"I was born in the kingdom of Goiama, at no great distance from the
fountain of the Nile. My father was a wealthy merchant, who traded
between the inland countries of Africa and the ports of the Red
Sea. He was honest, frugal, and diligent, but of mean sentiments
and narrow comprehension; he desired only to be rich, and to
conceal his riches, lest he should be spoiled by the governors of
the province."

"Surely," said the Prince, "my father must be negligent of his
charge if any man in his dominions dares take that which belongs to
another. Does he not know that kings are accountable for injustice
permitted as well as done? If I were Emperor, not the meanest of
my subjects should he oppressed with impunity. My blood boils when
I am told that a merchant durst not enjoy his honest gains for fear
of losing them by the rapacity of power. Name the governor who
robbed the people that I may declare his crimes to the Emperor!"

"Sir," said Imlac, "your ardour is the natural effect of virtue
animated by youth. The time will come when you will acquit your
father, and perhaps hear with less impatience of the governor.
Oppression is, in the Abyssinian dominions, neither frequent nor
tolerated; but no form of government has been yet discovered by
which cruelty can be wholly prevented. Subordination supposes
power on one part and subjection on the other; and if power be in
the hands of men it will sometimes be abused. The vigilance of the
supreme magistrate may do much, but much will still remain undone.
He can never know all the crimes that are committed, and can seldom
punish all that he knows."

"This," said the Prince, "I do not understand; but I had rather