 principle of happiness. We may, perhaps, allow that what
satisfaction this world can afford, must arise from the conjunction of wealth,
knowledge and goodness: wealth is nothing but as it is bestowed, and knowledge
nothing but as it is communicated: they must therefore be imparted to others,
and to whom could I now delight to impart them? Goodness affords the only
comfort which can be enjoyed without a partner, and goodness may be practised in
retirement.«
    »How far solitude may admit goodness, or advance it, I shall not, replied
Imlac, dispute at present. Remember the confession of the pious hermit. You will
wish to return into the world, when the image of your companion has left your
thoughts.« »That time, said Nekayah, will never come. The generous frankness,
the modest obsequiousness, and the faithful secrecy of my dear Pekuah, will
always be more missed, as I shall live longer to see vice and folly.«
    »The state of a mind oppressed with a sudden calamity, said Imlac, is like
that of the fabulous inhabitants of the new created earth, who, when the first
night came upon them, supposed that day never would return. When the clouds of
sorrow gather over us, we see nothing beyond them, nor can imagine how they will
be dispelled: yet a new day succeeded to the night, and sorrow is never long
without a dawn of ease. But they who restrain themselves from receiving comfort,
do as the savages would have done, had they put out their eyes when it was dark.
Our minds, like our bodies, are in continual flux; something is hourly lost, and
something acquired. To lose much at once is inconvenient to either, but while
the vital powers remain uninjured, nature will find the means of reparation.
Distance has the same effect on the mind as on the eye, and while we glide along
the stream of time, whatever we leave behind us is always lessening, and that
which we approach increasing in magnitude. Do not suffer life to stagnate; it
will grow muddy for want of motion: commit yourself again to the current of the
world; Pekuah will vanish by degrees; you will meet in your way some other
favourite, or learn to diffuse yourself in general conversation.«
    »At least, said the prince, do not despair before all remedies have been
tried: the inquiry after the unfortunate lady is still continued, and shall be
carried on with yet greater diligence, on condition that you will promise to
wait a year for the event, without any unalterable resolution
