We lie down, and close our eyes with a gentle good night, and when we wake, we are free.

Come then, no more delay, thou tardy one! Behold the pleasant potion! Look, I am a spirit of good, and not a human maid that invites thee, and with winning accents, (oh, that they would win thee!) says, Come and drink."[70] As I spoke I fixed my eyes upon his countenance, and his exquisite beauty, the heavenly compassion that beamed from his eyes, his gentle yet earnest look of deprecation and wonder even before he spoke wrought a change in my high strained feelings taking from me all the sterness of despair and filling me only with the softest grief.

I saw his eyes humid also as he took both my hands in his; and sitting down near me, he said:[71] "This is a sad deed to which you would lead me, dearest friend, and your woe must indeed be deep that could fill you with these unhappy thoughts.

You long for death and yet you fear it and wish me to be your companion.

But I have less courage than you and even thus accompanied I dare not die.