 without reserve.
    »Do not imagine, said the princess, that I came hither as a spy: I had long
observed from my window, that you and Imlac directed your walk every day towards
the same point, but I did not suppose you had any better reason for the
preference than a cooler shade, or more fragrant bank; nor followed you with any
other design than to partake of your conversation. Since then not suspicion but
fondness has detected you, let me not lose the advantage of my discovery. I am
equally weary of confinement with yourself, and not less desirous of knowing
what is done or suffered in the world. Permit me to fly with you from this
tasteless tranquillity, which will yet grow more loathsome when you have left
me. You may deny me to accompany you, but cannot hinder me from following.«
    The prince, who loved Nekayah above his other sisters, had no inclination to
refuse her request, and grieved that he had lost an opportunity of showing his
confidence by a voluntary communication. It was therefore agreed that she should
leave the valley with them; and that, in the mean time, she should watch, lest
any other straggler should, by chance or curiosity, follow them to the mountain.
    At length their labour was at an end; they saw light beyond the prominence,
and, issuing to the top of the mountain, beheld the Nile, yet a narrow current,
wandering beneath them.
    The prince looked round with rapture, anticipated all the pleasures of
travel, and in thought was already transported beyond his father's dominions.
Imlac, though very joyful at his escape, had less expectation of pleasure in the
world, which he had before tried, and of which he had been weary.
    Rasselas was so much delighted with a wider horizon, that he could not soon
be persuaded to return into the valley. He informed his sister that the way was
open, and that nothing now remained but to prepare for their departure.
 

                                   Chapter XV

         The prince and princess leave the valley, and see many wonders

The prince and princess had jewels sufficient to make them rich whenever they
came into a place of commerce, which, by Imlac's direction, they hid in their
cloaths, and, on the night of the next full moon, all left the valley. The
princess was followed only by a single favourite, who did not know whither she
was going.
    They clambered through the cavity, and began to go down on the other side.
The princess and her maid turned their eyes towards every part, and, seeing
nothing to bound
