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nydus/The Last ManPublic

Love and war in future Europe are thrown into confusion by a global pandemic that obliterates humanity.

Page 575 of 578
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visit the whole extent of earth, I should find in some part of the wide extent a survivor. Methought the seaside was the most probable retreat to be chosen by such a one. If left alone in an inland district, still they could not continue in the spot where their last hopes had been extinguished; they would journey on, like me, in search of a partner for their solitude, till the watery barrier stopped their further progress.

To that water⁠—cause of my woes, perhaps now to be their cure, I would betake myself. Farewell, Italy!⁠—farewell, thou ornament of the world, matchless Rome, the retreat of the solitary one during long months!⁠—to civilized life⁠—to the settled home and succession of monotonous days, farewell! Peril will now be mine; and I hail her as a friend⁠—death will perpetually cross my path, and I will meet him as a benefactor; hardship, inclement weather, and dangerous tempests will be my sworn mates. Ye spirits of storm, receive me! ye powers of destruction, open wide your arms, and clasp me forever! if a kinder power have not decreed another end, so that after long endurance I may reap my reward, and again feel my heart beat near the heart of another like to me.

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