The unrealities of the wilderness are now displayed

TCD MS 10515 folio 55r

TCD MS 10515 folio 55r

[April 28th 1916]

one layer seems to curl upon another layer, and presents a strange resemblance to a line of foaming breakers rolling in upon a shelving shore. We continue our glance still further out along the quivering sheet. As more and more of the layers of air is interposed between the eye and the distant sea, the opacity increases, objects grow less distinct, outlines more confused, shapes more distorted. Still further the surface of the desert is concealed. The brown sands are seen no longer, they are hidden beneath the hot stratum of misty air which extends away on every side like a pale watery sheet lying calm and ghostly over the desert. Visibility is now perfect; the mirage is complete. The unrealities of the wilderness are now displayed before our vision.