The Henson Journals

[96]

Tuesday, July 23rd, 1918.

1450th day

The preparations having been duly made, with a hierarchical solemnity calculated to abash the most heroick spirit, the two pundits arrived, & performed their sanguinary duet. The ether set me into unconsciousness which curiously enough, was quite conscious of itself. I was still awaiting the start of the proceedings when I found myself being attended to after them! It appears that I took rather a long time to "come round", & had strychnine injected for the encouragement of my reluctant heart. The little operation itself provoked a more formidable re–action than the leeches expected, owing to my "highly–sensitive" and "high–strung" disposition – phrases which are more picturesque than illuminating. I was rather exhausted till the evening, when I revived, transacted business with the Chaplain, & wrote to the Abp. of Canterbury.

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