Page:Writings of Henry David Thoreau (1906) v5.djvu/401

Rh Io. But beside this, declare what time will he

To me unfortunate the limit of my wandering.

Pr. Not to learn is better for thee than to learn these things.

Io. Conceal not from me what I am to suffer.

Pr. Indeed, I grudge thee not this favor.

Io. Why, then, dost thou delay to tell the whole?

Pr. There's no unwillingness, but I hesitate to vex thy mind.

Io. Care not for me more than is pleasant to me.

Pr. Since you are earnest, it behooves to speak; hear then.

Ch. Not yet, indeed; but a share of pleasure also give to me.

First we'll learn the malady of this one,

Herself relating her destructive fortunes,

And the remainder of her trials let her learn from thee.

Pr. 'T is thy part, Io, to do these a favor,

As well for every other reason, and as they are sisters of thy father.

Since to weep and to lament misfortunes,

There where one will get a tear

From those attending, is worthy the delay. Io. I know not that I need distrust you,

But in plain speech you shall learn

All that you ask for; and yet e'en telling I lament

The god-sent tempest, and dissolution

Of my form—whence to me miserable it came.

For always visions in the night, moving about

My virgin chambers, enticed me

With smooth words: "O greatly happy virgin,