simple equally ignorant; but as he was yet young, he flattered
himself that he had time remaining for more experiments and further
inquiries. He communicated to Imlac his observations and his
doubts, but was answered by him with new doubts and remarks that
gave him no comfort. He therefore discoursed more frequently and
freely with his sister, who had yet the same hope with himself, and
always assisted him to give some reason why, though he had been
hitherto frustrated, he might succeed at last.

"We have hitherto," said she, "known but little of the world; we
have never yet been either great or mean. In our own country,
though we had royalty, we had no power; and in this we have not yet
seen the private recesses of domestic peace. Imlac favours not our
search, lest we should in time find him mistaken. We will divide
the task between us; you shall try what is to be found in the
splendour of Courts, and I will range the shades of humbler life.
Perhaps command and authority may be the supreme blessings, as they
afford the most opportunities of doing good; or perhaps what this
world can give may be found in the modest habitations of middle
fortune--too low for great designs, and too high for penury and
distress."



CHAPTER XXIV--THE PRINCE EXAMINES THE HAPPINESS OF HIGH STATIONS.



Rasselas applauded the design, and appeared next day with a
splendid retinue at the Court of the Bassa. He was soon