plenty and lulled by peace. How easily shall we then trace the
Nile through all his passages, pass over to distant regions, and
examine the face of nature from one extremity of the earth to the
other."

"All this," said the Prince, "is much to be desired, but I am
afraid that no man will be able to breathe in these regions of
speculation and tranquillity. I have been told that respiration is
difficult upon lofty mountains, yet from these precipices, though
so high as to produce great tenuity of air, it is very easy to
fall; therefore I suspect that from any height where life can be
supported, there may be danger of too quick descent."

"Nothing," replied the artist, "will ever be attempted if all
possible objections must be first overcome. If you will favour my
project, I will try the first flight at my own hazard. I have
considered the structure of all volant animals, and find the
folding continuity of the bat's wings most easily accommodated to
the human form. Upon this model I shall begin my task to-morrow,
and in a year expect to tower into the air beyond the malice and
pursuit of man. But I will work only on this condition, that the
art shall not be divulged, and that you shall not require me to
make wings for any but ourselves."

"Why," said Rasselas, "should you envy others so great an
advantage? All skill ought to be exerted for universal good; every
man has owed much to others, and ought to repay the kindness that
he has received."

"If men were all virtuous," returned the artist, "I should with