Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus Read online

  LETTER III.

  _To Mrs. Saville, England._

  MY DEAR SISTER, July 7th, 17--.

  I write a few lines in haste, to say that I am safe, and well advancedon my voyage. This letter will reach England by a merchantman now on itshomeward voyage from Archangel; more fortunate than I, who may not seemy native land, perhaps, for many years. I am, however, in good spirits:my men are bold, and apparently firm of purpose; nor do the floatingsheets of ice that continually pass us, indicating the dangers of theregion towards which we are advancing, appear to dismay them. We havealready reached a very high latitude; but it is the height of summer,and although not so warm as in England, the southern gales, which blowus speedily towards those shores which I so ardently desire to attain,breathe a degree of renovating warmth which I had not expected.

  No incidents have hitherto befallen us that would make a figure in aletter. One or two stiff gales, and the springing of a leak, areaccidents which experienced navigators scarcely remember to record; andI shall be well content if nothing worse happen to us during our voyage.

  Adieu, my dear Margaret. Be assured, that for my own sake, as well asyours, I will not rashly encounter danger. I will be cool, persevering,and prudent.

  But success _shall_ crown my endeavours. Wherefore not? Thus far I havegone, tracing a secure way over the pathless seas: the very starsthemselves being witnesses and testimonies of my triumph. Why not stillproceed over the untamed yet obedient element? What can stop thedetermined heart and resolved will of man?

  My swelling heart involuntarily pours itself out thus. But I mustfinish. Heaven bless my beloved sister!

  R. W.