He had a friend to whom he
could impart his thoughts, and whose experience could assist him in
his designs. His heart was no longer condemned to swell with
silent vexation. He thought that even the Happy Valley might be
endured with such a companion, and that if they could range the
world together he should have nothing further to desire.
In a few days the water was discharged, and the ground dried. The
Prince and Imlac then walked out together, to converse without the
notice of the rest. The Prince, whose thoughts were always on the
wing, as he passed by the gate said, with a countenance of sorrow,
"Why art thou so strong, and why is man so weak?"
"Man is not weak," answered his companion; "knowledge is more than
equivalent to force. The master of mechanics laughs at strength.
I can burst the gate, but cannot do it secretly. Some other
expedient must be tried."
As they were walking on the side of the mountain they observed
that the coneys, which the rain had driven from their burrows, had
taken shelter among the bushes, and formed holes behind them
tending upwards in an oblique line.
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