The act that destroyed them was, in the highest degree, inhuman.

It was worthy of savages trained to murder, and exulting in agonies.
Who was the performer of the deed?
Wieland! My brother! The husband and the father! That man of gentle virtues and invincible benignity! placable and mild--an idolator of peace! Surely, said I, it is a dream.
For many days have I been vexed with frenzy.

Its dominion is still felt; but new forms are called up to diversify and augment my torments.
The paper dropped from my hand, and my eyes followed it.

I shrunk back, as if to avoid some petrifying influence that approached me.

My tongue was mute; all the functions of nature were at a stand, and I sunk upon the floor lifeless.