that part of me which i had the power of projecting , had lately been much exercised and nourished ; it had seemed to me of late as though the body of edward hyde had grown in stature , as though ( when i wore that form ) i were conscious of a more generous tide of blood ; and i began to spy a danger that , if this were much prolonged , the balance of my nature might be permanently overthrown , the power of voluntary change be forfeited , and the character of edward hyde become irrevocably mine .