Sir TOltfam temple 75 



The pursuits of ambition, though not so 

 general, yet are as endless as those of riches, 

 and as extravagant ; since none ever yet 

 thought he had power or empire enough ; and 

 what prince soever seems to be so great, as to 

 live and reign without any further desires or 

 fears, falls into the life of a private man, and 

 enjoys but those pleasures and entertainments, 

 which a great many several degrees of private 

 fortune will allow, and as much as human 

 nature is capable of enjoying. 



The pleasures of the senses grow a little more 

 choice and refined ; those of imagination are 

 turned upon embellishing the scenes he chooses 

 to live in; ease, conveniency, elegancy, mag- 

 nificence, are sought in building first, and 

 then in furnishing houses or palaces : the 

 admirable imitations of nature are introduced 

 by pictures, statues, tapestry, and other such 

 achievements of arts. And the most exquisite 

 delights of sense are pursued in the contrivance 

 and plantation of gardens ; which, with fruits, 

 flowers, shades, fountains, and the music of 

 birds that frequent such happy places, seem to 

 furnish all the pleasures of the several senses, 

 and with the greatest, or at least the most 

 natural perfections. 



Thus the first race of Assyrian kings, after 

 the conquests of Ninus and Semiramis, passed 



