among crags and brambles, and returned without having discovered
any part that favoured their design. The second and the third day
were spent in the same manner, and with the same frustration; but
on the fourth day they found a small cavern concealed by a thicket,
where they resolved to make their experiment.

Imlac procured instruments proper to hew stone and remove earth,
and they fell to their work on the next day with more eagerness
than vigour. They were presently exhausted by their efforts, and
sat down to pant upon the grass. The Prince for a moment appeared
to be discouraged. "Sir," said his companion, "practice will
enable us to continue our labour for a longer time. Mark, however,
how far we have advanced, and ye will find that our toil will some
time have an end. Great works are performed not by strength, but
perseverance; yonder palace was raised by single stones, yet you
see its height and spaciousness. He that shall walk with vigour
three hours a day, will pass in seven years a space equal to the
circumference of the globe."

They returned to their work day after day, and in a short time
found a fissure in the rock, which enabled them to pass far with
very little obstruction. This Rasselas considered as a good omen.
"Do not disturb your mind," said Imlac, "with other hopes or fears
than reason may suggest; if you are pleased with the prognostics of
good, you will be terrified likewise with tokens of evil, and your
whole life will be a prey to superstition. Whatever facilitates
our work is more than an omen; it is a cause of success. This is
one of those pleasing surprises which often happen to active
resolution. Many things difficult to design prove easy to
performance."