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 ¬board ; but whether brought up by fire or by incubation I did not venture to inquire ; though I suppose that even a hen would have been laughed at for being at home upon her nest. ¬Disgusted with the preposterous scenes I have been describing, I now earnestly pressed Cathmor to exert all his influence for my in- troduction into domestic life, that I might by degrees acquire the language of Armata, and become acquainted with her unadulterated man- ners ; as I could not believe that a people who had so preeminently risen to be a proud example to all nations in a highly civilized world, could have no discourse for one another, but that it was hot to suffocation, nor any means of form- ing societies, but by treading and trampling upon one another. My request was speedily granted; but I little thought at what price I was to purchase the pleasure I sighed for. ¬To give me the entr6 I asked for, Cathmor introduced me to the fair Morvina, his sister ¬whom ¬