1812. 
LIBERTY. 
515 
was now given in charge to a Hottentot, named Titus. Having in a 
former part of my journal (page 250), noticed the shameful neglect 
and loss of a package which I sent fromf the Roggeveld, it is but just 
tliat I should record the due arrival of this, and my thanks to every 
one by whose hands it was forwarded. The degree of sanctity in 
which packages committed to their charge, and sealed letters, are 
held, is often no bad criterion of men's probity. 
1 5th. The rainy season had at length commenced, and, within 
the preceding six days a great quantity of water had fallen. The sur- 
prising change of the atmosphere, from the utmost degree of dryness 
to the opposite extreme of moisture, may be easily estimated from the 
fact, that common salt left standing in a plate in the tvaggon, entirely 
deliquesced in the course of the night. 
I had never experienced any thing more refreshing than this 
alteration of weather, after so long a drought. That constant 
languor which I had lately suffered from intense heat, vanished at 
once, and was succeeded by the most agreeable sensations, inspiring 
an unusual cheerfulness. I know not how to account for the great 
change it produced, not only in my bodily feelings, but even in those 
of my mind. My nerves and muscles thus braced and invigorated, 
I fancied that I possessed the strength to walk the whole length of 
Africa. Impatient of inactivity, I longed again to roam over boundless 
plains, or climb the lofty mountain ; all my troubles and difficulties 
retired to the furthest distance, where I viewed them diminished 
almost to nothing. Rapt in this musing, delightful mood, methought 
a beneficent deity of refulgent lustre, and countenance of inexpressible 
benignity, advanced towards me, and whispered softly in my ear, 
that sweet word Liberty : which repeating, till it thrilled in every 
nerve, the celestial being seemed to say ; Follow me. And where, 
indeed, could I have obeyed the enticing summons, so easily and 
uncontrolled as in the wild regions before me ? For some time I 
allowed myself full indulgence in these pleasing reflections. By sub- 
sequent experience, I have learnt that the delightful sensation of 
unshackled existence could never be recalled, after I had re-entered 
3 u 2 
