"Venerable venator, or hunter, or trapper," said the disconsolate
Obed, "I rejoice greatly in meeting thee again. I fear that the
precious time, which had been allotted me, in order to complete a
mighty labour, is drawing to a premature close, and I would gladly
unburden my mind to one who, if not a pupil of science, has at least
some of the knowledge which civilisation imparts to its meanest
subjects. Doubtless many and earnest enquiries will be made after my
fate, by the learned societies of the world, and perhaps expeditions
will be sent into these regions to remove any doubts, which may arise
on so important a subject. I esteem myself happy that a man, who
speaks the vernacular, is present, to preserve the record of my end.
You will say that after a well-spent and glorious life, I died a
martyr to science, and a victim to mental darkness. As I expect to be
particularly calm and abstracted in my last moments, if you add a few
details, concerning the fortitude and scholastic dignity with which I
met my death, it may serve to encourage future aspirants for similar
honours, and assuredly give offence to no one.
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