CHAPTER XX--THE DANGER OF PROSPERITY.



On the next day they continued their journey till the heat
compelled them to look round for shelter. At a small distance they
saw a thick wood, which they no sooner entered than they perceived
that they were approaching the habitations of men. The shrubs were
diligently cut away to open walks where the shades ware darkest;
the boughs of opposite trees were artificially interwoven; seats of
flowery turf were raised in vacant spaces; and a rivulet that
wantoned along the side of a winding path had its banks sometimes
opened into small basins, and its stream sometimes obstructed by
little mounds of stone heaped together to increase its murmurs.

They passed slowly through the wood, delighted with such unexpected
accommodations, and entertained each other with conjecturing what
or who he could be that in those rude and unfrequented regions had
leisure and art for such harmless luxury.

As they advanced they heard the sound of music, and saw youths and
virgins dancing in the grove; and going still farther beheld a
stately palace built upon a hill surrounded by woods. The laws of
Eastern hospitality allowed them to enter, and the master welcomed
them like a man liberal and wealthy.

He was skilful enough in appearances soon to discern that they were
no common guests, and spread his table with magnificence. The
eloquence of Imlac caught his attention, and the lofty courtesy of