Page:Tragical history of Crazy Jane, and young Henry.pdf/18

the most endearing appellations. As they led her home, they endeavoured to inspire her with fortitude and resignation. She answered only with heavy sighs and some vague sentences. Alas! their gentle cares were vain: Reason had fled her brain; a melancholy despondence reigned there; and an oblivion of every transaction, but the source of her own irremediable woes. In vain were the physicians and all their medical attendants, summoned; human skill was vain. Jane was doomed to linger out her existence a hapless maniac. She was perfectly harmless and tractable; and for whole days would wander in these places where she had been used to walk with Henry. She would sing the most plaintive airs, and converse with those who addressed her about her lover. She would strew her head with willow, straw, and wild flowers, disposed in a fanciful style; and this seemed to be the only amusement that soothed her mind. From the villages she gained the appellation of Crazy Jane; and his title soon became familiar to her own ears. Regularly, at the close of day, she returned to her father's house; seldom she noticed any one in it, but retired to a small chamber, that was entirely appropriated to her own use. One of the family always, though unknown to her, sat up during the night, to watch over her, fearful lest any sudden phrenzy should lead to rash acts on her own person. Jane continued in this state above two years without any alteration in her mind, but a very alarming one