Мхи старої садиби
Egotism; or, The Bosom Serpent
"CouldIforonemomentforgetmyself,theserpentmightnotabidewithinme.Itismydiseasedself-contemplationthathasengenderedandnourishedhim."
"Thenforgetyourself,myhusband,"saidagentlevoiceabovehim;"forgetyourselfintheideaofanother!"
Rosinahademergedfromthearbor,andwasbendingoverhimwiththeshadowofhisanguishreflectedinhercountenance,yetsomingledwithhopeandunselfishlovethatallanguishseemedbutanearthlyshadowandadream.ShetouchedRoderickwithherhand.Atremorshiveredthroughhisframe.Atthatmoment,ifreportbetrustworthy,thesculptorbeheldawavingmotionthroughthegrass,andheardatinklingsound,asifsomethinghadplungedintothefountain.Bethetruthasitmight,itiscertainthatRoderickEllistonsatuplikeamanrenewed,restoredtohisrightmind,andrescuedfromthefiendwhichhadsomiserablyovercomehiminthebattle-fieldofhisownbreast.
"Rosina!"criedhe,inbrokenandpassionatetones,butwithnothingofthewildwailthathadhauntedhisvoicesolong,"forgive!forgive!"
Herhappytearsbedewedhisface.
"Thepunishmenthasbeensevere,"observedthesculptor."EvenJusticemightnowforgive;howmuchmoreawoman’stenderness!RoderickElliston,whethertheserpentwasaphysicalreptile,orwhetherthemorbidnessofyournaturesuggestedthatsymboltoyourfancy,themoralofthestoryisnotthelesstrueandstrong.AtremendousEgotism,manifestingitselfinyourcaseintheformofjealousy,isasfearfulafiendaseverstoleintothehumanheart
