Do you mean to take part of this man's vanity away, since it is too heavy for his present disadvantages?
SPIRIT.
No; we are not permitted to alter the disposition of any person, but only to interfere with circumstances and events. I must leave this man a preponderance of good; for if I were to empty my box of evils they would not overcome his complacency.
SLEEPER.
Yet notwithstanding the happiness of this man, I do not envy him; his enjoyment is a mere fiction.
SPIRIT.
So is all the happiness of man. You never can assign any reason for your joy except that certain things affect you with certain emotions. Who is to decide what kind of happiness is pretended, and what real? If you resolve not to be imposed upon, and to accept of no happiness till you are satisfied it is not a fallacy, you will pass a melancholy life. Vanity is as valid a good as any other. But come, we must proceed. Here is a poor clergyman who has become the father of ten children on no better grounds than a small curacy.
SLEEPER.
And in addition to these troubles he is advanced in life. I hope if you have any preferment in your box you will bestow it upon him.
SPIRIT.