At other times I was quickly and impetuously
smitten. I grew sick, and numb, and chilly, and dizzy, and so fell
prostrate at once. Then, for weeks, all was void, and black, and
silent, and Nothing became the universe. Total annihilation could be
no more. From these latter attacks I awoke, however, with a
gradation slow in proportion to the suddenness of the seizure. Just as
the day dawns to the friendless and houseless beggar who roams the
streets throughout the long desolate winter night- just so tardily-
just so wearily- just so cheerily came back the light of the Soul to
me.
Apart from the tendency to trance, however, my general health
appeared to be good; nor could I perceive that it was at all
affected by the one prevalent malady- unless, indeed, an
idiosyncrasy in my ordinary sleep may be looked upon as
superinduced. Upon awaking from slumber, I could never gain, at
once, thorough possession of my senses, and always remained, for
many minutes, in much bewilderment and perplexity;- the mental
faculties in general, but the memory in especial, being in a condition
of absolute abeyance.
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