You yourself know how we have found them.

To every question they try to give an answer that may please; or if they despair of pleasing they answer cautiously, in order not to anger.

The only sentiment left alive in them seems to be fear; all else of human passion appears to be dead.

Why, Loskiel, the very power of will has deserted them; they are not civil to us, but obsequious; not obliging but subservient.

They yield with apathy and very quietly what you ask, and what they apparently suppose is impossible for them to retain.