"These appearances, which bewilder you, are merely electrical
phenomena not uncommon --or it may be that they have their ghastly
origin in the rank miasma of the tarn. Let us close this casement;
--the air is chilling and dangerous to your frame. Here is one of your
favourite romances. I will read, and you shall listen; --and so we
will pass away this terrible night together."
The antique volume which I had taken up was the "Mad Trist" of Sir
Launcelot Canning; but I had called it a favourite of Usher's more
in sad jest than in earnest; for, in truth, there is little in its
uncouth and unimaginative prolixity which could have had interest
for the lofty and spiritual ideality of my friend. It was, however,
the only book immediately at hand; and I indulged a vague hope that
the excitement which now agitated the hypochondriac, might find relief
(for the history of mental disorder is full of similar anomalies) even
in the extremeness of the folly which I should read. Could I have
judged, indeed, by the wild over-strained air of vivacity with which
he hearkened, or apparently hearkened, to the words of the tale, I
might well have congratulated myself upon the success of my design.
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