These were enjoyments all withheld from me; these were the very things the want of which had made me what I was--what I am--and furiously I struck my weapon into his mouth, silencing his insulting speech.

Should such a mean spirit as his have joys which were denied to me?
I spurned his quivering carcass with my foot.

At that moment I felt myself; I had something to live for.

I knew my appetite, and felt that it was native.

I had acquired a knowledge of a new luxury, and ceased to wonder at the crimes of a Nero and a Caligula.