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strangers, and have only required one thing in return, which is to follow me to this place, and answer a single question which I put to each person.

And what question is that, pray?

I only desire to know whether they be happy. Well, and have you found many people satisfied with their condition?

Their names are all written in a book, and I am still at the first page; but alas! we ought not to wonder at this, since virtue and reason alone can give happiness.

Have you begun your catechism of to-day?

Yes; I have questioned nearly half this assembly. Will you, Sir, be kind enough to answer me?

O, willingly. I have been very successful at court, made a great fortune, ruined half a score women, who all, before they knew me, had excellent reputations; and yet I am not happy, am weary of myself, enjoy nothing, but wish for what I do not possess with an ardour that consumes me.

Let us pass to another, said Gelanor. What

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