--Dr. Richard
Pocock, _Travels_, Vol. I, p. 204.]
I would have embraced death without any reluctance, had it presented
itself to me. "But what we wish, whether it be good or evil, will not
always happen according to our desire." Nevertheless, considering that
all my tears and sorrows would not restore the young man to life, and,
the forty days being expired, I might be surprised by his father, I
quitted the subterranean dwelling, laid down the great stone upon the
entrance, and covered it with earth. I again ascended into the tree
which had previously sheltered me, when I saw the expected vessel
approaching the shore.
The old man with his slaves landed immediately, and advanced toward
the subterranean dwelling, with a countenance that showed some hope;
but when they saw the earth had been newly removed, they changed
color, particularly the old man. They lifted up the stone, and
descended the stairs. They called the young man by his name, but no
answer was returned. Their fears redoubled. They searched about, and
at last found him stretched on his couch, with the knife through his
heart, for I had not had the courage to draw it out. On seeing this,
they uttered such lamentable cries that my tears flowed afresh. The
unfortunate father continued a long while insensible, and made them
more than once despair of his life; but at last he came to himself.
The slaves then brought up his son's body, dressed in his best
apparel, and when they had made a grave they buried it.
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