So I dawdled the morning away on the river's bank, bathing and lying disconsolately in the shade, so that it was well-nigh mid-day before I reached the ferry.
Here the strangest adventure befel me.

For as I sat watching the boat come over towards me, I perceived that it contained three persons, of whom one was a serving man, and two were women.

What was it which made me tremble and catch my breath as my eyes lit on the upright, fearless figure of the maiden who sat in the stern?
I knew her a hundred yards off.

I stood irresolute, not knowing whether to fly or wait.

If I waited and she knew me not, 'twould be more than I could bear.