BOOK II PART II
ness, and gives us pleasure.
Nor will it appear strange, that we may feel a
reverst sensation from the happiness and mis-
ery of others; since we find the same compari-
son may give us a kind of malice against our-
selves, and make us rejoice for our pains, and
grieve for our pleasures. Thus the prospect
of past pain is agreeable, when we are sat-
isfyed with our present condition; as on the
other hand our past pleasures give us uneasi-
ness, when we enjoy nothing at present equal
to them. The comparison being the same, as
when we reflect on the sentiments of others,
must be attended with the same effects.
Nay a person may extend this malice against
himself, even to his present fortune, and carry
it so far as designedly to seek affliction, and en-
crease his pains and sorrows. This may happen