The Devil's Elixir

, in which there was obviously displayed so much of true piety and confiding simplicity of heart, that, at o

r influence, emanating from some high and inexplicable source, had already shadowed forth to me in visions some of the principal incidents in her life, which the perusal of the letter, therefore, had only confirmed and realized.-"As a proof," said I, "of the intellectual sympathy existing betwixt us, I could long ere now have informed you of a wonderful dream by which I was myself visit

ch frightful inquiries, but rely firmly on each other. That you have read my letter to the Abbess no doubt surprises and vexes me. But what is done cannot be retrieved. As to its contents, I would willingly have imparted them to you viva voce, if I had known that it was to serve any good purpose, for no secrets dare exist betwixt us. But to say the truth, Leonard

, how, only a few moments before, I had voluntarily practised imposition against this pious simple-hearted girl; and an almost unconquerable impulse

et her with all the outward forms of respect, but internally with emotions of scorn and defiance. As the acknowledged bridegroom of Aurelia, she was now obliged to bear with me, and I boldly kept my place, though I perceived that her aversion to me was by no means

aunted. Methought the figure of my mother stood vividly before me, and when I wished to salute and welcome her, I perceived it was but an aerial phantom which

, whom I brought pure and sinless into the world," said my mother, "and whose infancy and youth I watched over with such care, hast thou lost all energy and self-command, that thou submittest, like a grovelling slave, to every enticement of Satan? Now, indeed, I can look into thine inmost heart, since the load of

ut frightful and indescribable noises overpowered my voice. My attempts at music were like the howling of a wild beast; and betwixt me and my phantom visitant

chief judge of the criminal court, who came up to me i

ed symptoms of madness. The court received intelligence of the death of his mother. I made this known to him. Then he laughed aloud like a maniac, and in a tone which would have inspired the stoutest heart with hor

d a new medical inquiry set on foot. However, it is generally believed that hi

her's death, and found that these corresponded exactly with the

e church of a neighbouring convent, which (I know not for what reason) Aurelia preferred to the Prince's chapel. I passed the preceding night in watching and pra

s something that inspired me with strange and mysterious recollections, which I knew not how to define. At the same moment I remembered that the painting over the altar, at which the marriage ceremony was to take place, represent

d for by the wedding-party. She quickly drew on her gloves, and gave me her arm. Then one of her attendants remarked that some ring

hich, on account of some obstacle, had stopped in the street. The car was surrounded by the executioners of justice; and within it, I perceived the horrible monk, who sat looking backwards, while before

s me, instantly became animated. He laughed and howled aloud-"Brüd-er-lein-Brüd-er-lein!" cried he.-"Bride-groom!-Bride-groom!-Come quickly-come quickly.-Up-up to the roof of t

corse, were more than, weakened as I was by previous agitation, I was able to withstand. From that moment I lost all self-possession; I became also ut

an up to me. With all her strength, she seized my arms, and endeavoured to draw me from the window. "For God's sake," cried s

ckless cruelty I repulsed Aurelia, who trembled, as if shook by convulsions, in every limb.-"Ha-ha-ha!" I almost shrieked aloud-"foolish, insane girl! I myself, thy lover, thy chosen b

h supernatural strength tore him from the car. Then I was arrested by the executioner; but with the stiletto in my hand, I defended myself so furiously, that I broke loose, and rushed into the thick of the mob, where, in a f

ne of the park gates, which, not being the regular entrance, was always kept closed. Others were striving to clamber over the wall, which I had cleared by an incredible leap. I rose, and exerting my utmost speed, ran forward. I came,

ollection. My progress in running so far had passed over like an obscure dream. I recollect only the wind roaring amid the dense canopy

ain, like a hunted wild beast, and fly, if possible, from my pursuers to the very end of the earth! As soon, however,

and from thence, in a state of the most vehement rage and excitement, sprung the monk, who, no doubt in conse

myself from such an attack, but I was enfeebled to the last degree by the exertions I had undergone, and all that I could attempt was to render this feebleness subservient to my rescue. I fell down under his weight, and endeavoured to take advantage

eld, in all its horror, the deadly pale visage of my second self, with the same expression which had glared out upon me from the cart in which he had been dragged to execution. "He-he-he-Broth-er, bro

in the embraces of a boa-constrictor, and ran with my utmost force against trees and fragments of rock, so that if I could not kill him, I might at least wound him in such manner that he

At last, after a furious conflict, he suddenly fell, as if lifeless, on the ground: and though scarcely able to breathe, I had run onwards for some yards, when again he sat upon my shoulders, lau

tless double. It seems to me as if my struggles must have continued at least during a whole month; and that duri

n mine ear. I distinguished unequivocally the chimes of a convent, which rung for early mass. For a moment I rejoiced; but then the thought came l