jails and penitentiaries. Sixthly, it has made at least a thousand
maniacs. Seventhly, it has instigated to the commission of at least
fifteen hundred murders. Eighthly, it has caused 2000 persons to
commit suicide. Ninthly, it has burnt or otherwise destroyed property
to the amount of 2,000,000l. Tenthly, it has made 200,000 widows,
and 1,000,000 of orphan children."
When I turn from the contemplation of this sad picture, and think how many fall victims to the same vice in my own country, I cannot help feeling that the "myriad-minded poet" wrote the following lines as an especial warning and legacy to the Anglo-Saxon and the Celt:—
"Oh, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their
brains! that we should, with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause,
transform ourselves into beasts!"