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Updated: May 6, 2025
Not long after the parting interview with Eudora, Philaemon, sad and solitary, slowly wended his way from Athens. As he passed along the banks of the Illyssus, he paused for a moment, and stood with folded arms, before the chaste and beautiful little temple of Agrotera, the huntress with the unerring bow.
To-morrow, I join a company on their way to Persia; where they say Athenian learning is eagerly sought by the Great King and his nobles." "And would you have left Athens without my blessing?" inquired Anaxagoras. "In truth, my father, I wished to avoid the pain of parting," rejoined Philaemon.
After a slight pause, he continued: "Eudora, I wait for a reply more positive than silence. Let me hear from your own lips the words that must decide my destiny. Perchance it is the last favour I shall ever ask." The repentant maiden, without looking up, answered, in broken accents, "Philaemon, I will not add deceit to other wrongs, I must speak the truth, if my heart is broken.
Surprised by the multiplied images of herself and attendants, she did not at first perceive, through the net-work of her veil, that a young man stood leaning against the wall, with his arms folded. This well-remembered attitude attracted her attention, and she scarcely needed a glance to assure her it was Philaemon.
Philothea freely expressed her belief in this assertion, and her joy that the real character of the graceful hypocrite had so soon been made manifest. Her thoughts turned towards Philaemon; but certain recollections restrained the utterance of his name. They were both silent for a few moments; and Eudora's countenance was troubled.
PHILOTHEA to PHILAEMON, greeting: The body of Anaxagoras has gone to the Place of Sleep. If it were not so, his hand would have written in reply to thy kind epistle. I was with him when he died, but knew not the hour he departed, for he sunk to rest like an infant.
"I heard this same Lysidas, the other day," said Philaemon, "boasting that the Spartans were the only real freemen; and Lacedaemon the only place where courage and virtue always found a sure reward. I asked him what reward the Helots had for bravery or virtue. 'They are not scourged; and that is sufficient reward for the base hounds, was his contemptuous reply.
No, my father I could unite with none but an honest party men who love the state and forget themselves; and such are not now found in Athens. The few that exist dare not form a barrier against the powerful current that would inevitably drive them to destruction." "You speak truth, Philaemon," rejoined Anaxagoras: "Pallas Athenae seems to have deserted her chosen people.
The venerable philosopher stretched forth his arms to embrace him. The young man threw himself upon that friendly bosom, and overcome by a variety of conflicting emotions, sobbed aloud. As they parted, Anaxagoras again pressed Philaemon to his heart, and said, "May that God, whose numerous attributes the Grecians worship, forever bless thee, my dear son."
She mourned over the shameful infatuation of Eudora, and she acutely felt the degradation attached to her own accidental share in the scene. With these thoughts was mingled deep pity for the pure-minded and excellent Philaemon.
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