If I rode west I must come in time to villages, where I could hide myself.

These were unworthy thoughts, but my excuse must be my tattered nerves.

When a man comes out of great danger, he is apt to be a little deaf to the call of duty.
Suddenly I became ashamed.

God had preserved me from deadly perils, but not that I might cower in some shelter.

I had a mission as clear as Laputa's.