"I do verily think there is not any other medicine whatsoever so effectual to restore a crazy constitution, and cheer a dreary mind, or so likely to subvert that gloomy empire of the spleen (Sect. 103) which tyrannizeth over the better sort (as they are called) of these free nations, and maketh them, in spite of their liberty and property, more wretched slaves than even the subjects of absolute power, who breathe clear air in a sunny climate."
— Berkeley, George (1685-1753)
Author
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for C. Hitch and C. Davis
Date
1744
Metaphor
"I do verily think there is not any other medicine whatsoever so effectual to restore a crazy constitution, and cheer a dreary mind, or so likely to subvert that gloomy empire of the spleen (Sect. 103) which tyrannizeth over the better sort (as they are called) of these free nations, and maketh them, in spite of their liberty and property, more wretched slaves than even the subjects of absolute power, who breathe clear air in a sunny climate."
Metaphor in Context
106 I do verily think there is not any other medicine whatsoever so effectual to restore a crazy constitution, and cheer a dreary mind, or so likely to subvert that gloomy empire of the spleen (Sect. 103) which tyrannizeth over the better sort (as they are called) of these free nations, and maketh them, in spite of their liberty and property, more wretched slaves than even the subjects of absolute power, who breathe clear air in a sunny climate: while men of low degree often enjoy a tranquility and content that no advantage of birth or fortune can equal. Such, indeed, was the case while the rich alone could afford to be debauched; but when even beggars became debauchees, the case was altered.
Provenance
Searching in Past Masters
Citation
At least 9 entries in the ESTC (1744, 1747).
First published in Dublin in 1744. See A Chain of Philosophical Reflexions and Inquiries Concerning the Virtues of Tar-Water (London: C. Hitch and C. Davis, 1744). <Link to ESTC><Link to 2nd edition in Google Books>
First published in Dublin in 1744. See A Chain of Philosophical Reflexions and Inquiries Concerning the Virtues of Tar-Water (London: C. Hitch and C. Davis, 1744). <Link to ESTC><Link to 2nd edition in Google Books>
Date of Entry
05/03/2005
