In the duel that ensues Worthly falls, Courtal flees, and a little later Belinda goes to London in hopes of seeing him.

Yes, he is wiser that knows the shadow makes lovely the substance, wisely regarding the ways of that irresponsible shadow which, if you grasp at it, flees, and, when you avoid it, will follow, gilding all life with its glory, and keeping always one woman young and most fair and most wise, and unwon; and keeping you always never contented, but armed with a self-respect that no husband manages quite to retain in the face of being contented.

He springs upon his feet and her pursues: She laughing flees; to sport with him doth choose.

No matter whether love flees or not, as long as they keep up the home-privileges partnership it should be done in the spirit of harmony.

Like wave on wave in eager seas, From mouth to mouth the murmur flees "Of Ibycus, whom we bewail!