66 



208. Its extreme degree is scorii. 



209. Derision denotes the pleasure found in rendering, or 

 finding another ridiculous, that is, an object of laughter. 



210. All these sentinicnts, however displeasing^ disgustful, 

 or painful to the persons who are their objects, atibrd a ma' 

 levolent pleasure to the person who feels them. 



211. Friendship is a pleasing sentiment of affectionate at* 

 tachment betwixt different individuals. It is not grounded 

 on any instinct, but solely on the pleasing qualities of its 

 object; similarity in such inclinations and |)ursuits as are 

 not necessarily exclusive ; participation of common dangers, 

 and aareeable social intercourse. 



212. It is strengthened by duration, and benefits mutually 

 conferred. Hence it was much stronger in ancient times, 

 when sufficient protection could not be obtained from the 

 laws. It commonly exists betwixt persons of the same sex, 

 but oftener betwixt men than betwixt women. With respect 

 to persons of different sexes conjugally united, it is essential 

 to their mutual happiness, and in proportion to the sensibility 

 of either, the want of it is productive of misery. It may 

 also exist betwixt persons of different sexes not conjugally 

 united, if both are advanced in age, or at least if one far 

 surpasses the other in that respect ; but if both are young, 

 it gradually, and perhaps imperceptibly, passes into love. 



213. Esteem 



