own countries, and many from other parts of the world that
lived there with European liberty. The ladies would not be refused, and several
schemes were proposed for the accomplishment of their design. It was proposed to
introduce them as strangers in distress, to whom the sage was always accessible;
but, after some deliberation, it appeared, that by this artifice, no
acquaintance could be formed, for their conversation would be short, and they
could not decently importune him often. »This, said Rasselas, is true; but I
have yet a stronger objection against the misrepresentation of your state. I
have always considered it as treason against the great republick of human
nature, to make any man's virtues the means of deceiving him, whether on great
or little occasions. All imposture weakens confidence and chills benevolence.
When the sage finds that you are not what you seemed, he will feel the
resentment natural to a man who, conscious of great abilities, discovers that he
has been tricked by understandings meaner than his own, and, perhaps, the
distrust, which he can never afterwards wholly lay aside, may stop the voice of
counsel, and close the hand of charity; and where will you find the power of
restoring his benefactions to mankind, or his peace to himself?«
    To this no reply was attempted, and Imlac began to hope that their curiosity
would subside; but, next day, Pekuah told him, she had now found an honest
pretence for a visit to the astronomer, for she would solicite permission to
continue under him the studies in which she had been initiated by the Arab, and
the princess might go with her either as a fellow-student, or because a woman
could not decently come alone. »I am afraid, said Imlac, that he will be soon
weary of your company: men advanced far in knowledge do not love to repeat the
elements of their art, and I am not certain that even of the elements, as he
will deliver them connected with inferences, and mingled with reflections, you
are a very capable auditress.« »That, said Pekuah, must be my care: I ask of you
only to take me thither. My knowledge is, perhaps, more than you imagine it, and
by concurring always with his opinions I shall make him think it greater than it
is.«
    The astronomer, in pursuance of this resolution, was told, that a foreign
lady, travelling in search of knowledge, had heard of his reputation, and was
desirous to become his scholar. The uncommonness of the proposal raised at once