100 THE KING'S MIRROR 



the sunlight is so abundant in summer that it shines by 

 night as well as by day throughout almost the entire 

 season. I also see that its course changes much less yon- 

 der where it rises high in winter and gives long days with 

 inuch heat and sunshine, though the night in summer is 

 long and dark. (Seafaring traders ought to note the dif- 

 ferences precisely so as to be able to determine what 

 seas they are upon, whether they lie to the north or to 

 the southjAnd it seems unnecessary to inquire any fur- 

 ther into these matters, for I believe that I have had 

 correct and sufficient answers. Now since we are wearied 

 with profound questions and thoughtful discourse, let us 

 rest from these for a while and turn our conversation to 

 matters of a lighter sort. And even though I should in- 

 quire about things that are not so useful as those others, 

 which are of the highest utility, I pray you for the sake 

 of our intimacy to vouchsafe replies to such questions 

 as I may ask; for my mind is often as eager for amuse- 

 ment as for things of useful intent. And it may seem 

 restful in a long talk, if a few questions come up that 

 can stir the mind to gentle mirth. I do not wish, how- 

 ever, to bring such themes into our talk unless you give 

 me permission. 



Father. I take it that you will ask no stupid questions, 

 seeing that you have thus far inquired into such matters 

 only as seem very pertinent; and you are therefore free 

 to ask whatever you wish; for if the questions do not 

 seem appropriate, we are at liberty to drop them as soon 

 as we like. 



Son. Now that I am permitted to choose a topic for 

 entertainment, it occurs to me that I have asked too 



