In his earlier quest for truth he had parted with youth and joy; he had grown grey-haired and lean-handed before the time.

Now, in his new scheme of life, he will not sever truth from enjoyment; he will snatch at the meanest delights; before death comes, something at least shall thus be gained.

And yet he has almost lost the capacity for pleasures apart from those of a wolfish hunger for knowledge; and he despises his baser aims and his extravagant speeches.

Could life only be begun anew with temperate hopes and sane aspirings! But he has given his pledges and will abide by them; he must submit to be hunted by the gods to the end.

Before he parts from Festus at the Alsatian inn, a softer mood overtakes him.