part of life."

Here the sage approached and saluted them. They invited him to
join their walk, and prattled awhile as acquaintance that had
unexpectedly met one another. The old man was cheerful and
talkative, and the way seemed short in his company. He was pleased
to find himself not disregarded, accompanied them to their house,
and, at the Prince's request, entered with them. They placed him
in the seat of honour, and set wine and conserves before him.

"Sir," said the Princess, "an evening walk must give to a man of
learning like you pleasures which ignorance and youth can hardly
conceive. You know the qualities and the causes of all that you
behold--the laws by which the river flows, the periods in which the
planets perform their revolutions. Everything must supply you with
contemplation, and renew the consciousness of your own dignity."

"Lady," answered he, "let the gay and the vigorous expect pleasure
in their excursions: it is enough that age can attain ease. To me
the world has lost its novelty. I look round, and see what I
remember to have seen in happier days. I rest against a tree, and
consider that in the same shade I once disputed upon the annual
overflow of the Nile with a friend who is now silent in the grave.
I cast my eyes upwards, fix them on the changing moon, and think
with pain on the vicissitudes of life. I have ceased to take much
delight in physical truth; for what have I to do with those things
which I am soon to leave?"

"You may at least recreate yourself," said Imlac, "with the
recollection of an honourable and useful life, and enjoy the praise