Chapter 53

_Enter PHÆDRIA._

PHÆD. Going into the country, I began (As happens when the mind is ill at ease) To ponder with myself upon the road, Tossing from thought to thought, and viewing all In the worst light. While thus I ruminate, I pass unconsciously my country-house, And had got far beyond, ere I perceiv'd it. I turn'd about, but with a heavy heart; And soon as to the very spot I came Where the roads part, I stop. Then paus'd a while: "Alas! thought I, and must I here remain] Two days? alone: without her?--Well! what then? That's nothing.--What, is't nothing?--If I've not The privilege to touch her, shall I not Behold her neither?--If _one_ may not be, At least the _other_ shall.--And certainly Love, in its last degree, is something still." --Then I, on purpose, pass'd the house.--But see! Pythias breaks forth affrighted.--What means this?

[Changes:

"Alas! thought I ... _quotation marks in this speech supplied from 1768 edition_