 He commanded the poet to attend him in
his apartment, and recite his verses a second time; then entering into familiar
talk, he thought himself happy in having found a man who knew the world so well,
and could so skilfully paint the scenes of life. He asked a thousand questions
about things, to which, though common to all other mortals, his confinement from
childhood had kept him a stranger. The poet pitied his ignorance, and loved his
curiosity, and entertained him from day to day with novelty and instruction, so
that the prince regretted the necessity of sleep, and longed till the morning
should renew his pleasure.
    As they were sitting together, the prince commanded Imlac to relate his
history, and to tell by what accident he was forced, or by what motive induced,
to close his life in the happy valley. As he was going to begin his narrative,
Rasselas was called to a concert, and obliged to restrain his curiosity till the
evening.
 

                                  Chapter VIII

                              The history of Imlac

The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of
diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore mid-night before the musick
ceased, and the princesses retired. Rasselas then called for his companion and
required him to begin the story of his life.
    »Sir, said Imlac, my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to
knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events. To
talk in publick, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire, and
answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar. He wanders about the world
without pomp or terrour, and is neither known nor valued but by men like
himself.
    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 Africk 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
emperour, not the meanest of my subjects should be oppressed with impunity. My
blood boils when I am told that a merchant durst not enjoy his honest gains
