“…that vast power and possessions make a man shamefully afraid of dying: and I am convinced that many of the most intrepid adventurers, who by fortunately by being vey poor, enjoy the full use of their natural courage, would, at the very instant of going into action news were brought to them that they has unexpectedly succeeded to an estate in England of £50,000 a year, feel their dislike to bullets considerably sharpened-and their efforts at equanimity and self-possession proportionally difficult. So true is it in the language of a wise man whose own experience made him acquainted with both fortunes, that riches are better fitted-
To slacken virtue, and abate her edge
Than tempt her to do aught may merit praise
Parad, Regained
Thomas De Quincey, “Confessions of an English Opium Eater”, 1822.
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