They often contrived to bring him to an
open declaration; but he easily eluded all their attacks, and, on
which side soever they pressed him, escaped from them to some other
topic.
As their familiarity increased, they invited him often to the house
of Imlac, where they distinguished him by extraordinary respect.
He began gradually to delight in sublunary pleasures. He came
early and departed late; laboured to recommend himself by assiduity
and compliance; excited their curiosity after new arts, that they
might still want his assistance; and when they made any excursion
of pleasure or inquiry, entreated to attend them.
By long experience of his integrity and wisdom, the Prince and his
sister were convinced that he might be trusted without danger; and
lest he should draw any false hopes from the civilities which he
received, discovered to him their condition, with the motives of
their journey, and required his opinion on the choice of life.
"Of the various conditions which the world spreads before you which
you shall prefer," said the sage, "I am not able to instruct you.
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