeenastrangertoselfishness：Ionlyweptfromtendernessandcompassionforyou。Iaminconsolableatthethoughtofhavinggivenyouoneinstant’spainduringmypastlife。Ineverceaseupbraidingmyselfwithmyformerinconstancy，andwonderingatthesacrificeswhichlovehasinducedyoutomakeforamiserableandunworthywretch，whocouldnot，withthelastdropofherblood，compensateforhalfthetormentsshehascausedyou。’

"Hergrief，thelanguage，andthetoneinwhichsheexpressedherself，madesuchanimpression，thatIfeltmyheartreadytobreakinme。`Takecare，’saidItoher，`takecare，dearManon；

Ihavenotstrengthtoenduresuchexcitingmarksofyouraffection；Iamlittleaccustomedtotherapturoussensationswhichyounowkindleinmyheart。OhHeaven！’criedI，`Ihavenownothingfurthertoaskofyou。IamsureofManon’slove。

Thathasbeenalonewantingtocompletemyhappiness；Icannowneverceasetobehappy：myfelicityiswellsecured。’

"`Itisindeed，’shereplied，`ifitdependsuponme，andI

wellknowwhereIcanbeevercertainoffindingmyownhappinesscentred。’

"Withtheseideas，capableofturningmyhutintoapalaceworthyofearth’sproudestmonarch，Ilaydowntorest。Americaappearedtomyviewthetruelandofmilkandhoney，theabodeofcontentmentanddelight。`PeopleshouldcometoNewOrleans，’I

oftensaidtoManon，`whowishtoenjoytherealraptureoflove！

Itisherethatloveisdivestedofallselfishness，alljealousy，allinconstancy。Ourcountrymencomehereinsearchofgold；theylittlethinkthatwehavediscoveredtreasuresofinestimablygreatervalue。’

"Wecarefullycultivatedthegovernor’sfriendship。Hebestoweduponme，afewweeksafterourarrival，asmallappointmentwhichbecamevacantinthefort。Althoughnotoneofanydistinction，IgratefullyaccepteditasagiftofProvidence，asitenabledmetoliveindependentlyofothers’aid。Itookaservantformyself，andawomanforManon。Ourlittleestablishmentbecamesettled：nothingcouldsurpasstheregularityofmyconduct，orthatofManon；welostnoopportunityofservingordoinganactofkindnesstoourneighbours。Thisfriendlydisposition，andthemildnessofourmanners，securedustheconfidenceandaffectionofthewholecolony。Wesoonbecamesorespected，thatwerankedastheprincipalpersonsinthetownafterthegovernor。

"Thesimplicityofourhabitsandoccupations，andtheperfectinnocenceinwhichwelived，revivedinsensiblyourearlyfeelingsofdevotion。Manonhadneverbeenanirreligiousgirl，andIwasfarfrombeingoneofthoserecklesslibertineswhodelightinaddingimpietyandsacrilegetomoraldepravity：allthedisordersofourlivesmightbefairlyascribedtothenaturalinfluencesofyouthandlove。Experiencehadnowbegunwithustodotheofficeofage；itproducedthesameeffectuponusasyearsmusthavedone。Ourconversation，whichwasgenerallyofaseriousturn，bydegreesengenderedalongingforvirtuouslove。IfirstproposedthischangetoManon。Iknewtheprinciplesofherheart；shewasfrankandnaturalinallhersentiments，qualitieswhichinvariablypredisposetovirtue。I

saidtoherthattherewasbutonethingwantingtocompleteourhappiness：`itis，’saidI，`toinvokeuponourunionthebenedictionofHeaven。Wehavebothofusheartstoosensitiveandmindstoorefined，tocontinuevoluntarilyinthewilfulviolationofsosacredaduty。ItsignifiesnothingourhavinglivedwhileinFranceinsuchamanner，becausethereitwasasimpossibleforusnottolove，astobeunitedbyalegitimatetie：butinAmerica，whereweareundernorestraint，whereweowenoallegiancetothearbitrarydistinctionsofbirthandaristocraticprejudice，wherebesideswearealreadysupposedtobemarried，whyshouldwenotactuallybecomeso——whyshouldwenotsanctifyourlovebytheholyordinancesofreligion？Asforme，’Iadded，`Ioffernothingnewinofferingyoumyhandandmyheart；butIamreadytoratifyitatthefootofthealtar。’

"Thisspeechseemedtoinspireherwithjoy。`Wouldyoubelieveit，’shereplied，`IhavethoughtofthisathousandtimessinceourarrivalinAmerica？Thefearofannoyingyouhaskeptitshutupinmybreast。IfeltthatIhadnopretensionstoaspiretothecharacterofyourwife。’

"`Ah！Manon，’saidI，`youshouldverysoonbeasovereign’sconsort，ifIhadbeenborntotheinheritanceofacrown。Letusnothesitate；wehavenoobstacletoimpedeus：Iwillthisdayspeaktothegovernoronthesubject，andacknowledgethatwehaveinthisparticularhithertodeceivedhim。Letusleave，’

addedI，`tovulgarloversthedreadoftheindissolublebondsofmarriage；[1]theywouldnotfearthemiftheywereassured，asweare，ofthecontinuanceofthoseoflove。’IleftManonenchantedbythisresolution。

[1]SomesaythatLove，atsightofhumanties，Spreadshislightwings，andinamomentflies。

"Iampersuadedthatnohonestmancoulddisapproveofthisintentioninmypresentsituation；thatistosay，fatallyenslavedasIwasbyapassionwhichIcouldnotsubdue，andvisitedbycompunctionandremorsewhichIoughtnottostifle。

ButwillanymanchargemewithinjusticeorimpietyifI

complainoftherigourofHeavenindefeatingadesignthatI

couldonlyhaveformedwiththeviewofconciliatingitsfavourandcomplyingwithitsdecrees？AlasIdoIsaydefeated？naypunishedasanewcrime。Iwaspatientlypermittedtogoblindlyalongthehighroadofvice；andthecruellestchastisementswerereservedfortheperiodwhenIwasreturningtothepathsofvirtue。InowfearthatIshallhavehardlyfortitudeenoughlefttorecountthemostdisastrouscircumstancesthateveroccurredtoanyman。

"Iwaiteduponthegovernor，asIhadsettledwithManon，toprocurehisconsenttotheceremonyofourmarriage。Ishouldhaveavoidedspeakingtohimortoanyotherpersonuponthesubject，ifIhadimaginedthathischaplain，whowastheonlyministerinthetown，wouldhaveperformedtheofficeformewithouthisknowledge；butnotdaringtohopethathewoulddosoprivately，Ideterminedtoactingenuouslyinthematter。

"ThegovernorhadanephewnamedSynnelet，ofwhomhewasparticularlyfond。Hewasaboutthirty；brave，butofaheadstrongandviolentdisposition。Hewasnotmarried。Manon’sbeautyhadstruckhimonthefirstdayofourarrival；andthenumberlessopportunitieshehadofseeingherduringthelastnineortenmonths，hadsoinflamedhispassion，thathewasabsolutelypiningforherinsecret。However，ashewasconvincedincommonwithhisuncleandthewholecolonythatI

wasmarried，heputsucharestraintuponhisfeelings，thattheyremainedgenerallyunnoticed；andhelostnoopportunityofshowingthemostdisinterestedfriendshipforme。

"HehappenedtobewithhisunclewhenIarrivedatthegovernmenthouse。Ihadnoreasonforkeepingmyintentionasecretfromhim，sothatIexplainedmyselfwithouthesitationinhispresence。Thegovernorheardmewithhisusualkindness。I

relatedtohimapartofmyhistory，towhichhelistenedwithevidentinterest；andwhenIrequestedhispresenceattheintendedceremony，hewassogenerousastosay，thathemustbepermittedtodefraytheexpensesofthesucceedingentertainment。

Iretiredperfectlysatisfied。

"Inanhourafter，thechaplainpaidmeavisit。Ithoughthewascometopreparemebyreligiousinstructionforthesacredceremony；but，afteracoldsalutation，heannouncedtomeintwowords，thatthegovernordesiredIwouldrelinquishallthoughtsofsuchathing，forthathehadotherviewsforManon。

"`OtherviewsforManon！’saidI，asIfeltmyheartsinkwithinme；`whatviewsthencantheybe，chaplain？’

"Hereplied，thatImustbe，ofcourse，awarethatthegovernorwasabsolutemasterhere；thatManon，havingbeentransportedfromFrancetothecolony，wasentirelyathisdisposal；that，hithertohehadnotexercisedhisright，believingthatshewasamarriedwoman；butthatnow，havinglearnedfrommyownlipsthatitwasnotso，hehadresolvedtoassignhertoM。Synnelet，whowaspassionatelyinlovewithher。

"Myindignationovercamemyprudence。IrritatedasIwas，I

desiredthechaplaininstantlytoquitmyhouse，swearingatthesametimethatneithergovernor，Synnelet，northewholecolonytogether，shouldlayhandsuponmywife，ormistress，iftheychosesotocallher。

"IimmediatelytoldManonofthedistressingmessageIhadjustreceived。WeconjecturedthatSynnelethadwarpedhisuncle’smindaftermydeparture，andthatitwasalltheeffectofapremeditateddesign。Theywere，questionless，thestrongerparty。WefoundourselvesinNewOrleans，asinthemidstoftheocean，separatedfromtherestoftheworldbyanimmenseintervalofspace。Inacountryperfectlyunknown，adesert，orinhabited，ifnotbybrutes，atleastbysavagesquiteasferocious，towhatcornercouldwefly？Iwasrespectedinthetown，butIcouldnothopetoexcitethepeopleinmyfavourtosuchadegreeastoderiveassistancefromthemproportionedtotheimpendingdanger：moneywasrequisiteforthatpurpose，andI

waspoor。Besides，thesuccessofapopularcommotionwasuncertain；andifwefailedintheattempt，ourdoomwouldbeinevitablysealed。

"Irevolvedthesethoughtsinmymind；ImentionedtheminparttoManon；Ifoundnewones，withoutwaitingforherreplies；I

determinedupononecourse，andthenabandonedthattoadoptanother；Italkedtomyself，andansweredmyownthoughtsaloud；

atlengthIsankintoakindofhystericalstuporthatIcancomparetonothing，becausenothingeverequalledit。Manonobservedmyemotion，andfromitsviolence，judgedhowimminentwasourdanger；and，apprehensivemoreonmyaccountthanonherown，thedeargirlcouldnotevenventuretogiveexpressiontoherfears。

"Afteramultitudeofreflections，Iresolvedtocalluponthegovernor，andappealtohisfeelingsofhonour，totherecollectionofmyunvaryingrespectforhim，andthemarkshehadgivenofhisownaffectionforusboth。Manonendeavouredtodissuademefromthisattempt：shesaid，withtearsinhereyes，`Youarerushingintothejawsofdeath；theywillmurderyou——I

shallneveragainseeyou——Iamdeterminedtodiebeforeyou。’I

hadgreatdifficultyinpersuadingherthatitwasabsolutelynecessarythatIshouldgo，andthatsheshouldremainathome。

Ipromisedthatsheshouldseemeagaininafewmoments。Shedidnotforesee，nordidI，thatitwasagainstherselfthewholeangerofHeaven，andtherabidfuryofourenemies，wasabouttobeconcentrated。

"Iwenttothefort：thegovernorwastherewithhischaplain。

IsupplicatedhiminatoneofhumblesubmissionthatIcouldhaveillbrookedunderothercircumstances。Iinvokedhisclemencybyeveryargumentcalculatedtosoftenanyheartlessferociousandcruelthanatiger’s。

"Thebarbarianmadetoallmyprayersbuttwoshortanswers，whichherepeatedoverandoveragain。`Manon，’hesaid，`wasathisdisposal：andhehadgivenapromisetohisnephew。’Iwasresolvedtocommandmyfeelingstothelast：Imerelyreplied，thatIhadimaginedhewastoosincerelymyfriendtodesiremydeath，towhichIwouldinfinitelyratherconsentthantothelossofmymistress。

"Ifeltpersuaded，onquittinghim，thatitwasfollytoexpectanythingfromtheobstinatetyrant，whowouldhavedamnedhimselfahundredtimesovertopleasehisnephew。However，Iperseveredinrestrainingmytempertotheend；deeplyresolved，iftheypersistedinsuchflagrantinjustice，tomakeAmericathesceneofoneofthemosthorribleandbloodymurdersthatevenlovehadeverledto。

"Iwas，onmyreturnhome，meditatinguponthisdesign，whenfate，asifimpatienttoexpeditemyruin，threwSynneletinmyway。Hereadinmycountenanceaportionofmythoughts。I

beforesaid，hewasbrave。Heapproachedme。

"`Areyounotseekingme？’heenquired。`Iknowthatmyintentionshavegivenyoumortaloffence，andthatthedeathofoneofusisindispensable：letusseewhoistobethehappyman。’

"Ireplied，thatsuchwasunquestionablythefact，andthatnothingbutdeathcouldendthedifferencebetweenus。

"Weretiredaboutonehundredpacesoutofthetown。Wedrew：I

woundedanddisarmedhimatthefirstonset。Hewassoenraged，thatheperemptorilyrefusedeithertoaskhislifeorrenouncehisclaimstoManon。Imighthavebeenperhapsjustifiedinendingbothbyasingleblow；butnoblebloodevervindicatesitsorigin。Ithrewhimbackhissword。`Letusrenewthestruggle，’saidItohim，`andrememberthatthereshallbenownoquarter。’Heattackedmewithredoubledfury。ImustconfessthatIwasnotanaccomplishedswordsman，havinghadbutthreemonths’tuitioninParis。Love，however，guidedmyweapon。

Synneletpiercedmethroughandthroughtheleftarm；butI

caughthimwhilstthusengaged，andmadesovigorousathrustthatIstretchedhimsenselessatmyfeet。

"Inspiteofthetriumphantfeelingthatvictory，afteramortalconflict，inspires，Iwasimmediatelyhorrifiedbythecertainconsequencesofhisdeath。TherecouldnotbetheslightesthopeofeitherpardonorrespitefromthevengeanceIhadthusincurred。Aware，asIwas，oftheaffectionofthegovernorforhisnephew，Ifeltperfectlysurethatmydeathwouldnotbedelayedasinglehourafterhisshouldbecomeknown。`Urgentasthisapprehensionwas，itstillwasbynomeanstheprincipalsourceofmyuneasiness。Manon，thewelfareofManon，theperilthatimpendedoverher，andthecertaintyofmybeingnowatlengthseparatedfromher，afflictedmetosuchadegree，thatI

wasincapableofrecognisingtheplaceinwhichIstood。I

regrettedSynnelet’sdeath：instantsuicideseemedtheonlyremedyformywoes。

"However，itwasthisverythoughtthatquicklyrestoredmetomyreason，andenabledmetoformaresolution。`What，’saidI

tomyself，`die，inordertoendmypain！ThenthereissomethingIdreadmorethanthelossofallIlove！No，letmesufferthecruellestextremitiesinordertoaidher；andwhentheseproveofnoavail，flytodeathasalastresource！’

"Ireturnedtowardsthetown；onmyarrivalathome，IfoundManonhalfdeadwithfrightandanxiety：mypresencerestoredher。Icouldnotconcealfromhertheterribleaccidentthathadhappened。OnmymentioningthedeathofSynneletandmyownwound，shefellinastateofinsensibilityintomyarms。ItwasaquarterofanhourbeforeIcouldbringheragaintohersenses。

"Iwasmyselfinamostdeplorablestateofmind；Icouldnotdiscerntheslightestprospectofsafetyforeitherofus。

`Manon，’saidItoher，whenshehadrecoveredalittle，`whatshallwedo？Alas，whathoperemainstous？Imustnecessarilyfly。Willyouremaininthetown？YesdearestManon，doremain；

youmaypossiblystillbehappyhere；whileI，farawayfromyou，mayseekdeathandfinditamongstthesavages，orthewildbeasts。’

"Sheraisedherselfinspiteofherweakness，andtakingholdofmyhandtoleadmetowardsthedoor：`Letus，’saidshe，`flytogether，wehavenotamomenttolose；Synnelet’sbodymaybefoundbychance，andweshallthenhavenotimetoescape。’

`But，dearManon，’repliedI，`towhatplacecanwefly？Doyouperceiveanyresource？Woulditnotbebetterthatyoushouldendeavourtoliveonwithoutme；andthatIshouldgoandvoluntarilyplacemylifeinthegovernor’shands？’

"Thisproposalhadonlytheeffectofmakinghermoreimpatientforourdeparture。Ihadpresenceofmindenough，ongoingout，totakewithmesomestrongliquorswhichIhadinmychamber，andasmuchfoodasIcouldcarryinmypockets。Wetoldourservants，whowereintheadjoiningroom，thatweweregoingtotakeoureveningwalk，aswasourinvariablehabit；andweleftthetownbehindusmorerapidlythanIhadthoughtpossiblefromManon’sdelicatestateofhealth。

"AlthoughIhadnotformedanyresolveastoourfuturedestination，Istillcherishedahope，withoutwhichIshouldhaveinfinitelypreferreddeathtomysuspenseaboutManon’ssafety。Ihadacquiredasufficientknowledgeofthecountry，duringnearlytenmonthswhichIhadnowpassedinAmerica，toknowinwhatmannerthenativesshouldbeapproached。Deathwasnotthenecessaryconsequenceoffallingintotheirhands。Ihadlearnedafewwordsoftheirlanguage，andsomeoftheircustoms，havinghadmanyopportunitiesofseeingthem。

"Besidesthissadresource，Iderivedsomehopesfromthefact，thattheEnglishhad，likeourselves，establishedcoloniesinthispartoftheNewWorld。Butthedistancewasterrific。Inordertoreachthem，weshouldhavetotraversedesertsofmanydays’journey，andmorethanonerangeofmountainssosteepandvastastoseemalmostimpassabletothestrongestman。I

neverthelessflatteredmyselfthatwemightderivepartialrelieffromoneorotherofthesesources：thesavagesmightserveusasguides，andtheEnglishreceiveusintheirsettlements。

"WejourneyedonaslongasManon’sstrengthwouldpermit，thatistosay，aboutsixmiles；forthisincomparablecreature，withherusualabsenceofselfishness，refusedmyrepeatedentreatiestostop。Overpoweredatlengthbyfatigue，sheacknowledgedtheutterimpossibilityofproceedingfarther。Itwasalreadynight：

wesatdowninthemidstofanextensiveplain，wherewecouldnotevenfindatreetoshelterus。Herfirstcarewastodressmywound，whichshehadbandagedbeforeourdeparture。I，invain，entreatedhertodesistfromexertion：itwouldhaveonlyaddedtoherdistressifIhadrefusedherthesatisfactionofseeingmeateaseandoutofdanger，beforeherownwantswereattendedto。Iallowedherthereforetogratifyherself，andinshameandsilencesubmittedtoherdelicateattentions。

"Butwhenshehadcompletedhertendertask，withwhatardourdidInotenteruponmine！Itookoffmyclothesandstretchedthemunderher，torendermoreendurablethehardandruggedgroundonwhichshelay。Iprotectedherdelicatehandsfromthecoldbymyburningkissesandthewarmthofmysighs。Ipassedthelivelongnightinwatchingoverherassheslept，andprayingHeaventorefreshherwithsoftandundisturbedrepose。`Youcanbearwitness，justandall-seeingGodItothefervourandsincerityofthoseprayers，andThoualoneknowestwithwhatawfulrigourtheywererejected。’

"Youwillexcuseme，ifInowcutshortastorywhichitdistressesmebeyondendurancetorelate。Itis，Ibelieve，acalamitywithoutparallel。Icanneverceasetodeploreit。Butalthoughitcontinues，ofcourse，deeplyandindeliblyimpressedonmymemory，yetmyheartseemstoshrinkwithinmeeachtimethatIattempttherecital。

"Wehadthustranquillypassedthenight。Ihadfondlyimaginedthatmybelovedmistresswasinaprofoundsleep，andIhardlydaredtobreathelestIshoulddisturbher。Asdaybroke，I

observedthatherhandswerecoldandtrembling；Ipressedthemtomybosominthehopeofrestoringanimation。Thismovementrousedherattention，andmakinganefforttograspmyhand，shesaid，inafeeblevoice，thatshethoughtherlastmomentshadarrived。

"I，atfirst，tookthisforapassingweakness，ortheordinarylanguageofdistress；andIansweredwiththeusualconsolationsthatloveprompted。Butherincessantsighs，hersilence，andinattentiontomyenquiries，theconvulsedgraspofherhands，inwhichsheretainedmine，soonconvincedmethatthecrowningendofallmymiserieswasapproaching。

"Donotnowexpectmetoattemptadescriptionofmyfeelings，ortorepeatherdyingexpressions。Ilosther——Ireceivedthepurestassurancesofherloveevenattheveryinstantthatherspiritfled。Ihavenotnervetosaymoreuponthisfatalanddisastrousevent。

"MyspiritwasnotdestinedtoaccompanyManon’s。Doubtless，Heavendidnotasyetconsidermesufficientlypunished，andthereforeordainedthatIshouldcontinuetodragonalanguidandjoylessexistence。Iwillinglyrenouncedeveryhopeofleadingahappyone。

"Iremainedfortwenty-fourhourswithouttakingmylipsfromthestillbeauteouscountenanceandhandsofmyadoredManon。Myintentionwastoawaitmyowndeathinthatposition；butatthebeginningofthesecondday，Ireflectedthat，afterIwasgone，shemustofnecessitybecomethepreyofwildbeasts。Ithendeterminedtoburyher，andwaitmyowndoomuponhergrave。I

wasalready，indeed，sonearmyendfromthecombinedeffectoflongfastingandgrief，thatitwaswiththegreatestdifficultyIcouldsupportmyselfstanding。IwasobligedtohaverecoursetotheliquorswhichIhadbroughtwithme，andtheserestoredsufficientstrengthtoenablemetosetaboutmylastsadoffice。

Fromthesandynatureofthesoiltherewaslittletroubleinopeningtheground。Ibrokemyswordanduseditforthepurpose；butmybarehandswereofgreaterservice。Idugadeepgrave，andtheredepositedtheidolofmyheart，afterhavingwraptaroundhermyclothestopreventthesandfromtouchingher。Ikissedhertenthousandtimeswithalltheardourofthemostglowinglove，beforeIlaidherinthismelancholybed。I

satforsometimeuponthebankintentlygazingonher，andcouldnotcommandfortitudeenoughtoclosethegraveoverher。Atlength，feelingthatmystrengthwasgivingway，andapprehensiveofitsbeingentirelyexhaustedbeforethecompletionofmytask，Icommittedtotheearthallthatithadevercontainedmostperfectandpeerless。Ithenlaymyselfwithmyfacedownuponthegrave，andclosingmyeyeswiththedeterminationneveragaintoopenthem，IinvokedthemercyofHeaven，andardentlyprayedfordeath。

"Youwillfinditdifficulttobelievethat，duringthewholetimeofthisprotractedanddistressingceremony，notatearorasighescapedtorelievemyagony。ThestateofprofoundafflictioninwhichIwas，andthedeepsettledresolutionIhadtakentodie，hadsilencedthesighsofdespair，andeffectuallydrieduptheordinarychannelsofgrief。Itwasthusimpossibleforme，inthispostureuponthegrave，tocontinueforanytimeinpossessionofmyfaculties。

"Afterwhatyouhavelistenedto，theremainderofmyownhistorywouldillrepaytheattentionyouseeminclinedtobestowuponit。Synnelethavingbeencarriedintothetownandskilfullyexamined，itwasfoundthat，sofarfrombeingdead，hewasnotevendangerouslywounded。Heinformedhisuncleofthemannerinwhichtheaffrayhadoccurredbetweenus，andhegenerouslydidjusticetomyconductontheoccasion。Iwassentfor；andasneitherofuscouldbefound，ourflightwasimmediatelysuspected。Itwasthentoolatetoattempttotraceme，butthenextdayandthefollowingonewereemployedinthepursuit。

"Iwasfound，withoutanyappearanceoflife，uponthegraveofManon：andthepersonswhodiscoveredmeinthissituation，seeingthatIwasalmostnakedandbleedingfrommywounds，naturallysupposedthatIhadbeenrobbedandassassinated。Theycarriedmeintothetown。Themotionrestoredmetomysenses。

ThesighsIheavedonopeningmyeyesandfindingmyselfstillamongsttheliving，showedthatIwasnotbeyondthereachofart：theywerebuttoosuccessfulinitsapplication。

"Iwasimmediatelyconfinedasacloseprisoner。Mytrialwasordered；andasManonwasnotforthcoming，Iwasaccusedofhavingmurderedherfromrageandjealousy。Inaturallyrelatedallthathadoccurred。Synnelet，thoughbitterlygrievedanddisappointedbywhatheheard，hadthegenerositytosolicitmypardon：heobtainedit。

"Iwassoreduced，thattheywereobligedtocarrymefromtheprisontomybed，andthereIsufferedforthreelongmonthsundersevereillness。Myaversionfromlifeknewnodiminution。

Icontinuallyprayedfordeath，andobstinatelyforsometimerefusedeveryremedy。ButProvidence，afterhavingpunishedmewithatoningrigour，sawfittoturntomyownuseitschastisementsandthememoryofmymultipliedsorrows。Itatlengthdeignedtosheduponmeitsredeeminglight，andrevivedinmymindideasworthyofmybirthandmyearlyeducation。

"Mytranquillityofmindbeingagainrestored，mycurespeedilyfollowed。Ibeganonlytofeelthehighestaspirationsofhonour，anddiligentlyperformedthedutiesofmyappointment，whilstexpectingthearrivalofthevesselsfromFrance，whichwerealwaysdueatthisperiodoftheyear。Iresolvedtoreturntomynativecountry，theretoexpiatethescandalofmyformerlifebymyfuturegoodconduct。Synnelethadtheremainsofmydearmistressremovedintoamorehallowedspot。

"Itwassixweeksaftermyrecoverythat，onedaywalkingaloneuponthebanksoftheriver，Isawavesselarrive，whichsomemercantilespeculationhaddirectedtoNewOrleans。Istoodbywhilstthepassengerslanded。JudgemysurpriseonrecognisingTibergeamongstthosewhoproceededtowardsthetown。Thisever-faithfulfriendknewmeatadistance，inspiteoftheravageswhichcareandsorrowhadworkeduponmycountenance。Hetoldmethatthesoleobjectofhisvoyagehadbeentoseemeoncemore，andtoinducemetoreturnwithhimtoFrance；thatonreceiptofthelastletterwhichIhadwrittentohimfromHavre，hestartedforthatplace，andwashimselfthebearerofthesuccourwhichIsolicited；thathehadbeensensiblyaffectedonlearningmydeparture，andthathewouldhaveinstantlyfollowedme，iftherehadbeenavesselboundforthesamedestination；

thathehadbeenforseveralmonthsendeavouringtohearofoneinthevariousseaporttowns，andthat，havingatlengthfoundoneatSt。MalowhichwasweighinganchorforMartinique，heembarked，intheexpectationofeasilypassingfromthencetoNewOrleans；thattheSt。MalovesselhavingbeencapturedbySpanishpiratesandtakentooneoftheirislands，hehadcontrivedtoescape；andthat，inshort，aftermanyadventures，hehadgotonboardthevesselwhichhadjustarrived，andatlengthhappilyattainedhisobject。

"Iwastotallyunableadequatelytoexpressmyfeelingsofgratitudetothisgenerousandunshakenfriend。Iconductedhimtomyhouse，andplacedallIpossessedathisservice。I

relatedtohimeverycircumstancethathadoccurredtomesinceI

leftFrance：andinordertogladdenhimwithtidingswhichI

knewhedidnotexpect，Iassuredhimthattheseedsofvirtuewhichhehadinformerdaysimplantedinmyheart，werenowabouttoproducefruit，ofwhichevenheshouldbeproud。Hedeclaredtome，thatthisgladdeningannouncementmorethanrepaidhimforallthefatigueandtroublehehadendured。

"WepassedtwomonthstogetheratNewOrleanswhilstwaitingthedepartureofavesseldirecttoFrance；andhavingatlengthsailed，welandedonlyafortnightsinceatHavre-de-Grace。OnmyarrivalIwrotetomyfamily。Byaletterfrommyelderbrother，Itherelearnedmyfather’sdeath，which，Idreadtothink，thedisordersofmyyouthmighthavehastened。ThewindbeingfavourableforCalais，Iembarkedforthisport，andamnowgoingtothehouseofoneofmyrelationswholivesafewmilesoff，wheremybrothersaidthatheshouldanxiouslyawaitmyarrival。"