Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/99

 inhumanity in the heat of exerciſe diſdains to liſten; in the chaſe of the ſtag that weeps (another emblem of our condition) as it flies; and laſtly in that of the fox, whoſe cunning, and habits of miſchief have cauſed its perſecutions in ſome places, and its preſervation in others; but which in itſelf is unworthy of the dignity of purſuit. We muſt look for the African in a wild ſtate; the European in a civilized one; the laſt may be the moſt uſeful in the ſupply of thoſe wants imagination has made; the firſt more independent, as not having thoſe wants to gratify. Which of the two is the moſt happy, the one that always craves, without the accompliſhment of its wiſhes, or the one that is ſatisfied, without having its appetites to reform, I leave to thoſe, who are fond of ſpeculation to determine.

That negroes are cruel to one another cannot be denied; they will aſſaſſinate without compunction, and feel not the leaſt repentance at the perpetration of the moſt atrocious crimes. I have obſerved that new negroes are particularly fond of power, and will exert it as if accuſtomed to ſeverity; and when raiſed