Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/191

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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
189


Triumphing over death, a divine glow pervaded him, and Dr. Lovesworth, whose soul was fitted to assimilate with such scenes, felt animated with like exaltation. Thoughts so high as those which occupy the dying spirit, yearning for immortality as earth recedes and heaven opens, cannot adequately be conveyed by language. Suffice it to observe, that the superhuman energies of the soul, become too big for its frail infirm casket to sustain, were made manifest in the state of Philimore, who in his efforts to express the sublime ideas which pervaded his mind, and filled his soul with a delightful anticipation of visionary bliss, sunk back, overcome, faint, and exhausted. A slight spasm seized him, and in the next instant he fell motionless, as if already in the arms of death.

The physician was sent for, and administered to his patient, who after an interval revived, and his friends in withdrawing had the satisfaction of seeing him sink into repose. His parents conceived that it might be a favourable symptom, and hope once more re-animated their doubting minds and restored again their drooping spirits.

Their son at length awoke, and for the first time since his long excruciating malady appeared invigorated from his slumber. His voice became more audible, and before the evening closed he again expressed a desire to converse with Dr. Lovesworth.

Seated on his couch, he related every particular in connection with his past intercourse with Oriana,—the secret trials, conflicts, and combats he had endured