“The breathless idyl of their engagement gave way, first, to the intense romance of the more passionate relationship. The breathless idyl left them, fled on to other lovers; they looked around one day it and it was gone, how, they scarcely knew. Had either of them lost the other in the days of the idyl, the love lost would have been ever to the loser that dim desire without fulfillment which stands back of all life. But magic must hurry on, and the lovers remain...”

“Today is not yesterday. And tomorrow is nothing more than an idyllic day dream.”

“The more enchanted the idyll, greater must be the pain of its ending.”

“What I have lately said of painting is equally true with respect to poetry. It is only necessary for us to know what is really excellent, and venture to give it expression; and that is saying much in few words. To-day I have had a scene, which, if literally related, would, make the most beautiful idyl in the world. But why should I talk of poetry and scenes and idyls? Can we never take pleasure in nature without having recourse to art?”

“But there was no going back to that idyllic time when only one god wanted to kill me.”

“From moment then to moment their desireGained strength, and wisdom fled before love's fire;Passion engulfed them, and these lovers layEntwined together till the break of day.”