The laws of
Eastern hospitality allowed them to enter, and the master welcomed
them like a man liberal and wealthy.
He was skilful enough in appearances soon to discern that they were
no common guests, and spread his table with magnificence. The
eloquence of Imlac caught his attention, and the lofty courtesy of
the Princess excited his respect. When they offered to depart, he
entreated their stay, and was the next day more unwilling to
dismiss them than before. They were easily persuaded to stop, and
civility grew up in time to freedom and confidence.
The Prince now saw all the domestics cheerful and all the face of
nature smiling round the place, and could not forbear to hope that
he should find here what he was seeking; but when he was
congratulating the master upon his possessions he answered with a
sigh, "My condition has indeed the appearance of happiness, but
appearances are delusive. My prosperity puts my life in danger;
the Bassa of Egypt is my enemy, incensed only by my wealth and
popularity. I have been hitherto protected against him by the
princes of the country; but as the favour of the great is uncertain
I know not how soon my defenders may be persuaded to share the
plunder with the Bassa.
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