Scene II.

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?