He must, therefore, content himself
with the slow progress of his name, contemn the praise of his own
time, and commit his claims to the justice of posterity. He must
write as the interpreter of nature and the legislator of mankind,
and consider himself as presiding over the thoughts and manners of
future generations, as a being superior to time and place.
"His labour is not yet at an end. He must know many languages and
many sciences, and, that his style may be worthy of his thoughts,
must by incessant practice familiarise to himself every delicacy of
speech and grace of harmony."
CHAPTER XI--IMLAC'S NARRATIVE (continued)--A HINT OF PILGRIMAGE.
Imlac now felt the enthusiastic fit, and was proceeding to
aggrandise his own profession, when then Prince cried out:
"Enough! thou hast convinced me that no human being can ever be a
poet. Proceed with thy narration."
"To be a poet," said Imlac, "is indeed very difficult."
"So difficult," returned the Prince, "that I will at present hear
no more of his labours. Tell me whither you went when you had seen
Persia.
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