I begin by acknowledging, that, at first sight, it may appear strange that capital should pretend to a remuneration; and, above all, to a perpetual remuneration.

You will say, "Here are two men.

One of them works from morning till night, from one year's end to another; and if he consumes all which he has gained, even by superior energy, he remains poor.

When Christmas comes, he is no forwarder than he was at the beginning of the year, and has no other prospect but to begin again.

The other man does nothing, either with his hands or his head; or, at least, if he makes use of them at all, it is only for his own pleasure; it is allowable for him to do nothing, for he has an income.