THE LAMB AND THE FOX. 165 



birds that are to sing to lilm. He may despise him for 

 delving and digging, for carpentering, lathe- turning, and 

 for other labour which a paid workman could infinitely 

 better perform. But if this labour sweetens the cup of 

 human existence, by giving that health to the body, 

 Avhich invigorates the mind for its studies — in short, if 

 this mixture of physical and mental exertion results in 

 producing contentment, the labourer, however high his 

 rank, without deigning to revile the philosopher, may 

 justly return thanks to that Almighty Power which, by 

 such simple means, has enabled him, by dulcifying his 

 " domum," to produce for himself domestic happiness. 



As, however, what is good for the parts must also 

 be beneficial for the whole, it must be evident that, in 

 spite of the sneers of the cynic, it is equally wise for a 

 people to foster and encourage among themselves any 

 description of healthy recreation or amusement that may 

 have the effect of creating among the community not only 

 a friendly acquaintance with each other, but an indissolu- 

 ble attachment to " the land they live in." Indeed, if 

 this salutary precaution were to be neglected, lamentable 

 consequences must ensue ; for, like two merchants dealing 

 in the same article, so do Virtue and Vice strenuously 

 compete against one another, by each, at the same moment, 

 offering to mankind, pleasures for sale. 



The great cities of the Continent, especially Paris, in 



