The feeling within that he had talent which only required opportunity stung him like a scorpion.
The days went by, and everything remained the same.

Continual brooding and bitterness of spirit went near to drive him mad.
At last the resolution was taken, he would go forth into the world.

That involved separation from Aurora, long separation, and without communication, since letters could be sent only by special messenger, and how should he pay a messenger?
It was this terrible thought of separation which had so long kept him inactive.

In the end the bitterness of hopelessness forced him to face it.

He began the canoe, but kept his purpose secret, especially from her, lest tears should melt his resolution.
There were but two ways of travelling open to him: on foot, as the hunters did, or by the merchant vessels.