Literature: The Pit and the Pendulum (Edgar Allan Poe)

The Pit and the Pendulum by Edgar Allan Poe

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I WAS sick -- sick unto death with that long agony; and when they at length unbound me, and I was permitted to sit, I felt that my senses were leaving me.

I WAS sick -- sick unto death with that long agony; and when they at length unbound me, and I was permitted to sit, I felt that my senses were leaving me.

I WAS sick -- sick unto death with that long agony; and when they at length unbound me, and I was permitted to sit, I felt that my senses were leaving me.

The sentence -- the dread sentence of death -- was the last of distinct accentuation which reached my ears.

The sentence -- the dread sentence of death -- was the last of distinct accentuation which reached my ears.

The sentence -- the dread sentence of death -- was the last of distinct accentuation which reached my ears.

After that, the sound of the inquisitorial voices seemed merged in one dreamy indeterminate hum.

After that, the sound of the inquisitorial voices seemed merged in one dreamy indeterminate hum.

It conveyed to my soul the idea of revolution -- perhaps from its association in fancy with the burr of a mill wheel.

It conveyed to my soul the idea of revolution -- perhaps from its association in fancy with the burr of a mill wheel.

It conveyed to my soul the idea of revolution -- perhaps from its association in fancy with the burr of a mill wheel.

This only for a brief period; for presently I heard no more.

This only for a brief period; for presently I heard no more.

Yet, for a while, I saw; but with how terrible an exaggeration!

They appeared to me white -- whiter than the sheet upon which I trace these words -- and thin even to grotesqueness; thin with the intensity of their expression of firmness -- of immoveable resolution -- of stern contempt of human torture.

They appeared to me white -- whiter than the sheet upon which I trace these words -- and thin even to grotesqueness; thin with the intensity of their expression of firmness -- of immoveable resolution -- of stern contempt of human torture.

They appeared to me white -- whiter than the sheet upon which I trace these words -- and thin even to grotesqueness; thin with the intensity of their expression of firmness -- of immoveable resolution -- of stern contempt of human torture.

They appeared to me white -- whiter than the sheet upon which I trace these words -- and thin even to grotesqueness; thin with the intensity of their expression of firmness -- of immoveable resolution -- of stern contempt of human torture.

They appeared to me white -- whiter than the sheet upon which I trace these words -- and thin even to grotesqueness; thin with the intensity of their expression of firmness -- of immoveable resolution -- of stern contempt of human torture.

They appeared to me white -- whiter than the sheet upon which I trace these words -- and thin even to grotesqueness; thin with the intensity of their expression of firmness -- of immoveable resolution -- of stern contempt of human torture.

I saw that the decrees of what to me was Fate, were still issuing from those lips.

I saw that the decrees of what to me was Fate, were still issuing from those lips.

I saw that the decrees of what to me was Fate, were still issuing from those lips.

I saw them writhe with a deadly locution.

I saw them writhe with a deadly locution.

I saw them fashion the syllables of my name; and I shuddered because no sound succeeded.

I saw them fashion the syllables of my name; and I shuddered because no sound succeeded.

I saw them fashion the syllables of my name; and I shuddered because no sound succeeded.

I saw them fashion the syllables of my name; and I shuddered because no sound succeeded.

I saw, too, for a few moments of delirious horror, the soft and nearly imperceptible waving of the sable draperies which enwrapped the walls of the apartment.

I saw, too, for a few moments of delirious horror, the soft and nearly imperceptible waving of the sable draperies which enwrapped the walls of the apartment.

And then my vision fell upon the seven tall candles upon the table.

At first they wore the aspect of charity, and seemed white and slender angels who would save me; but then, all at once, there came a most deadly nausea over my spirit, and I felt every fibre in my frame thrill as if I had touched the wire of a galvanic battery, while the angel forms became meaningless spectres, with heads of flame, and I saw that from them there would be no help.

At first they wore the aspect of charity, and seemed white and slender angels who would save me; but then, all at once, there came a most deadly nausea over my spirit, and I felt every fibre in my frame thrill as if I had touched the wire of a galvanic battery, while the angel forms became meaningless spectres, with heads of flame, and I saw that from them there would be no help.

At first they wore the aspect of charity, and seemed white and slender angels who would save me; but then, all at once, there came a most deadly nausea over my spirit, and I felt every fibre in my frame thrill as if I had touched the wire of a galvanic battery, while the angel forms became meaningless spectres, with heads of flame, and I saw that from them there would be no help.

At first they wore the aspect of charity, and seemed white and slender angels who would save me; but then, all at once, there came a most deadly nausea over my spirit, and I felt every fibre in my frame thrill as if I had touched the wire of a galvanic battery, while the angel forms became meaningless spectres, with heads of flame, and I saw that from them there would be no help.

At first they wore the aspect of charity, and seemed white and slender angels who would save me; but then, all at once, there came a most deadly nausea over my spirit, and I felt every fibre in my frame thrill as if I had touched the wire of a galvanic battery, while the angel forms became meaningless spectres, with heads of flame, and I saw that from them there would be no help.

At first they wore the aspect of charity, and seemed white and slender angels who would save me; but then, all at once, there came a most deadly nausea over my spirit, and I felt every fibre in my frame thrill as if I had touched the wire of a galvanic battery, while the angel forms became meaningless spectres, with heads of flame, and I saw that from them there would be no help.

At first they wore the aspect of charity, and seemed white and slender angels who would save me; but then, all at once, there came a most deadly nausea over my spirit, and I felt every fibre in my frame thrill as if I had touched the wire of a galvanic battery, while the angel forms became meaningless spectres, with heads of flame, and I saw that from them there would be no help.

And then there stole into my fancy, like a rich musical note, the thought of what sweet rest there must be in the grave.

The thought came gently and stealthily, and it seemed long before it attained full appreciation; but just as my spirit came at length properly to feel and entertain it, the figures of the judges vanished, as if magically, from before me; the tall candles sank into nothingness; their flames went out utterly; the blackness of darkness supervened; all sensations appeared swallowed up in a mad rushing descent as of the soul into Hades.

The thought came gently and stealthily, and it seemed long before it attained full appreciation; but just as my spirit came at length properly to feel and entertain it, the figures of the judges vanished, as if magically, from before me; the tall candles sank into nothingness; their flames went out utterly; the blackness of darkness supervened; all sensations appeared swallowed up in a mad rushing descent as of the soul into Hades.

The thought came gently and stealthily, and it seemed long before it attained full appreciation; but just as my spirit came at length properly to feel and entertain it, the figures of the judges vanished, as if magically, from before me; the tall candles sank into nothingness; their flames went out utterly; the blackness of darkness supervened; all sensations appeared swallowed up in a mad rushing descent as of the soul into Hades.

The thought came gently and stealthily, and it seemed long before it attained full appreciation; but just as my spirit came at length properly to feel and entertain it, the figures of the judges vanished, as if magically, from before me; the tall candles sank into nothingness; their flames went out utterly; the blackness of darkness supervened; all sensations appeared swallowed up in a mad rushing descent as of the soul into Hades.

The thought came gently and stealthily, and it seemed long before it attained full appreciation; but just as my spirit came at length properly to feel and entertain it, the figures of the judges vanished, as if magically, from before me; the tall candles sank into nothingness; their flames went out utterly; the blackness of darkness supervened; all sensations appeared swallowed up in a mad rushing descent as of the soul into Hades.

The thought came gently and stealthily, and it seemed long before it attained full appreciation; but just as my spirit came at length properly to feel and entertain it, the figures of the judges vanished, as if magically, from before me; the tall candles sank into nothingness; their flames went out utterly; the blackness of darkness supervened; all sensations appeared swallowed up in a mad rushing descent as of the soul into Hades.

The thought came gently and stealthily, and it seemed long before it attained full appreciation; but just as my spirit came at length properly to feel and entertain it, the figures of the judges vanished, as if magically, from before me; the tall candles sank into nothingness; their flames went out utterly; the blackness of darkness supervened; all sensations appeared swallowed up in a mad rushing descent as of the soul into Hades.

The thought came gently and stealthily, and it seemed long before it attained full appreciation; but just as my spirit came at length properly to feel and entertain it, the figures of the judges vanished, as if magically, from before me; the tall candles sank into nothingness; their flames went out utterly; the blackness of darkness supervened; all sensations appeared swallowed up in a mad rushing descent as of the soul into Hades.

The thought came gently and stealthily, and it seemed long before it attained full appreciation; but just as my spirit came at length properly to feel and entertain it, the figures of the judges vanished, as if magically, from before me; the tall candles sank into nothingness; their flames went out utterly; the blackness of darkness supervened; all sensations appeared swallowed up in a mad rushing descent as of the soul into Hades.

Then silence, and stillness, night were the universe.

Then silence, and stillness, night were the universe.

I had swooned; but still will not say that all of consciousness was lost.

I had swooned; but still will not say that all of consciousness was lost.

What of it there remained I will not attempt to define, or even to describe; yet all was not lost.

What of it there remained I will not attempt to define, or even to describe; yet all was not lost.

What of it there remained I will not attempt to define, or even to describe; yet all was not lost.

In the deepest slumber -- no!

In delirium -- no!

Else there is no immortality for man.

Arousing from the most profound of slumbers, we break the gossamer web of some dream.

Arousing from the most profound of slumbers, we break the gossamer web of some dream.

Arousing from the most profound of slumbers, we break the gossamer web of some dream.

Yet in a second afterward, (so frail may that web have been) we remember not that we have dreamed.

In the return to life from the swoon there are two stages; first, that of the sense of mental or spiritual; secondly, that of the sense of physical, existence.

In the return to life from the swoon there are two stages; first, that of the sense of mental or spiritual; secondly, that of the sense of physical, existence.

In the return to life from the swoon there are two stages; first, that of the sense of mental or spiritual; secondly, that of the sense of physical, existence.

In the return to life from the swoon there are two stages; first, that of the sense of mental or spiritual; secondly, that of the sense of physical, existence.

It seems probable that if, upon reaching the second stage, we could recall the impressions of the first, we should find these impressions eloquent in memories of the gulf beyond.

It seems probable that if, upon reaching the second stage, we could recall the impressions of the first, we should find these impressions eloquent in memories of the gulf beyond.

It seems probable that if, upon reaching the second stage, we could recall the impressions of the first, we should find these impressions eloquent in memories of the gulf beyond.

It seems probable that if, upon reaching the second stage, we could recall the impressions of the first, we should find these impressions eloquent in memories of the gulf beyond.

It seems probable that if, upon reaching the second stage, we could recall the impressions of the first, we should find these impressions eloquent in memories of the gulf beyond.

It seems probable that if, upon reaching the second stage, we could recall the impressions of the first, we should find these impressions eloquent in memories of the gulf beyond.

How at least shall we distinguish its shadows from those of the tomb?

But if the impressions of what I have termed the first stage, are not, at will, recalled, yet, after long interval, do they not come unbidden, while we marvel whence they come?

But if the impressions of what I have termed the first stage, are not, at will, recalled, yet, after long interval, do they not come unbidden, while we marvel whence they come?

But if the impressions of what I have termed the first stage, are not, at will, recalled, yet, after long interval, do they not come unbidden, while we marvel whence they come?

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

He who has never swooned, is not he who finds strange palaces and wildly familiar faces in coals that glow; is not he who beholds floating in mid-air the sad visions that the many may not view; is not he who ponders over the perfume of some novel flower -- is not he whose brain grows bewildered with the meaning of some musical cadence which has never before arrested his attention.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

Amid frequent and thoughtful endeavors to remember; amid earnest struggles to regather some token of the state of seeming nothingness into which my soul had lapsed, there have been moments when I have dreamed of success; there have been brief, very brief periods when I have conjured up remembrances which the lucid reason of a later epoch assures me could have had reference only to that condition of seeming unconsciousness.

These shadows of memory tell, indistinctly, of tall figures that lifted and bore me in silence down -- down -- still down -- till a hideous dizziness oppressed me at the mere idea of the interminableness of the descent.

These shadows of memory tell, indistinctly, of tall figures that lifted and bore me in silence down -- down -- still down -- till a hideous dizziness oppressed me at the mere idea of the interminableness of the descent.

These shadows of memory tell, indistinctly, of tall figures that lifted and bore me in silence down -- down -- still down -- till a hideous dizziness oppressed me at the mere idea of the interminableness of the descent.

They tell also of a vague horror at my heart, on account of that heart's unnatural stillness.

Then comes a sense of sudden motionlessness throughout all things; as if those who bore me (a ghastly train!) had outrun, in their descent, the limits of the limitless, and paused from the wearisomeness of their toil.

Then comes a sense of sudden motionlessness throughout all things; as if those who bore me (a ghastly train!) had outrun, in their descent, the limits of the limitless, and paused from the wearisomeness of their toil.

Then comes a sense of sudden motionlessness throughout all things; as if those who bore me (a ghastly train!) had outrun, in their descent, the limits of the limitless, and paused from the wearisomeness of their toil.

Then comes a sense of sudden motionlessness throughout all things; as if those who bore me (a ghastly train!) had outrun, in their descent, the limits of the limitless, and paused from the wearisomeness of their toil.

Then comes a sense of sudden motionlessness throughout all things; as if those who bore me (a ghastly train!) had outrun, in their descent, the limits of the limitless, and paused from the wearisomeness of their toil.

After this I call to mind flatness and dampness; and then all is madness -- the madness of a memory which busies itself among forbidden things.

Very suddenly there came back to my soul motion and sound -- the tumultuous motion of the heart, and, in my ears, the sound of its beating.

Very suddenly there came back to my soul motion and sound -- the tumultuous motion of the heart, and, in my ears, the sound of its beating.

Very suddenly there came back to my soul motion and sound -- the tumultuous motion of the heart, and, in my ears, the sound of its beating.

Then again sound, and motion, and touch -- a tingling sensation pervading my frame.

Then, very suddenly, thought, and shuddering terror, and earnest endeavor to comprehend my true state.

Then, very suddenly, thought, and shuddering terror, and earnest endeavor to comprehend my true state.

Then a strong desire to lapse into insensibility.

Then a rushing revival of soul and a successful effort to move.

Then a rushing revival of soul and a successful effort to move.

Then a rushing revival of soul and a successful effort to move.

Then entire forgetfulness of all that followed; of all that a later day and much earnestness of endeavor have enabled me vaguely to recall.

Then entire forgetfulness of all that followed; of all that a later day and much earnestness of endeavor have enabled me vaguely to recall.

Then entire forgetfulness of all that followed; of all that a later day and much earnestness of endeavor have enabled me vaguely to recall.

There I suffered it to remain for many minutes, while I strove to imagine where and what I could be.

There I suffered it to remain for many minutes, while I strove to imagine where and what I could be.

There I suffered it to remain for many minutes, while I strove to imagine where and what I could be.

I longed, yet dared not to employ my vision.

I dreaded the first glance at objects around me.

I dreaded the first glance at objects around me.

It was not that I feared to look upon things horrible, but that I grew aghast lest there should be nothing to see.

It was not that I feared to look upon things horrible, but that I grew aghast lest there should be nothing to see.

At length, with a wild desperation at heart, I quickly unclosed my eyes.

My worst thoughts, then, were confirmed.

The blackness of eternal night encompassed me.

The blackness of eternal night encompassed me.

The intensity of the darkness seemed to oppress and stifle me.

The intensity of the darkness seemed to oppress and stifle me.

The atmosphere was intolerably close.

I still lay quietly, and made effort to exercise my reason.

I brought to mind the inquisitorial proceedings, and attempted from that point to deduce my real condition.

I brought to mind the inquisitorial proceedings, and attempted from that point to deduce my real condition.

The sentence had passed; and it appeared to me that a very long interval of time had since elapsed.

Yet not for a moment did I suppose myself actually dead.

Such a supposition, notwithstanding what we read in fiction, is altogether inconsistent with real existence; -- but where and in what state was I?

Such a supposition, notwithstanding what we read in fiction, is altogether inconsistent with real existence; -- but where and in what state was I?

Such a supposition, notwithstanding what we read in fiction, is altogether inconsistent with real existence; -- but where and in what state was I?

Such a supposition, notwithstanding what we read in fiction, is altogether inconsistent with real existence; -- but where and in what state was I?

The condemned to death, I knew, perished usually at the autos-da-fe, and one of these had been held on the very night of the day of my trial.

The condemned to death, I knew, perished usually at the autos-da-fe, and one of these had been held on the very night of the day of my trial.

Had I been remanded to my dungeon, to await the next sacrifice, which would not take place for many months?

Had I been remanded to my dungeon, to await the next sacrifice, which would not take place for many months?

Victims had been in immediate demand.

Victims had been in immediate demand.

Moreover, my dungeon, as well as all the condemned cells at Toledo, had stone floors, and light was not altogether excluded.

Moreover, my dungeon, as well as all the condemned cells at Toledo, had stone floors, and light was not altogether excluded.

A fearful idea now suddenly drove the blood in torrents upon my heart, and for a brief period, I once more relapsed into insensibility.

A fearful idea now suddenly drove the blood in torrents upon my heart, and for a brief period, I once more relapsed into insensibility.

Upon recovering, I at once started to my feet, trembling convulsively in every fibre.

I thrust my arms wildly above and around me in all directions.

I thrust my arms wildly above and around me in all directions.

I felt nothing; yet dreaded to move a step, lest I should be impeded by the walls of a tomb.

Perspiration burst from every pore, and stood in cold big beads upon my forehead.

Perspiration burst from every pore, and stood in cold big beads upon my forehead.

Perspiration burst from every pore, and stood in cold big beads upon my forehead.

The agony of suspense grew at length intolerable, and I cautiously moved forward, with my arms extended, and my eyes straining from their sockets, in the hope of catching some faint ray of light.

The agony of suspense grew at length intolerable, and I cautiously moved forward, with my arms extended, and my eyes straining from their sockets, in the hope of catching some faint ray of light.

The agony of suspense grew at length intolerable, and I cautiously moved forward, with my arms extended, and my eyes straining from their sockets, in the hope of catching some faint ray of light.

It seemed evident that mine was not, at least, the most hideous of fates.

And now, as I still continued to step cautiously onward, there came thronging upon my recollection a thousand vague rumors of the horrors of Toledo.

And now, as I still continued to step cautiously onward, there came thronging upon my recollection a thousand vague rumors of the horrors of Toledo.

And now, as I still continued to step cautiously onward, there came thronging upon my recollection a thousand vague rumors of the horrors of Toledo.

Of the dungeons there had been strange things narrated -- fables I had always deemed them -- but yet strange, and too ghastly to repeat, save in a whisper.

Of the dungeons there had been strange things narrated -- fables I had always deemed them -- but yet strange, and too ghastly to repeat, save in a whisper.

Of the dungeons there had been strange things narrated -- fables I had always deemed them -- but yet strange, and too ghastly to repeat, save in a whisper.

Of the dungeons there had been strange things narrated -- fables I had always deemed them -- but yet strange, and too ghastly to repeat, save in a whisper.

Was I left to perish of starvation in this subterranean world of darkness; or what fate, perhaps even more fearful, awaited me?

That the result would be death, and a death of more than customary bitterness, I knew too well the character of my judges to doubt.

That the result would be death, and a death of more than customary bitterness, I knew too well the character of my judges to doubt.

That the result would be death, and a death of more than customary bitterness, I knew too well the character of my judges to doubt.

The mode and the hour were all that occupied or distracted me.

The mode and the hour were all that occupied or distracted me.

The mode and the hour were all that occupied or distracted me.

My outstretched hands at length encountered some solid obstruction.

My outstretched hands at length encountered some solid obstruction.

It was a wall, seemingly of stone masonry -- very smooth, slimy, and cold.

I followed it up; stepping with all the careful distrust with which certain antique narratives had inspired me.

I followed it up; stepping with all the careful distrust with which certain antique narratives had inspired me.

I followed it up; stepping with all the careful distrust with which certain antique narratives had inspired me.

I followed it up; stepping with all the careful distrust with which certain antique narratives had inspired me.

This process, however, afforded me no means of ascertaining the dimensions of my dungeon; as I might make its circuit, and return to the point whence I set out, without being aware of the fact; so perfectly uniform seemed the wall.

This process, however, afforded me no means of ascertaining the dimensions of my dungeon; as I might make its circuit, and return to the point whence I set out, without being aware of the fact; so perfectly uniform seemed the wall.

This process, however, afforded me no means of ascertaining the dimensions of my dungeon; as I might make its circuit, and return to the point whence I set out, without being aware of the fact; so perfectly uniform seemed the wall.

This process, however, afforded me no means of ascertaining the dimensions of my dungeon; as I might make its circuit, and return to the point whence I set out, without being aware of the fact; so perfectly uniform seemed the wall.

This process, however, afforded me no means of ascertaining the dimensions of my dungeon; as I might make its circuit, and return to the point whence I set out, without being aware of the fact; so perfectly uniform seemed the wall.

This process, however, afforded me no means of ascertaining the dimensions of my dungeon; as I might make its circuit, and return to the point whence I set out, without being aware of the fact; so perfectly uniform seemed the wall.

I therefore sought the knife which had been in my pocket, when led into the inquisitorial chamber; but it was gone; my clothes had been exchanged for a wrapper of coarse serge.

I therefore sought the knife which had been in my pocket, when led into the inquisitorial chamber; but it was gone; my clothes had been exchanged for a wrapper of coarse serge.

I had thought of forcing the blade in some minute crevice of the masonry, so as to identify my point of departure.

I had thought of forcing the blade in some minute crevice of the masonry, so as to identify my point of departure.

I had thought of forcing the blade in some minute crevice of the masonry, so as to identify my point of departure.

The difficulty, nevertheless, was but trivial; although, in the disorder of my fancy, it seemed at first insuperable.

The difficulty, nevertheless, was but trivial; although, in the disorder of my fancy, it seemed at first insuperable.

The difficulty, nevertheless, was but trivial; although, in the disorder of my fancy, it seemed at first insuperable.

The difficulty, nevertheless, was but trivial; although, in the disorder of my fancy, it seemed at first insuperable.

I tore a part of the hem from the robe and placed the fragment at full length, and at right angles to the wall.

I tore a part of the hem from the robe and placed the fragment at full length, and at right angles to the wall.

I tore a part of the hem from the robe and placed the fragment at full length, and at right angles to the wall.

In groping my way around the prison, I could not fail to encounter this rag upon completing the circuit.

In groping my way around the prison, I could not fail to encounter this rag upon completing the circuit.

So, at least I thought: but I had not counted upon the extent of the dungeon, or upon my own weakness.

So, at least I thought: but I had not counted upon the extent of the dungeon, or upon my own weakness.

I staggered onward for some time, when I stumbled and fell.

My excessive fatigue induced me to remain prostrate; and sleep soon overtook me as I lay.

My excessive fatigue induced me to remain prostrate; and sleep soon overtook me as I lay.

My excessive fatigue induced me to remain prostrate; and sleep soon overtook me as I lay.

My excessive fatigue induced me to remain prostrate; and sleep soon overtook me as I lay.

Upon awaking, and stretching forth an arm, I found beside me a loaf and a pitcher with water.

I was too much exhausted to reflect upon this circumstance, but ate and drank with avidity.

I was too much exhausted to reflect upon this circumstance, but ate and drank with avidity.

Shortly afterward, I resumed my tour around the prison, and with much toil came at last upon the fragment of the serge.

Shortly afterward, I resumed my tour around the prison, and with much toil came at last upon the fragment of the serge.

Up to the period when I fell I had counted fifty-two paces, and upon resuming my walk, I had counted forty-eight more; -- when I arrived at the rag.

There were in all, then, a hundred paces; and, admitting two paces to the yard, I presumed the dungeon to be fifty yards in circuit.

There were in all, then, a hundred paces; and, admitting two paces to the yard, I presumed the dungeon to be fifty yards in circuit.

I had met, however, with many angles in the wall, and thus I could form no guess at the shape of the vault; for vault I could not help supposing it to be.

I had little object -- certainly no hope these researches; but a vague curiosity prompted me to continue them.

I had little object -- certainly no hope these researches; but a vague curiosity prompted me to continue them.

I had little object -- certainly no hope these researches; but a vague curiosity prompted me to continue them.

I had little object -- certainly no hope these researches; but a vague curiosity prompted me to continue them.

Quitting the wall, I resolved to cross the area of the enclosure.

Quitting the wall, I resolved to cross the area of the enclosure.

Quitting the wall, I resolved to cross the area of the enclosure.

At first I proceeded with extreme caution, for the floor, although seemingly of solid material, was treacherous with slime.

At first I proceeded with extreme caution, for the floor, although seemingly of solid material, was treacherous with slime.

At first I proceeded with extreme caution, for the floor, although seemingly of solid material, was treacherous with slime.

At first I proceeded with extreme caution, for the floor, although seemingly of solid material, was treacherous with slime.

At length, however, I took courage, and did not hesitate to step firmly; endeavoring to cross in as direct a line as possible.

At length, however, I took courage, and did not hesitate to step firmly; endeavoring to cross in as direct a line as possible.

At length, however, I took courage, and did not hesitate to step firmly; endeavoring to cross in as direct a line as possible.

I had advanced some ten or twelve paces in this manner, when the remnant of the torn hem of my robe became entangled between my legs.

I had advanced some ten or twelve paces in this manner, when the remnant of the torn hem of my robe became entangled between my legs.

In the confusion attending my fall, I did not immediately apprehend a somewhat startling circumstance, which yet, in a few seconds afterward, and while I still lay prostrate, arrested my attention.

In the confusion attending my fall, I did not immediately apprehend a somewhat startling circumstance, which yet, in a few seconds afterward, and while I still lay prostrate, arrested my attention.

In the confusion attending my fall, I did not immediately apprehend a somewhat startling circumstance, which yet, in a few seconds afterward, and while I still lay prostrate, arrested my attention.

It was this -- my chin rested upon the floor of the prison, but my lips and the upper portion of my head, although seemingly at a less elevation than the chin, touched nothing.

It was this -- my chin rested upon the floor of the prison, but my lips and the upper portion of my head, although seemingly at a less elevation than the chin, touched nothing.

At the same time my forehead seemed bathed in a clammy vapor, and the peculiar smell of decayed fungus arose to my nostrils.

At the same time my forehead seemed bathed in a clammy vapor, and the peculiar smell of decayed fungus arose to my nostrils.

At the same time my forehead seemed bathed in a clammy vapor, and the peculiar smell of decayed fungus arose to my nostrils.

At the same time my forehead seemed bathed in a clammy vapor, and the peculiar smell of decayed fungus arose to my nostrils.

I put forward my arm, and shuddered to find that I had fallen at the very brink of a circular pit, whose extent, of course, I had no means of ascertaining at the moment.

Groping about the masonry just below the margin, I succeeded in dislodging a small fragment, and let it fall into the abyss.

Groping about the masonry just below the margin, I succeeded in dislodging a small fragment, and let it fall into the abyss.

Groping about the masonry just below the margin, I succeeded in dislodging a small fragment, and let it fall into the abyss.

For many seconds I hearkened to its reverberations as it dashed against the sides of the chasm in its descent; at length there was a sullen plunge into water, succeeded by loud echoes.

For many seconds I hearkened to its reverberations as it dashed against the sides of the chasm in its descent; at length there was a sullen plunge into water, succeeded by loud echoes.

For many seconds I hearkened to its reverberations as it dashed against the sides of the chasm in its descent; at length there was a sullen plunge into water, succeeded by loud echoes.

For many seconds I hearkened to its reverberations as it dashed against the sides of the chasm in its descent; at length there was a sullen plunge into water, succeeded by loud echoes.

At the same moment there came a sound resembling the quick opening, and as rapid closing of a door overhead, while a faint gleam of light flashed suddenly through the gloom, and as suddenly faded away.

At the same moment there came a sound resembling the quick opening, and as rapid closing of a door overhead, while a faint gleam of light flashed suddenly through the gloom, and as suddenly faded away.

At the same moment there came a sound resembling the quick opening, and as rapid closing of a door overhead, while a faint gleam of light flashed suddenly through the gloom, and as suddenly faded away.

I saw clearly the doom which had been prepared for me, and congratulated myself upon the timely accident by which I had escaped.

I saw clearly the doom which had been prepared for me, and congratulated myself upon the timely accident by which I had escaped.

I saw clearly the doom which had been prepared for me, and congratulated myself upon the timely accident by which I had escaped.

I saw clearly the doom which had been prepared for me, and congratulated myself upon the timely accident by which I had escaped.

I saw clearly the doom which had been prepared for me, and congratulated myself upon the timely accident by which I had escaped.

I saw clearly the doom which had been prepared for me, and congratulated myself upon the timely accident by which I had escaped.

And the death just avoided, was of that very character which I had regarded as fabulous and frivolous in the tales respecting the Inquisition.

And the death just avoided, was of that very character which I had regarded as fabulous and frivolous in the tales respecting the Inquisition.

And the death just avoided, was of that very character which I had regarded as fabulous and frivolous in the tales respecting the Inquisition.

And the death just avoided, was of that very character which I had regarded as fabulous and frivolous in the tales respecting the Inquisition.

To the victims of its tyranny, there was the choice of death with its direst physical agonies, or death with its most hideous moral horrors.

To the victims of its tyranny, there was the choice of death with its direst physical agonies, or death with its most hideous moral horrors.

To the victims of its tyranny, there was the choice of death with its direst physical agonies, or death with its most hideous moral horrors.

I had been reserved for the latter.

I had been reserved for the latter.

By long suffering my nerves had been unstrung, until I trembled at the sound of my own voice, and had become in every respect a fitting subject for the species of torture which awaited me.

By long suffering my nerves had been unstrung, until I trembled at the sound of my own voice, and had become in every respect a fitting subject for the species of torture which awaited me.

By long suffering my nerves had been unstrung, until I trembled at the sound of my own voice, and had become in every respect a fitting subject for the species of torture which awaited me.

Shaking in every limb, I groped my way back to the wall; resolving there to perish rather than risk the terrors of the wells, of which my imagination now pictured many in various positions about the dungeon.

Shaking in every limb, I groped my way back to the wall; resolving there to perish rather than risk the terrors of the wells, of which my imagination now pictured many in various positions about the dungeon.

Shaking in every limb, I groped my way back to the wall; resolving there to perish rather than risk the terrors of the wells, of which my imagination now pictured many in various positions about the dungeon.

In other conditions of mind I might have had courage to end my misery at once by a plunge into one of these abysses; but now I was the veriest of cowards.

In other conditions of mind I might have had courage to end my misery at once by a plunge into one of these abysses; but now I was the veriest of cowards.

Agitation of spirit kept me awake for many long hours; but at length I again slumbered.

A burning thirst consumed me, and I emptied the vessel at a draught.

A burning thirst consumed me, and I emptied the vessel at a draught.

A burning thirst consumed me, and I emptied the vessel at a draught.

It must have been drugged; for scarcely had I drunk, before I became irresistibly drowsy.

It must have been drugged; for scarcely had I drunk, before I became irresistibly drowsy.

How long it lasted of course, I know not; but when, once again, I unclosed my eyes, the objects around me were visible.

By a wild sulphurous lustre, the origin of which I could not at first determine, I was enabled to see the extent and aspect of the prison.

By a wild sulphurous lustre, the origin of which I could not at first determine, I was enabled to see the extent and aspect of the prison.

In its size I had been greatly mistaken.

The whole circuit of its walls did not exceed twenty-five yards.

For some minutes this fact occasioned me a world of vain trouble; vain indeed! for what could be of less importance, under the terrible circumstances which environed me, then the mere dimensions of my dungeon?

For some minutes this fact occasioned me a world of vain trouble; vain indeed! for what could be of less importance, under the terrible circumstances which environed me, then the mere dimensions of my dungeon?

For some minutes this fact occasioned me a world of vain trouble; vain indeed! for what could be of less importance, under the terrible circumstances which environed me, then the mere dimensions of my dungeon?

But my soul took a wild interest in trifles, and I busied myself in endeavors to account for the error I had committed in my measurement.

But my soul took a wild interest in trifles, and I busied myself in endeavors to account for the error I had committed in my measurement.

But my soul took a wild interest in trifles, and I busied myself in endeavors to account for the error I had committed in my measurement.

But my soul took a wild interest in trifles, and I busied myself in endeavors to account for the error I had committed in my measurement.

In my first attempt at exploration I had counted fifty-two paces, up to the period when I fell; I must then have been within a pace or two of the fragment of serge; in fact, I had nearly performed the circuit of the vault.

In my first attempt at exploration I had counted fifty-two paces, up to the period when I fell; I must then have been within a pace or two of the fragment of serge; in fact, I had nearly performed the circuit of the vault.

My confusion of mind prevented me from observing that I began my tour with the wall to the left, and ended it with the wall to the right.

My confusion of mind prevented me from observing that I began my tour with the wall to the left, and ended it with the wall to the right.

I had been deceived, too, in respect to the shape of the enclosure.

In feeling my way I had found many angles, and thus deduced an idea of great irregularity; so potent is the effect of total darkness upon one arousing from lethargy or sleep!

In feeling my way I had found many angles, and thus deduced an idea of great irregularity; so potent is the effect of total darkness upon one arousing from lethargy or sleep!

In feeling my way I had found many angles, and thus deduced an idea of great irregularity; so potent is the effect of total darkness upon one arousing from lethargy or sleep!

The angles were simply those of a few slight depressions, or niches, at odd intervals.

The angles were simply those of a few slight depressions, or niches, at odd intervals.

The angles were simply those of a few slight depressions, or niches, at odd intervals.

What I had taken for masonry seemed now to be iron, or some other metal, in huge plates, whose sutures or joints occasioned the depression.

The entire surface of this metallic enclosure was rudely daubed in all the hideous and repulsive devices to which the charnel superstition of the monks has given rise.

The entire surface of this metallic enclosure was rudely daubed in all the hideous and repulsive devices to which the charnel superstition of the monks has given rise.

The entire surface of this metallic enclosure was rudely daubed in all the hideous and repulsive devices to which the charnel superstition of the monks has given rise.

The figures of fiends in aspects of menace, with skeleton forms, and other more really fearful images, overspread and disfigured the walls.

The figures of fiends in aspects of menace, with skeleton forms, and other more really fearful images, overspread and disfigured the walls.

The figures of fiends in aspects of menace, with skeleton forms, and other more really fearful images, overspread and disfigured the walls.

The figures of fiends in aspects of menace, with skeleton forms, and other more really fearful images, overspread and disfigured the walls.

The figures of fiends in aspects of menace, with skeleton forms, and other more really fearful images, overspread and disfigured the walls.

I observed that the outlines of these monstrosities were sufficiently distinct, but that the colors seemed faded and blurred, as if from the effects of a damp atmosphere.

I now noticed the floor, too, which was of stone.

All this I saw indistinctly and by much effort: for my personal condition had been greatly changed during slumber.

I now lay upon my back, and at full length, on a species of low framework of wood.

To this I was securely bound by a long strap resembling a surcingle.

It passed in many convolutions about my limbs and body, leaving at liberty only my head, and my left arm to such extent that I could, by dint of much exertion, supply myself with food from an earthen dish which lay by my side on the floor.

It passed in many convolutions about my limbs and body, leaving at liberty only my head, and my left arm to such extent that I could, by dint of much exertion, supply myself with food from an earthen dish which lay by my side on the floor.

It passed in many convolutions about my limbs and body, leaving at liberty only my head, and my left arm to such extent that I could, by dint of much exertion, supply myself with food from an earthen dish which lay by my side on the floor.

I saw, to my horror, that the pitcher had been removed.

This thirst it appeared to be the design of my persecutors to stimulate: for the food in the dish was meat pungently seasoned.

This thirst it appeared to be the design of my persecutors to stimulate: for the food in the dish was meat pungently seasoned.

This thirst it appeared to be the design of my persecutors to stimulate: for the food in the dish was meat pungently seasoned.

Looking upward, I surveyed the ceiling of my prison.

It was some thirty or forty feet overhead, and constructed much as the side walls.

In one of its panels a very singular figure riveted my whole attention.

In one of its panels a very singular figure riveted my whole attention.

It was the painted figure of Time as he is commonly represented, save that, in lieu of a scythe, he held what, at a casual glance, I supposed to be the pictured image of a huge pendulum such as we see on antique clocks.

It was the painted figure of Time as he is commonly represented, save that, in lieu of a scythe, he held what, at a casual glance, I supposed to be the pictured image of a huge pendulum such as we see on antique clocks.

It was the painted figure of Time as he is commonly represented, save that, in lieu of a scythe, he held what, at a casual glance, I supposed to be the pictured image of a huge pendulum such as we see on antique clocks.

There was something, however, in the appearance of this machine which caused me to regard it more attentively.

There was something, however, in the appearance of this machine which caused me to regard it more attentively.

While I gazed directly upward at it (for its position was immediately over my own) I fancied that I saw it in motion.

In an instant afterward the fancy was confirmed.

Wearied at length with observing its dull movement, I turned my eyes upon the other objects in the cell.

Wearied at length with observing its dull movement, I turned my eyes upon the other objects in the cell.

A slight noise attracted my notice, and, looking to the floor, I saw several enormous rats traversing it.

A slight noise attracted my notice, and, looking to the floor, I saw several enormous rats traversing it.

Even then, while I gazed, they came up in troops, hurriedly, with ravenous eyes, allured by the scent of the meat.

Even then, while I gazed, they came up in troops, hurriedly, with ravenous eyes, allured by the scent of the meat.

Even then, while I gazed, they came up in troops, hurriedly, with ravenous eyes, allured by the scent of the meat.

From this it required much effort and attention to scare them away.

What I then saw confounded and amazed me.

What I then saw confounded and amazed me.

The sweep of the pendulum had increased in extent by nearly a yard.

As a natural consequence, its velocity was also much greater.

As a natural consequence, its velocity was also much greater.

But what mainly disturbed me was the idea that had perceptibly descended.

But what mainly disturbed me was the idea that had perceptibly descended.

I now observed -- with what horror it is needless to say -- that its nether extremity was formed of a crescent of glittering steel, about a foot in length from horn to horn; the horns upward, and the under edge evidently as keen as that of a razor.

I now observed -- with what horror it is needless to say -- that its nether extremity was formed of a crescent of glittering steel, about a foot in length from horn to horn; the horns upward, and the under edge evidently as keen as that of a razor.

I now observed -- with what horror it is needless to say -- that its nether extremity was formed of a crescent of glittering steel, about a foot in length from horn to horn; the horns upward, and the under edge evidently as keen as that of a razor.

I now observed -- with what horror it is needless to say -- that its nether extremity was formed of a crescent of glittering steel, about a foot in length from horn to horn; the horns upward, and the under edge evidently as keen as that of a razor.

I now observed -- with what horror it is needless to say -- that its nether extremity was formed of a crescent of glittering steel, about a foot in length from horn to horn; the horns upward, and the under edge evidently as keen as that of a razor.

I now observed -- with what horror it is needless to say -- that its nether extremity was formed of a crescent of glittering steel, about a foot in length from horn to horn; the horns upward, and the under edge evidently as keen as that of a razor.

Like a razor also, it seemed massy and heavy, tapering from the edge into a solid and broad structure above.

Like a razor also, it seemed massy and heavy, tapering from the edge into a solid and broad structure above.

Like a razor also, it seemed massy and heavy, tapering from the edge into a solid and broad structure above.

It was appended to a weighty rod of brass, and the whole hissed as it swung through the air.

I could no longer doubt the doom prepared for me by monkish ingenuity in torture.

My cognizance of the pit had become known to the inquisitorial agents -- the pit whose horrors had been destined for so bold a recusant as myself -- the pit, typical of hell, and regarded by rumor as the Ultima Thule of all their punishments.

My cognizance of the pit had become known to the inquisitorial agents -- the pit whose horrors had been destined for so bold a recusant as myself -- the pit, typical of hell, and regarded by rumor as the Ultima Thule of all their punishments.

My cognizance of the pit had become known to the inquisitorial agents -- the pit whose horrors had been destined for so bold a recusant as myself -- the pit, typical of hell, and regarded by rumor as the Ultima Thule of all their punishments.

My cognizance of the pit had become known to the inquisitorial agents -- the pit whose horrors had been destined for so bold a recusant as myself -- the pit, typical of hell, and regarded by rumor as the Ultima Thule of all their punishments.

The plunge into this pit I had avoided by the merest of accidents, I knew that surprise, or entrapment into torment, formed an important portion of all the grotesquerie of these dungeon deaths.

The plunge into this pit I had avoided by the merest of accidents, I knew that surprise, or entrapment into torment, formed an important portion of all the grotesquerie of these dungeon deaths.

Having failed to fall, it was no part of the demon plan to hurl me into the abyss; and thus (there being no alternative) a different and a milder destruction awaited me.

Having failed to fall, it was no part of the demon plan to hurl me into the abyss; and thus (there being no alternative) a different and a milder destruction awaited me.

I half smiled in my agony as I thought of such application of such a term.

What boots it to tell of the long, long hours of horror more than mortal, during which I counted the rushing vibrations of the steel!

Inch by inch -- line by line -- with a descent only appreciable at intervals that seemed ages -- down and still down it came!

Days passed -- it might have been that many days passed -- ere it swept so closely over me as to fan me with its acrid breath.

I grew frantically mad, and struggled to force myself upward against the sweep of the fearful scimitar.

I grew frantically mad, and struggled to force myself upward against the sweep of the fearful scimitar.

And then I fell suddenly calm, and lay smiling at the glittering death, as a child at some rare bauble.

There was another interval of utter insensibility; it was brief; for, upon again lapsing into life there had been no perceptible descent in the pendulum.

There was another interval of utter insensibility; it was brief; for, upon again lapsing into life there had been no perceptible descent in the pendulum.

Upon my recovery, too, I felt very -- oh, inexpressibly sick and weak, as if through long inanition.

Even amid the agonies of that period, the human nature craved food.

With painful effort I outstretched my left arm as far as my bonds permitted, and took possession of the small remnant which had been spared me by the rats.

With painful effort I outstretched my left arm as far as my bonds permitted, and took possession of the small remnant which had been spared me by the rats.

In vain I struggled to perfect -- to regain it.

In vain I struggled to perfect -- to regain it.

Long suffering had nearly annihilated all my ordinary powers of mind.

Long suffering had nearly annihilated all my ordinary powers of mind.

I was an imbecile -- an idiot.

I was an imbecile -- an idiot.

I saw that the crescent was designed to cross the region of the heart.

It would fray the serge of my robe -- it would return and repeat its operations -- again -- and again.

Notwithstanding terrifically wide sweep (some thirty feet or more) and the its hissing vigor of its descent, sufficient to sunder these very walls of iron, still the fraying of my robe would be all that, for several minutes, it would accomplish.

Notwithstanding terrifically wide sweep (some thirty feet or more) and the its hissing vigor of its descent, sufficient to sunder these very walls of iron, still the fraying of my robe would be all that, for several minutes, it would accomplish.

Notwithstanding terrifically wide sweep (some thirty feet or more) and the its hissing vigor of its descent, sufficient to sunder these very walls of iron, still the fraying of my robe would be all that, for several minutes, it would accomplish.

Notwithstanding terrifically wide sweep (some thirty feet or more) and the its hissing vigor of its descent, sufficient to sunder these very walls of iron, still the fraying of my robe would be all that, for several minutes, it would accomplish.

I dwelt upon it with a pertinacity of attention -- as if, in so dwelling, I could arrest here the descent of the steel.

I dwelt upon it with a pertinacity of attention -- as if, in so dwelling, I could arrest here the descent of the steel.

I dwelt upon it with a pertinacity of attention -- as if, in so dwelling, I could arrest here the descent of the steel.

I forced myself to ponder upon the sound of the crescent as it should pass across the garment -- upon the peculiar thrilling sensation which the friction of cloth produces on the nerves.

I forced myself to ponder upon the sound of the crescent as it should pass across the garment -- upon the peculiar thrilling sensation which the friction of cloth produces on the nerves.

I pondered upon all this frivolity until my teeth were on edge.

Down -- steadily down it crept.

I took a frenzied pleasure in contrasting its downward with its lateral velocity.

I took a frenzied pleasure in contrasting its downward with its lateral velocity.

I took a frenzied pleasure in contrasting its downward with its lateral velocity.

To the right -- to the left -- far and wide -- with the shriek of a damned spirit; to my heart with the stealthy pace of the tiger!

To the right -- to the left -- far and wide -- with the shriek of a damned spirit; to my heart with the stealthy pace of the tiger!

I alternately laughed and howled as the one or the other idea grew predominant.

Could I have broken the fastenings above the elbow, I would have seized and attempted to arrest the pendulum.

I might as well have attempted to arrest an avalanche!

Down -- still unceasingly -- still inevitably down!

I shrunk convulsively at its every sweep.

My eyes followed its outward or upward whirls with the eagerness of the most unmeaning despair; they closed themselves spasmodically at the descent, although death would have been a relief, oh! how unspeakable!

My eyes followed its outward or upward whirls with the eagerness of the most unmeaning despair; they closed themselves spasmodically at the descent, although death would have been a relief, oh! how unspeakable!

My eyes followed its outward or upward whirls with the eagerness of the most unmeaning despair; they closed themselves spasmodically at the descent, although death would have been a relief, oh! how unspeakable!

Still I quivered in every nerve to think how slight a sinking of the machinery would precipitate that keen, glistening axe upon my bosom.

Still I quivered in every nerve to think how slight a sinking of the machinery would precipitate that keen, glistening axe upon my bosom.

Still I quivered in every nerve to think how slight a sinking of the machinery would precipitate that keen, glistening axe upon my bosom.

It was hope -- the hope that triumphs on the rack -- that whispers to the death-condemned even in the dungeons of the Inquisition.

I saw that some ten or twelve vibrations would bring the steel in actual contact with my robe, and with this observation there suddenly came over my spirit all the keen, collected calmness of despair.

I saw that some ten or twelve vibrations would bring the steel in actual contact with my robe, and with this observation there suddenly came over my spirit all the keen, collected calmness of despair.

I saw that some ten or twelve vibrations would bring the steel in actual contact with my robe, and with this observation there suddenly came over my spirit all the keen, collected calmness of despair.

It now occurred to me that the bandage, or surcingle, which enveloped me, was unique.

It now occurred to me that the bandage, or surcingle, which enveloped me, was unique.

It now occurred to me that the bandage, or surcingle, which enveloped me, was unique.

I was tied by no separate cord.

The first stroke of the razorlike crescent athwart any portion of the band, would so detach it that it might be unwound from my person by means of my left hand.

The first stroke of the razorlike crescent athwart any portion of the band, would so detach it that it might be unwound from my person by means of my left hand.

But how fearful, in that case, the proximity of the steel!

Was it likely, moreover, that the minions of the torturer had not foreseen and provided for this possibility!

Was it likely, moreover, that the minions of the torturer had not foreseen and provided for this possibility!

Was it likely, moreover, that the minions of the torturer had not foreseen and provided for this possibility!

Was it likely, moreover, that the minions of the torturer had not foreseen and provided for this possibility!

Was it likely, moreover, that the minions of the torturer had not foreseen and provided for this possibility!

Was it probable that the bandage crossed my bosom in the track of the pendulum?

Dreading to find my faint, and, as it seemed, in last hope frustrated, I so far elevated my head as to obtain a distinct view of my breast.

Dreading to find my faint, and, as it seemed, in last hope frustrated, I so far elevated my head as to obtain a distinct view of my breast.

Dreading to find my faint, and, as it seemed, in last hope frustrated, I so far elevated my head as to obtain a distinct view of my breast.

The surcingle enveloped my limbs and body close in all directions -- save in the path of the destroying crescent.

Scarcely had I dropped my head back into its original position, when there flashed upon my mind what I cannot better describe than as the unformed half of that idea of deliverance to which I have previously alluded, and of which a moiety only floated indeterminately through my brain when I raised food to my burning lips.

Scarcely had I dropped my head back into its original position, when there flashed upon my mind what I cannot better describe than as the unformed half of that idea of deliverance to which I have previously alluded, and of which a moiety only floated indeterminately through my brain when I raised food to my burning lips.

Scarcely had I dropped my head back into its original position, when there flashed upon my mind what I cannot better describe than as the unformed half of that idea of deliverance to which I have previously alluded, and of which a moiety only floated indeterminately through my brain when I raised food to my burning lips.

Scarcely had I dropped my head back into its original position, when there flashed upon my mind what I cannot better describe than as the unformed half of that idea of deliverance to which I have previously alluded, and of which a moiety only floated indeterminately through my brain when I raised food to my burning lips.

Scarcely had I dropped my head back into its original position, when there flashed upon my mind what I cannot better describe than as the unformed half of that idea of deliverance to which I have previously alluded, and of which a moiety only floated indeterminately through my brain when I raised food to my burning lips.

The whole thought was now present -- feeble, scarcely sane, scarcely definite, -- but still entire.

The whole thought was now present -- feeble, scarcely sane, scarcely definite, -- but still entire.

I proceeded at once, with the nervous energy of despair, to attempt its execution.

I proceeded at once, with the nervous energy of despair, to attempt its execution.

I proceeded at once, with the nervous energy of despair, to attempt its execution.

For many hours the immediate vicinity of the low framework upon which I lay, had been literally swarming with rats.

For many hours the immediate vicinity of the low framework upon which I lay, had been literally swarming with rats.

They were wild, bold, ravenous; their red eyes glaring upon me as if they waited but for motionlessness on my part to make me their prey.

They were wild, bold, ravenous; their red eyes glaring upon me as if they waited but for motionlessness on my part to make me their prey.

"To what food," I thought, "have they been accustomed in the well?"

They had devoured, in spite of all my efforts to prevent them, all but a small remnant of the contents of the dish.

They had devoured, in spite of all my efforts to prevent them, all but a small remnant of the contents of the dish.

They had devoured, in spite of all my efforts to prevent them, all but a small remnant of the contents of the dish.

I had fallen into an habitual see-saw, or wave of the hand about the platter: and, at length, the unconscious uniformity of the movement deprived it of effect.

I had fallen into an habitual see-saw, or wave of the hand about the platter: and, at length, the unconscious uniformity of the movement deprived it of effect.

I had fallen into an habitual see-saw, or wave of the hand about the platter: and, at length, the unconscious uniformity of the movement deprived it of effect.

In their voracity the vermin frequently fastened their sharp fangs in my fingers.

In their voracity the vermin frequently fastened their sharp fangs in my fingers.

In their voracity the vermin frequently fastened their sharp fangs in my fingers.

With the particles of the oily and spicy viand which now remained, I thoroughly rubbed the bandage wherever I could reach it; then, raising my hand from the floor, I lay breathlessly still.

With the particles of the oily and spicy viand which now remained, I thoroughly rubbed the bandage wherever I could reach it; then, raising my hand from the floor, I lay breathlessly still.

With the particles of the oily and spicy viand which now remained, I thoroughly rubbed the bandage wherever I could reach it; then, raising my hand from the floor, I lay breathlessly still.

At first the ravenous animals were startled and terrified at the change -- at the cessation of movement.

At first the ravenous animals were startled and terrified at the change -- at the cessation of movement.

Observing that I remained without motion, one or two of the boldest leaped upon the frame-work, and smelt at the surcingle.

Observing that I remained without motion, one or two of the boldest leaped upon the frame-work, and smelt at the surcingle.

This seemed the signal for a general rush.

Forth from the well they hurried in fresh troops.

The measured movement of the pendulum disturbed them not at all.

They pressed -- they swarmed upon me in ever accumulating heaps.

They writhed upon my throat; their cold lips sought my own; I was half stifled by their thronging pressure; disgust, for which the world has no name, swelled my bosom, and chilled, with a heavy clamminess, my heart.

They writhed upon my throat; their cold lips sought my own; I was half stifled by their thronging pressure; disgust, for which the world has no name, swelled my bosom, and chilled, with a heavy clamminess, my heart.

They writhed upon my throat; their cold lips sought my own; I was half stifled by their thronging pressure; disgust, for which the world has no name, swelled my bosom, and chilled, with a heavy clamminess, my heart.