unable to sleep that night , the centripetal intensity of swirling thoughts brought a splitting pain across his forehead ; in the eye of this wanting whirlwind was that dreadful unrealized opportunity hanging like a flaming orb suspended in air , complacent and knowing , jeering inimically at the resilient walls of restraint which simultaneously shielded and incarcerated his passions , holding out its fiery hand and inviting him out from this cocoon of stubborn fortitude and back into the world , if only for a mild and momentary dance amidst the hungry flames .