They gradually found out the fearful error in which they had indulged, of thinking themselves the happiest people in creation; and were convinced that, all circumstances to the contrary not withstanding, they were a very unhappy, deluded, and consequently ruined people! We are naturally prone to discontent, and avaricious after imaginary causes of lamentation.

Like lubberly monks, we belabor our own shoulders, and take a vast satisfaction in the music of our own groans.

Nor is this said by way of paradox; daily experience shows the truth of these observations.

It is almost impossible to elevate the spirits of a man groaning under ideal calamities; but nothing is easier than to render him wretched, though on the pinnacle of felicity: as it would be an herculean task to hoist a man to the top of a steeple, though the merest child could topple him off thence.
I must not omit to mention that these popular meetings were generally held at some noted tavern; these public edifices possessing what in modern times are thought the true fountains of political inspiration.

The ancient Germans deliberated upon a matter when drunk, and reconsidered it when sober.