Later in a delirium he dreamed of climbing the volcano of Chimborazo, ‘giant of the earth’. On reaching its summit, ‘I fell in a swoon…I felt as if inflamed by strange, supernatural fire. The God of Colombia had taken possession of me. Suddenly Time stood before me…’ ‘I am the father of centuries!’ said the God. ‘Surely, oh Time,’ he replied, ‘the miserable mortal who has climbed this high must perish!’ ‘Hide not the secrets which Heaven has revealed to you! Speak the truth to mankind!’
