7 8 FABLES. 



they have an opportunity of doing so; and could 

 they have their will, they would shut out the light 

 and warmth of the sun, and suffer the fruits of the 

 earth to rot upon it, provided they could see those 

 about them unhappy: and in thus taking delight in 

 other people's miseries, it of course follows that 

 they are their own tormentors. These characters, 

 in common life, are diabolical and detestable; but 

 the evils they inflict, are only like a drop to the 

 ocean, when compared to those which men of the 

 same stamp shed abroad in the world, when, in an 

 evil hour, they happen to be exalted to govern the 

 affairs of a nation. Then, indeed, their baleful in- 

 fluence is felt in every direction : they may be 

 termed fiends in human shape : for as far as they 

 are able, they tlvvvart the benevolent intentions of 

 Omnipotence, and the very breath of their nostrils 

 seems to blast the happiness of mankind. 



