Very ill, and did nothing but ponder over a future existence, and
often brought up the lines to my memory said to have been uttered by
an unfortunate nobleman when on the brink of it, ready to take the
plunge:--
In doubt I lived, in doubt I die,
Nor shrink the dark abyss to try,
But undismayed I meet eternity.
The first line is natural enough, but the rest is a rash courage in
such a situation.