Франкенштейн
Chapter 16
"Thiswasthentherewardofmybenevolence!Ihadsavedahumanbeingfromdestruction,andasarecompenseInowwrithedunderthemiserablepainofawoundwhichshatteredthefleshandbone.ThefeelingsofkindnessandgentlenesswhichIhadentertainedbutafewmomentsbeforegaveplacetohellishrageandgnashingofteeth.Inflamedbypain,Ivowedeternalhatredandvengeancetoallmankind.Buttheagonyofmywoundovercameme;mypulsespaused,andIfainted.
"ForsomeweeksIledamiserablelifeinthewoods,endeavouringtocurethewoundwhichIhadreceived.Theballhadenteredmyshoulder,andIknewnotwhetherithadremainedthereorpassedthrough;atanyrateIhadnomeansofextractingit.Mysufferingswereaugmentedalsobytheoppressivesenseoftheinjusticeandingratitudeoftheirinfliction.Mydailyvowsroseforrevenge—adeepanddeadlyrevenge,suchaswouldalonecompensatefortheoutragesandanguishIhadendured.
"Aftersomeweeksmywoundhealed,andIcontinuedmyjourney.ThelaboursIenduredwerenolongertobealleviatedbythebrightsunorgentlebreezesofspring;alljoywasbutamockerywhichinsultedmydesolatestateandmademefeelmorepainfullythatIwasnotmadefortheenjoymentofpleasure.
"Butmytoilsnowdrewnearaclose,andintwomonthsfromthistimeIreachedtheenvironsofGeneva.
"ItwaseveningwhenIarrived,andIretiredtoahiding-placeamongthefieldsthatsurroundittomeditateinwhatmannerIshouldapplytoyou.IwasoppressedbyfatigueandhungerandfartoounhappytoenjoythegentlebreezesofeveningortheprospectofthesunsettingbehindthestupendousmountainsofJura.
