Little Journeys to the Homes
of Eminent Orators

When we agreed, O Aspasia! in the beginning of our loves, tocommunicate our thoughts by writing, even while we were both inAthens, and when we had many reasons for it, we little foresaw themore powerful one that has rendered it necessary of late. We nevercan meet again: the laws forbid it, and love itself enforces them.Let wisdom be heard by you as imperturbably, and affection asauthoritatively, as ever; and remember that the sorrow of Periclescan rise but from the bosom of Aspasia. There is only one word oftenderness we could say, which we have not said oftentimes before;and there is no consolation in it. The happy never say, and neverhear said, farewell.

And now at the close of my day, when every light is dim and everyguest departed, let me own that these wane before me, remembering,as I do in the pride and fulness of my heart, that Athens confidedher glory, and Aspasia her happiness, to me.

Have I been a faithful guardian? Do I resign them to the custody ofthe gods, undiminished and unimpaired? Welcome then, welcome, mylast hour! After enjoying for so great a number of years, in mypublic and private life, what I believe has never been the lot ofany other, I now extend my hand to the urn, and take withoutreluctance or hesitation that which is the lot of all.