BOOK II PART II
ble sympathy even from a midling degree of
the passion; in which case we find, that pity,
instead of producing love and tenderness as
usual, always gives rise to the contrary affec-
tion. When we observe a person in misfor-
tunes, we are affected with pity and love; but
the author of that misfortune becomes the ob-
ject of our strongest hatred, and is the more de-
tested in proportion to the degree of our com-
passion. Now for what reason should the same
passion of pity produce love to the person, who
suffers the misfortune, and hatred to the per-
son, who causes it; unless it be because in the
latter case the author bears a relation only to
the misfortune; whereas in considering the suf-
ferer we carry our view on every side, and wish
for his prosperity, as well as are sensible of his
affliction?