observed before. I have already enjoyed too much: give me
something to desire." The old man was surprised at this new
species of affliction, and knew not what to reply, yet was
unwilling to be silent. "Sir," said he, "if you had seen the
miseries of the world, you would know how to value your present
state." "Now," said the Prince, "you have given me something to
desire. I shall long to see the miseries of the world, since the
sight of them is necessary to happiness."



CHAPTER IV--THE PRINCE CONTINUES TO GRIEVE AND MUSE.



At this time the sound of music proclaimed the hour of repast, and
the conversation was concluded. The old man went away sufficiently
discontented to find that his reasonings had produced the only
conclusion which they were intended to prevent. But in the decline
of life, shame and grief are of short duration: whether it be that
we bear easily what we have borne long; or that, finding ourselves
in age less regarded, we less regard others; or that we look with
slight regard upon afflictions to which we know that the hand of
death is about to put an end.

The Prince, whose views were extended to a wider space, could not
speedily quiet his emotions. He had been before terrified at the
length of life which nature promised him, because he considered
that in a long time much must be endured: he now rejoiced in his
youth, because in many years much might be done. The first beam of