How must it amuse the pendent spectator to see the
moving scene of land and ocean, cities and deserts; to survey with
equal security the marts of trade and the fields of battle;
mountains infested by barbarians, and fruitful regions gladdened by
plenty and lulled by peace. How easily shall we then trace the
Nile through all his passages, pass over to distant regions, and
examine the face of nature from one extremity of the earth to the
other."
"All this," said the Prince, "is much to be desired, but I am
afraid that no man will be able to breathe in these regions of
speculation and tranquillity. I have been told that respiration is
difficult upon lofty mountains, yet from these precipices, though
so high as to produce great tenuity of air, it is very easy to
fall; therefore I suspect that from any height where life can be
supported, there may be danger of too quick descent."
"Nothing," replied the artist, "will ever be attempted if all
possible objections must be first overcome. If you will favour my
project, I will try the first flight at my own hazard.
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