Besides, for a man of talent and a romantic poet you have not exhibited any very great imagination.

It is a classical imitation, nothing better.

There is something like it in mythology, I believe.

Did not Apollo disguise himself as a shepherd ?" Nothing more is to be feared by a lover than a witty woman who does not love or loves but half; he is obliged to wear velvet gloves in all such sentimental controversies; he owes it to himself out of propriety first, out of prudence afterward.

For it is not a question of taking part in a conversation for the simple pleasure of brilliant repartee; and while he applies himself carefully to play his part well, he feels that he has been dexterously cut to pieces with a well-sharpened knife.
Gerfaut indulged in these unpleasant reflections while gazing at Madame de Bergenheim.