He had spoken in figure--a mode of speech, which it is a mistake in rhetoricians to ascribe only to an artificial origin, during a state of mental quiet.

Deep passion and strong excitements, we are bold to say, employ metaphor largely; and, upon an inspection of the criminal records of any country, it will be found that the most common narrations from persons deeply wrought upon by strong circumstances are abundantly stored with the evidence of what we assert.
"And how came it, Mark ?" was the inquiry of the maiden; "and why did you this thing ?" "Ay, you may well ask, and wonder.

I can not tell you.

I was a fool--I was mad! I knew not what I did.

From one thing I went on to another, and I knew nothing of what had been done until all was done.