SHIPWRECK OF THE MEDUSA. 387 
The following is what M. Savigny experienced in the 
beginning of the night. His eyes closed in spite of him- 
self, and he felt a general drowsiness. In this condition the 
most delightful visions flitted across his imagination. He saw 
around him a country covered with the most beautiful planta- 
tions, and found himself in the midst of objects delightful to 
his senses. Nevertheless, he reasoned concerning his condi- 
tion, and felt that courage alone could withdraw him from 
this species of non-existence. He demanded some wine from 
the master gunner, who got it for him, and he recovered a lit- 
tle from this state of stupor. If the unfortunates who were 
assailed with these primary symptoms had not strength to 
withstand them, their death was certain. Some became furi- 
ous ; others threw themselves into the sea, bidding farewell 
to their comrades with the utmost coolness. Some said — 
" Fear nothing ; I am going to get you assistance, and will 
return, in a short while." In the midst of this general mad- 
ness some wretches w^ere seen rushing upon their compan- 
ions, sword in hand, demanding a wing of a chicken and 
some bread to appease the hunger which consumed them ; 
others asked for their hammocks, to go, they said, between the 
decks of the frigate to take a little repose. Many believed 
they were still on the decks of the Medusa, surrounded by 
the same objects they there saw daily. Some saw ships, and 
called to them for assistance, or a fine harbor, in the distance 
of which was an elegant city. M. Correard thought he was 
traveling through the beautiful fields of Italy. An officer 
said to him — " I recollect we have been abandoned by the 
boats ; but fear nothing. I am going to write to the gover- 
nor, and in a few hours we shall be saved." M. Correard re- 
plied in the same tone, and as if he had been in his ordinary 
condition — " Have you a pigeon to carry your orders with 
such celerity ?" The cries and the confusion soon aroused 
us from this languor ; but when tranquillity was somewhat 
restored, we again fell into the same drowsy condition. On 
the morrow we felt as if we had awoke from a painful dream, 
and asked our companions if, during their sleep, they had not 
seen combats and heard cries of despair. Some replied that 
the same visions had continually tormented them, and that 
they were exhausted with fatigue. Every one believed he 
vv'as deceived by the illusions of a horrible dream. 
After these diflferent combats, overcome with toil, with want 
of food and sleep, we laid ourselves down and reposed till the 
morrow dawned and showed us the horror of the scene. A 
