I pronounced these words than the visionary scene vanished, and I awoke. But even when awake, the contemplation of what I had suffered, whilst under the influence of sleep, pressed upon my disordered fancy; my intellect, wild with unconquerable emotions, could fix on no one particular point to exert its energies; they were strained beyond their power of exerting. “Ever, from that day, did a deep-corroding melancholy usurp the throne of my soul. At last, during the course of my philosophical inquiries, I ascertained the method by which _man_ might exist for ever, and it was connected with my dream. It would unfold a tale of too much horror to trace, in review, the circumstances as then they occurred; suffice it to say, that I became acquainted that a _superior_ being really exists; and ah! how dear a price have I paid for the knowledge! To one man alone, Wolfstein, may I communicate this secret of immortal life: then must I forego _my_ claim to it,--and oh! with what pleasure shall I forego it! To you I bequeath the secret; but first you must swear that if ... you wish God may....” “I swear,” cried Wolfstein, in a transport of delight; burning ecstasy revelled through his veins; pleasurable coruscations were emitted from his eyes. “I swear,” continued he; “and if ever ... may God....” “Needless were it for me,” continued Ginotti, “to expatiate further upon the _means_ which I have used to become master over your every action; that will be sufficiently explained when you have followed my directions. Take,” continued Ginotti, “---- and ---- and ----; mix them according to the directions which this book will communicate to you. Seek, at midnight, the ruined abbey near the castle of St. Irvyne, in France; and there--I need say no more--there you will meet with me.” CHAPTER XI.