“In Corum atque Eurum solitus saevire flagellis
     Barbarus, Aeolia nunquam hoc in carcere passos,
     Ipsum compedibus qui vinxerat Ennosigaeum.”

The modes of living in different countries, and the various views with which men travel in quest of new scenes, having been talked of, a learned gentleman who holds a considerable office in the law, expatiated on the happiness of a savage life; and mentioned an instance of an officer who had actually lived for some time in the wilds of America, of whom, when in that state, he quoted this reflection with an air of admiration, as if it had been deeply philosophical:  ’Here am I, free and unrestrained, amidst the rude magnificence of Nature, with this Indian woman by my side, and this gun with which I can procure food when I want it; what more can be desired for human happiness?’ It did not require much sagacity to foresee that such a sentiment would not be permitted to pass without due animadversion.  Johnson.  ’Do not allow yourself, Sir, to be imposed upon by such gross absurdity.  It is sad stuff; it is brutish.  If a bull could speak, he might as well exclaim,—­Here am I with this cow and this grass; what being can enjoy greater felicity?’

We talked of the melancholy end of a gentleman who had destroyed himself.  Johnson.  ’It was owing to imaginary difficulties in his affairs, which, had he talked with any friend, would soon have vanished.’  Boswell.  ’Do you think, Sir, that all who commit suicide are mad?’ Johnson.  ’Sir, they are often not universally disordered in their intellects, but one passion presses so upon them, that they yield to it, and commit suicide, as a passionate man will stab another.’  He added, ’I have often thought, that after a man has taken the resolution to kill himself, it is not courage in him to do any thing, however desperate, because he has nothing to fear.’  Goldsmith.  ‘I don’t see that.’  Johnson.  ‘Nay, but my dear Sir, why should not you see what every one else sees?’ Goldsmith.  ’It is for fear of something that he has resolved to kill himself; and will not that timid disposition restrain him?’ Johnson.  ’It does not signify that the fear of something made him resolve; it is upon the state of his mind, after the resolution is taken, that I argue.  Suppose a man, either from fear, or pride, or conscience, or whatever motive, has resolved to kill himself; when once the resolution is taken, he has nothing to fear.  He may then go and take the King of Prussia by the nose, at the head of his army.  He cannot fear the rack, who is resolved to kill himself.  When Eustace Budgel was walking down to the Thames, determined to drown himself, he might, if he pleased, without any apprehension of danger, have turned aside, and first set fire to St. James’s palace.’