I had now a violent struggle between wisdom and happiness, in which, after several grievous pangs, wisdom got the better.

I could by no means prevail with myself to sacrifice that character of profound wisdom, which I had with such uniform conduct obtained, and with such caution hitherto preserved.

I therefore resolved to conquer my affection, whatever it cost me; and indeed it did not cost me a little.
"While I was engaged in this conflict (for it lasted a long time) Ariadne returned to Rome: her presence was a terrible enemy to my wisdom, which even in her absence had with great difficulty stood its ground.

It seems (as she hath since told me in Elysium with much merriment) I had made the same impressions on her which she had made on me.

Indeed, I believe my wisdom would have been totally subdued by this surprise, had it not cunningly suggested to me a method of satisfying my passion without doing any injury to my reputation.