I was tormented by a nightmare feeling of the necessity of exertion, coupled with a sense of utter inability.

A thousand plans for my own benefit, or the welfare of those dear to me, or of my fellow-men at large, passed before me; but I had no strength to lay hold of the good angels and detain them until they left their blessing.

The trumpet sounded in my ears for the tournament of life; but I could not bear the weight of my armor.

In the midst of duties and responsibilities which I clearly comprehended, I found myself yielding to the absorbing egotism of sickness.

I could work only when the sharp rowels of necessity were in my sides.
It needed not the ominous warnings of my acquaintance to convince me that some decisive change was necessary.