We must make what we can of that; and it really matters very little what we make of it. This "passion for a married woman" was an inevitable stage of the sentimental pilgrimage. Byron was bound to halt there for a little while, if not for long; and it was not to be expected that he would, like Ulysses, stuff his ears with wool while passing the Siren's Isle. That is not the way of poets, and that is not the way of youth. He was bound, too, to fancy, for a moment, that the passion meant a great deal to him, even though, in fact, it meant but little; for that also is the way of youth and poets. And hardly less inevitable, though both of them knew that no hearts were being broken was the idea that Fate was cruel to decree their parting, and that, while they acted wisely, they must also suffer for their wisdom. And therefore: "_Though Fate forbids such things to be, Yet by thine eyes and ringlets curled! I cannot_ lose _a_ world _for thee, But would not lose_ thee _for a_ World." And therefore again, just two months later: "_The spell is broke, the charm is flown! Thus is it with Life's fitful fever: We madly smile when we should groan; Delirium is our best deceiver. Each lucid interval of thought Recalls the woes of Nature's charter; And_ He _that acts as_ wise men ought, _But_ lives--_as Saints have died--a martyr._" That is all; and the story which the lines half cover up and half disclose is clearly of very little consequence. Mrs. Smith had enjoyed her flirtation, and had had verses written to her--much better verses than had been addressed to any of the belles of Southwell. Byron had posed, not knowing for certain whether he posed or not, had undergone a necessary experience, and had passed through the fire unhurt. The experiences which were really to matter to him were yet to come--though not immediately; and he had hardly finished writing verses to Mrs. Spencer Smith when he began writing verses to the Maid of Athens. CHAPTER VIII THE MAID OF ATHENS--MRS. WERRY--MRS. PEDLEY--THE SWIMMING OF THE HELLESPONT "_Maid of Athens, ere we part, Give, oh give me back my heart!_" It would be superfluous to quote more of the poem than that; and it would be absurd to attach importance to the episode which it commemorates.