( 34i ) 



To acquire the art of difpenfing with 

 all imaginary wants, and contenting 

 ourfelves with the real conveniencies of 

 life, is the nobleft exertion of reafon, 

 and a moft ufeful acquifition, as it 

 elevates the mind above the viciffitudes 

 of fortune. Socrates juftly obferves, 

 " That thofe who want leaft approach 

 " neareft to the Gods, who want no- 

 M thing." The fimplicity, however, 

 which is fo apparent in the manners of 

 thefe Indians, is not the effect of a phi- 

 lofophical felf-denial, but of their igno- 

 rance of more refined enjoyments, which, 

 however, produces effedts equally happy 

 with thofe which refult from the moil: 

 auftere philofophy ; and their manners 

 prefent an emblem of the fabled Elyfian 

 fields, where individuals need not the af- 

 fiftance of each other, but yet preferve a 

 conftant iutercourfe of love and friendfhip. 



fortunati nimiiim, bona fi fua norint. 



Virg. 



Z 3 



