perspiration in my dungeon. I had no power of withdrawing my person from
a disgustful society in the most chearful and valuable part of the day; but I
soon brought to perfection the art of withdrawing my thoughts, and saw and heard
the people about me for just as short a time and as seldom as I pleased.
    Such is man in himself considered; so simple his nature; so few his wants.
How different from the man of artificial society! Palaces are built for his
reception, a thousand vehicles provided for his exercise, provinces are
ransacked for the gratification of his appetite, and the whole world traversed
to supply him with apparel and furniture. Thus vast is his expenditure, and the
purchase slavery. He is dependent on a thousand accidents for tranquillity and
health, and his body and soul are at the devotion of whoever will satisfy his
imperious cravings.
    In addition to the disadvantages of my present situation, I was reserved for
an ignominious death. What then? Every man must die. No man knows how soon. It
surely is not worse to encounter the king of terrors in health and with every
advantage for the collection of fortitude, than to encounter him already half
subdued by sickness and suffering. I was resolved at least fully to possess the
days I had to live, and this is peculiarly in the power of the man who preserves
his health to the last moment of his existence. Why should I suffer my mind to
be invaded by unavailing regrets? Every sentiment of vanity, or rather of
independence and justice within me, instigated me to say to my persecutor, You
may cut off my existence, but you cannot disturb my serenity.
 

                                  Chapter XIII

In the midst of these reflections another thought, which had not before struck
me, occurred to my mind. I exult, said I, and reasonably, over the impotence of
my persecutor. Is not that impotence greater than I have yet imagined? I say, he
may cut off my existence, but cannot disturb my serenity. It is true: my mind,
the clearness of my spirit, the firmness of my temper, are beyond his reach; is
not my life equally so, if I please? What are the material obstacles that man
never subdued? What is the undertaking so arduous that by some has not been
accomplished? And, if by others, why not by me? Had they stronger motives than
I? Was existence more variously endeared to them, or had they more numerous
methods by which to animate and adorn it? Many of those who have exerted most
perseverance and intrepidity were obviously my inferiors in that