My mind was no better than my body, for now that I had arrived I found my courage gone.

Had it been possible I would have turned tail and fled, but the boats were burned behind me, and I had no choice.

I cursed my rash folly, and wondered at my exhilaration of an hour ago.

I was going into the black mysterious darkness, peopled by ten thousand cruel foes.
My knees rubbed against each other, and I thought that no man had ever been in more deadly danger.
At the entrance to the gorge the guards ceased and I went on alone.
Here there was no moonlight, and I had to feel my way by the sides.

I moved very slowly, wondering how soon I should find the end my folly demanded.