Hayy Begins to Teach and Instruct Salaman’s Subjects
Now the Sovereign and Prince of that Island was Salaman the friend of Asal, of whom we have given an account above. He was the one who thought it best to join and apply himself to human society, and considered it unlawful to give himself over to solitude. Therefore Hayy Ibn Yokdhan began to instruct them and to explain the mysteries of wisdom unto them. But when he began, and had proceeded a little beyond that which was plain and obvious to them, and began to inculcate that which was quite contrary to their notions deeply rooted in their minds, they began to withdraw themselves from him, and their minds abhorred from what he spoke. And inwardly in their hearts they were very angry with him, though in his presence they made a great show of kindness, both because he was a stranger and out of regard to his friend Asal.