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the opinions of others; do not so easily believe it is impossible, when you think proper to act the lover, you should not be beloved; and I may assure you, that you will in no part of the world become the dupe of such women as Arpalisa.

Do you think it no advantage, said I, a little touched, to hear a philosopher speak to me with so much freedom?

When you do not reject Truth, replied Gelanor, she will always approach you; she is not shut up within these palace walls, but is omnipresent upon earth, and is seen more or less disguised, according to the weakness, pride, or sincerity with which she is sought; mortal eyes could not support her presence in every incident of life, and thus it is she is seen in this palace, where she destroys all sweet and innocent illusions, as well as dangerous errors; she here wears so savage a form, so pitiless, so hard, so rude, that she wounds and disgusts, even when she might be useful.

These reflections did not make me change my opinion; experience only could render me wise.

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