THE KING'S MIRROR 163 



discussion before I bring up the questions in which I 

 am now interested j and when I have presented these, 

 I shall await your answers. 



Father. When we last met and talked about the do- 

 ings and mode of living of merchants, we mentioned, 

 I believe, most of the things that were in real need of 

 discussion; and I feel sure that no man will have ill 

 repute from his conduct who everywhere observes with 

 care what was then brought out. But if you still wish 

 and are anxious to make further inquiries into these 

 matters, I shall be glad to answer, if I can. And 



, 

 if you wish to open another discussion, I shall also be 



glad to answer, as far as I have knowledge. You have 

 permission, therefore, to_askjust asyoujike; and on 

 my side there shall be such replies as God enables me 

 to give. 



Son. The talk that I last heard you give concerning 

 the business of merchants was delivered with more evi- 

 dent wisdom in the answers than in the questions; and 

 I shall now let that subject rest. As I have in mind, 

 with your permission, to try that business, it may be 

 that a very long time will pass between our conversa- 

 tions. And when I am far away from you, I shall have 

 no opportunity to seek your advice, though I should 

 wish to do so, in case my mind should turn to some craft 

 or business other than that of the merchant's trade. 

 But though, God willing, we may meet again in good 

 health, it seems to me advisable to ask about those v 

 things that I am interested in, while I have sure op^Ay 

 portunity to learn. And while there is opportunity we ) 

 should learn what we do not know, for this reason es- / 



