3. And was the friendlike fire a Jamie too? etc.
The natural return of a monomania.
12. The sting of that antiquity of pain
After a long rest, his former suffering seemed ancient.
14. That yielding victor, fleet in being slow
Always more space to be conquered, hence slow and certain to win over Hugh.
16. So readily the tentacles of sense, etc.
Thinkers are just beginning to realize something of the hypnotic power of habit and custom in the individual and in society. The loss of the accustomed may disintegrate the life. Our author shows keen understanding when he likens the effect upon Hugh of the loss of fire to that of the loss of a dear one by death. A moment ago he was here, vital, real. Now he is gone. How strange is the world without him!
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7. A yelping of the dogs among the bluffs, etc.