Франкенштейн

           FromthenceweproceededtoOxford.Asweenteredthiscityourmindswerefilledwiththeremembranceoftheeventsthathadbeentransactedtheremorethanacenturyandahalfbefore.ItwasherethatCharlesIhadcollectedhisforces.Thiscityhadremainedfaithfultohim,afterthewholenationhadforsakenhiscausetojointhestandardofParliamentandliberty.Thememoryofthatunfortunatekingandhiscompanions,theamiableFalkland,theinsolentGoring,hisqueen,andson,gaveapeculiarinteresttoeverypartofthecitywhichtheymightbesupposedtohaveinhabited.Thespiritofelderdaysfoundadwellinghere,andwedelightedtotraceitsfootsteps.Ifthesefeelingshadnotfoundanimaginarygratification,theappearanceofthecityhadyetinitselfsufficientbeautytoobtainouradmiration.Thecollegesareancientandpicturesque;thestreetsarealmostmagnificent;andthelovelyIsis,whichflowsbesideitthroughmeadowsofexquisiteverdure,isspreadforthintoaplacidexpanseofwaters,whichreflectsitsmajesticassemblageoftowers,andspires,anddomes,embosomedamongagedtrees.

           Ienjoyedthisscene,andyetmyenjoymentwasembitteredbothbythememoryofthepastandtheanticipationofthefuture.Iwasformedforpeacefulhappiness.Duringmyyouthfuldaysdiscontentnevervisitedmymind,andifIwaseverovercomebyennui,thesightofwhatisbeautifulinnatureorthestudyofwhatisexcellentandsublimeintheproductionsofmancouldalwaysinterestmyheartandcommunicateelasticitytomyspirits.ButIamablastedtree;thebolthasenteredmysoul;andIfeltthenthatIshouldsurvivetoexhibitwhatIshallsoonceasetobe—amiserablespectacleofwreckedhumanity,pitiabletoothersandintolerabletomyself.

           WepassedaconsiderableperiodatOxford,ramblingamongitsenvironsandendeavouringtoidentifyeveryspotwhichmightrelatetothemostanimatingepochofEnglishhistory.