to drink, instead of poison had
administered a strong Opiate. From this I concluded that being to all
appearance dead I had received the rites of burial; and that deprived
of the power of making my existence known, it would be my fate to
expire of hunger. This idea penetrated me with horror, not merely for
my own sake, but that of the innocent Creature, who still lived within
my bosom. I again endeavoured to open the door, but it resisted all my
efforts. I stretched my voice to the extent of its compass, and
shrieked for aid: I was remote from the hearing of every one: No
friendly voice replied to mine. A profound and melancholy silence
prevailed through the Vault, and I despaired of liberty. My long
abstinence from food now began to torment me. The tortures which
hunger inflicted on me, were the most painful and insupportable: Yet
they seemed to increase with every hour which past over my head.
Sometimes I threw myself upon the ground, and rolled upon it wild and
desperate: Sometimes starting up, I returned to the door, again strove
to force it open, and repeated my fruitless cries for succour. Often
was I on the point of striking my temple against the sharp corner of
some Monument, dashing out my brains, and thus terminating my woes at
once; But still the remembrance of my Baby vanquished my resolution: I
trembled at a deed which equally endangered my Child's existence and my
own. Then would I vent my anguish in loud exclamations and passionate
complaints; and then again my strength failing me, silent and hopeless
I would sit me down upon the base of St. Clare's Statue, fold my arms,
and abandon myself to sullen despair. Thus passed several wretched
hours. Death advanced towards me with rapid strides, and I expected
that every succeeding moment would be that of my dissolution. Suddenly
a neighbouring Tomb caught my eye: A Basket stood upon it, which till
then I had not observed. I started from my seat: I made towards it as
swiftly as my exhausted frame would permit. How eagerly did I seize
the Basket, on finding it to contain a loaf of coarse bread and a small
bottle of water.

I threw myself with avidity upon these humble aliments. They had to all
appearance been placed in the Vault for several days; The bread was
hard, and the water tainted; Yet never did I taste food to me so
delicious. When the cravings of appetite were satisfied, I busied
myself with conjectures upon this new circumstance: I de