The hypothesis of madness comforted.

I would give much to feel that he had really believed in his progress with the work, that his assurance of having come to the end was genuine.

If he had deceived himself, God had been merciful.

But if not, if he had sat down day after day, with the appalling consciousness of his impotence, there have been few of the sons of men to whom God had meted out, in this world, greater punishment for sin.

It is incredible that he should have lasted so long alive.