This is a point so clear and acknowledged, that if it did not make a necessary part of my subject, I should pass it by entirely.

And this has hindered me from drawing at full length, and in the most striking colors, this shocking picture of the degeneracy and wretchedness of human nature, in that part which is vulgarly thought its happiest and most amiable state.

You know from what originals I could copy such pictures.

Happy are they who know enough of them to know the little value of the possessors of such things, and of all that they possess; and happy they who have been snatched from that post of danger which they occupy, with the remains of their virtue; loss of honors, wealth, titles, and even the loss of one's country, is nothing in balance with so great an advantage.
Let us now view the other species of the rich, those who devote their time and fortunes to idleness and pleasure.

How much happier are they?
The pleasures which are agreeable to nature are within the reach of all, and therefore can form no distinction in favor of the rich.