Should I endeavour to tamper with the servant, he might discover my design, and then I should be abridged of the little comfort I enjoy.

People may inveigh against the Bastile in France, and the Inquisition in Portugal; but I would ask, if either of these be in reality so dangerous or dreadful as a private madhouse in England, under the direction of a ruffian?
The Bastile is a state prison, the Inquisition is a spiritual tribunal; but both are under the direction of government.

It seldom, if ever, happens that a man entirely innocent is confined in either; or, if he should, he lays his account with a legal trial before established judges.

But, in England, the most innocent person upon earth is liable to be immured for life under the pretext of lunacy, sequestered from his wife, children, and friends, robbed of his fortune, deprived even of necessaries, and subjected to the most brutal treatment from a low-bred barbarian, who raises an ample fortune on the misery of his fellow-creatures, and may, during his whole life, practise this horrid oppression, without question or control." This uncomfortable reverie was interrupted by a very unexpected sound that seemed to issue from the other side of a thick party-wall.

It was a strain of vocal music, more plaintive than the widowed turtle's moan, more sweet and ravishing than Philomel's love-warbled song.