BOOK II PART II
upon two occasions. First, Upon the distress
and misfortune of a friend, or person dear to
him. Secondly, Upon the feeling any remorses
for a crime, of which he has been guilty. It
is from the principle of comparison that both
these irregular appetites for evil arise. A per-
son, who indulges himself in any pleasure,
while his friend lies under affliction, feels the
reflected uneasiness from his friend more sen-
sibly by a comparison with the original plea-
sure, which he himself enjoys. This contrast,
indeed, ought also to inliven the present plea-
sure. But as grief is here supposed to be the pre-
dominant passion, every addition falls to that
side, and is swallowed up in it, without operat-
ing in the least upon the contrary affection. It is
the same case with those penances, which men
inflict on themselves for their past sins and fail-
ings. When a criminal reflects on the punish-