OF THE POLAR SEA. 355 



ness over the body, and especially those parts on 

 which the weight rested in lying, yet to turn our- 

 selves for relief was a matter of toil and difficulty. 

 However, during this period, and indeed all along 

 after the acute pains of hunger, which lasted but 

 three or four days, had subsided, we generally 

 enjoyed the comfort of a few hours' sleep. The 

 dreams which for the most part, but not always 

 accompanied it, were usually (though not inva- 

 riably,) of a pleasant character, being very often 

 about the enjoyments of feasting. In the day- 

 time we fell into the practice of conversing on 

 common and light subjects, although we some- 

 times discussed with seriousness and earnestness 

 topics connected with religion. We generaUy 

 avoided speaking directly of our present suffer- 

 ings, or even of the prospect of relief. I observed, 

 that in proportion as our strength decayed, our 

 minds exhibited symptoms of weakness, evinced 

 by a kind of unreasonable pettishness with each 

 other. Each of us thought the other weaker m 

 intellect than himself, and more in need of advice 

 and assistance. So trifling a circumstance as a 

 change of place, recommended by one as being 

 warmer and more comfortable, and refused by 

 the other from a dread of motion frequently 

 called forth fretful expressions which were no 

 sooner uttered than atoned for, to be repeated 



