This command over the
inferiour creatures is one of the noblest prerogatives of man, and among
the greatest efforts of his wisdom and power. Without this, his dominion
is incomplete. He is a monarch who has no subjects; a master without
servants; and must perform every operation by the strength of his own
arm[1182].'
EDWARD GIBBON, Esq.[1183]
'Of all our passions and appetites, the love of power is of the most
imperious and unsociable nature, since the pride of one man requires the
submission of the multitude. In the tumult of civil discord the laws of
society lose their force, and their place is seldom supplied by those of
humanity. The ardour of contention, the pride of victory, the despair of
success, the memory of past injuries, and the fear of future dangers,
all contribute to inflame the mind, and to silence the voice of
pity[1184].'
MISS BURNEY[1185].
'My family, mistaking ambition for honour, and rank for dignity, have
long planned a splendid connection for me, to which, though my
invariable repugnance has stopped any advances, their wishes and their
views immovably adhere.
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