Chapter XVI

Probably written from Amiens, to which place Donne accompanied Sir Robert Drury in 1611, on that journey during which he had the vision described by Walton:

"Two days after their arrival there [in Paris], Mr. _Donne_ was left alone in that room in which Sir _Robert_, and he, and some other friends had din'd together. To this place Sir _Robert_ return'd within half an hour, and, as he left, so he found Mr. _Donne_ alone; but in such an Extasie, and, so alter'd as to his looks, as amaz'd Sir _Robert_ to behold him: insomuch that he earnestly desired Mr. _Donne_ to declare what had befaln him in the short time of his absence? to which, Mr. _Donne_ was not able to make a present answer: but, after a long and perplext pause, did at last say, _I have seen a dreadful vision since I saw you; I have seen my dear wife pass twice by me through this room, with her hair hanging about her shoulders, and a dead child in her arms: This I have seen since I saw you._ To which Sir _Robert_ reply'd; '_Sure Sir, you have slept since I saw you; and, this is the result of some melancholy dream, which I desire you to forget, for, you are now awake._' To which Mr. _Donne's_ reply was, '_I cannot be surer that I now live, then, that I have not slept since I saw you: and I am as sure, that at her second appearing, she stopt, and look'd me in the face, and vanisht._' Rest and sleep, had not alter'd Mr. _Donne's_ opinion the next day: for he then affirm'd this vision with a more deliberate, and so confirm'd a confidence, that he inclin'd Sir _Robert_ to a faint belief that the Vision was true.--It is truly said, _that desire, and doubt, have no rest_: and it prov'd so with Sir _Robert_, for he immediately sent a servant to _Drewry_ house, with a charge to hasten back, and bring him word, whether Mrs. _Donne_ were alive? and if alive, in what condition she was, as to her health?--The twelfth day the Messenger returned with this account--That he found and left Mrs. _Donne_ very sad, and sick in her bed: and, that after a long and dangerous labour, she had been deliver'd of a dead child. And upon examination, the abortion prov'd to be the same day, and about the very hour that Mr. _Donne_ affirm'd he saw her pass by him in his Chamber."