xxi.).

But the mind (III.

xii.) endeavours, as far as possible, to conceive those things which affect us pleasurably; in other words (II.xvii.and Coroll.), it endeavours to regard them as present.

And, contrariwise (III.
xiii.), it endeavours to exclude the existence of such things as affect us painfully; therefore, we endeavour to affirm concerning ourselves, and concerning the loved object, whatever we conceive to affect ourselves, or the love object pleasurably.
Q.E.D.
PROP.XXVI.

We endeavour to affirm, concerning that which we hate, everything which we conceive to affect it painfully; and, contrariwise, we endeavour to deny, concerning it, everything which we conceive to affect it pleasurably.
Proof .-- This proposition follows from III.xxiii., as the foregoing proposition followed from III.